| Name | Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission |
| Address | 488 Price AvenuePO Box 238Harrodsburg, KY 40330 |
| Brief Description | Harrodsburg - Mercer County Tourist Commission in Harrodsburg, KY |
| Type | Information |
| Category | Tourism |
| Description | The Coolest Place in History: Harrodsburg, KY
Kentucky’s first town rocks its pioneer heritage
Kentucky’s first settlement has come a long way since its frontier founding in 1774. The first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and the coolest place in history, Harrodsburg has been named one of “the 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Kentucky” by TheCultureTrip.com; one of the “50 Best Small Town Downtowns in America” by Best Choice Reviews, one of “Five hidden US Travel Destinations” by BBC NEWS magazine and one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit” by Smithsonian Magazine.
Harrodsburg celebrates its pioneering past in its attractions, history, architecture-- even shopping. With a picturesque setting amidst four National Register Historic Districts in the heart of Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass region, Harrodsburg offers plenty to see and do, including many new reasons to visit.
History bursts to life
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a 3,000-acre landmark Discovery Destination comprising The Historic Centre, The Farm and The Preserve, presents dynamic and interactive programming while preserving the heritage and presenting the story of the Kentucky Shakers. From meeting local working artists and taking a variety of hands-on workshops, taking a fossil hike and learning about beekeeping to trundling into the fields on hay rides and departing the Village for bourbon tours and more, the emphasis is on active fun.
Also part of Shaker Village’s ramped up roster of active fun: Fresh Food Adventures into the garden, bourbon dinners, an [Un]Pleasant Hill Trail Run series, happy hour on the lawn and a number of fairs and festivals, including Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass and Well Crafted – Brews + Bands.
At Old Fort Harrod State Park visitors find a full-scale replica fort commemorating the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, with cabins and blockhouses furnished with handmade utensils and furniture, and craftsmen in period dress demonstrating early pioneering skills. Here is the famous Osage Orange tree that kids have been climbing for generations and a fully accessible Little Tikes state-of-the-art fort-themed playground.
You can visit animals at the fort’s corral, have a picnic on the grounds, visit the Mansion Museum, see the Lincoln Marriage Temple not far from a monument to the pioneers that was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and stroll through a pioneer cemetery. The fort hosts events throughout the year, including Spies of Fort Harrod, the Old Fort Harrod Settlement & Raid, outdoor theatre productions, including “James Harrod: The Battle For Kentucky,” the Pioneer Days Festival, Haunted Frontier and 18th-Century Trade Fair.
Historic, homey – and humming with things to see/do
Enjoy downtown Harrodsburg’s hometown atmosphere, with streets lined with architectural treasures and several locally-owned restaurants offering Southern-style cooking, including the Kentucky Fudge Company, a fun lunch stop with an original soda fountain and live music on Saturdays, and the Olde Bus Station, a former Greyhound Bus Station and home of local foodie fave, the Big Daddy Burger.
Shops like the Arts County of Mercer County Studio & Gallery are a showcase to local and regional artisan-made crafts and several area antique shops lure bargain hunters to their treasure troves.
Additionally, Harrodsburg is home to the thriving Ragged Edge Community Theatre; the Burgin Barn, featuring house band Larry Sanders and Borderline; the authentic sternwheeler Dixie Belle with excursions to the geologically ancient Kentucky River Palisades; Good Time Paddling with canoeing and kayaking on Chaplin River; the Black Watch Alpaca Farm; and Central Kentucky Tours, offering bourbon, Keenel |
| Phone 1 | (858) 734-2364 |
| Email | tourism@harrodsburgky.com |
| Handicapped Accessible | Yes |
| Website | www.harrodsburgky.com |
| Social Links |   |
| Request Brochure | Harrodsburg Experience Guide |
| Last Updated | 2/15/2018 |
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