Berea, KY
I woke up at a Cracker Barrel outside Lexington. It had been a quiet night. I went inside for French toast and planned my day.
Berea was supposed to be all about the arts and crafts community, but I couldn’t quite figure out what that meant in practice. I started at the Kentucky Artisan Center, thinking that’s where everything was. The center is actually run by the state and showcases Kentucky artists and their work. I wasn’t sure if it represented artists from across the state or just locals. I spent over an hour talking with the two women at the front desk about what to see in town. They suggested the Train Station Welcome Center and spoke highly of the Pinnacles hiking area at the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center—specifically the East Pinnacle Trail.
At the old train station, I picked up a few brochures about town and the historic L&N Depot. I’ve always liked the history behind these old railroad buildings. Berea, over time has had three different stations, and the brochure went into detail about how the line was built and how ownership changed over time. Today, only freight trains pass through—supposedly around thirty a day, all CSX rail. I didn’t hear any while I was there.
I wandered through the Old Town Artisan Village and stopped at a bakery for lunch. I was hoping for soup, but they were sold out, so I settled on a chicken breast sandwich on a croissant with lettuce, tomato, and pesto sauce. It was good but a complete mess to eat.
Berea College sits right at the center of town, and it feels like the heartbeat of the place. Founded in 1855 by abolitionist minister John G. Fee, it was the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. From the start, the school promoted equality, hard work, and education as a means for social progress. Its labor program requires every student to work on campus—whether in crafts, farming, or administration—helping cover tuition while building practical experience. The college remains tuition-free, supported largely by endowments and donations, and continues to focus on liberal arts, sustainability, and Appalachian culture. Many of the shops, cafés, and studios around town seem to exist because of the college’s presence. It’s hard to imagine Berea without the students, faculty, and visitors who keep the local economy and creative energy alive.
After lunch, I drove out to the Berea Pinnacles and hiked the East Pinnacle Trail. I stopped at the Berea College Forestry School building to check on the trail.
The first mile is a steady climb before leveling out near the top. Most hikers kept to themselves, but one couple stopped to chat. They were on their way down and full of suggestions—Red River Gorge, the monthly “moonbow” at Cumberland Falls, and the best rocks at the top for views. Their advice was spot on. I sat out on the cliffs, enjoying the wide views across the valley. Several overlooks offered slightly different perspectives of the ridges and forests below.
It was getting late, and I didn’t want to be caught hiking after dark. I had a flashlight—because you never know—but I still picked up the pace. The trees were throwing long shadows across the trail when a college-aged guy came running uphill, shirt in hand. “Evening, sir,” he said as he passed. I get the respect, and I appreciate it, but “sir” always makes me feel older than I actually feel. Inside, I’m still the one running up the hill—just a little slower these days.
On the drive back into Berea, I ran into unexpected traffic. It seemed strange for such a small town until I learned it was homecoming weekend at Berea College, and there was a parade blocking the main street. I pulled over, got some ice cream near campus (not great), and waited it out before heading south toward Cumberland Falls. I found a quiet spot that night in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
The day didn’t unfold the way I expected. Maybe I missed what others see in the Berea’s arts scene—or maybe it’s just quieter in the off-season. Still, the East Pinnacles hike made the trip worthwhile.