8 Ideal Kentucky Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025

Looking for a weekend getaway? Why not consider Kentucky? While it may not be as glamorous as other destinations in nearby states, the small towns in the Bluegrass state make up for it with culture, style, and a lot of hidden gems. For example, there are natural wonders like a sandstone arch bridge and the largest waterfall in the state. Many of these communities are also known for being the best at one thing: cycling, snacks, or folk art. While you are visiting these spots, you will have plenty of options for lodging, whether that is a fancy log cabin, a chain hotel, or a historic lodge. Uncover eight ideal Kentucky destinations for a 3-day weekend in 2025.

Paducah

Paducah stands out among Kentucky towns as a place of great creative spark. UNESCO named it a Creative City because of its art scene. Quilting in particular is a popular art here, which you can learn about at the National Quilt Museum, a place that contains both traditional and modern styles, along with quilting lessons from experts. The performing arts are also very popular here, with a large number of places to see plays or live acts such as The Carson Center, which hosts Broadway productions, dance, and more.

If you would like to get out and explore during your weekend, go to the Land Between the Lakes for hiking, fishing, or checking out wildlife on the Elk & Bison Prairie. For hotels, there are a few chain hotels in town, such as Candlewood Suites and Comfort Inn.

Slade

Slade is a little-known community with a big surprise for anyone willing to make the journey. It is a great destination for anyone exploring the Red River Gorge Geological Area, a favorite among rock climbers. But even non-climbers can explore the biggest attraction here: the Natural Bridge State Park. This park has a 65-foot-high by 78-foot-long natural sandstone arch, which overlooks the countryside. But that is not the only activity in Slade. You can also rent a kayak from Red River Adventure to go through the Red River itself, or go fishing for bass.

If you are a fan of things that slither and hiss, visit the unique Kentucky Reptile Zoo, which collects venom for medical research. Grab pizza from Miguel's Pizza or pack your own food to cook up at one of the delightful rental cabins through Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals or the Natural Bridge Cabin Company.

London

Before you come to London, make sure to pack your bicycle with you if you are into cycling, as this is the cycling capital of Kentucky. There are world-famous biking routes all throughout town and into the woods, like the Redbud Ride that starts downtown, or the Cane Creek WMA through gravel roads in the wilderness. London sits right next to the largest national forest in Kentucky: the Daniel Boone National Forest, as well as the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, which includes a trail utilized by Daniel Boone himself.

If you would rather shop till you drop, visit one of the largest flea markets in the area: Flea Land, with more than 500 booths. For a nice place to stay, go to the Baymont Inn or Holiday Inn in the area.

Berea

Some folks unwind not by partying but by busting out the art supplies and making a craft. Berea fosters these folks well, so much so that it is called the Folk and Arts Capital of Kentucky. There are so many places to see this art, like the Kentucky Artisan Center, which features the work of more than 800 local artisans, or for sale at the Artisan Village at places like the Fire and Fern Glass Studio. Many of these artists are inspired by the local scenery, which you can see for yourself by hiking the Pinnacles, the best-rated Appalachian hike in Kentucky, or making your way to Anglin Falls.

The best place to stay and eat is the Historic Boone Tavern. First opened in 1909, the restaurant uses ingredients all freshly grown from the Berea College Farm.

Georgetown

Georgetown is the fastest-growing city in Kentucky, while still keeping a reasonable population of just under 40,000 people. This town has big city energy and gentle country living in equal parts thanks to its two biggest attractions: the Toyota Kentucky Experience Center and the Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm. By taking a tram tour of the facility that put Georgetown on the map, you can see how the cars are made, as well as the first Camry ever made in the US. At the farm, visitors can interact with retired horses from the Kentucky Derby and give these gentle giants a snack.

For other activities, one could visit the historic 1856 Ward Hall, a Greek Revival mansion with plenty of stories to tell about its larger-than-life resident, or try out locally distilled whisky at the Limestone Heritage Distilling Co. Choose from a variety of hotels, including Best Western and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

Winchester

Winchester is the place to be if you are up for a quirky town. It is the birthplace of two great snacks: Beer Cheese and the Ale-8-One soft drink, which was made during the height of Prohibition in 1926. You can visit the original Ale-8 One Bottling Company or hit the Beer Cheese Trail to try out the signature dip at multiple restaurants, such as the Abettor Brewing Company. Once you have your snacks, hit up the historic sites in town, such as the Civil War Fort at Boonesboro or the Bluegrass Heritage Museum, which maintains artifacts from the military, agricultural, industry, and other aspects of life from the region.

If you are up for a hike, the best one is in nearby Clay City at the Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve, where Daniel Boone stood in 1769 and surveyed the landscape. If you would like to experience history with modern comfort, you can rent out a historic log cabin at Mt. Folly Farms.

Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown, or better known as Etown, is noteworthy for having a fun modern downtown that maintains an old spirit all the same. After all, Etown kept a cannonball that struck a building during the Civil War. Even when the building was later demolished, residents put the Cannonball back into a new building in the exact same spot. Today's Etown's classy downtown area is sure to enchant with boutique stores like Raiment+Boon or authentic Mediterranean food at The Gyro House.

Outside of downtown, there are a few interesting spots, such as the Swopes Cars of Yesteryear Museum, which features vehicles from the early 1900s to the 1960s, and the Summit One-Room Schoolhouse, which is called the very best of that style. You can check in at a few chain hotels, including Hampton Inn or Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Corbin

Corbin is one of the best-kept secrets in Kentucky. Founded in 1895, its most famous resident was none other than Colonel Harland Sanders. It was here that he set up his first café, which sold his secret recipe fried chicken. You can visit the original location at the Harland Sanders Café and Museum and pick up a little bit of Kentucky Fried History to take home. There is more to chicken than Corbin. It is located right by the most beautiful waterfall in Cumberland Falls State Park. If you come here on the night of a full moon, you might catch a glimpse of a moonbow, a rainbow formed by the moon's reflection in the spray of the 125-foot-wide and 60-foot-long waterfall.

Corbin has plenty of other fun activities as well, like the Pinball Museum of Corbin with 56 machines to try out, or the Snappy Tomato Pizza & Arcade. You can rent out the DuPont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Park or a room at Holiday Inn Express & Suites for your weekend trip.

You don't have to be a bluegrass music lover to appreciate these small Kentucky towns, but you can certainly see how the landscape influenced this music style, with long wood trails in London and winding mountain paths in Berea. For those who aren't big hikers, these towns have lots of other attractions, from the Sanders Café in Corbin to the great shopping district in Etown. With so many different lodging options, you are sure to find the right fit for your stay. These Kentucky destinations will help you have a fantastic 3-day weekend getaway.