7 Of The Quietest Kentucky Towns

While the larger Kentucky cities of Louisville and Lexington are well-known to travelers as bustling sightseeing destinations, there is an altogether different, more relaxed side to the Bluegrass State that is worth getting to know. The best of these quiet small towns are not only steeped in history but also set against backdrops of picture-perfect scenery. In many cases, they have also served as a crossroads of some of the South's most significant historic events.

Developed over centuries and little changed since their founding years, these lovely communities are perfect travel destinations for those who enjoy the quieter side of life. Read on to find out more about seven of the quietest towns in Kentucky.

Berea

Known as Kentucky's Folk Arts and Crafts Capital, thanks to its numerous artisan studios and top-notch art college, Berea is undoubtedly one of the most charming small towns in Kentucky. Founded in 1855, Berea College shaped the town's emphasis on art and craftsmanship and continues to play an important role to this day with student participation in events like the Berea Craft Festival. Held in July at Indian Fort Theater, this much-anticipated event attracts skilled makers of pottery, textiles, and glassware, along with crowds of visitors enjoying local foods and music. The Kentucky Artisan Center is another must-visit. It sells handcrafted pieces and hosts demonstrations by talented artisans.

Berea College also runs the Log House Craft Gallery, founded in 1917 and stocked with art and crafts produced by students and regional artisans. If you make a weekend of it, check availability at the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant. Opened in 1909, it remains an iconic spot that offers quality accommodations, locally sourced dishes, and plenty of peace and quiet. If you enjoy the great outdoors, head to the 8,400-acre Berea College Forest, with its many trails leading up the Pinnacles to a series of scenic overlooks.

Danville

Referred to as the Birthplace of Kentucky for its role in the state's early years, Danville makes for a wonderful (and quiet) small-town getaway. An easy hour drive southwest of Lexington, you will want to start exploring at the Constitution Square Historic Site. Spanning three acres, it was here that Kentucky's first constitution was drafted in 1792, an important event that is commemorated by the old log structures from this period, along with the informative displays in the courthouse.

History buffs will also want to visit the McDowell House & Apothecary Shop Museum, constructed in 1795, and the place where Dr. Ephraim McDowell performed the world's first successful abdominal surgery in 1809. Nearby, Centre College, founded in 1819, is fun for a peaceful stroll, while the Norton Center for the Arts regularly hosts theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. You will also appreciate quiet recreation spots like Millennium Park, a 126-acre green space with walking paths and playgrounds.

Georgetown

The pretty town of Georgetown is another quieter alternative to Kentucky’s bigger cities. Founded as Lebanon in 1784 and adopting its current name just a few years later, the town's fascinating past lives on historic sites like Ward Hall. Completed in 1857, this spectacular Greek Revival mansion is known for its 27-foot-tall columns and ornate spiral staircase. The Scott County Arts & Cultural Center, housed in a former post office built in 1900, is another must-see. It displays local art and hosts intimate workshops.

The town's most peaceful place to visit, though, is Yuko-En on the Elkhorn. This beautiful six-acre Japanese garden features several ponds and walking trails, along with a traditional bridge that makes for a great wedding photo. Royal Spring Park, reputed to be where Elijah Craig first distilled bourbon in 1789, is another peaceful spot to watch the world pass by.

Morehead

Morehead is located a short distance from the state border with West Virginia and is a popular base from which to explore the vast Daniel Boone National Forest. This magnificent forest covers over 700,000 acres and is especially popular with hikers and rock climbers who want to avoid the crowds. Other outdoor adventure spots include Cave Run Lake, an 8,270-acre body of water boasting superlative kayaking and canoeing, as well as birdwatching. The lake's shoreline features Twin Knobs Recreation Area, offering campsites surrounded by hardwood forests that are ideal for those wanting a quiet few days to reconnect with nature.

Other attractions include Morehead State University, established in 1887 and featuring a campus that is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The university's grounds are also home to Eagle Lake, a 30-acre reservoir encircled by walking paths used by students and residents alike. For a dose of local heritage, visit the Kentucky Folk Art Center. Set in a renovated 1906 grocery store, it is a quiet spot to enjoy an impressive collection of more than 1,400 pieces of self-taught art that documents regional culture and storytelling traditions.

Maysville

Maysville's lovely location along the Ohio River makes it a great spot for those needing a little peace and quiet. There is a strong connection here to the state's early settlers, something that’s especially evident in the Washington Historic District, one of the town's two historic districts. Dating back to 1785, here you can see original log cabins and churches from the period, including the fascinating Old Church Museum built in 1848. Maysville's Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, founded in 1878, is another must-visit and houses artifacts documenting local heritage, including the Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection, featuring detailed replicas of historic rooms. Across town, the Russell Theatre opened in 1930 and has preserved its original Spanish Colonial Revival design.

The real sense of quietude, however, comes from Maysville's riverfront. Once a site used for flatboat launches traversing the Ohio River in the early 1800s, you will enjoy scenic walks along Limestone Landing Park while gazing over the river toward Ohio. From here, it is just a short stroll to downtown Maysville, where you can visit Chandler’s Market, set in a restored 19th-century building and serving up such local specialties as pan-fried catfish.

Somerset

Somerset is located in southern Kentucky and serves as the jumping-off point for those wanting to explore the 65,000-acre Lake Cumberland, one of the state's most popular spots for outdoor adventures. Here, you can visit local outfitters like Lost Mountain Outfitters for everything from camping gear to fishing supplies, while nearby marinas will rent you pontoon boats, kayaks, or canoes so you can get out on the water. And just a short drive away, General Burnside Island State Park covers 430 acres on the lake and features an 18-hole golf course and camping.

You can even enjoy outdoor music at Somerset's Master Musicians Festival, held in July at Festival Field, which attracts folk and blues fans from across the region. Indoor fun is also on the cards in Somerset. The Carnegie Community Arts Center, built in 1913 as a Carnegie library, now hosts a wide array of art displays, while history buffs will want to pop by William Fox House, a lovely example of antebellum architecture.

Frankfort

Despite being the state capital of Kentucky, beautiful Frankfort is definitely a great place to visit for those seeking a quiet, small-town experience. Boasting a pedestrian-friendly downtown and plenty of green space to explore, it is one place you can easily forget about having arrived by car (park it and start walking!). Highlights include the park-like setting of The Old State Capitol, constructed in 1830 and featuring well-preserved Greek Revival architecture that served as the seat of government until 1910. Today, it offers guided tours that detail legislative history and describes the state's founding years.

Across town, the current Kentucky State Capitol, completed in 1910, features domed ceilings and sculptures honoring state figures. Set overlooking the town, it is also home to a spectacular lawn and gardens. Also notable is the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, which operates the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. This world-class museum holds tens of thousands of artifacts showcasing political developments and everyday life across two centuries, and if you can avoid the parties of school kids, it offers a few quiet corners in which to contemplate the past.

Together, these seven quiet Kentucky towns present an ideal itinerary for those planning a road trip to (or through) the Bluegrass State. By preserving centuries-old architecture and maintaining lush green spaces, they not only manage to capture the essence of Kentucky’s past, but they also provide plenty of quiet corners for those who prefer exploring without the crowds. If you enjoy a slower pace without having to skimp out on historical landmarks and pleasant scenery, these seven quiet Kentucky towns are just the ticket.