Street light swags, billowing American flags, and wrought-iron benches positioned outside quaint storefronts are just a few of the things you’ll see when walking down the street in La Grange, Kentucky. Located about 25 miles northeast of Louisville, La Grange is exactly the community your mind conjures when tasked with imagining small-town America.
First settled in 1827, La Grange’s liveliness is largely a result of its location along a major railroad. Its downtown was a hub for commercial activity, meaning lots of restaurants, shops, and businesses. Today, Main Street is just as vibrant. The historic district is the center of life in La Grange. And while businesses have changed, you can still see a train chugging through the heart of downtown at least once—and sometimes up to 30 times—per day. With a host of lovely local boutiques, great restaurants, and several history-filled landmarks and museums to explore, La Grange is much more than just a sleepy small town. Its moniker as the “Kindness Capital of Kentucky,” however, is one the town takes seriously. Keep reading for the best things to do in La Grange, Kentucky.
Related: The 13 Most Charming Small Towns In Kentucky
What To Do In La Grange, Kentucky
See A Train Rumble Down Main Street
Courtesy of La Grange Tourism
It’s not every day you get to see a locomotive rolling through the center of a bustling downtown. In La Grange, you absolutely will—and probably more than once! You’ll feel the ground begin to tremble beneath your feet, and you may hear that familiar whistle before the freight train comes into sight, but once it does, it’s an experience unlike any other. The town even installed a Virtual Railfan live feed, so folks can see the trains from anywhere. For the perfect view, head to the Train Observation Tower located in front of Main Street Bourbon & Ale House.
Buy Local At The Farmers’ Market
La Grange’s farmers market is second to none, and if you visit on a Saturday from April through October, you’ll be lucky enough to attend. In addition to locally grown produce and locally raised meat, the market is known for its accomplished group of artisans who offer everything from homemade soap to baked goods to beautiful works of art. The market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April to October, at the Springs Park Pavilion.
lagrangefarmersmarket.com; 110 S. 2nd Ave., La Grange, KY 40031; 502-243-3721
Complete The AlleyLoop Historic District Walk
Thanks to a little help from Ben and Erin Napier, who visited La Grange as part of their Home Town Kickstart show back in 2022, La Grange has completely transformed its downtown alleyways. The newly minted AlleyLoop Historic District Walk leads visitors on a charming walk through downtown where they’re enveloped in color and cheer. The handiwork of nine local muralists can be seen on once-blank walls that are now adorned with whimsical scenes and designs.
lagrangemainstreet.org/alleyloop
Cool Off In The Quarry
On a hot summer day, join the rest of La Grange’s population at Falling Rock Park Quarry, also known as FRP Quarry or simply the Quarry. The crystal-clear, spring-fed quarry tucked into the hills of Oldham County is a favorite spot for floating, snorkeling, and swimming. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes if you prefer to stay above the water. Daredevils can take a turn jumping off the Ole Red diving platform. Relax or play a game of volleyball on the sandy beach, and hit up the Snack Shack for cold drinks and lunch. The Quarry is open for visitors with day passes from May through August.
frp-lagrangequarry.com; 2201 Fendley Mill Road, La Grange, KY 40031
Tour Local Museums
Learn about the county’s history at the Oldham County History Center. The museum, which is located within easy walking distance of all the action downtown, is home to multiple exhibits that together tell the area’s story. Look for exhibits about Henry Bibb, a prominent abolitionist; the Kentucky State Reformatory; and the Underground Railroad. If you’re curious to know more about La Grange’s train history, the La Grange Railroad Museum & Learning Center will take you on a deep dive. See inside a 1929 dining car, a caboose, and the Flying Duchess (one of only a few British trains in the U.S.). Browse through three rooms filled with railroad memorabilia, or take a guided tour of the museum.
oldhamkyhistory.com; 106 N 2nd St., La Grange, KY 40031; 502-222-0826 lagrangerailroadmuseum.org; 412 East Main St., Lagrange, KY 40031; 502-501-5100
See A Movie At The Drive-In
Nostalgia is big in La Grange, so it’s only fitting that the town is home to a classic drive-in theater. The Sauerbeck Family Drive-In screens new releases along with classic movies nearly every night of the week. Pack up the car with some cozy blankets; make a stop at the concession stand to fill up on popcorn, candy, or even dinner; then settle in for the movie.
sauerbeckfamilydrivein.com; 3210 D.W. Griffith Lane, La Grange, KY 40031; 502-233-1149
Go Shopping Downtown
A day spent doing nothing but strolling and shopping through La Grange’s ridiculously charming downtown is a day well spent. Creative window displays and clapboard signs will draw you into local shops and boutiques that sell everything from apparel and accessories to home décor. Gallery 104, which is run by the Arts Association of Oldham County, is a juried fine art gallery that regularly exhibits the work of 20-plus local and regional artists. The best part? Everything you see is for sale. Mercantile on Main is a great place to pick up home goods, gifts, and antiques. Bibliophiles will find a wonderland of literary treasures—both new and used—at From the Ground Up Books.
104 E. Main St., La Grange, KY 40031
127 E Main St., La Grange, KY, 40031
205 E Main St., La Grange, KY, 40031
Look For “Be Kind” Signs
La Grange is known as the Kindness Capital of Kentucky thanks to the hard work and dedication of two of its youngest citizens. Known as the “Be Kind Sisters,” Rylyn and Raegan Richins began selling hand-painted signs reminding people to “Be Kind” in 2019. Since then, the town has fully embraced the young girls’ passion project and message, and today, you can find “Be Kind” signs all over town at local businesses, private residences, schools, and more. Take a drive around town to see how many you can spot. Then take their advice and spread some kindness!
bekindsigns.org
Where To Eat & Drink In La Grange, Kentucky
Grab Coffee At La Grange Coffee Roasters
Courtesy of La Grange Coffee Roasters
Wooden tables, cozy seating areas, and colorful rugs bring a sense of warmth to this family-owned café. The shop roasts their own beans in house, which makes your latte or specialty coffee drink that much better. If you’re looking for a little nibble, they also offer savory and sweet scones daily.
110 E Main St., La Grange, KY 40031; 502- 265-0563
Have Lunch At Madeline’s Nibbles & Wine
One of La Grange’s newest dining options, Madeline’s is a quaint eatery with elevated bites, plus great cocktails and wine. Start with an order of shrimp scampi, salmon rillettes, or Italian meatballs to share with the table. Then tuck into an artisan sandwich stuffed with combos like Merguez lamb sausage, caramelized onion, harissa, and herbed yogurt or roasted portobello, burrata, tomato, and basil.
111 North First Ave., La Grange, KY 40031; 502-265-0022
Enjoy Dinner At One Nineteen West Main Restaurant
There’s something for everyone at this downtown favorite that’s open daily for lunch and dinner. Everything on the menu is made from scratch, so you’re guaranteed a first-rate meal, whether you order the Whitefish Reuben Sandwich or Grilled Pork Chops with Whiskey Cream. For a twist on the classic Kentucky Derby Hot Brown, order the Kentucky “Haute” Brown, which features oven-roasted turkey, country ham, maple bacon, fried green tomatoes, Mornay sauce, and melted cheddar over Texas toast.
119 West Main St., La Grange, KY 40031; 502-222-1246
Snag A Doughnut At Dough Baby Donuts
Courtesy of Dough Baby Donuts
There may not be a more joy-filled way to start your day than with a doughnut. At Dough Baby Donuts, you can get your fix while supporting a family-owned business. Open Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 5 a.m., the shop cranks out a variety of yeast and cake doughnuts, plus other bakery classics like Long Johns, Twists, Apple Fritters, and Cinnamon Buns. Swing by for a half dozen and be sure to check out their special donuts of the month. Past flavors have included Caramel Cheesecake and Pumpkin Spice Cake with caramel drizzle and cream cheese buttercream.
106 West Adams St., La Grange, KY 40031; 502-602-0020
Where To Stay In La Grange, Kentucky
Stay At A Horse Country Resort
Courtesy of Bluegrass Country Estate
Though technically a bed and breakfast (with only five rooms and suites), the amenities at this sprawling property in the heart of horse country make it more of a resort. Bluegrass Country Estate opened in 2007 and has been welcoming guests onto its beautiful grounds ever since. In addition to a homemade hot breakfast and cozy bedding, guests have access to a whole host of amenities. A workout room, swimming pool, hot tub, game room, theater room, and plenty of gorgeous patios, sunrooms, and outdoor seating areas are all part of the experience. Equestrians can even lodge their horses in the onsite horse barn. Now that’s what we call accommodating.
bluegrasscountryestate.com; 1226 Bluegrass Parkway, La Grange, KY 40031; 502-222-2009
Check Into A Cozy Bed And Breakfast
Courtesy of Pillow & Paddock Bed and Breakfast
A five-minute drive from Main Street, Pillow & Paddock offers all the comforts of home on a gorgeous six-acre property surrounded by rolling hills and green pastures. With five upstairs suites, plus an apartment on the house’s main floor, there are plenty of options for a more than comfortable stay. And while you’ll want to spend plenty of time getting to know the rest of La Grange, it’d be hard to blame you if you never left Pillow & Paddock. The back lawn has games like giant Jenga and Connect Four, corn hole, and horseshoes. On cool or rainy days, head to the 1920s movie theater (where buttered popcorn and candy are on hand), or sneak behind a secret bookcase to the inn’s speakeasy, where you’ll find everything you need to shake up a signature cocktail.
pillowandpaddock.com; 3262 Old Sligo Road, La Grange, KY 40031; 502-702-0204
Book A Charming Short-Term Rental
For a small town, La Grange has a surprising number of lovely short-term stays. Search for rentals like Brakeman’s Cottage, The Cozy Express, and Back Room Bungalow on Airbnb. Many are within an easy walk from Main Street and can sleep anywhere from just two to the entire family.
lagrangemainstreet.org; 502-269-0126
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