Kentucky itinerary: ‘Only in Oldham’ experiences

Oldham County, Kentucky, is a unique Kentucky hub that’s home to all things Kentucky in one cool place — conveniently located 25 minutes from downtown Louisville and 70 minutes from the Ark Encounter on Interstate 71.

Oldham County is the home of craft bourbon, 13 farm tours, trains on Main Street, the Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby and two underground railroad designations by the National Park Service. The county also just received a designation as a stop on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.

Kim Buckler Hydes, longtime executive director of Oldham County KY Tourism & Conventions, said, “Oldham County has become Kentucky’s go-to destination for groups looking for the perfect option outside the major cities, yet close enough to enjoy new attractions the city has to offer.”

“Not only do we offer many attractions found ‘Only in Oldham,’ we offer lower hotel room taxes and priceless complimentary itinerary planning, with Oldham Group Perks that are only available through the Oldham County Tourism office,” Hydes said. “Two such perks are a one-payment option for all things in your Oldham County itinerary in advance of your visit, and gratuity-only step-on. All things Kentucky can be found right here, just 25 minutes from downtown Louisville and 70 minutes from the Ark Encounter. Only in Oldham.”

Experience Oldham

From April–November in Oldham County, the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky, tour planners learn about 13 different farms offering tours. Booking for 2022 and 2023 tours started early this year. During the pandemic, one of the popular horse farm tours opened a farm-to-table restaurant known as Barn8, and another a racehorse retirement farm (owned by the CEO of Churchill Downs) opened its doors to tourism in Oldham County. Other farm options include horses, alpaca, bison, a dairy, sheep, conservation and foodie farms, botanical gardens and nature preserves. Groups enjoy Southern hospitality, delicious Kentucky comfort food and experiences that create memories lasting a lifetime.

Explore the Underground Railroad

Oldham County holds two Underground Railroad designations from the National Park Service Network to Freedom. Learn about the county’s freedom seekers and Underground Railroad conductors who at great risk, sought to abolish the institution of slavery. Tour the History Center museum and enjoy a catered lunch with expert speakers and re-enactors. Come learn about the Underground Railroad along the Ohio River. The newest book written by Nancy Theiss, executive director of the History Center, is A Tour on the Underground Railroad along the Ohio River, and it was published during the pandemic.

Sip or reminisce

Kentucky Artisan Distillery is the only distillery on I-71 between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky. This one-of-a-kind ice-cream-factory-turned-distillery offers a tour as uncommon as the bourbons themselves. Learn about the secret, behind-the-scenes world of three high-end bourbon brands, Jefferson’s, Whiskey Row and Billy Goat Strut, while being fascinated by distilling antiques from the owner’s collection. This is a favorite on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®, awarded “The Perfect Manhattan” by Esquire magazine, and is found only in Oldham.

Rest your head

Oldham County welcomed its newest 84-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites, just minutes from where guests can shop and dine in the only town in the world with a freight train running on its Main Street. Interested in Kentucky’s newest drive-in movie theater? It’s available from April–October and is found only in Oldham. 

For more information, contact Kim Hydes at 800-813-9953 or visit OldhamKYGroups.com for a live chat!