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Framed in the east by the Appalachian Mountains and the mighty Ohio River in the north, the state of Kentucky came into being in 1792. The first US state to be established west of the Appalachians, the "Bluegrass State" continues to wear its former frontier status with pride.

Visit any of the state’s smaller, often less-visited towns, and you’ll see evidence of this plucky Kentucky spirit everywhere. From the rustic farmstead in Hodgenville, where a young Abraham Lincoln grew up, to the old taverns of Bardstown, where stage coaches would stop on their journey westwards, there is a lot of history and culture to discover in Kentucky. Find out more with this list of nine off-the-beaten-path Kentucky towns.

Berea

Located 40 miles south of the city of Lexington, Berea is an oasis for art lovers. Renowned as the "Arts and Crafts" capital of the South, this picturesque community offers a unique and immersive cultural experience in its charming Artisan Village District. Here, you can wander through a range of interesting galleries and studios, stopping to watch and interact with local craftspeople as they work. Pick up a piece of art to take home with you or join in a hands-on workshop to make something unique of your own.

But Berea isn't just about art. The surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. One of the best places to visit here for stunning scenery is the Pinnacles of Berea, with its unusual rock formations.

Hodgenville

History buffs and admirers of the nation's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, will want to include Hodgenville on their Kentucky travel itinerary. Located just two miles south of downtown Hodgenville, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park stands as a testament to the early years of the iconic leader.

It was here that Lincoln was born in 1809, a deep connection that is also celebrated at Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, seven miles to the east of the town. You will also want to spend time exploring Hodgenville’s centrally located public square, where you will find statues of Lincoln both as a man and as a boy. 

Harrodsburg

As the oldest permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains (usually simply referred to as the Alleghenies), Harrodsburg embodies that unique historical and cultural vibe that makes Kentucky’s smaller communities so much fun to explore. While exploring the downtown core on foot is a must-do, be sure to conserve some energy for the real reason you’re visiting: the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

Located seven miles northeast of Harrodsburg, this one-of-a-kind attraction offers a fascinating deep dive into the life of the area’s original Shaker settlers who made the area their home in the early 1800s. Set amidst 3,000 acres of rolling hills, this fully restored 19th-century community allows you to experience traditional crafts, music, and farm-to-table culinary delights.

Bardstown

If you enjoy the occasional tipple of whiskey every now and then, you will definitely want to include Bardstown on your list of places to visit in Kentucky. Located 40 miles south of Louisville, Bardstown was founded in 1778 and, despite being on the radar of history buffs for some time, is finding new fans thanks to its crowning as the "Bourbon Capital of the º£½ÇÉçÇø."

This pretty town welcomes whiskey enthusiasts with its heady mix of historic distilleries and bourbon festivals. All told, 11 distilleries have set up shop in the area, the oldest of which, the Barton 1792, is named after the year it was founded.

Horse Cave

Kentucky is not only well known for its rich equine culture – Lexington is, after all, considered to be the "Thoroughbred capital of the º£½ÇÉçÇø" – it also offers a variety of unique geographic features worth exploring. One of the most unique, draws its name from both: Horse Cave. An intriguing blend of history and geology, Horse Cave is the name of the enormous sinkhole entrance that leads to the Hidden River Cave. This subterranean marvel houses a large underground river system that’s a big draw among spelunkers and adventurers alike.

Above ground, the town of Horse Cave is itself worth exploring. Try to time your visit to coincide with the annual Horse Cave Heritage Festival. Held each September, this popular event draws crowds of locals and tourists to experience local music, arts and crafts, and tours of the caves.

Paintsville

Paintsville holds a special place in the hearts of country music fans. Established in 2005 to celebrate the history and music of this corner of eastern Kentucky, the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum chronicles the legacies of Kentucky's music legends. In addition to fun, hands-on displays of instruments as well as a rich collection of music-related artifacts, the museum serves as one of the venues for the town’s annual Country Music Highway Tribute Show. 

Just a stone's throw away from the downtown core and you’ll find yourself in Paintsville Lake State Park. Popular for watersports such as boating and fishing, it’s also a great place for a picnic and a hike.

Pineville

One of the more remote locations on this list, Pineville’s position close to picturesque Pine Mountain makes it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway from larger cities like Nashville, Tennessee, or Cincinnati, Ohio, each over a few hour's drive away. Whether you are an adventurous outdoor enthusiast or simply an admirer of stunning views, make a beeline for Pine Mountain State Resort Park.

A nature lover's dream and the oldest state park in Kentucky, Pine Mountain is home to the incredible Chained Rock, a huge boulder that is secured to the mountainside by chains. You will also enjoy the park’s numerous trails and viewing points, which are especially attractive in the fall.

Maysville

With the Ohio River on its doorstep, Maysville in northern Kentucky is well worth venturing to. While often overlooked by tourists, its charming riverside setting and numerous examples of well-preserved antebellum architecture draw curious visitors wanting an authentic Kentucky travel experience. Here, you will find charming old cobblestone streets that lead to beautifully maintained historic homes, some of them now serving as B&Bs and inns.

Visit downtown Maysville, and you’ll find an interesting mix of history and chic boutique shops. Be sure to visit River Park, with its walking trails and benches, the perfect spot for a relaxing river view.

Middlesboro

Located near the historic Cumberland Gap in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, the town of Middlesboro stands where three states converge: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Middlesboro also has the distinction of being situated in a nearly four-mile-wide meteor impact crater.

Just an eight-minute drive away from downtown Middlesboro, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a treasure trove of trails, many leading to panoramic views of the stunning surrounding scenery. Here, you will also find evidence of the Civil War, which is commemorated at sites like Fort McCook. You can leave your car here and venture off to explore trails once walked by the early pioneers.

Beyond Kentucky’s famous race tracks and bourbon distilleries lies a collection of lesser-known towns just waiting to be explored. From artisan hubs to historical gems, these nine off-the-beaten-path towns present a refreshing glimpse into the Bluegrass State's constantly evolving tourist landscape.