I've sung the praises of Kentucky's small town for years. One of my favorite activities is the mini-road trip. I like to find two-lane or non-interstate four-lane highways and see where they take me. Or if my destination is someplace like Louisville, Lexington, or Nashville, I'll take what I like to call the "backroads" to get there. I know a designated U.S. highway isn't exactly a "backroad," but you know what I mean.

As far as Southern Living's task is concerned, they created a list of the most charming small towns in the Commonwealth, and these are its top five.

5. Horse Cave

It's fitting that a cave town makes the top tier, and for obvious reasons. And when you get to Horse Cave, the first thing you might want to do is examine a large cave entrance that seemingly doubles as the town's centerpiece.

4. Danville

The home of Centre College, Danville--known as the birthplace of Kentucky--is home to the Bluegrass State's oldest outdoor theater, the Pioneer Playhouse. It also has a wonderful attraction tourists seldom miss when visiting. Check out the Great American Dollhouse Museum:

3. Paris

First of all, yes, there is a replica of the Eiffel Tower in down Paris KY. Then you all the delicious pastries available at the Farmers Market, not to mention a series of charming--there's that word again--cafes up and down the the town's main thoroughfare.

2. Winchester

Do you like beer cheese? If so, you have to visit Winchester. The runner-up charmer on the Southern Living countdown is where beer cheese was invented. (Suddenly, I'm craving a big old pretzel.) There's even a Winchester Beer Cheese Trail, so it stands to reason there would be a Beer Cheese Festival. It happens in June, and I might just have to carve out some time. Look at me. Here, I'm talking about charm, and all I can focus on is beer cheese. Sorry, not sorry.

1. Bellevue

And now for the town that takes the crown. Bellevue, in northern Kentucky, likely gets the blue ribbon for its combination of old-school, river-town beauty; a good number of festivals throughout the year; and a downtown area that keeps its aesthetic in a combination of the past AND the present. Retro ice cream parlors, antique shops, and chic eateries, anyone?

Always search the small towns you happen to pass through. Who knows? You might just forgo the "passing through" part and hang out a while.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Kentucky

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Kentucky using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

LOOK: Best counties to raise a family in Kentucky

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Kentucky.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Best counties to retire to in Kentucky

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Kentucky using data from Niche.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

More From WBKR-FM