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Nestled in the Mid-South, Kentucky prides itself on southern hospitality and a rich cultural heritage surrounding horses, bourbon, and natural Appalachian beauty. While not as well known as its neighbor, Tennessee, Kentucky has a wide number of charming towns for the perfect getaway. These communities provide experiences ranging from a Shaker village, the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, the birthplace of KFC, the Niagara Falls of the South, and the biggest bourbon town in the 海角社区. Uncover nine charming Kentucky towns for the perfect getaway.

Harrodsburg

Charm is timeless. Harrodsburg is a prime example of this fact. As the oldest founded town in Kentucky, Harrodsburg has a lot of intriguing historical spots to check out. For example, one can see a restored replica of Fort Harrod at the Old Fort Harrod Park, which includes pioneer instruments, tools, and living spaces. The park also contains the Lincoln Marriage Temple where Abraham Lincoln's parents were wed.

The town's most popular feature is the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, the site of a former settlement of Shakers, a celibate religious community. Here, one can sample local produce, explore historic buildings, or traverse the gentle trials of the Nature Preserve. As for places to stay, the village has the lovely Beaumont Inn, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Berea

Berea believes in going against the crowd. This has been true since its inception as the college town was one of the first racially integrated colleges in the state. Today it maintains a forward thinking spirit while still respecting old traditions. For example, Berea prides itself as the Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, and artisans regularly sell their crafts at the Kentucky Artisan Center.

Berea also has a rich Artisan Village, with shops like Fire and Fern Glass Studio and the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. There are many places within Berea to get inspired, like The Pinnacles hike, the top-ranked hike in Kentucky through the Appalachian Mountains, and the John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest and Anglin Falls. For spots to stay, try the Historic Boone Tavern.

London

Named after the capital of the UK, London is a Bluegrass gem in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts due to its wide variety of biking trails through both the downtown and mountain areas, like the Broken Spoke Levi Jackson Park trail and the Honey Run route that starts in the downtown area. In fact, London is called the Cycling Capital of Kentucky.

There are plenty of opportunities for water sports like paddling, canoeing, and kayaking at Laurel River Lake. Lastly, there is an American Civil War Battlefield at the Camp Wildcat Battlefield. The Baymont Inn and Suites is conveniently located off Highway 192.

Corbin

Corbin is a little known town with a big history. Even people who have never heard of Kentucky are familiar with the fast food chain KFC. Colonel Sanders first debuted his fried chicken recipe here at a small caf茅. Today that caf茅 is part of the Harland Sanders Caf茅 and Museum, a cute attraction for those who want to learn a little piece of Kentucky history. Speaking of cute, Corbin has a fun museum called the Pinball Museum which contains 56 vintage pinball machines along with other arcade games.

There is also no place better in the Bluegrass state for outdoor adventures, both at Laurel Lake and the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, a 125-foot-wide waterfall nicknamed the Niagara of the South. This scenic Kentucky park is also one of the few spots in the 海角社区 where one can see a rainbow formed by the light of a full moon called a moonbow. While enjoying KFC attractions, visitors can stay at the Sanders Siesta hotel.

Bardstown

Bardstown is a favorite town to visit for Kentucky natives. This is because it is the 海角社区 capital of bourbon, a drink made by aging whisky in oak barrels. There are seven distilleries in Bardstown to tour such as Preservation Distillery Farm and the James B Beam Distilling Co.

One can spend the whole week exploring this rich cultural heritage, including learning its history at the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. For other activities, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is a beautiful 1818 plantation home, and the Kentucky Railway Museum in nearby New Haven regularly offers themed rides in classic carriage cars, like a murder mystery. There is also a Motor Lodge and Holiday Inn in town to relax after a day of sipping whiskey.

Georgetown

Millions attend the Kentucky Derby each year to watch thoroughbred horses race for the winner's title. But what happens to those horses when they retire? Many of them move to the serene small town of Georgetown! Visitors can interact with these retired horses at the Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm or learn how to ride a hose at the Whispering Woods Riding Stables.

Beyond horses, Georgetown has multiple fun attractions such as Tee Times Indoor Golf of the Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, which offers a play area, ropes courses, fresh apple cider and much more. There are several chain hotels in the area, including Hampton Inn and Country Inn and Suites.

Slade

Slade isn't as well known as other charming Kentucky towns. This is a shame as this rural area is an ideal spot to take in the Bluegrass landscape. It is located within the Red River Gorge Geological Area, a major canyon and popular spot for climbers and hikers. Within Slade itself is the Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where hikers can go up a magnificent 65 feet high sandstone arch. There is a skylift for those who don't feel like hiking.

Within Slade, there is the unique Kentucky Reptile Zoo and Native Born Venom Lab. Scenic Cabin Rentals provides multiple rustic and comfortable cabins for visitors to make the most of their weekends here.

Paducah

Paducah inspires visitors from around the 海角社区 with its rich culture of art and creativity. It is one of the few UNESCO Creative Cities in the 海角社区 due to its dedication to arts, especially quilting. It celebrates quilting at The National Quilt Museum with exhibits from quilters around the 海角社区 and classes for those looking to learn the craft. Additionally, the Clemens Fine Arts Center regularly hosts touring acoustic musicians and regional artists.

There are plenty of spots to get inspired in the great outdoors as well, from a more than 5-mile greenway trail from downtown to Bob Nobel Park to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Center, a favorite for fishers and those just looking to spend a day by the lake. Visitors can experience all of this while staying in a historic Queen Anne style Victorian Home turned hotel: the 1895 Washington Hotel.

Elizabethtown

Locals call it Etown for its charming atmosphere and fun downtown area. Strolling through Elizabethtown's downtown area, one can explore classy boutiques and historic buildings. These include the Brown-Pusey House, an 1825 mansion with a genealogical library, and the Hardin County History Museum, which has information on Abraham Lincoln and the Native Americans of Kentucky.

Car enthusiasts will want to visit Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum, which has vehicles from the 1900s to the 1960s. The Historic State Theater Complex also offers classic movies, theater, and lectures. Multiple chain hotels, such as Holiday Inn Express and Suites and Hilton Garden Inn, are available in Etown.

Adventurers can find a wide range of experiences in Kentucky. Climb up a natural sandstone arch, explore the historic downtown of Etown, stay at a Victorian home in Paducah, and see the best locally made Appalachian crafts in Berea. These are just a few of the attractions one can find in these nine charming towns. Consider exploring these towns for the next big weekend getaway.