Just about two hours southeast, Berea packs in a whole lot of charm for a small city. Recognized as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, the mountain town is a haven for handmade goods, outdoor adventures, local eats + time-honored Appalachian traditions.

Why go?

Plan a fall trip just right, and you can catch the first pops of autumn color on a scenic trail, then stick around for some of the city's favorite food + music traditions.

Act like a local:

Food: Crafted at Boone Tavern is known for its farm-to-table Southern fare and its legendary spoonbread.
Drinks: If you're looking to sip on some of Kentucky's best craft beer, Apollo Pizza and Beer Emporium is the spot. Its huge, classic wooden bar is cozy and inviting.
Outdoors: The Berea Pinnacles are a series of small mountains with hiking trails that lead to sweeping vistas.
Coffee: Load up on carbs and caffeine at Native Bagel Co. to fuel your hiking adventures. Food & Wine attests that the bagels are some of the best in the country. Bonus: When the sun goes down, the spot transforms into Nightjar, serving scrumptious burgers + cocktails.
Even though it's a small town, Berea can cater to adventure-seekers + foodies alike. | Photo by LEXtoday
Explore: The Kentucky Artisan Center fills a 25,000-sqft space with handmade goods from artists across the state. This venue also showcases seasonal exhibits throughout the year.
Try This: Speaking of spoonbread, the soft Southern classic gets its moment in the spotlight at the 30th annual Spoonbread Festival, happening Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20.
Listen: Every October, Berea College hosts the Celebration of Traditional Music — an event that showcases homemade music of the Appalachian region.

Where to stay:

Airbnb | The Painter's Cottage | A quirky and eclectic cottage that features original artwork throughout the home — if you find yourself inspired, you're just a short walk to local galleries. | ~$120/night
Vrbo | Traveler's Cottage | This cozy cottage is just a few minutes' walk to Native Bagel Co., so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the patio. | ~$155/night
Historic hotel | The Historic Boone Tavern | Built by Berea College students in the early 1900s, the hotel is a testament to Appalachian craft tradition — and it's hosted an impressive guest list over the years, from Maya Angelou to Robert Frost to the Dalai Lama. | ~$129/night