If you like looking thru odds and ends trying to figure out what they were used for and admiring the ingenuity and creativity of the past, visiting Rabbit Hash and Burlington will be the perfect “cup of tea” to sweeten even the dreariest drizzly day regardless of the season.

On the other hand, if your idea of great fun is standing in line on steaming asphalt at King’s Island with 100 other people, Western Boone County won’t suit you.

 “Rabbit Hash is a state of mind” says a bumper sticker laying right next to a postcard of Lucy Lu, the Australian Shepherd who became the new mayor in the Nov. 08 election, defeating Travis the cat.  A very busy girl, Lucy is so zealous about stick fetching that she’ll even carry a stick to you inside the little odds and ends shops whose doors are propped open.  She brought a 4’ long one up the stairs to the art gallery above the barn too!

            You never know what you’ll find at Rabbit Hash – fresh creative art, flowers and plants, things you remember from your grandparents’ homes, Harley Davidson riders, live music, a checkers game by the wood stove, natural foods, hand-made crafts, garden tools and more. http://www.rabbithash.com/

            The drive from First Farm Inn to Rabbit Hash follows a “Kentucky Scenic Byway” known as Petersburg Road or KY 20.  You’ll overlook the Ohio River most of the way, winding down through tiny Petersburg where the 100-year-old Opera House is now a private home and the old hotels sit empty next to the river.  Be sure to pay attention to the speed limit signs on the curves – they’re legit.

Turn right to stay on Kentucky 20 when KY 18 forks left.  Watch for wild turkeys and deer.  Take Lower River Road to continue your river view then loop back on Upper River Road if you’re heading north or east to Dinsmore Homestead or Burlington. 

            Turn right on KY 18 to go to the historic Dinsmore farm or Burlington.  You’ll see Dinsmore on the left with it’s white picket fence and outbuildings. http://www.dinsmorefarm.org/  Tours are offered by volunteers several days a week, so you can stop in (or call ahead) and see if you’re in luck.  The Dinsmore family, headed by five generations of women who always seemed to wed men who didn’t live very long, was very well connected.  A moose shot by Teddy Roosevelt hangs in the front hall.  One Dinsmore was the first Congresswoman every elected in Arizona some years ago.  Hike to the family cemetery up the hill.  Peek in the windows at the carriages.  Check out the log cookhouse.

            Back on Ky 18 go to “downtown” Burlington where Western Boone County’s stoplight resides.   The café on the corner serves homemade soups, salads and sandwiches surrounded by memorabilia from the county high schools.  Turn left to get to the Opinionated Bookseller, a delightful place to peruse odds and ends.  Across the street is great (and cheap) antiquing at Burlington Antiques and its adjoining shops.

            For elegant dining at reasonable prices, regardless of how you’re dressed, try Tousey House http://www.touseyhouse.com   One group of Canadians returned there every night of their three night stay, offering raves each morning!

            Continue your Western Boone County adventure taking KY 338 back to First Farm Inn.  As you wind around the curves and up and down the hills, relax and recognize that it’s only six miles.