Love arts, Appalachian heritage, and scenic trails? Discover Berea, Kentucky! Tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Berea is known as the state’s folk arts and crafts capital. Home to Berea College, artisan studios, and lush hiking areas, it’s the perfect spot for creative inspiration and outdoor exploration.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Berea is in spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). Enjoy pleasant weather, vibrant foliage, and seasonal festivals highlighting local art and Appalachian culture.
How to Get There
- By Car: Berea is conveniently located off I-75, about 45 minutes south of Lexington and 2 hours north of Knoxville.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, offering rental cars and regional flights.
- By Bus: Greyhound and other regional bus lines stop in nearby Richmond, KY, with short rideshare connections to Berea.
Where to Stay
- Historic Boone Tavern Hotel – Elegant lodging operated by Berea College students, with Southern charm and a renowned restaurant.
- Creek Side Lodge – Cozy inn with rustic touches and peaceful wooded views near hiking areas.
- Holiday Inn Express Berea – Comfortable, modern stay just off the interstate, with complimentary breakfast.
Top Attractions
⮕ Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Explore local crafts, admire unique handmade artwork and regional specialties.
The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is a unique destination in town that celebrates the artisans of the state through information about Berea and Kentucky in general, demonstrations, events, displays and exhibits, and sales of the arts and crafts created by Kentucky artisans. In addition to the sales and exhibit galleries and travel information area, the Kentucky Artisan Center also includes the Kentucky Artisan Cafe. Located just off of Interstate 75, the 25,000-square-foot center is open to the public seven days a week, from 9:00am until 6:00pm.
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403, Phone: 859-985-5448
⮕ Berea College
Walk through historic grounds, discover a rich tradition of education and culture.
The South’s first coeducational and interracial college, Berea College in Berea, Kentucky is a distinctive institution of higher learning that provides free tuition and a service or campus job to its students. Visitors can take a free tour of the historic campus led by one of the students to visit the Science Center, learn about the area’s history and the college’s commitment to sustainability, see craftsmen at work, and more. Starting at the Visitor Center and Shoppe, tours are scheduled on a seasonal basis and guests can choose from the Eco Tour, Crafts Studio Tour, or the Historic Tour.
Berea College, 101 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40403, Phone: 859-985-3000
Where to Eat
⮕ Boone Tavern Restaurant
Savor Southern cuisine, enjoy fine dining in a historic setting.
The Boone Tavern Restaurant, located at the Boone Tavern Hotel, is a place that embraces Southern hospitality and aims to once again make history. With a history going back more than a century, the tavern now serves fine wines and spirits and beers crafted in Kentucky, which of course including Kentucky bourbons. The restaurant celebrates Boone Tavern and quintessential Kentucky tradition through its flavors and innovative preparations. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Boone Tavern Restaurant uses “Kentucky Proud” and locally grown ingredients, a large portion of which are sourced from the farm owned and operated by Berea College.
Boone Tavern Restaurant, 100 S Main St North, Berea, KY 40403, Phone: 800-366-9358
More Places to Eat
- Boone Tavern Restaurant – Southern cuisine with a modern twist, known for spoonbread and college-grown ingredients.
- Noodle Nirvana – Creative, community-minded noodle shop serving globally inspired bowls with local flair.
- Papa Leno’s – Casual Italian eatery offering pizza, pasta, and subs with a cozy downtown vibe.
More things to see and do
- Berea College Crafts – Watch students handcraft woodwork, weaving, and pottery at the college’s artisan centers.
- Berea Pinnacles – Hike to scenic overlooks in the Berea College Forest, with stunning views of the Bluegrass hills.
- Old Town Artisan Village – Browse galleries, watch artists at work, and shop for handmade Kentucky goods.
- Union Church – Historic interdenominational church that reflects Berea’s inclusive spirit and social mission.
Local Events
- Berea Craft Festival (July) – Annual juried arts and crafts festival featuring regional artists, live music, and Appalachian food.
- Festival of Learnshops (Summer) – Hands-on workshops in traditional crafts, music, writing, and more.
- Make It, Take It, Give It (December) – Holiday craft fair with gifts, ornaments, and artisan demonstrations throughout town.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Berea, Kentucky
- Richmond (15–20 min) – Explore historic Battlefield Park, visit EKU campus museums, or stroll the revitalized downtown.
- Paint Lick (10–15 min) – Drive scenic byways, browse local pottery studios, or soak in peaceful farmland views.
- Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant (5–10 min) – Dine on traditional Southern fare, tour historic lodging, or explore local Appalachian art.
- Anglin Falls (20–25 min) – Hike through shaded forests, see seasonal waterfalls, or birdwatch in this serene nature preserve.
- Renfro Valley (25–30 min) – Catch live country music, visit the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, or enjoy nostalgic Americana charm.
- Big Hill (15–20 min) – Take a drive for sweeping ridge views, explore quiet trails, or enjoy peaceful rural escapes.
- Flat Lick Falls (30 min) – Hike to a stunning waterfall, picnic in scenic surroundings, or relax in a quiet forested park.
- Farristown (20–25 min) – Learn about African American heritage, visit community landmarks, or walk nearby nature trails.
- Silver Creek (15–20 min) – Fish or paddle the creek, enjoy wildlife spotting, or take a relaxing walk by the water.
FAQ
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Why is Berea known as the "Arts and Crafts Capital"?
- Often called the “Arts and Crafts Capital,” the town of Berea is best known for its arts festivals and being the home of Berea College.
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What natural attractions can visitors explore in Berea?
- Surrounded by Owsley Park, the Berea Pinnacles, and the Appalachian Mountains, the town is also popular for the natural beauty around it.
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Where can visitors experience arts and crafts in Berea?
- Since Berea is famous for its arts and crafts, no visit would be complete without a stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center, where works by more than 800 Kentucky artisans can be found.
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What outdoor opportunities does Berea College offer?
- If nature is more of an interest, Berea College owns over 7,700 acres of forested land.
Map:
Berea, Kentucky Weather by Month
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip. (in) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 22 | 3.5 | Cold & Snowy |
| February | 45 | 25 | 3.0 | Cold & Snowy |
| March | 55 | 32 | 3.8 | Chilly & Rainy |
| April | 68 | 42 | 3.5 | Mild & Rainy |
| May | 78 | 52 | 3.9 | Pleasant |
| June | 85 | 62 | 4.2 | Warm & Humid |
| July | 88 | 65 | 4.5 | Hot & Humid |
| August | 85 | 63 | 4.1 | Warm & Humid |
| September | 75 | 52 | 3.7 | Mild & Pleasant |
| October | 62 | 40 | 3.2 | Cool & Crisp |
| November | 50 | 30 | 3.5 | Chilly & Rainy |
| December | 40 | 23 | 3.3 | Cold & Snowy |
Plan Your Trip