Kentucky is a beautiful state; there is no doubt about it. Whether you’re in a corner of the state or in the heart of the Bluegrass, there is a stunning spot nearby that is likely a favorite destination when you need to be rejuvenated. There are also beautiful places in Kentucky that perhaps you’ve always wanted to visit, and feel frustrated now that you can’t venture too far from home. No matter why or how you’re longing for these favorite spots in the Bluegrass, we have good news for you. These staggeringly beautiful places in Kentucky will always be waiting for you, and here are 8 of them.
- Red River Gorge
Posnov/ Moment via Getty Images Red River Gorge is a popular destination for those seeking adventure in Kentucky. You’ll find unique rock formations, such as Silvermine Arch, shown above, as well as overlooks that give you a wonderful perspective of the area. Many of the trails have been closed, but if you’re anxious to plan a visit, start with these suggestions.
- Churchill Downs
Andy Lyons /Getty Images Sport via Getty Images The first Saturday in May was eerily quiet this year in Kentucky, as proven by this beautiful shot of Churchill Downs on what would have been Derby day. We can look forward to the time when we can gather together again for this time honored, Kentucky tradition.
- Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Facebook/Big South Fork Scenic Railway One of the favorite outings in Kentucky is a ride aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. This excursion takes you through the stunning Big South Fork Area, and also includes a fascinating history of mining in the area. See more of what will be waiting for you in this area in our previous article.
- Lakes of Kentucky
Susan Rydberg/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images We are unsure of what summer will look like in Kentucky, and we can only hope to be able to get out on the water in some way. The vast lakes, rocky and sandy shorelines, and beautiful scenery are what summer days are made of in Kentucky. After all, we do have more miles of freshwater shoreline than Florida’s entire coastline, and we want to be out there exploring it.
- Mountains of Kentucky
Facebook/Kingdom Come State Park If you have yet to experience the mountains of Kentucky, don’t worry, they will still be here for you when you’re ready. Kingdom Come State Park, shown above, is a favorite with so many incredible overlooks that are easily accessible. Plan a future visit with our previous article.
- Cumberland Falls
Capturing Moments by Christina/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images Kentucky’s largest waterfall is still flowing and is still just as beautiful as ever. The park is still closed as of the time this article was written, but we can hope that it will open again soon and know that this magical spot is awaiting our return. See more of Cumberland Falls and learn why it’s too beautiful for words.
- The Bourbon Trail
karenfoleyphotography/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images Many Kentuckians and visitors to our state make a trip to the Bourbon Trail at some point during the year, and those plans have been on hold for awhile. But as a booming business in Kentucky, even though it’s taken a hit like many other industries, you can expect to be able to hop back on that beautiful (and delicious) trail when it can reopen. If you’re missing the Bourbon Trail, check out what they’re doing from home.
- Kentucky’s Historic Sites
Facebook/My Old Kentucky Home Along with natural beauty, Kentucky is home to many sites that have a significant history. These are also popular destinations for tours and events, and we can be sure that they will open again, especially when you think of everything they have already withstood throughout history.
Kentuckians know a secret about our state that outsiders are not privy to. There are so many beautiful places in Kentucky, all of which deserve a visit, so thankfully these destinations will always be waiting for you. What do you think is the most beautiful place in Kentucky? Where will you head first when you can? Let us know in the comments!
Posnov/ Moment via Getty Images
Red River Gorge is a popular destination for those seeking adventure in Kentucky. You’ll find unique rock formations, such as Silvermine Arch, shown above, as well as overlooks that give you a wonderful perspective of the area. Many of the trails have been closed, but if you’re anxious to plan a visit, start with these suggestions.
Andy Lyons /Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The first Saturday in May was eerily quiet this year in Kentucky, as proven by this beautiful shot of Churchill Downs on what would have been Derby day. We can look forward to the time when we can gather together again for this time honored, Kentucky tradition.
Facebook/Big South Fork Scenic Railway
One of the favorite outings in Kentucky is a ride aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. This excursion takes you through the stunning Big South Fork Area, and also includes a fascinating history of mining in the area. See more of what will be waiting for you in this area in our previous article.
Susan Rydberg/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
We are unsure of what summer will look like in Kentucky, and we can only hope to be able to get out on the water in some way. The vast lakes, rocky and sandy shorelines, and beautiful scenery are what summer days are made of in Kentucky. After all, we do have more miles of freshwater shoreline than Florida’s entire coastline, and we want to be out there exploring it.
Facebook/Kingdom Come State Park
If you have yet to experience the mountains of Kentucky, don’t worry, they will still be here for you when you’re ready. Kingdom Come State Park, shown above, is a favorite with so many incredible overlooks that are easily accessible. Plan a future visit with our previous article.
Capturing Moments by Christina/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Kentucky’s largest waterfall is still flowing and is still just as beautiful as ever. The park is still closed as of the time this article was written, but we can hope that it will open again soon and know that this magical spot is awaiting our return. See more of Cumberland Falls and learn why it’s too beautiful for words.
karenfoleyphotography/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Many Kentuckians and visitors to our state make a trip to the Bourbon Trail at some point during the year, and those plans have been on hold for awhile. But as a booming business in Kentucky, even though it’s taken a hit like many other industries, you can expect to be able to hop back on that beautiful (and delicious) trail when it can reopen. If you’re missing the Bourbon Trail, check out what they’re doing from home.
Facebook/My Old Kentucky Home
Along with natural beauty, Kentucky is home to many sites that have a significant history. These are also popular destinations for tours and events, and we can be sure that they will open again, especially when you think of everything they have already withstood throughout history.
And if you’re looking for more places to add to your bucket list, be sure to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to receive amazing destinations right to your email.
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