Once upon a time, there were beautiful bridges that served as gathering spots of rural communities. Covered bridges -- also called kissing bridges -- were found all over Kentucky, spanning the state's myriad rivers and creeks. Today, these once-ubiquitous structures are a rarity, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Kentucky, a state that celebrates the past, has several stately kissing bridges still in existence, and they continue to offer a place for meeting, and maybe even a little smooching, too. This day trip visits five kissing bridges in Kentucky, and we guarantee you'll fall in love with these charming places.
Our Kentucky Kissing Bridges Day Trip covers 228 miles and takes a little under five hours. We have a few dining and lodging options listed for those wishing to extend this adventure!
Check out the interactive customizable Google Map to plan your trip!
Johnson Creek Covered Bridge
The first kissing bridge on our road trip, Johnson Creek Covered Bridge, was built in 1874. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this bridge is 131 feet long and 16 feet wide. Most notably, Johnson Creek Covered Bridge is Kentucky's only known example of Robert Smith's iconic truss-style bridges, though we're not sure any late-night smoochers would have noticed!
Colville Bridge
Originally built in 1877, the Colville Bridge is the last surviving covered bridge in all of Bourbon County. Yes, it has a reputation for being haunted, but we say the only thing *haunting* about this bridge is how hauntingly beautiful it is, especially when framed with verdant spring greenery or vibrant fall foliage.
Switzer Covered Bridge
The oldest standing bridge left in Franklin County, the Switzer Covered Bridge is as charming as it gets. The original bridge hailed from 1855; and, in its day, this beguiling bridge was a favorite site for late-night rides and stolen kisses.
If your stomach is starting to rumble by this point, we suggest having lunch at Sage Garden Café, a farm-to-table restaurant in Frankfort that's housed in a glorious garden center.
Whiskey Creek Covered Bridge
For those who believe that bourbon is only man-made wonder more marvelous than covered bridges, this next stop will have you swooning. At the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, the Whiskey Creek Covered Bridge is an enchanting red bridge with lattice details. But really, the entire Maker's Mark campus is beautiful, and well-worth exploring once you've toured the distillery.
Looking for a meal *and* memorable bourbon-infused adventure? Dine at Maker's Mark's on-site restaurant, Star Hill Provisions, and then book a night at the Maker's Mark Family Home, which is an easy half-hour drive from Loretto. It doesn't get any better, or more Kentucky than this.
Western Kentucky University Kissing Bridge
Assuming you haven't made a detour, but even if you have, the Western Kentucky Kissing Bridge is the final stop on our day trip. You'll find this beauty tucked behind the university's Van Meter Hall and Garrett Conference Center, in an immensely romantic spot that's served as a secret smooching spot for coeds for nearly a century. In fact, legend has it that if two students visit this bridge on their first date *and* have their first kiss there, they’ll be bonded to each other forever. With a sublime setting like this, we're quite sure this is true.
How many of these covered bridges in Kentucky have you visited? Did you know these structures were also called kissing bridges -- and that Kentucky was home to so many? How enchanting!
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