If you’re driving right through the middle of Kentucky, chances are you’ll go through Danville. And if you go through Danville, chances are you’re going to want to stop and explore this delightful town. Find out why this town might be the best small town in Kentucky to live or retire, and why it’s nicknamed "the City of Firsts."

Danville was established as a town in Virginia in 1787, but became part of Kentucky when it was made a state in 1792.

Danville is known as “The City of Firsts.”

Some significant historical events happened in Danville, and many of them are commemorated in the present-day city. They had the first courthouse in Kentucky in 1785. Pictured above is a replica of the courthouse, which you can visit.

It’s quite the difference from the present-day courthouse, isn't it?

Before Frankfort, Danville was the first capital of Kentucky. The town was also home to the first Political Club in the west in 1786.

Oftentimes, this political club would meet at Grayson’s Tavern. Many of the men who met here ended up signing Kentucky’s first Constitution.

“The Birthplace of the Bluegrass.”

Danville is often referred to as "The Birthplace of the Bluegrass" because Kentucky’s first Constitution was signed there. In 1792, the first Constitutional Convention of the West was held at Constitutional Square in Danville, where the state’s first Constitution was signed.

Some other "firsts" Danville boasts: the first United States Post Office west of the Allegheny Mountains in 1792. In 1809, a Danville doctor named Dr. Ephriam McDowell became the first physician in the world to remove an ovarian tumor. The first college in the West opened in Danville in 1783, and then in 1799 the first law school of the West was born in Danville. Nearly a century later in 1881, the first public school for African-Americans opened in Danville. Pictured above is a replica of Danville's first jail.

Experience a world-class education at Centre College.

Even if you don’t attend Centre, a walk through its beautiful campus is worth a stop. Centre is a small liberal arts college, and is widely considered to be the best college in Kentucky, and one of the best in the whole South.

Visit the Great American Dollhouse Museum.

The Great American Dollhouse Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Danville. These aren't just ordinary dollhouses, though. They are elaborate works of art depicting hundreds of years of United States history. The museum is located at 344 Swope Drive, Danville, KY 40422.

See a play at the historic Pioneer Playhouse.

The Pioneer Playhouse is the oldest outdoor theatre in the state of Kentucky. The theatre was established in 1950, and has had some notable names appear in plays over the years, such as John Travolta, Lee Majors, and Jim Varney. The plays only take place in the summer, so be sure to check the schedule for next season by visiting the website. The Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road, Danville, KY 40422.

Hungry? Danville has no shortage of great, local places to eat.

Melton's Deli serves sandwiches, soups, and other deli items, plus there are free cookies! Melton's is located at 247 E. Main Street, Danville, KY 40422.

Across Main Street from Constitution Square is Burke's Bakery, which has some of the best baked goods in the whole state.

While doughnuts are their speciality, they are a full service bakery and offer items like breads and cakes. Burke's Bakery is located at 121 W. Main Street, Danville, KY 40422.

We dare you to drive through Danville and not be tempted to stop! If you need a place to stay while you're exploring the area, check out these vacation rentals near Danville, KY.