9 Places In Kentucky That Are Off The Beaten Path But So Worth The Drive
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Rachel Shulhafer
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Need to get away from it all but don’t know where to go? Get in your car and head to one of these places in Kentucky that are off the beaten path. Whether you’re hungry, bored, or craving a serene walk in the wilderness, this list includes a variety of different destinations that are totally worth a long drive.
Augusta is a quaint town along the Ohio River with a population of 1,190. It is 42 miles southeast of Cincinnati, and 19 miles northwest of Maysville. The river view seems so secluded and serene that it’s hard to imagine a major city looming over the banks about an hour downstream.
Stop in this homemade candy store to pick up some chocolate and other goodies you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, you’re right in the area of Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Land Between the Lakes, so you can couple your chocolate excursion with hiking or relaxing on the water. Located at 734 US-62 in Grand Rivers.
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The name is pretty self-explanatory isn’t it? Located about 35 minutes outside of Bardstown, eating at this restaurant will reward you for your journey. They’re best known for the interesting decor that consumes almost every inch of the walls and ceiling, as well as for their steaks, which are on the larger side. Located at 860 Horseshoe Bend Road in Raywick.
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Travel back in time and visit this old-fashioned soda bar in the charming town of Elkton. Indulge in a burger with fries and a chocolate milkshake. Or a root beer float. Or a banana split. You really can’t go wrong here. Located at 44 Public Square in Elkton.
Step even farther back in time at the third largest Shaker community in the United States. Explore the scenic farm land, eat at their farm-to-table restaurant with meals made from seasonal Kentucky crops, or stay for a while and spend the night in a restored Shaker building. Located at 3501 Lexington Road in Harrodsburg.
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Visit this old-fashioned country store in Meade County to find anything you could ever need. Hungry? They have award-winning barbecue, as well as a full-service deli and grocery store items. Is your dog hungry? They carry his kind of food too. Car needs gas? Fill up here. Need to brush up on your reading? They have a free miniature library— the first of its kind in Meade County. Located at 4385 Rhodelia Road in Payneville.
This park spans over the state line to Virginia. This gorge in eastern Kentucky in known as "the Grand Canyon of the South." It may not be as well known as other natural Kentucky destinations like Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls, or Land Between the Lakes, but the ridge top views you’ll see here are worth nearly driving to another state.
This historic B&B is nestled in the heart of Bluegrass horse country and has won several local and national awards for their hospitality. Spend a few nights here enjoying 15 acres Maple Hill Manor sits on, or go make new friends on their alpaca and llama farm. Located at 2941 Perryville Road in Springfield.
Like Breaks Interstate Park, Pine Mountain State Resort Park isn’t as frequently visited as some of the others. Located in the secluded Kentucky Ridge State Forest in the southeastern part of the state, you will be surrounded by mountain views. Check out their Herndon J. Evans Lodge, or rent a cottage or cabin to come back to after a long day of exploring. Located at 1050 State Park Road in Pineville.
Far away, but worth the journey, these Kentucky destinations will make you glad you took the trip. What other great places are hidden away in the Kentucky backcountry?
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