Paris and Bourbon County in the Springtime

 
A visit to Paris, Kentucky located in Bourbon County, just fifteen miles northeast of Lexington, during the springtime is a delight. Many historic attractions are beginning to open for the spring and summer seasons. If you are interested in “Horses, History and Hospitality” then Paris is the place for you.

Cane Ridge Meeting House, located on State Hwy 537, opens for the warmer months on March 31, 2008. Visitors can tour the meeting house and the museum. Call (859)987-5350 for information.

Hopewell Museum, 800 Pleasant Street, is open Wednesday from 12 noon to 5 pm and on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Exhibits featuring local history and featured artists are available for viewing.

Duncan Tavern, 323 High Street, is a three-story tavern built by Major Joseph Duncan four years before Kentucky became a state. It became a gathering spot for pioneers such as Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. Duncan Tavern offers tours and is available for socials by appointment. The Joseph Fox Jr. Genealogical Library is located in the basement and is an excellent source of information. Call (859)987-1788 for information.

Located in Courthouse Square near Duncan Tavern is the Bourbon County Courthouse. This Beaux-Arts building has been referred to as “the most beautiful courthouse in the state of Kentucky.” Visit the interior to view the magnificent dome with its murals depicting the seasons of agriculture of over a century ago.

The Wallis House & Arboretum, 616 Pleasant Street, is the state headquarters of the Garden Club. The house is surrounded by a beautiful arboretum that offers various types of trees and plants for the visitor’s pleasure. The arboretum is open to the public during daylight hours year-round.

If you are looking for a good book or in need of doing some research, be sure to visit the Paris/Bourbon County Public Library. The building is a Carnegie Building and dates back to 1910. The Library is located at 701 High Street.

One of only 13 covered bridges left in the state can be found in Bourbon County on KY 3118. Located on Colville Road is the Colville Covered Bridge. It measures 124 feet long and 18 feet wide and crosses Hinkston Creek. The structure is open to regular traffic. Driving through this “timbered tunnel” is a unique experience.

If shopping is on your agenda, Paris’ uniquely beautiful and historic Main Street offers a wide variety of shopping experiences. Quality antique stores, specialty shops, a furniture and appliance store, and others are located along this charming street. A variety of fine restaurants is located along Main Street Paris. Each one offers delicious cuisine for every taste and budget.

The Farmer’s Market located at 720 High Street offers lots of local products, crafts, jewelry and other fine items. Visitor information can be obtained here also.

The Paris/Bourbon County Tourism Office is located at 525 High Street Suite 114 of the City Municipal Building. Call (859) 987-3205 or email mainstreetparis@alephia.net for information. www.parisky.com