When non-Kentuckians think of our state, they might first think of big cities like Louisville or Lexington. Maybe they’ve heard of smaller, but still fairly well-known towns like Paducah, Owensboro, Bowling Green, or Frankfort. However, some of the most charming places to visit are small towns located out in the rural parts of the state. Here are 12 towns that are the best places to live in rural Kentucky.
- Midway
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf One of our favorite quiet towns in Kentucky, Midway is a small town in Woodford County that’s not far from Lexington, so you’re never too far away from a major city. It is in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country, so you’ll see quite a few horse farms, especially if you use Old Frankfort Pike to get there. Midway, KY, USA
- Augusta
Wikimedia Commons/Augustaky This Bracken County town is located right on the Ohio River and just so happens to be where famous actor George Clooney spent a portion of his childhood. Augusta is the epitome of a rural Kentucky town. Augusta, KY 41002, USA
- Bardstown
Flickr/Dave Thompson Known as “the Most Beautiful Small Town in America,” this Nelson County town has a lot to offer. Visit one of the many bourbon distilleries scattered throughout the surrounding countryside, or visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park to see the iconic mansion where Stephen Foster wrote Kentucky’s state song. Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
- Harrodsburg
Flickr/Carl Wycoff Harrodsburg, located in Mercer County, is Kentucky’s oldest town. It was settled in 1774 when Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. Harrodsburg is any history buff’s dream. Visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill or Old Fort Harrod State Park to take a step back into Kentucky’s past. Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
- Berea
Flickr/jon1204pdt This Madison County town just might be one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Known as “the Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky,” Berea boasts many local artists and galleries. They are also home to Berea College, a private, liberal arts college that promises every student a four-year, full-tuition scholarship. Berea, KY, USA
- Pineville
Flickr/w. marsh Located in Bell County in eastern Kentucky, Pineville is nestled between Pine Mountain and the Cumberland River. Wilderness Road crossed the Cumberland River where Pineville now stands, making it one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky. Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a popular attraction for hiking and other outdoor activities in Pineville. Pineville, KY 40977, USA
- Danville
Wikimedia Commons/Russell and Sydney Poore Danville is located in Boyle County, right in the middle of the state. Danville is nicknamed “The City of Firsts,” as it reached some significant milestones before anywhere else in Kentucky, such as the first courthouse in Kentucky and the first U.S. post office west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was also Kentucky’s first capital, and the state constitution was signed here. They are home to Centre College, which has the oldest college administration building west of the Allegheny Mountains. Danville, KY, USA
- Greenville
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn This rural Kentucky town in Muhlenberg County was settled in 1799. It was likely named for Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, but town lore says it was named for the lush forests one could see from a hilltop in the town. Greenville, KY, USA
- Liberty
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Liberty is a quiet town in Kentucky located in Casey County with a large Amish presence, so you might see a horse and buggy as you drive through the vast farmland and rolling hills of the area during your visit. They also have a life-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which weighs 2,700 pounds. Liberty, KY 42539, USA
- Elkton
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn Elkton is the largest town in Todd County, but it is still a quaint and charming place to visit in Kentucky. Make sure you check out all the places to eat and spend some time shopping in the town square. Elkton, KY 42220, USA
- Maysville
Wikimedia Commons/Nealparr Maysville is a historic Mason County town right on the Ohio River. It was a major stop on the Underground Railroad since the free state of Ohio was just on the other side of the river. One of the oldest homes in Maysville is Phillips’ Folly, a three-story brick house in downtown Maysville that is now rumored to be haunted. Maysville, KY 41056, USA
- Stanford
Wikimedia Commons/Joel Bradshaw Stanford is a small town in Lincoln County in central Kentucky. Like Harrodsburg and Danville, it is one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky. Many buildings from the 19th century still stand today. Nearby Cedar Creek Lake and Dix River are great for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. Stanford, KY 40484, USA
All of these small Kentucky towns are guaranteed to charm you, but we know there are more towns that are just as delightful. Let us know what your favorite small Kentucky town is in the comments.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf
One of our favorite quiet towns in Kentucky, Midway is a small town in Woodford County that’s not far from Lexington, so you’re never too far away from a major city. It is in the heart of Kentucky Horse Country, so you’ll see quite a few horse farms, especially if you use Old Frankfort Pike to get there.
Midway, KY, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Augustaky
This Bracken County town is located right on the Ohio River and just so happens to be where famous actor George Clooney spent a portion of his childhood. Augusta is the epitome of a rural Kentucky town.
Augusta, KY 41002, USA
Flickr/Dave Thompson
Known as “the Most Beautiful Small Town in America,” this Nelson County town has a lot to offer. Visit one of the many bourbon distilleries scattered throughout the surrounding countryside, or visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park to see the iconic mansion where Stephen Foster wrote Kentucky’s state song.
Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
Harrodsburg, located in Mercer County, is Kentucky’s oldest town. It was settled in 1774 when Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. Harrodsburg is any history buff’s dream. Visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill or Old Fort Harrod State Park to take a step back into Kentucky’s past.
Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
Flickr/jon1204pdt
This Madison County town just might be one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Known as “the Folk Arts and Craft Capital of Kentucky,” Berea boasts many local artists and galleries. They are also home to Berea College, a private, liberal arts college that promises every student a four-year, full-tuition scholarship.
Berea, KY, USA
Flickr/w. marsh
Located in Bell County in eastern Kentucky, Pineville is nestled between Pine Mountain and the Cumberland River. Wilderness Road crossed the Cumberland River where Pineville now stands, making it one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky. Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a popular attraction for hiking and other outdoor activities in Pineville.
Pineville, KY 40977, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Russell and Sydney Poore
Danville is located in Boyle County, right in the middle of the state. Danville is nicknamed “The City of Firsts,” as it reached some significant milestones before anywhere else in Kentucky, such as the first courthouse in Kentucky and the first U.S. post office west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was also Kentucky’s first capital, and the state constitution was signed here. They are home to Centre College, which has the oldest college administration building west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Danville, KY, USA
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
This rural Kentucky town in Muhlenberg County was settled in 1799. It was likely named for Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, but town lore says it was named for the lush forests one could see from a hilltop in the town.
Greenville, KY, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Liberty is a quiet town in Kentucky located in Casey County with a large Amish presence, so you might see a horse and buggy as you drive through the vast farmland and rolling hills of the area during your visit. They also have a life-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which weighs 2,700 pounds.
Liberty, KY 42539, USA
Elkton is the largest town in Todd County, but it is still a quaint and charming place to visit in Kentucky. Make sure you check out all the places to eat and spend some time shopping in the town square.
Elkton, KY 42220, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Nealparr
Maysville is a historic Mason County town right on the Ohio River. It was a major stop on the Underground Railroad since the free state of Ohio was just on the other side of the river. One of the oldest homes in Maysville is Phillips’ Folly, a three-story brick house in downtown Maysville that is now rumored to be haunted.
Maysville, KY 41056, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Joel Bradshaw
Stanford is a small town in Lincoln County in central Kentucky. Like Harrodsburg and Danville, it is one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky. Many buildings from the 19th century still stand today. Nearby Cedar Creek Lake and Dix River are great for fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Here are some of the best towns in Kentucky to shop till you drop.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Small Towns In Kentucky September 19, 2022 Jackie Ann What is the most beautiful small town in Kentucky? There are so many beautiful small towns in Kentucky, picking a favorite is like picking your favorite kid. The Bluegrass State is home to many naturally beautiful places, but one of our favorites is Dawson Springs. Located near Pennyrile, one of Kentucky’s largest forests, Dawson Springs is a quiet little town with endless natural beauty to admire. Since it’s one of Kentucky’s Trail Towns, you can bet there are a variety of hiking trails to explore, as well as a charming downtown area peppered with unique shopping and local restaurants. Which town in Kentucky has the best restaurants? No matter where you are in Kentucky, you’re never too far away from an amazing restaurant. While bigger cities are always a safe bet for finding a solid meal, some of the best restaurants in Kentucky are found in rural Kentucky towns, like Prestonsburg. From finger-licking-good BBQ to homemade baked goods, this tiny town in Kentucky offers a little bit of everything. If you’re craving one of the best burgers in Kentucky, make your way over to Aurora, where you’ll find Bellow’s Dairy Bar. What is the most unique town in Kentucky? Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Maysville is one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Of course, the waterfront views are simply stunning, but there’s so much about this town to love, including the downtown district. Maysville was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, making this charming town a must-see for history buffs, nature lovers, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Small Towns In Kentucky
September 19, 2022
Jackie Ann
What is the most beautiful small town in Kentucky? There are so many beautiful small towns in Kentucky, picking a favorite is like picking your favorite kid. The Bluegrass State is home to many naturally beautiful places, but one of our favorites is Dawson Springs. Located near Pennyrile, one of Kentucky’s largest forests, Dawson Springs is a quiet little town with endless natural beauty to admire. Since it’s one of Kentucky’s Trail Towns, you can bet there are a variety of hiking trails to explore, as well as a charming downtown area peppered with unique shopping and local restaurants. Which town in Kentucky has the best restaurants? No matter where you are in Kentucky, you’re never too far away from an amazing restaurant. While bigger cities are always a safe bet for finding a solid meal, some of the best restaurants in Kentucky are found in rural Kentucky towns, like Prestonsburg. From finger-licking-good BBQ to homemade baked goods, this tiny town in Kentucky offers a little bit of everything. If you’re craving one of the best burgers in Kentucky, make your way over to Aurora, where you’ll find Bellow’s Dairy Bar. What is the most unique town in Kentucky? Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Maysville is one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Of course, the waterfront views are simply stunning, but there’s so much about this town to love, including the downtown district. Maysville was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, making this charming town a must-see for history buffs, nature lovers, and more.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many beautiful small towns in Kentucky, picking a favorite is like picking your favorite kid. The Bluegrass State is home to many naturally beautiful places, but one of our favorites is Dawson Springs. Located near Pennyrile, one of Kentucky’s largest forests, Dawson Springs is a quiet little town with endless natural beauty to admire. Since it’s one of Kentucky’s Trail Towns, you can bet there are a variety of hiking trails to explore, as well as a charming downtown area peppered with unique shopping and local restaurants.
Which town in Kentucky has the best restaurants?
No matter where you are in Kentucky, you’re never too far away from an amazing restaurant. While bigger cities are always a safe bet for finding a solid meal, some of the best restaurants in Kentucky are found in rural Kentucky towns, like Prestonsburg. From finger-licking-good BBQ to homemade baked goods, this tiny town in Kentucky offers a little bit of everything. If you’re craving one of the best burgers in Kentucky, make your way over to Aurora, where you’ll find Bellow’s Dairy Bar.
What is the most unique town in Kentucky?
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Maysville is one of the most unique towns in Kentucky. Of course, the waterfront views are simply stunning, but there’s so much about this town to love, including the downtown district. Maysville was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, making this charming town a must-see for history buffs, nature lovers, and more.
