7 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Kentucky
Becoming the 15th US state in 1792, Kentucky is chock full of history and cultural discoveries. Yet, some of its most well-preserved historic gems and natural wonders lie not within the state’s cities but in the quaint towns that diligently uphold their heritage and lush surroundings. From Paducah's lively music scene to the proximity of Mammoth Cave National Park near Glasgow, these small Kentucky towns showcase some of the country’s most stunning treasures. For travelers contemplating their next vacation spot, dive into why these charming towns will leave a lasting impression.
Paducah
Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City, artists and musicians from all over the world pour into Paducah to share their craft. Its downtown area reflects this artistic atmosphere, filled with historic homes, art galleries, cultural entertainment, shopping, dining, and more. Visitors interested in this incredible art scene can attend events at The Yeiser Art Center, The Clemens Fine Art Center, and Maiden Alley Cinema and Gallery, which are all creative staples in the town. Visitors can also enjoy a night out at the symphony by attending one of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra concerts.
Located along the Ohio River in the gorgeous historic downtown, visitors can also stroll along the town’s farmers market, which takes place every Saturday morning and features a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more.
Shelbyville
Redesigned Sixth Street in the heart of the Historic District, Shelbyville, Kentucky, USA. Editorial credit: Blue Meta / Shutterstock.com
Surrounded by green pastures and meadows, Shelbyville has become well-known worldwide for its history in equestrianism. Visitors of all levels may enjoy horseback riding on the town’s nearby trails, such as Shelby Trails Park, a 462-acre park with pristine horseback riding trails. Not a fan of horseback riding? The park also welcomes bird watchers, hikers, runners, and photographers so that everyone can enjoy its green beauty. For those new to horseback riding, many local farms, such as Kismet Farms, offer classes for beginners.
Along the town’s main street lie an array of charming shops and restaurants, many housed in historic buildings. Make sure to stop by the cozy Sixth and Main Coffeehouse for a revitalizing afternoon coffee or a tasty meal at the Bellhouse Restaurant, named for the 160-year-old bell that sits outside and used to be the town’s fire alarm!
Richmond
Richmond Battlefield Historic Park, Richmond, Kentucky, USA. Editorial credit: Jason Busa / Shutterstock.com
From stunning parks to historic landmarks and tasty breweries, Richmond has something for everyone. Visitors can hike or have a picnic in E.C. Million Memorial Park, where they can enjoy the sound of a babbling creek and gorgeous, glowing green pastures. Baldwin Farms, open in the spring and fall, has an annual pumpkin patch and sells fresh, mouthwatering produce to visitors. Fishers can enjoy a day out on the calming waters of Wilgreen Lake, which is stocked with blue gill, bass, and crappie.
Downtown, Dreaming Creek Brewery produces and sells a variety of craft beers, while Apollo Pizza has an array of creative pizzas that foodies will adore. Also nearby, architecture fanatics can visit the Madison County Courthouse, which has Greek Revival style architecture, or the White Hall State Historic House, which was built between the 18th and 19th centuries and features jaw-dropping Georgian and Italianate styles.
Harrodsburg
View of Main Street, Harrodsburg, looking south. By Christopher L. Riley, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1774 by a group of intrepid pioneers, Harrodsburg has become known as the “Birthplace of the West” and proudly preserves its history and heritage in current times. During their stay, visitors can visit a variety of unique cultural landmarks. Travelers can take a trip out to Shaker Village, the third largest Shaker community in the country, and have an unforgettable day, enjoying an array of local shops, historical exhibitions, and restaurants as well as immerse themselves in the community’s daily lifestyle.
The Old Fort Harrod State Park fuses interests in nature with history, housing a full-scale replica of a 1774 fort, the 'Big Ole Tree', the US’s largest Osage Orange tree, the Mansion Museum, and Kentucky’s oldest cemetery. Visitors who travel to Harrodsburg in the fall will be amazed by the surrounding fall foliage as well as kick off the pumpkin spice season with Devine’s corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Berea
Berea Crafts Festival, Berea, Kentucky, USA. Editorial credit: Stephen Nwaloziri / Shutterstock.com
Known as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky, Berea is filled with a cozy, artistic charm and lots of local pride. Visitors can find the heart of this artsy spirit in Artisan Village, a district teeming with galleries, handmade jewelry, artist studios, fabric stores, glass studios, and more! A pizza restaurant, bakery, and skating rink also draw visitors into this district. Along Chesnut Street, visitors can appreciate Fee Sculpture Park and Chestnut St. Mini Mall, an antique mall with all kinds of unique finds.
Hikers must visit The Pinnacles, a collection of trails and rockcroppings in Berea that offers stunning panoramic lookouts from the hillside. Owsley Fork is a scenic lake with a gorgeous, emerald-like hue that sits about 15 minutes from Berea. It is excellent for kayaking, picnicking, or hiking.
Glasgow
South Green Street, Glasgow, Kentucky, USA. By Ichabod, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Despite Glasgow’s small population, the town is filled with local restaurants, unique shops, and cultural activities. The history district boasts a wide array of well-preserved buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the Historic Plaza Theatre, which is fully functioning and continues to offer concerts and plays. The South Central Kentucky Cultural Center also gives visitors a glimpse into history, with exhibits ranging from early settlements through daily life in the 1960s.
Just a 20-minute drive away lies the stunning Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world’s longest-known cave system, containing millennia of human history and rich biodiversity. Travelers can participate in cave tours as well as bike, hike, camp, canoe, and go horseback riding on the land surrounding the cave.
Augusta
Augusta, Kentucky Ferry Launch on the Ohio River.
Nestled along the Ohio River, Augusta is a small, tranquil town that has preserved its history and culture over the years. A prime example of this history conservation is The Augusta Ferry, a river ferry service operating since 1798! Visitors can hop on this ferry in either a vehicle or by foot and enjoy the views from the river, just as Augusta residents did 200 years ago. Travelers can also take a trip out to the Bakery-Bird Winery and Distillery, which is the most extensive and oldest wine cellar in the United States, founded in 1797. Wine and bourbon tastings while learning about Bakery-Bird’s legacy will undoubtedly feel like a trip through time.
Travelers can immerse themselves in nature in Augusta by visiting the Bracken Creek Horse and Hiking Trails, an accessible trail system that also hosts two fishing lakes. Visitors can also buy a day pass to horseback ride along the scenic trails!
Final Thoughts
Kentucky's appeal extends beyond its cities, with charming towns preserving rich heritage and natural beauty. From Shelbyville's equestrian traditions to Richmond's historical landmarks, each offers a unique adventure. Harrodsburg's pioneer spirit, Berea's artisan crafts, Glasgow's cultural landmarks, and Augusta's timeless charm invite travelers seeking a vacation off the beaten path. Explore these hidden gems for unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to Kentucky's historic past.
