Visit Harrodsburg, Kentucky's Oldest Town

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One of the most popular regions to visit in Kentucky is the Bluegrass heart of the state, near the city of Lexington.  Here, there are an unbelievable number of interesting things to do and see. Kentucky's bluegrass region is home to beautiful thoroughbred racehorse farms, and classic Keeneland Race Track, Lexington's historic sites, Berea's vibrant folk arts & crafts culture, Bourbon distilleries, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theatre, and so much more. In addition to all of the above, you'll also find the historic town of Harrodsburg, known as Kentucky's first settlement and oldest town. We invite you to browse the member bed & breakfasts of the Kentucky Bluegrass Region and choose from their unique selection of lodging for the duration of your stay. You won't find better hospitality anywhere else.

Discovering Historic Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg, located less than an hour outside of Lexington, is the perfect place to spend a day. It was voted one of Best Choice Reviews’ “50 Best Small Town Downtowns in America” and one of “20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014.” In Harrodsburg, the unexpected is part of the delight of this charming and historic town. One of its most famous attractions is Old Fort Harrod State Park, which commemorates the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. Central to the park is the full-scale replica of the fort built by James Harrod in 1774, in addition to the historic Mansion Museum, George Rogers Clark Federal Monument, and the  Lincoln Marriage Temple. This June, Old Fort Harrod State Park will host their 10th annual Fort Harrod Settlement & Raid celebration, which is a full scale re-enactment, complete with living history, native culture, presentations, demonstrations and even a Native attack on the fort. In August, the park will host the Pioneer Days Festival.
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By FloNight (Sydney Poore) and Russell Poore (self-made by Russell and Sydney Poore)Harrodsburg is also home to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, which houses America’s largest restored Shaker community and one of “Five hidden US Travel Destinations.” The Pleasant Hill Shakers have been recognized for their iconic architecture, skilled craftsmanship, and spirituality. They lived in this village for 105 years, and during that time constructed over 260 buildings.  Today, 34 of the original buildings and a variety of historic artifacts still stand in the Historic Centre of the village. Beyond the village, there are 3,000 acres of The Preserve, which has trails through native prairies, woodlands, watersheds, fields, canebrakes, and a host of diverse wildlife. If you want to get outside and spend a little time in nature, Harrodsburg has plenty of opportunities for that as well.  There are a variety of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and biking in the area. Or, take a cruise through the stunning Kentucky River Palisades, aboard the authentic 115-passenger Dixie Belle sternwheeler. Shaker Landing provides one of the few public access points to this incredible ecosystem, filled with steep, scenic gorges and limestone outcroppings. If that's not enough, there are ten bourbon distilleries and a dozen wineries are a short drive away. A visit to bourbon country may be the perfect way to relax and unwind on vacation! Harrodsburg is but one of many fascinating cities and towns to visit in the great state of Kentucky. The entire state is an extraordinary mix of adventure.  Browse our collection of member Bed and Breakfasts, and make your reservations now!