Kentucky's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape (2024)

Every time someone thinks of holidaying in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, an unbelievably beautiful landlocked US State in the American Southeast, umpteen images of its applauded Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, world-renowned bourbon whiskey, the harmonic symphonies of Bluegrass music, and appetizing traditional Southern dishes first spring to one’s consciousness. Nevertheless, the innumerable teeny communities dotting the varied terrain of this Bluegrass State, limited by the winding Ohio River on one side and the Appalachians on the other, captivate everyone with their wonderful offerings. These small Kentucky towns have it all—breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, unique artisan shops, top-notch restaurants, and friendly locals. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or a cozy weekend escape, you're in for a treat.

Greenville

Greenville, christened after Major-General Nathanael Greene, who served in the Continental Army during the American War of Independence, is the administrative center of Muhlenberg County, located in Kentucky’s hilly western portion and bordered by the home rule-class city of Powderly to the northeast. Primarily settled on a piece of land donated by William Campbell, travelers must tour the Downtown Square, having a century-old courthouse at the core in addition to being crammed with eccentric shops, entertainment spaces, boutiques, top-class restaurants like Papa Manzo’s II, and cozy bed & breakfasts like The Wickliffe House. The Muhlenberg County Veterans Mall & Plaza, Lake Malone State Park, Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, Muhlenberg County Rail Trail, Thistle Cottage, and Summerhouse - a unique gazebo perfect for picnics are other must-visit sites. Every year, community events like the Twilight Antique Car Show, Squash & Gobble Arts Bazaar & Fall Festival, and Saturdays on the Square draw thousands of merrymakers.

Bardstown

The Nelson County seat was promoted as the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World,’ and Bardstown occupies Central Kentucky’s outer Bluegrass region, about 40 miles southeast of Louisville. Named for the pioneer Bard brothers, this opening stop of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has three functional distilleries: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., Lux Row Distilleries, and Barton 1792 Distillery, all helping the town to proudly keep up its spirited repute. Get a good night’s sleep at Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn after touring interesting attractions such as the Old Talbott Tavern, Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey, Wickland Mansion, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown Historical Museum, and Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral.

La Grange

Lovingly called the ‘Kindness Capital of Kentucky,’ La Grange is a tranquil Oldham County community situated approx. 20 minutes northeast of Louisville. Every year, travelers from all over the world visit here to closely observe the CSX Transportation street-running mainline track and the multiple freight trains that run down the heart of the business district every day. While on a tour of the French country estate of Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, do not miss the La Grange Railroad Museum, Oldham County History Center, and La Grange Springs Park. Additionally, peruse the many retail shops, art galleries, eating establishments, and homey hotels like Best Western Ashbury Inn, and take part in annual community events like the La Grange Farmers & Artisans Market, the Spirits of La Grange Ghost Tours, Light Up La Grange, and La Grange Alley Loop Festival.

Berea

One of the Bluegrass State’s rapidly growing towns, Berea sits right on the edge of the rugged Cumberland Plateau by the side of the Interstate 75 highway, only 40 miles from Lexington and 134 miles from Knoxville. Known as the 'Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky,' Berea is not just home to Berea College but also boasts a vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and great places to eat. Occupying the town’s focal point on College Square is the notable Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, which enthralls visitors with its storied heritage, soothing accommodations, and finger-licking regional cuisines. Adventure junkies should traverse the impressive hiking trails in the Berea Pinnacles, while social butterflies must participate in the yearly Berea College Celebration of Traditional Music and Spoonbread Festival, in addition to a wide variety of crafts festivals all through the year.

Danville

Dubbed the ‘Birthplace of the Bluegrass,’ this Boyle County seat and the main town of the Danville Micropolitan Statistical Area is situated around 36 miles southwest of Lexington. Danville’s Constitution Square Historic Site, regarded as the cradle of Kentucky statehood, comprises a huge collection of restored buildings together with a courthouse where, between 1785 and 1792, about 10 constitutional conventions were held. The Art Center of the Bluegrass, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, Ephraim McDowell House Museum, Danville National Cemetery, Great American Dollhouse Museum, and Norton Center for the Arts are some remarkable points of interest. Have an enjoyable stay at Hampton Inn Danville and spare time to be there at the Great American Brass Band Festival, Kentucky State BBQ Festival, Forkland Heritage Festival, and Perryville Battle Reenactment.

Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg was established by James Harrod and his pioneer group as Harrod’s Town. It's the seat of Mercer County and holds the title of the first permanent American settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors to this historic town, about 32 miles southwest of Lexington, will find plenty to explore. Highlights include the Morgan Row House, Dutch Reformed Church, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, and Old Fort Harrod State Park, which features a reconstructed fort. Don't miss the George Rogers Clark Federal Monument, Lincoln Marriage Temple, and the Mansion Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a cruise through the picturesque Kentucky River Palisades, discover the discrete hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, and browse the cornucopia of locally-owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, the Ragged Edge Community Theater, and hotels like Beaumont Inn Harrodsburg in the revitalized downtown.

Glasgow

Barren County’s administrative center, Glasgow, labeled after the Scottish motherland of Senator William Logan’s father, is the chief city of Glasgow Micropolitan Statistical Area. South Green Street invites travelers to gaze in wonder at the plethora of carefully maintained old properties in diverse architectural styles dating back to the early 1800s. Heritage buffs would not want to miss the Historic Plaza Theatre, Veterans Wall of Honor, Fort Williams, and the Museum of the Barrens, aka South Central Kentucky Cultural Center. Relax at the Main Street Bed & Breakfast before heading to the adjacent noteworthy attractions, including the Mammoth Cave National Park, the 184-acre Brigadoon State Nature Reserve, Diamond Caverns, and Barren River Lake.

Hodgenville

Originally settled by Robert Hodgen, a Pennsylvania local, Hodgenville is set at the nucleus of LaRue County in the valley of Nolin River’s North Fork, approx. 12 miles southeast of Elizabethtown. The most frequented attraction and a must-visit site for history fanatics is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, featuring a preserved model log cabin within a neo-classic memorial building (The First Lincoln Memorial). When in Hodgenville, destress at the Lincoln Lodge & RV Park after checking out other eye-catching sites of interest, such as the Downtown Hodgenville Historic District, the privately-owned Nancy Lincoln Inn, Lincoln Museum, and Lincoln Jamboree entertainment venue.

Somerset

This enchanting Pulaski County town named after north-central New Jersey’s Somerset County occupies the Pennyroyal Plateau’s eastern extremity. Tourism is the main driver of Somerset’s economy due to its proximity to Lake Cumberland - a 65,530-acre reservoir created by the Wolf Creek Dam’s construction on the Cumberland River. All year round, the aquatic body offers plenty of water-based recreation like boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing, aside from being a major economic engine for the state’s south-central portion. Furthermore, visit the adjoining Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, enjoy your stay at Hampton Inn Somerset, and be present at Somerset Community College’s yearly Master Musicians Festival.

Shelbyville

Shelby County’s seat of government, this town is located north of Interstate 64, not far from the heart of the county on U.S. Route 60 Highway. Renowned for breeding regal American saddlebred horses, Shelbyville proudly upholds its moniker, the ‘American Saddlebred Capital of the World,’ besides annually hosting the Shelbyville Horse Show and Shelbyville Dogwood Festival - a famous arts & crafts festival. Vacationers visiting must stop by the Shelby County Historical Society Museum, tour the world-class Bulleit and Jeptha Creed Distilleries down Bourbon Trail, gather fruits at the Mulberry Orchard, shop for antiques at Ruby Rooster Antique Mall and Wakefield-Scearce Galleries, savor delectable cuisines served by Claudia Sanders Dinner House, and rest for the night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Shelbyville.

Perfect Weekend Getaways Await in Kentucky

From Bardstown - the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World’ to Shelbyville - the ‘American Saddlebred Capital of the World,’ the under-the-radar hamlets in the 37^th largest and 26^th most populous state of the nation are ideal for any kind of getaway. No matter the time of the year you are visiting, if you wish to survey fascinating sites associated with the state’s glorious past, shop for exclusive domestically-produced goods, indulge in a leisurely trek in the abutting natural locales, and lend an ear to live musical performances, these picture-perfect Kentucky communities are excellent for your weekend or extended vacation trips.

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