Those of us who are lucky enough to call the Bluegrass home know Kentucky is easily the most underrated state in the country. It’s true. Kentucky is world-renowned for its bourbon distilleries, horse racing, and national parks. We’re also home to some of the most iconic attractions, unique accommodations, and beautiful destinations in the South, and we are quickly becoming a formidable player in the culinary arena. And on top of it all, we have some of the best small towns in the country; places that are irresistibly charming and effortlessly cool. This is epitomized by little locales like Stanford, a town in central Kentucky that’s quite possibly the most unexpectedly cool city in the Bluegrass State.
When it comes to charming small towns, Kentucky boasts an embarrassment of riches.
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road/Facebook
Close your eyes and point at a map of the Bluegrass State, and you’re bound to land on a big city or little locale that’s absolutely adorable.
Stanford-Lincoln County Tourism/Facebook
But there’s a small town in central Kentucky that truly takes the cake in terms of charm… and it’s also completely, effortlessly, irresistibly cool, too!
Stanford-Lincoln County Tourism/Facebook
This is Stanford, Kentucky, a small town with a population of just over 3,600. Don’t let its diminutive size deter you, however; Stanford is big on attractions and beauty, and it’s also secretly one of the coolest places in Kentucky.
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road/Facebook
For starters, the food scene in Stanford is second to none.
The Bluebird/Facebook Bluebird, 202 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Amazing eateries anchor the downtown district, with The Bluebird leading the way. This is the future of Kentucky cuisine – it’s elevated-yet-homey classic Southern comfort food. (This spin on the Nashville hot chicken sandwich? We’re here for it.)
The Bluebird/Facebook Bluebird, 202 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Historic sites and attractions abound in Stanford, too; these are under-the-radar gems with incredible historical significance. One of the town’s most notable spots, the Isaac Shelby State Historic Site, contains the cemetery of Kentucky’s first and fifth governor, Isaac Shelby, and his family. Shelby once called this area, “the most beautiful land he had ever seen” – and indeed, it’s a perfect slice of the Bluegrass.
DJ B/Google Local Isaac Shelby State Historic Site, 6725 KY-300, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
The William Whitley House Historic Site is another local gem; built in 1794, it was the first brick home and circular racetrack built west of the Alleghany Mountains. Dubbed the “Guardian of Wilderness Road,” this house was a gathering spot for legendary Kentuckians like George Rogers Clark and Daniel Boone, and is colloquially referred to as “the beginning of horse racing in Kentucky” – which is pretty darn significant, if you ask us.
Kentucky State Parks William Whitley House State Historic Site, William Whitley House State Shrine, 625 William Whitley Rd, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
You can stay in a piece of state history, too, at one of the well-appointed accommodations at the Stanford Inn. Choose from a variety of charming cottages and guests houses in the downtown district, and be prepared to be totally, wholly charmed.
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road/Facebook (Also - in classic Southern fashion, The Stanford Inn has a blue painted porch ceiling!) The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road, 207 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
There’s also an undeniable small-town spirit in Stanford that’s totally infectious. Between the seasonal farmer’s market, local festivals, and annual events (like the summer drive-in theatre), Stanford is peak Hallmark movie small-town vibes.
Stanford-Lincoln County Tourism/Facebook
Wandering around the Stanford business district with live bluegrass as your soundtrack? Does it get any more idyllic… or Kentucky? We think not.
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road/Facebook
The secret’s out, Stanford: we see how charming and cool you are, and anyone who visits will undoubtedly agree!
Kentucky Soaps and Such/Facebook Kentucky Soaps & Such, 203 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Have you ever visited Stanford, Kentucky, before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience — and your must-visit sites in town!
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road/Facebook
Stanford-Lincoln County Tourism/Facebook
The Bluebird/Facebook
Bluebird, 202 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
DJ B/Google Local
Isaac Shelby State Historic Site, 6725 KY-300, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Kentucky State Parks
William Whitley House State Historic Site, William Whitley House State Shrine, 625 William Whitley Rd, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
(Also - in classic Southern fashion, The Stanford Inn has a blue painted porch ceiling!)
The Stanford Inn at Wilderness Road, 207 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
Kentucky Soaps and Such/Facebook
Kentucky Soaps & Such, 203 W Main St, Stanford, KY 40484, USA
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Address: Stanford, KY 40484, USA
