Take A Fascinating Day Trip To Rabbit Hash, A Historic Small Town In Kentucky
Welcome to the town of Rabbit Hash, KY. This little town is located on the Ohio River, in between Louisville and Cincinnati. It only has about 315 people living there, but it has a unique atmosphere unlike any other town you’ve ever visited. Oh yeah, and their mayor iss a dog, so you should expect plenty of character in Rabbit Hash. Experience its never-ending charm on this small town day trip in Kentucky.
Rabbit Hash is located about an hour and 40 minutes from Louisville, and a little less than an hour from Cincinnati, making it a great small town day trip in Kentucky from either city.
Rabbit Hash used to be named Carlton, but mail kept getting mixed up with the nearby town of Carrollton, so they changed their name to Rabbit Hash. The origin of the name is folklore, but the story says that back in the mid-1800s, the townspeople were discussing what they were going to serve for Christmas dinner, and one man said he would be serving rabbit hash. People started referring to him as Rabbit Hash as a nickname, and eventually the name stuck for the town. The name probably did derive from the fact that rabbits were hunted and used in meals, though. In the 19th century, the town was known for its delicious rabbit hash, and steamboats going by on the Ohio River would stop to eat some.
Get ready to step back in time. The Rabbit Hash Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Historic District makes up 330 acres. The area is around 10021 and 10410 Lower River Road, and is comprised of 12 buildings, 6 structures, and 3 objects.
The Rabbit Hash Visitors Center is in a restored log cabin, and is run by the Rabbit Hash Historical Society.
The highlight of Rabbit Hash is its general store, which unfortunately burnt down in early 2016. However, local residents worked tirelessly to restore it to its former beauty.
The General Store has been open since 1831, and before the fire, it was considered the most well known and best preserved country store in the state. Though the damage done to it was devastating, people worked tirelessly to make the new building as close to the original as possible. You can learn more about this process here.
Be sure to stop at some of the other historic shops in Rabbit Hash, like antique store Old, Odd & Otherwise (pictured below). There's also a barbecue joint called The Scalded Hog, and a winery called Verona Vineyards.
If you feel like staying the night, see if The Old Hashienda has any vacancies. This rustic inn can only sleep 4, but its wood-burning stove makes it extra cozy, and the porch swing overlooks the Ohio River.
Speaking of the river, you'll have gorgeous views of it from Rabbit Hash. The below photo shows the view of Rabbit Hash from across the river in Rising Sun, Indiana.
If you're there in the warmer months, get a soda from the General Store, or a barbecue sandwich from the Scalded Hog, and go sit by the river to watch boats pass.
In 1998, the first elected mayor in Rabbit Hash was Goofy Borneman-Calhoun. However, in 2001, he died in office. He was 16 years old. Other mayors have been a black Labrador named Junior Cochran, a border collie named Lucy Lou, and the current mayor is a pit bull named Brynneth Pawltro.
You'll probably see pictures of the mayor when you visit, like this one of former mayor Lucy Lou. Who knows, you might even get to pet Mayor Brynneth next time you come through town.
Bring your loved ones to this one-of-a-kind city. This is one of the best family day trips in Kentucky.
Looking at pictures of Rabbit Hash is no where near as amazing as actually visiting it, so definitely put it on your Kentucky bucket list. Has anyone visited Rabbit Hash before? What is your favorite small town day trip in Kentucky?
There are so many lovely small towns in Kentucky. Midway is one of the best. Located in Woodford County, this picturesque place is right in the middle of Horse Country. You’ll undoubtedly pass by several gorgeous farms in this part of the state. Bardstown is another fantastic place to visit in Kentucky. In fact, it is often referred to as the “the most beautiful small town in America!” Here, you can visit several incredible bourbon distilleries and stare at the nature and history at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. No matter what you do, you’ll be enchanted by this town’s scenery. To learn more about the best small towns in Kentucky, read our article here.
What are the best day trips in Kentucky?
Kentucky Horse Park is one of the best family day trips in Kentucky. You’ll have loads of fun exploring this Lexington destination. Ride horses, visit the museum, and take in the beautiful scenery. This place has so much to offer. Mammoth Cave National Park is another great day trip destination. This place is the longest cave system in the entire world, and it’s full of wonders. To learn more about the best Kentucky day trips, read our article here.
What are the most historic places in Kentucky?
Fort Boonesborough is an incredible historic landmark in Kentucky. This is one Kentucky’s original settlements, and it dates all the way back to the 1700s. You’ll really feel like you stepped back in time when you visit this place. If you loved this, you’ll also want to visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park in Hodgenville. Even though this cabin is only a replica, it’s still full of fascinating information. It’s great for visitors young and old!
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. I have lived elsewhere twice, but keep coming back. I'm a video editor and freelance writer who enjoys watching people wearing University of Louisville uniforms excel at sports, scaling the faces of large rocks, and hanging out with my border collie/laborador/cattle dog mutt thingy that I have.
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