Sometimes you need to get away, but you don’t have the time or the money for a weeklong vacation at, say, the beach.
Luckily, there are plenty of places within driving distance of Louisville that are worth the trip. From eclectic small towns to big cities bursting with entertainment options.
Here are some we’ve compiled within a five hour drive, with the help of our sister paper, CityBeat in Cincinnati.
Madison, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour
Madison, Indiana sits along the Ohio River and is known for being the country’s largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District. There are tons of tours offered throughout the town: take a tour on a carriage, a walking tour through downtown, even a ghost tour of some particularly spooky spots. Celebrate the arts at any of the music venues in Madison or head over to the arts and culture district. Grab a beer at one of the resident breweries and relax by the river.
Photo via Facebook.com/VisitMadisonIndianaFrench Lick, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour, 15 minutes
In the hills of Southern Indiana, you’ll find a resort that’s the Hoosier state’s answer to the Greenbrier. The West Baden Springs Hotel and the French Lick Resort are historic sister hotels with their own charm: West Baden has a grand atrium, a world class spa and a championship-level golf course while French Lick contains a Vegas-style casino, a bowling alley and has horseback riding on site. You can also explore the nearby Wilstem Wildlife Park that hosts grizzly bears, elephants and giraffes, or take the kids to the Big Splash Adventure Hotel & Indoor Water Park. The nearby towns of Orleans and Paoli are host to their own attractions: In the winter, head to Paoli Peaks for snowboarding, skiing and tubing and in the spring, you can visit Orleans for the Annual Dogwood Festival.
Photo via visitfrenchllickwestbaden.comCarbondale, Illinois
Distance: 3 hours, 40 minutes
You can now go on a weedcation to Illinois, thanks to the legalization of recreational marijuana there. Carbondale is a university town, home to the Consume Cannabis dispensary and is near a couple 420-friendly AirBnBs. Its Boo Castle Park is a trippy stop: a private park open to the public with sculptures of wizards and dragons. The town is also surrounded by natural beauty, including Giant City State Park and its interesting rock formations, as well as Kincaid Lake. In Makandale, Illinois, the nearby “hippie town,” you’ll find the eclectic Rainmaker Art Studio and a collection of vacation rentals that look like Hobbit homes at Rocky Comfort Cabins.
Photo via Ruhe1986, Creative CommonsBerea, Kentucky
Distance: 1 hour, 44 minutes
Berea is the “official art and craft capital of Kentucky,” according to the Kentucky Arts Council. You can soak up Berea’s artsy culture along North Broadway and Chestnut Street, which contains several galleries and shops — some of which invite you in to watch the resident artists at work. There are arts festivals, too, of course, with the biggest being the Berea Craft Festival in July. Nearby, you can visit The Pinnacles, which was named the best hike in Kentucky in 2019 by Outside magazine, for its “sweeping overlooks.” For dining, Berea is lucky to have local restaurateur Mae Suramek, who owns several must-visit stops for foodies: Noodle Nirvana (a socially conscious build-your-own noodle shop) Happy Jack’s World Sandwich Bar and the craft donut shop Hole & Corner Donuts. You can lay your head down at the 100+-year-old Boone Tavern Hotel, Berea’s grandest and most historic lodging option, or check out HomeGrown HideAways which has a campsite, yurts and tree houses.
Photo via facebook.com/BereaKYSanta Claus, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour, 14 minutes
It’s Christmas all the time in Santa Claus, Indiana. With a name like that, you know the town has to be fun: It’s home to Holiday World, an amusement park that has an impressive wooden roller coaster collection, an award-winning water park and free drinks. To keep the holiday theme going, you can visit the town’s famous Christmas shops, including the Santa’s Toys store or Santa’s Candy Castle. Nearby, you’ll also find some decidedly-not holiday related sites worth seeing, including Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood homestead, which features reenactors, or the Saint Meinard Archabbey where Benedictine monks live (and which is open to tours.)
Photo via santaclausind.orgCumberland Gap National Historical Park
Distance: 3 hours, 19 minutes
Enjoy Appalachian Mountain views without crowds at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which is claimed by three states: Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. There are over 80 miles of hiking trails in the park with “scenic vistas” and “cascading waterfalls”. Nearby is the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum for the history buffs. For an even more hidden treasure, Kentucky’s Pine Mountain State Resort Park is only 20 minutes away, which has — in addition to scenic hikes — an 18-hole golf course, lodge and an amphitheater.
Photo via J654567, WikimediaBardstown, Kentucky
Distance: 50 minutes
If you want the bourbon options of Louisville but in a small town setting, Bardstown, Kentucky is your place. Named the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by USA Today, the city is home to 11 distilleries that will more than take up your weekend. You can also catch a ride on the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train for a scenic trip through the Kentucky countryside enjoyed with a four-course meal. Or, in the summer, stop in for a showing of “The Stephen Foster Story,” a Broadway-style musical about “the father of American Music,’ who penned “Oh Susanna!” And “Camptown Races.”
Photo via visitbardstown.comNashville, Tennessee
Distance: 2 hours, 50 minutes
There’s always Nashville. Music City has become a traveling destination for vacationers across the country. It’s a haven for Southern foodies in the mood for barbecue and hot chicken, music lovers who will appreciate the talented acts stationed at every bar or event you attend, and bachelorette parties, drawn by the party scene. Here are some suggestions for what to visit when you’re in town: the legendary Grand Ole Opry (of course), Hatch Show Print (one of America’s oldest working letterpress poster shops), Jack White’s Third Man Records and the National Museum of African American Music.
Photo via Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.Hohenwald,Tennessee
Distance: 4 hours
After hitting Nashville, take the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway to Hohenwald, Tennessee, where you’ll find the Natchez Trace Wine Trail, the site of explorer Meriwether Lewis’ mysterious death and the country’s largest sanctuary designed specifically for elephants.
Photo via facebook.com/ElephantSanctuaryTNIndiana Dunes National Park
Distance: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Knock a national park off your list by visiting the Indiana Dunes. A day at this sandy nature oasis is indistinguishable from a trip to the seaside, save for the decidedly not salty water. It’s also a fun vacation in the winter, when you’ll get to see it in its frozen splendor. The park is also just a train ride away from Chicago, which has plenty to do. Photo via NPS / K. GeorgeNashville, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour, 25 minutes
If you don’t want to drive all the way to Tennessee, there is a Nashville much closer that’s still full of music and adventure. Head out to Nashville, Indiana where you can bike, hike (at Brown County State Park), learn to line dance, take horse-drawn tours of the historic area and drink at plenty of local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Watch live music at the historic Brown County Playhouse or enjoy some of the beautiful artwork scattered around town.
Photo via facebook.com/ILoveBrownCountyColumbus, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour, 9 minutes
Columbus, Indiana is known for its architecture and public art with a popular annual festival called Exhibit Columbus that celebrates art and design throughout the community. Take a guided tour of the Miller House, a famed Midcentury Modern home known for its colors, thoughtful design and breathtaking gardens. For some historic architecture, take a tour of the Inn at Irwin Gardens, a 1910 unique Edwardian-era development. Or if you prefer a self-guided tour, download the Downtown Audio tour app that walks you through 18 stops throughout Columbus.
Photo via the Library of CongressYellow Springs, Ohio
Distance: 2 hours, 48 minutes
Yellow Springs is a small town with a ton of recreational activities. There are more than 15 eateries and pubs, many different wineries, bike trails and shops to explore. There’s also Young’s Jersey Dairy farm, which features a restaurant, entertainment venue, miniature golf course, batting cages and delicious homemade ice cream.Photo via facebook.com/YoungsDairyPoint Pleasant, West Virginia
Distance: 3 hours, 48 minutes
Head east to the beautiful town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Stay at the historic Lowe Hotel or spend time in nature by camping at Krodel Park. There is tons of history and mystery to learn about in Point Pleasant. Stop by the Point Pleasant River Museum and Learning Center, or, for something spookier, visit the Mothman Museum and statue. Aspiring cryptozoologists can learn more about the town’s claim to fame: being the hometown of Mothman, a supernatural winged humanoid and harbinger of disaster.
Photo via mothmanmuseum.comKentucky Bourbon Trail
Maker’s Mark Distillery, 3350 Burks Spring Road, Loretto, Kentucky
Distance: 1 hour, 15 minutes
There are now roughly 20 stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail (and more if you add in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour), including Bulleit Distilling in Shelbyville, Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, Woodford Reserve in Versailles and Maker’s Mark in Loretto. Each stop offers tours and tastings of its unique spirits. Bring a Ketuncky Bourbon Trail passport with you to get a stamp at each place you stop.Photo via Maker’s Mark Distillery; D L Flickr, Creative CommonsRipley, Ohio
Distance: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Just over two hours east of Louisville sits a beautiful historic town along the Ohio River. Ripley prides itself on its abolitionist history, and visitors can see historic homes involved with the Underground Railroad. Enjoy a night under the stars at one of Ripley’s four campgrounds or head into town for antiquing, crafting, eating or drinking. If you’d rather sleep inside, stay at a bed and breakfast in town or rent a vacation home to relax and enjoy the water.
Photo via Aesopposea, Creative CommonsRed River Gorge, Kentucky
Distance: 2 hours, 25 minutes
In east central Kentucky, you’ll find the Red River Gorge, where the land is rich with sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, natural bridges and trails that draw in hundreds of hikers and campers every year. The large amount of sandstone has made “the Red” one of the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the world. You also can’t forget to stop by Miguel’s Pizza on Natural Bridge Road while you’re there — a Red River Gorge tradition.
Photo via facebook.com/OfficialRedRiverGorgeMammoth Cave National Park
Distance: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system known in the world (400+ miles to be exact), is just a little over an hour drive south of Louisville. The park offers tours of the caves, hikes, canoeing on the Green River, horseback riding, camping and more. Nearby Cave City is host to other attractions, including Dinosaur World, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, zip lining and kayaking.
Photo via MammothCaveNPSOxford, Ohio
Distance: 2 hours, 20 minutes
You don’t have to be a college student to enjoy a weekend in Oxford, Ohio. Enjoy connecting with nature at one of Oxford’s many nature trails. Hueston Woods State Park and lodge is right nearby for fossil hunting, camping, golfing, fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking. Take a historic walking tour of the uptown business district or take a trip through the beautiful Miami University campus. Go shopping and grab something to eat downtown and try to avoid drunk college kids.
Photo via Tmariemdith, Creative CommonsHocking Hills State Park
Distance: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Hocking Hills State Park has five different sections within the 9,000+ acres of land to explore. Millions of guests embrace the forest year-round by hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and camping on one of the 200 campsites in the area. A must-see is Ash Cave, an out-of-this-world rock formation that just so happens to be the biggest recess cave in the state.
Photo via facebook.com/HockingHillsStateParkRabbit Hash, Kentucky
Distance: 1 hour, 30 minutes
A drive west takes you to Rabbit Hash, known for its historic general store and its series of dog mayors. The Rabbit Hash General Store was known as “the best known and best preserved country store in Kentucky,” until it was destroyed by a fire in 2016, later to be restored and reopened in April 2017.
Photo by Hailey BollingerLake Cumberland
Distance: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Lake Cumberland is a tourist favorite in southern Kentucky. This huge reservoir is the place to be on a warm, sunny day for boating, fishing, jet skiing or just cooling off in the water. There’s also a 18-hole mini golf course. You can stay in a houseboat, cabin, hotel or camp.
Photo via facebook.com/LakeCumberlandKYAsheville, North Carolina
Distance: 5 hours, 41 minutes
A little further of a drive from Louisville is Asheville in western North Carolina, a lively area for the arts, brewery enthusiasts and classic architecture. Located in the state’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, it has become a very popular vacation destination. One of the most popular attractions is the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the country, where there are tours, a museum and a rich history.
Photo via facebook.com/AshevilleLexington, Kentucky
Distance: 1 hours, 20 minutes
Lexington is a fun weekend getaway in the heart of the Bluegrass. Here you’ll find Keeneland Race Track, a beloved Kentucky thoroughbred racing tradition that dates all the way back to 1939. The picturesque grounds are open year-round for tours. Racing takes place in April and October, where visitors can place bets and enjoy a nice Mint Julep. The city also offers more than horses, with great restaurants, bars and distilleries. Just 20 minutes away, you’ll find the Kentucky Castle, which contains a spa, hotel rooms and a farm-to-table restaurant.
Photo via facebook.com/KeenelandHoosier National Forest
Distance: 1 hours, 10 minutes
Just over in south central Indiana is where you can find Hoosier National Forest. The 203,000-acre forest is a great place to hike, camp, ride horses, fish and bike. This massive piece of land has lots of special attractions including Patoka Lake, which is the second largest reservoir in the country.
Photo via facebook.com/HoosierNFCincinnati, Ohio
Distance: 1 hour, 30 minutes
The closest big city to Louisville, Cincinnati has a similar eclectic vibe. Head to the historic Over the Rhine neighborhood for shopping and a bite to eat Findlay Market. Speaking of food, at Jungle Jim’s you’ll find ingredients from around the world at a Walmart-sized store. To cap off all that eating, Rhinegeist Brewery is headquartered in Cincinnati and has a cavernous beer hall to visit. Even near Cincinnati, though, some of the best things are in Kentucky: Head across the river for a trip to the Newport Aquarium.
Photo by Hailey BollingerMaysville, Kentucky
Distance: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Step back in time in Maysville, Kentucky, a small town located along the Ohio River. Celebrate the arts in many different ways in this quaint historic town by enjoying a show at the famed 1889 Washington Opera House. You can head over to the Russell Theater and enjoy an Art Deco experience in a place that once hosted a red carpet event for Rosemary Clooney (whose hometown is Maysville) at the opening of The Stars are Singing. For some history, walk around and discover Underground Railroad sites, or do a tour and tasting at the Old Pogue bourbon distillery, open since 1876.
Photo via facebook.com/cityofmaysvilleMetamora, Indiana
Distance: 2 hours, 10 minutes
This beautiful canal town in Indiana offers an step back in time to the 1800s. Visit the beautiful Metamora Grist Mill, an operational water-power mill that grinds cornmeal and flour which you are able to purchase. Take a ride on the scenic Whitewater Valley Railroad that travels along the canal. There’s also lots of antiquing here.
Photo by Chris Flook, Creative CommonsGatlinburg, Tennessee
Distance: 4 hours, 45 minutes
The wildfires that devastated Gatlinburg in 2016 did no harm to the town’s enthusiastic spirit. Gatlinburg is still full of fun activities and adventures for everyone. There are outdoor activities, family attractions, breweries, live entertainment, art galleries and more. A popular spot is Pigeon Forge, which has go-kart tracks, mini golf, restaurants and Dollywood; Country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park, which has nearly three million visitors every year.
Photo via facebook.com/MyPigeonForgeTNBloomington, Indiana
Distance: 1 hour, 55 min.
Bloomington Indiana is home of the Indiana University main campus, with museums, eateries and shopping. It’s a small city with a free, relaxed vibe, great concerts, festivals and great places to eat and drink. Highly recommend the Trojan Horse and grabbing a donut at Parlour Donuts
Photo via
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