9 Best Small Towns in Kentucky to Visit in 2024
Kentucky is a Southern United States state famed for its Bluegrass and bourbon. However, there is more to Kentucky than its two famous B’s. Scattered throughout the aptly nicknamed Bluegrass State are scenic destinations with a distinctive brand of rich history, diverse culture, and spectacular natural beauty. From Danville, the state's first capital, to Bardstown, The Bourbon Capital of the World, these are the best small towns in Kentucky to visit in 2024.
Maysville
Known for its storied history and lovely Ohio River location, Maysville is one of the best Kentucky towns to visit in 2024 because of its blend of culture, activities, and immersive local tours. Get a taste of the quaint community’s rich heritage with a visit to the Maysville-Mason County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. It is located in the 1886 Cox Building, a cornerstone of the downtown area. The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center is another can’t-miss downtown attraction and includes the Old Pogue Experience, a favorite local spot exploring the region’s bourbon-distilling roots.
Maysville’s bucolic Kentucky setting makes it the perfect place for outdoor exploration. Whether it is sightseeing on a Covered Bridge Tour or a Maysville Trolley Tour, there is always something new to discover. Those looking for outdoor activities will enjoy recreation spots like Maysville River Park, Cummins Nature Preserve, and the nearby Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, just 30 minutes away.
Winchester
Located just minutes from Lexington, Winchester is a Clark County gem known for its one-of-a-kind local experiences. However, while many Kentucky towns are famed for bourbon and Bluegrass, Winchester’s claims to fame are in its beer cheese and Ale-8-One, also known as “Kentucky’s Official Soft Drink.” Today, visitors can celebrate the town’s official foodstuffs with tours of the Ale-8-One Factory and events like the annual Beer Cheese Festival, featuring the only Beer Cheese Trail in the US. Those visiting in 2024 can also enjoy another annual favorite: the Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival.
This bustling Kentucky community has its share of history—and tours to commemorate it. Explore Clark County’s pioneer past on the Daniel Boone Heritage Trail, a Scenic Byway from nearby Fort Boonesborough to Athens. One can also delve into the region’s Civil War history with a visit to the Civil War Fort at Boonesborough and a Civil War Driving Tour. Those interested in walking can stroll through Winchester’s Historic Downtown, listed on the Register of Historic Places.
Winchester also has plenty of outdoor recreation. Activities such as the Traveling Trail and the John Holder Trail provide scenic walks throughout the area. At the same time, destinations like the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve and the nearby Red River Gorge are idyllic spots for soaking up Kentucky’s spectacular natural beauty.
Grand Rivers
The perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and small-town hospitality makes Grand Rivers one of the best Kentucky small towns to visit in 2024. The town’s access to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley provides miles of shoreline and recreation opportunities. Some of the most popular opportunities for watersports include fishing, boating, kayaking, and sailing. And there is more to Grand Rivers than its epic waterways. The entrance to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with over 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATVs, and more.
Take a break from the great outdoors with a visit to Grand River’s many attractions. Relax after a long day on the lake with a visit to Jade and Earth Spa at Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina; catch an exciting show at the Badgett Playhouse; or spend the day at Patti’s 1880s Settlement, a famed restaurant. 2024 visitors will also want to check out one of the town’s popular annual events, including the Grand Rivers Arts & Crafts Festival and the Hunter’s Moon Festival.
Hodgenville
Hodgenville is a quaint central Kentucky town with a storied heritage and a place in US history as the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln. In addition to three one-of-a-kind destinations exploring the life of the famous statesman, Hodgenville is also home to a historic downtown commercial district. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district—and its historic sites—can be explored on the Lincoln Museum’s Historic Walking Tour.
Hodgenville celebrates the life of Lincoln through its three most famous attractions, the Lincoln Museum, Abraham Lincoln’s Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, and the Abraham Lincoln National Birthplace National Historic Park. The National Historic Park is home to the First Lincoln Memorial, in addition to several scenic hiking trails where visitors can walk in the footsteps of the famous president and explore settings from his childhood. Explore additional historical and cultural sites throughout the surrounding area on the Lincoln Heritage Trail and the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway. Hodgenville also hosts an annual Lincoln Days celebration in October.
Additionally, Hodgenville visitors can enjoy the area’s signature scenic beauty by fishing and boating at Salem Lake. Those not into water can visit the town’s many farms and orchards, including Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market, or explore the countryside on the LaRue County Quilt Trail.
Paris
Paris, Kentucky, may not be as well-known as its French counterpart. However, the small Bourbon County community—located in the heart of Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass region—has a brand of distinctive culture, making it one of the best Kentucky small towns to visit in 2024.
Located less than one hour from Lexington, Paris is connected to Kentucky’s second-largest city via one of the most spectacularly scenic roads in the Bluegrass State: the Paris Pike. Dominated by rolling green fields, historic markers, and Bourbon County’s renowned horse farms, Paris Pike is an idyllic introduction to the beauty of Paris. Visitors can also learn more about the region’s thoroughbred history with a tour of local farms like Claiborne Farm and Runnymede Farm. The Bourbon County Horse Walk of Fame is another great way to learn about the county’s most famous horses.
For more Bourbon County heritage, explore Paris’ 96-acre Historic Downtown District, home to notable sites like the 1902 Bourbon County Courthouse, the 1788 Duncan Tavern, the Hopewell Museum, and many historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Paris Downtown Walking Trail and the Downtown Architectural Tour are also great ways to discover town landmarks, businesses, and places of interest.
Berea
Berea is known as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky—and with good reason. The Madison County gem is home to an Artisan Village District filled with glass studios, boutiques, galleries, handmade crafts, jewelry, and the Berea Welcome Center in the historic L&N Railroad Depot. The nearby Kentucky Artisan Center also explores Kentucky’s creative spirit with exhibits, displays, and demonstrations highlighting Berea and other artisans throughout the state. Berea College is also a town mecca for regional arts and crafts. While browsing, stop at its Visitors Center & Shoppe and embark on the Berea Public Art Tour, the perfect way to see Berea’s public art, sculptures, and historic architecture.
Berea is famed for more than its arts and crafts scene; it is known for having the best hikes in Kentucky. Located in the Berea College Forest, the Pinnacles have epic hiking trails and spectacular views. They are also on Daniel Boone National Forest's doorstep, another local outdoor recreation favorite. More Berea hiking favorites include the Boone Trace Trail, Anglin Falls, and the Berea City Trails.
This vibrant town also hosts many festivals and events perfect for anyone visiting in 2024. Popular highlights include the Berea Farmers Market, the Berea Celtic Fest and Gathering, and the Spoonbread Festival.
Danville
Danville is a small Kentucky town steeped in history. Known as “The City of Firsts,” Danville was the first capital of Kentucky and the site of the state’s first courthouse—and, significantly, where its constitution was signed in 1792. Known as Constitution Square today, this famous spot is a Danville landmark home to monuments and historic buildings chronicling Kentucky’s rich past. For more area history, visit nearby Perryville’s Battlefield State Historic Site and the Historic Merchants’ Row, both showcasing a unique style of the past. Or, one can explore Boyle County’s African-American heritage on the Forgotten Landmarks tour.
In addition to being the Birthplace of Kentucky, Danville is also known as a top destination for the state’s most famous beverage: bourbon. Visitors can sample Kentucky’s finest with a tour at one of the town's three top distilleries, Luca Mariano Distillery, Blue Rook Distillery, and Wilderness Trail Distillery. After a drink, it's time to celebrate with one of many upcoming 2024 events. Some of the most popular include the Boyle County Farmers Market, the Forkland Heritage Festival, and Commemoration Events at Perryville State Historic Site.
Greenville
Greenville is one of the best small towns in Kentucky to visit in 2024 because of its cozy environment. The town's walkable downtown and welcoming atmosphere have something for everyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the quaint town square and historic Muhlenberg County Courthouse to a bustling variety of eateries and shops like Sip & Spin Coffee and Able Stitches and Co., the western Kentucky town is full of character. As the seat of Muhlenberg County, Greenville also hosts many special events, including 2024’s Carothers Rodeo Co. Rodeo and annual town celebrations like the Gobble Arts Bazaar & Fall Festival and the Twilight Antique Car Show.
There are many ways to discover Greenville’s recreational activities. Well-known town destinations include Greenville Rails to Trails, Luzerne Lake City Park, and Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, where visitors can enjoy walking trails and scenic natural beauty. Nearby Lake Malone State Park is also popular for breathtaking landscapes, walking trails, watersports, and camping.
Bardstown
Designated by both USA Today and Rand McNally as the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America,” it is easy to see why Bardstown is one of the best Kentucky small towns to visit in 2024. Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown is the official gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Visitors can relish time at various distilleries, including Willett Distillery and Bardstown Bourbon Company. There are also many attractions celebrating the history of the signature Kentucky beverage, including the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History and the Bourbon Capital Academy.
But Bardstown is more than just bourbon—the bustling Nelson County town also has its share of history. Bardstown Museum Row is a complex that hosts two of the country’s most notable Civil War Museums. At the same time, area history comes alive at the Bardstown-Nelson County African-American Heritage Museum, housed in the 1812 Old Union Church. Further, explore Bardstown’s past with a Historic Downtown Walking Tour showcasing sites like the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral.
Wrapping Up
Kentucky is one of the most beautiful states in the Southern US. Its signature Bluegrass charm can be seen everywhere, from its colorful heritage to its rich cultural traditions, while its scenic beauty offers a lush playground for outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers alike. While large cities like Louisville and Lexington are top vacation destinations, the Bluegrass State's picturesque small towns have a distinctive Southern hospitality and charm that make them some of the best places to visit in 2024.
