Best Weekend Getaways In Kentucky: Explore Maysville

There are so many wonderful small towns to explore in Kentucky, but none quite as marvelous as Maysville. This town of 8,500 has 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, making it a true contender for one of the best weekend getaways in Kentucky.

Located on the Ohio River about an hour northeast of Lexington, Maysville is a treasure of a town that's sure to charm and enchant you. Beautiful and historic, Maysville might just be the best-kept secret in the Bluegrass State.

Its location on the water has shaped Maysville into the town it is today. While, of course, the water provides beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities, the Ohio River was crucial in its role during the Civil War.

Because of its proximity to the Ohio River, the town was close to several Underground Railroad operatives, including the historic Bierbower home. This site was once a safe house where enslaved people hid beneath the floorboards for safety; today, it's home to the National Underground Railroad Museum, a must-visit museum in Maysville.

History is on full display in Maysville, in fact, most notably in the downtown. Originally named Limestone, Maysville was first settled by frontiersman Simon Kenton in 1775, who fought in the American Revolution.

By 1786, pioneer John May had purchased land at Limestone and frontiersman Daniel Boone established a trading post and tavern there. In 1787, Limestone was officially incorporated as Maysville (after May), and statues of both Bluegrass founding fathers can be admired in the town square.

Of course, it's not all towering monoliths in town. For those looking for a *miniature* history lesson, the KY Gateway Museum Center is a delight. Home to the world's largest private collection of museum-quality 1/12 scale miniatures, it's one of the most marvelous hidden gems in Kentucky.

For those enchanted by covered bridges, nearly half of the 13 remaining covered bridges in the Bluegrass are within 26 miles of Maysville, including Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, which hails from 1867!

Bourbon buffs have a lot to celebrate in Maysville, too, with The Old Pogue Distillery transporting visitors back to the heyday of bourbon making in Mason County, Kentucky. Tours are available and are a wonderful way to *soak up* Kentucky bourbon culture!

Of course, you certainly won't go hungry during your weekend in Maysville, Kentucky. The town is full of local restaurants and casual dining spots, with Delite's a fan favorite known for putting together a killer burger and fries.

Maysville is a delightful blend of old and new, with stately homes lining the streets and local businesses filling the historic storefronts downtown. It's a place that might just sweep you off your feet, in the very best and most magical, wonderful way... kind of like Kentucky!

Have you ever taken a weekend getaway in Maysville, Kentucky? What did you think about your time there? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! This Bluegrass treasure is just waiting to be explored… and enjoyed! If you’re looking for the perfect home base while exploring all that the town has to offer, be sure to browse this list of unique vacation rentals in Maysville, Kentucky.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Small Towns In Kentucky

Beth C. | November 20, 2023

What are some of the most charming small towns to visit in Kentucky?

Exploring the Bluegrass State, you'll quickly discover there's no shortage of adorable towns to explore. Below you'll find a list of our top recommendations for the most charming small towns to visit in Kentucky:

Harrodsburg -- famous for being the oldest established town in Kentucky, founded in 1774
Rabbit Hash -- home to one of the most adorable general stores in the state, which has been a community staple since 1831
Paducah -- brimming with natural beauty and charm
Berea -- a charming mountain town with a thriving local arts scene
Horse Cave -- tucked away just 15 minutes from Mammoth Cave
Grand Rivers -- a picture-perfect lakefront town
Greenville -- located in the rolling blue hills of western Kentucky
Covington -- home to some of the best taverns in the Bluegrass State
Cynthiana -- home to one of the state's most picturesque main streets
Danville -- officially certified as a Kentucky Cultural District
Bardstown -- Kentucky's very own Christmas Town

Of course, these are just a handful of the countless options for charming small towns in Kentucky. Learn more about what makes each one of them so visit-worthy when you check out our guide to the most picturesque small towns in Kentucky.

What are some of the best small-town restaurants in Kentucky?

You'll find incredible places to dine in the Bluegrass, whether you're in a tiny town or a big city. Below you'll find a handful of amazing eateries to try:

Cottage Cafe in Middletown
Athenian Grill in Lexington
Little Town and Country Restaurant in Bedford
Cunningham's Creekside in Prospect

Looking for more? We've put together a list of tiny but amazing restaurants to try in Kentucky.

Explore Kentucky

Featured Addresses

Maysville, KY 41056, USA

The Unassuming Town Of Maysville, Kentucky Is One Of America's Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway

Sarah McCosham

Author

Related Stories

Few People Know The Iconic Landmark In Kentucky Was Actually Imported From Pennsylvania

Exploring Red River Gorge By Underground Kayak Is Something That Belongs On Every Kentuckian's Bucket List

We Bet You Didn't Know You Can Dip Your Own Bottle Of Bourbon In Red Wax At This Iconic Distillery In Kentucky

Want more Kentucky in your inbox?

More to Explore

Small Towns In Kentucky

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky

Featured Addresses