You Must Visit These 10 Awesome Places In Kentucky This Winter
By Andrea Limke|Updated on November 30, 2022(Originally published November 25, 2022)
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Winter in Kentucky doesn’t have to be a grey, bleak time when you only stay huddled up in your house. Although it’s nice to have quiet evenings at home by the fire when the temperatures drop, Kentucky offers so many amazing options during this season, that you really should get out and experience them. From snowy adventures, to dazzling light displays, and unforgettable restaurants, here are some fun things to do in Kentucky in the winter.
Kentucky is the perfect place to go on a horseback riding adventure, but many think that it can only be done in warmer temperatures. While this is mostly true, there is a B & B in Petersburg, Kentucky that offers horseback riding all year long. For more information, check out our article about winter horseback riding in Kentucky.
2. Visit The Best Christmas Light Displays In Kentucky
There are so many great places to see Christmas lights throughout Kentucky, that we put together a road trip to make sure you see them all. For more information, check out our previous article about the best Christmas lights in Kentucky.
If the mountains are calling your name, don't let the cold temperatures scare you away. The mountains are especially stunning this time of year! For more information, check out our previous article about this winter mountain getaway in Kentucky.
Ice skating is the perfect winter activity and the rink in Louisville, pictured above, is a great spot to do it! For more information, check out our previous article about ice skating in Kentucky.
Of course the road conditions have to cooperate for this one, but Kentucky is always a beautiful place to take a scenic drive. In the winter, you may experience snow-covered hills and white tree-lined streets. For more information on the best scenic drives in the state, check out our previous article.
Imagine being tucked away inside a historic railcar, as it speeds along the track past snowy fields and towns. Kentucky has many train rides throughout the state where you can make this vision come true! For more information, check out our previous article about fun train rides in Kentucky.
There are many cozy spots throughout Kentucky where you can escape everyday life and curl up by a warm fire and enjoy a home cooked meal. Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast Inn, pictured above, is one of the best options. For more information, check out our previous article about the best B&Bs in Kentucky.
This picturesque destination is wonderful to visit any time of year, but they illuminate the entire property from right after Thanksgiving until January 15th, making it even more enchanting. For more information, check out our previous article to learn all about Patti's 1880's Settlement.
Just because the temperatures drop and the snow falls, doesn't mean you can't get outside and explore our beautiful state. There are many trails throughout Kentucky that are perfect for a winter hike. For more information, check out our previous article about the best winter hikes in Kentucky.
Kentucky's small towns are full of character and charm and winter is a wonderful time to experience them. One of the most charming is Bardstown, pictured above, which always has something going on along Main Street! For more information, check out our previous article about Christmas in Bardstown.
Every season is the best season when you’re in Kentucky! Do you get out and about and explore our state in the colder months? Where do you head? Let us know in the comments!
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More to Explore
Things to do in Kentucky in the Winter
Sarah M.|November 30, 2022
What are the best winter hikes in Kentucky?
Don't let the cold keep you from hitting the trails this season; lace up your boots and check out these glorious winter hikes in Kentucky:
Chain Rock Trail at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Tucked away in the appropriately named community of Pineville is a dreamy mountain landscape. Pine Mountain was Kentucky's first state park, and it was established back in 1924. Ever since, visitors have found themselves charmed by its beauty and awe-inspiring features. The mile-long Chained Rock Trail is the perfect wintertime excursion, providing near-perfect panoramas of the snow-tipped trees and knobs.
Three Bridges Trail at Carter Caves. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a Bluegrass beauty, boasting beguiling backcountry, forests, creeks, caverns, and waterfalls. After a snow, the park transforms into a real-life winter wonderland that's simply perfect for exploring. We recommend tackling the Three Bridges Trail this winter; it's a 3.3-mile trek that highlights three of the park's best-known natural bridges, which look even more wondrous when blanketed beneath fresh snow.
Honker Lake Trail at Land Between the Lakes. Land Between the Lakes (LBTL) is an absolutely splendid area with a rich and engaging landscape. This region stretches across the Kentucky and Tennessee borders, right between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. As winter coats the landscape, this dreamy natural space becomes a jaw-dropping nature scene. There are numerous hiking opportunities within LBTL, but we're partial to the Honker Lake Trail, a five-mile loop that traverses some of the best scenery in the area!
Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail. Cumberland Falls is one of Kentucky’s crown jewels; this incredible waterfall is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country. It’s referred to as the Niagara Falls of the South, and once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Within Cumberland Falls State Park, there’s a trail that leads to both Cumberland Falls *and* another incredible cascade, Eagle Falls. It’s one of the most picturesque hikes in Kentucky, and a must for all Bluegrass waterfall chasers -- especially if seeing a frozen waterfall is on your Bluegrass hiking bucket list!