Honestly, if you ask yourself why I'm talking about Ghent plaudere at all, this is because of his story: founded in 1794, the town has survived more border disputes than an average politician has his election promises. Nestled in the quiet Carroll Township, County Kentucky, it is located between endless corn fields and the occasional tractor that makes more noise than the downtown of New York. I took Highway 81 for the first time because I thought a bit of country feeling would be the right thing – and behold, the country roads lead you right into the heart of this sleepy place without having to torment you through crowded tourist crowds.
I don't understand the hype about the old wooden houses, but the small café on Main Street, which has existed since 1912, is really great – an espresso there tastes almost like a little triumph over time. And if you ask yourself how to move away: a bike is almost obligatory here, because the roads are so narrow that a bus looks more like an elephant in the porcelain shop. One more word to the Ghent sights: The historical church at the end of Main Street is not only a photo motif, but also a silent witness of the hard work of the first settlers. So, grab your suitcases, leave the phone at home and experience the real kentucky that doesn't stand in any guide.
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The first stop I never miss is that Audubon Center at Mill Grove – an old estate that today serves as a bird paradise and nature reserve. I came there on a lukewarm spring day when the redfish still shy between the cherry trees, and had to admit that the many hiking trails here are actually a bit too well maintained to not smile a bit. Parking is almost always a Klack at the main entrance, as long as you do not meet the families from the neighbouring Kentucky River Museum on Saturday night.
A short trip to Carrollton leads to Kentucky River, located in a converted warehouse on the river. I've learned more about the old steamboat ride than I've ever thought necessary – and that's not too exaggerated, because the exhibition about the "Riverboats of the 1800s" is a bit cheesy, but damned good. The museum has a small parking lot behind the building; on weekends, however, it can be narrow because the school classes still prefer the “History to touch”.
Right next to the river, a few steps further, this extends Carroll County Historical Museum. For the first time, I saw an old tractor that is still kept by a rusty horse harness – a real eye-catcher if you are interested in the rural past. The museum is small, but the curiosities that are exhibited there are a real treasure for anyone who likes to dive into the forgotten corners of the region. The entrance is free, and parking is practically right in front of the door, which I particularly appreciate if I want to get a coffee after a long day in the car.
A walk along the river Carrollton Riverfront Parks offers a look at the Ohio River, which looks wider here than it actually is – a bit of deception maneuver of nature, I would say. I have often thrown out my fishing there, although I have to admit that I spend more time watching the passing boats than actually catching fish. The park has several free parking spaces, but if the weather is good, the places will be filled quickly because the locals are holding their weekly picnic.
A little further the story flows into Old Carrollton Bridge, the old railway bridge structure, which today serves as a pedestrian and cycling path. I once met a local photographer who told me that under the bridge the barley was supposed to come from a stranded canoe – a rumor that I could never completely check, but that makes the atmosphere here a bit more mystical. Parking is usually easy at the foot of the bridge as long as you don't get to the main traffic time.
Just a stone's throw away Mouth of the Kentucky River State Park, a small but fine place where the Kentucky River opens into the Ohio. I made a picnic with a friend there while we tried to find the best photospots – the light in the late afternoon is really a gift here. The park has a simple parking space, but it is quickly full on sunny weekends, because the families here organize their barbecue facilities.
Lastly, the annual spectacle in Carroll County Fairgrounds do not forget that it takes place in August. I once saw a oxen that had more drama than any reality show, and the local cuisine – especially roasted pork – is a real pale man's mouse. The area offers enough parking, but you should come early, otherwise you have to go to the surrounding streets.
So, if you're close to Ghent, Carroll, Kentucky, don't forget that the environment has more to offer than just the small town itself – from bird paradises to river museums to historical bridges and lively festivals. These Ghent Attractions show that the surrounding area is a mix of history, nature and a bit of local peculiarity that will make every traveler sneak and amaze.
I have to admit that my favorite place in Ghent, Kentucky is not some hip café, but the old town hall at the main square – a bright red brick building that looks like it stolen from a set of movies in the 1920s. I drank my coffee there for the first time, while an older gentleman swung loudly over the “good old time” in the suit; that was kind of charming, but also a bit embarrassing, because I wondered if I shouldn't have been sitting in the pub around the corner. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the weekly flea market dessaster takes place in the square.
Directly next to the town hall, the Old Ghent School – a former school building that now serves as a small museum for local history. I saw an exhibition on the railroad that impressed me more than any high-tech attraction in New York. The old classrooms are still equipped with tables, and I almost felt that the ghosts of the former students still do their homework. If you happen to have an umbrella, this is a good place to hide, because the roof is unfortunately not quite dense – a small but real charm point.
A short walk leads you to Kentucky Waterfrontwhere you have the opportunity to catch a little fresh air while watching the river, as it walks past the old mills. I once rented a small rowing boat there – no joke, the thing was so shaky that I almost thought I had landed in an amusement park. Nevertheless, the panorama is really great, especially when the sun goes down and the water dips into an orange-red light. There's a small slip for laying boats, but it's usually full, so it's better to come early.
If you are interested in industrial history, you may Ghent Mill do not miss. The old grain mill is today a venue for concerts and local markets. I was there at a folk festival, and the acoustics in the brick building was so good that I almost thought I had landed in a concert hall until I realized that the toilets were still from the 1950s. The entrance is free, but you should secure a place on the edge, because people here like to spread their blankets and the whole becomes a bit too cozy.
Another highlight I always mention is the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The Gothic architecture is impressive, and the organ play on Sunday morning sounds like someone lured an angel into the cellar. I took part in a wedding there once – no joke, I was the witness for a friend who came from New York. The church is small, but the community is warm and you always get a piece of cake when you stay after the fair.
For those who want a little alcohol in the blood, there are Old Taylor Distillery on the edge of the city. I took a lead there, where I learned more about the art of Bourbon burning than I would have ever thought possible. The owner is a real character that explains why his whiskey is “not too sweet but not too dry” – a set that I still don’t fully understand, but he has tasted a good sip. The tasting is free as long as you don't get too loud, otherwise you throw yourself into the hallway quickly because the staff don't like to discuss the volume.
And yes, if you googlest to “Ghent Sights” you will quickly realize that the city is not just a magnet for tourists – and that’s also good. Most visitors overlook the small things like the old railway bridge tunnel, in which I once discovered a graffiti, the “Keep it real” said, and that was somehow suitable for a place that is so authentic. I suggest you leave your phone at home, take a bike and just drive away; you will discover more than you would find in every guide.
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