Kentucky has many exciting cities and charming small towns for virtually any kind of retreat you wish, from the stunning bluegrass region to the historic wonders of Jackson Purchase. Whether you want to explore the outdoors, shop around for unique artisan goods, learn about the state’s history, or have adventures with the kids, you’ll find it in Kentucky. 

When you’re planning your trip, take a look at the must-visit small towns in Kentucky and find your own private paradise.

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    Somerset

    Explore a town that offers charm and oddities in equal measure

    Somerset
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    Somerset is a beautiful destination in southeastern Kentucky. It has many unique attractions, such as the International Paranormal Research Centre and Museum, which is home to exhibits on ghosts, aliens, psychics, Bigfoot, and just about anything else strange and weird you could think of. 

    Somerset also has local wineries and craft breweries, so you can take a tour and sample some of the local flavours. For outdoor fun, you can visit Lake Cumberland to fish or boat on the water.

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    Shelbyville

    Relax in a town known for horse farms and parks

    Shelbyville
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    Located in northern Kentucky’s bluegrass country, Shelbyville is a scenic destination for a holiday. One of the biggest draws of Shelbyville is the abundance of horse farms, which you can visit on a tour and take pictures of the horses. Shelbyville also has petting farms with berry and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and other kid-friendly activities. 

    For outdoor fun, the town has an extensive parks network with recreational lakes, trails, campsites, picnic areas, athletic courts, and more. You'll also find a skate park with rails, ledges, quarter pipes, and half pipes.

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    foto de Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

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    Bardstown

    Visit the bourbon capital of the world

    Bardstown
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    Known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown is a small town that’s home to several bourbon distilleries, making for a unique experience. Many of the town’s attractions centre around bourbon, such as the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and the numerous bourbon tours. 

    Bardstown also has fascinating museums where you can learn about local history, such as the Women’s Civil War Museum, the Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum, and My Old Kentucky Home house museum.

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  • 4

    Berea

    Explore a bustling art scene in this quaint town

    Berea
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    Berea is a fascinating city south of Lexington that’s home to a variety of historic restaurants and vibrant arts and culture. The city attracts creative types like jewellery designers, furniture artisans, glass workers, instrument-makers, weavers, and artists, so it’s one of the best places to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. 

    While Berea has plenty of arts and culture, you could also spend time exploring the nearby nature reserves and the attractions of Lexington, such as the Kentucky Horse Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park.

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    foto de Dwight Burdette (CC BY 3.0) modificada

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    Harrodsburg

    Step back in time with a trip to this historic town

    Harrodsburg
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    Located in the heart of the bluegrass region, Harrodsburg is one of the state’s oldest towns and a lovely place for a holiday. It’s steeped in rich history, which you can see with a visit to the Mansion Museum or Old Fort Harrod State Park and its recreated 1774 fort. 

    Several tour operators offer historic tours through the town, so you can learn more about the unique history. If you have the kids, Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch has games, farm activities, a petting zoo, and other fun experiences for the little ones.

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    foto de Christopher L. Riley (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

  • 6

    Paducah

    See the works of talented artists and crafters in this lovely town

    Paducah
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    Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, Paducah is a city with a fascinating history and unforgettable attractions. It’s home to many artists, performers, craftsmen, and quilters, and even has its own National Quilt Museum. 

    You’ll find plenty of artisan shops, art galleries, and studios in the historic city centre and Lowertown districts for unique gifts to bring home. During your trip, be sure to visit “The Moonshine Company,” a traditional distillery that makes Kentucky moonshine in a century-old building.

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    foto de Farragutful (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

  • 7

    Greenville

    Explore the outdoors and the square for varied fun

    Greenville
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    Greenville is a town on the hilly western part of Kentucky that offers a laid-back holiday spot. The focus of the town is the historic city centre square and its heritage buildings, but you’ll find plenty else to do here. Greenville is filled with family-owned eateries, as well as independent shops and fun bars for shopping and a night out. 

    If you enjoy the outdoors, you could check out the trails that travel through Lake Malone State Park for horseback riding, hiking, biking, and other outdoor fun.

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    foto de Acdixon (CC0 1.0) modificada

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    Glasgow

    Get a taste of Scotland in this appropriately named town

    Glasgow
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    For a little bit of everything, Glasgow is the place to go on a Kentucky holiday. It has arts and culture, historic sites, outdoor adventure, water sports, and exciting events to experience. Named for Glasgow, Scotland, the city’s biggest event is the annual Highland Games, a traditional festival in the spirit of the historic Scottish Highland Games. You’ll find many other unique attractions, such as Dinosaur World, the Yogi Bear Campground, and Kentucky Action Park, as well as outdoor spaces like Diamond Cave, Jellystone Park, and Barren River Lake State Resort Park.

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    foto de Nheyob (CC BY-SA 3.0) modificada

  • 9

    Danville

    Find big adventure in this small town

    Danville
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    Danville is a great place for a trip as a couple or with the whole family thanks to the variety of historic sites, local eateries, and shops. You can see intriguing attractions like the Constitution Square Historic Site and the McDowell House Museum, complete with period furnishings. 

    Another unique spot in Danville is the Great American Dollhouse Museum, which has miniature dollhouses from different eras. For a night out, visit Pioneer Playhouse to see local productions in a charming outdoor theatre setting.

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  • 10

    Murray

    Enjoy the sights in this college town

    Murray
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    Located in Calloway County, Murray is a college town and vibrant community home to numerous museums, parks, and attractions. You’ll have many opportunities for sightseeing at places like the Clara M. Eagle Gallery, a beautiful art gallery with over 1,200 works from all over the world, and the Wrather West Kentucky Museum, a social and cultural museum chronicling the Jackson Purchase region. 

    Plenty of parks are found in Murray for hiking, biking, nature walks, picnicking, and other outdoor activities with the whole family.

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