Kentucky
6 Towns In Kentucky That Were Frozen In Time
Kentucky is a southeastern state bordered by the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountains. The state has played a pivotal role in American history, and much of this history can be explored today in the small towns across the landscape. The Bluegrass State has a rich musical legacy that makes up the fabric of many small towns.
The downtown districts embrace the small Southern town spirit with quaint cafes, smiling faces, and historic architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do, such as fishing, hiking, and paddling. Kentucky is famous for its horse racing culture, primarily in the big metropolis of Louisville, but these six towns were seemingly frozen in time and are among the best towns to visit.
Harrodsburg
Harrodsburg is the oldest town in Kentucky and is in the heart of the Bluegrass region. Its most notable point of interest is Old Fort Harrod State Park. The historic park memorializes the first settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and includes a full-scale replica of the fort built in 1774. Other attractions include the Mansion Museum, George Rogers Clark Federal Monument, and the Lincoln Marriage Temple.
The historic downtown is noteworthy for its historic structures, walkable roads, and small-town charm. The Harrodsburg Historical Society on South Chiles Street should be the first stop. Founded in 1908, the center traces the town’s heritage and cultural roots and provides an excellent companion to the downtown sites.
Hodgenville
Hodgenville, at the North Fork of the Nolin River, is famous for being Abraham Lincoln’s home. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace is a National Monument comprised of his Birthplace Unit and the Boyhood Home Unit, among many other historical structures. This unique history is further explored throughout town at the Lincoln Museum and the Statue of Abraham Lincoln, which includes a historical marker.
The community-centric downtown area has lively annual festivals like the Lincoln Jamboree and Lincoln Days. The Lincoln Historic District is a must-see area where you will find town information and tickets for various live events. There is also an abundance of natural attractions, like Salem Lake, for a relaxing day in nature.
Paducah
Paducah is a hallmark water transportation hub known for its many riverboats steaming in and out of the port town. It is also part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for folk and craft arts. The National Quilt Museum opened in 1991, and the annual National Quilt Show is held at the Schroeder Expo Center. The small town also has an incredible array of other cultural attractions.
The Yeiser Art Center, Maiden Alley Cinema and Gallery, and the Carson Center are just a handful of cultural offerings in Paducah. The town’s artistic side is displayed with its public murals throughout. The Mural Art Experience is a fun way to explore the town; online maps with guides are available to learn about each piece. There are 23 exhibits in a tight grouping, perfect for a self-guided walking tour.
Frankfort
Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky and has marvelous government buildings that bring a sense of nostalgia. It is also the home of three famous distilleries: Buffalo Trace, Castle and Key, and Three Boys Farm. Most buildings, like the Old State Capitol Building, are Italianate or Greek Revival architecture from the 19th century. The brick building was constructed in 1829 and was the capital until 1910.
Other prominent downtown structures include the Bibb-Burnley house, where Bibb lettuce was invented, and the Frankfort Union Station. The famed railroad station was in service from the mid-1850s until the 1970s and remains a landmark structure in town. Visitors on a history tour should not miss the Old Mansion, ca. 1797, that served as the governor’s mansion until 1914.
La Grange
Just outside of Louisville, La Grange is known for its train history, including the CSX track that still runs through downtown. The track through the heart of Main Street hauls 23 freight trains a day, which surprises first-time visitors. The historic district offers several quaint inns and cottages for visitors wanting the full experience of this unique town.
The appropriately named Brakeman’s Cottage, built in 1910, provides cozy accommodations for two. Or opt for a quaint bed and breakfast just a short distance from the principal attractions like the Pillow and Paddock or the Bluegrass Country Estate. This is the perfect destination to learn about the significance of the railroad, which helped develop the nation, and for an authentic Southern experience.
London
London, the Cycling Capital of Kentucky, has scenic trails and beautiful nature scenes. It is also a Certified Tree City, which ensures the sanctity of the canopies that provide much of the natural scenery. The close-knit community gathers for several festivals celebrating this quaint town’s history and culture. The World Chicken Festival is hosted here, includes family-fun entertainment, and celebrates the poultry industry that London is known for.
Outdoor adventures include airplane scenic tours, paddling, and historical live reenactments. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to hike the trail Daniel Boone created in 1775 or hike the Wilderness Road, considered the most essential road in Kentucky. The Battle of Camp Wildcat has original Civil War trenches and hosts a live reenactment every October.
The Bluegrass State is known for many things: American history, horse racing, and natural beauty top the list. However, many small towns that are landmarks of Kentucky have been seemingly frozen in time. The historic structures, sites, and cultural points of interest call up an era gone by and shed new light on this beautiful state.
Historic sites like Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and ports that are the fabric of the early transportation industry can be found here. Iconic government buildings in the oldest town present grandeur and awe. These six towns transport visitors to the past in the best possible way and should top any travel itinerary to Kentucky.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Wednesday, June 3, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
06-07-14-21, Cash Ball: 11
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 7-0-9
Midday: 8-9-3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 2-2-9-3
Midday: 7-8-6-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball
14-16-38-55-64, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball Double Play
26-28-31-56-64, Powerball: 13
Millionaire for Life
04-13-32-51-55, Bonus: 04
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Kentucky
Fayette County school board chair, KEA sue to block Kentucky law that would oust current members
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — Fayette County Board of Education Chair Tyler Murphy and the Kentucky Education Association have filed a lawsuit challenging a newly enacted Kentucky law that would overhaul the governance structure of Fayette County Public Schools and force all current board members out of office at the end of 2026.
The lawsuit names the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Fayette County Board of Elections and Fayette County election officials as defendants.
At the center of the legal challenge is Senate Bill 4, which lawmakers passed over Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto earlier this year.
Under the law, the seven-member Fayette County Board of Education would be reduced to five district-based seats, the lawsuit reads. The terms of all current board members would end Dec. 31, 2026, and new elections would be held for the restructured board.
The lawsuit argues the law is unconstitutional and asks the court to block its implementation, including any election-related actions tied to the measure.
Court filings contend the legislation unlawfully targets a single school district and interferes with the terms of duly elected local officials. Plaintiffs also argue the law violates provisions of the Kentucky Constitution governing local elections and public officeholders.
Attorneys included exhibits detailing criticism of Murphy and Fayette County Public Schools leadership from state lawmakers, including a petition seeking Murphy’s removal and a letter from state Sen. Chris McDaniel calling for the resignations of Murphy and Superintendent Demetrus Liggins.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the law is invalid and requests expedited review from the court due to upcoming election deadlines.
No hearing date had been announced as of Wednesday.
The lawsuit comes as Fayette County Public Schools continues to face scrutiny over budgeting decisions, district spending and governance issues that have drawn attention from state lawmakers over the past year.
In a statement, Representative Matt Lockett criticized Murphy as he highlighted what he stated are district failures under Murphy.
“This lawsuit is nothing more than an attempt to distract from the disaster that Fayette County Public Schools is under Tyler Murphy’s leadership as board chair. Under his watch, the district has spiraled into a financial crisis so severe that it is now seeking to borrow up to $110 million simply to keep the lights on and make it through the school year. Students have been failed. Families have been failed. Teachers and staff have been failed. Taxpayers have been failed. And the Lexington community has been left paying the price for years of mismanagement and poor oversight.
Rather than taking responsibility for the district’s financial failures and focusing on what is best for students, he has chosen to file a lawsuit challenging a law that was duly passed by the General Assembly and enacted through the constitutional process. He may be emboldened by recent rulings by activist judges, but there are no legitimate grounds for overturning a duly enacted statute simply because you can’t do the right thing by this community. The General Assembly has both the authority and the responsibility to establish standards for public offices and governance structures across the Commonwealth.
At a time when Fayette County schools are facing unprecedented financial turmoil, the focus should be on accountability, transparency, and fixing the problems that have brought the district to this point. The only filing Fayette County taxpayers should be expecting from Mr. Murphy is his resignation.”
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has been causing fear around the world, and a Lexington doctor is preparing in the event a case is found in Kentucky.
According to the CDC, there have been 49 deaths and over 300 confirmed cases across the two countries, with more suspected cases still being investigated.
UK Healthcare is working to become a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center through the National Special Pathogen System, which would allow the facility to treat Ebola patients in-house.
Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels, an infectious disease physician at UK Healthcare, said the current outbreak is serious, but Kentucky residents are not at significant risk.
“Ebola scares people just because of the mortality, the death rate, associated with it and some of the long term consequences when you do survive. Fortunately, the strain that we’re seeing in Eastern (Democratic Republic of Congo) is thought to be not as deadly, but either way it’s a very serious disease. It carries a lot of stigma and fear,” Van Sickels said.
Here in Kentucky, however, is a very safe environment, Dr. Van Sickels said.
Currently, Dr. Van Sickels says UK Healthcare operates as an assessment hospital, meaning it can evaluate patients with symptoms who have traveled to regions with active outbreaks, coordinate testing with the state, and transfer patients to higher-level care centers if needed.
Once the Level 2 designation is complete, UK Healthcare will be the only facility in Kentucky with that capability.
“We’re the only facility in Kentucky that is able to have a level 2 designation once we finish this grant award and get approved,” Dr. Van Sickels said.
In January 2026, UK Healthcare received a grant from the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), the governing body of the National Special Pathogen System.
“It’s approximately half a million dollars to transform our institution,” Van Sickels said.
The funding has been used to run simulation drills in coordination with Lexington Fire, EMS, and the state health department. The grant also enabled UK Healthcare to upgrade its protective outerwear, with all seam points covered to provide additional protection. Ebola is transmitted through bodily fluids.
During a recent site visit and simulation, evaluators identified vulnerabilities in the facility’s previous protective suits.
“When we had our site visit and had our stimulation, for example, they said that the seams that we had on our old suits, you could pull and stretch, and that they were rather porous,” Van Sickels said.
Van Sickels had been working on the preparedness project since the beginning of the year.
Citing lessons learned from the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic, which spread to the U.S. and resulted in 4 cases and 1 death.
“Ebola 2014 taught a lot of hospitals in the US about high consequence infections, established what is now NETEC, the educating body for our country, uh, about high consequence pathogens,” Van Sickels said.
“We’re constantly wanting to push preparedness, uh, because that is the key to success in evading further outbreaks,” Van Sickels said.
UK Healthcare expects to complete its Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center designation by the end of summer.
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