WOODFORD COUNTY
County Offices
103 S Main Street
Versailles 859-873-3421
https://woodfordcounty.ky.gov
Chamber of Commerce
141 N Main Street
Versailles 859-873-5122
https://www.woodfordcountyinfo.com/
Encompassing more than 123,000 acres of picturesque countryside dotted by rock-lined fences and the finest of agricultural land, Woodford County boasts the largest total farm income in Kentucky. The longstanding equine industry still claims the largest percentage of economic activity, although this area is also widely known for its premier bourbon and wine experiences. The crown jewel of local wineries and distilleries is Woodford Reserve, the Kentucky bourbon manufactured at Labrot & Graham Distillery, an operation that dates back to 1812. Several signature distilleries are nestled within 20 miles of the county’s two incorporated cities, Midway and Versailles. A number of other businesses are finding a convenient and accessible home in Woodford County, including Lakeshore® Learning Materials with a large distribution center in the city of Midway.
Woodford County’s strategic location provides residents and businesses with a world of key advantages that include market access, transportation, education, healthcare, and quality of life. Ensuring efficient transportation to all points east-west and north-south, Interstates 64 and 75 are just minutes away and commercial airline service is available close to home at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. Those who desire to pursue a higher education or career training can access more than 50 institutions within a 60-mile radius. The University of Kentucky and some of the finest healthcare resources in the state are available in nearby Lexington, along with arts, culture, shopping, and entertainment experiences. Reflecting the rural nature of the county, many of the area’s homes are set on generous lots for an open, country feeling.
Services
First-rate healthcare services and resources begin close to home at Bluegrass Community Hospital (BGCH) in Versailles. Proudly serving Woodford and Anderson counties in Central Kentucky, BGCH is licensed as a critical access hospital and offers a wide range of inpatient, surgical, emergency, and diagnostic services. Both hospital and staff physicians are dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care in every specialty. If the need for more advanced care arises, nearby Lexington is a hub of nationally recognized health systems including UK HealthCare, CHI Saint Joseph Health, and Baptist Health Lexington. UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital was recently ranked No. 1 in Kentucky for Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Along with Kentucky Children’s Hospital and UK Good Samaritan Hospital, UK Chandler Hospital provides Kentucky’s most advanced subspeciality care and the only Level I Trauma Center for both adult and pediatric patients in Central and Eastern Kentucky. CHI Saint Joseph Health offers the 433-bed Saint Joseph Hospital, recognized for its pioneering work in cardiology, orthopedics, and stroke. Baptist Health Lexington operates an award-winning medical, research, and education center in addition to a 434-bed tertiary care hospital. Lexington VA Health Care System, a Shriners Hospitals for Children Medical Center, and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital are also available in Lexington.
Educational opportunities close to home in Woodford County are no less impressive. In addition to highly rated local schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, parents will find a number of alternative educational environments in private and parochial schools in nearby Lexington. The metropolitan Lexington area is also home to three campuses for Bluegrass Community & Technical College including the exclusive North American Racing Academy at the Thoroughbred Training Center. Those looking for a premier state-supported institution will appreciate an easy commute to the University of Kentucky. Supporting more than 200 academic programs across 16 degree-granting colleges, UK boasts 100 rankings for excellence in academics, research, healthcare, and economic development. Lexington is also home to the private colleges of American National University and Transylvania University. Applying high-level information, solutions, and education to local challenges, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension is part of the off-campus network for the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University. Local services include agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community and economic development.
Lifestyle
Throughout Woodford County, legendary horse farms, historic distilleries, wineries, artisan treasures, and genuine Southern hospitality are set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty and bluegrass landscapes. The proud home of Triple Crown winners Justify and American Pharoah, Woodford County offers glimpses of some of the world’s most successful Thoroughbred breeding farms. Dedicated to preserving the area’s colorful legacy, Woodford County Historical Society houses its genealogy library and museum in the 1819 Big Spring Church in the city of Versailles. While architectural treasures abound, construction on a regional crown jewel began in 1969. The Kentucky Castle, named by Architecture Digest as “The Most Beautiful Hotel in Kentucky” and “Most Romantic Restaurant in Kentucky” by Reader’s Digest, is dedicated to operating the world’s finest farm-to-table restaurant, boutique hotel, spa, and event space. Woodford County Farmers Market is another popular destination with fruits and vegetables, eggs, plants and flowers, locally produced meat, and local wines.
Opportunities for outdoor adventure include Camp on the Kentucky, a quaint 20-acre resort set on the palisades of the Kentucky River with 18 RV hook-ups and 15 sites for primitive camping—each site with its own fire pit and picnic table. Other amenities include free wireless internet, free boat launch and parking, concierge service and a general store. Attractions in the city of Versailles include the regionally acclaimed Woodford Community Theater and the Life Adventure Center with miles of bike trails, zip line, horse and hiking trails, and family team-building activities. Offering a number of special events and an interactive Kentucky railroading experience, the Bluegrass Railroad Museum oversees a collection of artifacts and operates antique train tours. Scenic rides offer views of agricultural countryside and horse farms then descend through limestone cuts to the palisades of the Kentucky River to photograph the 1889 Young’s High Bridge and see the Wild Turkey Distillery. Just minutes from home, Lexington expands the opportunities for recreation, entertainment and cultural enrichment at venues like the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland horseracing track, Rupp Arena, and Lexington Opera House. With its selection of beautiful country homes, close-knit community spirit, vibrant urban centers and close proximity to premier metropolitan amenities, Woodford County is a wonderful place to call home.
COMMUNITY PROFILES
Midway
Municipal Offices
859-846-4413
https://www.meetmeinmidway.com/
Chamber of Commerce
859-873-5122
https://www.woodfordcountyinfo.com/
Located “midway” between the cities of Frankfort and Lexington along the Lexington and Ohio Railroad, Midway blends some of Kentucky’s finest horse farms with residential development. The nationally known Airdrie Stud, Three Chimneys, and Lane’s End farms call Midway their home. In addition to its fame as the epicenter of the Thoroughbred breeding industry, the city is known for some of the finest restaurants in Central Kentucky. With many of its homes and commercial buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Midway excels in charm and personality. Whiskey lovers and history buffs will appreciate the 1927 Midway Café, a 90-year-old bar and restaurant in Fort Thomas that hosts pub crawls and serves amazing American fare. Midway Historic Museum is another popular destination with quality gifts and books, Kentucky crafts, music, historic toys, railroad items, and the Silver Seasons jewelry collection designed by Michael Michaud. Residents enjoy peaceful walks through Walter Bradley Park, the Midway-Versailles 28-mile bicycle loop, and a full calendar of annual holiday events and festivals.
Versailles
Municipal Offices
859-873-5436
https://versailles.ky.gov
Chamber of Commerce
859-873-5122
https://www.woodfordcountyinfo.com/
With an ideal location just seven miles from metropolitan Lexington, the city of Versailles serves as the county’s hub of government, healthcare, and commerce. This quaint community is well-known for its small-town ambiance, the historic charm of downtown and residential districts, beautiful horse farms, and some of Kentucky’s most prized distilleries. Giving Woodford County a reason to adopt the slogan “Bourbon, Wines, and Bloodlines,” Versailles is home to historic Labrot and Graham Distillery—now the home of Woodford Reserve bourbon—as well as popular wineries and the farms that produced the 2001 and 2002 Kentucky Derby Winners. The city is home to several destination attractions, including the nationally recognized boutique hotel, the Kentucky Castle, with its celebrated farm-to-table restaurant. The Versailles Brewing Company draws visitors to an extensive selection of craft and imported beers and Kentucky home-grown produce and meats. Promoting conservation education and awareness, the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary features native flora and fauna on 374 acres along the Kentucky River. With its unique mix of architectural charm, quality services, farmers market, unique amenities and close proximity to all that metropolitan Lexington has to offer, Versailles is one of the jewels within the beautiful Bluegrass region.
