Labor Day Weekend is almost here, and there's no better spot to unwind than Elizabethtown, KY. There's fishing, there's food, there's fun, what more could you ask for? If you're stuck on how to spend the long weekend, fear not, I am here to give you a guide on how to maximize your weekend in the best way possible.
Get Outside
In Elizabethtown, the outdoor opportunities are really endless. You've got trails, lake views, pickleball and tennis courts, boats and so much more. A long weekend is the best time to check out these offerings, and I can't wait to share them with you!
Freeman Lake is a gem in Elizabethtown with so much to explore. At the lake, you can enjoy around 4 miles of trail featuring lakeside views, gorgeous trees and an overall great way to get outside. This trail is paved & has dirt, so it's perfect for hikers of any kind. Speaking of lakeside views, Freeman Lake offers no shortage of water fun. You can stop by the park office and rent out a pedal boat and spend your weekend sailing away on the water.
If you're more of an enjoy-water-from-afar type, you're still set! You can rent fishing equipment from the park office, completely free, through the Your Gear Is Here program. All you need to do is bring your ID to the park office and voila! You'll be able to rent fishing gear, of course, but you can also get stuff for pickleball, tennis and even disc golf. In addition to all of this, you'll find the Oasis Playground, which is an ADA accessible playground and is an absolute blast for all kiddos. I don't know about y'all, but I think I just found my plans for Labor Day Weekend!
In the mood to check out two parks, but don't want to get back in your car? Good news, you can do that in Elizabethtown. The trails at the Elizabethtown Nature Park are absolutely beautiful and make for a great way to explore. One of the trails at the Nature Park stretches under the road and connects to Freeman Lake Park, so you can experience both parks with ease (it's also kind of cool to walk under the road.)
Along with the trails at the Nature Park, you'll also find the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall and the Hardin County Veteran's Tribute. These displays serve as beautiful and thoughtful reminders of those who have served and should absolutely make your itinerary for the long weekend.
Explore Downtown Elizabethtown
A world of adventure is waiting for you in Downtown Elizabethtown. You'll find shopping, good bites & drinks, things to see and your new favorite memories. Enough of my rambling, let's get into the Downtown fun!
What to Eat
To kick off your downtown visit, you've obviously got to grab a little fuel, right? Vibe Coffee has you set. Whether you want to be on the go or wind down with a latte, this spot has your name written all over it. You'll find delicious coffees, teas, treats and the perfect vibe. It is such a good way to start any visit to Etown and will get your Downtown day off on a high note.
If you're looking for a midday pick-me-up, bring the crew to Social Food Hall! This place has it all. There's food, there's games, there's drinks and there is of course, fun! At Social, you'll find three food stalls including Wasabi Bistro, Maillard Wood Fired Pizza and StrEAT Kitchen. From Japanese to pizza to smash burgers, you can't go wrong with anything here. Social also has a great tap wall and full bar, so no one will go thirsty, either. After you've eaten, check out the duckpin bowling and put your skills to the test. Such a good way to spend an afternoon!
Shopping & Fun
Once you've gotten some fuel, it's time for fun! Some of the very best days are spent exploring all Downtown Elizabethtown has to offer. You'll find plenty of unique shopping from Birdwhistell Books, where you can find reads by Kentucky authors, best-sellers and a story for anyone in your crew to New Style Records for unique records and your new favorite song. Step outside and visit the beautiful murals that line the street, and then create art of your own at Mud Puddle Pottery Co.
If you're traveling with a trendsetter, there's shops for that, too! J. Bradley makes for the perfect stop for the guy in your life, and, even better, it's connected to Denizen which has so many unique finds from plants to home decor and even cookbooks. Wrap up your downtown excursion at The Bug's Ear for adorable take-homes like Mahjong necessities & other fun items. After you've wrapped up here, head next door and grab a little drink at Kuddy's Sips and Sweets. Someone play "Perfect Day" from Legally Blonde!
Check out some History
There is always a story to be told in Elizabethtown, and it's waiting to be discovered. There is so much history, and a long weekend is the perfect chance to check it out.
The Hardin County History Museum is one of the coolest hidden gems in Etown. To start, it's totally free. That's awesome, but what makes it better is what's waiting for you inside. The Museum is filled with Hardin County History, which includes stuff like connections to Abraham Lincoln, a Coca Cola Bottling Plant, wars and of course, history on films like Stripes and Elizabethtown, which took place right in our backyard. It's such a fun place to explore for everyone from the history buff to the casual learner alike.
Another free experience that is going to impress anyone you bring around is Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum. Y'all, this stop is a must-do. This museum has vintage cars as far as the eye can see and makes for a great way to spend the day. From the Model T to Thunderbirds to other classic makes and models, you could truly spend hours just admiring the cars here. Another bonus, it's located near Freeman Lake, so you've got easy access to all of their fun, too.
I don't know about y'all, but I am counting down to my Labor Day Weekend in Elizabethtown! There's plenty to do, and it's all waiting for you in Etown. Don't forget to share what you get into at @touretown. See y'all next time!