Dry Ridge was home to legendary Grand Ole Opry star Skeeter Davis. Skeeter, born Mary Francis Penick, was the first female country artist to have a number one crossover hit on the pop charts; the End of the World remains popular today.
Dry Ridge is centrally located in Grant County, 32 miles south of Greater Cincinnati and 43 miles north of Lexington along I75. Home to 2100 residents, it was named for the ridge dividing the Kentucky and Licking River watersheds. Dry Ridge is the quintessential image of small-town America offering residents the fabric of small-town life. Its location provides easy access to all the attractions of Central Kentucky as well as those of Northern Kentucky and Southwestern Ohio. Dry Ridge, primarily a farming economy, offers a comfortable community atmosphere, where people are friendly.
Transportation
I75 is the major artery through Grant County. The Skeeter Davis Highway honors hometown legend Skeeter Davis. St. Rt. 22 bisects the village. The Greater Cincinnati International Airport, providing air transport to Grant County residents, is 25 miles north of Dry Ridge.
Hospitals
Dry Ridge has an urgent care facility to serve the community, along with various doctor offices. St. Elizabeth Grant County – in nearby Williamstown – offers medical care for the region, along with 24-hour medical transport from the area. St. Elizabeth Urgent Care Crittenden is also close by for immediate health needs. The Dry Ridge Fire Department provides EMS service to the village residents.
Shopping
The area Walmart is popular shopping destination for much of Grant County with plenty of other options to meet everyday shopping needs. Brand-named stores such as RT Outfitters, Cracker Barrel, Body Works Gym, and Harbor Freight are available at the Dry Ridge Towne Center. The Bluegrass Marketplace features Kellie's Homestead Restaurant, Uncle Leroy’s Candy Kitchen, Browning’s Country Ham and local vendors such as Kentucky Mountain Coffee. Find one-of-a-kind gift ideas including handcrafted items from all over Kentucky. Beans Café and Bakery serves a full breakfast along with donuts and homemade baked goods; sandwiches; and ice cream.
Recreation
Centrally located in Grant County, residents have easy access to Kentucky’s abundant outdoor recreation, including nearby 142-acre Bullock Pen Lake and Williamstown Lake. Piddle Park has 15 acres that include a playground, picnic shelter, tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court as well as a baseball field. The skateboard area draws in many who enjoy this sport! Piddle Park is also home to a seasonal farmer’s market, Lake Pollywog, and community events throughout the year including concerts and Party in the Park.
The Eagle Creek Country Club is in nearby Crittenden and is a private club (with limited public tee times) and boasts a Junior Olympic swimming pool.
The Barnwood Bravo Theater is an entertainment site featuring live performances and plays. Country Pumpkins offers a corn maze, hayrides and pumpkin patch during autumn. The historic Sherman Tavern (one of the last stagecoach stops left standing) has been reviewed by paranormal investigators and gives tours. Boltz Lake is a 92-acres reservoir lake and features some of the best Northern Kentucky fishing.
Dry Ridge is a few miles from the Ark Encounter (with a 510-foot-long ark) in Williamstown.
Within a 20-minute drive is Bullock Pen Lake in Crittenden with a 134-acre reservoir and boat ramp. Leary Lake & Archery Range offers a 4.6-acre lake for fishing in Crittenden. Boltz Lake, and Corinth Lake are also nearby.
Lifestyle
Check out these local highlights by area experts!
