8 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Kentucky
If you have ever felt like briefly escaping to some nice, peaceful corner, where you can replenish and come back looking new, Kentucky is tastefully pockmarked with several small, undisturbed towns, where you can kick back and unwind or enjoy epic-level adventure. Think of antebellum storefronts, the sound of singing rivers, or unique, eye-catching murals. For specific suggestions, discover below 8 undisturbed towns to visit in Kentucky.
Bardstown
You may not pin it down to a single thing, but when you visit Bardstown for the first time, you will immediately notice a mist of nostalgia in the air, something that says “I've been around for a while, and seen it all.” If you dig deeper, you will learn that Bardstown was settled in the 1780s, and, therefore, is Kentucky’s second-oldest city. Bardstown is known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” and is home to nine notable distilleries, including Willett Distillery, which offers interesting distillery tours, a tasting room, and an exceptional gift shop. On a different note, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is a beautiful, undisturbed space with an iconic mansion and costumed guides. It also features small but quiet camp sites, all set in a cool, woodsy environment. If you have a thing for American history, swing by the Women's Civil War Museum, which curates stories of the women who lived, fought, and healed others during America’s bloodiest period.
Berea
It is difficult to be gloomy when in Berea, a charming college town that hosts the iconic Berea College. The college was the first integrated, co-educational college in the South, and has not charged students tuition since 1892. You may already know that Berea is the Folk Arts & Crafts capital of Kentucky, meaning you will find colorful, handcrafted creations at several spots, including the city’s two distinct artisan districts. As for the outdoors, the Indian Fort Mountain Hiking Trail and the Berea Pinnacles Hiking Trails prove that Berea is not just about folk art or crafts. Indian Fort boasts excellent signage, well-maintained trails, and ample parking. After burning your feet wandering through the woods, head back to Papa Leno's on Central Street and sit down to some painfully delicious pasta dishes, served generously and in a cozy atmosphere. The historic Boone Tavern, whose story starts in 1909, is another undisturbed spot to check out. Its guest list includes Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, the Dalai Lama, and Henry Ford.
Danville
Danville is called the birthplace of Kentucky, and for good reasons. In the 1780s, it was the venue for several heated conventions, where delegates debated the state's separation from Virginia and the formation of its own government. The discussions culminated in the signing of the state’s first constitution in 1792 at what is now Constitution Square. Today, the three-acre Constitution Square Historic Site is an open-air museum with frontier log buildings and is a cool, nostalgic area to wander around. When in town, check out Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theater. It is also one of the oldest continuously operated summer stock theaters in the nation. At the well-curated Great American Dollhouse Museum, patrons get a vivid sense of what it would be like to live in the different regions of the country and at different times in the past. And as the name implies, it showcases over 200 dollhouses. Danville’s downtown is compact and dotted with several inviting restaurants, including Morley's Backyard on Walnut Street, loved for its cool, open garage dining.
Maysville
Loved for its beautiful river-town architecture, deep-rooted bourbon heritage, and handsomely preserved historic districts, Maysville is such a captivating destination to explore. Old Washington Village, one of Kentucky's earliest settlements, is particularly a gem. The architecture in the village captures the town's history, from its pioneer log cabins to the sophisticated brick homes in the Federal and Georgian townhouse style. A time capsule from the early pioneer years, with multiple museums to boot, this stretch deserves a lifetime visit. Keep in mind that Maysville is known as the birthplace of bourbon, and one of the best places to appreciate this aspect of the town's heritage is Old Pogue Distillery, which dates back to the pre-Civil War years. You can mingle with squirrels at the peaceful Cummins Nature Preserve, watch the majestic flow of the Ohio River, or visit the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, a neat space filled with authentic artefacts that capture the town's bourbon-making legacy.
La Grange
It could be that kind people are also among the most undisturbed, but La Grange, the Kindness Capital of Kentucky, boasts a quiet, peaceful charm that will rub off on you the moment you set foot on its quaint streets. First settled in 1827, La Grange is small-town America at its finest. A train often chugs through the heart of downtown, a stretch filled with several photogenic spots doling out unforgettable experiences. You will want to embark on the AlleyLoop Historic District Walk, and admire some eye-catching murals, cool off at Falling Rock Park Quarry, a spring-fed attraction tucked into the hills of Oldham County, or tour local museums such as La Grange Railroad Museum & Learning Center, a treasure trove filled with interesting railroad memorabilia. Of course, there is the aptly named Crystal Lake, which gives the location a mist of rustic charm and allure.
Harrodsburg
Harrodsburg is Kentucky's oldest town, and the restored Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill nearby gives the whole area a timeless, well-preserved feel. Yet, Harrodsburg wears many hearts and doubles up as one of the best Christmas towns in the state. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, once home to the third-largest Shaker community in the United States, comes alive in December with its Illuminated Evenings, a fun-packed period that features holiday music, roaring fires, and twinkling lights. That said, one of the best places in town to enjoy an undisturbed ambiance is Old Fort Harrod State Park, conveniently located right in town. It is a fun and informative landmark with interesting information about America’s westward expansion. Other features of the park include the historic Mansion Museum, George Rogers Clark Federal Monument, and the Lincoln Marriage Temple. When in the area, pass by Granny's Diner on Broadway Street, especially if looking for a good down-home country diner.
Midway
Midway is a small, beautiful town in the middle of Horse Country that retains a remarkably intact 19th-century streetscape. The town is such a breath of fresh air; you will feel like you are in the middle of a fairytale movie. You can start with a delicious thin-crust pizza at The Goose and Gander, a homey American bistro with an outdoor patio right on Main Street. For those who love uncovering the histories of small towns, the Midway Museum is worth a well-timed detour. To enjoy a refreshing gush of crisp, playful air, Walter Bradley Park has a peaceful trail that runs parallel to a creek, meaning one will be enjoying the creek's humming sound as they take in the rustic scenery around. Also, you will enjoy several photo-ops, meaning a decent camera is a crucial accessory. Another iconic landmark is Midway University, which started as a revolutionary educational experiment as the Kentucky Female Orphan School in the years before the Civil War.
Paducah
Nestled prettily against the river with a mural wall and some neat little shops, Paducah is certainly among the most underrated towns in Kentucky. And although it may not be the first place you think of when planning your adventure, it was named a UNESCO Creative City by the United Nations in 2013. If you think the UN made a mistake, take some time to explore the ultra-hip LowerTown district, and your view of the town will be markedly different. At the Paducah School of Art & Design, students and local artists work side by side, sharing insights and experiences for their mutual benefit. Visit the National Quilt Museum, which houses over 60 different quilting works of art, and appreciate why Paducah is known as Quilt City USA. Stroll down the historic downtown district and check if there's a show at the 1927 Columbia Theatre. Crown your trip with a visit to the swoon-worthy Bob Noble Park, which has beautiful trails to explore and areas to relax along the lake.
The Takeaway
We all need to punctuate our time here with spontaneous adventures to places that are beautiful and undisturbed so we can recharge and come back bursting with energy. With its rolling hills and pastoral landscapes, Kentucky brims with places that naturally offer such an experience. Still, one spot is not exactly like the next, meaning you have to be intentional to max out on your experience. From Bardstown to Paducah, you can't miss to find a place that looks like a familiar dream.
