7 Serene Towns in Kentucky for a Weekend Retreat
Kentucky is known for being a hub of commercial and cultural activities like farming, horse racing, bourbon, and tobacco production. If you are looking for a place to chill for a weekend retreat while enjoying cultural festivals and supporting locally-made produce, any of these seven serene towns in Kentucky is the ideal place to be. Get acquainted with the rich history of these towns and learn what inspires the warmth of the locals during your getaway as you relax in parks and invest in antiques and collectibles.
Paris
Paris is home to the world’s tallest 3-story building. The building is a bed and breakfast located in Downtown Paris. The town was previously named Hopewell for Hopewell, New Jersey. It was eventually changed to Paris to honor the capital city of France for the French’s help during the American Revolution.
The town of Paris is a well-structured historical place with lots of tourist attractions. Start exploring from Hopewell Museum, where you will learn about the town’s history and attend events like the Spring Artwalk in April. Freeze the memories you make with family and friends by framing your pictures at Frames On Main Gallery. Attend the April Premier Horse Show at Kentucky Horse Park. Get souvenirs at Loch Lea Antiques or All About Kentucky. If you are interested in horses and stables, check out Runnymede Farm and Claiborne Farm. Make reservations for thinned sliced hams and cocktails at Trackside at the Depot. After a long day of sight-seeing, stay at The Guesthouse at Rosecrest Farm or Best Western Paris Inn.
Bardstown
Bardstown has had different names over the years, from Baird's Town, Beardstown, Beards Town, and then Bardstown. It is Kentucky’s second oldest city and is known for its production of bourbon whiskey.
Get to know the treasured tale of Bardstown by visiting the many museums in town. Start with the Civil War Museum, then check out the historical My Old Kentucky Home. Learn why it is called the Bourbon Capital of the World at Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. Go Bourbon-tasting at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and Preservation Distillery + Farm. Visit the gorgeous Spalding Hall. Get lunch at Mammy's Kitchen & Bar. For lodgings, consider Talbott Inn or Hampton Inn Bardstown.
Berea
Berea has a rich culture embedded in crafts and festivals. The town is known for being one of the towns that revived American crafts. The town's name was inspired by Paul the Apostle’s commendation to the Bereans in Acts 17:11 of the Holy Bible as the people who were always ready to receive the scriptures. This is no wonder, as the name was given by Reverend John Fee, a minister and abolitionist.
Get started with a guide from the Berea Tourist Center and visit the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center at the Pinnacles. Check out the historic Berea College and learn all about the school’s history and charity schemes. After learning, go have some fun at Memorial Park. For outdoor enthusiasts, hike the East Pinnacle & Indian Point and Indian Fort Mountain Hiking Trail. Enjoy the nightlife at Berea Arts Council while watching art exhibits. One of the best lodges in town is the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant.
Danville
Danville is Kentucky’s City of Firsts. It holds the accolade of having the first courthouse, written constitution, capital, and state school for the deaf. This school still stands to date.
The Great American Dollhouse Museum is a historic museum in Danville with mini furniture and dolls that tell the story of the town. Go picnicking at the serene Danville-Boyle County Parks. Learn about Dr. Ephraim McDowell, the doctor who performed an ovariotomy without using anesthesia at the historic McDowell House & Apothecary Shop Museum. Don’t miss the art performances at the Art Center of the Bluegrass and Norton Center for the Arts. For bowling, head to Lexington Ave for a game at Bowlarama Lanes. Or, for more family fun, rent skates and go roller skating at Windjammer Fun Center. If you are in town in May or June, don’t miss the annual Great American Brass Band Festival. There are plenty of accommodation in town, such as Hampton Inn Danville or Quality Inn.
Horse Cave
The colorful town of Horse Cave is more than the cave that supplies its name and water. It is a commercial town with over 50 beautiful structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hidden River Cave on Main Street has 230 stairs, sunset domes, and scenic cave formations. Learn about the cave and see exhibits. For fruits and vegetables, head to Dennison's Roadside Market, find a variety of home decor collections at GeeGa’s, or clothes and candles at All Things By Mel. Visit Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo to see unique and rare animals. Or, ride a horse solo or with friends and families at Jesse James Riding Stables. Enjoy fresh bread at Farmwald's Dutch Bakery & Deli and check in to Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave when you lodge. Horse Cave Motel is also a great accommodation option.
La Grange
La Grange is a quiet town devoted to commercial activities like farming and craftsmanship.
Because of its stream, the town was known as a crossroad and resting stop for travelers. If you are in La Grange from mid-May to late October, attend the Kentucky Proud Market, where farm and crafts produce are sold by locals.
Visit the Oldham County Center for a head-start on what to do in town. History meets fun at La Grange Railroad Museum & Learning Center and The Cheeky Museum of Contemporary Art and Culture. Try to escape Emerge Escape Rooms while creating lasting memories with strangers and friends. Go park hopping at La Grange Springs Park, Morgan Conservation Park, and Wilborn Park. Get comfortable at Comfort Inn & Suites or Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Paducah
The picturesque city of Paducah, with over 20 historic structures on the National Register’s list, was formerly named Pekin before it was changed and incorporated as a city in 1838.
Begin your vacation in this home rule-class city at the Whitehaven Welcome Center to get acquainted with the town. The National Quilt Museum is a must-visit. See fiber and quilt exhibits from different parts of the world. Listen to real maritime stories at the Inland Waterways Museum. Dance to music and sip a drink while attending the Lower Town Arts And Music Festival event if you are in town in May. Don’t miss the many Civil War tales waiting to be told at Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum. If you are on vacation with your dog, visit Stuart Nelson Small Dog Park and meet other dog parents. For wine-tasting, head to Silent Brigade Distillery and rest at Days Inn by Wyndham or Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront.
These serene towns in Kentucky are filled with the most vibrant and colorful cultures and attractions. Ride horses, learn new tales, and eat freshly made produce to your fill. Enjoy your next weekend retreat to the fullest by visiting any of these towns in the Bluegrass State.
