6 Most Inviting Towns in Kentucky
The Bluegrass State charms every visitor with its historic allure, sensational cuisines, music, southern vibe, and picturesque natural scenery. Visitors can find all of these charms and even more in the small towns, where they are offered in pristine form. Plus, the crime rate is low across these small towns, making it safe to explore their attractions without worries. From the beautiful town of Cave City to the historic Elizabethtown, here are six inviting towns in Kentucky where you can experience the true essence of a quintessential southern state.
Greenville
Greenville, the county seat of Muhlenberg County, is an ideal destination for tourists to kick back and enjoy a serene, cultural and historical atmosphere. Here, visitors will get to see the unique 9/11 Memorial, with its towering sculpture that stands as a reminder of the lives that were lost in the infamous terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. The town also features the 12-acre Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, where visitors can embark on a half-mile journey across lush woodlands, cross three footbridges, and then relax at picnic areas. In addition, the park harbors birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer, raccoons, and wild turkey as side attractions. The six-mile Muhlenberg County Rail Trail is another exciting outdoor to explore, as its scenic greenery captures the heart of hikers and bikers. The trail from Greenville to Central City includes a covered bridge and animal sightings, mostly birds. Relax from the treks and exploration by visiting the Muhlenberg Community Theatre, where comedies, drama, musicals, and cabaret-style shows keep the atmosphere alive.
Augusta
The charming town of Augusta in Bracken County lies gorgeously at the southern shores of the Ohio River with about a thousand residents. Thanks to its small populace, it is a safe town, and visitors can explore its inviting attractions without the crowd. A perfect starting point can be the Bracken Creek Horse and Hiking Trails, which are 20 miles long and bypass two fishing lakes (Beaver and Big Bass), cascading hills, and farmlands. Next, visitors must check out the Walcott Covered Bridge - the only covered bridge in the county. It is open year-round for pedestrians and features picnic tables for relaxation. Blend the outdoor experience with a bit of history at the 1811 Augusta Jail, the oldest in the state. The nearby Haley House Museum is another historic attraction in town worth a visit as it features a massive collection of military memorabilia and artifacts. Before leaving, stop at Baker Bird Winery & Distillery - the oldest wine cellar in America.
Berea
Berea is a charming small town with so much to offer visitors. This town is famous for being the Folk Arts & Crafts capital of Kentucky, as it is home to attractions like the Artisan Village, College Square, and the Kentucky Artisan Center. Each of these attractions features numerous arts and crafts as well as boutique and gift shops where visitors can enjoy shopping. Away from the arts, outdoor buffs are invited to the Owsley Fork Reservoir to indulge in kayaking, canoeing, and paddling activities. For hikers and bikers, it gets even better as the town has many hiking/biking trails to explore, like the Boone Trace Trails, Brushy Fork Trail, and Berea Pinnacles (once recognized as the best hike in Kentucky). Also, hiking through the John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest is sensational, as hikers will get to see the nearly 75-foot Anglin Falls. The forest also features small caves, limestone formations, trails, and more than 450 species of indigenous plants. Elsewhere, less adventurous tourists can relax at the Berea City Park, featuring a swimming pool, splash pad, and other amenities for recreation and fun.
Monticello
Monticello is a remarkably beautiful town on the banks of Cumberland Lake, renowned as the Houseboat Capital of the world. The town invites tourists to its charming Lake Cumberland for boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and swimming. Visitors can also hike around the 65,000-acre lake to watch birds, enjoy camping, or hold picnics by its scenic banks. Next, check out the nearby Mill Springs Mill and stroll through its woods or enjoy picnics under its scenic greenery. While in the area, check out the 175-year-old Brown-Lanier House, and then head to the downtown historic district to explore ancient architecture, quaint shops, cafes, boutiques, log cabins, and many historical buildings. Before leaving, stop over for lunch at Black Stallion Steak House, where a steak could hit the right spot, and then wrap up with a visit to the Wayne County Historical Museum, where the history of the county is told through events, relics, and exhibits.
Cave City
Cave City in Barren County is breathtakingly beautiful and lavish, with stunning natural attractions that will keep visitors bewitched. This town is near the famous Mammoth Cave National Park, which houses a section of Mammoth Cave, renowned as the world's longest-known cave system. Tourists can explore the cave's interior, especially the rotunda room, and marvel at its jaw-dropping geology and size. But that's not the only cave to see, as the Crystal Onyx Cave is even closer to the town for visitors to explore on guided tours and witness dramatic formations. Wildlife lovers can visit the Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum, which features several dioramas and exhibits of North American animals, including birds, butterflies, fishes, bears, and wild cats. The Dinosaur World is an alternate and unique animal museum worth visiting to see life-size figurines of dinosaurs spread across trails.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown is a beautiful destination in Hardin County that promises unforgettable experiences. For starters, the town is home to Elizabethtown Nature Park, which features Freeman Creek that flows to Freeman Lake. A scenic trail connects the park and the lake, giving visitors stunning views of nature's beauty as they hike through. At the nearby 170-acre Freeman Lake and Park, picture-perfect beauty is unveiled at every turn, and visitors can fish, boat, canoe, and kayak on the lake or enjoy picnics by the banks. After the outdoor adventures, visitors can get a healthy dose of history at the Hardin County Historic Museum, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and photography that tell more about the region’s history from the 1700s. The 1807 Elizabethtown Cemetery is another interesting stop to see the graves of Confederate soldiers.
Experience Kentucky in its purest, wildest, and most picturesque form on a visit to its small towns. History lives in these towns like time never happened, and rich cultures are well preserved. Hence, locals have something to be proud of, and visitors are charmed from their arrival to their exit. From lakes, rivers, and dense forests to green parks, scenic trails, and theaters, there is something for every visitor to indulge in, even art and crafts lovers. Honor the invitations of these towns today to enjoy memorable experiences that call for repeats.
