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5 Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Richmond, KY

With the weather warming up rapidly, we're all feeling the call of the outdoors. There's no season like springtime for reconnecting with the natural environment, and there are plenty of opportunities in Richmond, KY to get out into the wild. Here's our list of spring activities that'll make you feel closer to nature.

1. The Madison County Farmers Market

Held at 1238 Barnes Mill Road from mid-May onwards, the Madison County Farmers Market allows you to fully benefit from the best of spring's bounty. Shop for the freshest fruit, vegetables, pasture-raised meat, free-range eggs, and homemade. Houseplants and flowers are also available. The market will run every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm.

2. The Bluegrass River Run

This is your chance to view the 60ft cliffs of the Palisades to their most impressive advantage, with a 6-mile paddle down the Kentucky River on June 3. There's plenty of room in the bed of your Ford F-150 to bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle-board, but it's also possible to hire them onsite.

The journey starts on the beach in Fort Boonesborough State Park at 4375 Boonesborough Road. Register online to join in and gain a new appreciation of springtime on the river.

3. Strawberry Picking at Day Farms

If there's one thing that tells you that summer's almost here, it's the sweet taste of strawberries. Day Farms runs pick-your-own sessions once the strawberries are ripe, usually around mid-May. Located at 11414 Richmond Road, Paint Lick, this location gives you the chance to get out in the strawberry patch and gather as many as you can carry. Opening dates and hours are determined by the strawberries' progress, so watch out for news! 

4. Floracliffe Nature Sanctuary

There's no better place to get close to nature than the 346 acres of the Inner Bluegrass region at the Floracliffe Nature Sanctuary. Located at 8000 Elk Lick Falls Road in Lexington, it can be accessed through workshops, programs, and guided walks, so check out the schedule and sign up online. May 13 sees a Herpetology Hike at 9am, where you'll go hunting to find frogs, salamanders, and snakes, or there's a Golden Hour Hike at 6:30pm on May 18.

5. Kids Fishing Derby

The first weekend of June is Free Fishing Weekend in Richmond, and the Kids Fishing Derby will give the children a chance to appreciate fishing as a sport, as well as the beauty of Lake Reba on a spring day. This annual will be held on June 3 at 299 Lake Reba Drive, and will feature free fishing, games, and prizes for anyone aged 16 and under.

Every springtime is special, so be sure to appreciate this one and enjoy the time outdoors. And while you're exploring Richmond, don't forget to stop by and see us at Gates Ford Lincoln to view our latest collection of new and used cars.

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4 Family Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Richmond, KY

It isn't always easy finding something new for family dinner night. Fortunately, Richmond, KY has lots of options. We're here to share our top four picks for great family restaurants only a short drive away. 1. Straight From Texas Bar-B-Que If your family is hungry and looking to enjoy a huge meal you'll want to try this excellent barbecue option. On Wednesday nights they have a deal on wings and on Thursday, they have a deal on huge plates of nachos. You can put together meals with briskets, sausages, wings, chicken, pork, or ribs. For sides, they offer mac and cheese, baked beans, green beans, tater salad, cole slaw, and collard greens. During the summertime family dinners are topped off with their Alamo Ice Cream shop next door. You'll find this restaurant located at 306 North Street here in Richmond. 2. El Mamut This local restaurant has a great family-friendly atmosphere. You'll want to hang out for a while and let everyone enjoy their meal. Adults will love the long burger menu and will want to check out the macaroni burger. The buffalo chicken wrap is another delicious option. The kid's menu is lengthy and includes cheeseburgers, quesadillas, mac & cheese, pizza, and chicken fingers. It's available for children 12 and under. This restaurant is located at 2187 Lexington Road. 3. Giovanni's Pizza Everyone in your family will want to join in for pizza night at Giovanni's. You'll be glad you have the space with your third-row seat in your new Ford Expedition XLT Max. Their all-you-can-eat buffet makes for an easy lunch or early dinner option. They serve pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and calzones. Alternatively, this is a great restaurant to build your own pizza to share with the family. This is an easy way to help picky eaters get what they want. This restaurant is located at 805 Eastern Bypass #1. 4. Nuevo Vallarta When it's time for a great big Mexican dinner with all the options, you'll want to head to 709 Big Hill Avenue. There, you'll find Nuevo Vallarta with its large fajita menu and great service. The classic chicken or steak fajita option is a great choice. Adults looking for tacos or a wide selection of seafood options will find it here. The kid's menu includes a cheese quesadilla, burrito with rice and beans, or enchiladas. It also includes a cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, or chicken strips. Everyone should find something they'll like at this family-friendly dinner spot. With family dinner taken care of for a while, you'll want to move on to the next family car. Fortunately, our dealership has plenty of high-quality options for you to choose from. Visit Gates Ford Lincoln now to see our wide selection of new vehicles.

3 of the Best Museums in Driving Distance of Richmond, KY

Visiting a museum is a fascinating, educational, and enjoyable activity. Whether you're looking for something to do near Richmond, KY, or searching for places to stop on a road trip, why not take the time to check out one of the best museums nearby? The Richmond Battlefield The Richmond Battlefield museum, located at 101 Battlefield Memorial Hwy in Richmond, is a great spot to learn the history of the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky, that occurred in 1862. Opened daily from 6 am to 8 pm, the park encompasses a 600-acre area and contains numerous historical sites, including; a courthouse, church, and three houses built in the 18th century. Tour the park and visit the Roger House, a stately Federal-style home constructed in 1811 that serves as the museum's visitors center, or attend the annual Civil War Reenactment event held every August for a taste of what life was like during the 1860s. With its interactive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and passionate enthusiasm for preserving this vital part of America's past, The Richmond Battlefield is truly a remarkable experience. The Bluegrass Heritage Museum The Bluegrass Heritage Museum, located a short distance from Richmond at 217 South Main Street in Winchester, KY, is open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. You can find the Agriculture Exhibit that emphasizes the impactful role farming had on Winchester and Clark County's economy. Moreover, visitors can also explore the Military room, which pays homage to the soldiers who served in the American Revolutionary War and World War II. Furthermore, avid quilt enthusiasts will be delighted by the exhibitions of various quilts created in the early 19th century. Pick up a souvenir at the gift shop as a reminder of your trip to the museum! Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Established in 2022, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame has already established itself as a popular attraction, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of Kentucky's music heritage. From bluegrass and country to rock and jazz, this museum showcases the music of all genres throughout every gallery. You can even interact with instruments and create your unique sounds! To top it off, they host regular concerts at the amphitheater with a wooden stage featuring numerous local artists. Located at 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, a short road trip to The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame promises a pleasurable experience in your reliable 2023 Ford Bronco fitted with air conditioning and an impressive audio system with 6-speakers! With high-quality collections and interactive displays, you can learn something new and have fun in these museums. If you have any questions and need help finding the right car, contact us today at Gates Ford Lincoln.

4 Fall Activities You Can Drive to From Richmond, KY

In Richmond, KY, when the trees burst with fall colors, it's time for pumpkins, apples, cider, and bonfires. So, get behind the wheel of a Ford EcoSport, Explorer, or Expedition and take the family to find all the best fall activities along the way. 1. The Millstone Festival The Millstone Festival is a celebration of all things local and is held at the beginning of October in Richmond's historic downtown district. Here, you'll taste delicious harvest-time foods and beverages from local vendors and be entertained by the finest local talent. The festival is great fun with a homebrew contest, a chili cook-off, a car show, and live music by favorite bands such as the Local Honeys, April with Whiskey River, Clark Kissick and Friends, and Vintage Voodoo on the Madison County courthouse lawn. 2. Pumpkins and More Harvest Festival Joining the festivities at Baldwin Farms at  1113 Tates Creek Road in Richmond has been a favorite fall outing for many families in the area over the past 30 years. The festival runs continuously through October, and it's tradition to head to the farm to pick the best pumpkins, winter squash, and gourds from the harvest, run through the corn maze, pet the farm animals, and climb Mt. Baldwin. The farm sells crispy fresh produce, snacks, and beverages, and visitors can explore the farm in the saddle over weekends. 3. Evans Orchard and Cider Mill Take a 38-mile drive to Georgetown for delicious fall produce and traditional family fun at Evans Orchard and Cider Mill at 198 Stone Road. The 300-acre farm spreads out over apple, peach, and pear orchards and vegetable patches that are fresh-picked and sold at the farm's market. Here you can also buy a wide selection of homemade jellies and jams, honey, and freshly pressed apple cider. The farm also welcomes you to pick your own apples, pears, and pumpkins from the second week in September onwards. 4. Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Go on a fall family outing between the beginning of September and the end of October to Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at 623 Talmage-Mayo Road in Harrodsburg, 43 miles from Richmond. Go on hayrides, search for the biggest pumpkin in the patch, and find your way through ten acres of corn mazes. The fall fun gets bigger and better each year with a petting zoo, zip lines, gigantic jump pads, and cozy bonfires at night. Load your family in a Ford, have a ball driving to all the great fall destinations packed with excitement, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Make a stop at Gates Ford Lincoln part of the fun and check out the lineup of new Ford models on display. Image courtesy of Pexels