We are heading into a new year, which means a fresh start and also new opportunities to visit some of the best places around Kentucky. We continually share hidden gems, natural wonders, historic spots, and charming towns that fill our state with character, but it’s impossible to see them all, even in a year’s time. So we’ve narrowed it down for you, to 12 of the best places to visit in Kentucky in 2018. Get your calendar ready, choose one for each month, and prepare yourself for the best year ever.
- Ferrell’s - Hopkinsville
Facebook/Ferrell’s Snappy Service 2017 was a big year for Hopkinsville with the Solar Eclipse, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit this small Kentucky town in 2018. If you have yet to try the legendary Ferrell’s Hamburgers, then let this be the year you treat your tastebuds. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Ride a Train at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum - Versailles
Facebook/Bluegrass Railroad Museum Just outside of Lexington is the charming Bluegrass Railroad Museum where you can hop aboard a historic train for a ride through the countryside. This is a unique ride through beautiful scenery that would make a great day trip in 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- The Swinging Bridge in Ritner, Kentucky
Eugenia Jones This lovely area of McCreary County now boasts a brand new swinging bridge that makes the perfect little side trip when in the area. There are so many outdoor adventures to have in this part of Kentucky, and make sure this bridge is at the top of your list! For more information, check out our previous article here.
- BalloonFest - Louisville
Facebook/Kentucky Derby Festival Kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival in 2018 with BalloonFest which will begin on April 26th in 2018. Every Kentuckian has a right to celebrate this festive time of year in the Bluegrass State, and viewing magical hot air balloons is a great way to do it. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park - Pineville
Harold Jerrell Kentucky’s very first state park is still one of the most stunning places in our state. The town of Pineville and the park itself should be visited by every Kentuckian at least once, so why not in 2018? For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Kentucky Lake Rock Quarry - Grand Rivers
Kevin Gass There are many incredible swimming holes in Kentucky, but one is quite famous and can be found in gorgeous Kentucky Lake. The Rock Quarry, also known as Party Cove, is the perfect spot to escape to in the summer of 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Chaney’s Dairy Barn - Bowling Green
Facebook/Chaney’s Dairy Barn If you love ice cream (who doesn’t?), then Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green may be your favorite spot in 2018. Not only do they serve incredibly fresh and delicious ice cream, but the rest of their menu is tasty and the attached playground and surrounding farmland are both idyllic. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- One Hike, Two Waterfalls near Corbin, Kentucky
Flickr/Jim Bauer Surely you’ve heard of Cumberland Falls and hopefully even Eagle Falls. But did you know that you can enjoy one hiking trail and see both epic waterfalls? Cross this Kentucky Bucket List item off this year on one of the best trails in the state. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- Harper’s Restaurant - Scottsville
TripAdvisor/OldOldBob Are you aware that Kentucky is home to some of the best fried catfish in the country? If you’ve been to Harper’s Restaurant in Scottsville, then this won’t surprise you. This legendary hole-in-the-wall restaurant is definitely worthy of a visit in 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- The Kentucky Castle - Versailles
The Kentucky Castle You can feel like a royal in 2018 at Kentucky’s very own castle in Versailles. The Kentucky Castle is a hotel, restaurant, and event space and is majestically awaiting your visit in the new year. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- MozzaPi - Louisville
Facebook/MozzaPi Have you enjoyed the scrumptious food and stunning atmosphere at MozzaPi in Louisville yet? If not, then get ready for a memorable meal in 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
- John James Audubon State Park - Henderson
Facebook/John James Audubon State Park All of Kentucky’s state parks are worth a visit but in 2018, how about visiting one that will transport you into a fairy tale? John James Audubon State Park is naturally beautiful and has plenty to offer. For more information, check out our previous article here.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg of places to visit in Kentucky! What does your list look like for the new year? Do we have any in common? Share your must-see in 2018 list with us in the comments!
Facebook/Ferrell’s Snappy Service
2017 was a big year for Hopkinsville with the Solar Eclipse, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit this small Kentucky town in 2018. If you have yet to try the legendary Ferrell’s Hamburgers, then let this be the year you treat your tastebuds. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Facebook/Bluegrass Railroad Museum
Just outside of Lexington is the charming Bluegrass Railroad Museum where you can hop aboard a historic train for a ride through the countryside. This is a unique ride through beautiful scenery that would make a great day trip in 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Eugenia Jones
This lovely area of McCreary County now boasts a brand new swinging bridge that makes the perfect little side trip when in the area. There are so many outdoor adventures to have in this part of Kentucky, and make sure this bridge is at the top of your list! For more information, check out our previous article here.
Facebook/Kentucky Derby Festival
Kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival in 2018 with BalloonFest which will begin on April 26th in 2018. Every Kentuckian has a right to celebrate this festive time of year in the Bluegrass State, and viewing magical hot air balloons is a great way to do it. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Harold Jerrell
Kentucky’s very first state park is still one of the most stunning places in our state. The town of Pineville and the park itself should be visited by every Kentuckian at least once, so why not in 2018? For more information, check out our previous article here.
Kevin Gass
There are many incredible swimming holes in Kentucky, but one is quite famous and can be found in gorgeous Kentucky Lake. The Rock Quarry, also known as Party Cove, is the perfect spot to escape to in the summer of 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Facebook/Chaney’s Dairy Barn
If you love ice cream (who doesn’t?), then Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green may be your favorite spot in 2018. Not only do they serve incredibly fresh and delicious ice cream, but the rest of their menu is tasty and the attached playground and surrounding farmland are both idyllic. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Flickr/Jim Bauer
Surely you’ve heard of Cumberland Falls and hopefully even Eagle Falls. But did you know that you can enjoy one hiking trail and see both epic waterfalls? Cross this Kentucky Bucket List item off this year on one of the best trails in the state. For more information, check out our previous article here.
TripAdvisor/OldOldBob
Are you aware that Kentucky is home to some of the best fried catfish in the country? If you’ve been to Harper’s Restaurant in Scottsville, then this won’t surprise you. This legendary hole-in-the-wall restaurant is definitely worthy of a visit in 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
The Kentucky Castle
You can feel like a royal in 2018 at Kentucky’s very own castle in Versailles. The Kentucky Castle is a hotel, restaurant, and event space and is majestically awaiting your visit in the new year. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Facebook/MozzaPi
Have you enjoyed the scrumptious food and stunning atmosphere at MozzaPi in Louisville yet? If not, then get ready for a memorable meal in 2018. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Facebook/John James Audubon State Park
All of Kentucky’s state parks are worth a visit but in 2018, how about visiting one that will transport you into a fairy tale? John James Audubon State Park is naturally beautiful and has plenty to offer. For more information, check out our previous article here.
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