6 Best Downtowns In Kentucky

Travelers often pass through scenic, diverse Kentucky on the way to other Midwestern or Southern states, but it's worth a stop itself. Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Mississippi River to the west. Visitors wanting to experience the Kentucky Derby or the Bourbon Trail are drawn to the state worldwide. However, Kentucky's small, charming communities with lively downtowns make up the heart of the state and make people feel welcome no matter how long they stay. Check out these six destinations with the best downtowns the next time you find yourself in Kentucky.

Berea

Beautiful Berea is known as the "Folk Arts & Crafts Capital" of Kentucky for good reason. This charming, creative community is home to a thriving Artisan Village downtown filled with art galleries, artist studios, and shops such as Old Town Fabric. Don't miss the Cabin of Old Town Artisan Gallery, which features local and regional folk art in a cozy 1813 log cabin setting.

If you love history and want to try local cuisine, you can't go wrong with the Historic Boone Tavern Restaurant. For those wanting to stay a night or two in exciting downtown Berea, The Doctor's Inn Bed & Breakfast and the Greathouse Inn Bed & Breakfast are comfortable and close to all the action.

Elizabethtown

Sweet Elizabethtown is a charming community that has equal parts history, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Much of Elizabethtown's activities take place in its thriving downtown district, which is lined with a collection of stunning historic buildings, including the Brown-Pusey House. If you are an art lover, take in a live show at the Historic State Theatre or the Hardin County Playhouse.

Also located downtown, the Hardin County History Museum is the perfect place to learn all about the town and region via exhibits of photographs and artifacts. Pick up a thoughtful souvenir at one of the unique shops downtown, including the Elizabethtown Peddler's Mall, the Quilted Elephant Studio, and the O'Neal Boutique. After working up an appetite while shopping, grab a bite at the Gyro House or Garden Grille (in the Hilton Garden Inn Elizabethtown).

La Grange

Named the "Kindness Capital of Kentucky" due to its warm, welcoming community, lovely La Grange is located just about 30 miles from bustling Louisville. The downtown district is the heart of La Grange and is home to the interesting La Grange Railroad Museum. Stop in and learn about the town's past as a railway hub through pictures, artifacts, and scale train models. You can also take a ride around downtown aboard the charming Main Street Train, which typically runs throughout the district several times a day.

While you are downtown, sample local food and drinks at eateries such as La Grange Coffee Roasters and the One Nineteen West Main Restaurant. You can also spend time looking for treasures at the Copper Awning Flea Market, checking out the Oldham County History Center, and visiting the scenic Train Observation Tower.

Bardstown

Dubbed the "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown draws in visitors from around the nation who want to sample the region's award-winning spirits. The town's residents first started aging whisky in bourbon barrels in 1789, and Bardstown celebrates and honors its whisky-making past with a collection of local distilleries. Several of them, including Lux Row Distillers and Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, are open for daily tours.

Situated in Kentucky's lush, rolling hills, Bardstown has a thriving downtown filled with cafes and delicious eateries such as Bardstown Burger and Cafe Primo. The downtown district is also a creative haven featuring the Bardstown Art Gallery and the Artist Barrel, where you can purchase locally made items. Don't miss a trip to My Old Kentucky Home Museum, which is housed in a Federal-style mansion dating back to 1818. The Old Bardstown Village & Civil War Museum is another must-see attraction.

Paducah

No matter what type of vacation experience you are looking for in Kentucky, you will find it in the pretty town of Paducah. Located at the confluence of the scenic Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah is a haven for nature lovers who want to spend the summer boating and fishing. Due to its charming downtown, Paducah is also the perfect place for shoppers and history and culture enthusiasts.

The downtown district is home to creative flood wall murals that line the Paducah Riverwalk, as well as an abundance of art galleries and working studios. While you are walking around downtown, stop in the National Quilt Museum to view beautifully made fiber arts, the Art Guild of Paducah, and the Bricolage Art Collective. Grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, such as the Gold Rush Cafe or the Freight House, before heading over to the Paducah Railroad Museum.

Maysville

Quaint Maysville is the quintessential Kentucky small town nestled along the banks of the Ohio River. Like Paducah, Maysville is home to artistic flood wall murals that commemorate different aspects of the town's past, such as the Underground Railroad. Maysville has been a member of the National Main Street program since the 1980s and works to keep its historic downtown vibrant.

Take a walk down the main street, admiring the town's preserved buildings and catching a show at the Russell Theatre and Washington Opera House, one of the country's oldest-running theaters. Visitors can get some fresh air while viewing local wildlife at the Maysville-Mason Co. Recreational Park, which features a 12-acre lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as hiking trails and playgrounds.

While Kentucky's big urban centers have their appeal, its small towns make travelers feel at home as they wind their way through the state's highways and byways. Not only do they offer a chance to get away from it all for a few days or weeks, but their natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities are unmatched. When you want to explore the state's storied past and sample local cuisine, shop for handmade gifts, and view artwork made by regional artists, head to the charming downtown districts. Whether you stay for just a weekend or a month, Kentucky's downtowns will keep you entertained all year long.