The home rule city of Nicholasville, Kentucky is the county seat of Jessamine County. Its population is approximately 31,490, which makes it the 10th-largest settlement in the state. The city has a number of attractions, including a Taylor Made Racehorse Breeding Farm and a Daniel Boone home.
First Vineyard
The First Vineyard, places to visit in Nicholasville, is a historic winery that dates back to 1783. Daniel Boone, a famous American explorer, completed a survey of the property, and now you can sample a variety of wines and Kenkoolas from this vineyard. The rustic tasting room blends in with the land’s rustic character and features a spacious covered patio.
Tom Beall and Bobbye Carpenter purchased the property in 1994 and reconstructed the early 1800s structure. The first commercial winery in the United States was started over two hundred years ago. The first owner was the Dufour family from Switzerland, who had been making wine for generations. The winery was later named after John James Dufour, who was the son of a winemaker.
The winery’s history is impressive and the tasting room is a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine. The owners, Tommy and Bobbye, are extremely friendly and make you feel right at home. We tried the Apple Pie wine which tasted just like apple pie and the Cherry Cordial that smelled like cherry tootsie pops. All of the wines were delicious and a great experience.
First Vineyard was founded in 1799 and was the first commercial winery in the United States. It was closed in 1809, but it has a rich history, including the founding of America’s wine industry. Dufour was a Swiss immigrant and received financial backing from a number of influential figures, including Kentucky Governor Garrard and U. S. Senators John Brown and John Edwards.
Taylor Made Racehorse Breeding Farm
If you are looking for a place to visit in Nicholasville, Kentucky, the Taylor Made Racehorse Breeding farm is a great place to start. It is home to many champion horses and many of these horses have come from the breeding farm. In fact, many of these champions are produced at the farm, including the American Pharoah.
The 1,100-acre Taylor Made Farm is a thoroughbred lover’s dream. Whether you are a race fan, an amateur or a serious equestrian, there is something for everyone at this famous thoroughbred farm. There are tours of the stallion complex, foaling quarters, paddocks, and more. You can also meet some of the horses who will be the stars of tomorrow.
You can learn more about the history of horse breeding at Taylor Made by taking a tour of the farm. Tours are available every day. They are designed to educate and excite visitors about the horse industry. The most popular tour is the general farm tour.
The farm began in 1976 as a mare care service, and expanded after it won the first Keeneland consignment in 1978. Over the years, the farm has expanded to over 1,600 acres. The farm is home to over 100 horses, including many Grade I racehorses. In addition, it has a nursery for young horses as well as boarding facilities for established racehorses.
Valley View Ferry
In rural central Kentucky, a river ferry provides a convenient way to cross the Kentucky River. Situated on Kentucky Route 169, the Valley View Ferry provides access between the counties of Richmond and Nicholasville. The ferry connects two county seats: Richmond in Madison County and Nicholasville in Jessamine County.
The Valley View Ferry is the only remaining service of this type on the Kentucky River. It has been a lifeline for local residents and commuters from nearby cities including Lexington and Richmond. The ferry is free and runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also catch it on weekends, but keep in mind that vehicles larger than 24 feet in length and 24 tons in total weight are not permitted to travel on the ferry. For more information, visit the Valley View Ferry’s website or Facebook page.
Valley View Ferry is the only river ferry in Kentucky that operates year-round. The ferry is owned by the counties of Madison, Fayette, and Jessamine, and operated by the Valley View Ferry Authority. The Valley View Ferry was once used by the Richmond, Nicholasville, Irvine, and Beattyville railroad, but that line no longer runs. Although the railroad no longer serves the area, the ferry piers are still in place.
In November 2010, the Valley View Ferry carried more vehicles than any other ferry except the Cave-in-Rock Ferry, which shuttles vehicles between Crittenden County and Illinois. While some ferries charge tolls, the ferry is free to use, and the state provides about $150,000 in annual funding. Additional funds are provided by Madison County and Jessamine County.
Daniel Boone’s home
Daniel Boone’s home in Nicholasville, Kentucky, is a historical site that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the life of an early American pioneer. Located on nearly 300 acres, the site includes twelve historic buildings that were all constructed within fifty miles of the Boone home. From a schoolhouse and grist mill to a general store, visitors can get a glimpse of life on the Missouri frontier. The grounds and interpretive exhibits help visitors understand the life of early settlers in this historic area.
The home is also known as Waveland, and is regarded as one of the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. The building sits on a small knoll overlooking about 200 acres of Bluegrass farmland. Washington Allen, a prominent contractor in Lexington, was the foreman on the Waveland project. The house was later made famous by members of the Bryan family, who made it famous for its trotting horses.
Keeneland
Keeneland is a place in Lexington, Kentucky, that is home to several equine businesses. It includes the Keeneland Race Course, a thoroughbred racing facility, and Keeneland Sales, a horse auction complex. Keeneland is also known for its extensive reference library.
While at Keeneland, you can also enjoy the area’s famous food. The track’s restaurants feature specialties like Burgoo, a traditional stew that has roots in pioneer times. Bread Pudding with Maker’s Mark sauce is another popular dish at Keeneland. Visitors can enjoy these dishes year-round at the Track Kitchen, and even dine in the dining room during race meets.
Nicholasville is close to Lexington and is a growing city that is located in the Bluegrass region. It is surrounded by lush countryside and is home to several horse farms, training facilities, and rehabilitation centers. It is also home to the state’s commercial wine industry and hosts the annual Kentucky Wine & Vine Fest.
Visitors can also view the Kentucky River Palisades, a natural landscape of classic Bluegrass Region beauty. Another place to visit in Nicholasville is Taylor Made Farm, one of the world’s premier thoroughbred racehorse breeding farms. Established in 1976, Taylor Made Farm has successfully raised more than 100 Grade I race winners and has sold more thoroughbreds at public auction than any other sales agency. In addition to being a breeding facility, Taylor Made Farm is also a boarding facility for established racehorses and a nursery for foals.
The Courtyard by Marriott is a place to stay when visiting Keeneland. Its location is close to Blue Grass Airport. It is also within a short walk of downtown and the Lexington Convention Center. A shuttle to Keeneland is available for visitors seven days a week.
Camp Nelson
Camp Nelson was a Union army supply depot and hospital that was built near Nicholasville in 1863. Founded as part of the broader battle to capture eastern Tennessee and take Knoxville, which was a key Confederate rail hub, Camp Nelson grew to encompass over 4,000 acres and 300 buildings. The camp supplied numerous Union military campaigns and eventually became Kentucky’s largest recruiting ground for African-American soldiers.
Camp Nelson is one of the most historically significant locations in Nicholasville, Kentucky. During the Civil War, over 23,000 African-American men from Kentucky enlisted and trained in the military. While they were in the military, many of them were freed by the Federal government. Today, Camp Nelson is a well-preserved site of national significance.
The site features several buildings and an informative visitor center, as well as five miles of hiking trails. Camp Nelson is also home to a National Cemetery. The park is open every day, but closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. During the Memorial Day holiday, there are a number of events and activities taking place at the camp.
The history of the camp is fascinating and the memorial is well-worth a visit. It was a place where enslaved men and their families risked their lives to escape to the camp. In some cases, they were even flayed alive.
