7 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Kentucky
Beautiful Kentucky is an undisputed gem of the Southeastern United States. A regional cultural, historic, and economic hub, for over two hundred years, the great state of Kentucky has delighted guests and residents alike with its unique ambience. While such major cities like Louisville and Frankfort always attract their share of attention, Kentucky is also home to a number of equally special smaller towns that show off all the splendor of the Bluegrass State in more intimate settings. From historic centers to stunning river towns, these delightfully charming and eccentric Kentucky towns are the perfect way to get to know the state outside of its big city counterparts.
Paducah
Beautifully located in Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase Region, the delightful town of Paducah lies along the meeting point of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers. First settled in the 1820s, though long the home of Indigenous groups, this seat of McCracken County now boasts a modern population of just over 27,000 inhabitants. A great place to enjoy some of Kentucky’s finest natural beauty and most fascinating history, Paducah charms with its wide range of inviting activities and attractions for all ages. Enjoy the hot summer weather where activities like sailing, swimming, fishing, and cycling, remain ever popular.
Meanwhile, Paducah is home to many preserved historic landmarks that bring a unique 19th century character to the town. Explore such properties as the the Lloyd Tilghman House and the Whitehaven Mansion, amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally be sure to stop by Paducah’s eclectic collection of colorful murals that highlight different periods of state and regional history. Spanning some three blocks, these artistic homages turn the entire town into an open-air museum and gallery. Finish the day with a meal at hot spots like Stella’s and Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine near the waterfront and see why this is one of the more charming, if not lesser-known communities in the Bluegrass State.
Maysville
Maysville is scenically located along the banks of the Ohio River where it serves as the seat of Mason County. A pretty town with roots dating to the late 1700s, just under 9,000 residents call this charming community home. With its many historic landmarks that span several centuries, history buffs will certainly appreciate an exploration of Maysville’s many contributing properties to the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Washington Opera House, the Old Library Building, and the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, spanning over 1000 feet.
Then there is the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, which, through a collection of some 4,000 items, wonderfully illustrates the history and growth of Kentucky and its place in the Union. It is not only the oldest Kentucky state chartered historic organization in continous operation, it houses one of the most eccentric and unique attractions in Maysville. The Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection features thousands of replicas at 1/12 scale, or one inch to one foot. What's even more impressive, is that the replicas are created using the very same materials and techniques as their life-sized counterparts. Tiny jewelery is made from real gold and gemstones. There are gold-gilded Naderman instruments that play actual music, 18th-century furniture pieces crafted from 300-year-old wood, and even a re-creation of Spencer House, the ancestral home of Princess Diana.
Monticello
Monticello is affectionately named the “Houseboat Capital of the World”, and it lies along Lake Cumberland near the border with Tennessee. Seat of Wayne County and named for the plantation home of President Thomas Jefferson, this historic community is a pretty destination where visitors enjoy easy access to activities like swimming and some of the best fishing in the state. Of course renting a houseboat is always popular, promising a unique opportunity to spend every minute of your vacation literally on the water. Some rental options even include air conditioning, jacuzzis, and waterslides.
On land, be sure to visit some of Monticello’s historic landmarks. These include the Fairchild House and the early 1800s cabin constructed by pioneer “Raccoon” John Smith. The cabin was moved from its original site log by log and stone by stone, then rebuilt and lovingly preserved in 1972.
Bardstown
From the Houseboat Capital of the World to the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown is one of Kentucky’s oldest settled communities and today it serves as the seat of Nelson County. Here, many distilleries proudly produce some of Kentucky’s finest alcohol, making this town the obvious first stop on the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Visitors can tour spots like Heaven Hill and the Willett Distillery and see first hand the passion and expertise that goes into producing this beloved spirit, or pick up a box of small-batch bourbon truffles from Bardstown Bourbon Company for a souvenir you won't find anywhere else.
Meanwhile, Bardstown’s natural ambience and historic charm truly make it a worthwhile place to visit. Tourists will enjoy the scenic greenery and vast blue skies of the area, while touring some historic attractions will fascinate the casual and ardent history lover alike. Spend a day at My Old Kentucky Home State Park and tour the 1,300-acre plantation, then play a round of golf on the adjacent course. Finally, do not forget about the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History, offering insights into the history of whiskey production in Kentucky and its global appeal.
Augusta
Augusta is an alluring river town located along the Ohio River’s southern banks. Founded in the 1780s as a trading post, today just over 1,000 residents call this historic community home. The beloved Augusta Ferry is one of the oldest ferry services still operating along the Ohio River, serving the area since 1798! The ferry costs $5 per vehicle, cash only, and walk-on passengers ride for free. It just might be the cheapest river cruise around, and it's definitely one of the most unique.
Meanwhile, Augusta boasts several intriguing historic attractions that reflect over two hundred years of American history. Explore such landmarks as the Rosemary Clooney House. Built in 1835, this was the home of the beloved singer and actress for over 20 years, and it features an incredible collection of costumes and props from "White Christmas," as well as rooms dedicated to family members, including her nephew, George Clooney. Finally, when it's time to sit for a bite and a beverage, The Beehive Agusta Tavern boasts a delicious farm-to-table menu with signature cocktails and, of course, Kentucky bourbon.
Newport
Newport is a scenic town literal steps from Cincinnati, Ohio. At the confluence of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, the town is surrounded by natural beauty and opportunities for fun on the water. Take a river cruise with BB Riverboats, offering several options daily, including sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises. The Levee is a destination unto itself, with boutiques, restaurants, a cinema, and ample space to gather and roam set against the banks of the river and pretty skyline.
Not to be missed is a trip to the Newport Aquarium. Here, you will have the chance to engage with thousands of exotic aquatic animals, such as penguins, a rare white alligator, stingrays, and, of course, sharks. The Newport Aquarium is home to the world's first Shark Bridge, a rope bridge suspended mere inches above a tank teeming with sharks. It's not for the faint of heart, but it will surely leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Hodgenville
Hodgenville has long been celebrated, not just in Kentucky, but across the United States as the birthplace of President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was born in a log cabin here in 1809 and, naturally, there is no shortage of Lincoln-themed attractions. Explore such landmarks as the Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, where you will find a memorial containing a log cabin similar to the one in which the 16th President was born and raised.
Meanwhile, the Lincoln Museum in the Downtown National Historic District invites visitors to take self-guided tours of exhibits that consist of dioramas, wax figures, and memorabilia. A massive statue of Lincoln reminiscent of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. dominates the town square in the center of Hodgenville, and you can buy all manner of souvenirs and keepsakes at the Lincoln Lodge Grocery & Gift Shop.
Kentucky is a must for anyone travelling through the Southern United States, and with its unique cultural heritage, fascinating history, and loads of natural beauty it is easy to see what attracts visitors of all ages. But, while the major cities remain top of mind, do not forget about Kentucky’s smaller communities, each of which showcase some of the very best of the Bluegrass State in their own unique way. From the Bourbon Capital of the World to the delightful river towns of Paducah and Augusta, these charming Kentucky towns offer a glimpse at the state's wilder, more eccentric side.
