8 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Kentucky

The Bluegrass state of Kentucky earns its name from both the style of music and from the species of green grass that settlers introduced in the area for horses and cattle to graze. Today, Kentucky is famous for its thoroughbred horses and the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in May. Kentucky is also a place of great natural beauty and southern charm, which you can find in many of its small towns. These idyllic small towns make for a relaxing trip, whether you are staying for the night or passing through. Uncover eight of the most idyllic small towns in Kentucky to visit.

Greenville

Located in Western Kentucky, this small town of just over 4,400 people is a quaint destination. First founded in 1799, Greenville has a rich history of famous Kentuckians, such as Lieutenant Ephraim Bank. At the Ephraim Bank Memorial & Trail, you can see a bronze statue of the "Kentucky Long Rifleman," who was famous for his marksmanship during the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.

Greenville also hosts an 18-foot 9/11 Memorial with a 17-foot box beam that fell from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In addition to these memorials, Greenville also has many idyllic parks, such as the Luzerne Lake City Park, Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, and the Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails, a six-mile trail with a covered bridge and antique caboose.

Pineville

This gorgeous Kentucky small town is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains between the Cumberland River and Pine Mountain. Pineville was first founded under the name Cumberland Ford in 1781, making it one of the oldest settlements in the state. The town is famous for Pine Mountain State Park, a park with 15 miles of hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, with trails such as Hemlock Garden and Honeymoon Falls Trail.

The park also holds an unusual spot called Chain Rock, where, according to local legend, a chain was put between two boulders to prevent them from crashing down upon the town. If you prefer golfing to hiking, you can also try out the 18-hole golf course at Wasioto Winds. While you are in the area, consider visiting the historic Harland Sanders Café in North Corbin, where Colonel Sanders first developed the recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Bardstown

Known as the Bourbon Capital, Bardstown is the birthplace of the famous drink, when Elijah Craig first came up with the technique to create bourbon in 1789. Today it is the home of many classic distilleries such as Lux Row Distillers.

Bardstown has more to see in it than just bourbon, as this idyllic town has many museums and historic buildings, including the Old Talbott Tavern, Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, Civil War Museum of the Western Theater, and Wickland, a Georgian mansion that was home to three Kentucky governors. For outdoor spots to visit, consider going to the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in nearby Clermont. This forest has trails and Forest Giants made from recycled wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Maysville

Located an hour's drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, on the banks of the Ohio River, Maysville is an idyllic Kentucky river town with multiple museums, parks, and tours available. Since 1876, Maysville has been the home of the Old Pogue Distillery, a producer of fine bourbon. You can take a tour through this distillery and the Old Pogue Bourbon Museum or go on one through the town's historic district named Historic Old Washington, which has log cabins and brick houses in the Federal and Georgian Styles.

Maysville is also a center for covered bridges, which you can see in person by taking a Covered Bridge Tour. If you just want to kick back and unwind in the water, consider going boating at the Maysville River Park.

La Grange

This cute town located just a short drive away from Louisville, Kentucky is a great spot for railroad lovers as it was a major hub for trains headed from Louisville to Nashville, Tennessee. You can learn more about the history of the railroad at the La Grange Railroad Museum or take the train yourself with the Main Street Train, which goes through the downtown area of La Grange up to 30 times a day. Spend a day fishing on the lake at Wilborn Park or hike through the wilderness with beautiful spring fed creeks at The Glen.

This idyllic town also hosts two historic buildings: the Rob Morris Home and Buddy Pepper House, but if you prefer something a bit more modern, stop by The Cheeky Museum of Contemporary Art + Culture. Lastly, you can enjoy a great American tradition here by going to the Sauerbeck Family Drive-in theater for a movie and snacks while relaxing in your vehicle.

Slade

The unique Kentucky small town of Slade hides one of the great natural wonders of the world, a natural sandstone arch within the Red River Gorge. At the Natural Bridge State Resort Park within the Gorge, you can see a 78-foot natural bridge or stand atop it and take in the beautiful views of the area. While you are at the park, you can go hiking on one of 11 trails or go rock climbing or zip lining within the larger Red River Gorge Ecological Area. Slade also has spots to go fishing or canoeing such as at Mill Creek Lake.

For those interested in wildlife, make sure to visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo & Captive Born Venom Lab. Lastly, you can forgo the walking and take a horse ride instead by visiting Fonda's Mountain Horses trail rides.

Midway

Midway is a charming town in Central Kentucky, first founded in the 1800s when the railway came through the area. Today the town is known as a major center of thoroughbred horse breeding and distilleries. In addition, the town is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that cuts through Kentucky.

The two main bourbon spots to visit are the Woodford Reserve and Bluegrass Distillers (in Lexington). Also, Midway has several historic buildings and trails to check out, such as the Weisenberger Mill, in operation since 1865, the Midway/Versailles 28-mile bike loop, and the Walter Bradley Park. Nearby, Versailles also hosts the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum.

Cumberland

Out of all the beautiful places to visit in Kentucky, Cumberland should be on your list. Located in Southeastern Kentucky, Cumberland is known as the Black Bear Capital of Kentucky for its large population of black bears. The best place to see these black bears is Kingdom Come State Park, with multiple hiking trails cutting through Pine Mountain. To get the most out of your visit to the park, check out the Log Rock natural sandstone bridge, the Cave Amphitheater and Creech Overlook. In addition, there is a 3.5-acre mountain lake in the park where you can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and trout.

With a long history, gorgeous mountains and grassy hills, Kentucky is a beautiful place. Whether you are interested in railroads, historic figures, battlefields or strenuous hiking trails, Kentucky is just the spot to visit. These idyllic small towns keep southern charm and hospitality alive while offering many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. And as the birthplace of bourbon, you will never lack good drinks while you stay.