7 Underrated Small Towns To Explore In Kentucky
From its rugged mountains to the rolling fields that give the Bluegrass State its nickname, Kentucky is full of natural beauty. The state is also known for its long history and distinctive culture, making it a fantastic travel destination. While cities like Louisville and Lexington are great places to explore, no trip to Kentucky is complete without spending some time in its small towns as well. To help with your travel plans, we have listed seven of Kentucky’s lesser-known small-town gems.
Bardstown
As a small town of under 14,000 in north-central Kentucky, Bardstown seems like an odd spot for an ornate Roman Catholic basilica. Yet the town was a popular destination for early Catholic settlers, and the 1823 Basilica of St. Joseph continues to impress worshippers and tourists alike. Bourbon whiskey is also ingrained in Bardstown’s heritage, and the town boldly proclaims itself the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The classic and charming downtown area includes tasting rooms along with shops and eateries, and you also enjoy the surrounding natural scenery while touring several of the nearby distilleries.
Paducah
Paducah sits about halfway between Nashville and St. Louis at the strategic meeting point of the Tennessee River and Ohio River in western Kentucky. The town was laid out by the famous explorer William Clark in 1827, and the downtown area—20 blocks of which are designated a historic district—beautifully reflects Paducah’s past and present. Along with its cute downtown and lovely waterfront setting, Paducah is known for its vibrant creative community, especially in the fields of quilting and folk art. In fact, in 2013, the town was named a UNESCO Creative City for its contributions to cultural connections through creativity.
Berea
Berea’s location along Interstate 75, between the cities of Lexington and Knoxville, has spared it from the economic and population decreases faced by many other Kentucky communities in recent decades. Fortunately, Berea has also managed to maintain its historic charm and small-town character. The town is known for its hospitable and welcoming spirit, which is appropriate for the home of Berea College, founded in 1855 as the first coeducational and racially integrated college in the American South. Berea’s hospitality is also reflected in its lively arts scene, most notably its live music scene that culminates each October with the college’s Celebration of Traditional Music.
Morehead
The northeastern Kentucky town of Morehead is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, nearby to spectacular natural attractions like Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake, and Sheltowee Trace Trail. The town is as postcard-pretty as the surrounding landscape, with Morehead’s timeless downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bustling campus of Morehead State University sits just north of the downtown area. During your visit to Morehead, get a feel for rural Kentucky’s traditional arts, crafts, and music culture at the Kentucky Folk Art Center museum.
La Grange
Many Kentucky communities have railroads passing through downtown, but La Grange is a special case. Each day, some 25 freight trains roll straight through the heart of downtown on tracks that run right in the middle of Main Street. Luckily, local residents and businesses have learned to live with the disruptions and even benefit from them. As a visitor, you get to see passing trains right up close before checking out the La Grange Railroad Museum. This town is definitely an underrated day-trip destination from regional cities like Cincinnati and Louisville, with attractions like a public splash park and a seasonal farmer’s market.
Maysville
Maysville is one of Kentucky’s oldest towns, but the history of its location stretches back many more centuries. Built along a trail blazed first by giant buffalo herds, then Native Americans, and finally Euro-American settlers, Maysville served as the gateway between the Ohio River and central Kentucky’s bluegrass country. Maysville was also a key stop on the Underground Railroad, with runaways escaping from slavery in Kentucky to freedom across the river in Ohio. Maysville has a lovely downtown with many highlights, but your first stop should be the Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum, located in a house built in 1807.
Somerset
If your idea of a great summer evening is attending a classic car cruise, Somerset, the “Official Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky,” has to be on your travel list! The town’s “Somernites Cruise” series runs monthly from April to October, but there are plenty of other great reasons to visit, even if car cruises are not your cup of tea. For instance, Somerset hosts a great Master Musicians Festival each July and is home to the intriguing International Paranormal Museum and Research Center. If you are a lover of the outdoors, Somerset also offers convenient access to both Lake Cumberland and Daniel Boone National Forest.
Visitors come to Kentucky to experience its bluegrass music, thoroughbred horses, and top-notch bourbon whiskey, among other superlatives. No matter your reason for visiting the Bluegrass State, make sure to set aside time to explore some of its great small towns. You will discover communities that are full of a uniquely Kentucky brand of history, culture, and charm. Before you know it, you will find yourself planning your next visit to Kentucky!
