The Berea center is approximately the area of Berea College and the area of Berea Hospital.
There's always something going on in Berea. Come on a weekend to see artists at work, or if you prefer to browse without the crowds, weekdays are best. Berea is also a great place to find something special for the holidays. The cafes and galleries as well as the Boone Tavern come alive with holiday cheer and carols. Together with amazing handmade crafts, there's no better place to shop for holiday gifts or get in the spirit for the season. Temperatures are on the moderate side, with average temperatures staying above 40 degrees throughout most of the holiday shopping season. It's also a slower time of the year for tourism, meaning you'll get better rates for your stay.
Music lovers can come join an old-fashioned jam session every Thursday at Jammin' on the Porch. Come hear father and daughter duo Lewis and Donna Lamb host the weekly event at the Berea Welcome Center, or stop by on a Friday night, July through September, for the Levitt AMP Berea Music Series. If you'd rather dance, come on the third Friday or fourth Saturday of the month for Contra Dancing at the Russel Action Folk Center.
Visit Berea in the warmer months to learn all about sustainable agriculture from local farmers. You can even pick up some heirloom seeds for your own garden. Come in mid-July for the Berea Craft Festival, which brings even more artisans and performers to Berea for three days of art, music, and excitement at the Indian Fort Theater. Travel in Berea peaks in June and July, so expect to see an increase in accommodation costs.
One of Berea's best hotels offers discounts to AAA members. In addition to a great discount, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Lexington Berea offers comfort and unbeatable convenience to key Berea sites. Check in and indulge in a free cup of coffee or tea from the lobby, then head upstairs to your guest suite, which features plush bedding and an in-room fridge.
Catch up on a favorite show with cable programming on the LCD television or check your emails using the free Wi-Fi before stepping out to see Berea. Wind down after an exciting day at the fitness center or indoor pool, then wake up the next day to a free hot/cold breakfast buffet.
When you come to Berea, you want to take in the local history without sacrificing on If you're looking for a nice hotel without having to splurge for luxury prices, check out the Days Inn Berea. This hotel offers great southern hospitality with modern amenities. You can kick off your morning with coffee or tea made with your in-room coffee maker, check out the headlines with the hotel's free Wi-Fi or complimentary newspaper, and then head downstairs for your free Daybreak Breakfast. Head to the outdoor pool to soak up some rays before continuing your exploration of the area.
Berea College is a playground for those who love artisan crafts. You could easily spend an entire day wandering the village streets, each lined with galleries, cafes, fudge shops, and gift emporiums. If you're on the hunt for a special gift or memento, you'll need ample time to pour over Berea's incredible array of handmade wares.
Head back to College Square near the Boone Tavern. The hotel is ringed by small shops and boutiques, including the Berea College Farm Store, Appalachian Fireside Gallery, Berea College Student Craft Store, and much more. Admire the finely hand-carved dulcimers at Warren A. May's gallery, or head over to Estelle for some unique handmade jewelry.
If you'd rather watch art being made, Berea offers plenty of opportunities to observe artists at work. As you wander through town, look out for signage that says, "Studio Artists at Berea: Artists at Work." A trip to the Artisan Village will easily satisfy your curiosity at the Berea Arts Council or the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen Galleries. Check out local watercolor artists, candlemakers, jewelers, bead makers, and stained glass workers.
Kentucky is all about heritage, and Berea seems to be an epicenter for the past. Check out the Old Town Amish Store for local Amish made goods or dig through treasure at Shawn's Flea Market and Todd's Antique Mall. Tater Knob Pottery is a great spot for hand-thrown pots and dishware.
Much more than your average college town, Berea is the epicenter of Appalachian arts and crafts. Plan a trip to discover the history, heritage, and charm of Berea, Kentucky, an arts and crafts' lover's dream.
Below are reviews of the city of Berea, KY from an actual visitor's perspective.
Everyone was very friendly.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Kentucky Artisan Center.
Beara is a jewel. The craft and art world are all there!
The craft shops.
The room was clean, and the staff was friendly. Berea is surrounded by verdant forests, and I will return to hike the trails in a future visit.
Clean place with great gift shopping and charming people!
Berea is a college town and I have friends who went to college there. The town has grown a lot since the last time I was there five years ago.
We love Berea and the mission of Berea College.
Enjoyed the historical downtown area.
We were there for a reunion at Berea College.
Quaint, clean, safe.
Quaint, clean, safe.
We like Berea and we also love the Boone Tavern!
We came for a gymnastics meet so was not there very long. Always enjoy going through the Kentucky Artisans and seeing all the beautiful handmade items.
There was lots of different eating places and shopping. Clean area.
Staff associates were accommodating.
It was easy to get in and out.
Loved the college.
Walkability, charm, good restaurants, history, hiking!
Hotel is in a lovely area of Berea with shops and the beautiful college campus.
We loved our dinner at Papa Lena's in "Old Town" Berea. Even better, it was suggested to us by the staff @ the Holiday Inn Express. Thanks!
Loved the Artisan Center! Could have spent all day.
Loved the Artisan Center! Could have spent all day.
Berea is the nicest, cleanest small city that I have ever visited.