Often called the “Arts and Crafts Capital,” the town of Berea is best known for its arts festivals and being the home of Berea College. Surrounded by Owsley Park, the Berea Pinnacles, and the Appalachian Mountains, the town is also popular for the natural beauty around it. Since Berea is famous for its arts and crafts, no visit would be complete without a stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center, where works by more than 800 Kentucky artisans can be found. If nature is more of an interest, Berea College owns over 7,700 acres of forested land.
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is a unique destination in town that celebrates the artisans of the state through information about Berea and Kentucky in general, demonstrations, events, displays and exhibits, and sales of the arts and crafts created by Kentucky artisans. In addition to the sales and exhibit galleries and travel information area, the Kentucky Artisan Center also includes the Kentucky Artisan Cafe. Located just off of Interstate 75, the 25,000-square-foot center is open to the public seven days a week, from 9:00am until 6:00pm.
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, 200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403, Phone: 859-985-5448
Berea College
The South’s first coeducational and interracial college, Berea College in Berea, Kentucky is a distinctive institution of higher learning that provides free tuition and a service or campus job to its students. Visitors can take a free tour of the historic campus led by one of the students to visit the Science Center, learn about the area’s history and the college’s commitment to sustainability, see craftsmen at work, and more. Starting at the Visitor Center and Shoppe, tours are scheduled on a seasonal basis and guests can choose from the Eco Tour, Crafts Studio Tour, or the Historic Tour.
Berea College, 101 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40403, Phone: 859-985-3000
Boone Tavern Restaurant
The Boone Tavern Restaurant, located at the Boone Tavern Hotel, is a place that embraces Southern hospitality and aims to once again make history. With a history going back more than a century, the tavern now serves fine wines and spirits and beers crafted in Kentucky, which of course including Kentucky bourbons. The restaurant celebrates Boone Tavern and quintessential Kentucky tradition through its flavors and innovative preparations. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Boone Tavern Restaurant uses “Kentucky Proud” and locally grown ingredients, a large portion of which are sourced from the farm owned and operated by Berea College.
Boone Tavern Restaurant, 100 S Main St North, Berea, KY 40403, Phone: 800-366-9358
