When I travel, one of my goals is to try to find a town’s unique facets, beauty, and interesting facts wherever I may go. By doing this I end up leaving with a new favorite location just about every time. But in Augusta, Kentucky, this fact-finding journey along the banks of the Ohio River made this trip truly one of the most memorable yet, and it’s now become a place that I can simply state, “You need to visit the small town of Augusta, Kentucky, period.”
My Town’s journey to Small Town Augusta started off with a friendly conversation that went like this: “Have you heard of Junkfest? It’s in a small town called Augusta, Kentucky.” I thought something called Junkfest was a road trip worth looking into. So, we did. The following is what My Town & fellow travel writer Tania Meek found on this amazing trip to what will be your new favorite River Town.
Where To Start Exploring in Augusta
First stop- The Augusta Distillery.
We arrived at The Augusta Distillery and started with the history of bourbon-making in Kentucky. This “hands-on barrel experience” was led by the Distillery’s finest. You taste a variety of bourbons straight from the barrel, and you get to pop the barrel!
Once you are finished tasting their award-winning bourbon (Make sure to check out Buckner’s Single Barrel, which just won Best Craft Bourbon in The Country!), you must go on the “Pardon Our Dust” Tour. This tour will show the current vision underway for The Augusta Distillery. A bold and unique way to experience the location, just like their bourbons. You don’t want to miss seeing this historic location currently being renovated to make a big impact in small town Augusta.
Why Start Your Augusta Experience At The Distillery?
Stopping in at The Augusta Distillery is a logical first stop in Augusta. Why? Well, to understand the culture in Augusta, I think you need to understand what The Augusta Distillery proudly states: “WE ARE BOURBON CENTRIC.” “When you live in the one small corner of the world God graciously anointed to be bourbon country, life revolves around it. People prioritize socializing and schedule events around their next sip. It is what we call being “bourbon-centric.”(augustakydistillery.com/pages/bourbon-centric)
(Click Here for experience write up)
Next, Great Food On The River
Welcome to the Beehive Augusta Tavern
The Beehive is THE SPOT to eat, socialize, grab a drink, and just relax in Augusta. The beautifully renovated historic building has been on the banks of the Ohio River for over 200 years (truly fascinating history- click here to read more). It’s also on the corner of Main Street and Riverside Drive, right in the heart of downtown & sits in front of the “Ole Augusta Ferry.”
The Beehive is a beloved location of the town, not just because of the great food & location but because of the uniqueness of its design. You will see that every glass, light fixture, and even menu item has a touch of the “Beehive Brand.” I’m told Owner Lalani Bates puts special time and attention into the special touches. They even have a salad that includes bee pollen! This adds greatly to your memory of this dining experience.
Personally, I believe the best places to eat when traveling can deliver four main points:
- Great Location/Ambiance
- Locally Sourced Food
- Local Menu Choices (something unique to the area)
- Casual Atmosphere While Still Offering Upscale Dining
The Beehive delivers all this and more!
(See Full Write UP Here).
Where To Stay In Augusta
The Riverhouse
During our stay My Town had the absolute privilege of staying in The Riverhouse. This beautifully preserved River Home has been a part of Augusta for over 200 years and was built in the perfect location. The house was bought by John Boude, who also started Augusta’s first ferry service in 1798. This Ferry Service, still in operation today, is within steps of The Riverhouse.
When you stay at The Riverhouse, you experience a piece of Augusta’s rich history. This is something that is easily learned as Augusta’s abundant preservation efforts are all over the walkable town. Click Here For History. Additionally, staying in a home located on Riverside Drive made each morning and evening a little more special and memorable. There is nothing like waking up, grabbing a cup of coffee, and stepping right outside your door to view the Ohio River.
Riverhouse Amenities
The Riverhouse (Book Here) is furnished with period antiques to add charm, preservation, and experience for its guests. You will feel like time has slowed down when you stay here.
Another plus of this getaway is that it’s a historic home, yet it has also been thoughtfully furnished to accommodate comfort. You have oversized, comfy furniture in the living room and outdoor porch, comfortable beds, TVs, and Wifi. Plus, this location has two completely renovated bathrooms (truly beautifully done), four bedrooms (two with multiple beds), and a fully stocked kitchen with a washer and dryer. This house is perfect for families!
I could go on and on about the beauty, charm, comfort, and history of The Riverhouse. But, what My Town loved most was the ease felt because of its location. It’s literally steps from its riverside landing to watch a sunset, walk down Riverside Drive for dinner, or explore Augusta’s boutique shops. In addition, The owners of The Riverhouse (Mike & Ginni) also own the local favorite “General Store,” where you can walk to get the best breakfast in town!
The Riverhouse truly is a special place in Augusta. The special feeling you will get from your experience here will stay with you, just like bittersweet memories of days gone by. (Click Here to see Facebook Gallery)
Uniquely Augusta, Kentucky
Baker-Bird Winery
One of the amazing facts found in Augusta Kentucky’s history is The Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery. This beautiful Civil War Era (Yes, you read that right) Winery was almost lost to the area until an amazing woman (Dinah Bird) stepped in to stop this historic place from being lost from history. Since then, she has made its legacy her passion.
Now, ten years later- The Historic Baker-Bird Winery & Distillery offers international award-winning wine, is on the National Registry for Historic Places for being the oldest wine cellar in America, and has a separate registry for the Vineyard. It is the only winery to have survived a Civil War Battle and is the oldest commercial winery in the country. Wow!
Today, the Baker-Bird Winery is winning awards all over the world, garnering over 150 medals. Their distinction is authentically Kentucky, they are the “Home of Bourbon Barrel aged wines.”
In addition, The Baker- Bird Winery and Distillery also has a long history of Distilling on the historic property. Their latest venture is Distilling Bourbon on-site through Becker & Bird Bourbon to honor this.
Rosemary Clooney House
It was fascinating to learn the depth of interesting facts in the small town of Augusta, Kentucky. One is that it was home to the late singer & actress Rosemary Clooney and the current home of Nick & Nina Clooney (Nick & Nina are George Clooney’s parents, and Rosemary was his aunt). George’s father, Nick, is also a well-known journalist, television anchor, and television host. His mother, Nina, is a local business owner right in the heart of downtown Augusta. All this to say… This is a beloved family in Augusta, and you must see the Rosemary Clooney House when visiting.
The museum (home) itself is inside Rosemary’s actual home on the Ohio River. It showcases many of her original costumes, memorabilia, and home furnishings. Her bedroom, which you can view, is just as she left it. George Clooney also contributes items to the museum, lending on rotation costumes and signed memorabilia. The docents will also tell you endearing stories about his love for his aunt.
The museum is run by another local celebrity: Heather French Henry. She is a former Miss America (2000), a fashion designer, and the wife of the former Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky.
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While all the memorabilia is interesting and fun and may even spark your own memories, what is truly unique is that it’s Rosemary’s home. Augusta may promote the museum, but they do so in honor of their friend, not for fanfare. That’s what I loved most about it. We ran into several individuals who knew, loved, and miss “Rosie,” which makes it a special place to visit.
The Augusta Ferry
The “Ole Augusta Ferry” has taken passengers across the Ohio River for over 200 years. Starting from a hand-propelled system, you drive your vehicle onto the Jenny Ann today and enjoy the ride across! The Ferry takes passengers back and forth from Augusta and Boude’s landing, located one mile west of Higginsport, Ohio. It is a way of life in Augusta for its residents and visitors. It’s something uniquely Augusta you don’t want to miss experiencing this ride.
A Great Small Town To Visit
These are just a few of the amazing experiences My Town Travels & Tania Meek had in the Small Town of Augusta, Kentucky. This wonderful small town has many other great places to stay, eat, shop, and experience. Check Them Out Here.
To say this town was right up My Town’s alley is an understatement. This River Town has already become a favorite. What My Town Loved Most is the dedication of the small businesses and organizations to the town, as well as its growth and promotion. They are all in this together for preservation, promotion, and growth. This small town is on the rise, and you don’t want to miss experiencing it.
My Town can’t wait to see what big things happen in this small town as a result of their passionate efforts.
Fun Times To Visit In Augusta
Junkest – Art in The Garden – Rosemary Clooney Parade – American Countess Steamboat- and During Derby Days! (Click Here For Event Calendar)
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