Hey, y’all!
Scott County. It has quickly stolen my heart, proving to be one of my favorite places in the Commonwealth. There’s something about it. Maybe it’s the charm, the bustling downtown, the kind residents, or the fact that it’s located in beautiful Central Kentucky. Maybe it’s the food (definitely a big part of it). Either way, know this: if you are planning your next Kentucky Day Trip, I assure you that you will love your time in Georgetown!
A Cup of Commonwealth
100 E. Main St., Georgetown, KY 40324
A Cup of Commonwealth has been a long-time favorite of mine in Lexington and I was tickled pink to see that they opened a location in Georgetown; as a company, their mission is simple, yet powerful: embrace community, serve others, and create culture. And they do just that.
My favorite part of the shop? The Pay It Forward board. On this board, a future drink can be bought for anyone; upon taking the coffee sleeve off of the wall, it can be redeemed at any time. Isn’t that a fabulous idea? Help your neighbor, y’all. It’s as simple as that.
I started my morning with a Cold Brew, the perfect caffeine-induced pick-me-up. Alongside my coffee, I chose to also have a piece of avocado toast, which was absolutely delicious. Topped with red pepper flakes, it had the perfect kick. I definitely recommend!
Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm
1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324
Founded in 2003, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm boasts a herd of over 175 retired and rescued horses. A self-proclaimed “living history of horse racing”, I, a devout Kentuckian, felt that exact sentiment. Horses are special to our culture; likewise, they should be treated with utmost respect during their racing prime and equally in retirement.
At Old Friends, you take a guided, interactive tour; during the tour, you get to be up-close and personal with several thoroughbreds. As a visitor, be sure to grab some carrots from the tour guide’s bucket and treat the horses. Also, while you’re at it, be sure to give some love and respect to past Kentucky Derby winners on the farm, along with equine movie celebrities, such as Seabiscuit’s Popcorn Delights.
Oh, and don’t miss out visiting one of the prides of Georgetown, Little Silver Charm, a miniature horse with a giant personality!
Broussard’s Delta Kitchen
135 E. Main St., Georgetown, KY 40324
After working up an appetite from your morning with the horses, head back downtown for lunch at Broussard’s Delta Kitchen for some deep southern favorites from the Mississippi Delta. A new restaurant to Georgetown, I was very excited to dive into the menu – especially because I love creole food!
My meal started off with Seafood Gumbo, which featured shrimp, redfish, crawfish, filé, and okra. It was delicious – needless to say, I was scraping my bowl!
I also couldn’t resist the popcorn crawfish, which were served with a delicious remoulade.
As for the main course? Filet Mignon Ecrivesse, of course – a center-cut filet mignon smothered in crawfish étouffée. I mean, y’all… how does it get much better? Well, if you’re like me, you could order it with the Macaroni and 9-cheeses. Good heavens!
For dessert, Chef really spoiled us. We tried three different varieties – a chocolate torte and two pies. All were delicious – and in all honesty, the peanut butter pie was a highlight of my entire day.
Evan’s Orchard
198 Stone Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324
After lunch at Broussard’s, there’s no better place to visit than Evan’s Orchard. It doesn’t get much better, y’all. They are truly a one-stop shop!
Evan’s Orchard is a fifth-generation family farm – and as an individual that reigns from a Kentucky farm family, there’s nothing that I love more.
The farm, still a working farm today, covers 175 acres. On location, visitors can enjoy the stunning Farm Market & Store, which was remodeled from the original tobacco barn. In the store, you’ll find lots of fresh produce, local honey, fresh jams, and homemade apple cider, among many other items. Adjoining the market is the Sweet Apple Café and Bakery, which is a fantastic option for visitors to grab a burger, ribeye sandwich, homemade fudge, chicken salad, or a fried pie.
Get the fried pies, y’all. I repeat: get the fried pies.
While visiting Evan’s, I was excited to be able to catch the Sunflower Field. While the season for sunflowers has come and gone, make sure to plan to go next year.
However, fear not – it’s about to be prime apple season, which is a fantastic time to visit Evan’s. Actually, visiting in the fall is my favorite. Pro tip: the café also serves a frozen apple cider slush. That + pumpkins + apple pickin’… does it get more fall than that?
Slainte Public House
320 E. Main St, Georgetown, KY 40324
An afternoon in Georgetown is made better by swinging into Slainte Public House, Georgetown’s Irish Pub. With several beers on tap, along with other cocktails, there’s something for all palates. As for me, I noted that they had Country Boy Brewing on tap. I was sold.
My favorite part of the Slainte Public House was how cozy it was. Several of the rooms have couches and comfortable chairs, which is perfect for cozying up for an afternoon or evening with friends. Lots of laughs were had at Slainte – and I can’t wait to go back!
Local Feed
214 S. Water St., Georgetown, KY 40324
Up until the time of this trip, had you asked me what Kentucky restaurant was at the top of my list to try, I would’ve said Local Feed. And trust me when I say this: it lived up to my expectations & high standards.
Local Feed is located in an 1890’s icehouse; the historic charm, atmosphere, and character is a perfect accompaniment to the southern, farm-to-table dishes that are made from scratch. Oh, and did I mention that it is located just across from Royal Spring, which is where Elijah Craig is said to have pulled water to first make bourbon?!
Our meal started with Skillet Cornbread + sorghum butter, along with Deviled Eggs, which were topped with country ham crisps and chives. The eggs were silky, smooth, and had a beautiful flavor. They were definitely one of the highlights of my meal.
While dining, be sure to try a drink (or two!). They are known for their craft cocktails – and for good reason.
Next came the Brussels Sprouts, which featured mustard cream, bacon, and a fresh farm egg.
I got to sample a friend’s Chicken and Waffles, which is a speciality of Local Feed. They were amazing, to say the least, y’all. Served with shishito peppers and a chili maple syrup, it is a menu highlight (and a unique twist on a southern classic!).
For my main course, I chose the Chicken and Dumplings – one of my favorite dishes. Heavy, warm, hearty – it is the quintessential comfort food in my world. I loved the addition of roasted vegetables + the herbed jus was finger lickin’ good.
I chose to get the macaroni and cheese on the side. Just order it, y’all. Thank me later.
For dessert, we chose a cobbler, which was individually served in a small Corningware dish. Having grown up with these dishes in the kitchen – and as my most used dishes still to this day – this bit of nostalgia was really special. I’ve never seen them used in a restaurant setting, though it made for the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
_______________________________________
Adventure awaits in Georgetown, Kentucky — what are you waiting for?
As always: Happy Eating, Happy Traveling, Happy Living!
Y’all come back now, ya hear?
My Best,
JC
Check out more #HeyYall with JC! Just CLICK HERE!
You can also follow his traveling, living & eating at jcpeats.com & on the socials @jcpeats!