6 Darling Small Towns in Kentucky
Surrounded by both the stunning Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, the charming Southeastern state of Kentucky is one of the country's gems. Louisville, the state's largest city, is known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, which brings in visitors from all over. The beautiful state is also revered for its abundance of special events, including the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the Kentucky Apple Festival, and the World Chicken Festival. Dotted all throughout the Bluegrass State are darling small towns that will welcome you in and provide the perfect bases for your vacation or weekend getaway.
Bardstown
Small-town charm, natural beauty, Southern hospitality, and some of the world's best bourbon all come together to create beautiful Bardstown. Dubbed "The Most Beautiful Small Town in America" by USA Today, Bardstown makes the ideal weekend getaway or family summer vacation destination for a variety of reasons. This darling town is one of Kentucky's seven certified cultural districts, as well as one of its oldest settlements. Downtown Bardstown is home to almost 200 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Old Talbott Tavern, which is the oldest stagecoach stop in the United States.
Another place history lovers will enjoy visiting is the Wickland Mansion, a structure that dates back to the mid-1800s and was once home to three Kentucky governors. Bardstown is known not only for its beauty but also for its spirits, as it was named the country's bourbon capital. The state's famed Bourbon Trail starts in Bardstown, which is home to six distilleries, including the Willett Distillery, the Bardstown Bourbon Company, and the Lux Row Distillers.
La Grange
La Grange is a darling community known for its rich railroad history and historic buildings and landmarks. It also has the distinction of being the only town in Kentucky where freight trains roll down the main street right through the heart of downtown. While you are strolling through town, taking in its collection of boutiques, eateries, cafes, and antique shops, you can see up to 20 trains passing by daily.
Scenic La Grange is also popular with visitors due to its abundance of special events, including the La Grange Loop Ironman Festival, and the Spirits of La Grange Ghost Tour, and weekly summer farmers markets. Check out the train observation tower for a good view of the rolling trains, as well as the La Grange Railroad Museum and Education Center, which is located in a train depot that dates back to 1914. Nature lovers can spend time at Falling Rock Park or at the refreshing local spring-fed lake, where you can swim during the warm summer months.
Williamsburg
Another one of Kentucky's sweet small towns, Williamsburg, is situated in the foothills of Daniel Boone Country and is also dubbed the "Gateway to the Cumberlands." Lake Cumberland, the Cumberland River, and Cumberland Falls are all nearby, making Williamsburg a water lover's paradise and dream vacation spot. You can either bring your own boat, or rent one from a local outfitter such as Norris Paddling Adventures. The area is also home to several marinas where you can dock your own personal watercraft while visiting.
For an immersive experience, book a stay at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is located at the base of a 5-mile trail leading to the stunning Cumberland Falls. The falls feature a 125-foot cascade that flows into a rugged, rocky gorge. Another place to take in the area's natural beauty is the Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area, where you can partake in outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting and rock climbing.
Pikeville
Situated in the heart of the spectacular Appalachian Mountain range, pretty Pikeville beckons to those who have a deep love of nature and history. Although it's a peaceful vacation destination today, Pikeville was once at the epicenter of the infamous Hatfield and McCoy feuds and is home to the historic courthouse where some people involved in the duel stood trial at the end of the 19th Century. You can learn all about the battling families, as well as the region's mining history, at the Big Sandy Heritage Museum via interesting exhibits and artifacts.
Pikeville is another Kentucky town where water adventurers flock, as it is located on the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. You can either take a dip in the pristine waterway or launch a canoe or kayak off its bank. If you don't have your own watercraft, consider renting one at Bob Amos Park. If you are more of a mountain person, sign up for a horseback riding adventure at Muddy Boots LLC, which designs the perfect excursion according to your skill level. You can also go hiking or biking down Breaks Interstate Park's picturesque trails.
Hodgenville
Quaint Hodgenville's claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and is home to several landmarks and historic sites dedicated to the country's 16th president. Start your visit with a trip to the Lincoln Museum and the Lincoln Birthplace History Park, where you can get an up-close and personal look at the esteemed president's early life through a variety of personal items and artifacts. The landmark is also home to rare Civil War items and important historical documents.
Continue your journey into the former president's past by checking out the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek. Here you can view the 228-acre farm where Lincoln spent his formative years. If you are visiting during the first week of October, don't miss the annual Lincoln Days special event, which was named the state's best festival by Kentucky Living magazine.
Newport
At the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers lies the welcoming and scenic town of Newport, a community that was founded in the late 1700s. Due to its convenient and beautiful location, the town attracts outdoor adventurers seeking fun on the water, such as skiing, tubing, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. It's also the perfect place to relax at a waterfront restaurant, including the Chart House, or just take an eye-catching stroll along the river banks.
The Newport Aquarium provides fun for visitors of all ages, as it is home to more than 20,000 animal species, many of which are local to Kentucky. If you love history, you are in luck in Newport, as it has an impressive historic district filled with buildings dating back to the 19th Century, such as the county courthouse. Other must-see attractions include Bridgeview Box Park, Newport on the Levee, and the MegaCorp Pavilion.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in natural beauty, Southern hospitality, and cuisine, or some of the world's best bourbon on your next getaway, you will find whatever floats your boat in stunning Kentucky. Waterways, rolling bluegrass fields, impressive history, and hundreds of darling small towns combine to create a one-of-a-kind vacation destination that will provide a memorable vacation backdrop. No matter what time of year you hit the road or take a flight to Kentucky, you will find enough to keep you and your whole family entertained for days or even weeks, depending on how much time you have to spend.
