While Kentucky’s made a name for itself worldwide through its famous chicken, there’s a lot more to this state than just poultry.
In the Deep South of the United States, there’s so much to love: rolling hills, country accents, down-home hospitality, and warmth in both the people and the weather.
For your next romantic getaway, whether you’re already living in Kentucky or simply visiting, try one of these glorious destinations. Of all there is to choose from, we’ve come up with the top 15 places for love birds in the wonderful state of Kentucky.
1. The Ashley Inn
The Ashley Inn is more than merely another Bed & Breakfast. Elegance and charm exude from every square foot of this red-brick mansion.
As you pull up to the property, you and your loved one will immediately be astounded by the impeccable gardens and lawns leading up to the mansion. And once you enter, warm lighting and soft orange and peach colors welcome you into the homey and utterly charming location.
Choose between five different guest bedrooms, each adorned in Southern sophistication. For an extra special romantic getaway, consider claiming the Veranda Suite. This private suite is set across the English Courtyard from the main house, ensuring complete seclusion and quiet.
2. The Campbell House
At the Campbell House in Lexington, Kentucky, you and your loved one will truly have your cake and eat it too. Though the traditional Colonial-style giant is a residential estate, it’s actually owned by Hilton. Therefore, guests can relish the charm and unique flare of staying in an authentic Southern Inn without having to forfeit any of the modern luxuries of a world-class hotel.
The Campbell House proudly embraces its identity in the heart of house country. As you explore the House, you’ll find equestrian themed décor throughout, including an impressive statue of a thoroughbred at the entrance.
Nearby, famous horse race tracks abound for the ultimate Kentucky Derby experience. Or if that’s not your thing, there are also many historic distilleries, festivals, and of course downtown Lexington itself to venture into.
Take advantage of Kentucky’s highlights with Campbell House’s “Brewgrass Trail Package,” where you and your loved one can join a tour through Lexington’s craft breweries. Or try the “Bourbon Trail Package” to discover Kentucky Bourbon at its finest.
3. A Storybook Inn
A Storybook Inn makes for a quintessentially storybook romantic getaway. This majestic inn circa 1838 showcases period art and antiques, but is completely restored with modern finishes.
Choose from an array of vintage-styled guest rooms at the Storybook. Each one puts you right in the Old South, full of rich design and historic furnishings. In the “My Fair Lady” suite, you and your loved one can breathe easily with the bright and airy feel of the room that overlooks the Inn’s garden. In the “Gone with the Wind” suite, you’ll be surrounded in deep scarlet and mahogany.
And in the morning, start your day with a delicious homemade breakfast in the Storybook’s 50-foot glass Conservatory. Slice into warm Lemon Waffles or Puff Pastry Quiches. You’ll also find Blackberry Breakfast Pudding and Amaretto French Toast at this charming getaway.
4. The Brown Hotel
Discover Kentucky glamour at the Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville (pronounced by natives as “Lew-vull”). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recently a recipient of the coveted AAA Four Diamond rating, the Brown Hotel rightfully declares itself a Louisville legend.
Come experience the charm with your loved one on your next weekend away. Admire the beautiful chandeliers and hand-polished Spanish marble carvings throughout all shared spaces of the Brown. Lose yourself in the Egyptian cotton linens and goose-down comforters of your guest room.
At this Southern belle, couples will live in high class and feel like they, too, come from old Southern money, even if just for a weekend.
5. Montgomery Inn
Just as the owners say it themselves, this place is “quirky, charming, fun!” The quiet Montgomery Inn offers couples a very pleasant environment for them to reconnect with each other on any getaway.
During the day, get out into nature and explore. Maybe you and your partner want to see the wooded trails by horseback. Or perhaps you’d like to venture deep into Mammoth Cave, an enormous cave underneath Kentucky’s 80-square-mile National Park. More than 365 miles of the cave have been mapped, but no one truly knows how expansive it is.
If neither of these outdoorsy activities appeal to you, there’s always the Kentucky classics right out your doorstep: bourbon distilleries, craft breweries, and plenty of horse tracks.
6. The Corner House
In the Kentucky heartland, a relaxing stay awaits you. Stop by the Corner House, a Victorian-style Bed & Breakfast, for your next romantic getaway.
This destination was established in 1911 by the Soper family. The original hardwood floors and traditional architecture make the Corner House a whimsical homage to the bygone era of Kentucky’s past.
For extra privacy on your romantic weekend away, reserve your stay in the Cottage. Slightly off the path from the main house, this cozy retreat features a private backyard, grill, while still being close enough to grab a delicious homemade breakfast every morning.
7. Snug Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast
At the Snug Hollow, guests are invited to get a taste of Appalachia. This organic farm nestled in the crux of the Appalachian Mountains welcomes all to a peaceful and rejuvenating oasis away from reality.
Surround yourself in Southern comfort in this authentic log cabin with wrap-around porches overlooking lush greenery and running waters. Unwind with a book from the library on-site in the Snug Hollow’s sunroom, or cozy up by the fire with your loved one.
And true to farm tradition, this Bed & Breakfast serves fresh and beautifully composed vegetarian meals from its own garden. Peel apart the warm rosemary braided bread and sip on a fresh fruit smoothie in the morning. And for later, innkeeper Barbara will even pack a picnic for couples to stay fueled while they explore the area.
8. Green Turtle Bay Resort
Green Turtle Bay in Western Kentucky gives travelers the feeling of living on the coast when they are in fact very deeply inland. Watch the sun set over the water with iconic boats reaching up from the reflections on the water from this beautiful destination. And at Green Turtle Bay, there’s only one place you need to stay: the Green Turtle Bay Resort.
For boat lovers and enthusiasts caught in the Midwest, this is a perfect oasis. Rent a boat or dock your own at the marina after a full day of sailing and water activities. And when you’re ready to unwind, head over to the resort’s spa for some pampering.
9. The 21 c Museum Hotel
In downtown Louisville, this hotel boasts a sleek and modern vibe, far from any stereotypes about the South. In fact, its slogan is “Come Sleep with Us.” And that’s not all that’s eye-catching. The 21 c is actually a boutique hotel inside a contemporary art museum, where all exhibits are meant to shock, inspire, and intrigue.
During the day, you and your special someone can explore the museum and all of its unique displays. And when you start to get hungry, 21 c’s restaurant, Proof on Main, is right there to serve you a gourmet meal. If you like catfish, you’ll love the Smoked Kentucky Catfish Dip. And then at night, draw the blinds in your plush, luxurious room.
10. The Old Hashienda
This country abode showcases the old-time rural Kentucky in all its glory. Recently converted from a historic building dating back to the early nineteenth century, the Old Hashienda is a very unique experience for couples to get away into rustic romance.
The Old Hashienda is centered right in the middle of small town, Rabbit Hash. Depending on the time of year you and your loved one visit this county oasis, you can catch live music from your own porch or have a hootin’ and hollerin’ time at Kentucky’s famous barn dances right across the street.
At this adventurous destination, you and your loved one can hide away from the big city life and enjoy your time by the authentic wood-burning stove in your humble retreat.
11. Southern Grace Bed & Breakfast
Just as the name suggests, this gem features true Southern charm in harmony with casual elegance. This peaceful oasis sits atop a hill surrounded by rolling Kentucky farmlands and charming gardens. And with a Five-Star rating, you know you’ll be doused in luxury at the Southern Grace.
To give couples the ultimate getaway experience, the Southern Grace features many package deals. Try the simple “Picnic Basket for Two,” where the innkeepers will pack you and your loved one a fresh lunch prepared with love. Or if you’re craving some pampering, consider upgrading to the “Massage” package that comes with a massage either poolside or in your guest room. For the utmost in romance, get a special package that includes a whirlpool tub complete with rose petals, bubble bath, and candles, as well as a dozen fresh roses, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
12. The Cliffview Resort
Escape from the chaos and stress of your everyday life at this woodland oasis in secluded Eastern Kentucky. Situated right along the Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest, the Cliffview Resort is really a getaway in every sense of the word.
Go ziplining with your significant other to get the adrenaline pumping. Try rock climbing, canoeing, horseback riding, or bicycling as well, right outside the Cliffview’s doors. And when you’re ready to relax your muscles, head back to the resort for a hot tub session.
13. The Galt House Hotel
Step into style when you bring your loved one to the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Family owned and operated, this exquisite hotel gives you the highest quality of services for your getaway in the city. And since it’s the only waterfront hotel in all of Louisville, the Galt House truly has a charm unlike any of its competitors.
To add even more passion to your getaway, upgrade to the “Romance in Louisville” package, including a bottle of champagne delivered to your room, breakfast for two in the hotel’s restaurant or delivered to your room, and a late check-out.
14. Wigwam Village
The Wigwam Village #2 will undoubtedly give you and your special someone a romantic getaway you’ll never forget. Each guest room is a free-standing teepee as authentic as the ones in Native American reservations themselves.
Since each teepee is styled in legitimate Native American-themed décor, you’ll really feel like you’ve crossed cultural boundaries during your stay at the Wigwam. And whenever you’ve had enough of your teepee, you can venture out to the picnic area with grills and wide open spaces.
15. Historic Maple Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast
In Kentucky, they love to throw around the word “Antebellum” constantly. It’s just a fancy word for pre-war, mainly referring to the American Civil War. And as far as pre-Antebellum landmarks go, the Historic Maple Hill Manor takes the lead, as it has been deemed “The Best Preserved Antebellum Home in the Commonwealth.”
Luxuriate in this 7,000 square-foot mansion, where your guest room is guaranteed to come with a wood-burning fireplace. And for an added touch, you can request a room with a whirlpool tub for two.
And that’s not all! This place is actually a working alpaca and llama farm. You and your loved one can grab some souvenirs made of genuine alpaca and llama fur at the B&B’s very own gift shop. Bring home an alpaca teddy bear to remember your sweet times at the Maple Hill. Or grab a poncho made of alpaca fur to cozy up to on those cold, winter nights.
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