Off the beaten path: 5 hidden Kentucky gems for day trips from Louisville
Churchill Downs, Cumberland Falls, a booming culinary scene, the Bourbon Trail and Mammoth Cave are some of Kentucky's biggest attractions, but these aren't the only spots worth visiting in the Bluegrass State.
From natural wonders to small concert venues and unique museums, the commonwealth offers options for travelers who want to get away from the typical tourist stops.
Here are some of Kentucky's more hidden spots so you can experience the commonwealth like a local or maybe take a day trip somewhere new.
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Farmer and Frenchman Winery
12522 US Highway 41, Robards, Kentucky, 42452Phone: 270-748-1856
Kentucky's bourbons and related attractions are popular among travelers, but Farmer and Frenchman Winery provides an alternative experience for those who might prefer their alcohol a little less potent.
Farmer and Frenchman is a "small-farm vineyard, winery, cafe, and event venue" in Henderson County, about two and a half hours west of Louisville, according to its website. Visitors can do wine tastings, see local entertainment or dine at the restaurant for "European-style recipes based on Kentucky ingredients."
Upcoming events include "Friends" themed trivia, a Father's Day brunch and a Midsummer Magic Wine Pairing Dinner.
The winery is open noon to 9 p.m. daily and closed Sunday and Monday.
International Paranormal Museum and Research Center
107 N. Main St., Somerset, Kentucky 42501Phone: (606)-280-8718
Located in Somerset, Kentucky, about two and a half hours southeast of Louisville, the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center is dedicated to all things ghosts, bigfoot, aliens and psychic, according to the group's Facebook page.
The museum, which celebrated its five-year anniversary in 2022, has a 3.5 rating on Tripadvisor with reviewers saying visitors shouldn't rush through the museum. Another advisor said it was informative, friendly and welcoming.
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Monday and Sunday. Last admission is around 4:30 p.m. and costs $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.
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Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
2380 Richmond St., Mount Vernon, Kentucky, 40456Phone: (606)-256-0101
The Renfro Valley Entertainment Center is located in Mount Vernon and acts as a central hub in Eastern Kentucky for small concerts. Acts scheduled for 2023 include Josh Turner, Taylor Austin Dye, Jo Dee Messina and Air Supply.
The center, founded by John Lair, dates back to 1939 and provides "classic country, southern gospel, and mountain bluegrass music" shows in two theatres on the 55-acre property, according to the venue website.
The site includes a 35-site RV hookup and owners Julie and John Enneking are dedicated to running the venue with a "hands-on approach" and proud to be part of the 84-year-long history, the site said.
Outside of concert hours, the venue box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The on-site liquor store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 7 p.m., Sunday.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, 40330Phone: (859)-734-5411Shaker Village is located in Harrodsburg, about an hour and a half east of Louisville, set on 3,000 acres of Central Kentucky's rolling hills. It hosted the third largest Shaker community, a Protestant religious group, from a period of 1805 to 1910, according to its website.
The experience includes a farm and preserve that are "centers of exploration" and demonstrate the Shaker way of life, the website says. Walking trails, preserve events and volunteering opportunities provide active involvement in the community.
Guests can stay overnight at The Inn or dine at the Trustee's Table for a taste of traditional Shaker food — or simple Southern favorites.
Exhibits and tours are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant opens 7:30 a.m. and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with the last seating around 8:30 p.m. daily. Grounds are open for the public to explore from sunrise to sunset.
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The Abbey of Gethsemani
3642 Monks Road, Trappist, Kentucky, 40051Phone: (502)-549-3117
The Abbey of Gethsemani is home to a group of about 40 Roman Catholic Trappist Monks that live about an hour south of Louisville and have been receiving guests for 175 years, according to its website.
The monastery acts as "a school of the Lord’s service, a training ground of love," according to the group's website. Monks take "vows of obedience, stability, and conversion of manners" to provide "structure, support, and encouragement" in their journeys.
Visitors can take day trips to wander the grounds, which include around 1,500 acres of nature trails and landmarks. The Abbey also offers "silent, unstructured and undirected" retreats, and private consultations with monks can be arranged, the site states.
The welcome center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday. Weekday and Sunday mass and prayer are open to the public.
The abbey will be closed from July 7-24 for maintenance.
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This story may be updated with even more of Kentucky's hidden gems. Got a suggestion? Let reporter Rae Johnson know at rnjohnson@gannett.com or on Twitter @raej_33.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Day trips from Louisville: 5 hidden spots to visit in Summer 2023
