Day Tripping: Augusta, Kentucky

By Mary Casey-Sturk, Indian Hill Editor

Steeped in history with lots of places to explore, Augusta, Kentucky is a charming Ohio River town and a short drive (about an hour) from Cincinnati. Getting there can be fun too, the Augusta Ferry has been in operation since 1798 when it shuttled passengers between Ohio and Kentucky. Today, you can drive your car onto the Jenny Ann and enjoy the Ohio River scenery as you cross into Augusta from Boudes Landing (one mile west of Higginsport). 

Augusta’s official city website is rich with information about the history of the city and here are some facts from this source. When planning your visit, whether you are a history buff or not, visiting this site, or stopping in at the Visitor’s Center (housed in a red caboose), will help you learn more about Augusta’s heritage and places to visit today.

History Along the River:

After the Revolutionary War, Captain Philip Buckner was awarded a land grant by the State of Virginia as a reward for his service. After making his first visit to the area in 1781, Buckner returned fifteen years later with 40 other families to settle in the town he called Augusta (named, it is believed, in honor of his home in Augusta County, Virginia).  On October 7, 1797, the Kentucky Legislature issued the town its charter. 

Augusta served as the seat of government in Bracken County until 1839 when it was permanently relocated to Brooksville. The first court session was held in a log house built in 1803 and still stands today at the corner of Parkview and Third Streets. Across the street is the historic 1811 Jail, which is believed to be Kentucky’s oldest jail remaining on its original foundation. Visitors may tour the 1811 jail by contacting the Tourism Office.

The first school in Augusta was founded in 1795 and later, Augusta College became the center of the anti-slavery movement in Kentucky. Two Underground Railroad safehouses remain (Payne House and White Hall). The Battle of Augusta (September 27, 1862) saw residents stand up to Confederate forces leading Colonel Basil Duke to reconsider his plans to move further north.

Of course, these earlier residents were not the first ones who called this land home, research has confirmed that Augusta was, in fact, built on an ancient Indian burial mound. State archeologists estimate there may be as many as 10,000 Indian remains still buried here.

Today’s Visitors Can Enjoy:

A visit to Augusta today allows you the opportunity to explore history, or just walk around the lovely streets and admire the stately homes, relax on a bench while watching boats heading down the Ohio River, visit the Augusta Distillery and enjoy a tour and sip some Bourbon, or pop into a shop or two. Antiques, movie memorabilia, clothes, flowers and more await.

The Augusta Art Guild offers the opportunity to view their latest exhibition-works are for sale and there are a variety of talented artists in the Guild, afterward, cross the street and indulge in an ice cream cone from Carota’s Pizzeria Back Door Ice Cream, dine there or at another of several locally operated eateries. If you wish to stay overnight, inns, private rentals and camping are all nearby.

Living Magazines reached out to Augusta’s Tourism Director, Janet Hunt, who shared that Augusta is a popular place to visit. During event season, “easily 20,000 visit”, adding, “most of our events are held on Riverside Drive which is along the Ohio River banks, the view is what vendors and visitors enjoy” Continuing, “Most of our events have been going happening for years for example: Art in the Garden, Regatta Days, Rotary Heritage Days, which makes memories for most families that no longer live here but come back for a weekend visit.  Our Hospitality always brings people back when events are happening.”

IHL: What should a first-time visitor not miss? “The Rosemary Clooney Museum, Old 1811 Jail, Augusta Distillery, and the Baker-Bird Winery. Riverboat Treasures and Small Town Gift Shop” Adding, “Augusta has 6 restaurants and 6 churches on 4^th Street.” says Hunt.

IHL: Why come to Augusta? Hunt shares, “Augusta is known for ‘Come for the Sunrise & Stay for the Sunset, Where Hospitality Comes from the Heart’ and of course the Clooney Families: Rosemary, Nick & George Clooney.”

 “Augusta holds a lot of history from Slavery, Underground Railroad to the Battle of Augusta Civil War, which we have the Augusta Civil War Days the last weekend of September.”

Unique Destinations:

The Rosemary Clooney House was home to the singer/actress in her beloved Augusta. Tours are available and her story is fascinating. Costumes from her films worn by her and others, including Bing Crosby, are on display and some were designed by renowned costume designer Edith Head.  Memorabilia from Clooney’s time in Hollywood, costumes worn by her nephew George Clooney, and her bedroom as she left it are highlights. 

Clooney grew up in nearby Maysville, Kentucky before she hit it big, first singing with her sister in Cincinnati, and later in Hollywood. Through marriages, children, fame, and sometimes misfortune, Kentucky was her home. She never forgot where she came from and often returned to see family and bought this home in 1980. She died in 2002 and is buried in Maysville.

The House is a non-profit, headed by Dr. Steve Henry and Heather French Henry (Augusta native and former Miss America), who purchased the home, preserved it, and collected artifacts.  This is often a “must-see” for many who visit Augusta. Check in advance regarding operating hours.

The Baker-Bird Winery and B. Bird Distillery are located on the edge of town (parking available), this site dates to 1797 when John Baker, who fought in the Revolutionary War, came here to distill. His grandson, Abraham Baker, Jr. built a huge wine cellar here in the 1850s, and it remains the largest, oldest wine cellar in the United States and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. 

Its scenic location offers spots to relax and a large tasting room. This is the only known winery to have survived a Civil War battle! It’s much calmer these days and you can enjoy a tour and learn about their history and wines. Their bourbon barrel-aged wines are popular, and you can taste these and other award-winning varieties including Thunderbolt (a smooth, complex red) and Lighting Strikes (a smooth white). The distillery features a Kentucky Statehood Bourbon and American Revolution. Suitable names for this historic spot.

While you have bourbon on your mind, visit the Augusta Distillery (book a tour in advance), in 2023, it won four medals in the bourbon category from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including the highest-ranking double gold medal for its Buckner’s Limited edition 13-year Single Barrel bourbon.

Beehive Augusta Tavern was remodeled and reopened in recent years and features many options (including vegetarian) and utilizes locally sourced ingredients. The earlier Beehive was a favorite of Rosemary Clooney.  Built in 1776, the building has been used as a home, a general store, and a pharmacy. Today, it offers steak, chops, pasta and more. Their “Live at the Hive” live music series is popular.

For more information about Augusta, its history, shopping, dining, accommodations, special events, and festivals, visit augustaky.com.