There are so many wonderful small towns to explore in Kentucky, but none quite as marvelous as Maysville. This town of 8,500 is peak small-town vibes, with a picture-perfect downtown district offering visitors not only amazing shops and eateries, but also a crash course in Bluegrass history. Truly — if you are curious about history, you’ll find it around every corner in Maysville, making it one of America’s best hidden gems for a weekend getaway in Kentucky.
Located on the Ohio River about an hour northeast of Lexington, Maysville is a treasure of a town that’s sure to charm and enchant you. Beautiful and historic, Maysville might just be the best-kept secret in the Bluegrass State.
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook
Its location on the water has shaped Maysville into the town it is today. While, of course, the water provides beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities, the Ohio River was crucial in its role during the Civil War.
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook
Because of its proximity to the Ohio River, the town was close to several Underground Railroad operatives, including the historic Bierbower home. This site was once a safe house where enslaved people hid beneath the floor boards for safety; today, it’s home to the National Underground Railroad Museum, a must-visit museum in Maysville.
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook National Underground Railroad Museum, 38 W 4th St, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
History is on full display in Maysville, in fact, most notably in the downtown. Originally named Limestone, Maysville was first settled by frontiersman Simon Kenton in 1775, who fought in the American Revolution.
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By 1786, pioneer John May had purchased land at Limestone and frontiersman Daniel Boone established a trading post and tavern there. In 1787, Limestone was officially incorporated as Maysville (after May), and statues of both Bluegrass founding fathers can be admired in the town square.
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Of course, it’s not all towering monoliths in town. For those looking for a miniature history lesson, the KY Gateway Museum Center is a delight. Home to the world’s largest private collection of museum-quality 1/12 scale miniatures, it’s one of the most marvelous hidden gems in Kentucky.
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, 215 Sutton St, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
For those enchanted by covered bridges, nearly half of the 13 remaining covered bridges in the Bluegrass are within 26 miles of Maysville, including Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, which hails from 1867!
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, KY-158, Hillsboro, KY 41049, USA
Bourbon buffs have a lot to celebrate in Maysville, too, with The Old Pogue Distillery transporting visitors back to the heyday of bourbon making in Mason County, Kentucky. Tours are available and are a wonderful way to soak up Kentucky bourbon culture!
Voicesearch.travel/Google Local The Old Pogue Distillery, 705 Germantown Rd, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
Of course, you certainly won’t go hungry during your weekend in Maysville, Kentucky. The town is full of local restaurants and casual dining spots, with Delite’s a fan favorite known for putting together a killer burger and fries.
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook Delite’s, 222 Market St #1130, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
Maysville is a delightful blend of old and new, with stately homes lining the streets and local businesses filling the historic storefronts downtown. It’s a place that might just sweep you off your feet, in the very best and most magical, wonderful way… kind of like Kentucky!
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Have you ever taken a weekend getaway in Maysville, Kentucky? This Bluegrass treasure is just waiting to be explored… and enjoyed!
Visit Maysville KY/Facebook
National Underground Railroad Museum, 38 W 4th St, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, 215 Sutton St, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, KY-158, Hillsboro, KY 41049, USA
Voicesearch.travel/Google Local
The Old Pogue Distillery, 705 Germantown Rd, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
Delite’s, 222 Market St #1130, Maysville, KY 41056, USA
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