The Best Small Town Getaway In Kentucky: Best Things To Do In La Grange
By Megan Todaro|Published July 21, 2023
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Megan Todaro
Author
Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach. Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams.
Visiting Kentucky is always a great idea. Not only does the Bluegrass State offer a wide variety of experiences that cater to every traveler’s desires, but it also is loaded with history. From exploring the majestic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the breathtaking Mammoth Cave National Park to savoring the world-famous bourbon trail, Kentucky provides an unforgettable blend of outdoor adventures, historical treasures, and culinary delights. One of the best ways to see Kentucky for what it truly is, is by exploring the various small towns that pepper the map. One such town that deserves the utmost respect and admiration is La Grange.
La Grange, Kentucky, is a charming small town located in Oldham County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Louisville. As part of the Louisville metropolitan area, it provides residents with both a suburban lifestyle and easy access to the amenities of a larger city. One of the many reasons we love this charming town is for the picturesque and well-preserved historic downtown area, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century. Main Street is lined with quaint shops, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. It’s easy to see why this place was selected for our Small Town Getaways series!
So, what is La Grange known for, you ask? Trains! Perhaps the coolest aspect of this small town is that a train runs smack dab down through the middle of it! As far as things to do in La Grange go, watching these trains sure takes the cake.
For starters, did you know La Grange is nicknamed the Kindness Capital of Kentucky? Home to roughly 8,000 people, the town was named the “Kindness Capital of Kentucky" in 2019. Two young sisters, residents of the town, launched a nationwide “Be Kind” sign campaign which caught the eye of locals, visitors, and people throughout the country.
But outside of kindness, you’ll find today this small town has quite the history, too. The history of La Grange dates back to the late 18th century. The town was founded in 1827 and named after the French estate of the Marquis de Lafayette, who was a Revolutionary War hero and a close friend of George Washington.
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Originally a small farming community, the town grew with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, which facilitated transportation and trade. The town became a major shipping point for agriculture and tobacco products, further boosting its growth and economy.
Throughout the 20th century, the town maintained its small-town charm, preserving many historical buildings and landmarks. Today, it continues to be a vibrant community known for its annual festivals, like the Oldham County Day and the Railroad and Bluegrass Festival, which celebrate its heritage and culture.
The town’s proximity to Louisville has also contributed to its growth, making it a popular residential area for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still having access to urban amenities. Its history and charm make the town an attractive destination for both residents and visitors alike.
How To Get To La Grange
While you might assume that by train is the easiest way to get to La Grange, Kentucky, you’d be mistaken. While up to 30 trains run through the town every day, they are mostly freight and cargo trains. So the best ways to get to this small town are by car or plane.
La Grange is conveniently accessible by car. If you are coming from Louisville, you can take Interstate 71 North and exit at various exits, such as Exit 22, Exit 18, or Exit 17, depending on your specific destination.
If you are flying in from out of state or internationally, the nearest major airport is Louisville International Airport (SDF), also known as Muhammad Ali Airport. You can rent a car from the airport or use ride-sharing services to drive to La Grange, approximately 25-30 minutes away.
First and foremost, having a car maybe be your best bet if you want to explore La Grange as well as a few neighboring towns or cities. Having your own car or renting one is the most convenient way to get around and explore the surrounding areas. The town is easily accessible via Interstate 71, and local roads are well-maintained, making navigating straightforward.
Another great way to get around is on foot! La Grange's historic downtown is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Taking a leisurely stroll through the charming streets is a delightful way to experience the town's unique atmosphere.
Finally, biking is another great way to scoot around town. Some areas may have dedicated bike lanes or shared paths, offering a pleasant and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
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Best Time To Visit La Grange
Activities in La Grange, Kentucky, take place all year long, it doesn’t matter the season or the temperature. Overall, the best time to visit La Grange depends on your interests and the type of experience you seek. Each season has its own unique appeal! But if we had to choose the best time to visit, we’d have to say fall.
Autumn is a very popular time to visit, largely due to the beauty of the foliage colors. You can spend hours walking the downtown area in sweater weather before enjoying outdoor activities, from hiking and apple-picking to various seasonal festivals. Keep an eye out for the La Grange Trackside Market in the downtown area during the fall months, with fresh produce and goods up the wazoo with over 60 arts/crafts vendors.
Another reason to visit in the autumn months is for their ghost tours! The Spirits of La Grange Ghost Tours is a fun way to learn all about the town from a completely different perspective.
If you don’t mind colder temperatures, then winter is another great time to visit because the entire town comes to life with the holiday spirit!
Spending the holidays here is truly magical as everyone seemingly gets in on the fun to indulge in some magic. Taking place the first week of December is Light Up La Grange a festival dedicated to bringing everyone together to light up the town and enjoy a few holiday festivities.
Spring and summer are also great seasons to visit because the weather is nice, and seemingly everyone is out-and-about. Flowers will be in bloom, events will be kicking off, and you can enjoy farmers’ markets, car shows, and so much more.
Make sure to stick around from June to September for Trackside Tunes, which is live concerts in town on the first Friday of the month! The concerts are free and all you need to do is bring your own chair.
Where To Stay In La Grange
There are so many wonderful places to spend the night in La Grange, you’ll have your pick of accommodations. However, if you want to start off with a quintessential bed and breakfast, we recommend visiting Bluegrass Country Estates!
Bluegrass Country Estate, 1226 Bluegrass Pkwy, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
Experience the ultimate getaway at Bluegrass Country Estate B&B, voted number one in Kentucky for amenities. What’s now dubbed a mini resort, you’ll have your pick of things to do. Unwind and indulge in relaxation on the front porch, by the pool, or in the full-screen theater. Join us for fabulous Louisville events, or savor a delicious breakfast in the sunroom. Don't miss the year-round hot tub under the stars.
Bringing a large group? Why not level up the experience with Bourbon Trail VRBO with a pool!
You might never want to leave this rental home once you see what’s inside. This four-bedroom house is beautifully decorated, but also offers access to the in-ground pool, fire pit, speakeasy, and hot tub. Sounds like the perfect getaway!
This small family-run business specializes in artisan roasted coffees from around the world. Grab a coffee as you like it, and watch them grind the beans in-house! Make sure to snag a fresh scone, too, before heading on.
Next up (as long as the weather’s right), we’re heading to one of the best hidden gem places in Kentucky - the FRP-LaGrange Quarry.
FRP LaGrange Quarry “The Quarry”, 2201 Fendley Mill Rd, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
Make sure to bring your bathing suit for this one. Open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, this privately owned has been a beloved spot to cool off for locals and tourists alike. There is a fee for admission, so make sure you plan in advance. This spot is also for adults only, so keep that in mind!
We’re going to head over to the La Grange Railroad Museum to learn a little bit more about this charming town.
La Grange Railroad Museum & Learning Center, 412 E Main St, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
The museum is a historical gem housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century station. The museum showcases exhibits and artifacts that highlight the town's rich railroad heritage, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Are you hungry yet? We’re going to swing by the delicious hometown steakhouse Cattleman’s Roadhouse.
Cattleman's RoadHouse, 240 Champion Way, Georgetown, KY 40324, USA
If you’re looking for high-quality cuts of meat grilled to pure perfection, this is the place to go. It’s not only just scrumptious steaks, though. You’ll also find a mouthwatering selection of ribs, burgers, seafood, and tons of sides. The restaurant's rustic decor and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming ambiance that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Ready to call it a night? Not so fast. We’ve got a drive-in movie to watch! Let's make our way over to the Sauerbeck Family Drive-In.
Sauerbeck Family Drive In, 3210 D.W. Griffith Ln, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
Sauerbeck Family Drive-In is a little piece of nostalgia that fits right in here in Kentucky. The theater offers shows starting after dusk, seven days a week. With room for 400 cars, you’ll almost always have a place to park. Admission fees do range between new releases and retro pricing.
Day Two – It’s All About Main Street!
Start your day with some incredibly inventive donuts from Dough Baby Donuts.
This family-run donut shop is a hometown favorite, offering up delicious coffee paired with creative donuts. Plus, depending on the season you visit, the flavors and toppings change!
We’re going to spend the day downtown shopping and exploring. Plus, let’s make sure to catch the train coming through!
The downtown scene exudes small-town charm with historic buildings, quaint shops, and delightful eateries lining its picturesque Main Street. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, browse unique boutiques, and savor local flavors in this charming district.
Make sure to stop by La Grange Springs Park with the kids if you’re looking for some fun in the sun.
La Grange Springs Park, 110 S 2nd Ave, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
The restaurant's menu features a range of mouthwatering dishes, including classic American comfort food, pub fare, and southern-inspired delights. From juicy burgers and crispy wings to delectable appetizers and entrees, there's something for everyone to savor.
Want to see if the train is coming through the town? You can by checking out the Virtual Railfan live train cam! How cool is that?!
It was fun being your La Grange travel guide, but are you ready to explore it for yourself?! What were your favorite attractions we outlined above? Hopefully, we’ve offered enough options for you to enjoy a memorable weekend in this charming town.
Beckoning travelers to enjoy timeless allure, railroad history, world-renowned bourbon, and more, this is a weekend away that you’ll never forget. With a distinctive blend of small-town charm and modern delights, a day trip to La Grange might not cut it. Who’s ready for a week away?
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