In the heart of Kentucky lies Winchester, a small town with a big history nestled between the rolling green Kentucky Bluegrass Region and the rugged Appalachians. Winchester beckons visitors with a rich history highlighted by the annual Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival, historic homes and shops, natural beauty and Southern charm, and easy access to Lexington, the horse capital of the world.

Winchester also offers culinary delights unique to the region, with creations such as the tangy, Ale-8-One ginger soda and spicy beer cheese, honored with a summer festival each year.

Don’t Miss

The Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival. Held Sept. 3-5, this annual event celebrates the region’s roots in the Westward Expansion movement that pushed across the Appalachians, spilling into the Bluegrass Region. The festival, named after the legendary frontiersman, who founded the neighboring town of Boonesborough, draws more than 30,000 people each Labor Day weekend. The three days of festivities include arts and crafts, a street dance, 5K race, country music concerts by artists such as Justin Moore, church services, a youth concert, fireworks and a Labor Day parade. Winchester-Clark County Tourism, 2 South Maple St. 800-298-9105 or 859-744-0556, www.danielboonepioneerfestival.com.

The Bluegrass Heritage Museum. Houses authentic artifacts from the Bluegrass Region’s rich history, with exhibits ranging from Civil War items to agricultural tools from pioneer times. Visitors can explore the new Williams Holloway Room, which delves into the clashing loyalties within a family divided over the Civil War, with son-in-law Col. James Holloway siding with the Union and father-in-law Gen. John Williams joining Confederate forces. The three-floor museum was a hospital from 1927 to 1971, and the museum pays tribute to its roots with an exhibit on the hospital’s history and impact on the people of eastern Kentucky. The museum also honors the region’s strong bluegrass music heritage, with a display dedicated to Homer Ledford, who made 6,014 dulcimers played by many famed bluegrass musicians. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. 217 S. Main St. 859-745-1358, www.bgheritage.com

Ale-8-One Bottling Company. The soft drink was developed locally in the 1920s by G.L. Wainscott, who experimented with ginger-blended recipes inspired by tastes of his travels in Northern Europe. Ale-8-One is sold regionally and many visitors stop by The Company Store to pick up bottles to take home. Ale-8-One offers free tours on Fridays at 10:50 a.m. with advanced reservations. The Company Store also serves up other refreshments and memorabilia and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. 25 Carol Road. 859-744-3484, www.ale8one.com

Civil War Fort at Boonesboro. Visitors can tour this barricade built by African American Union soldiers during the Civil War to fend off the Confederates. In addition to the fort, visitors can hike a tree-lined, one-mile trail offering scenic views of the Kentucky River. Guided tours are available by appointment by calling 800-298-9105. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through September and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through April. 1250 Ford Road (KY 192). 859-744-0556

How to Get There

Winchester, Kentucky is about 375 miles from Atlanta. The 6-hour drive is almost entirely on Interstate 75 North, and exiting onto KY 627-N/Boonesborough Road.

Where to Stay

House on Belmont Bed and Breakfast. Pet and kid friendly lodging in a historic home dating to 1872. Rates $100-$120. 331 Belmont Ave. 859-745-0177, www.houseonbelmont.com

Guerrant Mountain Mission Bed and Breakfast. Stay in a turn-of-the-century historic home on the grounds of the Guerrant Mountain Mission Clinic and Hospital for $125 a night. 21 Valentine Court. 859-745-1284, www.bbonline.com/ky/mountmiss

Where to Eat

The Colonel’s Lady Tea Room and Café. Dine on quiche, scones, sandwiches and desserts served alongside loose leaf tea from Elmwood Inn in Perryville, west of Winchester. Entrees $5-$10. Full tea with soup, salad, dessert and more is $17.95. 624 W. Lexington Ave. 859-355-5068, colonelslady.com

Engine House Deli. Located in a historic firehouse in downtown Winchester, the restaurant serves up River Rat Beer Cheese, a spicy homemade cheese made with beer and a blend of garlic and pepper, as well as deli fare with an old-fashioned flair and housemade desserts. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Prices are moderate, $10 or less per entree. 9 West Lexington Ave. 859-737-0560, www.riverratbeercheese.com

Visitor Info

Winchester-Clark County Tourism. 800-298-9105, 859-744-0556 or www.tourwinchester.com

-- Provided by Demand Studio