The 17 Towns You Need To Visit In Kentucky In 2017
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
Contrary to what the rest of the country might think, Kentucky isn’t just bluegrass, bourbon, and horses. We have some really cool cities and towns, and while some of them might be small and rural, they have a unique charm to them that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are 17 towns in Kentucky that we featured last year, so be sure you put them on your list of places to visit in 2017!
Harrodsburg is the oldest town in Kentucky. It was founded in 1774, and was the first permanent settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Known as "the Most Beautiful Small Town in America," Bardstown makes a perfect day trip. Visit a bourbon distillery, or have a gourmet meal on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train.
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Kentucky's largest city has no shortage of things to do. Walk down Museum Row, see a horse race at the famous Churchill Downs, or participate in the Urban Bourbon Trail.
Grand Rivers is a quaint little lake town that is perfect for a weekend getaway in the summer. Located right on the banks of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, and more. It's also located near the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, so you can hike and camp while you're in town.
Even though Lexington is Kentucky's second-largest city, it is still a great place to live and work. Plus, if you need to escape the city life, just drive to the outskirts of Lexington and beyond to see all the beautiful horse farms.
This arts and crafts community has a special charm you won't find anywhere else. Tour the campus of Berea College, visit one of the many art galleries and farmers' markets, and hike to the top of the Berea Pinnacles.
This tiny little community on the banks of the Ohio River just might be the most unique town in the state. Several of their buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and their mayor is a dog. Who wouldn't love this town?
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Elkton is a quaint and charming Southern town. Be sure to stop in at the L & R Soda Bar in the town square, which is an old-fashioned soda fountain where you can get a classic burger and fries with a milkshake.
This western Kentucky town is probably best known for being home to the National Quilt Museum, which showcases amazing quilts from artists all over the world. Downtown Paducah is filled with art galleries, making it a very unique town to visit.
Newport is located right across the river from Cincinnati, so it has spectacular views of the skyline. Visit the Newport Aquarium or one of the many shops and restaurants on Newport on the Levee for a great day trip.
Owensboro is yet another river town in Kentucky, and is probably best known for its barbecue. They hold the International Bar-B-Q Festival every May, and call themselves The BBQ Capital of the World. Owensboro is also home to an award-winning playground called Smothers Park.
Covington is Newport's northern Kentucky neighbor, lying just to its west. This historic town is underrated, and is definitely worth a visit. Eat at one of the many great restaurants, or stroll through the various historic neighborhoods, like the Mainstrasse District.
Danville is known as "the City of Firsts," and has plenty to explore. The first courthouse in Kentucky was in Danville, and the state's first Constitution was signed here. Before Frankfort, Danville was the state capital, and it's home to Centre College, which has the oldest college campus west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Maysville is a charming river town in northeastern Kentucky. Maysville has many historic sites, such as the Phillips' Folly Mansion, which is said to be haunted and has been featured on "Ghost Adventures." Maysville was an important stop on the Underground Railroad since it was right across the river from the free state of Ohio.
If you visit this eastern Kentucky mountain town, be sure to visit the Paramount Theatre, which has hosted many well-known acts. Ashland is especially great to visit in the winter, as it transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Next year, check out the Winter Wonderland Festival of Lights, which takes place in Ashland's downtown and Central Park, and is one of the best Christmas lights displays in the state.
This peaceful and quiet little river town is a great place to visit during the summer. Walk along the river and watch the boats pass.
Blue Heron is a former coal mining community in eastern Kentucky that is a bit spooky. You can visit the town by taking a ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway out of Stearns, which takes you on an incredibly scenic journey through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
These are just a few of the awesome towns in Kentucky that are worth a visit. What other towns could be on this list?
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