A Weekend in Elizabethtown, Kentucky: Bourbon’s backyard

This post is sponsored by Elizabethtown, KY Tourism

Elizabethtown, Kentucky is a charming town nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass State, it offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Touted as Bourbon’s backyard, Elizabethtown is a short drive from some popular spots of the Bourbon Trail, and is the perfect spot to spend the day or weekend in their beautiful parks, shopping downtown or enjoying some of their great restaurants or social activities. We spent a weekend in Elizabethtown and I am sharing our itinerary with you!

Food & Drink

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I can appreciate a good meal. Whether fancy, down home cooking or just a great slice of pizza, I love trying new places. Elizabethtown had some great spots to check out during your weekend stay:

• Breakfast:
  • Vibe Coffee: Vibe Coffee is the cutest little coffee shop with some AMAZING breakfast pastries. It is right off the square and the perfect place to post up to do some work, or just spend the morning. It’s actually quite a big place. I had the coffee cake with my iced caramel latte, but they had so many amazing options, I wish I could have tried it all!
  • The Toasted Yolk Cafe: The Toasted Yolk Cafe is a delicious breakfast spot that serves all the favorites, traditional breakfast items like eggs, bacon, toast, waffles, pancakes, but also some really yummy breakfast tacos, burritos and a number of different kinds of eggs Benedict options.
• Lunch:
  • Impellizzeris: Impellizzeris is a pretty popular pizza place across Central Kentucky, even earning the title of “Kentucky’s Best Pie” from Readers’s Digest. The Elizabethtown location was the original and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. From their yummy Burrata Bruschetta to their Pizza’s and Pasta, it’s a must-stop on your trip!
• Dinner:
  • JR Neighbors: Serving gourmet burgers, craft beer and a bourbon bar, JR Neighbors is the perfect ending to any day!
• Drinks & Dessert:
  • Social on Main: If you are heading to Elizabethtown after work on a Friday, the perfect first stop to make in Elizabethtown is Social on Main located within the Assembly. The Assembly is a mix-used location in downtown Elizabethtown made for entertainment, leisure, and discovering delicious bites. The 110 South Main St. building is right off the downtown square and the perfect place for community and connection. Social on Main is just one of many businesses within the Assembly, that is a social hall with three different food options inside, a tap wall with over 40 self-serve beer and wine taps, and duck pin bowling. Baylor loved the duck pin bowling!
  • Kuddy’s Sip & Sweets: Serving up Gourmet sodas, Buddy’s Sip & Sweets has a ton of options you’d never think about, as well as baked goods, candy and Ice Cream. It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon snack!
  • The Dreamery Gelato: Cookie butter gelato…need I say more?

Along with the great food options in Elizabethtown, there are plenty of great activities to check out as well!

Culture & Nature

• Historic Downtown Elizabethtown: Take a stroll through Elizabeths historic downtown district, lined with charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Hardin County Historical Society Museum to learn more about the area’s rich history.
• Freeman Lake: Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful day at Freeman Lake. This picturesque lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. With options to take a paddle boat on the lake, take a stroll around the lake spanning 5 miles, or letting the kiddos play at the new Oasis park, it’s the perfect spot to spend the day.
• Parks and Recreation: Elizabethtown is home to several beautiful parks, including Wilson Park, and Central Park. These parks provide ample green space for picnics, outdoor activities, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Part of the Elizabethtown Nature Park includes a beautiful tribute to the of Hardin County and Kentucky Veterans. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall tribute is a monument to show Hardin County citizens’ respect and gratitude to each and every veteran, living or deceased, who has served his or her country with honor and dignity, commitment, courage, and sacrifice so that each of us can live safe and free. The Tribute design is 90′ in diameter and is dominated by a star polygon walkway. Visitors can stroll along the concrete pathway to closely view the five life-size bronze sculptures – one for each branch of the military.

Fun and Games

• Social on Main: Deserves a second mention in this post because it truly is a great time, for dinner, drinks or just being social its a really cool spot. The duck bowling is perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Heartland Golf Mini Golf: Way more than mini golf, Heartland Mini Golf is a really cool spot. You walk into a shipping container park where they have tons of yard games to play including jumbo peer pong, corn hole, ping pong and more. Grab a drink from one of the bars and enjoy. Or if you are up for it, grab a round of mini golf for the family and enjoy a little friendly competition.

Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its charming downtown, beautiful parks, and delicious dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So switch up your next weekend getaway or day trip and embark on a delightful adventure to Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Let me know your favorite Elizabethtown spots to visit in the comments and check out the Elizabethtown Tourism website for the latest events and hottest spots!