Every year is a great year to visit Kentucky, but 2024 is an especially good time. This year, Kentucky State Parks is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a series of events showcasing the Bluegrass State’s amazing (and very cool) beauty. This day also marks his 25th anniversary on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a legendary route that takes you through historic sites, rural towns, charming restaurants, and, of course, award-winning distilleries. Even in a quiet year, Kentucky remains one of the coolest states in America. The home of blues, barbecue, and bluegrass is bound to feel a little intimidating. From horseback riding along rustic trails to drinking Kentucky moonshine to watching steamboats sail down the Ohio River, this vacation is one you’ll remember long after you open your suitcase.
augusta
Aerial view of Augusta, Kentucky. By Predhead, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Augusta is a charming river town on the banks of the Ohio River. The town was first chartered in 1797, making it one of the oldest towns in Kentucky. Traces of Augusta’s long history can be seen almost everywhere in town, but sites of particular interest include the 1811 Jail, the underground vaults of Paine House and White Hall, and the site of the 1862 Battle of Augusta. Cemetery Hill and more. Augusta is also home to the oldest ferry service on the Ohio River, in operation since 1798. You can ride the Jenny Anne every day during the summer and enjoy the cool river breeze and amazing views. Augusta has a lot of Kentucky charm, but it’s also home to some Hollywood stardust. Learn about the singer and movie star’s famous resident at the Rosemary Clooney Museum.
slade
Mill Creek Lake, part of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Slade, Kentucky.
Kentucky has more than 2,000 natural arches, the most of any state east of the Mississippi River. See some of the most famous at Natural Bridge State Park, near the small town of Slade. Natural Bridge is an amazing sandstone arch that is over 75 feet long and 65 feet tall. Explore the arches from the air using the Skylift, which hovers above the forest canopy and offers stunning views of the ridges below. Near Slade is another natural wonder that attracts outdoor adventurers to the town. The Red River Valley is known for world-class climbing, biking, and hiking. From ziplining, kayaking tours, and bird watching, this hidden gem has something for the whole family. You can also stay in a treehouse for the ultimate cool vacation. These aren’t your typical backwoods cabins either. Choose from the Observatory Treehouse, which offers sweeping views of the canyon and hammock lounge, or the Tradewinds Treehouse, which features a ground-level slide and hot tub.
Cave City
Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky, USA. Editorial credit: Roig61 / Shutterstock.com
As you can probably guess from the name, the action in Cave City takes place underground. This small town is the gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world. There are more than 600 miles of underground passageways within the park that can be explored by bike, kayak, hike, or ranger-led tour. Stay after dark to enjoy the amazing starry skies. On a clear night, you might even be able to see the International Space Station. However, there’s more to Cave City than just caves. Bring your kids to Dinosaur’s World and have a super cool vacation as they wander among life-sized dinosaurs, ride mammoths, and go on a gem hunt.
maysville
Historic landmark in Maysville, Kentucky.
Maysville is a beautiful town in Northern Kentucky known for its history and hospitality. The town has two historic districts: Downtown and a 1780s frontier village on the outskirts of town known as Old Washington. The latter traces Kentucky’s history from its rural beginnings in pioneer log cabins to grand brick homes and Georgian townhouses. Downtown Maysville is an arts and entertainment hub filled with funky boutique shops, galleries, and charming eateries where you can sample the local specialty, goetta (a dish of sausage and steel-cut oats). While in the city, be sure to visit Old Pogue Distillery, one of the termini of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The distillery is located in the 1845 Pogue family mansion and also features a gift shop and bourbon museum. Tours are by appointment only, so make sure to book in advance.
Clermont
Historic Jim Beam Bourbon Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Editorial credit: Little Vignettes Photography / Shutterstock.com
Clermont, south of Louisville, is the only place in Kentucky where you can spend a day with the giants of the forest. The Bernheim Arboretum and Forest, near the town, is home to three giant human-like structures made from recycled natural materials. The impressive sculptures, named Mama Rumari, Little Nis, and Little Elina, are within walking distance, a two-mile round trip through the forest. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest as you walk among canopy trees 75 feet above the forest floor. Visit Bernheim in August to enjoy the annual CONNECT festival. The festival is a spectacular nighttime show of interactive art exhibits that illuminate the forest. After your day in the woods, quench your thirst at Jim Beam’s American Still House, where seven generations of the Beam family have honed their craft. Don’t drink whiskey? no worries! Forest Edge Winery is also worth a visit, with regular award-winning vintage tasting events.
Roscine
Rosine is a small community famous for being the birthplace of legendary musician Bill Munroe, the “Father of Bluegrass.” Every summer, Rosine Byrne’s Jamboree pays homage to this local icon and spends unforgettable nights under the stars. Every Friday night, the historic barn comes to life with bouncy bluegrass, country and gospel music. True fans can also visit Bill Munro’s home and museum to learn more about the history of the bluegrass genre, Rosine, and the musician himself. Nearby is Uncle Penn’s Cabin. This rustic cabin, now a small museum, was once home to Pendleton Vandiver, one of Kentucky’s best fiddle players and Munro’s uncle and playing partner.
Dawson Springs
Buildings at the Main Street intersection on the north side of Railroad Avenue in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, USA.
Dawson Springs in western Kentucky was the state’s first certified trail town. This designation is given to communities that are rich in natural trails and scenic features, perfect for outdoor adventurers. Located in the Pennyrile region, this town is near Pennyrile State Forest, home to some of Kentucky’s best horse trails that wind over sandstone bluffs and follow shimmering streams. The area is also home to the state’s largest Tradewater River and beautiful Lake Beshear, both of which are great spots for leisurely summer boating or fun canoeing trips. Return to town and learn about the history of this scenic area, known as a wellness resort since the early 1900s, at the Dawson Springs Museum and Art Center, housed in a former commercial bank built in 1907.
Cool Kentucky Community
This year, the Kentucky Heritage Council is celebrating the monumental 45th anniversary of the Main Street Program, which was launched to preserve the history and heritage of the state’s vibrant downtowns. Kentucky is a state that knows it has something special and is happy to share its many natural and historical attractions with visitors. Combining Southern charm and Midwestern grit, Kentucky is full of cool small towns that match its cool landscape, making it a great place to soak up the spirit and style of this unique state.
