These 8 Towns In Kentucky Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

Kentucky is home to two of the biggest towns in the United States (Louisville and Lexington) and the famous Churchill Downs, which hosts the Kentucky Derby. This state is bordered by the Appalachian Mountains in the east and the Ohio River on the north side. It is also host to many quaint historic attractions and outdoor spaces that continue to attract visitors from across the world. In 2024, check out eight of Kentucky's towns that were ranked among America’s favorite towns, from Berea and Bardstown to Frankfort. You will be amazed at what you will find.

Berea

With a population of about 15,000, Berea is a small town surrounded by a colorful network of forests and different natural attractions, making it one of the best towns in Kentucky to spend the holiday. Berea is close to the Indian Fort Mountain, which is a wonderful sight. Here, visitors can explore the mountain terrain and climb up some parts of the mountain to get a good view of the area.

The Indian Fort Hiking Trail, which passes through Berea, gives visitors the opportunity to get closer to nature, enjoy the earthy feel of the landscape, and interact with the wildlife in the area. Boone Trace Trail is another impressive attraction, as it has stunning overlooks and a clear lake where visitors can enjoy the tranquil nature of the area.

Pikeville

Known as the main entertainment hub of eastern Kentucky, Pikeville is a town filled with natural charm and a lot of fun activities. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors should start their trip with a visit to Bob Amos Park, where you can walk leisure trails. There are also amenities in the playground to provide excitement for kids. A lot of mountains surround Pikeville in the Appalachian region, and a trip across town will expose you to the beauty that surrounds the area.

Museums like the Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum are a great place to learn about the town's history. For those who are fans of history, and in winter, skating comes alive at Winterfest.

Florence

Florence is known for the great quality of life it offers, and there is little to wonder as to why people love living here and what a typical holiday here will feel like. The clear skies and well-planned settlement add to the whole aesthetic. There is no shortage of attractions as adventurers can enjoy a visit to Full Throttle Adrenaline Park, which is one of the town’s major highlights.

Florence Boone County Skate Park is another impressive attraction as people flock here to skate and show off new skills. It also has benches and spaces to watch others skate and just relax. At the Thomas More Stadium, you can catch a game of the area’s baseball team, the Florence Y'alls, which attracts quite a crowd and can infuse some more excitement into your trip.

Paducah

If you are looking for a place filled with art and beauty to visit in 2024, Paducah is just the spot. Located where the Ohio and Tennessee rivers meet, Paducah is a scenic masterpiece that brings natural beauty and artistic excellence together. This UNESCO Creative City has amenities that will leave you in a state of wonder and can even bring out the artist in you. From strolls across its riverfront with perfectly lined tree paths to its adorable downtown area, everything about this area screams elegance.

The Lower Town Arts District is a hub of creativity where Victorian homes house artists’ studios and galleries, showcasing some of the best works in the area in its exquisite galleries. The National Quilt Museum serves as a tribute to textile art, and it houses fabrications from the best quilters and fiber artists to the delight of visitors.

Richmond

Richmond combines historical depth with natural beauty to create an experience that no one will forget as they journey south to its borders in search of a picturesque holiday destination. Surrounded by rolling hills and natural parks, you can go hiking at Fort Boonesborough State Park, which also provides spaces for sports with family and friends.

Richmond’s downtown features beautifully preserved antebellum architecture, with landmarks like the White Hall State Historic Site, which gives tourists a glimpse of its rich past. It also uses exhibits to help trigger visual representations of the events. Adventurers are also drawn to its vibrant history, particularly its significance in the American Civil War, which you can find more live information about at the Battle of Richmond Visitors Center. In October, the town hosts the Millstone Festival, which showcases local music and crafts, helping to bring fun to the fall season and creating a magical experience.

Bardstown

Famed for its bourbon heritage, Bardstown is a picturesque town where history and flavor blend seamlessly. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, Bardstown is endowed with scenic beauty and charm in every corner. The town’s architecture, which includes Federal-style homes and the iconic Federal Hill Mansion, inspired the state song "My Old Kentucky Home."

Wandering through Bardstown’s quaint streets feels like stepping back in time, with its Georgian and Gothic Revival buildings adding to the nostalgic vibe. The town also has a rich history, and the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History is an invitation for adventurers to get a glimpse into the events of its pre-colonial days. The Old Bardstown Village and Civil Museum is also dedicated to the town's involvement in the American Civil War, which history enthusiasts will find interesting.

Maysville

Located along the Ohio River, Maysville captivates tourists with its breathtaking riverfront views and historic charm. The town’s peaceful riverbanks are perfect for a quiet stroll, with picturesque sunsets painting the sky over the water.

Maysville has a rich history, and you can find interesting pieces at the National Underground Railroad Museum and the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which has over 4,000 pieces and an art gallery. Cummins Nature Preserve gives an entrance into the vast natural ecosystem in the area, and visitors can make use of this green space to explore the town's outdoor environment.

Frankfort

As Kentucky’s capital, Frankfort is home to many historical attractions and the very illustrious Kentucky State University. The town is famous for raising thoroughbreds, which are special race horses, and also for the Kentucky Bourbon Ball, which Rebecca Gooch and Ruth Hanly Booe introduced.

Situated along the Kentucky River, tourists can enjoy scenic riverside walks and outdoor adventures at Cove Spring Park, where waterfalls and wooded trails take you along the length of the park and reward travelers with impressive views of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy a glimpse of the town’s history at the Capital City Museum before heading over to sip bourbon at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery. Close out the day with a visit to River View Park, which has a walking trail and picnic spaces to help you relax after an eventful day.

From the Bourbon Trail through Frankfort and Bardstown to Indian Fort Mountain, Kentucky is filled with endless attractions and ways for travelers to enjoy a holiday trip in 2024. History lovers, outdoor explorers, and art lovers will have their itineraries full while on holiday, as each town, ranked among US favorites, has something that sets it apart from the others but caters to visitors' yearnings. Adventurers can enjoy the historic vibe and have an experience to remember for a lifetime.