Looking for a taste of the West in the Southeast? Prestonsburg is the perfect mountain town for those looking for fresh destinations that deliver big experiences. While Kentucky is often associated with bourbon and horses, head east and discover a world of mountains, moonshine, music, and magical creatures. The region of Prestonsburg is home to the second largest elk population in America, which you can witness and learn the calls firsthand. Did you know elk often weigh around 700 pounds? These amazing sightings are at their peak during fall foliage.

Eastern Kentucky

While Nashville is often referred to as the birthplace of country music, Eastern Kentucky is the birthplace of country music legends. With iconic names like Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, The Judds, and more all hailing from the hills and hollers along U.S. 23, the corridor became known as the Country Music Highway. Here, visitors tour Loretta Lynn’s famous Butcher Holler homeplace. You can even catch a live performance at Kentucky’s best musical venue, the Mountain Arts Center, where Loretta performed to many sold-out crowds. In Prestonsburg, it’s about seeing, feeling, being, and understanding. Art is certainly alive in Prestonsburg. While here, check out a number of local galleries, locally owned shops, and grab a photo in front of a few downtown murals.

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While rich in music and history, some may be surprised to learn that Prestonsburg is home to one of the World’s most technologically advanced planetariums. Although, nothing really beats sky gazing in the mountains. The Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a wide variety of outdoor explorations, including elk viewing tours, nature hikes, and pontoon rides around Dewey Lake with Park Naturalists. Prestonsburg attractions are truly remarkable, but it is the locals that have guests falling in love and ready to return again and again.