9 Small Towns In Kentucky To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon production, horse racing, and bluegrass music. Although most travelers are generally fixated on experiencing the bustling scenes in Louisville and Lexington, the Bluegrass State boasts an abundance of laid-back small towns with a unique sense of charm. These adorable communities offer an escape from the chaos of city life while promising vacationers a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation. Together, they expose you to the hidden allure of rural America through endearing experiences like exploring historic landmarks, savoring farm-to-table cuisine, and meeting warm, welcoming locals.
From artistic enclaves like Berea to historic settlements like Harrodsburg, these top 2025 small towns in Kentucky to visit for a weekend getaway beckon you to slow your roll, sip some sweet tea, and dwell in the simple pleasures that make the state’s heartland so irresistibly captivating.
Corbin
Popularly recognized as the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Corbin interests visitors with its curious museums, antique shops, and beautiful parks. Many newcomers love touring the Harland Sanders Cafe & Museum to glimpse the early days of KFC. This magnificent facility holds rare exhibits in the original KFC restaurant, where Sanders concocted the secret KFC recipe. Several antique stores dot the downtown area, inviting tourists to shop for unique gift items and souvenirs at Alley Stuff Antiques & Eccentricities. The store's colorful collection features everything from vintage furniture and quirky toys to perfumes and architectural pieces.
Corbin delights outdoor adventurers with unmissable opportunities at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. A hiker's paradise, the park offers 17 miles of nature trails, campgrounds, and vantage points, with the highlight being a spell-binding 68-foot cascade nicknamed the "Niagara of the South." Finally, Hampton Inn Corbin offers a great lodging spot, just 2.3 miles from the KFC museum.
Hodgenville
About an hour from Bowling Green, rich presidential history draws American historians to this sleepy town in LaRue County. Hodgenville was the birthplace of one of the country's most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln, and guests can witness his modest boyhood home at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park. The site features a simple, single-room log cabin and provides a rare perspective of the conditions that shaped Lincoln's childhood days. Those visiting in the fall can take advantage of family fun at Hinton's Orchard & Farm Market, with a chance to pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides, and get lost in a corn maze, among other entertaining adventures.
Meanwhile, nature lovers can disappear under the dense foliage of Pearman Forest to feel in their element. This 80-acre sanctuary presents a scenic loop trail to explore old-growth oak trees and dozens of other tree species. The Lincoln Lodge and Campground is an excellent place to spend the night, just next to Lincoln's birthplace.
London
London is a family-friendly town in the Appalachian Mountains, known for its stunning outdoors, amusement centers, and quirky festivals. Every September, it celebrates the World Chicken Festival as a tribute to Colonel Sanders and his Kentucky Fried Chicken legacy. This four-day affair takes over the downtown district with various fun activities, including frying chicken on the world's largest skillet. The Palace Family Entertainment Center welcomes guests of all ages for unadulterated, day-long fun, featuring multiple bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, go karts, and escape rooms to spark your weekend.
Also, guests can explore London's natural beauty at the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park. This 896-acre outdoor space is punctuated by wooded hills, a campground, hiking trail, and treetop adventure. For accommodation, try booking a stay at the Hampton Inn London-North.
Bardstown
Styling itself as the "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown promises vacationers some of the best-crafted bourbons in Kentucky to fuel their weekend getaway. The town harbors several distilleries where travelers can witness the distilling process. A tour of the historic Lux Row Distillers allows you to sample tasty bourbon whiskey in a rustic stone house built in the early 19th century. Bardstown's preserved historic district offers a unique perspective of the past through notable markers like the Old Bardstown Village and Civil War Museum. The complex houses 10 colonial-era log cabins and three museums showcasing an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts.
You can also check out the massive plantation home of former US senator John Rowan at the 1,300-acre My Old Kentucky Home State Park. The park hosts a Federal-style mansion from 1818, surrounded by beautiful grounds with paved pathways perfect for strolling. Across from the site, the Old Bardstown Inn presents an excellent lodging option for tourists.
Middlesboro
Middlesboro is one of the best small towns in Kentucky to visit for a weekend getaway, and it promises vacationers a balanced experience with diverse indoor and outdoor attractions. The Bell County Historical Society welcomes first-timers to learn about the region's dynamic history by combing through a vast selection of archives. Retail therapy lovers can visit the Middlesboro Mall for a modern shopping experience, with access to over 20 stores and elegant dining spots.
On the other hand, those who favor the open spaces will enjoy communing with nature at Fords Woods Park, known for its tranquil ambiance, scenic woodlands, and picturesque surroundings of the Appalachian Mountains foothills. Finally, accommodation is affordable at Econo Lodge Middlesboro.
Harrodsburg
About 40 minutes from Frankfort, Kentucky's old town welcomes tourists to explore the state's rich origins. Harrodsburg was the first American settlement and offers an exciting look into the frontier days at Old Fort Harrod State Park. This 15-acre replica fort features a collection of furnished cabins, a museum, and a cemetery, transporting guests back to 18th-century Kentucky. With so much history in the air, tourists can shop for a lovely memento at Rags to Riches Antique Center & Flea Mall. The location sells a vast selection of collectibles, primitives, and antiques worth taking back home.
Elsewhere, Anderson Dean Community Park is the local hub for outdoor activity. This recreation space presents a mix of amenities for the public's amusement, including soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic shelters, a skate park, and more. At the end of an eventful day, book a room at Clarion Pointe Harrodsburg for a deserved night's rest.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown gained national prominence after being featured in the 2005 film of the same name, starring Orlando Bloom. This vibrant town in Hardin County offers a wholesome experience with its diversified attractions, beckoning nature lovers with a pleasant time outdoors at Elizabethtown Nature Park. Spanning over 100 acres, this lush preserve provides a getaway for strollers, picnickers, and wildlife viewers throughout the year. Meanwhile, the Hardin County History Museum presents a journey through the region's history using archives, relics, and memorabilia from as early as the 1700s.
Elizabethtown also boasts a lively arts community, which brings the magic of stage performances at the Hardin County Playhouse to entertain the townspeople. Lastly, guests spending the night will have a lovely experience at the Hilton Garden Inn Elizabethtown.
Berea
Berea is popularly known as the "Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky" due to its rich arts and culture scene. Travelers can look forward to a weekend rooted in the art as they mingle with a community of creatives. The Spotlight Playhouse is a significant performance hub in the town, hosting at least 150 performances throughout the year, ranging from concerts and musicals to plays. Furthermore, you can admire or buy assorted art pieces by almost 800 regional artists at the Kentucky Artisan Center.
Outdoor enthusiasts looking to reconnect with nature can escape to Memorial Park and revel in its serenity. This quiet natural space offers winding pathways through lush grounds, culminating in the ideal atmosphere for meditation. For accommodation, Comfort Inn & Suites Berea is a nice option.
Nicholasville
This vibrant town in Jessamine County provides a little bit of everything to guarantee all tourists a thrilling weekend. Golfers of all skill levels and abilities can gauge their progress at the Connemara Golf Course. Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views, this 18-hole course provides a worthy challenge. Silver screen can catch the newest releases from Hollywood at the Marcus Brannon Crossing Cinema, which screens first-run movies, while pairing the experience with refreshing cocktails and gourmet treats.
An outdoor escape beckons at Lake Mingo Park. This 22-acre sanctuary sits on the shores of a pristine fishing lake and offers secluded walking paths for those who crave a break from the downtown flurry. Lastly, you can find cozy rooms for your nightly stays at the Hampton Inn Nicholasville Brannon Crossing.
Whether you plan to explore Kentucky's storied origins in Harrodsburg or sample the state's famous bourbon whiskeys in Bardstown, these small towns in Kentucky to visit for a weekend getaway promise to leave a lasting impression on the United States, no matter your preferences. Each destination captures the authentic spirit of the Bluegrass State, where history, hospitality, and natural beauty intertwine. So pack your bags, hit the scenic backroads, and discover why Kentucky’s most unforgettable adventures rest in its smallest and overlooked towns.
