The Heart And Soul Of Kentucky Is The Small Towns And These 7 Have The Best Downtown Areas (2024)

Located in the southwestern end of the state, Paducah is a proud river city that’s big in natural beauty and the arts. This well-rounded Kentucky gem has a thriving creative community and boasts attractions and experiences that you just won’t find anywhere else. The downtown is charming and walkable, and your chances of stumbling upon live music or a festival here are high! Stroll through the vibrant town square or head to Paducah's Historic Riverfront, a favorite spot for folks to come and enjoy the stunning waterfront scenery.

With a population of 70,000, Bowling Green is by no means small; however, there is a charming, small-town vibe here that’s impossible to miss. You’ll find friendly faces, fascinating history, plenty of green space, and all sorts of unique attractions in Bowling Green's vibrant downtown district. The historic Fountain Square Park is its crown jewel, and it's a beautiful spot to sit and watch the world go by. While you're there, definitely try the Kentucky Bourbon Filet from Montana Grille!

The lovely Elizabethtown is a hidden gem; this winsome town is perfectly located amongst some of the state's most popular attractions, but it also stands as a destination in and of itself. The historic downtown district is the town's centerpiece and has an abundance of unique shops, restaurants, and plenty of history. During the summer months, you can take a guided walking tour around town and learn about Elizabethtown's past. In the off-season, you can download an app and take your own tour -- just make sure to visit all of the hidden gems and historical markers!

La Grange is an all-around small-town superstar that offers visitors a fun and wholesome Bluegrass experience. Most notably, LaGrange is known as the only town in America that has an active train running along its Main Street. While it's one of the most unique features of the town and the first thing you may notice, there's so much more to see and do in this historic town. From historic demonstrations to an abundance of charming shops and local restaurants, LaGrange is a very walkable small town and the perfect place to wander and explore!

Maysville is peak small-town vibes, with a picture-perfect downtown district offering visitors not only amazing shops and eateries but also a crash course in Bluegrass history. Truly -- if you are curious about history, you'll find it around every corner in Maysville, with numerous Underground Railroad sites, the National Underground Railroad Museum, the Colonel Charles Young Birthplace Cabin, the Mays Lick Rosenwald School, and, just outside town, the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky.

Founded in 1799, Greenville is an idyllic little town located in western Kentucky’s rolling blue hills. Renowned for its family-friendly festivals, historic downtown, and Southern hospitality, Greenville is about as charming as it gets. Experience the splendor of this small Kentucky town by booking a night at The Wickliffe House, a historic inn located right in Greenville's bustling downtown district!

Of course, we simply cannot talk about charming downtowns in Kentucky without including Bardstown. This lovely locale is full of top-rate distilleries (the town is known as the bourbon capital of the world, after all), historic buildings (like My Old Kentucky Home), and beguiling beauty. Experience Bardstown to the fullest by spending a night at the Bourbon Manor B&B. Just be warned: once you visit Bardstown, you might never want to leave!