The Best Small Towns in Kentucky to Chill Out In 2024
Sometimes, you just need to kick back your feet and relax or spend a peaceful day exploring local sites without dealing with the loud noises in the big city. The Bluegrass state of Kentucky is an idyllic place for chilling out. The state has many river towns, mountain towns, and historic places to visit, all of which have a relaxing atmosphere. These towns offer a reprieve from the urban hustle and bustle while still having all the entertainment of a major city. If you plan to travel in 2024, here are some of the best towns in Kentucky to chill out in.
Radcliff
Radcliff is a small town of 23,000 people in North Central Kentucky with a rich military history and beautiful sites to visit. It is just a few miles away from Fort Knox, which houses the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, featuring artifacts, photos, and information about the World War II leader General George S. Patton Jr. There are also many relaxing activities in the town itself. Those interested in the outdoors can explore the Saunders Springs Nature Preserve or see a local waterfall with the Tioga Falls Hiking Trail just off Highway U.S. 31W. On the other hand, visitors interested in local culture can visit the Kentucky Museum of American Pocketknives and end the day with a drink at the Boundary Oak Distillery.
Slade
Slade is a hidden treasure located in the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area of Kentucky. Of note in town is the magnificent Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where you can see a natural sandstone arch bridge that is 65 feet high and 78 feet tall. Visitors can either hike up to the arch or take a skylift for a more relaxing excursion. Slade has several other attractions in town, including the Kentucky Reptile Zoo for animal lovers and Red River Gorge Ziplines for those seeking some thrills. After all the outdoor fun, one can grab a bite at Miguel's Pizza by the Natural Bridge Park or Red River Rockhouse Café.
Bardstown
No list mentioning great Kentucky towns would be complete without mentioning the "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown. Located within the heart of the Bourbon Trail itself, Bardstown is perfect for relaxing and enjoying fine whisky. The best way to indulge in local delicacies is by touring one of the many distilleries in town, such as Preservation Distillery, James Bean Distillery, Bardstown Bourbon Company, and Willett Distillery. For other things to do in town, you should definitely visit the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, the home of a Federal-style mansion built in 1818 and named after the song written by Stephen Foster. Further historical knowledge of the town can be acquired at the nearby Kentucky Railway Museum and the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History.
Paducah
When it comes to charming Kentucky small towns, Paducah has a reputation as a rich place. UNESCO named it a Creative City because of its vibrant arts community, which is palpable throughout. For quilters in particular, Paducah is a treasure trove, and the National Quilt Museum gathers pieces made by artists from America and globally. The town also hosts the QuiltWeek event in April, where people from all over come to showcase and sell their intricate quilts.
Other artistic centers in town include the Yeiser Art Center, Maiden Alley Cinema and Gallery, and the Clemens Fine Art Center, each showcasing a unique aspect of local culture. If you'd like to see other sides of Paducah, there are many tours you can take, including the African American Heritage Driving Tour, Historical Churches of Paducah Tour, or even a carriage ride via John's Pass Carriage Services. Lastly, if you'd like to take a relaxing ride down the river, consider taking the Clarks River Canoe & Kayak Trail.
La Grange
La Grange is a cute town located just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. It's an ideal place to chill out due to its many quaint attractions, particularly in regards to railroads. The La Grange Railway Museum in downtown La Grange offers historic trains and scale train models. La Grange also offers a relaxing train ride through town with the Main Street Train, which goes up and down up to 30 times a day. There are several historic sites to check out, including the Oldham County History Center and the Train Observation Tower. You can also enjoy a movie like they did in the old days at the Sauerbeck Family Drive-In. Before you leave, relax with a coffee at LaGrange Coffee Roaster, eat a meal at One Nineteen West Main restaurant, or search for a great deal at the Copper Awning Flea Market.
Berea
This beautiful town is the home of Berea College and earns its name from the city of Greece, which is recognized in the Bible as a place of noble-minded people. Berea fulfills this vision through its title as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky. Within its Artisan Village, you will find many local galleries, fabric stores, jewelers, and much more. The Berea College Student Crafts features handmade products from students. Other than arts, Berea is situated amid the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and has one of the best hikes in Kentucky, the Pinnacles in Berea College Forest. There are other trails in the city as well including Anglin Falls, Brushy Fork Trial, and Boone Trace Trail. The town is also renowned for its local restaurants, such as Becky's Breads and Apollo Pizza.
Harrodsburg
The town of Harrodsburg was the center for one of the most interesting religious communities in America: the Shakers. This celibate community set up shop in Harrodsburg from 1805 to 1910, and you can see what they left behind at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a 3,000-acre center featuring the Historic Centre, which offers artifacts and information about their lives. Also within the community is the Farm and the Preserve, which has 36 miles of trails. For military history lovers, the Old Fort Harrod State Park provides a full-scale replica of a 1770s fort with cabins and blockhouses, a Mansion Museum, and the Lincoln Marriage Temple. After a day of exploring the Shakers Village, relax with a drink at the Lemons Mill Brewery, the first brewery in Harrodsburg.
Elizabethtown
Known by locals as Etown, Elizabethtown is a serene town that inspired a movie by the same name in 2005. Its rich historic district features a Historic State Theater, Hardin County Playhouse, Hardin County History Museum, Brown-Pusey House, and more. You can see many of these buildings by taking the Charles W. Logsdon Historic Downtown Elizabethtown Walking Tour. For those not interested in history, Elizabethtown also has several outdoor activities, ranging from the relaxing Elizabethtown Nature Park to the Heartland Golf Club. Both offer a unique set of activities, from a relaxing stroll through greenery to a challenging game of golf. If you'd rather have a bit of heart-pounding excitement, Skydive Kentucky LLC offers tandem skydiving in town. End the day with a delicious bit at one of the local restaurants, such as Bluegrass Meats & Catering or Doc's Pour House.
Versailles
Named after the palace in France, Versailles is the center of Woodford County, Kentucky. It is renowned for its horse farms, which breed thoroughbreds for the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. Thus, those involved in the horse racing industry are always in and out of this town. Apart from horses, this picturesque community has many great places to visit, including the Woodford Reserve Distillery, Jack Jouett House Historic Site, which features a Federal-style brick cottage, and the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, which offers railway tours of the area. For a more relaxing yet just as vibrant experience, one can enjoy a show at Woodford Theatre, see beautiful antiques at the Irish Acres Gallery of Antiques, or try out the local produce at Boyd Orchards. If you're looking for a place to stay, try out The Kentucky Castle, designed like a medieval castle that offers a bed and breakfast service. It also features sitting rooms in castle turrets for a truly magnificent stay.
Conclusion
With its beautiful grassy plains, mountains, rivers and natural bridges, Kentucky is a picturesque destination that provides relaxing locales. These small towns have a little bit for everyone ranging from railway museums, bourbon distilleries, hiking trails, antique shops and much more. What these small towns all have in common is their relaxing atmospheres that make them ideal places to just kick back and chill out. Consider visiting these small towns in 2024.
