It’s a special thrill to see other people recognize the beautiful small towns in Kentucky. I’ve always been over-the-top in love with these extra-friendly, extra-lovely, extra-special towns and now it’s obvious I’m not the only one. Far from it!

Rand McNally and USA TODAY partnered to compile a list of the top small towns in Kentucky. Individuals were asked to vote for the following factors:

• friendliness
• food
• beauty

The Kentucky Small towns to make the list (along with their ranking) were: Murray (#4), Bardstown (#3), and Danville (#2).  Danville was ranked the most beautiful town in all of America in 2012.

While we’re always proud of our larger cities such as Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, and Bowling Green, this is a great reminder that Kentuckians can be just as proud of their small towns.

The three small towns that made the list (all in the top 5, thank you very much) are all incredibly deserving of the recognition. What’s mind-boggling to think of is the fact that we have EVEN more small towns that could have just as easily made the list.

Two That Came Immediately To Mind Are:

• Grand Rivers, Kentucky is one of the most beautiful places in all of Kentucky – as well as the country! This lovely little village lies between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.  You can, literally, put your toes in Kentucky Lake, then put on your favorite walking shoes and walk to the other side of town, take off your shoes and put your toes in Lake Barkley.  It’s not a small walk, mind you, but we’ve done it more than once. The town is beautiful, uncommonly friendly, and… as for food… Grand Rivers is home to one of the most popular and celebrated restaurants in all of Kentucky, Patti’s Settlement. Even more impressive (kidding… well, sort of) is the fact that Grand Rivers is home to one of my favorite places in all the world for breakfast and/or lunch – Docker’s Bayside Grille.  While it doesn’t qualify, I suppose, as a restaurant, The Fudge Factory in Grand Rivers DOES have some of the best homemade fudge you’ve ever put in your mouth. If, you know, you’re into that sort of thing.  In addition to great food, big beautiful lakes, homemade fudge, antiques, and shopping, Grand Rivers also has Kentucky’s version of Branson, Missouri with their unbelievably talented Grand Rivers Variety shows.
• Greenville, Kentucky is another small town that could have easily landed on the list. The people couldn’t be any friendlier. One day my husband and I were having lunch at My Friend’s Place (an adorable 50’s Diner with AMAZING food). An older couple were eating at a nearby booth and talked with us like they’d known us all their life. After about 10 minutes, I felt like we had.  Philly’s is another Greenville restaurant that’ll blow your mind.  The restaurant, itself, is gorgeous, and the food is just ridiculous. Greenville is more than just friendly people and great food though (but it does excel in both). Located in the rolling, tree-covered hills of Western Kentucky, Greenville is an especially lovely small town.  Read more about events in Greenville, historic sites, and more on Tour Greenville.  Better yet, plan a trip to the quintessential small Kentucky town – and, whatever you do, have lunch at My Friend’s Place and dinner at Philly’s.  You will not regret either.

Aurora, Benton, Calvert City, Somerset, Morganfield… we simply have too many wonderful small towns to talk about in one sitting!