This Little Kentucky Mountain Town Is An Irresistibly Charming Day Trip Destination
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 21, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here at Only In Kentucky, the only thing we love more than putting together bucket-list-worthy travel itineraries, is putting together bucket-list-worthy day trip itineraries! Because let’s face it: we don’t always have a weekend (or longer) to devote to a getaway. Enter: the day trip. Action-packed and accessible, there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned Kentucky day trip. And today’s day trip destination is an impossibly charming little Kentucky mountain town sure to capture your heart!
Nested in the Cumberland Plateau of Central Kentucky, Berea is an impossibly charming mountain town that's home to a wonderful liberal arts college, thriving arts scene, and lively downtown district.
Berea's location is one of its most distinguishing features. Berea College manages the eponymous Berea College Forest, a 9,000-acre expanse that's home to a network of top-tier hiking trails.
Within this region, the Pinnacles Trail is lauded as not only one of the best hikes in Berea, but also Kentucky! It's definitely an all-morning kind of hike; you're going to need to lace up your hiking boots and set out on a 6.6-mile journey through the wilds of Central Kentucky.
This straightforward trek is rated moderate, and traverses some absolutely beautiful Bluegrass forests. So while it's indeed a strenuous trek, the views waiting for you along the way are absolutely, 100% worth each and every step!
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After a morning spent hiking the beautiful Berea pinnacles, break for lunch at one of the numerous eateries in town. Apollo Pizza is a fan favorite specializing in every college student's favorite food group: pizza!
Apollo Pizza Old Town Taproom - Berea, 215 Adams St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Voted Madison County’s Best Pizza for several years, you'll find a robust menu of classic pies and adventurous 'zas. The Appalachian Mountain Pizza is a fan favorite and features meatballs, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
This college town is, as we mentioned, best-known for its vibrant arts scene. Berea is hailed as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky; and indeed, Berea is a place that wholly supports the arts.
Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403, USA
The town is also painted with whimsical, fanciful murals that breathe color and life into its very buildings. In addition to making a walking tour of Downtown Berea just plain fun, they also make for wonderful photo ops!
In addition to its numerous galleries and restaurants, Berea's Main Street district is home to some super sweet local storefronts, like the beloved Berea Fudge Shoppe. You'll find a massive assortment of fudge, chocolates, ice cream, plus plenty of #KentuckyProud jams, sauces, and relishes. What a fun memento for your day trip!
Berea Fudge Shoppe, 207 Short St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Once you've explored Berea to your heart's content, we recommend enjoying a sit-down meal full of delicious Bluegrass cuisine. Hitz BBQ is a family-owned and operated barbecue establishment known for world-class BBQ. They make all of their meats daily with 100% hickory wood, smoked low and slow on-site. Order a platter of your favorites, and reminisce about your day trip exploits.
Can't bear to leave beautiful Berea at the end of your visit? Turn your day trip into an overnight adventure with a stay at The Greathouse Inn Bed and Breakfast. This traditional B&B was built in 1917, and is a beautifully restored three-bedroom home with a large front porch, screened in back porch, and large sitting room that's an easy jaunt from college square!
College Inn Bed & Breakfast, 3902 S Washington St, Marion, IN 46953, USA
Have you visited Berea, Kentucky, recently? This little town is the Bluegrass State at its finest: scenic splendor, amazing Southern cuisine, a well-supported #KentuckyProud business district, and the friendliest and finest folks you’ll ever meet.
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