We are excited to hear from you and introduce you to Historic Hospitality
The Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission is located inside the historic Diamond Point Welcome Center. We welcome visitors, help local festivals, and promote our attractions. Come for a day trip, a weekend, or a vacation. Remember, Historic Hospitality starts here!
Harrodsburg/Mercer Co. Tourist Commission
488 Price Ave, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
859-734-2364
Tourism Center Gift Shop
Tourism Staff
Executive Director
Gray, a Mercer County native, is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. Formerly a loan officer with Monticello Banking Company, he also served as sports reporter and managing editor at The Harrodsburg Herald. He has served on the board and as president of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. Daarik loves being part of the Mercer County community with his two children.
Assistant Director/Sports Director
Connor is a 2019 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. Formerly an Insurance Producer at Whitenack and Souder Insurance, he is also co-owner of the property management company, Aspen Property Group. He volunteers with the Mercer Chamber of Commerce and enjoys being involved in the community. Connor and his wife, Carson, reside in Harrodsburg and have two children.
Events Coordinator/Community Development Coordinator
A native of Harrodsburg, Kaitlyn brings four years of professional experience in community development and event management. Her background includes working with the Downtown Harrodsburg organization (formerly known as Harrodsburg First), where she successfully helped grow downtown through events, marketing and beautification efforts. During her time with Downtown Harrodsburg she was instrumental in hosting events such as Friday Nights on Main, Christmas on Main, Downtown Trick-or-Treating and Oktoberfest. Kaitlyn calls Mercer County home, where she lives with her husband, Wesley.
Tourism Board
Chairperson
Joan is married to Wes Huffman they have one daughter Leslie Anne Mayes and one grandson Sawyer Mayes. She is a Certified Public Manager from the National Certified Public Manager Consortium, nine years of experience in Business and Sales, twenty two years, ten years in real estate. She currently volunteers with four boards.
“Tourism is very important in Mercer County because we have something no one else has, Kentucky started in Harrodsburg.”
Treasurer
Tia King Taylor is a life-long resident of Mercer County and joined the Tourist Commission as a lodging representative on behalf of Bright Leaf Golf Resort in September 2018. She has been employed at Bright Leaf since 1998 and is now part-owner. Tia said, “My husband, John David Taylor, and I love our hometown and hope our three daughters have the desire and potential to thrive here with families of their own.”
“Tourism is not only critical for our business, but important for the success and growth of our historic town.”
Secretary
Leigh is married to Jorge Lopez and they have two children, Chase and Charleigh. She has owned Casa Grande with her husband for almost five years.
Along with owning her own business, she is involved in many boards and community organizations, including but not limited to tourism, chamber and Kiwanis.
“Tourism is vital for our community to continue to grow and flourish. We want to encourage people to not only come to Harrodsburg, but to stay and enjoy.”
Vice Chairperson
Along with serving on the tourism board, Nikki also serves as the chair of the Mercer County Community Endowment Board. She is also the co-owner of JM Elliott Properties, J. Elliott Heating and Air and J Elliott Kwik Wash. Nikki currently resides in Mercer County with her husband, Jonathan, and their three children Claire, Henry and Sam.
“Mercer County has so much to offer its residents and visitors alike. I am proud to be a part of the efforts to make the gem of Central Kentucky shine bright.”
Board Member
John “Doc” Holiday is a seasoned leader with a distinguished background in public service, national security, and global enterprise. In addition to serving on the Harrodsburg-Mercer Co. Tourist Commission, John is a committed member of the Endowment Board, Chamber of Commerce, Reapportionment Committee, and Homeland Security Advisory Board for Mercer County. A former Director of Homeland Security for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, John brings decades of leadership across law enforcement and emergency response. He is also the sitting Chairman of the Republican Party of Mercer County and co-founder of a global enterprise specializing in maritime shipping, trade, energy and defense. A proud veteran and lifelong resident, John remains deeply committed to Mercer County’s safety, prosperity, and growth.
“Tourism is not just an industry in Mercer County – it’s the foundation of our history, economy, and future. As the birthplace of Kentucky, we hold a unique place in America’s story. Investing in tourism strengthens our businesses, enhances quality of life, and showcases why Mercer County is the shining gem of Kentucky.”
Board Member
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Stacey now serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Harrodsburg and brings well over a decade of experience in local government. Before joining the City of Harrodsburg, she was the Council Administrator for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Stacey resides in Mercer County with her husband, James, and their son, Carter.
“Tourism is vital for Harrodsburg’s economic growth and cultural preservation, attracting visitors who support local businesses and help maintain our rich historical heritage”
Board Member
Kristen was raised in Harrodsburg and after college, left Kentucky to travel the world as a Flight Attendant while settling in Columbus, OH. Five years ago, she realized that home was back in Harrodsburg and moved back to live in the town that raised her. Kristen is currently the Vice President of Hospitality Services for Shaker Village of
Pleasant Hill where she oversees the Inn, Trustees’ Table Restaurant, and Events. She lives in Harrodsburg with her husband Chris and dog, Ronald.
“Harrodsburg is such a gem that has continued to grow as a destination for so many through it’s history and economy. The pride it’s residents have is something I am thrilled to enhance as a part of the tourism community.”
Information for Local Property Owners
https://mercercountyky.com/ is the official website of the Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission.
We can be reached at (859)734-2364 or tourism@harrodsburgky.com
Monthly Facebook/Instagram Photo Challenges Each month, our Mercer County Tourist Commission Facebook and Instagram pages host a photo challenge with a stated monthly theme.
1. Each photographer may enter a maximum of 5 photographs per month.
2. All submissions must be taken within Mercer County, with the listed location of where the photo was taken.
3. No photos of identifiable people unless the individual consents.
4. Photos must be the poster's original work. No watermarks, watermarks will be asked to be removed, cropped out, or photos will not be chosen.
5. Must be 13 and over to enter. Entries by individuals 13-17 must have legal guardian's permission. Please have guardian contact the Mercer County Tourist Commission through messenger or via email.
To enter, simply comment with your photo on the original Facebook post (naming the monthly theme) or by using #HarrodsburgKY on Instagram, Facebook, or by sending in a private message.
Photograph Consent & Possible Usage
By submitting your photograph to our contest, photographers consent to allow the Mercer County Tourist Commission to use their photos on our website, in publications, associated social media, and other promotional materials both digital and print. Mercer County Tourism will not share photos with other entities or organizations unless permission is granted in advance by the photographer.
Information We Collect and How We Use It
You provide information when you post and submit information through sections that request information (such as contact us, signing up for newsletters, and other requests such as images or other information) or when you participate in a contest, survey, questionnaire, or promotion. Your information is stored internally in our database. You may opt-out of receiving future correspondence by contacting the Tourism Office at 859-734-2364.
Email Addresses
We don't sell, rent, lease or give away user email addresses. We will not share your email information with third parties.
The Visit Mercer County KY app is designed to help you plan the perfect vacation, trip or getaway in Mercer County!
