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 Tourism/Facebook
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.
Berea Tourism/Facebook
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.
Bridget Mc / FOAP Collection via Getty Images 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! Berea Forest, Berea, SC 29617, USA
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!
Berea Tourism/Facebook 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.
Berea Tourism/Facebook
Fortified, it’s time to explore all that Downtown Berea has to offer.
Berea Tourism/Facebook
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.
Berea Tourism/Facebook Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403, USA
You’ll see evidence of this in the myriad galleries found around town, including the legendary Kentucky Artisan Center.
Berea Tourism/Facebook
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!
Berea Tourism/Facebook
There’s always something fun happening in town, too, from the seasonal Saturday Farmers Market…
Berea Tourism/Facebook
…to live Bluegrass music! Berea’s Chestnut Street Pavilion is a popular venue for outdoor entertainment.
Berea Tourism/Facebook
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 Tourism/Facebook 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.
Greg “Lil Beatty” Syroney/Google Local Hitz Bbq, 1030 Cooper Dr, Berea, KY 40403, USA
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!
Berea Tourism/Facebook 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.
Berea Tourism/Facebook
Bridget Mc / FOAP Collection via Getty Images
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!
Berea Forest, Berea, SC 29617, USA
Apollo Pizza Old Town Taproom - Berea, 215 Adams St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Berea Fudge Shoppe, 207 Short St, Berea, KY 40403, USA
Greg “Lil Beatty” Syroney/Google Local
Hitz Bbq, 1030 Cooper Dr, Berea, KY 40403, USA
College Inn Bed & Breakfast, 3902 S Washington St, Marion, IN 46953, USA
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Address: Berea, KY, USA
