As a favorite weekend escape, I revel in exploring small towns in Kentucky. There are so many little gems tucked away on the map, within just a 30 to 60 minute drive.
Inspired by my desire to share the goodness of these small towns with my fellow Kentuckians and visitors as well, I organized my first, of what I hope to be many, Kentucky Blogger Events. In fact, you can follow #kybloggerevent on Instagram to see more photos and experiences from our day in majestic Woodford County. Enjoy the wonderful photos by Muse Marketing & Design. In the last few years, I have noticed a wonderful trend in the revitalization of memorable down towns. Versailles is a fine example. Streets lined with beautiful, historical buildings are being re-inhabited and re-purposed with inviting, new businesses. A delightfully walk-able downtown provides easy access along the Main, Court and Green Streets.
Our mission for the day was to make a B-line for desserts! We first called on Spark Community Café. Executive Directors, Kyle and Tristan gave a stirring recollection of the inspiration behind their restaurant. Their motto is “Dining with Dignity”. This is a café with heart and a goal to serve "food insecure", as well as provide for the entire community. Patrons whose pockets are full can dine and pay it forward. Those with lighter purses contribute what they can. And if money is scarce, guests can exchange volunteer work for their meals. No one is ever turned away.
Kyle and Tristan of Spark Community Cafe share their story of inspiration with us. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
I admire Spark Community Café for their purposeful partnership with local farmers. They gather as much local produce and meat as possible. Once summer is in full swing they expect to support their community growers by using 80% of their produce and meats locally including Rough Draft Farmstead, Fertile Pastures and Farmer Joe's . Oh, and did I mention they care about the environment as well?! They utilize compostable, take-out boxes and soup containers, along with straws and napkins. They also compost all of their food waste. There are so many reasons to support this Kentucky café.
Alex of Lex Food Guide, Reagan of Food is My Thang and Whitney from Fabulous in Fayette enjoy cheesecake.
Delicious cheesecake by Spark Community Café.
Next destination… gelato! Versailles is so lucky to have Spotz as a new resident; a happy, hot-pink, polka dotted shop. It may be impossible to hide your smile while delving into these chilly treats. An adorable feature is their walk-up window and there are multiple flavors from which to choose. In addition to the traditional, Spotz blends inspired ingredients such as peanut butter and banana pudding. A chocolate drizzle over either will make your day! Their tasty, pink waffle cones are baked fresh and they use regional ingredients when available.
Lovely ladies enjoying local gelato at Spotz Gelato. Brandon of For for Thought, Porsche from Porsche Lynette, Jade of Lexington List, Alex from Lex Food Guide and Reagan from Food is My Thang. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Tasting samples to determine the perfect choice.
They serve fresh fruit sorbets as well. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Mrs. Rogers' Popcorn & Sweet Shoppe dwells next door. If you have a sweet tooth, this surely is the place for you! I love that she uses non-GMO, high-quality popcorn and gourmet chocolates. You will immediately taste the difference between the mass-produced cakes and cookies and Mrs. Rogers' enticing delicacies. In the back, she and her helpers are busy hand-dipping bourbon balls, local strawberries, pretzels and creamy, peanut butter balls one by one. Drop in and sample seasonal confections such as tangy, lemon bars in the summer or a wintry, peppermint-dipped Oreo. The love is evident with every heavenly bite. Mrs. Rogers also creates fantastic baskets for any occasion.
Lemon bars are a perfect summertime treat.
Hand dipped coconut macaroons. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Next door to The Sweet Shoppe is Rolling Oven Taproom. We were amused by the theme for the day, “watermelon”. They were offering watermelon salad, watermelon beer and we timed our visit perfectly for the watermelon eating contest. If you’ve never had Rolling Oven’s brick-fired pizza, you're missing the best pie around! Fortunately, they now have three locations: Versailles, Georgetown and Lexington. We ordered our choice of locally brewed beer on tap and relaxed in the open atmosphere.
The open and inviting atmosphere of Rolling Oven. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Caitie of Life with Caitie, Marie of Backroad Bluegrass, Candy of Where I've Been Travel and Reagan with Food is My Thang enjoy local beers. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Three of the bloggers along with other patrons took part in the watermelon eating contest. The event was an absolute hoot and the winner received a $25 gift certificate!
Brandon of For for Thought takes home the gold in the watermelon eating competition. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Whitney with Fabulous in Fayette shows off her mouthwatering Rolling Oven pizza. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
As our last stop, we swung by The Amsden Coffee Club. They serve more than deliciously fragrant coffee and the unique, lavender soda struck my fancy. This pale violet, slightly sweet, iced beverage was delicious and quite refreshing! We took a moment to wander in the Gathered Mercantile which is connected to the coffee club. Here local artists and makers come together to display their gifted works. You can purchase hand-poured candles by Mirabelle Creations, etched glassware by Southern Drawl Creations, Kentucky bourbon barrel lamps with Reclaimed Spirits, equine prints by Kayla Weber, cards and prints by Lex Design Co and much more.
Locally made items at Gathered Merchantile. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Marie of Backroad Bluegrass blog samples the lavender infused iced beverage.
Hand painted signs created by the Junq Drawer. Photo by Muse Marketing & Design.
Casually meander around downtown Versailles and fashion a day to remember. Savor their choice fare. Visit notable shops such as 5 Seasons Gift Gallery and Green Street Gifts & Antiques. You'll discover tranquil yoga studios and a fantastic art gallery with works by Eric Johnson. Consider holding your next special event at The Galerie on Court Street. Close by you'll find All That Is Lovely, which offers top-notch hair and makeup services. If you would like to stay in Woodford County, try the cozy Woodford Inn.
Downtown Versailles Kentucky isn't far from many Kentucky towns. Georgetown- 25 minutes, Louisville- 60 minutes, Lexington- 30 minutes, Richmond- 35 minutes, Covington- 95 minutes.
As always, I welcome your comments below. And should you visit any of these businesses after reading one of my blogs, please let them know you heard about it here!