Looking for your next weekend getaway? There's no shortage of incredible places to explore right here in our state, so every Friday this month, we’re highlighting one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary. This week, we're taking the 45-minute jaunt to the Official Folk Art and Craft Capital of Kentucky: Berea.

🖼️ What to do

Go shopping | The Kentucky Artisan Center is waiting as soon as you get off the interstate, featuring Kentucky-made goods and rotating exhibits. Head into town next, home to charming artist studios and storefronts. Wander the shops at Artisan Village and College Square. Fun fact: Berea College is one of the country's only tuition-free schools + students from all over the country and world work instead at a variety of campus jobs.

Take a hike | There are ~10 miles of family-friendly hiking trails located just outside of the city's quaint town square. The Berea Pinnacles are a series of small mountains with trails that lead to sweeping vistas. More of a waterfall person? Check out Anglin Falls.

Find an event | Summer offers the Berea Craft Festival, where vendors showcase their wares beneath the trees. And every October, Berea College hosts the Celebration of Traditional Music — an event featuring traditional Appalachian music. There's always something going on in this hopping small town.

🥛 What to Eat

Crafted at Boone Tavern | Sample signature southern dishes + seasonal specials at this historic restaurant staffed by Berea students. Don't forget to try the spoon bread.

Native Bagel Company + Nightjar | Snug amidst a shopping district, 436 Chestnut is home to two great eateries, depending on the time of day. Get scratch-made bagels and award-winning coffee until 1 p.m., then come back at 5 p.m. for smash burgers, cocktails + wine. (We had a tuna poke bowl to die for there.)

Bert's Speakcheezy | With gourmet grilled cheeses like the "The Dizzy Dame" (garden fresh sweet basil, heirloom tomatoes, melted Mozzarella cheese on a Parmesan-crusted sourdough), need we say more?

lex-berea-great-escape-p — Even though it's a small town, Berea can cater to adventure-seekers + foodies alike. | Photo by LEXtoday

Where to stay

The Painter's Cottage | A quirky and eclectic cottage that sleeps up to six + features original artwork throughout the home.

The Traveler's Cottage | A craftsman bungalow that's walkable to everywhere downtown, plus a porch and backyard access.

Historica Boone Tavern Hotel | A prominent historical hotel, founded in 1909, this luxury boutique spot is an inextricable part of Berea and Berea College. Stay where Henry Ford, Maya Angelou + Eleanor Roosevelt have.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Bluegrass Bound.