FEATURES inside this guide 4 10 12 15 SPECIAL EVENTS ART, MUSEUMS GET BACK TO COMMUNITY & FESTIVALS & CULTURE NATURE DINING GUIDE Award-winning Area galleries host Discover why famed Sample our famous music events, live rotating art ornithologist John Western Kentucky thoroughbred horse exhibits on display James Audubon barbecue or racing, arts & crafts throughout the year, chose Henderson as visit one of the festivals, educational and the Henderson the place to paint and many options in exhibits and other Fine Art Center’s study birds. Nature the expanding yearly happenings yearly performances and outdoor downtown dining make Henderson promise fun activities are scene. There are perfect for all ages! for everyone! plentiful here. many great choices. visit us online at www.hendersonky.org travel light The Depot Welcome Center Contact US: 1-800-648-3128 WELCOME (270) 826-3128 Traveling should be hassle-free. Minimize your planning and maximize www.hendersonky.org your vacation in Henderson, Kentucky where there is always something blog.hendersonky.org to do and see! www.twitter.com/tourhendersonky www.facebook.com/hendersonky The Depot Welcome Center, located downtown on the riverfront, is the place to visit for updated news on attractions and happenings in Henderson. Our knowledgeable staff can provide the latest information location: about area events and places to dine and shop. Be sure to visit our 101 N. Water Street, Suite B website, www.hendersonky.org, for the latest news on upcoming Henderson, Kentucky 42420 festivals, a list of lodging options and other useful information for your stay. hOURS: Travel light. Save room for all of the memories you’ll take home. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m Trumpeter Swan by John James Audubon Guided Walking Tour HISTORY Since 1797, Henderson, Kentucky, located on the banks of the beautiful Ohio River, has provided commerce and inspired two renowned artists. Naturalist John James Audubon and blues musician W.C. Handy both once called Henderson home. Audubon spent time here in the 1800s studying the birds that travel through this area on their migratory routes. take a tour! At the end of the 19th century, Henderson held a unique place in history due to the export business of dark tobacco. Worldwide historic Downtown walking Tour 1-800-648-3128 shipping from Henderson’s river port resulted in Henderson Guided tours held the first Saturday of (270) 826-3128 becoming the richest community per capita in the United States each month April-November, or utilize www.hendersonky.org during tobacco’s heyday. This led to the construction of many our handy self-guided brochure with maps and descriptions of each home. blog.hendersonky.org of the beautiful homes and buildings still standing in the historic www.twitter.com/tourhendersonky downtown district. Audubon Sculpture Tour www.facebook.com/hendersonky View sculptures throughout downtown love history? don’t miss: featuring Audubon-based artworks. The Community Room Scavenger hunt for children included. 101 N. Water Street, Suite B 101 N. Water Street, (270) 830-9707 Civil war Driving Tour Henderson, Kentucky 42420 Henderson historical exhibits, working train set, field trips Explore the Ohio River Civil War Heritage Henderson Historical & Genealogical Society Corridor. Learn about some of the events 101 N. Water Street, (270) 830-7514 that shaped Henderson. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m Research materials, historical documents, genealogy books Brochures available at The Depot. FAMILY FUN Ellis Park Thoroughbred Horse Track Jammin’ & Jumpin’ Street Pole Vault EVENTS barbecue cook-offs, music festivals and riverfront fun APRIL event offers fun games, professional storytellers, Henderson Breakfast Lions Club Tri-Fest and interactive educational activities designed to Enjoy carnival rides, entertainment, fireworks, a 5K celebrate the rivers’ history, culture, commercial run/walk, and a 5K/12K/36K bike tour at this event, and recreational activities, as well as promote water located downtown on Main Street. Features regional safety and wildlife conservation. (270) 830-9707 or food booths and musicians. 1-800-648-3128 or www.hendersondepot.org www.breakfastlions.org Ohio Valley Birding Festival Join area bird enthusiasts during this weekend event, MAY which includes guided spring migratory bird-watching River Heritage Day hikes in southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky. An annual event, held in Audubon Mill Park View a variety of different bird species on each hike. overlooking the mighty Ohio River, this family-friendly 1-800-648-3128 or www.ohiovalleybirdingfestival.org JUNE AUGUST W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival Sandy Lee Songfest Celebrate the life and music of former resident Early August, Nashville songwriters and country FAMILY FUN W.C. Handy at this free music festival that showcases music fans gather for this fun music event. Held in some of the nation’s best blues artists. This week- various downtown locations, guests are invited to long festival kicks off with a community barbecue hear the stories behind their favorite tunes. The the second weekend in June. It continues the intimate music setting is perfect for songwriters to following Wednesday through Saturday with nonstop share their lyrical inspiration with fans. performances by nationally-known blues bands on a 1-800-648-3128 or www.sandyleesongfest.com riverfront stage. More than 20,000 people attend the festival, named a “Top 10 Summer Event” by KTIA and Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society. The Ohio riverfront is the setting for this annual 1-800-648-3128 or www.handyblues.org event, one of the largest, free bluegrass festivals in the country. Enjoy two days of bluegrass music, Kentucky Ruby Moon Arts & Crafts Festival craftsmen, and children’s activities. You can also watch Vendors set up in Ruby Moon Winery & Vineyard’s cyclists on the Pickin’ and Pedalin’ Bike Tour and beautiful country setting for this unique event. Visitors talented pole vaulters at the Jammin’ and Jumpin’ can sample wines, stroll the vineyard and discover street vault event. crafts and fine artworks for sale. Enjoy live music and 1-800-648-3128 or www.bluegrassinthepark.org light food offerings throughout the day. (270) 830-7660 or www.rubymoonwinery.com Highway 41 Yard Sale Travel along Highway 41 for this fun treasure hunt, which includes both Highway 41 and 41A. Hundreds of local individuals, businesses, and groups participate each year, setting up yard sales and craft booths on their properties along the highway. Discover antiques, bargains, collectibles and more at this exciting event, held the last weekend in June. 1-800-648-3128 or www.highway41yardsale.com JULY Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing Enjoy live horse racing at Ellis Park Race Track on weekends, July 4 through Labor Day. Families can enjoy the fun of picking a horse and watching it race to the finish line. Admission to the park is free. Special events include Sunday Dollar Days, Wiener Dog Races, Ostrich and Camel Races, and Giveaway Days. 1-800-333-8110 or www.ellisparkracing.com W.C. Handy Street Strut Parade SEPTEMBER Chili On The River Ohio Valley River Paint Out Local and regional chili-makers gather at this event, Painters gather in Henderson to create outdoor held on the Henderson riverfront. Sample a variety plein-air artworks. Event includes workshops and a of chilies and find your favorite flavor! Children’s public art sale in the park on the final day. activities, beer garden and music accompany the event. (270) 860-1930 or www.ohiovalleyart.org (270) 827-0016 or www.downtownhenderson.org OCTOBER NOVEMBER GRADD Arts & Crafts Festival 5K Turkey Trot Race/Walk There are few better places to see the work of This is a family, community, charitable event Kentucky craftsmen than at this event, which takes sponsored by the Henderson Presbyterian Church place at Audubon State Park during the first weekend for local mission projects. The 3.1 mile course of October. The festival features art, music, jewelry, through downtown Henderson offers beautiful views and much more. of the historical areas and the riverfront. (270) 926-4433 or www.gradd.com (270) 724-1859 or www.turkeytrotky.com Highway 60 Yard Sale Art Hop Gallery Show & Sale It’s a bargain hunter’s dream every year when people This unique event, held in downtown Henderson, line Highway 60 to sell items in this 200+ mile yard gives local artists and art enthusiasts a chance to sale. Shoppers from all over flock to the area for view and purchase artwork. Visitors stroll through great antiques, collectibles, and other rare pieces. downtown and stop in at local spots to check out art, Runs the first weekend in October, Friday - Sunday. visit with the artists and learn more about the pieces. 1-800-648-3128 or www.highway60yardsale.com (270) 827-0016 or www.downtownhenderson.org Music festivals in Audubon Mill Park galleries ARTS Studio 421 421 North Main St., (270) 748-0359 A community co-op where artists and craftsmen come together to sell and display their unique products and art pieces. Oval Gallery at Bank Trust 201 North Main St., (270) 860-1930 A myriad of yearly exhibits include fine arts, fiber works and photography. Rotunda Gallery 101 South Main St., (270) 860-1930 Located on the top floor of the public library, this historic space offers rotating nature and art exhibits. The library is one of 3,000 Carnegie libraries in the U.S. Painting class at Audubon State Park CULTURE exhibits, public artwork and musical performances Henderson Fine Arts Center Audubon Sculpture Public Art Tour Henderson Community College is the home of the This self-guided tour of the public Audubon artworks Henderson Fine Arts Center, which hosts a season throughout downtown is a must-see.