The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Kentucky’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!

Rabbit Hash is an absolute delight; this little town is located on the Ohio River in between Louisville and Cincinnati. Rabbit Hash only has about 315 full-time residents, but it has a unique atmosphere unlike any other town you’ve ever visited. The iconic Rabbit Hash General Store is the town's pride and joy; the oldest general in the state, after the original building burned down in 2016, the town pulled together to rebuild this beloved place.

Augusta is located in Bracken County, right on the Ohio River. It's only about 40 miles away from Cincinnati, but as you stroll along the peaceful banks of this winsome little town, it's hard to imagine that a huge metropolis is only about an hour downstream. A trading post along the Ohio River, this old river town was founded by Philip Buckner in 1786, so it is brimming with history. Augusta really is peak river living in Kentucky!

Somerset is a charming small town in Pulaski County, home to just over 10,000 people. Known as the "Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky," you can experience this event for yourself on select nights in April through October. The entire downtown becomes an outdoor car show with a different theme each month. Somerset is small-town living at its best!

Twice As Nice Antiques & More in Bellevue is a hidden gem where you'll discover all sorts of treasures. Inside the shop, you'll find a wide variety of antiques and an environment that's perfect for perusing. The owner specializes in tracking down rare pieces, so you will likely see things in here that you simply won't find anywhere else. This adorable antique shop in Bellevue really is a must-visit.

Kentucky lives and breathes horses, making the eponymous Kentucky Horse Park a place that's truly unique to the state. The Kentucky Horse Park is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike, and a visit here really is a must. And while you're there, consider going horseback riding, because this is one of the best spots to do so. Perfect for beginners and definitely great for horse lovers, you’ll see so much of the park while you ride, and it’s a great add-on experience during a visit to this beloved attraction.

Kentucky's water recreation is unparalleled; the state is home to 45 lakes and reservoirs, several notable rivers, and countless creeks and streams. There's nothing better than a day on a water in The Bluegrass State, and while Kentucky boasts countless opportunities for top-rate boating, there is a particular boat ride that's truly bucket-list worthy. The Gorge Underground offers a cave boat tour, wherein guests get to journey beneath the Gorge, seeing this natural wonder in a whole new light. (And if you're into kayaking, The Gorge Underground offers a kayak tour that will not disappoint!)

Located in Bowling Green, Flea Land is the largest indoor flea market in Kentucky. What makes this place so charming is its inventory -- vendors offer everything from vintage signs and collectibles to antiques and handmade items. You'll find all sorts of treasures at this flea market, including some you didn't know you needed! Plan to spend some time here; its sheer size requires patient perusing!

The Bluegrass State is a place you'll want to stop and admire, and a scenic train ride is perhaps the most magical way to experience its perfect panoramas. Big South Fork Scenic Railway offers several excursions through Kentucky's absolutely beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest. The train actually descends 600 feet into the gorge, chugging past mountain streams, lush vegetation, and scenic views. This is the only mountain train in Kentucky that provides this type of scenery, and absolutely is a must-do for those looking to really bask in the glory of The Bluegrass State.

The Vent Haven Museum isn't just one of the most unique museums in Kentucky, it's the most unique museum in Kentucky. The only museum of ventriloquism in the entire world, Vent Haven Museum opened to the public on June 30, 1973. The vast collection began as the personal hobby of Cincinnati-area resident, William Shakespeare (W.S.) Berger, who was a huge fan of the art of ventriloquism, and wanted to share this extraordinary, albeit uncanny, craft with the world. When you schedule a private tour of the museum, you'll see over 800 figures (with all of their eyes on you), and thousands of photographs, playbills, letters, and books, some of which date back to the 1700s. The collection is truly impressive -- and will definitely make you a little uneasy, which is to be expected, and part of the experience.

Kentucky is known for its incredible produce, and the Lexington Farmers Market is a celebration of the Bluegrass State's bounty. Originally established in 1975, the Lexington Farmers Market takes pride in bringing locally grown, fresh produce to the community. Their main location is at the 5/3 Bank Pavilion in Cheapside Park, with more than 75 members during the season. Here you'll find everything from strawberries and squash, to artisanal cheeses and free-range eggs. You'll be totally inspired to bring these ingredients to life at home.

Hurricane Bay is a part of Kentucky Kingdom, an amusement park that dates back to the 1980s. This old-school water park is open from May through September, and it offers a wide variety of fun for all ages. Kids will love the low-key Buccaneer Beach and gentle Splash Zone, while thrill seekers will be wowed by the Deep Water Dive, one of the world's tallest body slides, dropping 12 stories in mere seconds! This epic waterpark really is a ton of fun for everyone.