7 Most Eccentric Towns in Kentucky

Normal is overrated. That's the motto of many eccentric people and places in the world. That is certainly the case in Kentucky, a state filled with free spirited people who love unique crafts, creative pastimes, and perfectly preserved natural environments. Kentucky small towns preserve a lot of unique charm from the first KFC location to a venomous reptile zoo to an old Shaker community. That's not to mention all of the creative people and art that adorn these towns. Here are seven eccentric Kentucky towns worth exploring for a taste of local charm and unexpected surprises.

Corbin

This underrated Kentucky town name comes from an Anglo-Norman word meaning Raven. However, Corbin itself is more well known for a different kind of bird—the chicken. It was here that Colonel Harland Sanders debuted his Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe at a small diner. The diner is still open for business at the Harland Sanders Café and Museum, which also includes the original kitchen and multiple artifacts from Sanders life.

Corbin has multiple unique museums including the Pinball Museum, which houses more than 56 machines across the decades to try out. It is also one of the best towns for nature lovers, due to the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which features a 125-foot waterfall. It is one of the few spots in the world one can see a moonbow—a rainbow formed by a full moon's light.

Pikeville

This sleepy Appalachian town played a major role in the infamous Hatfield and McCoy Feud, a land dispute which lasted decades, costing the lives of dozens and some sentenced to life in prison. Pikeville welcomes visitors to learn about this feud firsthand by traveling to major sites of the feud, such as the graves of the feudists, the Randolph McCoy Well and Homeplace, and the Hog Trial Cabin. Here, a makeshift trial was held over the theft of a hog.

Pikeville is proud of both its history and its art scene. At the Appalachian Center for the Arts, you can see a dramatic play, a musical act, and other artistic acts that build on the culture of the Appalachian Mountains.

London

While driving is the most common way to get around these small towns, other places encourage you to get out and see the sites from a different viewpoint. London, for example, is the most bike-friendly town in Kentucky and has earned its title as the Cycling Capital of Kentucky. London makes it easy for visitors and residents to explore downtown and the surrounding countryside with multiple trails. The Redbud Ride, founded in 2006, is an annual bike event, inspired by its scenic, Redbud-lined routes.

There's a lot to see in London ranging from the London Children's Museum to the Daniel Boone National Forest to Camp Wildcat, the site of the 1861 Battle of Camp Wildcat during the American Civil War. This town is also close enough to Corbin to knock out two towns in one visit.

Slade

Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg was founded in 1774, making it the oldest town in Kentucky. Step back in time at Fort Harrod State Park, where a replica of the original fort showcases early pioneer life, including crafts and daily tasks performed by settlers. The park also houses the Lincoln Marriage Temple, where Abraham Lincoln’s parents wed.

Nearby, the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers a glimpse into 19th-century life with restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and trails through scenic countryside. Harrodsburg's historic downtown district, listed on the National Historic Register, features centuries-old architecture and the state’s oldest row houses.

Paducah

Some of the most eccentric people you will meet also tend to be the most creative. This is certainly the case at Paducah, a town that been named a UNESCO Creative City. Sitting at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah showcases its creativity through many forms, such as quilting, murals, orchestra and much more.

The National Quilt Museum, for instance, has a large collection of quilts from around the world, along with classes to teach others how to enjoy this hobby. Paducah's Wall to Wall Murals along its floodwall tell the history of the town, while the Art Guild displays the best hand-made crafts and paintings made by locals. For those with a love for acting, enjoy a show at the Market House Theatre or a quirky comedic performance at Paducah Improv.

Berea

College towns tend to be eccentric places to visit, as college itself is a time of personal exploration. This is certainly the case in the historic college town of Berea. The town has a reputation for going against the culture, as it was the first racially integrated college in Kentucky. It also keeps alive old traditions through its role as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky.

Within the Artisan Village, you can see glass art at the Fire and Fern Glass Studio and woodworking in the 1813 Cabin of Old Town Artisan Gallery. Like most overachievers, Berea prides itself on being the best in more ways than one. For instance, it has the top-rated hike in the state of Kentucky at the Pinnacles in Berea College Forest, which has some of the best views in the Appalachian Mountains.

Conclusion

Eccentric people and towns think and act differently from others. This can be clearly seen by the businesses and attractions of these Kentucky towns. Paducah wears its creativity on its sleeves with its quilting and artistic attractions, while Pikeville proudly promotes its infamous history as the site of the Hatfield and McCoy feud. Thankfully these eccentric towns also happen to be friendly and welcoming to visitors, and offer many ways to get around, whether on car, foot, or bike.