6 Affordable Destinations In Kentucky For Budget Travelers
When it comes to value for money, Kentucky definitely delivers. Sure, you can spend like there’s no tomorrow on luxury escapes to the Bluegrass State, as indeed, you can pretty much anywhere in the United States. But for those on a fixed budget, a little research and some shopping around can unearth some very affordable travel options. Venture beyond the larger destinations of Lexington and Louisville, for example, and you’ll find no shortage of lovely small towns offering day trippers, weekend warriors, and vacationers a variety of experiences that won't drain the bank. For a fun time discovering Kentucky's authentic heart and soul, check out these six affordable destinations in the Bluegrass State.
Bardstown
Famous as the "Bourbon Capital of the World," the historic town of Bardstown offers budget travelers an immersive Kentucky experience without excessive expenses. One of 42 stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bardstown boasts 11 distilleries, most offering tours and tastings at reasonable rates. One of the best whiskey-related attractions is the family-run Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, which features tastings and tours along with an interesting museum with displays relating to the area’s bourbon history. A downtown landmark, the old Talbot Tavern and Inn dates from 1779 and is the oldest surviving bourbon bar in the world. Even if you’re not planning on stopping in for a meal (they’re not overly expensive), pop into the shop and at least stick your head in the bar area for a look-see.
If you can swing a visit during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September, you’ll find yourself able to enjoy multiple free events including street performances, bourbon-themed celebrations, and craft demonstrations that attract thousands without charging entry. For affordable stays, check out the latest rates at the funky Bardstown Motor Lodge, which offers rooms for $100 a night, while local restaurants like Mammy's Kitchen and Bar provide hearty American-style, budget-conscious dining experiences.
Danville
Danville, established in 1787 and known as "The City of Firsts" for having been the state’s original capital, provides budget travelers with a rich historical experience without breaking the bank. Located in central Kentucky an hour southwest of Lexington, this lovely town boasts plenty of free things to do, most notably taking a wander around the old downtown area and Constitution Square Historic Site. Operated by the local historical society, this fascinating three-acre park doubles as an open-air museum highlighting Danville’s history and Kentucky's early statehood period with restored log cabins, a replica courthouse, and interpretive exhibits detailing frontier life.
Traveling with kids or not, the Great American Dollhouse Museum is a unique attraction with modest entry fees that features intricate miniature displays representing various historical periods. Time a visit for September and you can combine these attractions with the chance to enjoy the Great American Brass Band Festival, a free event including live music and local arts and craft demonstrations. Affordable lodging options include the Best Western Danville Inn (rooms from around $120/night) and grab inexpensive meals at local eateries like The Hub Coffee House & Café.
Harrodsburg
Kentucky's oldest settlement, Harrodsburg gives budget travelers the chance to take a deep dive into the region’s early pioneer history on a shoestring budget. Founded in 1774, the town is home to The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a 3,000-acre living history museum with multiple historic buildings that charges only $16 for entry, while those wanting only to use the hiking trails can do so for $10. Visit the Downtown Historic District for a stroll around Harrodsburg’s impressive collection of original buildings and the close-by (you can walk there) Old Fort Harrod State Park, which features a pioneer cemetery and exhibits about life on the frontier.
The best time to visit Harrodsburg? Try to time things for the town’s annual Pioneer Days Festival in August at Old Fort Harrod to see the community celebrate the past with historical reenactments and music. The cost? Not a penny, as the event itself is free. Where to stay? Check out the affordable lodging at the Quality Inn of Harrodsburg (rooms start at around $90).
Shelbyville
Shelbyville, known as the "Saddlebred Capital of the World," provides budget travelers a unique exploration of Kentucky's equestrian culture without excessive expenses. In fact, Shelbyville boasts more than 90 horse farms, some of which offer affordable tour options. Located just 20 minutes’ drive outside town, Shelby Trails Park offers visitors the chance to explore some of its 21 well-maintained trails on a guided horseback ride, with lessons available for those new to riding.
Other interesting things to do in Shelbyville that needn’t cost a fortune if you plan properly include exploring the Shelbyville Historic District, an impressive collection of 398 buildings in an area of the town laid out in the 1820s. The Shelby County Historical Society’s Shelbyville History Museum presents great exhibits about the region’s agricultural and cultural development (admission is free). The Shelbyville Summer Sound Series provides free live music throughout the season. Need a place to stay? Affordable accommodations include the Hampton Inn Shelbyville (rooms from $150/night).
Frankfort
While there aren’t many US state capitals that can claim to be affordable places to visit, Frankfort, Kentucky's contender, certainly can. The town’s key attraction, the Kentucky State Capitol, provides free guided tours Monday to Friday which provide a fascinating glimpse of the historic legislative chambers and learn about state governance. Though not free (but not expensive), the Kentucky Historical Society will show you around the town’s original capitol building, the Old Statehouse, dating from 1830.
Affordable lodging options include the Capital Plaza Hotel (rooms from around $150/night), leaving you enough left over to grab a bite to eat at local restaurants like Rick's White Light Cajun Diner.
Columbia
Columbia, a small town in southern Kentucky, offers budget travelers an authentic rural Bluegrass State experience with surprisingly diverse attractions. The town's compact size ensures easy exploration, with free things to do, including visiting the Adair County Genealogy and History Center, which has exhibits about rural life and regional development. The town’s Downtown Days provide a good excuse for an October visit and feature arts and crafts vendors, a food court, an antique tractor display, a car show, live entertainment, children’s games and rides, and plenty of free music.
Nearby Green River Lake State Park provides affordable recreational opportunities with minimal entry fees, offering hiking, fishing, and picturesque landscapes. Affordable places to stay here include the Quality Inn & Suites Columbia and Sleep Inn & Suites, both of which start at around $100 a night.
The Final Word
There’s no doubt Kentucky's smaller communities represent extraordinarily good travel value, offering unique experiences that prove that meaningful travel need not be prohibitively expensive. Along with their unique cultural attractions, their historical significance, and that genuine Southern hospitality, budget travelers will discover that exploring Kentucky's smaller towns has many benefits. Together, these six affordable destinations In Kentucky are great ways to discover Kentucky's authentic side without skimping out on the fun.
