10 Top-Rated Small Towns In Kentucky
Bordered by the US States of West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a scenic landlocked state in the American Southeast. This mid-sized state is acclaimed for its rolling hills, luxuriant forests, navigable waterbodies, artificial lakes, and distinct Kentucky culture. Dotting this Bluegrass State are some charming small towns, each with their wonderful offerings. Having breathtaking surroundings, iconic landmarks, colorful festivals, multiple recreations, and a welcoming ambiance, these small towns are excellent destinations for a memorable Kentucky vacation.
Bardstown
Nelson County’s seat, Bardstown, named after the pioneer Bard brothers David and William Bard, occupies Central Kentucky’s outer Bluegrass region, around 39 miles southeast of Louisville. Originally settled in 1780 by the European Americans and considered one of the state’s oldest settlements, Bardstown is often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” As the primary stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the town has three operating distilleries: the Heaven Hill Distillery, Lux Row Distillers, and the Barton 1792 Distillery, all of which have helped Bardstown earn its spirited reputation. Bardstown’s other prominent attractions include the Old Talbott Tavern, historic Nelson County Jail, St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, Spalding Hall, Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum, Bardstown Historical Museum, Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, Wickland Mansion, Bardstown Visitor Center in the 1892 County Courthouse, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest. Moreover, from cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury resorts, the town has a variety of lodging options like the Hampton Inn Bardstown, Jailer’s Inn Bed & Breakfast, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bardstown, and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bardstown.
Berea
Home to Berea College – a private liberal arts work institution, this adorable Madison County town located on the edge of the rugged Cumberland Plateau along Interstate 75 highway, is the principal town of the Richmond-Berea Micropolitan Statistical Area. Nicknamed, “The Folk Arts And Crafts Capital Of Kentucky,” Berea is renowned for its thriving arts scene, landmark properties, and world-class restaurants. The scores of shops at College Square are the best places to collect locally crafted pottery, jewelry, handmade wooden bowls, and puzzles as souvenirs; while the historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant with its mouthwatering cuisines and award-winning amenities is popular among travelers. Besides the various crafts festivals held throughout the year, the town also hosts the Spoonbread Festival in mid-September and the annual Celebration of Traditional Music by Berea College’s Loyal Jones Appalachian Center in mid-October. Outdoor lovers must hike the many spectacular hiking trails in the Berea Pinnacles.
Danville
Boyle County’s administrative center, Danville is situated in Central Kentucky’s Bluegrass region about 36 miles southwest of Lexington. Often called the “City of Firsts,” this principal town of the Danville Micropolitan Statistical Area was named after Kentucky’s first district attorney, Walker Daniel, who surveyed and platted it in 1783. The town’s Constitution Square Historic Site, considered the birthplace of Kentucky statehood, features a collection of restored buildings including a courthouse where around ten constitutional conventions were held between 1785 and 1792. Danville’s other noteworthy places of interest include the Art Center of the Bluegrass, Danville National Cemetery, Ephraim McDowell House Museum, Great American Dollhouse Museum, Jones Visual Arts Center, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, Wilderness Trail Distillery, Pioneer Playhouse, Norton Center for the Arts, and Warrenwood Manor. The Chaplin Hill Bed & Breakfast, located amidst Danville’s spectacular scenery is a lovely retreat for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail explorers. Merrymakers can partake in various annual events such as the Great American Brass Band Festival, Perryville Battle reenactment, Forkland Heritage Festival, Harvest Fest, and Kentucky State BBQ Festival.
Harrodsburg
Established as Harrod’s Town by James Harrod and his band of pioneers on June 16, 1774, Harrodsburg, the current seat of government of Mercer County, is the foremost permanent English settlement to the west of the Allegheny Mountains. Occupying the heart of the Bluegrass region and being one of the state’s oldest towns, Harrodsburg houses a plethora of significant historical attractions such as the Old Fort Harrod State Park, the Dutch Reformed Church’s Old Mud Meeting House, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Morgan Row Houses, etc. Stroll through Harrodsburg’s revitalized downtown filled with a diverse mix of locally-owned shops, art galleries, hotels, and diners. Nature lovers can traverse the different hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, or enjoy a cruise through the beautiful Kentucky River Palisades.
Hodgenville
Initially settled by a Pennsylvania native and local miller Robert Hodgen, Hodgenville is situated in Central Kentucky’s LaRue County, in the valley of the North Fork of Nolin River, roughly 12 miles southeast of Elizabethtown. American history buffs and those who wish to learn more about Lincoln’s heritage must visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park which comprises a symbolic log cabin well preserved within the 1911 First Lincoln Memorial and a Visitors’ Center with audiovisual programs and Lincoln family exhibits. Hodgenville’s other interesting sites include the Nancy Lincoln Inn, Lincoln Boyhood Home on Knob Creek, the Downtown Hodgenville Historic District, the Lincoln Jamboree entertainment venue, and the Lincoln Museum overlooking a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Town Square.
La Grange
Christened after the French country estate of the Revolutionary War hero Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, this laid-back suburban community is located in Oldham County, approximately 20 minutes northeast of Louisville. The CSX Transportation street-running mainline track that passes directly through Main Street is La Grange’s most unique attraction. Travelers from faraway places come here to watch closely the 25 freight trains passing through town each day. Tourists can also visit the La Grange Railroad Museum, La Grange Springs Park, Oldham County History Center, or peruse the innumerable shops, art galleries, and eateries in the La Grange historic district. From mid-May to late October, La Grange hosts a Farmers & Artisan Market selling locally produced items.
Shelbyville
Shelbyville nicknamed the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World,” is situated close to the center of Shelby County on U.S. Route 60 and to the north of Interstate 64 highway. Esteemed for breeding regal American saddlebred horses, the town hosts an annual Shelbyville Horse Show and Shelbyville Dogwood Festival. Additionally, vacationers must tour the Shelby County Historical Society Museum, window-shop antiques at Wakefield-Scearce Galleries and Ruby Rooster Antique Mall, visit the Bulleit and Jeptha Creed Distilleries along Bourbon Trail, explore the Gallrein Farms, collect fruits at the Mulberry Orchard, dine at famous eateries like the Bell House Restaurant and Claudia Sanders Dinner House, and stay at the Econo Lodge or Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Shelbyville.
Greenville
Bordered by the city of Powderly in the northeast, and named in honor of Major-General Nathanael Greene, Greenville is situated at the center of Muhlenberg County in the state’s hilly western portion. Anchored by the century-old courthouse, the town’s downtown square is chock-full of boutiques, entertainment venues, diners like Philly’s Restaurant, and hotels like Super 8 by Wyndham Central City. Tourists visiting Greenville must not miss the Muhlenberg County Veterans Mall & Plaza, Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, Thistle Cottage, Summerhouse, Muhlenberg County Rail Trail, and Lake Malone State Park. The town also hosts several yearly events including the Twilight Antique Car Show, Saturdays on the Square, and Squash and Gobble Arts Bazaar & Fall Festival.
Somerset
This delightful town in Pulaski County with 11,924 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, is placed on the eastern edge of the Pennyroyal Plateau. Tourism is the mainstay of Somerset’s economy due to the town’s closeness to the 65,530-acre Lake Cumberland created by the Wolf Creek Dam’s construction on the Cumberland River. Offering ample water-based recreational activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking, Lake Cumberland lures millions of visitors every year and acts as a prime economic engine for the state’s entire south-central portion. Besides this, travelers can also visit the adjacent Cumberland Falls, the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, and partake in the annual Master Musicians Festival on the Somerset Community College campus in July.
London
A part of the London, Kentucky Micropolitan Area, this cute town in the state’s southeastern portion is the administrative center of Laurel County. Crisscrossed by miles of trails and encircled by pristine forests, rivers, and lakes, London serves as the perfect base for surveying the neighboring natural areas including the Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel Lake, Rockcastle River, etc. Hikers must hike the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, while cyclists are attracted to the town’s world-class cycling roads. The Camp Wildcat Battlefield is where the history buffs get to learn about one of the Civil War’s primary battles. Every year on the final weekend of September, Downtown London hosts the “World Chicken Festival,” which celebrates the legacy of the American businessman and founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken Colonel Harland David Sanders.
Whenever one thinks of visiting the nation’s 37th largest and 26th most populous state, images of Kentucky Fried Chicken, bourbon whiskey, bluegrass music, and the famous equestrian sporting events conjures up in the mind. However, the above-mentioned small towns prove that the Bluegrass State is more than that. Whether you want to know about Kentucky’s fascinating history, shop for exclusive artisan goods, enjoy outdoor recreations, or take part in vibrant festivals, these top-rated small towns will surely provide you with a well-rounded experience.
