Richmond, Kentucky, may take its name from the capital of Virginia, but this small city in the Bluegrass region has its own unique place in American history. Founded in 1798, Richmond is steeped in history, from pioneering settlers to the Civil War and beyond. With such a rich past and a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene, Richmond has long been a popular destination for visitors. At the heart of the city lies Eastern Kentucky University, established in 1906. There are also two state parks nearby - Fort Boonesborough State Park and Natural Bridge State Park - that offer plenty of outdoor activities.
In the same place where Daniel Boone and his group crossed the Kentucky River about 250 years ago, there is a replica of the settlement they founded. To make things even more realistic, you'll find reenactors who demonstrate everyday 18th century crafts and skills. White Hall is another must-see destination in Richmond. Here you'll meet several generations of the Clay family, including the daughters of Cassius Clay, who were active suffragists in the early 20th century.
With numerous interpretive signs along 2.5 miles of trails, it's easy to get an idea of the terrain and understand the course of the battle that took place on this very spot more than 160 years ago. At the heart of Battlefield Park is the Pleasant View house from 1824, which served as a hospital after the battle. For more information on the Battle of Richmond, head to this museum and visitor center, located in the historic Rogers House from 1811. Among the many other exhibits are period costumes and furniture, a preserved surgeon's kit, correspondence, flags, personal items of Union General Mahlon Manson (1820-189) and a series of objects recovered from the battlefield, such as horseshoes, cannonballs, musket balls, and a large number of pre-battle arrowheads. Interwoven with downtown Richmond is the lush main campus of EKU, which is located in the former headquarters of Central University (founded in 187). The Colonial Renaissance-style Keen Johnson building), with its beautiful pediment and dome. This was a 1939 WPA project, and a statue of Daniel Boone stands out on the front.
For years, people have rubbed their left foot for luck, as you'll see when you get closer. Later we'll talk about the fantastic EKU Arts Center, but another public attraction is the Hummel Planetarium, opened in 1988 and which usually welcomes visitors to its theater to watch pre-recorded shows followed by a fascinating Star Talk presentation. Richmond's most important park is located on the west coast of a 75-acre fishing lake on the eastern outskirts of the city. On the coast there is a large sports complex, as well as a 1.5-mile walking path, a new and exciting Universal Park, a dog park and three shelters that can be reserved. Two of those slides start 40 feet above of the park. The play pool is accompanied by an eight-lane training pool and a diving area. The vines are planted on 500 bucolic acres, and when you come to visit them, you can hike a 3.5-mile trail as part of the experience.
Just off I-75 north of Richmond there's an equestrian facility on 100 picturesque acres. Among the amenities at Deer Run Stables are two outdoor horseback riding tracks and a 12,000-square-foot indoor track. The star attraction is the 18-hole miniature course in front of the lake, with nine holes that can be accessed according to ADA standards. The field has complicated elevation changes and lots of water sources to put even experienced putters to test. In addition, Adventure Falls has eight batting cages with state-of-the-art Iron Mike hands.
You can rent helmets and bats when buying chips (one is good for 20 launches).If you don't mind taking a trip out there's an excellent farmers' market in Lowe's parking lot at 814 Eastern Bypass. Right off I-75 in western Richmond there is also a large outdoor mall with plenty of big stores and chain restaurants. If you're inspired by local architecture be sure to visit Richmond Visitor Center for a map of more than 70 historic residences churches and civic buildings on walking tour downtown Richmond homes. The second major battle of Civil War fought in Kentucky was Battle Richmond which took place August 1862 Last but not least Eastern Kentucky University campus blends with downtown Richmond houses best performing arts center region great musical artists comedians Don't overlook this Kentucky city though as Richmond offers perfect slice Bluegrass pie.
