These 12 Towns In Kentucky Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
Kentucky is more than horse races and bourbon trails; it’s also home to a collection of small towns that capture the state’s heritage, natural beauty, and southern hospitality. Recently, several of these towns were highlighted as among America’s favorites, thanks to their historic districts, cultural festivals, and natural attractions. Each offers something different for travelers with diverse tastes, whether for those looking to hike along the Appalachian foothills or who want to indulge in traditional Southern cuisine. Here’s a closer look at 12 of them and what makes them some of America's favorites.
Bardstown
Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown is surrounded by some of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries, including Heaven Hill and Barton 1792 Distillery. Its historic downtown features charming brick buildings, antique shops, and museums, such as the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. Each fall, the "Kentucky Bourbon Festival" draws visitors from across the globe to celebrate the state’s signature spirit.
Perhaps the biggest draw of Bardstown is that it takes visitors through a time portal to the frontier days, when pioneers from different walks of life in Kentucky were finding their American opportunity. The Bardstown/Nelson County African American History Museum and the Kentucky Railway Museum are additional examples of such places that tell the story of how various people and cultures contributed to the development of industry and innovation in the Bluegrass State.
Berea
Berea has earned its reputation as the state’s cultural capital. The town is synonymous with Appalachian arts and crafts, with local artisans showcasing woodworking, weaving, and pottery in downtown studios. Berea College, one of the first interracial and coeducational colleges in the South, anchors the community with its historic campus and student-run craft industries. The "Berea Craft Festival" held each summer offers hands-on workshops and demonstrations in traditional skills and fine arts such as blacksmithing, pottery, and woodworking.
People love Berea for its authenticity. It’s not just a place to buy crafts, it’s a place where Appalachian traditions are preserved and passed on. The town blends education, culture, and creativity in a way that feels deeply rooted and welcoming.
Harrodsburg
Founded in 1774, Harrodsburg is Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement. Visitors can step back in time at Old Fort Harrod State Park, where a full-scale replica of the original fort tells the story of frontier life. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, just outside town, offers a beautifully preserved community of 19th-century Shakers complete with gardens, workshops, and farm-to-table dining. Historic Main Street complements the area’s sense of living history with contemporary delights like The Kentucky Fudge Company and the Beaumont Inn, which has its own restaurant featuring classic southern dining housed in a 1845-era building.
Harrodsburg stands out for the way it balances the historical and contemporary. Travelers appreciate how it preserves Kentucky’s frontier spirit while still offering warm hospitality and modern comforts, making it a rare blend of history you can live in, not just read about.
Augusta
Perched on the banks of the Ohio River, Augusta is a river town renowned for its ferry service, one of the oldest continuously operating ferry services on the river. The town is dotted with historic homes and riverfront parks, while the Rosemary Clooney House Museum pays tribute to the legendary singer and actress who once called Augusta home. Enjoy riverfront dining at the Beehive Augusta Tavern, and treat your wandering palette to a farm-to-table meal atop the restaurant's balcony overlooking the Ohio River.
Augusta wins people over with its laid-back, river-town atmosphere. Visitors say it feels like “old Kentucky on the water,” where time slows down and you feel like you are enjoying the slower pace of a bygone era while still enjoying modern conveniences.
Paducah
Paducah is a designated UNESCO Creative City that has built its identity around the arts. Its historic downtown and riverfront are filled with murals that tell the story of the city’s past, while the National Quilt Museum showcases both traditional and contemporary textile artistry. The LowerTown Arts District thrives with galleries and studios showcasing the work of local talent, and festivals like the Paducah-hosted American Quilter's Society "QuiltWeek" draw international attention.
Paducah has a global reputation in a small-town package. Travelers love how it brings together world-class creativity and grassroots culture, making it feel both cosmopolitan and distinctly Kentucky at the same time.
Danville
Often called the “City of Firsts,” Danville played a central role in Kentucky’s early history. It was here in 1792 that delegates signed the state’s first constitution, and today, the Constitution Square Historic Site commemorates the event. The town is also home to Centre College, a small liberal arts school known for its beautiful campus and cultural offerings. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Herrington Lake, the deepest lake in Kentucky, for boating and fishing.
Danville is beloved for its sense of significance. Visitors appreciate how the town combines Kentucky’s political and educational heritage with a relaxed, welcoming environment, making it feel like a piece of state history you can walk into without needing a history textbook or to take notes.
Midway
Midway lives up to its name, as it's situated halfway between Lexington and Frankfort (and midway in this list). Midway is recognized as Kentucky’s first town established by a railroad. Its historic downtown is lined with colorful storefronts, restaurants, and boutiques, all centered around the still-active tracks that run through the middle of town. Midway also serves as a gateway to Kentucky’s famous horse country. Visit Airdrie Stud to see where prized Thoroughbred horses are raised, or take a pleasant sip n' stroll at Equus Run Vineyard and taste some of Kentucky's finest wine.As the first railroad town, Midway still retains its adventurous appeal while also feeling like a comfortable spot to call home. The vineyards and world-class equine tradition give it an elegance that is balanced by its small-town stillness.
Pineville
Pineville offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure thanks to its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains. The town sits near Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Kentucky’s first state park, which boasts hiking trails, overlooks, and golf courses. Each May, Pineville hosts the "Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival," one of the state’s oldest and most beloved traditions, celebrating both local heritage and the mountain landscape. The event dates back to 1931 and honors collegiate women in Eastern Kentucky, who compete for the "Queen" title and represent their respective universities. Pineville appeals to visitors who want to be close to the mystic and majestic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and all the folk traditions that come with living near them. Rather than trying to stand out from the mountains, Pineville embraces its oneness with them and welcomes visitors to do the same.
Hodgenville
History buffs flock to Hodgenville, as it is best known as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the site of his early years, complete with a memorial building that houses a symbolic log cabin. The town square features statues and murals honoring the president, and the surrounding countryside retains the rural character Lincoln would have known. In addition to Lincoln history, visitors can experience special attractions, such as the LaRue County Quilt Trail, and see barns and buildings adorned with handmade quilts. Or, check out the local arts and entertainment scene at The Lincoln Jamboree to catch live music, comedy, and variety acts.
Hodgenville stands out because it feels like a storybook town of American history. People love that it’s both a tribute to Lincoln and a living small town, blending national heritage with everyday Kentucky life.
London
Known as the “Cycling Capital of Kentucky,” London has become a hub for outdoor recreation. The town hosts the annual "Redbud Ride," a premier cycling event that brings riders through the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. London is also near the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. London’s downtown features murals and a growing food scene that adds vibrancy to this mountain gateway. But if you want to indulge a little in between all of the rigorous exercise, then visit London in September for the "World Chicken Festival." The annual extravaganza honors the deep-fried legacy of Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, with fried chicken and fixings as far as the eye can see.
Many people visit London for adventure. The energetic lifestyle it embraces makes it feel like a welcoming small town combined with an outdoor theme park. So whether you want to feel down home or bike downhill, London is a destination you need to check out.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown combines small-town charm with easy access to Kentucky’s heartland. The historic downtown is filled with specialty shops, cafés, and the restored State Theater, which now serves as a cultural center. The Hardin County History Museum features exhibits on Civil War history, while Freeman Lake Park offers trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town’s annual "Cruisin’ the Heartland" car show draws classic car enthusiasts from across the region with a showcase of thousands of the best hot rods you will find anywhere in the state. Perhaps the town is best embodied by the Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum, where visitors can envision themselves behind the wheel of vintage cars from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Elizabethtown is a place where history does not stand still, but continues to drive forward, making it a top spot for people who love living life on the open road.
La Grange
La Grange stands out as one of the only towns in the United States where freight trains run directly through the middle of its AlleyLoop Historic District. Visitors often gather to watch the trains pass between galleries, restaurants, and shops. Beyond the train tracks, La Grange hosts events such as "Artoberfest," which has gained the town a reputation for supporting local artists and performers.
Not many towns offer transport by train through their main downtown area, so visitors feel like they are getting to see the town the way people of ages past did, with a modern-day focus on convenience and comfortable travel.
Find a Home in the Hills As You Travel in Kentucky
The chicken-fried fun of London and the artistic flair of Paducah each tell a different chapter of Kentucky's story. In each of these towns, you see the multi-faceted history of the state that the big-name cities can't show you by themselves. You will get to see natural and cultural wonders that are the reasons many people call Kentucky home, and that many more call a favorite spot for making travel memories. The only question that remains is which town, or towns, will you visit?
