8 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Kentucky
Surrounded by the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountains, Kentucky is known for having more than its fair share of natural beauty. Knicknamed the "Bluegrass State" due to the unique Kentucky bluegrass that covers much of its land, Kentucky is home to many pretty small towns that are ideal for visiting year round. The next time you're planning a getaway to this Southern state, consider choosing a town that is equal parts attractive and exciting. Folllowing are eight of the prettiest towns from which to pick.
Bardstown
Dubbed the "Bourbon Capital of the World" due to its local distilleries, beautiful Bardstown is rich with history, outdoor recreational activities, world-class amenities, and local legends. Visitors come from all over to sample spirits from both the Preservation Distillery and the Bardstown Bourbon Company, which is open for tours, tastings, and also offers a full-service culinary experience.
The My Old Kentucky Home State Park is another popular destination, as it offers historic home tours, cooking classes, murder mystery experiences, bourbon tastings, and mint juleps on the front porch. Don't miss a trip to the Kentucky Railway Museum, or the Abbey of Gethsemani, which was founded in 1848 by the Order of Trappist Cistercians. Today, it's home to Trappist monks and an informative center that showcases monastery life.
Berea
Breathtaking Berea is known as the "Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky" and lives up to the title in many ways. Located just 40 miles from Lexington, this quaint small town offers an artisan village filled with working artist studios, galleries of locally made art, shops selling handmade treasures such as jewelry and home decor, and sweet boutiques. Berea is also home to both Berea College and the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsman Galleries and Crafts School.
The Pinnacles are located in the heart of the Berea College Forest and have been named the "best hike in Kentucky" by Outside Magazine. These geographically unique peaks provide hikers with sweeping views of the lush forest trails below. Outdoor adventurers and sports enthusiasts can hike, bike, or kayak at Owsley Fork and swing their clubs on Berea Country Club's 9-hole golf course.
Greenville
Situated in the gently rolling, scenic hills of western Kentucky, gorgeous Greenville treats visitors to gracious Southern hospitality, a charming historic town square filled with shops, eateries, and a 100-year-old courthouse, and no shortage of historical and outdoor attractions. One of Greenville's top attractions is the Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, a 12-acre woodland retreat featuring three scenic bridges and native wildlife such as wild turkeys and deer.
Lake Malone State Park is another must-see local destination known for its natural beauty. The 788-acre lake is surronded by breathtaking 50-foot sandstone bluffs, as well as pristine hardwood forests. If you prefer a less wild outdoor experience, spend some time exploring Luzerne Lake City Park. Arts and entertainment lovers can take in a show at the Muhlenberg Community Theatre, which is housed in the historic Palace Theatre.
Horse Cave
Southern Living Magazine named Horse Cave as one of the "most charming small towns in Kentucky" for good reason. The town, which has a population of just over 2,000, is situated on top of Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum, which features the world's longest underground swinging bridge. Adventurous cave visitors can also zipline across the entrance and rappel down a limestone cliff. The quaint town also offers the annual Horse Cave Heritage Festival, a weekend event offering craft artisans, food booths, live entertainment, and antique vehicle shows.
If you're visiting town with your family, don't miss the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, an animal park that is home to kangaroos, rainbow lorikeets, and many other different species. The zoo also provides 30-minute guided cave tours for those wanting to explore underground.
Augusta
Sweet Augusta has an authentic Southern small-town vibe, complete with a historic downtown filled with locally owned boutiques and cafes, eateries serving local cuisine, and antique shops. Augusta is the hometown of legendary singer Rosemary Clooney and features the Rosemary Clooney House Museum, which is filled with exhibits showcasing movies, songs, television shows, and personal memorabilia.
The Augusta Welcome Center is the perfect first stop during your vacation so you can get acqainted with the area. The musem also houses the Rotary Museum, which depicts the town's railroad history. Don't miss a trip to the Augusta General Store, and sample homestyle meals and unique gifts to give to loved ones back home.
Hodgenville
Best known as 16th President Abraham Lincoln's hometown in 1809, pretty Hodgenville has the perfect mix of history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and arts and entertainment. One of the town's most popular attractions is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, as well as his boyhood home at Knob Creek. The park features the Symbolic Cabin in the Memorial Building, as well as highly detailed dioramas depicting different aspects of Lincoln's life.
If you love going to farmers' markets and sampling local produce, you're in luck in Hodgenville. Check out the Magnolia Greenery Flower Farm, Hinton's Orchard and Farm Market, Grandview Farm, and Annie's Art Farm. McDougal Lake is available for fishing and boating, and the Rolling Fork Wildlife Management Area offers trails for hiking and biking.
Maysville
The historic and charming small town of Maysville is situated on the banks of the scenic Ohio River in the northeastern region of the state. Although Maysville has an authentic hometown feel, it's conveniently located within an hour and a half of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky. Visitors can get acclimated with the pretty town by stopping in the Maysville tourism office, which is located downtown in the historic Cox Building.
One must-see destination is the Cummins Nature Preserve, a 110-acre recreation area featuring hiking and biking trails, animal habitats, free primitive camping spots, picnic areas, and educational opportunities. Maysville also has two historic theaters located downtown, including the Washington Opera Theatre, which is located on the National Register of Historic Places and offers live productions year-round.
Paris
Pretty Paris is located in the heart of Kentucky's bluegrass region in well-known Bourbon County. Visitors flock to the picturesque small town to view thoroughbred horses grazing on lush, green rolling hills, historic sites dating back to the 18th Century, and charming eateries and shops in historic downtown. The area is home to more than 50 horse farms, including Claiborne Farm, where the famous horse Secretariat is laid to rest.
If you love movies, spend a few hours at the Bourbon Drive-In, a historic outdoor theater showing a mix of new and classic films. Golfers can visit the Houston Oaks Golf Course. Adults can sample locally made bourbon at the Hartford & Co. Distillery, which offers guided tours and tastings.
Not only are these small Kentucky towns interesting and full of life, they're pleasing on the eyes as well. If you find yourself traveling through this southern state, take some time to explore one of the eight warm and welcoming communities, taking in all that they have to offer and making memories with your friends and loved ones.
