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Nine destinations making the state of Kentucky a must-visit for travelers

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories explores how Kentucky is attracting visitors to its diverse destinations.

Maysville attracts history lovers with its bourbon tradition, earning recognition as a hidden gem. It boasts two historical districts and an arts scene that adds to its appeal. Lexington shines as a dynamic Southern destination. Known for its equine legacy, visitors can explore its burgeoning culinary scene and historic sites. Owensboro holds a unique spot on the barbecue map. Known for smoked mutton, it hosts festivals celebrating local cuisine and draws countless food enthusiasts each year. Covington captivates with its charming downtown, reflecting German-American heritage. It's known for its architectural beauty and vibrant cultural festivities.

Read the stories below.

Biscuits and strawberry-ginger jam at Punch Bowl Social. By Bud Kennedy

NO. 1: SOME OF THE SOUTH’S BEST BISCUITS CAN BE FOUND IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHERN LIVING SAYS

The famed publication recently highlighted chefs’ picks for the best Southern-style biscuits. | Published July 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lindsay Smith

Vehicles drive along West Main Street in downtown Lexington, Ky., on Friday, July 24, 2020. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 2: TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMES LEXINGTON ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST SMALL CITIES. HOW IT COMPARES

In its review, the magazine says the appeal goes beyond horses and bourbon. | Published October 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Horses graze in a field before sunrise at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 3: COUNTRY LIVING NAMES KENTUCKY CITY WITH RICH BOURBON HISTORY A 2025 AMERICAN HIDDEN GEM

The magazine credits the city as the “birthplace” of bourbon, and no, it isn’t Bardstown. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

A horse stands in a field at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 4: YES, KENTUCKY IS HOME TO ONE OF SOUTHERN LIVING’S TOP 10 BEST CITIES IN THE SOUTH

It fell just behind Atlanta in this year’s feature. | Published March 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Newport on the Levee and the Purple People Bridge seen from Mt. Adams Sunday, May 26, 2023. By Cara Owsley/The Enquirer

NO. 5: A KENTUCKY SPOT IS AMONG THE NATION’S ‘BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS,’ RANKING STATES

It was once known as “Sin City” and a hotbed for Prohibition-era gangsters. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The Mary Todd Lincoln House in downtown Lexington, Ky, Tuesday, August 1, 2023. By Silas Walker

NO. 6: HISTORIC LEXINGTON LANDMARK GETS NOD FROM SOUTHERN LIVING AS A TOP PLACE TO VISIT

The spot appears in a Southern Living list that also includes the homes of Zelda Fitzgerald and Ava Gardner. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Large servings of barbecue, with pork ribs, sausage, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. Shot in Houston, Texas, USA. By RyanJLane

NO. 7: SOUTHERN LIVING NAMES A KY CITY ONE OF THE SOUTH’S 3 ‘BEST BARBECUE TOWNS’

The crown jewel of Western Kentucky’s “Barbecue Belt” is once again receiving critical acclaim, this time from popular publication Southern Living, which calls Owensboro one of the South’s “few great barbecue towns.” What makes a great barbecue town? | Published August 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

A lookout near East Pinnacle in the Berea College Forest is photographed at dawn. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 8: SMITHSONIAN SAYS KENTUCKY HAS ONE OF THE 15 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN 2025

If you’re searching for the perfect weekend day trip in Kentucky this fall, Berea may be tough to beat. | Published August 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Downtown Covington, Ky., is photographed Sunday, July 14, 2024. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 9: HGTV SAYS KY HAS ONE OF THE MOST CHARMING DOWNTOWNS IN US. IT’S NOT IN LEXINGTON

The most charming downtown in Kentucky isn’t found in Louisville, Lexington or Bowling Green, but in a bustling river city that may be overlooked. | Published September 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.