Thaxton’s is Kentucky's oldest family owned canoe rental business. The business started in 1978 on the South Fork of the Licking River in Pendleton County as a joint venture between Jim and Ann Thaxton and Bob and June Morgan. Jim and Ann continued to run and grow the business after the Morgan's pulled out in the fall of 1980. Thaxton’s were the first commercial outfitters to offer guided moonlight floats. Jim Thaxton left the business to serve as the Executive Director of the Professional Paddlesports Association from 1989 - 2001. Upon his return, he and Ann added cabin rentals to complement the canoe, kayak, tube, and raft rental business.