Welcome to Berea - Berea Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Berea!

Since its founding in 1854, people have come to visit Berea, found it to their liking, and have made it their home. Today, the area boasts a population of approximately 13,000 and offers world-renowned arts and crafts, acres of beautiful rolling farm and forest land, a thriving industrial base and numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking and camping.

Berea is located 39 miles south of Lexington on I-75, where the bluegrass meets the mountains and art and crafts are created. We are a graceful blend of southern hospitality and Appalachian tradition. We invite you to relax and slow down, visit one of the more 50 craft persons or gallery owners. Listen to the music of the dulcimer and the clack of the weaver’s shuttle; watch our potters, jewelers and woodworkers create heirlooms. For “yesterday’s treasures” visit our many antique shops. When it’s time for dining we have a wide variety from which to choose – traditional southern cuisine, fine regional specialties, ethnic foods, soup and sandwiches, international coffees. Berea has something for everyone. Take your time, have a great visit and return often. Visit the Berea Tourism website for more information.

Recognized as “The Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky”, Berea features two annual craft fairs: The Berea Crafts Fair in July and the Kentucky Guild of Artist and Craftsmen Fair in October. Berea is also home to the Kentucky Artisan Center, an $8.75 million facility which serves as the starting point for touring Berea and Kentucky’s regional arts and crafts.

Public Schools

Public schools in Berea and Madison County are accredited with emphasis on achievement. Student scores on nationally standardized tests rank higher each year. Berea schools offer both attractive teacher / student ratios and interaction with the community due to the close proximity of the schools and neighborhoods. Many schools and institutions of higher learning are convenient and accessible including private liberal arts college, private business colleges and upper division state-supported universities.

Berea College

The campus of Berea College, a private, four-year college offering a unique, tuition-free work/study program is located in the heart of our community. Nine other institutions of higher learning are located within 55 miles of Berea.

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Saint Joseph Berea Hospital, with its cancer treatment center, is located within the city limits and is continually expanding its facilities to better serve our community.

Lexington, KY (located just 39 miles north of Berea) offers numerous shopping and cultural activities such as Broadway musicals, ballets, and dramatic theatre. Other activities include the University of Kentucky Basketball Museum and the Kentucky Horse Park.

For tradition, variety, quality and year round enjoyment, there’s no other geographical area that compares. However, it’s the people that make Berea special.