9 Best Towns in Kentucky for a Winter Getaway
Picture yourself strolling through snow-draped streets adorned with festive lights, in the rich historical narratives of the Bluegrass Region, or embarking on scenic hikes amidst the Appalachian Mountains. From the historic charm of Harrodsburg, known for its beautifully preserved architecture, to the outdoor adventures awaiting in Dawson Springs, where snowy landscapes provide a serene backdrop, the best towns in Kentucky have it all.
Kentucky's winter towns offer not just a change in temperature but a transformation of landscapes and a celebration of local culture with Christmas tours and lighting taking place around the corner. Whether it is the warmth of a crackling fireplace in a historic inn or the vibrant festivities that unfold in each town, visitors are in for a journey through winter wonderlands, where history, nature, and community spirit converge to create memories as lasting as snowfall in the Bluegrass State.
Bardstown
Renowned as the "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown boasts a cluster of distilleries offering delectable bourbon tours. The iconic Bourbon Trail takes you through historic distilleries like Maker's Mark and Willett, witnessing the meticulous process behind each barrel. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is a must-visit, where the evolution of this iconic drink unfolds through exhibits spanning the 1920s alcohol-prohibiting law to the collection of whiskey bottles.
For a historical detour, My Old Kentucky Home State Park showcases the Federal Hill mansion, inspiring Stephen Foster's ballad. It also hosts the annual "Candlelight Christmas Tour," transporting visitors to the 19th century with period decorations and carolers. For a cozy stay, the Talbott Tavern and Inn, established in 1779, has historic accommodations.
Paducah
Paducah, a riverside gem at the confluence of the Ohio River and Tennessee River, unfolds its winter welcome with a blend of arts, culture, and natural beauty. The 1991-established National Quilt Museum showcases intricate textile artistry from around the world. For a touch of nature, The Paducah Riverfront invites contemplative walks along the water's edge, where you can also marvel at the UNESCO Creative City's colorful floodwall murals depicting the city's history.
Opt for the 1857 Hotel, a boutique accommodation blending modern amenities with historic charm, a perfect base for your Paducah adventures. For authentic Kentucky cuisine, you can head to Freight House, a converted railway depot offering a culinary journey in a farm-to-table setting.
Harrodsburg
Harrodsburg invites winter wanderers to step into a living history book amid the rolling hills of the Bluegrass Region. The town proudly boasts being the oldest in Kentucky, and its centerpiece, Old Fort Harrod State Park, is a winter wonder. The reconstructed fort transports visitors to the 18th century through candlelit tours and colonial-era demonstrations.
Winter explorers can venture into 3,000-acre Shakertown at Pleasant Hill, where guided tours of the Farm, the Historic Center, the Stable, and the Preserve unveil the Shaker heritage against a picturesque snow-covered setting. Beaumont Inn, an elegant, family-owned inn dating back to the 1940s, promises a charming stay.
Ashland
Ashland winters means the Festival of Trees and Trains organized by and to contribute towards the Paramount Arts Center theater’s education department. You will have ten days filled with holiday music, toy train exhibits, over 200 beautifully lit trees, and cocoa with Santa. You can also stop by the Jesse Stuart Foundation, dedicated to preserving Appalachian culture, with winter events, like Christmas book publications and Visits with Santa, showcasing local arts and literature.
A stroll through 52-acre Central Park, adorned with nearly 800,000 winter lights, makes for a beautiful family-friendly evening. Lastly, get a room at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ashland Downtown for a relaxing vacation.
London
London welcomes winter adventurers to start their vacation at the over 890-acre Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, where winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along scenic trails.
The Laurel County Historical Society offers a glimpse into the region's storied past, in a cozy indoor space. London is also under 30 minutes away from Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and Daniel Boone National Forest, boasting towering hemlocks and frozen waterfalls. You can retreat to your rooms in Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, London, after a tiring day.
Georgetown
Winter in Georgetown is in full swing at the 1850s-built Ward Hall, a grand 12,000 square feet antebellum mansion adorned with seasonal decorations and hosting special events like Christmas Candlelight Tours and Haunted Mansion Masquerade.
Those in the mood to spend time outdoors can explore Yuko-En on the Elkhorn, a nearly 6-acre serene Japanese Friendship Garden blanketed in winter tranquility. The Georgetown/Scott County Museum, set in a 1900s building, presents a curated journey through the region's past, with special winter exhibits. The comfortable and well-appointed Hilton Garden Inn Lexington Georgetown hotel sits in a central location for exploring Georgetown.
Dawson Springs
You can embrace the cold season in Dawson Springs with a visit to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, where miles of hiking pathways invite nature enthusiasts to explore the over 850 acres of pristine winter landscape, lasting from late November to early March. Dawson Springs, known for its parks, also boasts picturesque winter landscapes in the 1914-built Riverside Park, perfect for a stroll with panoramic views of the Tradewater River winding through the snow-laden trees. You can book accommodations at the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Lodge, right in the middle of forested beauty.
Newport
The best place to start your winter escapade in Newport is the Newport Aquarium, where the Winter Wonders event transforms the underwater world into a festive spectacle with holiday-themed exhibits and activities, including Penguin Parades.
Local history is up for watching at the Newport Southgate House, a historic 1866 church building turned live music venue that hosts intimate performances like open mics and live bands, for a warm respite from the winter chill. Newport's winter charm is heightened during Purple People Bridge's Winter Nights River Lights, where seasonal music, wreaths, and thousands of lights, in addition to a 25 foot Christmas Wish Tree, create a beautiful picture. Aloft Newport on the Levee, a modern hotel with river views, is a stylish winter retreat.
Grand Rivers
Grand Rivers presents the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a lovely 170,000-acre escape with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, for breathtaking views of the frozen lakes.
Winter activities in Grand Rivers include the Festival of Lights at Patti's Settlement, where the village transforms into a winter wonderland with more than a million twinkling lights, carriage rides, and seasonal treats. For a cultural interlude, visit the Badgett Playhouse, where winter visitors can enjoy live performances amidst the intimate setting of this lakeside theater. The lakeside resort, Green Turtle Bay Resort, has a range of accommodations perfect for a winter stay.
Winter in Kentucky is not just a season; it is a journey through time, nature, and community spirit. From festive lights adorning historic districts to serene trails through snow-dusted forests, the best towns in Kentucky offer a harmonious blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, promising a winter getaway that lingers in the heart long after the snow has melted. From the historic streets of Bardstown and the rugged mountain vistas of London to the lakeside tranquility of Grand Rivers, travelers are poised for a winter sojourn like no other.
