The historic Welcome Center in Bardstown, Kentucky.

6 Most Photogenic Towns In Kentucky

There are so many exciting scenic states to visit in the southern U.S. Kentucky is one of those states that makes it easy to fall in love with the small towns that it is known for. With a host of commercial locales and natural or historical landmarks that fulfill just about any travel itinerary needing a sense of beauty and belonging, tourists will have no problem finding new splendors. These towns in the "Bluegrass State" are photogenic destinations during any time of year!

Maysville

A historic rural church with a dramatic sky and clouds in the background.

A historic rural church with a dramatic sky and clouds in the background.

Once known as Limestone based on its past, Maysville has lots of history and plenty of charming attractions. The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center consists of over 4,000 regional diorama artifacts and manuscripts dating back 300 years. At the National Underground Railroad, natural beauty and 19th-century safehouse relics combine to create a meaningful experience for newcomers who want to learn about the Underground Railroad; it even has lovely yellow flowerbeds!

Those who crave a real outing can check out Maysville-Mason Co Rec Park, where laidback tennis enthusiasts and 12-acre fishing lake serenity are just some of the main reasons to visit. At the Strawberry Fields Off-Leash Dog Park, canine lovers can appreciate rural tranquility and beautiful water fountains! The EAT Gallery is a hotspot for finding local lamp creations and unique jewelry trinkets that cannot be found in other towns as easily. Entertainment fans can enjoy Washington Opera House's venue vibrance and quality performances in a historic 18th-century fashion. M's Eatery offers great pub fare, comforting seating arrangements, and Southern eclectic charms all around.

Paducah

Historic buildings in the downtown district of Paducah, Kentucky
The downtown district of Paducah, Kentucky. Editorial credit: Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com

Also referred to as "Quilt City" and "Atomic City," Paducah is special to photographers! The National Quilt Museum is a historic stop for quilting exhibits, innovative workshops with friendly patrons, and the best cultural welcoming experiences. Whitehaven Welcome Center is a gem with its classical Revival architecture and family history, which are related to local settlers. The River Discovery Center is also not bad for finding historical relics and intricate maritime or scientific learning spaces for children and adults alike.

At Bob Noble Park, travelers can enjoy five acres of pleasure-filled gazebo and bridge sights, as well as the famous Greenway Trail and Native American statues! Those who crave entertainment can find Market House Theatre to be a worthwhile getaway idea with its regional talent shows and heartwarming plays in an alluring 1960s venue that always brings smiles. Yeiser Art Center is a gorgeous visual arts spot with tiny surroundings, but it makes up for it with a surreal artistic perspective that allows for true local appreciation in the heart of town. Max's Brick Oven has Italian-American nourishment and appetizing Caesar salads.

Bardstown

Brick buildings along the main street in Bardstown, Kentucky
Brick buildings along the main street in Bardstown, Kentucky. Editorial credit: Jason Busa / Shutterstock.com

The "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown is not only a delightful pioneering town but is also quite marvelous to see in person! The Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History brings to life a mixture of whiskey production history and bourbon memorabilia in a fancy estate. At Old Bardstown Village & Civil War Museum, one can glance at American Civil War artifacts and unique women's empowerment exhibits. The Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral is a vibrant and beautiful landmark with rows of churchgoers and joyous mosaic scenery.

At Bardstown Art Gallery, one can admire famous and underrated pieces of local artists and revel in youth-based holiday sessions full of mini-display curiosities. The McIntyre & Family Winery is a family-friendly attractive locale with some of the prettiest fruit winery landscapes and calming grape trails! Those who are staying a while at Jailer's Inn Bed & Breakfast may find some graceful court square views and quaint downtown ambiance. At My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, strangers feel like esteemed guests while eating in a vintage 1940s dining car.

Berea

Berea, Kentucky City Hall, located at 212 Chestnut Street.

Berea, Kentucky City Hall, located at 212 Chestnut Street. By Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Berea, or "Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky," has almost everything one needs for a good time. Berea College Forestry Outreach Center is one of the primary stops for tourists who truly want natural exposure while taking on forest bathing, horseback tours in the woods, and educational wildlife retreats. For art aficionados, there is the Kentucky Artisan Center, a hospitable place to find local artisan craftworks, gallery photography, and some of the prettiest colorful decor in town!

Tater Knob Pottery & Farm Inc. has welcoming pottery workshops and impressive spoonbread dishes; it even has adorable coffee-serving tours! The Log House Craft Gallery makes itself known with its handmade toy collections, spice ingredients, and woodworking ambiance right in a decorative 19th-century crafts store. Union Church is Berea's finest religious stop, with communal tranquility and plenty of jolly locals who enjoy conversating about upcoming events. At Honeysuckle Dining and Bourbon House, renowned truffle fries and a lavish atmosphere make for a lovely evening.

Hodgenville

The First Lincoln Memorial in Hodgenville, Kentucky
The First Lincoln Memorial in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Editorial credit: Twin Oaks / Shutterstock.com

Hodgenville, the famous birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, has quite the historic beauty! The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is where lots of locals and tourists go to enjoy fresh air and architectural splendors right on a scenic landscape; it is also where one can find the cozy photographic Boyhood Home where Lincoln was raised as a child! At Crawford Farms Pumpkin Patch, visitors can expect all sorts of pumpkin-picking activities while generating newfound conversations with others.

Creekfront Park is a casual mainstay for picnic lovers, walking path relaxation, and delightful children's play areas. Hinton's Orchard & Farm Market is known for its family gatherings, barrel train and corn maze thrills, and is a picturesque spot for finding orchard vines! The La Rue Country Golf Club has a strong presence in town with its social afternoon brunches, golfing tranquility, and shady meadows all around a vast plain. At the Art Gypsy, fancy mural creations and top-notch gallery expositions are worth any itinerary. Kayla's Fill-Up Station is a must-visit for the cutest parlor dining vibes and cocktail happy hours.

Glasgow

Exterior view of Saint Helen Catholic Church in Glasgow, Kentucky.

Saint Helen Catholic Church in Glasgow, Kentucky. By Nheyob, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Glasgow is a destination that should not be overlooked! At Fort Williams, 18th-century Civil War history and hilly battle sites are perfect for travelers who want to learn more about the town's past. Gorin Park has natural landmark expectations with its dog-loving adventurers, playground amusement, and newcomer-friendly disc golfing events. The South Central Kentucky Cultural Center is an easygoing stop with local county exhibits and early pioneering settlement history dating back to the 1960s.

The Peninsula Marina is one of the best excursion spots for seeing riverside pontoons and even has courteous boat tours of the town! The Far Off Broadway Players may entice outsiders with its cultural theater shows, 1980s ambiance, and festive seasonal plays for holiday vacationers. The Plaza Theatre may also appeal to playwatchers with its 1930s community recitals, live concert performances, and beloved church group recognition, all inside a dashing venue. At Drink N Game, customers can sip on famous beers while taking in vibrant and excellent bar scenery. For semi-casual dining arrangements, A Little Taste of Texas delivers promising barbeque and Texan-inspired cowboy culture for all to take part in.

Kentucky’s Scenic Small Towns Await

These photogenic towns in Kentucky are ideal for any type of traveler who craves a delightful itinerary away from home. With countless commercial, natural, and historical discoveries waiting to be seen, it is no surprise that outsiders enjoy everything the "Bluegrass State" has to offer. With this list in hand, it is easy to find solace and beautiful scenery in almost every town!

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