A small town road trip in Kentucky can make for an interesting journey. You get to see the scenic side of our state, plus get deeper in touch with our rich history. Many of our small towns have been around since the 1800s, and some still have the architecture to prove it.

Just taking the journey on a small town road trip in Kentucky can be like stepping back in time. Some of our communities still hold the old world charm they did 100+ years ago. Others have gotten a bit more modern. One thing they all have in common, they ensure that any who visit will have a memorable experience, rich with southern charm and hospitality.

Here are 7 memorable stops on a small town road trip in Kentucky:

8. Small town road trip map:

7. Danville

This is a sweet little community with lots of history. Constitution Square is a place in town where several historic buildings have been rebuilt and preserved. People can visit and walk around the little area to see how folks lived back in the pioneer days. It is a beautiful part of the community and a enlightening place to visit.

6. Harrodsburg

This small town is home to the Old Fort Harrod State Park, which is home to a replica of the fort that once stood here protecting the citizens. The Natives ran off the first pioneers that inhabited this town, but more came back a few years later to rebuild and reclaim this now historic site. It is a really unique place to visit and see some of our amazing history.

5. Nicholasville

This is a quiet little community in beautiful Jessamine County. There are some historic bridges, buildings and lots of folks that believe in living life in a traditional way. It was once a very profitable hemp farming community back when it was still legal, and the town flourished. It is located in the heart of Kentucky very close to Lexington. If you are looking for quiet and calm, this is a must stop. If you want excitement and busy, travel a few miles away and Lexington will have everything you could ask for.

4. Winchester

What is in Winchester? This sweet little community is home to the Ale 8 factory, Kentucky’s own version of Ginger Ale. It is also the origin of the renowned treat Beer Cheese, that is served up in many restaurants across the state. Beer cheese makes a tasty soup, sandwich or dipping sauce and goes well with almost any type of pub style meal. This is a relatively quiet community with some beautiful historical buildings and traditional entertainment.

3. Lawrenceburg

This small town is home to the Wild Turkey Distillery, which is part of the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail. If bourbon doesn’t interest you, check out the beautifully preserved Kavanaugh House B&B at 241 E. Woodford Street. You can have a relaxing stay in the beautiful rolling hills of the Bluegrass.

2. Taylorsville

This gorgeous little community is out in the country, surrounded by trees, flowers, and chirping birds. The beautiful Taylorsville Lake State Park is nearby, where residents can swim, fish, boat and enjoy all things water sport. The close proximity of this relaxing state park makes Taylorsville a great stop in the a rural part of our state.

1. Bardstown

Bardstown is a must stop on any small town trip. It has been voted the most charming town in Kentucky on more than one occasion, and has been recognized as a charming small town in the US. The people are friendly, the entertainment is plentiful, and the food is delicious. Plus, Bardstown is home and nearby several of the historic bourbon distilleries in our state that create Kentucky Bourbon for homes and businesses all over the world.

This is just one of many potential small town road trips in Kentucky. We have some of the most charming small towns in the country, right here in the Bluegrass. You can read more about some of our charming little communities here.