Berea, Kentucky

Cradled in the foothills of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Berea is a town with a deep soul and the artwork to prove it. Undoubtedly the beating heart of the folk arts and crafts scene in Kentucky, it’s also home to more than 8,400 acres of closed canopy forest and a well-maintained trail system. Designated as one of Kentucky’s Trail Towns, which are billed as a "home base for outdoor expeditions," Berea is full of festivals, trails, parks, and performances.

Start planning your journey and get a taste of the wonder and variety that makes Berea a rare treasure of the Bluegrass. Browse handmade jewelry, fabric, galleries, glass studios and boutiques at Artisan Village, and see the depth of Kentucky’s creativity on display at the Kentucky Artisan Center. A dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can immerse themselves in nature on the “best hike in Kentucky” at the Pinnacles, biking trails, kayaking at Owsley Fork and a 9-hole golf course at the Berea Country Club. Prefer something a little less strenuous? Try the Stephenson Memorial and Berea City Park. Visitors can also explore the city's rich history of educational and social progress with a visit to the campus of Berea College, the first interracial and coeducational institution in the south.

A day of Kentucky exploration is sure to work up an appetite, so from newly renovated historic buildings to one-of-a-kind dining you’ll find a brand new crop of fine eating establishments to choose from. And as any local will tell you, a visit to Berea is simply not complete without visiting the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, originally opened in 1909. Come on out and see what makes Berea the arts and cultural hub of the Bluegrass region.