8 Kentucky Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
You don't have to always deal with the whirl of chaos. You deserve some whispers of peace, where the air is fresh and playful. You will likely find such an environment in a small, beautiful, and relaxing town. Goodbye to crazy traffic and gridlocks, to shoulder-bumping walks, to tailgating. Kentucky, known for its rolling hills and bluegrass music, is dotted with several towns with a slower pace of life, where you can enjoy a moment of sanity, calm, and clarity. Starting with adorable Augusta, discover 8 Kentucky towns with a slower pace of life.
Augusta
Although just a few call it home (Augusta hosts just over 1,000 residents), this beautiful river town swings with a lot of character and personality. If you let its small size fool you, you will miss the chance to appreciate what the NC Travel Guides recently ranked as the seventh Most Picturesque Small Town in America. You will enjoy beautiful sunsets on the Ohio River, drink in gorgeous scenery along the spellbinding waterway, and admire old buildings with interesting sculptures. The other nice thing about August's is that it hosts one of the country's oldest and largest wine cellars, a 1790s establishment set in a lovely, quiet, historical area. Sample the tongue-tingling wine selection here, a range that swings from sweet to dry. Also, the Rosemary Clooney House is along the Ohio River and displays several interesting items related to the prominent American singer and actress. Don't forget to grab a veggie pizza at Carota’s, one of the best small-town restaurants in the area.
Maysville
Maysville is a small, slow-paced town beautifully positioned on the banks of the Ohio River. The river setting gives it a restful rhythm and makes it a fantastic spot to kick off and relax. Maysville also boasts a downtown dotted with eye-catching historic architecture, meaning you will easily feel transported back in time ambling through its main drag. If you are a self-proclaimed foodie, the culinary scene here is fairly robust and features sizzling names such as Capronis, a nice place with a great view of the river. Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, along Sutton Street, houses one of the world's largest private collections of miniatures. From a Pennsylvania Dutch kitchen to the world's smallest Swiss Army Knife, most things at the KSB Miniatures Collection are set at 1/12th scale. A few steps away is the National Underground Railroad Museum, an actual house used to whisk slaves to safety during one of America’s toughest periods of history. It has been restored and preserved to give a very authentic story.
Midway
Midway was initially called Middleway, which was a pointer to its position between Lexington and Frankfort. It is in horse country and provides access to some of the top Thoroughbred farms in the world, such as Cloud Nine Farm, a cherished name that treats ponies with so much tender love and care. Keep in mind that Midway is in Woodford County, known for its self-proclaimed distinction as the birthplace of bourbon. That said, you will want to start with a hearty breakfast at Midway Bakery, which serves some of the best sorghum cookies in the world. Historic Midway Gift Store, an eye-catching red-brick on Main Street, is a fantastic place to shop for gifts and local souvenirs. Also, there is a bit of heaven at Walter Bradley Park, a quiet, swoon-worthy space with a lovely creek trail to walk along.
Pikeville
Before the landmark Pikeville Cut-Through Project, which sliced through the area's forbidding terrain and improved the town's accessibility, Pikeville was a secluded town that was scarcely known in the vacation world. Today, the authentic Eastern Kentucky town has sprung to life, although it still retains elements of its laid-back charm and countryside allure. Start with a brick-oven pizza at Chirico’s Ristorante, a family-run establishment that has been a staple of the town since 1981. A meal here should pave the way for a bit of time at the downtown’s Creative Arts District, specifically at the aptly named Umbrella Alley, a quirky space that features beautiful overhang umbrellas and other creative art installations. This is the spot for the quintessential I-was-in-Pikeville photo-op. Still on art, the Appalachian Center for the Arts is the place to go for a big laugh and a great time with locals.
La Grange
Not many towns identify themselves with a human character attribute, such as politeness, sympathy, or kindness. La Grange, the self-proclaimed “Kindness Capital of Kentucky," bucks this trend. One of its other interesting features is the trains that chug through the downtown, a phenomenon that seems to wake it up every time it takes place. If you want to grab a front-row seat at this rumbling attraction, the Train Observation Tower is the best place to be. From delicious eats to beautiful works of art, the La Grange Farmers Market is fun to explore on a Saturday afternoon. Also, while Pikeville has the Umbrella Alley, La Grange has the newly minted AlleyLoop Historic District Walk, a cheery, upbeat space full of color and character. There is the nearby Falling Rock Park Quarry, where you can float, swim, or snorkel.
Horse Cave
Horse Cave is built atop Hidden River Cave, one of America’s most unique landmarks. The town looks and feels slow, although some of its attractions will make anyone's heart move fast and furious. From the Hidden River Cave to Sunset Dome to the world’s longest underground swinging bridge, this town’s list of offerings features subterranean wonders that you will rarely find in any other small town. Although the Hidden River Cave has many stairs, they are all doable and do not demand a lot of exertion. The inside is spectacular, and the same is true of the domes. The underground river particularly makes it unique. If you are looking for a less-crowded alternative to the more famous Mammoth Cave, you are in the right place. And the exciting part is that the cave’s entrance is directly off Main Street, a National Register of Commercial Places Historic District.
Grand Rivers
Grand Rivers is not just small and slow; it boasts one of the most relaxing strips in the South. If you are hearing this for the first time, it is because you have never been to the Grand Rivers Jetty. The stretch has benches where one can sit and watch the lake’s gentle waves. It also has picnic tables where you can enjoy a delicious snack. But it is the views here that will make you almost stop midstep. Although you can come in the morning hours and sip heart-stirring views on every side, Grand Rivers Jetty is mostly known for its magical sunsets. Of course, with Kentucky Lake on one side and the Cumberland River on the other, two spots that offer several recreational opportunities, this Kentucky gem is a water lover's paradise. The aptly named Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a nice place to see bison, camp by the water, or hit up a scenic trail.
Wilmore
With its beautiful tree-lined streets, especially at strips such as Lexington Avenue, Wilmore’s ambiance is decidedly soothing, refreshing, and relaxing. The downtown green, with its benches and garden-like feel, is another restful spot with beautiful views. Wilmore boasts a rich educational heritage and is home to Asbury University, a small but beautiful Christian university founded in the 1890s. The nearby High Bridge Park, which provides a scenic overlook over the Kentucky and Dix Rivers, also highlights the area's relaxing atmosphere. It has a covered pavilion, an old caboose, and some historical interpretive signage with insightful tidbits about the area and the bridge. But the bridge is still the star attraction, especially when a train is crossing. Stay at the 1898 Red Bud Bed & Breakfast, a historic property with nice decor and comfortable rooms. It serves the best homemade breakfast for miles.
Breathe slowly and easily, and let the breeze part your hair. In a world that is addicted to hurry and idolizes being busy, a slower pace can sound counter-cultural and even rebellious. But it is rebellious in a therapeutic way. No noise. No smog. No stress. The trick is to replace screen time with a riverfront sunset, and after-work gridlocks with an evening stroll. Fortunately, several Kentucky towns offer just such a kind of life. These include La Grange, the Kindness Capital of Kentucky.
