A National Treasure Off the Beaten Path: Bloomfield, KY
Sometimes the best adventures happen when you don’t plan them. On a recent drive through the rolling hills of Nelson County, we decided to veer off course and make an unplanned stop in Bloomfield, KY. What we found was an afternoon full of unexpected surprises—and I’m so glad we lingered a little longer.
Ernie’s Tavern: Lunch With Character
As we rolled down Main Street, Ernie’s Tavern practically called our name. Stepping inside felt like walking onto a movie set—vintage signs, pinball machines, a photo booth, an exquisite bar, and that unmistakable Kentucky hospitality. From the warm service to the hearty plates, it was a reminder of when taverns were the true heart of the community.
And as if Ernie’s wasn’t enough, right next door was Double Dip Bloomfield, a nostalgic soda fountain complete with old-fashioned bowling lanes. We couldn’t resist an ice cream stop (because let’s be honest, I rarely resist ice cream) and even indulged in a classic banana split.
Downtown Treasures
After lunch, we strolled through Bloomfield’s small but beautiful downtown, where the pace feels as gentle as the surrounding bluegrass hills. The antique store, sprawling across three connected buildings, was full of treasures tucked into every corner. Jerry Bruckheimer and his wife own these historic properties, restoring them with care while preserving their character. Wandering through felt like stepping into a carefully curated set—lovingly preserved for anyone willing to explore.
Quirky Roadside Art
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more surprising, we stumbled upon the “Deer John Project”—ten John Deere tractors half-buried in a field. It was created by Mrs. Bruckheimer as an art project to celebrate the agricultural heritage of Nelson County, inspired by the famous Cadillac Ranch art installation in Texas. Quirky, creative, and entirely unexpected, it was the kind of roadside find that makes you grin long after you’ve driven away.
The Beauty of the Unplanned
What began as a spontaneous detour through the rolling Kentucky countryside turned into one of our favorite little adventures. Bloomfield offered us a slice of Americana—where vintage signs, restored buildings, quirky art, and old-fashioned hospitality come together against the backdrop of bluegrass fields and wide-open skies.
It was the perfect reminder that sometimes the most memorable stops are the ones you never planned to make.
History Lives Loud: Harrodsburg Is More Than Just Kentucky’s Oldest Settlement
Checked another Kentucky county off our list—Mercer County! ✅
Let me just start by asking: How did I not know that Harrodsburg is the oldest permanent settlement in Kentucky? (Probably because I missed the 5th grade Greathouse Elementary field trip… 😅) But WOW—this little town turned out to be full of surprises.
Small Town, Big Character
We kicked things off by wandering through downtown Harrodsburg, Old storefronts. Beautiful brickwork. And a whole row of churches—one after the other! For a moment, we thought we might’ve accidentally crashed a wedding. (We didn’t. But it was close. 🤦🏻♀️)
Vintage Cars Show
Just as we were finishing up our downtown stroll—bam!—we stumbled into a classic car show. Totally unplanned, totally delightful. At that point, I’m pretty sure the locals knew we weren’t from around there (our excited pointing and photo-taking may have been a giveaway).
But the cars! It felt like walking through a live-action version of the Cars movie—Mater, Doc, Lightning… they were all there in some shape or shine.
Old Fort Harrod: Where History Comes Alive
From there, we made our way to Old Fort Harrod, a full-scale reconstructed pioneer fort—and let me tell you, it felt like stepping back in time.
We peeked into log cabins, watched a loom in action, chatted with a basket weaver, a candle maker, and a guy working near an open flame who may or may not have been a blacksmith (I just know sparks were flying) and yes, I sort of worked the forg
One kind soul even handed me a rifle (don’t worry—it was supervised), Oh, there was also a goat. Because what’s a pioneer fort without one?
A few weeks later, we returned to Harrodsburg with some out-of-country Malaysian guests—and this time, we caught a full-blown reenactment at the fort.
Think: rifles firing, cannons booming, period costumes, and old-time music filling the air. It was immersive, lively, and unforgettable. And the people? So genuinely kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming.
Not-So-Barren: The Hidden Heart of Glasgow, Kentucky
Spent an unexpected hour walking around the town square in Glasgow, Kentucky—tucked away in Barren County. Grabbed some coffee (and apparently the world’s best chocolate milk!) at @thehivecoffeeandbakehouse.
We also came across a monument honoring Luska Twyman—the first African American mayor elected in the state of Kentucky. Honestly, I didn’t expect that piece of history to be rooted here in Glasgow.
And there was a fort tucked away on a hill.
Sometimes the best stories are found in the quiet corners of places you didn’t expect.
Touring the 120 counties in KY
It all begins with an idea.
As I was walking through the Kentucky State Fair and reading where all the winners were from, I decided that we (Jeff and I) should visit all the counties in Kentucky!!! So I bought a map (may have not checked the size before I bought it) but nevertheless, it is a great visual for this adventure.
We went to Glendale today and probably saw just about everyone who lives in this state. There were so many people at the festival and so many tents and booths and then the train came through the town. Glendale was a great stop for Hardin County!
fA PerfectLY QUIET Afternoon in Augusta, KY - Bracken County
It all begins with an idea.
Today we took a little road trip to Augusta, Kentucky—a quiet, picturesque river town tucked into Bracken County—and it turned out to be the perfect kind of day.
The weather showed off in all the right ways—blue skies, warm sun, and cool Fall temps to keep things comfy. Augusta itself is small, but with a rich history and locals who’ll happily stop and chat with you like you’ve known each other for years.
We grabbed lunch at a little spot downtown, then strolled through a few antique shops. You never know what you’ll find tucked away in corners—old records, vintage postcards, a random pie plate from 1950. Totally worth the browse. All the business owners wanted to chat! LOL.
A definite must-see: the Rosemary Clooney House. If you’re a fan of old Hollywood or just love a good piece of Kentucky history, it’s worth popping in. It’s filled with memorabilia from her career and even has some ties to George Clooney (her nephew, of course).
From there, we headed to Baker-Bird Winery®—a local winery with gorgeous views and a laid-back vibe. It’s one of the oldest commercial wineries in the country, and yes, we tasted a few things. 🍷
But the unexpected highlight? Taking the ferry across the Ohio River into Ohio! It’s short and sweet, but it adds a sense of adventure and gives you a different perspective of the town from the water.
Tips if You’re Headed to Augusta:
Lunch Spots: Try The General Store, The Augusta Pub, or Beehive Augusta Tavern—all casual, local favorites.
Parking: Super easy! Free street parking throughout town.
Rosemary Clooney House: Check hours before you go—they can vary seasonally.
Winery Vibes: Baker-Bird Winery is usually open on weekends, and they often host events or live music. Call ahead if you're planning around it.
Ferry Ride: The Augusta Ferry runs most days and is cash only—so bring a few dollar bills with you.
If you're looking for a low-key, feel-good kind of getaway that's not too far from home, Augusta should definitely be on your radar. River views, good food, interesting history, and the kind of peaceful energy that makes you want to stay a little longer and take walks together.
