Welcome to Garrard County, a growing but still country-friendly community of 17,000 that remembers and celebrates its rich pioneer history and cultural heritage. Garrard County is located in Central Kentucky’s beautiful Bluegrass Region, south of Lexington, on Highway 27. Lancaster, population 4,300, is the county seat; 30 miles from Lexington.

MEET THE PEOPLE, SEE THE SITES, PLAN A VISIT...

Please like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VisitGarrardCountyKentucky and https://www.facebook.com/PartyOnTheSquareLancasterKentucky and have county updates posted to your home page; and visit our sister blog at http://beautifygarrardcounty.blogspot.com/ for more news of Garrard County.

(Updated April 20, 2012)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Uncle Tom's Cabin Project

Report in Danville Advocate-Messenger








Many of the logs for the replica of Uncle Tom’s Cabin came from a house on Danville Street, Lancaster, that was torn down in 2008 by the Lancaster Church of Christ, and stored at Feldman Lumber Company until being moved to current site. Above right, the drawing by Tim Scott of Garrard County shows what the replica of Uncle Tom's Cabin will look like.

Please click on following link and read The Advocate-Messenger's article of April 30th, regarding history and reconstruction of Uncle Tom's Cabin: http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=49780&format=html
Portion of above article reprinted in USA Today's May 12th Travel/Destinations : http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-05-12-kentucky-uncle-toms-cabin_N.htm

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Fourth Annual Earth Day Festival

A Day of Family Fun at Garrard County Fair Grounds 2009

Shari Bivelacque and Leslie Worley, left-right, two founders of the Garrard County Earth Day Festival, wave greetings.

Hosted by The Earth Angels and Community Hearth, Inc. ( T.E.A.C.H.), it was a full day of fun and learning for all ages: kids activities and crafts, vendors, farmers markets, food and entertainment including animal demonstrations, magic show, live music, workshops and environmental Exhibits. There was even a Recycled Hat Fashion Show with prizes.

T.E.A.C.H. plans to host again next year in April. Date will be listed on Community Calendar. See http://www.earthangelsky.org/ for further details.

Enjoy this year's photo album at: http://picasaweb.google.com/KarlaSefcak/EarthDayFestival42509?authkey=Gv1sRgCPr8ofixp5LGmgE#

Facebook Group

Growing Garrard County

Growing Garrard County, a Facebook Group started March 2009, dedicated to helping promote Garrard County and highlighting the strengths of our community; sharing positive ideas and feedback, providing information about upcoming events, and supporting people, organizations and projects helping to move Garrard County forward. (This is an open group. Anyone can join and invite others to join.)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Wood Shack

The Wood Shack, The Country Shop "In the Country"

Owner Danna Tuggle welcomes you to The Wood Shack, where you will find beautiful Kentucky crafts, country and primitive furniture, red cedar outdoor furniture, flowers, and decor. Do you have a dream? Are you looking for a special piece of furniture or floral design? The Wood Shack can custom make it for you.

Location: 10357 Lexington Road, Lancaster, KY on Hwy. 27 at Junction 152
Hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone: 859-548-2518
E-Mail: thewoodshack@windstream.net

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Uncle Tom's Cabin restoration discussed on Youtube

Click on following link to watch Youtube discussion of history and restoration of Uncle Tom's Cabin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X-g_9-sHWk

Marker for Kennedy Plantation & legendary cabin of Uncle Tom


Location: Garrard County Kentucky

Uncle Tom's Cabin to be Restored

Logs moved to site



Thursday, April 16th, was an exciting day in Lancaster, KY. The logs to reconstruct Uncle Tom's cabin were delivered to the Gov. William Owsley House. Some of the logs are about 250 years old. It is hoped that this building project will be completed by the end of summer 09. Please visit link that follows to view delivery. Pictures taken in sequence and make an interesting slide show. http://picasaweb.google.com/garysefcak/UncleTomSCabinArrives41609?authkey=Gv1sRgCJbYwoi1-anp9wE

Owsley House on left. Uncle Tom's cabin will be reconstructed between back of Owsley House and building on right.

Address: 656 Stanford Street (Hwy 27 south), Lancaster.

Smith's Restaurant

A favorite place to meet for breakfast and lunch.

Smith's Restuarant is located on The Square, in downtown Lancaster. It's almost impossible to find a place to park in the lot in front of Smith's at breakfast or lunch time but don't let this scare you. You know what they say, pick a place where the locals hang out and you'll find good eat'n. This is certainly true with Smith's. Just park park across the street and walk over. You'll be glad you did.

The menu is posted on the white board above the grill. If you have a questions about the menu, ask the friendly waitresses and they'll be glad to help you.

Regulars visit over a cup of coffee.

Owner John Smith is working the cash register. No receipts here, it's on the honor system. Just let Bill know what you had and he'll ring up your tab.

Location: 55 Public Square, Lancaster, KY
Phone: 859-792-6255

Monday, April 20, 2009

Nina Ridge Country Store

Nina Ridge Country Store, remembering its heritage...

Owners Freda Johnson and her son Steve Moore wave from the front porch of their Nina Ridge Country Store, about nine miles northeast of Lancaster. Visit, and you’ll step back into history as you enjoy its warm country atmosphere and down-home country cooking. First built in 1926, Nina Ridge Country Store celebrates our rich Garrard County heritage.

A potbelly stove greets you as you step inside. Collectibles lining the walls and hanging from the ceiling delight the eye. Cooking aromas tantalize your taste buds and if you weren't ready to eat when you stepped inside the door, you now are...

Regulars Richard, Earl and Jerry meet for lunch. Not only does Nina Ridge Country Store serve great home-cooked food but it's a great place to make new friends. You'll often be greeted with a big smile and the invitation, "Please sit down and join us."

Freda is cook, waitress, dishwasher, and cashier. Each day she decides what her special will be, but there's always is a good hamburger or sandwich to order.
Location: 1497 Nina Ridge Road, Lancaster, KY
Phone: 859-792-3074
Hours: Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Driving directions: From center stop light in Lancaster, take 52 east towards Richmond & Interstate 75. Drive 3.3 miles & turn left on 1295, towards Kirksville. Drive 4.4 miles & turn left on 1131. One-half mile down road sign on left says 1131 . DO NOT turn left. Continue driving straight (there will be post to your right that says Nina Ridge Road). Drive .9 mile & Nina Ridge Country store will be on your left.