Nestled within Central Kentucky, located right below Lexington is an unassuming town with a population of just over six thousand by the name of Wilmore. Despite its mild first impression, Wilmore is home to wonderful photography locations, unique hangouts, and Asbury University. The town, spanning no more than five miles, can feel cramped or boring to college students if they don’t know where to go, but, with the right directions, there’s a lively world waiting for them.
Paige Proffitt, a freshman at Asbury University, shared her perception of Wilmore when she first arrived at school.“It has a small town charm, but I almost went to a school in New York, so, of course, I was comparing it the whole time. I was definitely a little underwhelmed, to be honest.”
This sentiment is not uncommon among Asbury students, especially freshman and transfer students. While they might not have the experience of comparing Asbury to a bigger university, many students share Profitt’s disappointment when arriving in Wilmore. Although, when asked how her impression of Wilmore changed after living in the town for about five months, Profitt gave an entirely different response, “Being able to explore and figure out things in my own time has definitely improved my view of Wilmore.” Following Proffitt’s example and with time and curiosity, students can find their way to a few unassuming, but amazing spots in Wilmore.
About fifteen minutes from campus is the beautiful Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill where students can explore. Shaker Village offers three different learning centers: The Historic Centre, The Preserve, and The Farm. At the Historic Centre, students can learn about the rich history of the Pleasant Hill Shakers. If students are looking for something more active, they can hike through The Preserve trails, observing wildlife and wildflowers. Students can cultivate vegetables and meet animals at The Farm. Shaker Village even offers a dine-in experience with straight-from-the-garden ingredients at their restaurant, The Trustees’ Table.
If students are looking for a closer dine-in experience that supports local restaurants, they simply have to cross the street. Right down East Main Street there are plenty of great options. Solomon’s Porch, founded by two Asbury alumni, offers a wide selection of sandwiches, cleverly named after many different theologians, philosophers, and authors. Additionally, they offer a breakfast menu and even specialty coffees and teas. If students are looking for a dinner option, right around the corner from Solomon’s Porch is Great Wall, a local Chinese restaurant, where students can curb their Chinese food cravings with Great Wall’s large menu.
Wilmore is also a wonderful area for those that love exploring nature and being outside. The town is especially conducive for those that love photographing nature. Jim Owens, head of Asbury’s media communications program and Asbury alumnus, said, “Wilmore has a little bit of everything because we have some wooded areas. We have fields that often grow with wildflowers…if you can focus in on small aspects of it, it can be absolutely beautiful.” Inspiration can be found anywhere in Wilmore, but Owens shared some specific places that he enjoys visiting.He shared his favorite place to photograph in Wilmore: a beautiful, arched bridge just past Main Street that he visited as a student and, later, as a professor. Owens explained that students can capture stunning pictures either on or right next to campus. “To the far right of the Luce Center, there’s a neighborhood, and if you drive up to the top of that, I’ve gotten some sunrises or sunsets that are just unbelievable. People can’t believe I shot them in Wilmore.”
He shared his favorite place to photograph in Wilmore: a beautiful, arched bridge just past Main Street that he visited as a student and, later, as a professor. Owens explained that students can capture stunning pictures either on or right next to campus. “To the far right of the Luce Center, there’s a neighborhood, and if you drive up to the top of that, I’ve gotten some sunrises or sunsets that are just unbelievable. People can’t believe I shot them in Wilmore.”
If students are looking for something to do around the holidays or are seeking relief from the stress of midterms and finals, Wilmore offers a variety of fun, small town activities. Students can walk down Main Street on Halloween, as Wilmore residents pass out candy. Around Christmastime, Wilmore puts on its annual Wilmore Christmas where students can walk around the decorated town and attend the annual Christmas concert that the community choir performs.
It is easy for young adults attending Asbury University to feel cramped or even trapped on the small campus in a small town, but, if they keep an open mind, inspiration and activities are everywhere. Beauty is found within the simplicity of Wilmore, Kentucky if students truly embrace its unique charm, attend local restaurants and events, and have fun exploring the town.
