The first thing that comes to mind when most folks think about the beautiful Bluegrass State is our beauty and our friendly people are -- but for those considering moving here, it's important to consider the most dangerous cities in Kentucky, too. Because unfortunately, not everyone here IS friendly, or good-hearted. That is no more obvious than in the dangerous cities in Kentucky after dark, gathered via the reliable source known as Neighborhood Scout. All the data was calculated via the community’s specific mathematical algorithm and municipal crime statistics via the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department. These statistics show that the following are some of the most dangerous places in Kentucky:
The City Center and Lawrenceburg Road have the highest crime rating in Frankfort. There are 124 violent crimes, 1,152 property and you have a 1 in 222 chance of being the victim of a violent crime. Residents or Visitors have a 1 in 24 chance of being in a property crime. Frankfort rates an 8 on the national crime index. Take a drive through downtown Frankfort:
The Bel Air Bon Haven areas seem to have the highest crime ratings in Winchester, which rates an 8 on the crime register. There are 42 violent crimes and around 835 property crimes annually. You have a 1 in 439 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 22 chance of experiencing a property crime. All in all, this is not too bad for the Beer Cheese capital in comparison to other cities.
The City Center and Hopeful Heights have the highest crime ratings, but overall the crime rate in Florence is a 7 out of 100. There are 62 violent crimes and around 1,480 property crimes annually. Individuals only have a 1 out of over 500 chance of a violent crime and a 1 in 22 for a property crime.
This beautiful community with rolling hills and horse farms rates 7 out of 100 on the crime index. There are around 14 violent crimes annually and 433 property crimes. You have a 1 out of 647 chance of being in a violent crime and a 1 out of 21 chance of being in a property crime. The problem areas seem to be Midway Road and Chestnut Lane, along with McCowane Ferry Road and Rocky Hills Lane. Take a walk through downtown Versailles:
Big Hill, Main Street, and Lancaster Road are all problem areas. Richmond, in general, has a 6 out of 100, with 131 violent crimes and 1,570 for property crimes. Individuals have a 1 in 256 chance of being in a violent crime and a 1 out of 21 chance of being involved in a property crime.
This is Kentucky’s biggest city, so it makes sense it has a high crime rate. Louisville rates a 6 on the crime index, with 100 being the safest. The absolute highest crime ratings occur in the western side of the city. There are over 2.289 violent crimes annually, 15,997 property crimes, and a total of 18, 286 "reported" crimes in general. There is an unknown amount of unreported crimes that occur as well. Louisville residents and visitors have a 1 in 158 chance of being in a violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of being a victim of another crime.
Delafield, Eastland Park, and Center City are the worst. Other parts of Bowling Green are fine. The violent crimes here are around 219 with property crimes of around 3,139. They rate a 5 out of 100 on the national crime index. You have a 1 out of 285 chance of being a victim of violent crime here, and 1 in 20 for crime in general.
The problem areas seem to be City Central, 29th Street, and Central Avenue, and Ashland has a heart dropping 4 rating out of 100, with 100 being safest. There are 67 violent crimes on average and around 1,187 property crimes. People have a 1 in 318 chance of suffering from a violent crime and a 1 in 18 of dealing with a property crime. I was a little surprised by the numbers in this quiet historical town. Get an aerial view of Ashland:
City Center is also the roughest part of Middlesboro at night. They rate a 2 out of 100 on the safest city scale. There are only 15 violent crimes and around 656 property crimes annually. You have a 1 out of 658 chance to be involved in a violent crime and a 1 in 15 chance of a property crime.
City Center and Woodland Park are the most dangerous areas, but Hazard also rates a 1 out of 100 for safety. There are only 27 annual violent crimes and 388 property crimes, but the population is small. There are some beautiful spots here, but be weary where you wander after dark.
The City Center and Pleasant Valley seem to have the highest crime in Pikeville according to the data. This coal capital rates a surprising 1 out of 100 in national statistics, which is horrible. They have an average of 21 violent crimes and 641 property crimes. The people have a 1 out of 349 chance of falling prey to a violent crime and a 1 in 11 chance of being involved in a property crime.
Not everywhere in these cities should be considered bad. All communities tend to have a problem area or street. These are the current FBI and crime statistics for these neighborhoods, so please don’t blame the messenger. However, since we have shown 11 dangerous after-dark cities in Kentucky, here are some charming small towns across the state that will make you feel right at home.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Kentucky has been home to many famous celebrities, many of whom we are exceptionally proud of and some we try to live down. However, many celebrities resting in Kentucky also go almost unsung and don’t get much recognition. One such person was the fun, beloved character actor Jim Varney. Let’s take a closer look at his life.
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Jim Varney was best known for his character Ernest P. Worrell and the catchphrase, “Know what I mean, Vern?” This character first popped up in commercials during the 1980s for amusement parks, fast food places, utility companies and many other companies.
James Albert Varney Jr. was born in Lexington on June 15, 1949, and passed due to lung cancer at age 50 on February 10, 2000, in White House, Tennessee. He was laid to rest in his hometown at Lexington Cemetery.
Jim started acting at age 15 when he played Ebeneezer Scrooge at a local theatre. At age 17 he was getting gigs at nightclubs and coffee houses and even studied Shakespeare at the Barter Club in Virginia. He became a regular at age 24 at the Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky.
During the 1970’s he had characters on "Johnny Cash & Friends," "Fernwood 2 Night," "Alice," and several other shows as well as performing standup comedy.
Jim rocketed to stardom in the 1980s and into the 1990s with a series of Ernest movies like "Ernest Goes To Camp," "Ernest Saves Christmas," "Ernest Goes To Jail," and others. His children’s show, "Hey Vern, It's Ernest!" was a family favorite nationwide. He became a household name and almost everyone was spouting his catchphrase.
Throughout the 80s and 90s he had parts in numerous B-movies and also voiced Slinky Dog in "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2." A few serious parts showed off his range like that of an abusive father in "100 Proof" for which he was well reviewed.
In 2013, a comprehensive biography was released entitled "The Importance of Being Ernest: The Life of Actor Jim Varney (Stuff that Vern doesn't even know)." Fans still leave mementos on his grave to this day. Kentucky will always be proud of him.
Do you know of other unsung celebrities resting in Kentucky that people should know about? Let us know about them in the comments. While you’re in town, check out some of the other reasons why Lexington is one of the best places to visit.
