If you appreciate history, there are plenty of towns in Kentucky that can make you feel in touch with your "ancient" side. We have some beautifully restored communities, buildings, homes, and more, spread out in different places all across the state. Visitors can step back into the past in log cabins from the 1700s, or walk around in restored Victorian mansions, depending on the location.
Here are 10 incredible Bluegrass places that stayed in touch with their origins:
10. Washington
This quaint spot in Kentucky has been around since the late 1700s, and in 1790, was the second largest community in the state with 119 log cabins. Washington "claims" to be the first in the US named after President Washington in 1797. The post office from 1786 still stands.
9. Pleasant Hill Shaker Village
This historic Shaker village has restored 34 original buildings back on 34 acres in Harrodsburg off Lexington Road.
8. Owensboro
Curbside Architecture and Historical Homes is a "scheduled" tour of Owensboro’s historic homes, businesses, and buildings. The tour is arranged via phone at 270-852-8925 and includes most of the incredibly preserved historical homes and buildings.
7. Merchant Row, Perryville
This is a chain of buildings from the 1800s that have now become businesses, restaurants, and a museum, paying homage to the history of downtown. There is also a plaque memorializing a great battle.
6. Lagrange
Many of the old buildings remain in the rustic Lagrange square, historically preserved and charming. If you just got rid of the blacktop and cars, not much has changed in this quaint and comfortable community.
5. Frankfort
Not only is this our capital, it's also home to some of the most charming, historically preserved buildings in the US.
4. Fort Harrod in Harrodsburg
The town of Harrodsburg was established in the late 1700s and is one of Kentucky’s oldest English settlements west of the Allegheny Mountains. One truly interesting attraction is at the Old Fort Harrod State Park, where a full size, historically accurate replica of the original Fort Harrod is located.
3. Flemingsburg
This incredible area in northern Kentucky offers history lovers a tour of beautiful homes, covered bridges, and churches, all preserved to maintain historical accuracy.
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2. Old Louisville
This amazing section of Louisville is almost completely comprised of restored Victorian architecture. It's the largest Victorian area still standing in the world, and is truly an amazing site to check out. Many have been turned into apartment buildings, but others have remained beautiful Victorian mansions via historically accurate renovations.
1. Bardstown
This town is primarily thought of when it comes to Kentucky bourbon, but it also offers a glimpse into the ole’ days via beautiful, historic architecture, including Victorian homes and businesses.
If you visit any of these unique Kentucky towns, prepare to feel like you've stepped back in time… at least in some areas. Each of these communities has something from the past to offer, that actually looks like it did during its heyday. If you enjoy checking out historical venues, you won’t want to miss these. If you have visited other Bluegrass places that make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, please comment about them.
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