Beyond the Barrel: Non-Bourbon Things To Do In Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Welcome to Lawrenceburg, KY
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, is famous for its four distilleries, but that’s not all there is to this city. With beautiful outdoor recreation, delicious restaurants, and quirky festivals, Lawrenceburg has so much to offer its guests. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly vacation or taking a break between tastings, here is a list of other things to do in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
Around Town
Lawrenceburg is a lively little city with small-town charm, making it a great place for families to visit. From summer and autumn festivals to the historic downtown business district, Lawrenceburg’s southern hospitality makes all guests feel like locals.
Fairs and Festivals
Do you love festivals and street fairs? Lawrenceburg does! From May through October, downtown is filled with energy. Here’s a rundown of
Lawrenceburg’s annual events you can look forward to!
All Season Long
- Wheels of Time Classic Cruise-In: On the second Friday of every month from May - October, downtown Lawrenceburg turns into a drive through time, with the classic car cruise-in.
- Food Truck Fridays and Summer Concert Series: Kick off the weekend with some dinner and a show. Enjoy Food Truck Fridays and live music from the Summer Concert Series every Friday through the Summer.
Seasonal Celebrations
- Stave Fest: Instead of a typical harvest festival, Lawrenceburg welcomes autumn in style at Stave Fest. Hosted in September, Stave Fest brings in autumn with local music, art, and food trucks on Main Street.
- Anderson County Burgoo Festival: For a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else, come to the Burgoo Festival in October. Honoring a regional stew, this is a cook-off you won’t soon forget.
Art and Music
- Wild Folk Music Fest: Get in tune with Kentucky’s musical heritage at this bluegrass, country, and rockabilly music festival that takes place in September.
- Boots and Bourbon: Don’t let the name fool you, this Nashville Songwriter’s Festival celebrates music with a story. Check it out this October!
- Open Studio Art Trail: Love the visual arts? This November, you can see local artists at work on the open studio art trail!
Historic Downtown: Eat, Shop, and Explore
Small businesses build the unique culture of any city. Here are some local restaurants and shops that contribute to the charm of Lawrenceburg’s historic district.
Restaurants:
- Bluegrass Sabor: Delicious southern classics in a casual, kid-friendly environment. Stop there for lunch or dinner and try the hot brown!
- Taylor Belle’s & Burgers: Looking for something fast and fun? This burger joint has choose-your-own toppings, mixed sides, and hand-dipped ice cream
- Heavens to Betsy Bakery & Deli: Fresh deli favorites and delectable desserts in a unique atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite.
- Colombian Corner: Add a little Colombian flair to your trip with delicious empanadas, llarano steak, or choki pork!
Shops:
- Simply Blessed Kids: Bringing the kids along? Have them dressed to impress at Simply Blessed Kids: a clothing store serving little ones from newborn to size 7.
- Small Town Sass Boutique: Need something for yourself? This boutique is run by a mother-daughter duo and sells chic and sassy fashion for women.
- Sweet Mash Southern Goods Boutique: Pick up some gifts at Sweet Mash. This shop has everything you need for modern-day entertaining, including barware and bourbon!
- The Kentucky Bookstore:
Need to unwind at the end of an exciting day? Pick up a book at this cozy bookstore and gift shop to enjoy on your travels.
Bonus Extra!
Vertigo Bungee: If you love a good rush, check out one of the most iconic bungee jumping spots in the country. Brave souls can take a plunge from Young’s High Bridge, a historic railroad trestle 240 feet above the Kentucky River.
Outdoor Adventures
Kentucky doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the most beautiful states in the nation, and Lawrenceburg is surrounded by that beauty. The mixed-hardwood forests, rolling hills, and wide rivers make Kentucky a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. Here are a few outdoor adventures you can enjoy during your Lawrenceburg visit.
Fishing & Boating
Spend a full day on the water at Beaver Lake. Kids can swim and splash in the water or enjoy a quieter afternoon fishing. Whether you’re casting a line at Beaver Lake or exploring nearby waterways by boat, you’re sure to have a good time.
Hunting
Get out of town and into the woods for hunting season! The rich lands of Kentucky aren’t just great for growing grains for Bourbon, they’re also great for wildlife. From prize bucks to small game, Kentucky offers plenty of opportunities to bag and tag. Just make sure you have the
proper licenses and follow all the appropriate rules and regulations outlined by the
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.
Hiking/Biking
The bluegrass hills and dense woods around Lawrenceburg aren’t just for show. They are meant to be explored. There are miles of scenic trails that wind through lush countryside, offering amazing views every season. Some great places to start are:
- Jefferson Memorial Forest
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
- Ced Brook Rails to Trail
Nearby Attractions
No trip to Lawrenceburg should be limited to the town. There’s so much else to see nearby. If you’re up for a short drive, there are even more ways to fill your itinerary. Here are some great family-friendly adventures outside of town.
Rail Explorers:
Why limit yourself to looking at the rails when you can ride them? With Rail Explorers, you can pedal along historic tracks with open-air rail bikes, enjoying scenic Kentucky countryside views.
Bluegrass Railroad Museum:
Speaking of rails, learn more about the railroad at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum. Step into the region’s railroading history and take a ride on restored train cars.
Louisville Mega Cavern:
Kentucky’s nickname honors the hills, but what lies under them is just as amazing. Just a short drive west of Lawrenceburg is a massive underground cave. The
Louisville Mega Cavern offers zip lines, rope courses, and tram tours beneath Louisville.
Bourbon Barrel Cottages & Tours
Nature's Symphony
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For the best accommodations in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, stay with us at Bourbon Barrel Cottages. Located in the beautiful countryside, right outside of town, we balance easy city access with a peaceful natural setting.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a full-family vacation, our cabins can accommodate 4 - 6 guests, making them the perfect fit for most families. Each cottage also includes a fully equipped kitchen, a private hot tub, and firepits, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for quality time. Need more space? We also offer the main house as a vacation rental. With 6 rooms and a swimming pool, we can accommodate up to 16 guests!
See what Lawrenceburg has to offer beyond the bourbon when you
book your stay today!
Meet the Owners!
We are Jay and Angie Ballard, parents to five and grandparents to two, lovers of music, traveling, the outdoors, and all things bourbon.
In preparation for retirement and becoming empty nesters, plans of building a tiny home on our beautiful land--Finnel Farm--led us to where we are now. We thought, how wonderful would it be for others to experience what we get to call home? Guests can immerse themselves in a serene atmosphere surrounded by wildlife and enjoy sitting by the tranquil koi ponds. We're confident you'll love the luxury accommodations that each cottage offers, and there's no doubt you'll leave feeling more relaxed!
Over the past couple of years, the bourbon market has exploded worldwide, and what we offer at Bourbon Barrel Cottages helps attract Bourbon aficionados to our beautiful town, boosting our economy. With our customizable Bourbon Trail Tours, we will provide you with the ultimate bourbon experience you're seeking