Are you planning to move to Kentucky or just looking for a nice city to visit? Kentucky is home to beautiful countryside and charming cities that attract visitors from all over the world. From horse racing to bourbon distilleries, there is something for everyone in Kentucky. In this article, we will discuss the 12 best cities in Kentucky to live and visit.
1. Louisville
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and home to the famous Kentucky Derby. It is also known for its bourbon distilleries, museums, and parks. Louisville has a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. It is also home to several universities, including the University of Louisville.
2. Lexington
Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world and is home to several horse farms and the famous Kentucky Horse Park. It is also home to the University of Kentucky and has a thriving downtown area with plenty of restaurants and shopping options.
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3. Bowling Green
Bowling Green is a charming city in southern Kentucky and home to Western Kentucky University. It is also known for its caves, including the Mammoth Cave National Park, which is the world’s longest known cave system.
4. Owensboro
Owensboro is located on the banks of the Ohio River and is known for its barbecue and bluegrass music. It is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum and hosts several bluegrass festivals throughout the year.
5. Paducah
Paducah is located in western Kentucky and is known for its art scene and historic downtown area. It is home to the National Quilt Museum and hosts several art festivals throughout the year.
6. Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown is located in central Kentucky and is home to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. It is also known for its bourbon distilleries and outdoor activities, including the Freeman Lake Park.
7. Danville
Danville is a small city in central Kentucky and is home to Centre College. It is also known for its historic downtown area and the Great American Brass Band Festival, which takes place every year.
8. Frankfort
Frankfort is the capital city of Kentucky and is home to the Kentucky State Capitol and the Kentucky State Museum. It is also known for its bourbon distilleries and historic sites, including the Old State Capitol.
9. Richmond
Richmond is located in central Kentucky and is home to Eastern Kentucky University. It is also known for its outdoor activities, including the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Lake Reba Recreational Complex.
10. Bardstown
Bardstown is located in the heart of bourbon country and is home to several bourbon distilleries, including the Maker’s Mark distillery. It is also known for its historic sites, including the My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
11. Florence
Florence is located in northern Kentucky and is home to the Florence Mall and the Turfway Park racetrack. It is also close to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, making it a convenient place to stay when visiting the area.
12. Covington
Covington is located on the banks of the Ohio River and is known for its historic architecture and riverfront attractions. It is also home to several breweries and the Mainstrasse Village, which is a popular entertainment district.
When planning your trip to Kentucky or considering a move, keep in mind that each city has its own unique charm and appeal. Some cities, like Louisville and Lexington, are larger and have more entertainment options, while others, like Danville and Elizabethtown, are smaller and offer a more laid-back lifestyle.
No matter what your preferences are, there is a Kentucky city that will meet your needs. Whether you are interested in history, art, or outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Kentucky. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details of these 12 amazing Kentucky cities.
Louisville: Home to the Kentucky Derby
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and has something for everyone. If you are a horse racing fan, then you must attend the famous Kentucky Derby, which is held every year at Churchill Downs. The city is also known for its bourbon distilleries, including the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and the Angel’s Envy Distillery.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Muhammad Ali Center. The city also has several parks, including the Cherokee Park and the Waterfront Park, where you can go for a walk or a picnic.
Lexington: Horse Capital of the World
Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world and is home to several horse farms and the Kentucky Horse Park. If you are interested in horses, you can take a tour of one of the many horse farms in the area or attend a horse race at the Keeneland Race Course.
The city also has several museums, including the Mary Todd Lincoln House and the Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate. If you are interested in shopping, you can visit the Fayette Mall or the The Summit at Fritz Farm.
Bowling Green: Caves and Corvettes
Bowling Green is a charming city in southern Kentucky and is home to Western Kentucky University. The city is known for its caves, including the Mammoth Cave National Park, which is the world’s longest known cave system. You can take a tour of the caves and learn about the history of the area.
If you are interested in cars, you can visit the National Corvette Museum or take a tour of the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant. The city also has several parks, including the Lost River Cave and the Fountain Square Park.
Owensboro: Barbecue and Bluegrass
Owensboro is located on the banks of the Ohio River and is known for its barbecue and bluegrass music. The city is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, where you can learn about the history of bluegrass music and attend concerts.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Owensboro Museum of Science and History or the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. The city also has several parks, including the Smothers Park and the Legion Park.
Paducah: Art and History
Paducah is located in western Kentucky and is known for its art scene and historic downtown area. The city is home to the National Quilt Museum, where you can learn about the history of quilting and see some amazing quilt displays.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Paducah Railroad Museum or the River Discovery Center. The city also has several parks, including the Noble Park and the Stuart Nelson Park.
Elizabethtown: Outdoor Activities and Bourbon
Elizabethtown is located in central Kentucky and is home to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. The city is also known for its bourbon distilleries, including the Boundary Oak Distillery and the Preservation Distillery.
If you are interested in outdoor activities, you can visit the Freeman Lake Park or the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. The city also has several hiking and biking trails, including the Buffalo Lake Trail and the Elizabethtown Nature Park Trail.
Danville: Historic Charm
Danville is a charming city in central Kentucky and is home to the Centre College. The city is known for its historic charm, including the Constitution Square Historic Site and the Ephraim McDowell House Museum.
If you are interested in the arts, you can visit the Norton Center for the Arts, which hosts several events throughout the year. The city also has several parks, including the Millennium Park and the Wilderness Trail Distillery.
Florence: Shopping and Entertainment
Florence is a city in northern Kentucky and is home to several shopping centers, including the Florence Mall and the Florence Antique Mall. The city also has several entertainment options, including the Turfway Park and the Florence Y’All Water Tower.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Florence Freedom Hall or the Florence Veterans Memorial Park. The city also has several parks, including the Stringtown Park and the South Fork Park.
Berea: Arts and Crafts
Berea is a city in southern Kentucky and is known for its arts and crafts scene. The city is home to the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, which showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Boone Tavern Hotel, which was built in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city also has several parks, including the Indian Fort Mountain Trail and the Berea College Forest.
Richmond: College Town
Richmond is a city in central Kentucky and is home to the Eastern Kentucky University. The city is known for its college town vibe, including several bars and restaurants near the campus.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Richmond Historic District or the White Hall State Historic Site. The city also has several parks, including the Lake Reba Recreational Complex and the Richmond Centre Mall.
Frankfort: State Capital
Frankfort is the state capital of Kentucky and is located on the banks of the Kentucky River. The city is known for its historic downtown area, including the Old State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Kentucky Historical Society or the Liberty Hall Historic Site. The city also has several parks, including the Capitol View Park and the Josephine Sculpture Park.
Hopkinsville: Eclipse Capital of the World
Hopkinsville is a city in western Kentucky and is known as the Eclipse Capital of the World, due to the total solar eclipse that occurred in 2017. The city is also home to the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, which was voted the best small library in America in 2019.
If you are interested in history, you can visit the Pennyroyal Area Museum or the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site. The city also has several parks, including the Tie Breaker Park and the War Memorial Park.
In conclusion, Kentucky has a lot to offer for both visitors and residents alike. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this great state. No matter which of these 12 cities you choose to visit or live in, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
- What is the largest city in Kentucky?
- The largest city in Kentucky is Louisville.
- What is the horse capital of the world?
- The horse capital of the world is Lexington, Kentucky.
- What is the Eclipse Capital of the World?
- The Eclipse Capital of the World is Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
- What is the state capital of Kentucky?
- The state capital of Kentucky is Frankfort.
- What is the best time to visit Kentucky?
- The best time to visit Kentucky is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.