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Retirement may conjure up images of relaxation, but some senior citizens prefer a more active lifestyle. Kentucky can provide this in spades with its many lively small towns. In the Bluegrass state, active senior citizens can sample bourbon whiskey, go cycling on gentle rural roads, see a moonbow amid a beautiful waterfall backdrop, explore an old Shaker village, and much more. They can discover many attractions in these 10 liveliest small towns in Kentucky for active senior citizens.

London

One of the best ways to stay active is to ditch the car and go exploring on a bike. London, Kentucky, prides itself on empowering cyclists of all ages and abilities as the Cycling Capital of Kentucky. London has a variety of biking trails that run on rural roads and parks. The Redbud Ride goes through downtown and goes for miles through redbud trees and Kentucky farmland. London also happens to be the site of a major Civil War battle, the Battle of Camp Wildcat. Explorers can see the remains of the 1861 trenches and learn more about this critical early Civil War battle. Or for an older historic attraction, one can see the Wilderness Road trail that was taken by Daniel Boone in his 1775 journey.

Hodgenville

Every U.S. history buff will want to visit Hodgenville at least once. The most famous president in U.S. history, Abraham Lincoln, was born here in 1809. He had a remarkably humble life for such a larger-than-life figure, which one can see at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, which houses a Symbolic Cabin. One can also see the Sinking Spring, where the Lincoln family would have drawn their water. At the Boyhood Home Unit, visitors can see a great example of what life would have been like for the young Lincoln growing up in the Kentucky frontier. In downtown Hodgenville, the Lincoln Museum houses drawings, newspaper clippings, wax figures, and more from the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. If one wants to see where the locals go, visit the Lincoln Jamboree, which regularly hosts musical, comedy, and variety acts for all ages.

Georgetown

The Bluegrass state is famous for its Kentucky Derby, which is held annually in May. But where do those horses go after competing in the big race? The small town of Georgetown is the spot where thoroughbred horses go to live out their retirement years. Visitors can see these legends up close at the Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm, which offers tours and opportunities to interact with these gentle creatures. Visitors can also try out horse riding themselves at the Whispering Hills Riding Stables. There's more to see in Georgetown besides horses. For example, one can explore the 12,000 square foot Ward Hall, an 1850s Greek Revival Mansion that has 27-foot high fluted Corinthian columns and a magnificent elliptical staircase. Senior citizens can also spend a day in Georgetown's cute downtown area, which has museums such as the Georgetown and Scott County Museum and The Hidden Trove antiques shop.

Paducah

There's no age limit to creativity. Everyone can learn something new at the UNESCO Creative City of Paducah. This small town of just over 26,700 people is a marvelous place to get lost in. Paducah is best known for its quilting tradition. At The National Quilt Museum, visitors and residents can see quilts from around the 麻豆AV or attend classes for beginners and experts alike. The town is proud of its many quilting shops, ranging from chain retailers to independently owned shops such as Muppin's Sewing Emporium. Paducah's artistic tradition extends into its parks as well. By exploring the riverfront, one can see 50 life-sized murals that tell the story of Paducah's history. Speaking of outdoors, Paducah is conveniently located close to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Center, which offers cycling, fishing, horseback riding, water sports, and other activities.

Pikeville

Pikeville was at the center of one of the most famous(and infamous) events in Appalachian history: the Hatfield and McCoy Feud. This feud would consume the two families, leading to multiple murders, trials, and strife. Pikeville offers a 麻豆AV-famous tour of several important sites in the feud, such as the Hog Trial Cabin, where a makeshift trial was held over a hog theft, to the Historic Pike County Courthouse, where multiple members of the Hatfield family were tried for murder. For those looking for an outdoor adventure, Breaks Interstate Park is a hidden gem in the Bluegrass State. It is called the Grand Canyon of the South and features a museum, Laurel Lake, and more. Lastly, senior citizens can enjoy a show at the Appalachian Wireless Arena, which regularly hosts country musicians, circuses, and more.

Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg is one of the best towns in Kentucky for history buffs. For one, it was founded in 1774, making it the oldest town in the entire state. As a result, senior citizens can find a large number of historic places to go exploring. The Old Fort Harrod State Park is a replica of the first fort constructed in the area by James Harrod. The fort includes pioneer artifacts along with an 1813 Federalist-style Mansion Museum and the Lincoln Marriage Temple, where Abraham Lincoln's parents were wed on the Kentucky frontier. Harrodsburg also has a one-of-a-kind experience at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This was the site where the celibate religious community called the Shakers lived in the 19^th century. Senior citizens will enjoy the historic buildings, farm-to-table restaurants, and gentle hiking trails through the Kentucky countryside.

Berea

Berea is a picturesque small town nestled in the Appalachian section of Kentucky. While it is a college town, it has a traditional spirit, especially with its tradition of folk arts and crafts. It is called the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky for its many shops and centers that showcase this Appalachian style. Senior citizens can spend a relaxing day exploring shops in the Artisan Village or the Kentucky Artisan Center, which showcases the work of more than 800 Kentucky artists in visual arts, 2D art, traditional crafts, and much more. Since the town is in the mountains, it also has magnificent hiking trails, including the no. 1 ranked hike in Kentucky, the Pinnacles in the Berea College Forest, which has several overlooks and dog-friendly trails. For those looking to learn how to do traditional crafts, Berea offers Learnshops year-round.

Bardstown

Bardstown is the mecca for bourbon whisky fans. Located on the Bourbon Trail, residents and visitors alike can tour the local distilleries and sample their creations. There are seven distilleries in town, including the Preservation Distillery, Heavy Hill Bourbon Experience, and others. One can learn about the history of bourbon and check out old bottles at the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. In fact, there's a lot of history to see here in Bardstown, especially at the My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Named after the famous Kentucky Ballad, this 1818 Federal-style mansion is one of the best plantation homes to explore in the Mid-South. Lastly, for a day outside, consider the nearby Bernheim Forest & Arboretum, which features giants made of recycled materials spread throughout the park. Both young and old will be enchanted to find these giants.

La Grange

This cute town has a reputation for kindness, as evidenced by its nickname: "The Kindness Capital of Kentucky." There's plenty to enjoy in La Grange, especially for senior citizens who enjoy a good train ride. The Main Street Train goes up and down the downtown area up to 30 times a day, making it a great way to explore the area. Speaking of trains, the town is home to the La Grange Railroad Museum and the historic Train Observation Tower. For senior citizens looking for outdoor activities, the FRP La Grange Quarry can't be beat. This spot includes a spring-fed lake, volleyball court, corn hole, and more. There are also a few historic spots in town, like the Buddy Pepper Birthplace, that is a perfect place to explore.

Corbin

Corbin is perhaps the most unique town in the entire Bluegrass state. For one, it is the birthplace of the KFC recipe, as Colonel Sanders set up his first restaurant here from 1940 to 1956. Today, the Harland Sanders Caf茅 and Museum is a quirky spot where visitors can learn about the life of the Colonel and the famous chicken recipe. In Corbin, one can find one of the rarest national wonders on earth: a moonbow. This is a rainbow formed by the light of a full moon, which is visible at the Cumberland Falls State Park. The park itself is worth exploring even on regular days, as its waterfalls are so majestic they are called the Niagara of the South. Corbin is a lively small town with many other activities and shops ranging from Campbell's Ceremics to the Pinball Museum of Corbin, which has machines from across the decades to play and purchase.

Doctors say the best way to feel young is to stay active and live in a place where there are lots of things to do and places to see. These lively Kentucky small towns meet both of those requirements in spades. Senior citizens can spend a day strolling the woods of Berea or feel the splash of water on their faces at the Cumberland Falls State Park. They can connect with local history at the many picturesque Mid-South mansions in Kentucky, like the My Old Kentucky State Home in Bardstown. These lively small towns will help any active senior citizen feel rejuvenated.