Kentucky is a beautiful state that presents lots of spectacular scenery, depending on where you’re exploring. Northern Kentucky boasts stellar river views and towns; Eastern Kentucky is Appalachia; Central Kentucky is Horse Country; and Western KY is known for its abundance of lakes. And, of course, throughout the state, you’ll find subterranean worlds, Grand Canyons, and much, much more. Today, though, we’re taking a trip through the Central Kentucky countryside; it’s a rural road trip that visits some of the best hidden gems in this beautiful, bucolic part of the Bluegrass.

This rural road trip in Kentucky passes eight different hidden gems in the beautiful Bluegrass countryside. Start to finish, it's a little under four hours; however, we recommend allowing extra time for exploring these hidden gems!
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We're starting our road trip at a site that's so quintessentially Kentucky. With more than a century of distilling history, Castle & Key is a grand and stately place that's one of the most beautiful distilleries in the state.
Castle & Key Distillery, 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Located on 114 idyllic acres in Frankfort, Kentucky's Castle & Key is a portrait of Bluegrass beauty. But it's not all looks and no substance here; Castle & Key is a real, working distillery creating fine bourbon, vodka, and gin!
When your stomach starts rumbling, it's time to grab lunch at one of the best little cafes in the Bluegrass: Wallace Station Deli. Nestled within the heart of Kentucky Horse Country, this darling little eatery is housed in a building that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was built around the turn of the 20th century.
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery, 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery/Facebook
Don't let its casual digs fool you, though: while rustic and unassuming, this restaurant is led by Ouita Michel, a highly respected, James Beard Award-nominated chef! And although the menu at this eatery is comprised of humble classics like sandwiches and burgers, the fare here is truly Top Chef level... and the fried chicken sandwich is easily one of the best in the Bluegrass!
A castle might be the least-expected place in the Bluegrass countryside, but nestled atop a hill in Versailles, there the eponymous Kentucky Castle sits.
The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
The Kentucky Castle/Facebook
The Kentucky Castle is a spectacular destination in and of itself; a place of pure revelry in the idyllic Kentucky blue hills. This majestic property is wonderfully unusual and has a top-rated spa, luxurious accommodations, and an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant. The Kentucky Castle is as beautiful as it gets, and you'll be utterly blown away by this surprising royal treasure in the South.

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As you drive through the countryside of Kentucky, you'll happen upon a curious area dotted with historic homes and beautiful barns. This is Kentucky's Shaker Village, a delightful place to visit that offers an abundance of opportunities for learning and adventure.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
James Hall/Google Local
Located on 3,000 of pure pastoral paradise, Shaker Village is a place that will have you marveling at the beauty -- and history -- of The Bluegrass State!
Next up, Newby Country Store, a charming little one-stop-shop that's a long-standing community hub.
Newby Grocery, 435 Newby Rd, Richmond, KY 40475, USA
Ron Tussey/Google Local
You'll find this old-timey general store in the heart of Richmond, Kentucky, and we recommend stopping in for a hand-made deli sandwich and sweet tea!
Continuing through the Kentucky countryside, Berea College Farm Store definitely deserves mention. The Farm Store is open year-round and provides a daily lunch menu prepared by students using fresh organic ingredients from the Berea College Farm.
Berea College Farm Store, 311 N Main St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Berea College Farm Store/Facebook
You can purchase seasonal organic ingredients for your at-home culinary endeavors from the meat freezers, produce coolers, and dry-good shelves lining the store’s walls. Meanwhile, the bakery case is stocked daily with fresh bread and pastries made from scratch with Berea College grains, herbs, fruits, and vegetables! This is the epitome of farm-to-table goodness.
Just outside of Lexington, the Round Barn Stable is a stunning space that will cause you to catch your breath. Hailed as one of Lexington's most historic landmarks and architectural treasures, this barn was built adjacent to a horse track in 1882. The four-story barn was designed as an exhibition hall and later used to house horses and tack for the races.
The Round Barn Stable of Memories, 1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
Round Barn Stable of Memories/Google Local
Today, it's a beautiful space for special events and a stunning sight in the middle of Horse Country.
Finally, we're coming full circle on our trip through Kentucky Horse Country with one of the most amazing and wonderful places in the state. Old Friends Equine is an incredible farm where retired KY thoroughbreds can happily spend their golden years in peace.
Old Friends Farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324, USA
Lisa Bober/Google Local
Situated on 236 acres in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country, Old Friends is a horse farm that's home to some of the state's finest former racing stars. This thoroughbred sanctuary in Kentucky has a simple mission: to promote these once-celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, ultimately raising awareness of the importance of equine aftercare. Because once the Run for the Roses ends, life continues for these amazing animals, albeit, out of the spotlight. And after spending so many years running and training, these animals deserve pure R&R -- and that's what they get at this wonderful Kentucky farm.

There’s no better way to explore the best of the Bluegrass than a good, old-fashioned road trip, is there? Did you discover any new hidden gems on this rural road trip in Kentucky? Are there any points of interest you would have included? Share them with us in the comments below!

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