Small towns in Kentucky to live often exist within the shadows of bigger cities, such as Louisville or Lexington. And maybe out-of-staters have heard of smaller, but still fairly well-known towns, including Paducah, Owensboro, Bowling Green, or Frankfort. However, some of the most charming places — and the best-kept secrets — are small towns located out in the more remote parts of the state. Here are the 12 best towns in rural Kentucky.

1. Midway

One of our favorite small towns in Kentucky to visit is Midway in Woodford County, not far from Lexington, so you're never too far away from a major city. It is in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country, so you'll see quite a few horse farms in rural Kentucky, especially if you use Old Frankfort Pike to get there.

2. Augusta

This Bracken County town is located right on the Ohio River and just so happens to be where famous actor George Clooney spent a portion of his childhood. Augusta is the epitome of a rural Kentucky town.

3. Bardstown

Known as the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America," this Nelson County town has a lot to offer. Visit one of the many bourbon distilleries scattered throughout the surrounding countryside, or visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park to see the iconic mansion where Stephen Foster wrote Kentucky's state song.

4. Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg, located in Mercer County, is Kentucky's oldest town. It was settled in 1774 when Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. Harrodsburg is any history buff's dream, which we find appealing. Visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill or Old Fort Harrod State Park to take a step back into Kentucky's past. It's a great place to visit, but it's also one of the best small towns in Kentucky to live.

5. Berea

This Madison County town just might be one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Known as "the Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky," Berea boasts many local artists and galleries. It is also home to Berea College, a private, liberal arts school that promises every student a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.

6. Pineville

Located in Bell County in eastern Kentucky, Pineville is one of the prettiest rural Kentucky towns nestled between Pine Mountain and the Cumberland River. Wilderness Road crossed the Cumberland River where Pineville now stands, making it one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky. Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a popular attraction for hiking and other outdoor activities in Pineville. Discover more on the Pine Mountain State Park web page.

7. Danville

Danville is located in Boyle County, right in the middle of the state. It is nicknamed "The City of Firsts" as it reached some significant milestones before anywhere else in Kentucky, such as the first courthouse in Kentucky and the first U.S. Post Office west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was also Kentucky's first capital, and the state constitution was signed here. It is home to Centre College which has the oldest college administration building west of the Allegheny Mountains.

8. Greenville

This rural Kentucky town in Muhlenberg County was settled in 1799. It was likely named for Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, but town lore says it was named for the lush forests one could see from a hilltop in the town.

9. Liberty

Liberty is one of the quietest country towns in Kentucky located in Casey County with a large Amish presence, so you might see a horse and buggy as you drive through the vast farmland and rolling hills of the area during your visit. It also has a life-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which weighs 2,700 pounds!

10. Elkton

Elkton is the largest town in Todd County, but it is still a quaint and charming place to visit in Kentucky. Make sure you check out all the places to eat and spend some time shopping in the town square.

11. Maysville

Maysville is a historic Mason County town right on the Ohio River. It was a major stop on the Underground Railroad since the free state of Ohio was just on the other side of the river. One of the oldest homes in Maysville is Phillips' Folly, a three-story brick house in downtown Maysville that is now rumored to be haunted.

12. Stanford

Stanford is a small town in Lincoln County in central Kentucky. Like Harrodsburg and Danville, it is one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky. Many buildings from the 19th century still stand today. Nearby Cedar Creek Lake and Dix River are great for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.

Small towns in Kentucky are guaranteed to charm you, but we know more towns are just as delightful. Let us know about your favorite small Kentucky town in the comments below.

Do you like to shop? Here are some of the best towns in Kentucky to shop till you drop. And if you're traveling, book a room on Hotels.com.