10 Most Welcoming Towns In Kentucky's Countryside
Kentucky is a southeastern gem state famed for its bourbon whiskey, the world's largest cave system, and bluegrass music, but there's more. This state has a striking countryside characterized by rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and, more importantly, these small towns that ooze rural charm and warmth. Across these towns, travelers will encounter locals who go out of their way to render help and experience some of America’s priceless natural attractions and restaurants offering delicious Southern meals. Additionally, these towns host some of the country’s most important historic landmarks. From Corbin to London, visit these countryside towns and experience authentic Kentucky.
Harrodsburg
Harrodsburg is a close-knit town drenched in rural charms and hospitality, and full of history. First founded in 1774, it is the oldest settlement in Kentucky and now stands as a scenic countryside gem, offering a step back in time with attractions such as the Old Fort Harrod State Park and the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. At Old Fort Harrod State Park, visitors will meet with a replica of the fort built onsite by James Harrod in 1774, the oldest cemetery west of the Allegheny Mountains, and log structures full of crude tools, furniture, and other things used by the area’s pioneers. The park also hosts the Mansion Museum, which contains artifacts from the 15th century to the 1900s, and covers many things from the Civil War, to Abraham Lincoln, and the area’s native Americans. At the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, some of Kentucky’s best views await, alongside historical adventures. Covering a 3,000-acre area and founded in 1805, this site is home to a farm, 34 restored 19th-century buildings full of artifacts, and a preserve featuring native plants and dozens of trails. Besides the history, Harrodsburg hosts Devin’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, where visitors will enjoy a truly rural experience while shopping for fresh farm produce, picking pumpkins, and petting animals.
Corbin
Kentucky Fried Chicken became a household name in the US and halfway across the world, all thanks to Corbin, as it was where Colonel Sanders first began selling the delicacy from his roadside restaurant in the 1930s. Today, the town is a hospitable destination in the Cumberland Plateau, offering an unforgettable countryside experience. Here, the Harland Sanders Cafe & Museum alone is enough to make visitors feel at home. This restaurant is where the KFC experience started, and it still offers fried chicken, while its museum has exhibits, including the kitchen where the secret recipe was developed. Beyond KFC, visitors to Corbyn will be greeted with the Laurel River Lake, one of Kentucky’s cleanest lakes, ideal for boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Just outside town is Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, home to the 65-foot-tall waterfall nicknamed the Niagara of the South and known for its moonbows. Additionally, the park has 17 miles of hiking trails, campsites, the Cumberland River for fishing, and picnic areas.
London
London is a small town in Laurel County that draws in tourists from far and wide to its iconic World Chicken Festival, celebrating the life and times of Colonel Sanders, a native of nearby Corbin who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken. The festival makes September a better time to visit as the event is held every last weekend of the month. Nonetheless, London is worth visiting any time, as its southern charms and countryside appeal can be experienced year-round. Outdoor buffs will particularly love the town for its Levi Johnson Wilderness Road Park, which offers tree-top adventures and camping. The park even has a clubhouse for rental, a working gristmill, and a museum containing pioneer artifacts. Around 10 miles from town, Wood Creek Lake offers opportunities for boating and fishing, plus cabins are around the lake for cozy camping. Meanwhile, the Old Town Grill in town is always available to put smiles on faces, with delicious steaks, chicken, pastas, soups, and more.
Horse Cave
Horse Cave is a cozy town in rural Kentucky populated by around 2,200 people and named after a cave on its main street. This cave attraction, known as the Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum, will excite visitors as it has two subterranean rivers, the area’s largest cave dome, rare creatures, and stunning formations. The cave even includes the world's longest underground swinging bridge, plus zipline and rappelling adventures. At the museum, visitors will learn more about natural caverns while exploring interactive exhibits covering karst geology, groundwater, and more. Horse Cave also features the Kentucky Down Under Zoo, an Australian-themed zoo, ideal for a family adventure. This zoo offers guided horse-drawn wagon rides to see rare animals, as well as opportunities to pet Kangaroos, explore an aviary, and enjoy animal shows. Additionally, tours are offered to see the Mammoth Onyx Cave and its unique formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. By the way, Horse Cave is less than 20 minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park, one of America’s natural wonders featuring the world’s longest cave system.
Somerset
Somerset is a countryside gem, with friendly people and lots of recreation to offer. The town is in proximity to Lake Cumberland, one of the country’s largest man-made lakes, and a hot spot for boating and fishing. The lake is best explored from the nearby Bunside Island State Park, which has a boat ramp, as well as campsites, a golf course, and hiking trails. Back in town, SomerSplash will excite people of all ages, as it has everything from a wading pool to body slides, tube slides, a lazy river, a large wave pool, and more. Golf lovers and just about anyone who loves natural scenery will appreciate the Eagle’s Nest Country Club. The 18-hole golf course is gorgeous, with well-maintained greens and fairways. It features an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and spaces for events.
Morehead
Morehead is a close-knit community in Kentucky’s countryside that naturally inspires relaxation. While its small population makes it less chaotic, the town is near the Cave Run Lake, one of Kentucky’s largest lakes, where travelers can unwind with boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking activities. Away from nature, Morehead hosts the Peddlers Mall, filled with everything from antique decor to vintage memorabilia. For art enthusiasts, the town’s Kentucky Folk Art Museum is an amazing place to see Appalachian folk art and also learn about the culture and heritage of Appalachia. Also, history buffs have the Morehead Railroad and Historical Museum to explore and learn about the town’s railroad history. Highlights of the museum include artifacts from the six historic railroads that served Rowan County, a blacksmith shop, Rowan County War memorabilia, and Native American artifacts like arrowheads.
Augusta
Augusta accommodates just around 1,000 people on the south banks of the Ohio River, making it a small town with a strong sense of community and serenity. Here, an idle evening can be spent enjoying a peaceful stroll on the Augusta Riverwalk Trail, with views of the Ohio River. Alternatively, one can take the ferry across the Ohio River to Higginsport, Ohio, for sightseeing. History buffs will be delighted to know that Augusta is home to Kentucky's oldest jail, the Old Pioneer Jail, built in 1811, with its original foundation still intact. Tourists can explore this historic jail to see its original cells and check out authentic artifacts. Meanwhile, enjoying farm-to-table meals with views of the Ohio River from a balcony at the Beehive Augusta Tavern is one of the best things anyone can do here. As for wine lovers, the Baker Bird Winery is in town to offer some of the region’s best wines and bourbon.
Hodgenville
Abraham Lincoln is the most consequential president in US history, presiding during the country’s darkest days. Years before he became a staunch abolitionist and eventually ran for the presidency, Lincoln was born and grew up in the town of Hodgenville. Today, the small town in rural Kentucky has the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, dedicated to the early life of the 16th president of the United States. This park preserves a memorial and a cabin similar to the one where Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. The park also preserves the Lincoln Boyhood Home, where young Lincoln lived from two to eight years old. About three miles from the national park, the Lincoln Museum is where to delve deeper into the life and times of the president. The museum features life-sized dioramas, original Lincoln artworks, and Civil War memorabilia, among others. Besides the history, Hodgenville has McDougal Lake to delight visitors with boating, kayaking, and fishing activities. Additionally, art lovers are always welcome to explore and purchase stunning artworks at Art Gypsy.
Calvert City
Calvert City is a peaceful town along the Tennessee River, populated by around 2,500 people. A true countryside gem, this town delights with outdoor attractions such as the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. This park along Kentucky Lake is a hot spot for fishing, swimming, and boating, plus it has a full-service marina, an 18-hole golf course, a restaurant, walking trails, and dozens of cottages. Just outside town, the Calvert Drive-in Theater offers prime movie entertainment in a gorgeous outdoor setting. In the meantime, Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden & Toyland, located in Benton, KY, which is just a short drive from Calvert City, is one of Kentucky’s quirkiest attractions. This attraction has a garden full of folk art sculptures, a huge toy collection, and a store museum containing lots of interesting artifacts.
Maysville
Maysville lies along the Ohio River in the Bluegrass Region, with a small population and warm atmosphere. Visitors who appreciate history will feel welcome in this town as it hosts historic attractions, one of which is the Old Pogue Distillery. Located just west of the town, this distillery is one of the oldest in the country, dating to 1876, and it includes the historic home of the Pogue family and a tasting room. More about this distillery, including the town’s role in early Bourbon development, can be learned at the Old Pogue Experience exhibit in the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. This museum, housed in an 1881 building, also includes exhibits and artifacts covering topics such as the Civil War and regional history. Furthermore, the National Underground Railroad Museum is in town and once served as a safe house, where slaves hid. Today, it contains exhibits and artifacts highlighting the role of Maysville in the abolitionist movement. As for nature lovers, the Cummins Nature Preserve is a cool place near town featuring hiking trails, wildlife, picnic areas, and primitive camping.
The countryside of Kentucky beckons with these towns, where the state’s authentic character echoes loudly. Step away from the scenes of Louisville and Lexington and head to these towns to discover historical landmarks, tantalizing local cuisines, unsullied landscapes, and interesting cultures. Moreover, the locals across these towns in Kentucky are true ambassadors of Southern Hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a place to live, retire, or vacation, these welcoming towns in Kentucky are great places to be.
