Somerset (Kentucky)

Somerset is a city in Kentucky's Southern Lakes region. It is the main gateway to Lake Cumberland, a large man-made lake that is a major draw for water recreation of all types.

By car
Somerset is accessible from two Interstate Highways; I-75 to the east and I-65 to the west.
 * I-75 northbound (from Tennessee and points south): Take the second London exit (exit 41) and head west on Kentucky Route 80 for about 25 miles. The highway runs right into Somerset.
 * I-75 southbound (from Lexington, Cincinnati, and points north): Take the Mount Vernon/Renfro Valley exit (exit 62) and head south on US 25. Slightly less than a mile from I-75, take Kentucky Route 461; stay on that road for about 18 miles until it dead-ends into Kentucky 80, and turn right. You'll reach the outskirts of Somerset about 6 miles later.
 * I-65 northbound (from Bowling Green, Nashville, and points south): Take the Cumberland Parkway exit (exit 43) and head east on the Cumberland Parkway for about 100 miles. The parkway, a four-lane controlled-access highway that was built as a toll road but is now free, ends in Somerset.
 * I-65 southbound (from points north of Louisville): Several routes are available, depending on your tolerance for rural roads. Probably the fastest, though not the shortest in mileage, is to take I-64 east out of Louisville, and then stay on I-75 after the 64/75 split in Lexington. Exit at Mount Vernon as above.

US 27 passes through Somerset, allowing easy access from Lexington, KY and Knoxville, TN (although most travelers from Lexington choose instead to take the I-75/KY 461 route).

By plane
The closest regional airport is located at Lexington and the closest international airport is located at Louisville.

By boat
Somerset's primary tourist attraction is Lake Cumblerland, the largest man-made lake by volume east of the Mississippi River. The lake is very popular among boaters, especially houseboat enthusiasts. Several rental services are offered in the area including speedboat, pontoon, jetski, and houseboat rentals. There are several private and public boat docks located throughout the area. These include:



Get around
Automobiles are the primary method of transportation in Somerset. Many of the businesses are located along US 27, which can lead to congestion, especially during rush hour. If you need to travel from the north side of the city to the south side and wish to avoid the traffic, the KY 914 bypass provides a much faster route. The downtown business district lies a few miles off US 27. It is easily accessible from Highway 80 and Monticello Street. US 27 is only road that connects Somerset and Burnside (Burnside is located on the lake and is home to many marinas, boat docks, etc.

Somerset has a small taxi service.

Golf


The Center, a local venue often has theater productions and hosts concerts.

Buy
The Somerset Mall contains several stores. Also popular are local shops and flea markets.

Drink
Both Somerset and the adjoining community of Burnside are wet. They allow package alcohol sales, bars, and drinks to be sold in restaurants.

Go next

 * Bowling Green - Home of Western Kentucky University and home of the Corvette
 * Lexington - Horse capital of the World and Home of the University of Kentucky
 * London - Located on the Wilderness Road and near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
 * Monticello - The self proclaimed "Houseboat Capital of the World"

Outdoors

 * Big South Fork National Recreation Area
 * Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
 * Daniel Boone National Forest