Kentucky’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

I love traveling to Kentucky towns with plenty of old and new attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. These cities beautifully merge the charm of the older, more traditional elements with newer, more exciting things to do. One city that's experienced renewed growth and become a superb destination for any traveler is Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Elizabethtown is near the center of the Bluegrass State, about 45 miles south of Louisville. The city was established in the late 1700s when Colonel Hynes designated 30 acres for a new town, which he named after his wife, Elizabeth. The city is known for its place in Civil War history; it was an important strategic site and a railroad stop. In 2005, the city received a great deal of attention when the movie Elizabethtown debuted, starring Kirsten Dunst, Orlando Bloom, Susan Sarandon, and Alec Baldwin.

If you travel to Elizabethtown, you'll have plenty of choices for unique things to see and do. The Swope Cars of Yesteryear Museum is a free museum that displays many vintage cars of different makes and models from the 1900s to the 1960s. Bill Swope, the late Swope Auto cofounder, collected classic and vintage cars, eventually decided to share his collection with the community and founded this museum.

Another unique museum in Elizabethtown is the Hardin County History Museum, which shares the area's history and artifacts with visitors, including Civil War items. The Lincoln Heritage House is an interesting historical site in Elizabethtown. The cabin was built in the late 1700s for the Hardin Thomas Family, and Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, completed the cabinets and carpentry inside.

If you prefer to see the outdoors when you travel, the Elizabethtown Nature Park is incredible. The 104-acre park has a walking trail, views of Freeman Lake, a Hardin County Veterans Tribute, and a Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. The Haycraft Neighborhood Park has a walking trail and playground, and Freeman Lake Park has playgrounds, pickleball, sand volleyball, and trails.

The Freeman Lake Trail is a popular hike in Elizabethtown. The 4.5-mile loop trail takes hikers around the lake, providing awesome water views. Mountain bikers and runners often use the popular trail.

Elizabethtown has incredible restaurants and perfect places to eat during a busy day of sightseeing. Amazin' Glazin' Donuts has mouthwatering sweet treats. The Back Home Restaurant serves tasty Southern dishes like meatloaf, sweet potato casserole, and peach cobbler. Flywheel Brewing is a local brewery on Mulberry Street with several delicious beers on tap.

If you'd like to check out what's new in Elizabethtown for yourself, consider staying in this downtown rooftop condo. Guests can enjoy a pool table and picturesque rooftop views.