Kentucky Just Wouldn't Be The Same Without These 7 Charming Small Towns

Beautiful Bardstown receives lots of attention as the best, most beautiful, and most historic small town in Kentucky, and guess what? It deserves each and every word of praise. With local shops, vibrant businesses, and amazing restaurants at every turn, you’ll enjoy each and every step you take in this winsome *and* walkable Bluegrass town.

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. After a hike, head back to town and enjoy a bite at Apollo Pizza or Hitz BBQ, and then take in some local art. Berea is hailed as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky; and indeed, Berea is a place that wholly supports the arts, with sculptures and murals painting the town in technicolor!

While Cynthiana, Kentucky, is famous for its fall foliage, this charming town is worth visiting any time of year. This charming small town in Kentucky is peak "small town" vibes, with a delightful Main Street district, proud local businesses, and scenic beauty. In fact, the town's Quiet Trails State Nature Preserve is a beloved hiking destination that showcases the spectacular scenic beauty of this region of the Bluegrass.

Founded in 1799, Greenville is an idyllic little town located in western Kentucky’s rolling blue hills. Renowned for its family-friendly festivals, historic downtown, and Southern hospitality, Greenville is about as charming as it gets. Grab a bite at Aunt M's Cafe and then visit the Big Twigs, an enchanting outdoor art installment at the nearby Lake Malone State Park.

Horse Cave, Kentucky, is one of those small towns that, at first glance, doesn't look all that unique or extraordinary. But here in Kentucky, we know better than to be fooled by appearances, because some of our state's greatest treasures are literally hidden underground. Located just 15 minutes from *the* Mammoth Cave, this charming little town of 2,400 has its own epic underworld, and it's not only Horse Cave's namesake, but also its defining feature. Because, you see, the cave for which the city is named is located on the south side of Main Street -- literally smack in the center of town. Operated by the American Cave Conservation Association, public tours are offered year-round, and make for a pretty spectacular Kentucky day trip adventure.

Maysville is peak small-town vibes, with a picture-perfect downtown district offering visitors not only amazing shops and eateries, but also a crash course in Bluegrass history. Truly -- if you are curious about history, you'll find it around every corner in Maysville, with numerous Underground Railroad sites, the National Underground Railroad Museum, the Colonel Charles Young Birthplace Cabin, the Mays Lick Rosenwald School, and, just outside town, the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky.