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Exhibits inside the Rosemary Clooney House in Augusta, Kentucky
KENTUCKY TOURISM
A Surprise-Filled
Kentucky Road Trip
From local distilleries and a haunted opera house to wildlife encounters and Rosemary Clooney’s legacy, this journey delivers unexpected moments at every turn.
By Kristy Tolley
Kentucky has a way of revealing itself slowly. Beyond the postcard images of rolling horse farms and bourbon barrels, the Bluegrass State is stitched together by small towns with big personalities—places where history, hospitality and a touch of eccentricity merge.
On a recent road trip through Lawrenceburg, Cynthiana, Augusta and Newport, I followed a route that mixed wildlife encounters and hands-on craft experiences with ghost stories, classic comfort food and plenty of bourbon.
What unfolded was a trip that felt less like checking destinations off a list and more like walking through a series of unique, deeply rooted communities. Each stop offered a distinct version of what makes Kentucky so special.
Enjoy close-up experiences with animals at Little Crooked Creek Safari
KRISTY TOLLEY
Lawrenceburg
My first stop was Little Crooked Creek Safari, a family-run wildlife experience. The 23-acre property is home to more than 200 animals—everything from camels to zebras. Visitors can pet and feed some animals, many of which were born on-site, while others were rescued from closed facilities.
Afterward, I perused the shops along Lawrenceburg’s Main Street before heading to The Colombian Corner, the only brick-and-mortar Colombian restaurant in the state. It draws diners from hours away for authentic dishes like bandeja paisa and arepa con chicharrón.
I enjoyed an evening visit to Wild Turkey Distillery. A recent renovation has transformed the visitor experience that now includes a new center honoring legendary master distiller Jimmy Russell and multiple bar spaces, one with a cozy fire pit. As night fell, I gathered with others there for hot toddies and ghost stories led by local paranormal expert Jeff Waldridge. While Waldridge offers tours through Lawrenceburg Ghost Walk, he offered our group a special storytelling experience.
Collection of pottery at Elements Clay Studio
Cynthiana
Before heading east, I stopped at Elements Clay Studio to make my own bourbon cups. Under the guidance of owner and ceramist Susan Burge, the process felt surprisingly approachable, yielding souvenirs far more meaningful than anything store-bought.
Lunch at Biancke’s Restaurant was memorable. This family-owned institution has served home-cooked meals for more than 130 years. Dining here feels like stepping back in time, thanks to historic photos lining the walls and regional comfort food staples like Kentucky Hot Browns and fried green tomatoes anchoring the menu.
Cynthiana fully embraces its spooky side, especially in October, when ghost walks, Halloween decor and playful macabre touches fill downtown. Its haunted reputation lives large in Rohs Opera House, Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating theater. Built in 1871, it’s famed for reports of a “Lady in White,” shadowy figures and the sounds of ghostly children.
Barrel House Distilling Company’s selection of barrels
The town is also the hometown of “The Walking Dead” comic book series creator Robert Kirkman, a connection reflected in downtown murals and zombie-themed flourishes. Nearby, Barrel House Distilling Co.’s Cynthiana outpost adds another reason to linger, blending bourbon tastings with plans for cabins, concerts and outdoor experiences.
That evening, I checked into Ashford Acres Inn, a restored Greek Revival mansion set on rolling farmland just outside town. Built in 1858, the inn retains its grand columns and original architectural details. A candlelit outdoor dinner showcased seasonal, locally inspired dishes.
Inside Augusta Distillery
Set along the Ohio River, Augusta charmed me instantly, but the highlight was the Rosemary Clooney House. My mom raised me on Clooney’s music and movies, so the legendary actress and singer holds a special place in my heart. Located in the 1835 home where Clooney lived for more than 20 years, the museum displays personal belongings, film costumes and memorabilia from her career.
A visit to Augusta Distillery rounded out the stop, with a behind-the-scenes look at the grain-to-glass process and a guided tasting that underscored the town’s growing role in Kentucky’s bourbon scene.
Kentucky Wild Gin and Graeter’s Bourbon Ball Ice Cream at New Riff Distilling
Newport
My road trip ended in Newport, which borders Cincinnati. At New Riff Distilling, a modern, family-owned distillery founded in 2014, I toured the sleek facility and enjoyed a private tasting—including a bourbon ball ice cream collaboration with Graeter’s ice cream company.
Dinner at Pompilios felt like the perfect finale. Opened in 1933, the Italian restaurant is steeped in Newport history. The recipes have been used for generations, and dishes like Rustico Ronaldos and house-made ravioli proved why this place has endured for generations.
My Kentucky adventure certainly left an impression, in the best possible way. With experiences like feeding sloths, taking spooky ghost walks, sampling bourbon and visiting the home of a Hollywood legend, this road trip proved that the state’s most memorable experiences often live between the highways. I’m already plotting a return visit.
Discover surprises in Kentucky and unforgettable stops along the way. With AAA Trip Canvas, you can plan your route, purchase affordable audio tours, find things to do and unlock AAA Member savings on accommodations, car rentals and more.
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