6 Coziest Towns to Visit in Kentucky in 2024
Think of Kentucky, and a few very distinct images come to mind. Swathes of lush, white-fenced pastures dotted with horses; those huge “rick houses” where Kentucky’s famous bourbon is aged; and then, of course, there are its friendly people. Add to this list the many cozy small communities in Bluegrass State, and it is one of the most welcoming places to visit in the US.
Spread across a diverse landscape that includes everything from the Appalachian Mountains to dramatic gorges and waterfalls (as well as those horse farms), the state’s small towns offer unique opportunities to truly experience a slice of authentic Kentucky. Find out more about six of the coziest towns in Kentucky to visit in 2024, each offering a blend of scenic beauty, cultural significance, and community spirit.
Bardstown
Located in the heart of the state just 40 miles south of Louisville, Bardstown is the epitome of cozy. Dubbed the "Bourbon Capital of the World," 11 major distilleries have set up shop in and around Bardstown, making it a must-visit for those interested in the history of Southern whiskies. In addition to sampling this popular libation while touring facilities such as the Bardstown Bourbon Company and Heaven Hill Distillery, be sure to pay a visit to the Old Talbott Tavern. Built in 1779 as a stagecoach stop (it once hosted Abraham Lincoln and even the outlaw Jesse James), there are countless varieties of whiskey to enjoy in the property’s bourbon bar, the oldest in the US (cozy rooms are also available).
Another related experience, the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, sheds light on the town's bourbon legacy, including exhibits relating to former presidents who were known to enjoy the occasional tipple. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is also worth a visit for its lovely grounds and historic mansion. Downtown Bardstown is also fun to explore with landmarks such as the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral and the red-brick Old Courthouse. Plan a visit for September to coincide with the 2024 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a celebration of the state's bourbon heritage with tastings, distillery tours, and live entertainment.
Berea
If they follow the I-75 highway for 40 miles due south of Lexington, road-trippers will find themselves in another cozy Kentucky town: Berea. Considered the Appalachian Mountains’ arts and crafts capital, this cozy small town is home to Berea College, one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions in the country (and one that’s well-respected for providing free education and promoting the arts). The college lends the town a young and vibrant vibe, and its students are involved in everything from the town’s many craft and art boutiques, like the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, to helping out at events like the three-day Berea Craft Festival in July.
For the ultimate in cozy, book a stay at the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant. Opened in in 1909 to satisfy the demand for accommodations placed on the town after the college opened, this delightful old hotel offers a variety of classy accommodations.
Danville
Danville, just an hour’s drive southwest of Lexington, is a town rich in historical significance. The historic center of town is the Constitution Square Historic Site, a lovely three-acre greenspace where Kentucky's first constitution was drafted. The McDowell House Museum is just a short stroll from here and celebrates the pioneering surgery of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, while a little further along Main Street, the Norton Center for the Arts hosts a regular schedule of performances and exhibitions.
The town’s 2024 events calendar is shaping up with highlights, including the popular Constitution Square Festival in September with local crafts and food vendors. For those able to plan even further ahead, planning is already underway for the Great American Brass Band Festival in May 2025.
Harrodsburg
As Kentucky's oldest town, cozy little Harrodsburg offers a unique glimpse into the state's pioneer past. In addition to the many finely preserved 18th-century structures, top attractions in Harrodsburg include the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a restored site offering tours, workshops, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Old Fort Harrod State Park features a replica of the original fort built in 1774, along with a museum containing artifacts from Kentucky's early history.
Geographic landmarks in the area include the scenic Kentucky River Palisades, which offer excellent views and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking and kayaking. Moreover, nearby Herrington Lake is popular for its fishing and boating. Things to look forward to if a visit in 2024 is on the cards is the Pioneer Days Festival with its reenactments, crafts, and traditional music; and the Shaker Village Craft Fair with its live demonstrations of traditional Shaker crafts (both events are taking place in August).
Paducah
Located at the confluence of the Ohio River and the Tennessee River in the southwest corner of the state and mid-way between Nashville and St. Louis, Paducah has much to offer those who venture here. Top attractions in Paducah include the National Quilt Museum, with its impressive collection of contemporary quilts and fiber art, and the Paducah Wall to Wall Murals, a series of paintings along the floodwall on the Historic Riverfront that depict the town's history. The Yeiser Art Center and the Maiden Alley Cinema are two other important Paducah landmarks worth visiting.
Need a good excuse to visit Paducah in 2024? The town’s cultural calendar boasts several major events worth attending, including the Lower Town Arts & Music Festival with its live performances, art exhibitions, and local food, and the Paducah Riverfront Concert Series featuring free live music along the town’s lovely riverfront.
Midway
If ever a cozy little community deserved its name, it’s Midway. So named for its geographic position “mid-way” between the state capital of Frankfort and the city of Lexington as well as the towns of Georgetown and Versailles, some 70 percent of the entire town has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will, therefore, want to explore the Midway Historic District with highlights including the Historic Railroad Depot, which now houses shops and restaurants, and the town’s unique Main Street, split into two by a railway line.
Equus Run Vineyards, located just a few miles outside of town, is a great place to visit and offers tours and tastings. Those looking for fun things to do outdoors should explore Elkhorn Creek, popular for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
For those who enjoy things on the “cozy” side, Kentucky's small towns certainly deliver. Boasting a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, these charming small communities are perfect destinations for a cozy getaway in 2024. From the bourbon heritage of Bardstown to the artistic charm of Paducah and Berea, each has its own distinct flavor. So, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying local festivals, or simply soaking in those scenic landscapes, be sure to include these six coziest towns to visit in Kentucky in your 2024 travel plans.
