Kentucky exudes Southern charm and boasts seemingly endless green spaces and quaint towns. When you’re looking for a scenic destination with an easygoing atmosphere, look no further than Kentucky. Look forward to hiking through picturesque landscapes, attending a race at the Kentucky Derby, and dining at renowned restaurants. Book a stay at one of many incredible Kentucky vacation rentals today. Here’s a look at the eight most romantic spots in Kentucky for a weekend getaway.
1. Louisville
Explore all the fun and romance that Louisville has to offer over a weekend. If you can match your schedules, the Kentucky Derby takes place at the popular Churchill Downs each spring. There are daily horse races if you miss the big derby and a tour of the facilities. A couple that loves baseball knows that this town is home to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Feel the excitement build as you walk past the gigantic baseball bat to enter the factory for a tour. Snuggle up close together for a two-hour tour of the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville and enjoy the buffet lunch or dinner.
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2. Red River Gorge
Find the perfect weekend retreat in Red River Gorge with its isolated feel and natural beauty. Explore the beauty of the river on your with rentals from Red River Adventure of matching kayaks, or opt for a more structured tour of the river and surrounding area with an afternoon with Red River Outdoors. A knowledgeable guide helps you pick the right equipment and then takes you to all the best viewing points. Filled with stark sandstone cliffs and more than 100 miles of hiking paths, the Daniel Boone National Forest is a great place to spend some alone time together.
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3. Bowling Green
Less than two hours from Louisville is the college town of Bowling Green with it young and hip vibe. Explore the state’s long history with the railroad at the Historic Railpark and Train Museum. This museum sits in an old railroad station and offers the chance to climb aboard various cars from the caboose to the dining car. Car lovers put the National Corvette Museum high on their must-see list. As you tour the museum, you get to see some of the oldest restored Corvettes around and learn the history of this American icon. For a romantic dinner, check out 440 Main with its spicy food and great location in a historic building.
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4. Paducah
Explore a city designed by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with a vacation rental in Paducah. As you wander through the downtown area, enjoy the beautiful historic buildings and note that 20 blocks of the downtown area are on the National Register of Historic Places. Who knew you could put a rest stop in an antebellum mansion? Apparently, Paducah did when it created the Whitehaven Welcome Center. Gaze at some gorgeous works of art in a medium you might not normally think of as art in the National Quilt Museum. Romance is in the air when you arrive at Cynthia’s Ristorante known for its delicious farm-to-table Italian menu.
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5. Elizabethtown
Unwind and reconnect in Elizabethtown with its ties to Abraham Lincoln. It was in this small city where his daughter, Sarah, was born in a log cabin. During the American Civil War, a famous battle raged here in 1862. Take part in the Bourbon Trail of Kentucky with tours of the nearby Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve distilleries. In the spring and fall, take in the natural beauty of the flowers, plants, and trees at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest with its more than 40 miles of hiking trails.
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6. London
Schedule your weekend in London for the weekend of the annual World Chicken Festival. This festival began as a way to honor Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken. During the festival, make sure to see the 700-pound skillet that cooks more than 20,000 pieces of chicken over the festival weekend. There’s also live music and vendors selling a variety of local items. Encourage each other to climb higher and be brave at the Treetop Adventure at Levi Jackson. The park features zip lines, rope bridges, and suspended tunnels. Settle into a booth together for a romantic meal at The Abbey.
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7. Henderson
Home to the Southern Cherokee Indian Nation, Henderson sits along the Ohio River and makes for an idyllic spot for some quality time together. Throughout the year, the town hosts several popular festivals, such as the Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival and the Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival. Check the schedule to take part in one of these fun weekends. Spend some time birdwatching or just enjoying a romantic picnic at the Audubon Museum and Nature Center or the John James Audubon State Park. Spice up your love life with a meal at Cancun Mexican Restaurant or opt for some scrumptious barbecue at Thomason’s Barbecue.
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8. Winchester
Take a tour while staying in the bustling small town of Winchester at the Ale-8-One Factory or the Hamon Haven Winery. You learn more about the art of brewing artisanal wines and ales along with enjoying the sampling rooms at both facilities. Tap your toes and learn to love a new style of music at the Bluegrass Heritage Museum that details famous performers and the evolution of the genre. Indulge in a little antique shopping at Bentley And Murray and Athens Schoolhouse Antiques.
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