Kentucky
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

There’s A Tiny Town In Kentucky Completely Surrounded By Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Slade, Kentucky, is a tiny town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including the Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and the Red River Gorge.

Published Feb 17, 2017

Written by 

Rachel Shulhafer

If you find yourself driving down the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway in eastern Kentucky, keep a lookout for road signs about a little town called Slade. It may not sound like much, and yes, it is a tiny town, but you absolutely must exit the highway and explore. What makes Slade so special? It is completely surrounded by absolutely breathtaking natural beauty.

Slade is located in Powell County, about an hour from Lexington and two hours from Louisville. According to Census information, Slade's population is about 303.

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Google Maps

Slade is right in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Its proximity to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge means it is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous natural features in the whole state.

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Flickr/my camera and me

The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway travels right through Slade and explores the surrounding areas. It's a great way to see this jewel of Kentucky if you don't have time to get out of your car and explore on foot.

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Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Slade is visit Natural Bridge State Resort Park, which is named for this massive natural arch that you'll find at the end of the Original Trail. The Red River Gorge has hundreds of natural sandstone arches that formed over the course of 70 million years due to erosion from wind and water.

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Flickr/my camera and me

The Original Trail takes you right up to Natural Bridge, and you can even take the trail on top of it for some magnificent views.

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Flickr/James Thompson

Once you're underneath it, look up to marvel at this ancient geological wonder that is tucked away in this tiny town in Kentucky.

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Flickr/Kentucky Photo File

The trail will take you on top, and you will have the most amazing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

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Flickr/gregspace

It's gorgeous any time of year, but it's especially breathtaking in the fall when the leaves are changing, or in the spring when all the wildflowers are blooming.

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Or set your alarm and beat the crowds to witness an amazing sunrise from the top.

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Flickr/Aaron Vowels

If you visit Natural Bridge State Resort Park during the months of April through October, you can ride the sky lift up to the top of Natural Bridge, which makes for an amazing day trip.

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Flickr/Jen Gallardo

If you're hungry during your visit to Slade, stop in at Miguel's Pizza. This iconic restaurant allows you to build your own pizzas, and is a favorite place to refuel among hikers and rock climbers.

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Flickr/Blake Hall

Have you ever explored this town before? If so, share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Magic of the North Pole Can Be Found in the Quaint City of Bardstown, Kentucky During Christmastime

Bardstown, Kentucky transforms into a magical holiday destination with festive decorations, historic charm, and bourbon-related attractions.

Updated Oct 24, 2024

Written by 

Andrea Limke

As a child, and even as an adult, one of the most magical places to imagine was the North Pole. It turns out that you can visit a spot that's just as magical right here in the Bluegrass State. Christmas in Bardstown should be considered the North Pole of Kentucky, thanks to its enchanting Main Street and plethora of holiday festivities. This popular destination for bourbon and history takes on a whole new atmosphere this time of year, so plan a visit and experience the magic of the North Pole of Kentucky.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

Known as one of the best small towns in America, Bardstown is a favorite destination in the Bluegrass State. And during the holidays, this Kentucky town literally lights up with beautiful decor and festivities. After the town's tree is lit and the parade heads down Main Street, the festive fun continues throughout the season. Bardstown is known for its history, bourbon, and charm and you can still experience all of those during the holiday and winter seasons.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

Throughout December, Main Street and the historic buildings are glowing with lights and decor. You may even run into Santa Claus, which wouldn't be surprising in this North Pole atmosphere. Many people visit Bardstown as a place along the Bourbon Trail and every stop is even more memorable during the holidays.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

Learn about the making of bourbon and its history at many destinations around the town. Find out more about these spots on the Visit Bardstown website. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is another must-visit place in Bardstown, especially during the holidays.

If this were the North Pole, Santa would likely choose this as his home. Find more information on the My Old Kentucky Home site. Another lesser-known place in Bardstown that is beautifully decorated for the holidays is Spalding Hall. Recently renovated, you'll love the museum and gift shop inside. Get all of the details on the official website of the Oscar Gertz Whiskey Museum.

If you happen to be in the area around mid-December, head to Bardstown Baptist Church. The church hosts live nativity scenes. This lovely event is just another reason to visit Bardstown this season. Visit the Facebook page of Bardstown Baptist Church for event times and schedules this winter.

Bardstown is bursting with small-town charm all year long, but the enchantment only increases during the holidays.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

If you can't swing a trip this year, keep this Kentucky getaway in mind for years to come. This North Pole of Kentucky will surely always be a sought-after destination in the Bluegrass at Christmastime.

A magical Christmas in Bardstown KY 2024 awaits you! If you've been considering a visit to this memorable town, now may just be the best time. Have you celebrated a Bardstown Christmas in Kentucky? What is your favorite thing to do or see? Let us know in the comments! For more information on this festive town, visit the Christmas 'Round Bardstown website.

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What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in Kentucky? If you're still looking to pack out the space under the tree, we've put together this super fun gift guide for travelers that should be a great help.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Kentucky, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Published Sep 23, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

A small town of about 18,000 people in southwestern Kentucky, Murray is the ideal place to spend a day. Case in point: Murray has been voted the "friendliest small town in America" by Rand McNally and USA Today five times! There's much to love about Murray beyond its friendly people. But what if you only have one day to spend in this treasured small town? We've compiled a list of four must-see attractions for a day trip to Murray, Kentucky:

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1. Murray's Historic Town Square

The first thing visitors must see is Murray's historic town square. The square is a great place to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat. Murray City Hall is on the corner of 5th and Main Street. Nearby are three bookstores: Bolin's Books, Newlife Christian Bookstore, and Bookmark. The Main Street Market, a boutique grocery store, is also on Main Street. Hungry day trippers can eat at Mugsy's Hideout, which serves Italian food, or Rudy's on the Square, which serves classic Southern food. If you love visiting local coffee shops, as I do, 5th & Main Coffees is near City Hall. If you visit on a Saturday morning, look out for the popular Downtown Farmer's Market, where local vendors sell crafts and produce.

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A stately red-brick city hall building stands prominently at the corner of an intersection, framed by the lush green leaves of an overhanging tree. The architecture conveys a sense of authority and classical design, with large white columns flanking the entrance and the words “CITY HALL” engraved above the doors.500 Main Street
Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024

2. Wrather West Kentucky Museum

After getting acquainted with Murray's town square, the next place to visit is the Wrather West Kentucky Museum on Murray State University's campus. The museum is free and open to the public and shares historical information about West Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase through fixed and short-term exhibits. Interestingly, the museum is located in the university's first permanent building, which opened in 1924 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

3. The Doran Arboretum

The next stop is a 15-minute walk from the Wrather West Kentucky Museum: the Doran Arboretum at Murray State University. The arboretum is open every day from dawn to dusk and is the perfect place to take a walk on a pretty day. It has a 0.8-mile track for walking and running, a butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and much more.

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A quiet street is lined with a row of two-story brick buildings featuring various storefronts, including a law office and a cafe. Two large white arrows painted on the road indicate traffic direction in adjacent lanes under an overcast sky.Main Street
Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024

4. Kentucky Lake

Incredibly, Murray is about 30 minutes from Kentucky Lake. This 160,000-acre lake is the last attraction we chose for our list of things to do on a one-day trip to Murray. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, horseback ride, golf, and hunt at Kentucky Lake. Of course, it is difficult, and likely impossible, to do all of these things at Kentucky Lake in one day. For a short visit, we recommend taking the Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive, a three-mile drive with several photo-worthy overlooks and places to picnic.

What do you think about this list of must-see attractions in Murray, Kentucky? Is there anything you would add?

There are many more things to do and places to eat in Murray than we could include in this list. Murray is home to the best Dairy Queen in the world. It also has the Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail, a collection of more than 60 colorful quilt patterns on barns scattered around the county. Each quilt has a special significance and is often associated with a family story or tragedy.

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If you'd like to spend more than one day in Murray, Kentucky, this two-bedroom cabin Airbnb near Kentucky Lake may be the perfect place to stay!

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