The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Kentucky

Largely known for its bourbon and horse racing, Kentucky has been making waves in the tourism industry, with 2024 marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking economic impact. Many of its most iconic sights are found in the state’s smaller towns, home to some of the best distilleries, thoroughbred farms, lakes, and art districts. If you are looking to explore some of Kentucky’s most beloved destinations, these eight can't-miss towns in Kentucky are great places to start.

Paducah

As a registered UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is filled with cultural and artistic attractions. Many studios offer art workshops to the public, including MAKE Studios, which features classes ranging from resin and glass art to painting, along with an open studio option for groups. The Market House Theatre is one of several performance venues in town, hosting upcoming shows like A Comedy of Tenors and Dial M for Murder. If you are hoping to leave town with a souvenir, stop by Bricolage Art Collective, which sells regionally made art, Paducah-themed T-shirts, vinyls, and other eclectic items.

Grand Rivers

Grand Rivers is wedged between two major lakes: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, offering a vacation filled with water recreation. You’ll find access to several beaches in the area, such as Moss Creek Day Use Area, which lies along Kentucky Lake and features amenities like picnic tables, grills, and ample parking. If you want to get out on the water, consider renting a boat with Lake Legend Boat & Jet Ski Rentals, where you can rent tritoons, bow riders, and jet skis. You can spend the entire weekend by the lakeshore at waterfront accommodations like Lighthouse Landing, a resort with one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages right along the shore.

Midway

Midway has all the classic Kentucky staples: horses and bourbon! Travelers can begin their classic Kentucky experience at one of the area’s renowned thoroughbred farms, such as Airdrie Stud, which offers tours of its facilities and introduces visitors to its stallions, mares, and foals while sharing the farm’s history. If you are itching for a horseback ride, you can drive about 25 minutes north of town to Whispering Woods Riding Stables, where you can enjoy a trail ride through the 250-acre property, winding past woods, hills, and creeks. Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm is the perfect place to unwind in the afternoon, with experiences including guided tours of the distillery and tastings.

Berea

Known as the “Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” you are never far away from an amazing piece of art in Berea. One of the best places to appreciate this art is in the Artisan Village District, a quirky area of town lined with galleries, shops, a bakery, a pizzeria, and even a skating rink. On the second Sunday of September each year, the town hosts the annual Berea Arts Fest, a multi-arts festival that invites around 100 professional artists to display their work. Berea also has some incredible hiking trails in the surrounding areas. Hikers should make sure to spend an afternoon at The Pinnacles in the Berea College Forest, a beautiful trail that Outside Magazine recognized as the state’s best hike in 2019.

Bardstown

With 11 distilleries just a short drive from Court Square, Bardstown is one of Kentucky’s top destinations for a bourbon-filled vacation. Heaven Hill Distillery is a must-visit while in town, dating back to 1935 and home to three tasting rooms, an interactive exhibit gallery, a bar and kitchen, and a gift shop. To experience one of the town’s more modern distilleries, make sure to tour and taste at Bardstown Bourbon Company, established in 2016 and known for its state-of-the-art facilities. To end your eventful day of bourbon tasting and touring, enjoy a memorable night’s stay at the Jailer's Inn, which served as the town’s jail from 1797 to 1987 before being converted into a unique inn.

La Grange

La Grange, which developed into a major railroad hub during the 19th century, continues to preserve its railroad heritage today. Travelers interested in this railroad history should visit the La Grange Railroad Museum, which has railroad exhibits and artifacts, three model train displays, and a diner car available for special events. The town’s appreciation for the railroad also comes on display during the annual RailFest, a multi-day event each spring that celebrates all things railroad with historical exhibits, train and craft vendors, live music, and the iconic train passing through town. To remember your time in La Grange, stop by Mercantile on Main, a local shop that sells candles, totes, tea towels, and other charming gifts.

Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown and the surrounding area are rich in history related to the country’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Travelers can start their historic tour at the Lincoln Heritage House, a one-room log cabin that Lincoln’s father built for the Hardin Thomas family. Although a fire destroyed much of the cabin in 2009, it has been rebuilt with a large number of salvaged timbers and other historic materials. Traveling about 20 minutes south of town, you will also find the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, which contains his boyhood home and birthplace. To continue your historical exploration of Elizabethtown, travelers can spend an afternoon at the Hardin County History Museum, which contains artifacts and exhibits from the 18th century all the way up to the present.

Cadiz

Located near the western shores of Lake Barkley, Cadiz is another excellent summer vacation destination for travelers looking to beat the heat. Sitting right along the shoreline, Lake Barkley State Resort Park is a wonderful place to spend the night, offering numerous amenities like a wellness pool, golf course, hiking trails, and a waterfront restaurant. Travelers can also sign up for a fishing charter with Andy Allen Fishing Guide Service, where they will have the chance to fish for trophy-sized bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie. Afterwards, head back into town for a refreshing scoop of ice cream at The Pig's Tail Ice Cream Shop, which is located inside the Cadiz Antique Mall.

Travelers across the country are starting to recognize Kentucky for all it has to offer, and rightfully so, given its impressive range of attractions. Travelers who want to spend the vacation sipping bourbon can easily do so in towns like Bardstown, while those who want to cool off by the lake will love destinations like Cadiz and Grand Rivers. Regardless of the adventure that suits your interests, one of these towns is sure to leave you with a lasting and satisfying impression of the state.