With retirement comes some much-needed relaxation after long years of hard work. It also opens up new travel opportunities, and the possibilities are truly endless. One such place to visit is Kentucky, a land well-known for its thoroughbred horses, exciting events, and picturesque scenery. Within the Bluegrass state of Kentucky, you can visit large cave systems, try out expertly crafted Bourbon, see beautifully designed quilts, and even catch a rare moonbow. Here are some of the best towns in Kentucky retirees should consider visiting!
Paducah
Founded by William Clark in 1827, Paducah today is renowned as a UNESCO Creative City due to its tradition of local crafts and folk art. In particular, it has a rich tradition of quilting, which you can discover at The National Quilt Museum. This museum gathers quilts from around the world and features workshops. You can enjoy other forms of art in Paducah at the Yeiser Art Center, Market House Theatre, Clemens Fine Art Center, among other attractions. If you’d rather get out in nature, consider visiting the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Center, which offers fishing, hiking, water sports, or simply a chill day by the water. You can also find a 19th-century style farm at The Homeplace within the park.
Corbin
This idyllic Kentucky small-town hides one of the best-kept secrets in Kentucky: The Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. It is called the Niagara of the South for its 125-foot waterfall; however, that’s not the only thing to see in the park. You can also tour the historic Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower built in 1937, or you can see a moonbow, the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can see a rainbow that goes across the moon. The park is known for being wheelchair accessible as well. If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, you can learn Corbin’s fascinating history as the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken and the hometown of Colonel Sanders. You can learn more about Colonel Sanders and the original recipe at the Sanders Café & Museum. Consider eating at the M&M Rooftop Garden or grabbing a root beer from the Root Beer Stand for other spots in town.
Elizabethtown
Known as E-town by the locals, this cutesy town is perfect for a retiree to visit for a day of shopping and exploring. In the downtown area, you will discover historic buildings and local shops aplenty, ranging from the Historic State Theater to That Bizzi B Boutique, Waters Edge Winery & Bisto of Etown, and more. You can learn more about the history at the Hardin County History Museum, tour a reconstructed double cabin called the Lincoln Heritage House, or see the Summit One-Room Schoolhouse, first built in 1892. For those looking for an outdoor experience, try your hand at a few golf holes at the Heartland Golf Club or take a serene nature walk at the Elizabethtown Nature Park.
London
If you like to stay active, London is a great spot to visit in Kentucky. It is known as the Cycling Capital of Kentucky due to its many bike-friendly town trails, both casual and difficult, going through off-road and rural roads such as the Redbud Ride routes or at Laurel River Lake. Speaking of which, Laurel River Lake is an ideal spot for kayaking and paddling, offering kayak rentals at the Holly Bay Marina. Thrifters and antique hunters will also appreciate the several flea markets in town, such as Rust and Rhinestone, The Scavenger Hunt, and Flea Land. Civil War history buffs will want to check out London, which was home to the Camp Wildcat Battlefield, fought in October 1861. You can also find the Mountain Life Museum in the Levi Jackson Wilderness Parks, which has a recreated pioneer settlement.
Pikeville
This mountain town was the center of American history’s most famous family feud: the Hatfield and McCoys. On a relaxing tour, you can spend an entire day discovering the various feud sites in Pikeville. Of note are the gravesites of several of the people involved, the Randolph McCoy Homeplace and Well, Hog Trial Cabin, Historic Pike County Courthouse, and other sites. You’ll definitely want to book a tour to see them all. In Pikeville, you can catch a show at the Artists Collaborative Theater or The Appalachian Center for the Arts. If you’re willing to go for a bit of a drive, you can see the best of Appalachia at the Breaks Interstate Park, located right on the Kentucky/Virginia border.
Harrodsburg
First founded in 1774, Harrodsburg was the oldest English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. Harrodsburg later became the home of a unique American religious group: the Shakers, a group of celibate Christians who grew through adoption. You can visit their old house at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, where you can see historic buildings at The Historic Centre, explore the Farm, or go on a short hike on The Preserve. You can also sample food straight from the Shaker farm at the Trustee’s Table. Beyond the Shaker Village, you can see a replica of the fort built in 1774 at the Old Fort Harrod State Park, along with the Mansion Museum and the Lincoln Marriage Temple, where the parents of Abraham Lincoln wed. While in town, see if you can find a hidden treasure at the Rags to Riches Antique Center & Flea Mall.
Paris
Don’t let the name fool you; this town is not the capital of France, but it is the Thoroughbred Capital of the World. Located just outside Lexington, Paris is a great place to visit for those who love horses, bourbon, and all Kentucky offers. You can tour some horse farms in Paris, such as Denali Stud and Runnymede Farm, to see how racing horses are bred and raised. In town, you’ll discover several cute historic sites ranging from the 1877 Colville Covered Bridge to the 1781 Cane Ridge Meeting House and the 1905 Bourbon County Courthouse. Speaking of Bourbon, you can try out locally-made whiskey at the Bourbon County Whiskey House or the Bourbon Barrel Bar & Grille. You’ll also find a Mini Eiffel Tower and the Paris Farmers Market in the downtown area.
Berea
Berea sits in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains and is home to a rich arts scene. In fact, it is called the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky. You can see a good deal of this folk art at the Berea Arts Council, Appalachian Fireside Gallery, and Berea College Students Crafts. In Berea, you can walk in the footsteps of famed explorer Daniel Boone at the John B. Stephenson Walking Trail or hike the Pinnacles in Berea College Forest, renowned as one of the best hikes in the entire state. If you want to take some folk art home with you, visit the Artisan Village in Berea. You can purchase watercolor art at Dinah Tyree-Watercolors or handcrafted jewelry at Lindsay Gallery.
Bardstown
Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Bourbon Capital of the world during your trip to Kentucky: Bardstown. Here, Elijah Craig first aged whiskey in oak barrels, creating the famous drink. You can try out that drink at the 11 distilleries in Bardstown, such as the Preservation Distillery, or learn more about the drink’s history at the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. A lot of history is baked into this town, including its being a railway hub, which is on full display at the Kentucky Railway Museum. You can also explore the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a 200-year-old mansion named after the famous Kentucky Ballad. Try out Mammy’s Kitchen if you need some good food in town.
These Kentucky towns have many spaces to discover for people of all ages and interests. History buffs will love exploring Civil War battlefields, historic forts and mansions, and the Hatfield and McCoy Feud sites. Antique shoppers will love the many flea markets, artisan boutiques, and crafts stores. And with so many natural beauties to explore, from waterfalls to Appalachian trails, you can stay active and healthy by visiting these Kentucky towns.
