Overview
Nicholasville is a city of 31,000 (2019) in Jessamine County in the Bluegrass Region. The city serves as both a residential area for Lexington-area commuters and as an employment and shopping center for central Kentucky.
3 sights · 6 things to do · 7 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Nicholasville
Camp Nelson National Monument
Camp Nelson was one of the largest recruitment and training centers for African-American soldiers during the Civil War, and served as a refugee camp for their wives and children.
Taylor Made Horse Farm
Horse farm. Tours available include California Chrome Experience, Twilight stroll, general tours, and special events during Keeneland Horse Sales.
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
Kentucky's only all-breed equine rescue center is located on 72 acres of rolling hills. Tours of the barn and horses available with an opportunity to make healthy horse treats and feed them to rescue horses. Schedule tou…
Wingswept Farm
A 95-acre horse farm. American Saddlebred stable. Horse back riding lessons. Summer day camps. Show Hall.
First Vineyard
The First Vineyard is on land surveyed by Daniel Boone where Kentucky Vineyard Society started the first commercial winery in the United States 1799. Wine tasting.
Jessamine Creek Gorge Preserve
A 155-acre nature preserve in the palisades region of the Kentucky River.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Wettest: May and Jul. (climate data from nearby Natural Bridge State Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LEX Blue Grass Airport, Lexington — 11 mi away. Directions
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 66 mi away (major hub). Directions
Visitors can fly into the Blue Grass Airport (LEX), in Lexington.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $60–$60 a night (typical $80), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$230.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Camp Nelson National Monument, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, First Vineyard
- Lunch Joy Food
- Afternoon Jim Beam Nature Preserve, Kentucky Wine and Vine Fest
- Dinner Gumbo Yaya
- Evening Jake's Cigar Bar & Lounge
Day 2
- Morning Taylor Made Horse Farm, Wingswept Farm
- Lunch Drake's
- Afternoon Jessamine Creek Gorge Preserve, Connemara Golf Course
- Dinner Mi Pequena Hacienda
- Evening Tap House Bar and Lounge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Nicholasville has undergone rapid growth and is now the tenth largest city in Kentucky.
Climate
Nicholasville has hot and humid summers, cool winters, and occasional mild periods, especially in autumn. The city and the surrounding Bluegrass region have four distinct seasons that include cool plateau breezes, moderate nights in the summer, and no prolonged periods of rain, snow, or other severe weather.
Get in
By plane
Visitors can fly into the Blue Grass Airport (LEX), in Lexington.
By car
Visitors can access Nicholasville by automobile. U.S. Route 27 is a major north-south artery.
By ferry
Get around
A car is necessary for travel into and around Nicholasville.
See
See Taylor Made Horse Farm (Taylor Made Sales)
Horse farm. Tours available include California Chrome Experience, Twilight stroll, general tours, and special events during Keeneland Horse Sales.
See Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
Kentucky's only all-breed equine rescue center is located on 72 acres of rolling hills. Tours of the barn and horses available with an opportunity to make healthy horse treats and feed them to rescue horses. Schedule tours through Horse Country Tours.
Do
Vineyards and wineries
Hiking and scenic views
Golf course and driving range
Events
Learn
Lockmasters Security Institute is security training facility offering hands-on courses. Lock, Safe, Vault and Security Training. 2101 John C. Watts Drive. Office open from 8AM till 5PM. Toll free +1-866-574-8724. Courses range from 2 – 10 days.
Buy
Eat
Budget
Eat Joy Food
Chinese restaurant. Small seating area. Popular for take out.
Eat Gumbo Yaya
Fast casual Cajun Creole.
Mid-range
Eat Drake's
A premium casual dining restaurant that has over 20 craft beers on tap, a full menu that features regular burger and sushi specials, and a build-your-own bloody mary bar every Saturday and Sunday. Late night dining available.
Eat Mi Pequena Hacienda
A casual neighborhood Mexican restaurant that is part of a small Lexington based chain. Large patio seating area. Lunch specials. Locally known for their seafood dishes.
Eat Copper River Grill
A casual dining restaurant serving classic American food.
Eat Euro Wine and Tapas Bar
A small locally owned restaurant and bar in downtown Nicholasville. Serves small plates that change monthly with some regular favorites that include Mini Hot Browns and Pan Fried Ravioli. A full bar with classic and artisan cocktails, a wide selection of wines.
Splurge
Eat Asuka Japanese Steak House & Sushi
Japanese restaurant. Small Lexington based chain with one of the largest sushi menus in central Kentucky. Known for Japanese Teppanyaki grill entrees.
Drink
Drink Jake's Cigar Bar & Lounge
A cigar bar. Known for large selection of bourbons and a well stocked humidor.
Drink Tap House Bar and Lounge
24 craft beers on tap, a full bar.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Holiday Inn Express Lexington-Southwest (Nicholasville)
A microwave and mini refrigerator are provided. Heated, indoor pool and a Fitness Center. A complimentary, hot breakfast. Free wired and Wi-Fi access. For the business traveler there is a 24-hour Business Center with fax and copy services. Meeting rooms for group events.
Nearby
Lexington
City / town · 102 listings · 11 mi away
Versailles
City / town · 7 listings · 15 mi away
Harrodsburg
City / town · 18 listings · 17 mi away
Richmond
City / town · 16 listings · 18 mi away
Midway
City / town · 9 listings · 20 mi away
Danville
City / town · 29 listings · 20 mi away
Lawrenceburg
City / town · 4 listings · 20 mi away
Berea
City / town · 31 listings · 26 mi away
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