I’m from the South and this is one of its most unique small cities—with ‘Walking Dead’ ties and a charming main street

There’s much to love about this little city.

Key Points

• Cynthiana is a historic Kentucky town less than an hour from Lexington with more than 30 murals, a walkable downtown, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
• Visitors can browse independent bookstores, boutiques, antique shops, and tour the reportedly haunted Rohs Opera House, which also offers overnight paranormal experiences.
• Local restaurants, craft breweries, nearby bourbon distilleries, and boutique accommodations make Cynthiana an ideal weekend destination.

On paper, Cynthiana, Kentucky, sounds like something out of a movie. It has an adorable Main Street, a haunted theater, a river winding through town, and historic buildings painted with colorful murals. In reality, it’s even better because nothing feels staged.

Cynthiana is less than an hour’s drive away from Lexington, Kentucky, and under two hours from Louisville, but somehow still flies under the radar for Kentucky-bound visitors. A trip here feels like stumbling upon a secret—one the locals are happy to share. 

“Cynthiana has a way of making people feel like they belong,” says realtor Mary Ashbrook, who was born and raised in town. “We have the charm and history of a small Kentucky town, but what truly makes us special is our sense of community. You’ll find beautiful historic homes, locally owned businesses, and people who still wave when they pass you on the street. Visitors may come for the murals or the history, but they leave talking about how welcomed they felt.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Cynthiana.

Best Things to Do

Cynthiana has been nicknamed “Mural City” thanks to its vibrant and artsy downtown, which has more than 30 murals. The most notable among them is arguably the world’s largest mural dedicated to The Walking Dead zombie apocalypse series—Cynthiana is the hometown of the original comic book’s creator, Robert Kirkman, and artist Tony Moore.

“One of my favorite things about Cynthiana is that you can spend an entire day downtown and never feel rushed,” Ashbrook says. “Start with the murals—especially The Walking Dead murals that surprise so many visitors.”

Following your mural exploration, peruse the coffee shops, locally owned boutiques, and antique stores along Pike and Main Streets. As a travel writer, I seek out bookstores in every destination I visit, and the cozy atmosphere and well-stocked inventory of The Next Chapter Bookstore did not disappoint. It’s Cynthiana’s hub for book clubs, book crawls, and local author events.

Nearby, Cordial Coffee & Curated Finds is a one-stop shop for my two favorite things: caffeine and thrifting. During a recent visit, I enjoyed an expertly crafted latte while sifting through an impressive collection of secondhand gems. You should also savor your time at Fibonacci Antiques, where shelves and tables teem with layers of antiques and vintage finds, including globally curated fine art and jewelry. And for a distinct touch of local character, step into Appalachian Root Works, a boutique and wellness space with an eclectic indie spirit. You’ll find everything from books and body care to jewelry and home decor.

All of these shops are just steps away from one of Cynthiana’s top attractions. Whether you want to catch the latest flick or immerse yourself in haunted history, Rohs Opera House scratches both itches. Now a venue for live performances and movie screenings, the theater dates back to 1871 and is considered one of the most haunted buildings in Kentucky. “The Rohs Opera House is another must-see because it’s more than a historic theater,” Ashbrook says. “It’s a piece of our town’s story that has been lovingly preserved for generations.” 

You can even sign up for an overnight stay in the theater. Hosted by local paranormal investigators, the evening includes an immersive presentation detailing the history of the opera house’s most famous hauntings and paranormal activity.

If you’re a Halloween fan, you’ll want to plan an October visit. The town really leans into the spooky season because of the Rohs Opera House and the local connection to The Walking Dead. By early October, skeletons begin appearing on front porches, ghost hunters gather downtown, and visitors come to see how a small Kentucky town became an unlikely destination for fans of the supernatural.

Where to Eat and Drink

With all that shopping, mural chasing, and ghost hunting, you’ll likely work up an appetite, and Biancke’s Restaurant is here to help. This family-run spot has served home-style dishes for 130-plus years and counting. Ashbrook owned the restaurant for a decade before becoming a realtor, and she still recommends it now. “If you ask locals where to eat, Biancke’s will almost always be part of the conversation,” Ashbrook says. “It’s been a gathering place for generations, and their pies are legendary.” 

Before ordering a slice of pie, don’t miss your chance to try an authentic Kentucky hot brown, an open-faced, hot turkey sandwich smothered in a rich, cheesy Mornay sauce, broiled until bubbly, and topped with crispy bacon and tomatoes.

Ashbrook also suggests Two Rivers Stone Baked Pizza. Though opened in 2017, it’s still the new kid on Cynthiana’s restaurant block. “It’s become a favorite spot for families and friends to gather,” Ashbrook says. “We love to sit on their patio on a nice evening.”

On the drinks front, you can’t go wrong with Pike Street Wine House or Maiden City Brewing Co. “Pike Street Wine House offers a cozy atmosphere right in the heart of downtown, while Maiden City Brewing gives visitors a taste of Cynthiana’s newer side with craft beer and a welcoming environment,” Ashbrook says.

Of course, no visit to Kentucky is complete without sampling some of the local bourbon. Cynthiana serves as a quieter home base to experience the state’s signature spirit, with one distillery soon to open: an outpost of the Lexington-based Barrel House Distilling Co. The town also puts you on the doorstep of some of Kentucky’s iconic labels; Buffalo Trace Distillery, Castle & Key, and Woodford Reserve are all just about an hour away.

Where to Stay

Cynthiana is light on traditional chain hotels, and that’s part of its charm. Instead, overnight options skew more personal, from a historic inn to vacation rentals that provide a comfortable home base for tooling around town and exploring the surrounding area. 

Few properties capture this boutique appeal quite like the Greek Revival estate Ashford Acres Inn, originally constructed in 1858. “Ashford Acres Inn is one of those places people don’t expect to find in a small town,” Ashbrook says. “Staying there feels like you’ve stepped into a peaceful countryside retreat while still being just minutes from downtown. It’s the perfect blend of elegance, history, and Kentucky hospitality.”

Vacation rentals are also popular among travelers, including options such as Gladys Gables, a restored, 1950s-style farmhouse less than a mile from downtown. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Bluegrass State life with a farm stay at Sultan’s Hideaway.

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