If you’re planning to visit Kentucky or are a local just looking for a short trip, we’re pretty positive popular cities like Lexington and Louisville are already on your list. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 cities to visit in Kentucky that isn’t your typical trip to Lexington or Louisville.
Kentucky is filled with beautiful parks, majestic scenery, rich history, amazing food, and charming towns. To get the full experience and amazing adventures Kentucky has to offer, check out our recommendations below!
Pikeville, Kentucky
Photo Credit: Kentucky Tourism
If you love the outdoors and history, Pikeville is a must-visit. Probably most well-known for the Hatfield and McCoy feud, Pikeville is also home to the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a nice hike, biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting along the river, and so much more.
When you need a break from the great outdoors, shop and dine at Downtown Pikeville. Support local mom and pop shops including locally made products, clothing, unique souvenirs, and art galleries. Enjoy restaurants with local ingredients like Blue Raven or hit up a delicious breakfast spot like Southern Biscuit.
You’ll want to tell everyone about your visit to Pikeville. And, if you were too busy enjoying yourself and forgot to get souvenirs, don’t worry - we got you covered with some Pikeville t-shirts.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Photo Credit: Wikipedia, OPMaster
Home to the Corvette and known as Kentucky’s Cave Country, Bowling Green is the third most populated city after Lexington and Louisville. Whether you’re a car enthusiast looking to visit the National Corvette Museum or an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the Lost River Cave, Bowling Green has something for everyone.
Also home to the state’s second largest public university, Western Kentucky University, this town is not only a great place for students but in 2014, Forbes magazine also listed Bowling Green as the Top 25 Best Places to Retire in the United States. If that doesn’t show you how great Bowling Green is, you’ll just have to visit and find out!
We’ve also got a large selection of Bowling Green shirts!
Paducah, Kentucky
Photo Credit: Wikipedia, Farragutful
Located along the Ohio River, Paducah is a charming little town with a wide range of history, art, and architecture. Named as a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is a destination for those who love rich, cultural experiences, art, and history.
Check out beautiful art at the Yeiser Art Center, learn about Paducah’s history at the “Wall to Wall” Murals, visit the National Quilt Museum, go boating or fishing along the river - the list is endless.
Filled with tons of museums, parks, shops, and attractions for locals and visitors alike, Paducah is a little gem worth visiting in Kentucky.
With so many options, be sure to plan out your trip so you can experience everything Paducah has to offer, and don’t forget to pick up a t-shirt to show your love.
Newport, Kentucky
Photo Credit: Purple People Bridge
Founded in 1795, Newport is located in Northern Kentucky where the Ohio River and Licking River meet. Home to top attractions including the Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee, Newport’s riverfront also provides stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline.
Another must-do while you’re in Newport is to walk the Newport Southbank Bridge, popularly known as Purple People Bridge. Just over a half mile long, this bridge connects Ohio and Kentucky which makes it super easy and accessible to visit attractions on both sides within a 20-minute walk. We’ve also got a couple different Newport t-shirts if you need to add something new to your wardrobe.
London, Kentucky
Photo Credit: World Chicken Festival’s Official Facebook
Known as the Cycling Capital of Kentucky and birthplace to the Kentucky Fried Chicken, London is a fun and quirky town you don’t want to miss. Each year in September, London hosts a World Chicken Festival to celebrate Colonel Sanders.
When you’re not enjoying fried chicken at the festival, London offers over 600 miles of trails throughout the Daniel Boone Forest, historic treasures at the Laurel County History and Genealogy Center, beautiful rivers and lakes like Laurel River Lake and Wood Creek Lake - and tons of other attractions you can check out here. You can also check out our selection of London, KY shirts.