The One Kentucky Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Augusta, Kentucky, hugs a bend in the Ohio River, and that river has been steering the town’s story for over 200 years. The town got its start back in 1797, making it one of the oldest river towns around here, back when settlements were dictated by the ease of trade and navigation. Sitting right across from Ohio, Augusta grew into a busy gateway between states and kept its port buzzing well into the 1800s. You can still walk the same downtown streets lined with brick storefronts and old homes, all a throwback to the days when steamboats pulled in, and business moved at the pace of the mighty Ohio.
History Preserved in Architecture and Landscape
The heart of Augusta’s history sits in its historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the buildings date back to the early and mid-1800s, showcasing the popularity of Federal and Greek Revival styles at the time of their original construction. Merchants and river captains built a lot of these places, thanks to the trade flowing up and down the Ohio.
Perhaps an even more interesting piece of Augusta’s claims to fame is that it is the birthplace of star Rosemary Clooney. You can check out the Rosemary Clooney House, preserved here in town, as a direct tie to Hollywood through the 1950s and beyond. (Rosemary is the aunt of the international television and movie star George Clooney.)
Locally Owned Shops That Anchor Downtown
Downtown Augusta still runs on small, independent businesses, especially along Main Street, where restored old buildings house all kinds of local shops. Rosie’s Antique Emporium stands out—it’s packed with treasures of all shapes and sizes. While there are a couple of different places to check out antiques here in Augusta, Rosie’s Antique Emporium and Nina’s are both right on Main Street and remain a prominent part of this historic downtown.
Right nearby, the Augusta Art Guild keeps the arts alive in many ways, including this physical location and its online store. Local artists run the place, filling it with paintings, pottery, photos, and fiber art—lots of it inspired by the river and rolling countryside. The art rotates through the year, so there’s always something new, and it keeps Augusta on the map as a creative spot in Bracken County.
Restaurants That Reflect the Town’s Pace and Flavor
When it comes to food, Augusta keeps things small but memorable, and people come from way outside Bracken County to eat here. The Beehive Tavern is one of the most well-known spots, set right on the riverfront in a historic building. The vibe is upscale, with entrees for dinner like flank steak pesto or lemon chicken gnocchi, and you can look out at the Ohio as you eat—hard not to feel connected to the town’s roots there.
Carota’s Pizza is another local fixture, drawing regulars with its Italian-style menu and family-run vibe. It’s been around for years, serving both travelers and locals, and that kind of staying power says a lot about how Augusta supports its local businesses. While pizzas are the main fare here, they are also big on various pastas like baked ziti and quick bites to add on the side, like the homemade chili.
Festivals That Bring the Community Together
If you need more of a reason to get here, try to time your trip to coincide with the town’s biggest party of the year: Riverfest in mid-July. Thousands descend on Augusta every year for the gathering and enjoy the music, eats, and family-focused entertainment that keep the spirit of the town’s early reliance on the Ohio River well and truly celebrated.
Art in the Garden, an annual one-day event held on the first Saturday in June, celebrates its 25th year in 2026. The gathering takes place right on the banks of the Ohio River and draws the town’s attention to more than 50 vendors and artists from all over the region showcasing their talents up and down Riverside Drive.
Nearby Towns to Check Out
Augusta isn’t just a destination. You can view the town as a launchpad of sorts. You can branch out pretty easily to other towns nearby that each bring something new. Head east to Maysville, and you’ll hit the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. It delves into frontier stories and steamboat days, and even nods to Rosemary Clooney as well. Their downtown is still loaded with 1800s buildings and riverfront trails, echoing Augusta’s own sense of history.
Go the other way, out west, and you’ll find Brooksville. It’s all about Bracken Creek Horse Trails and that rolling farm country you picture when you think of rural Kentucky. Hike, ride, breathe it all in—then be back in Augusta by dinner. You get different scenery and activities without needing to pack up and move. That flexibility is part of what makes Augusta such a smart home base.
Why Augusta Continues to Matter
Between spots like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, there are several popular stops for visitors to the Bluegrass State. To truly get a sense of Kentucky's rural charm and history, however, everyone should visit Augusta at least once. The charm here lies in the enduring spirit of the community, bound together in many different ways. History, indie shops, festivals, and those connections to nearby towns, they all become an unforgettable experience for those willing to branch away from the metropolitan areas and explore places like Bracken County.
