10 of the Most Quaint Small Towns in Kentucky
Known for its history, culture, and stunning natural views across the state, there is no better way to experience the Bluegrass State of Kentucky than its charming small towns. They offer a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as warm hospitality and serene vibes that the big cities, such as the largest, Louisville, often miss. The quaint small towns of the state provide the ideal base camp for various adventures if you are an outdoor enthusiast: horseback rides across the rolling hills of bluegrass, rock climbing at Torrent Falls, or hiking in the Red River Gorge. Whether you are planning a trip with your family or friends, Kentucky has something for everyone to enjoy.
Somerset
Known as the Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky, Somerset offers rural charm and American traditions in equal measure. It has an exciting arts and entertainment district downtown to soak up the local shops, music, museums, and nightlife, and the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest for a scenic trek. To up the ante, you can enjoy several adventures like watersports, boating, skiing, and much more at Lake Cumberland.
Do not miss the International Panoramal Research Centre to investigate Bigfoot, aliens, ghosts, and more strange things. You can also taste seasonal freshly picked apples and fried apple pies at the famous Appledale farm. Tour and taste across the local breweries and vineyards like Jarfly Brewing Company and Cave Hill Vineyard & Winery to end your trip in high spirits!
Bardstown
Popular as the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown is an exciting place to be. Downtown has an old charm with historic attractions and various distilleries to explore. If you want to have an unforgettable experience here, head out on the Bourbon Trail which includes scenic routes with rickhouses and hills along with 11 distilleries within close proximities of Court Square. Also, do not forget to drink a few bourbons at the oldest bar in the world, The Old Talbott Tavern.
This town also has more than 200 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including boutique restaurants and museums like the Women's Civil War Museum and the Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum. It is because of these and the welcoming nature of people here that Bardstown is termed as the most beautiful town in the country by USA Today.
London
This little town with a familiar European name is all but European. London is mostly known as the Cycling Capital of Kentucky and, naturally, has wonderful trails to explore on the bike, bagging the title of 5th official Trail Town. There is also Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park, which is a tribute to the settlers in Kentucky, and Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area, where you can explore the great outdoors.
Apart from outdoor recreation, London has its one-of-a-kind attractions like the Annual Chicken Festival held in September and Colonel Sanders Cafe and Museum, both of which pay homage to the iconic fried chicken recipe now popular as KFC.
Shelbyville
Shelbyville is a community rich in both natural beauty and cultural history. The town offers a peaceful lifestyle, but do not think it gets boring here. There is plenty to do, like enjoying a bike ride through scenic countryside, fishing in Clear Creek, enjoying a horse ride, and attending numerous festivals and events.
Known as the center of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and for organizing the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration, Shelbyville gives you the chance to experience the crowning of the Tennessee Walking Horse and enjoy your time in this relaxing destination.
Winchester
Winchester is the home of beer cheese, Ale-8-One, and the gateway to Eastern Kentucky mountains. The downtown is charming and worth a visit, especially for amateur history buffs. The Main Street here is laced with several 19th-century storefronts. There is also the Bluegrass Heritage Museum and Leeds Centre for the Arts if you are keen on exploring cultural treasures. Since Winchester is a short distance from Red River Gorge, rock climbing, camping, rock climbing, nature walks, and rappelling are encouraged for an adventurous experience to remember.
Midway
Cleverly taglined—Meet me in Midway—this town is associated with the rich history of thoroughbred horses and is home to the world's top thoroughbred farms. Even though it has a small population of approximately 1,700, visitors here come in large numbers to get the real, historic experience of horse farms and bourbon distilleries and to dine in some of the premium restaurants and cafes peppered along Railroad Street.
There are numerous places like Walter Bradley Park, Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Midway/Versailles 28-mile bike loop for nature lovers to enjoy the southern charm away from the bustle of the city crowd. The Midway University also adds to the town's appeal. Historically, it was a women's liberal arts college, which started in 1847 and became fully co-ed in 2016. It is also a working horse farm which you can visit.
Jamestown
All the water babies gather in Jamestown because this town is where you want to be! Known as the Houseboat Capital of the World, it sits on the banks of Lake Cumberland. The 16-mile-long stretch of the Cumberland River flowing within Jamestown makes this destination a hotspot for water activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and house boating.
There is also the Lake Cumberland State Park Resort, where visitors can enjoy hiking, horse riding, swimming, or just enjoy outdoors with volleyball, tennis, and disc golf. Giving out a comfortable hometown vibe that offers more rental houseboats than anywhere in the US, Jamestown is a perfect place to spend a week with your family and explore the beautiful 36,000 acres of public land surrounding the lake.
Edmonton
Edmonton is a lovely small town in Kentucky where people are polite and friendly. It is also known for its Chamber of Commerce, with around 300 members and more than 150 businesses; it is the Largest Little Chamber in the Commonwealth. From the leisure aspect as well, Edmonton has a lot to offer. There is the Dunham Lake to enjoy the serene picnics, the Courthouse downtown for various fun events, and the tucked-away, community-led Barn Lot Theatre to enjoy a show.
There are also several festivals organized by the Chamber of Commerce, such as Christmas Parade, Holiday Home Tour, Senior Celebrity Banquet, and Annual Pumpkin Festival, to name a few.
Harrodsburg
Harrodsburg is a rich, historic small town that takes you back in time with its Mansion Museum and a full-scale replica of the fort built by James Harrods at the Old Fort Harrod State Park. Another visit-worthy spot here is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. It is a restored 19th-century Shaker community surrounded by bumpy hills, fresh-air adventures, and spirited hospitality. Later, take a float down the Kentucky Palisades for a relaxing experience.
For shopping, you can visit several local artisan shops like the Arts County of Mercer County Studio & Gallery, as well as antique shops for a galore of bargains. In the end, when you need some rest, you can stay at the historic Beaumont Inn and have a delicious meal. If you are traveling with kids, Devine's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch offers fun games, a petting zoo, and fun activities for the tiny tots.
Berea
Known for its creative arts and culture, Berea is a delightful place to visit. You will come across several unique gifts for family, friends, and yourself since this town attracts jewelry designers, glass workers, artisans, instrument workers, and many more. The beautiful Berea College Forest is also worth a visit for its 9,000 acres of forest land and the college's outstanding efforts in managing it and creating outreach programs about forestry. Along with this, you can also visit the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant, where you can experience the ultimate homemade dishes made from local ingredients.
Even though the larger cities of Lexington and Louisville are often the draws to Kentucky, the smaller towns here offer a one-of-a-kind experience that you should not miss. So uncover some of the most quaint small towns in Kentucky that are waiting for you to have fun, explore, and head out on an adventure!
