Finding a great getaway in Kentucky isn’t difficult. Whether you’re looking to stay in a luxurious rental in one of the Bluegrass State’s big cities or pining for a remote cabin getaway in the wilds of Red River Gorge, you’re sure to find everything you’re looking for right here! Plan a year of bucket-list getaways in Kentucky at these amazing accommodations across the Bluegrass that are anything but ordinary.
Here in the Bluegrass, all roads lead to bourbon, and so we're kicking off our year of Kentucky getaways with a stay at The Stone House by Castle & Key. An extension of the Castle & Key wherein guests can enjoy cozy quarters, bespoke amenities, and easy access to one of the state's finest distilleries, The Stone House is an amazing accommodation sure to start your year off right! If you're looking for even more travel inspiration, check out this stunning footage of Frankfort, KY from above:
Looking for a romantic escape with your sweetheart? Primrose Cabin is it. This cozy little one-bedroom cabin is located in the heart of Red River Gorge, offering guests sweeping vistas that are best-enjoyed from the bubbling outdoor hot tub.
As March rolls around and the Bluegrass State begins to blossom, there's no place more beautiful than Horse Country. This region of Central Kentucky around Lexington is pure Bluegrass beauty, and the Horse Farm Hideaway puts guests right in the heart of it all. This cozy cottage is located on a real horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky and although it's just minutes from several popular Bluegrass State attractions, it feels worlds away from everything! Want to see more? Watch this drone tour of Lexington, KY -- we bet you'll be planning your trip in no time!
One of our favorite small towns in Kentucky, Paducah is a beautiful gem that offers guests amazing cuisine and a mural-lined river walk, making is the perfect place to explore this spring. The Paducah Cottage is our pick for lodging in the area; this cozy rental is peak rustic luxury set on 15 acres just 13 miles from town!
Once that first 80 degree day hits, we're in full summer mode here in Kentucky. As such, we're celebrating the unofficial start of summer with a stay in the Grand Rivers Cabin. Recently renovated with all the modern amenities you could possibly want or need, this cabin overlooks Kentucky Lake and the sunsets from its deck are jaw-dropping!
Kick off summer vacation with a place sure to delight your inner child: Amazonia, a next-level treehouse in the heart of Red River Gorge. This is a place that embraces the Great Outdoors, boasting lots of unique nooks and crannies, a hammock, fire pit, "party patio," outdoor shower, and more!
A place that needs no introduction, Lake Cumberland is the Houseboat Capital of the World and our favorite aquatic playground in the Bluegrass. Cabin by Lake Cumberland puts guests in the middle of the action; this cabin comes with a boat rental, private catch-and-release lake, and high-end outdoor amenities to fully embrace #lakelife in Kentucky.
Take a breather before back-to-school season hits by booking a getaway at this adorable A-Frame in Cave Run Lake. Designed for nature lovers looking to experience peacefulness and serenity in the Red River Gorge and Cave Run Lake areas, this cabin accommodates up to four guests and includes cozy furnishings and an amazing outdoor living space. See why Cave Run Lake is considered an iconic natural wonder when you watch the drone footage below:
September always has us feeling a bit nostalgic, and in these times, it's best to go back to basics. We're headed to Rabbit Hash, home to the eponymous general store and a tiny-but-mighty population of just under 300. We found this Rustic Rabbit Has Cabin that's easily the most well-appointed "cabin in the woods" in Kentucky. Nestled on 52 acres with a private fishing pond, you'll feel instantly at peace upon arrival!
There's no place better to embrace fall in Kentucky than Red River Gorge. This area boasts the best fall foliage in the Bluegrass, which you'll swoon over when staying at this Luxury Cabin in Natural Bridge. This expansive cabin features an epic game room, chef's kitchen, hot tub, and more, but its best asset is its location, which provides picture-perfect panoramas of this resplendent region.
As the year winds down and holidays ramp up, why not treat yourself to a luxurious getaway in the Bluegrass State? The Reserve is an incredible accommodation in the heart of Bourbon Country that is one of the most luxurious places we've ever seen. At 12,700 square feet and with nine bedrooms and eight full baths plus a rec room, movie theatre, heated pool *and* hot tub, this is the kind of place you book for your entire family. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, what could be better than booking a big family getaway in this well-appointed, modern-day castle?
There's no better town to visit in December than Bardstown, Kentucky's very own North Pole. All month long, Christmas 'Round Bardstown paints the town in twinkle lights and festivities sure to put you in the proper holiday spirit. When visiting Bardstown, the John Fitch Cottage is a delightful "home base" that's within easy walking distance of the town center. This 1890s Salt Box-style cottage has been fully restored and is the perfect blend of old and new; a cozy escape in the coziest season of the year.
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The year goes by so fast; take the time to plan some amazing getaways in Kentucky where you can slow down and savor the splendor of our beautiful state!
The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox
The Bourbon Trail Log Cabin is a two-bedroom Airbnb perfect for taking a break from the digital world. It has a hot tub, fire pit, corn hole set, game shed, and private trail. Frankfort is near many bourbon distilleries, including Buffale Trace and Castle and Key Distillery.
The digital world can be an exhausting place; it can also be a noisy one! With email notifications, app updates, and incoming messages and calls, it seems like something is always buzzing, dinging, or ringing. A break from all things digital is one way to get a bit of peace and quiet. We've found the perfect place in the Bluegrass State for a digital detox. A stunning A-frame cabin in Frankfort, Kentucky, is the ideal place to slow down and recuperate.
The Bourbon Trail Log Cabin has warm wooden finishes, creating a natural and luxurious ambiance. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating up to four guests. Both bedrooms, one with a king-sized bed and the other with a queen-sized bed, have en suite bathrooms. The bedrooms have everything guests need for a great night's sleep, including cozy linens, nightstands with lamps, and ceiling fans. The bathrooms have beautiful tile work and come stocked with the essentials.
The cabin has a cozy living area with a large couch and fireplace, perfect for lounging with a good book. The beautiful kitchen has stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and a coffeemaker. There's also an outdoor grill for guests to use. A four-person table on the cabin's second floor creates a homey place to enjoy a meal. Because the dining space is upstairs, it has incredible views.
The large back and front porches are great gathering spaces. The front porch has a swing, and the back porch has a few seating areas. An outdoor table on the back porch is a great place to eat breakfast.
The cabin features lots of options for screen-free entertainment. There's a game shed with a foosball table and Connect 4. It also has a private 0.25-mile trail with a picnic table area. The cabin also has a hot tub, perfect for soaking on a chilly night. A firepit surrounded by Adirondack chairs is a great place to make s'mores or chat. Guests can also challenge each other to a cornhole match using the included game set.
Frankfort, Kentucky, is a charming city with several historical sites. The state's capital building and Daniel Boone's burial site are great places to visit. Frankfort is also right in the heart of bourbon country and home to several distilleries. Buffalo Trace, the award-winning distillery, is in Frankfort and offers visitors free tours and tastings. Castle and Key Distillery is a beautiful site to visit and tour in Frankfort.
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...
