A river town powered by the arts. Sip bourbon at Barrel & Bond,set inside a historic building that’s over 150 years old.
The colorful murals on the city’s flood walls tell a story about its history. You can take a tour on your own or attend a show at the Maiden Alley Cinema,or Market House Theatre.
1. Downtown Paducah
Paducah KY,a river city with a rich culture and Unesco Creative City status,is a rivertown with a cultural heart. Start at the National Quilt Museum and discover how today’s quilters create artistic masterpieces using fabric and thread.
Experience a variety of art forms,including music and theatre,in the downtown historic district and LowerTown Arts District. The largest performance venue,Carson Center,showcases orchestra-in-residence and touring Broadway shows while Market House Theatre offers a more intimate theatre experience with murder mysteries and ghost tours.
Get a taste of the region’s flavorful cuisine in restaurants across town. Cynthia’s Ristorante,located in the Historic Lower Town Arts District,is one of the area’s most popular eateries with a Tuscan vibe that will make you feel like you have been transported to Italy. Mellow Mushroom,which serves craft beer and stone-baked pizzas,is a great place for a casual meal. Afterward,head next door to Dry Ground Brewing for a sample of Paducah-brewed classic beers and guest taps.
2. Stuart Nelson Park
Located in the heart of historic Lower Town Arts District,Stuart Nelson Park was named after former black mayor William Stewart Nelson and honors him for his efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. The project was made possible through President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal Initiatives to combat the Great Depression.
The park is a great place to enjoy nature or take in a live performance at the nationally-recognized Market House Theatre. Since over 50 years,the Market House Theatre has produced musicals as well as dramas and comedies.
The National Quilt Museum should be on your list of places to visit if you are looking for something more interactive. The National Quilt Museum offers a variety of workshops,where visitors can learn about the different styles and marvel at these intricate pieces of art.
Paducah’s economy was bolstered by its location along the river and railroad. This helped the community develop a strong manufacturing and shipping industry. The city’s economy is diversified today,with many businesses.
3. Gold Rush Cafe & Catering
Classic meets creative at this favorite breakfast spot,which also serves lunch and dinner. The omelets and waffles are popular,as is the bread pudding. Paducah Brewery’s regular brews,as well as other taps from across the country,can be found at the bar. The atmosphere is energized by local and touring bands,which adds to the fun. It’s always crowded,so make a booking. It’s worth the wait!
4. Paducah Riverfront
The river has been the lifeblood of Paducah since its founding. The Ohio and Tennessee rivers brought industry,commerce and settlement to this historic town. It became a coal barge port,a transportation hub via railroad,and settlers. The rivers posed a danger,however. Serious floods in 1884,1913 and 1937 resulted in significant damage. In 1946,a gray concrete floodwall was constructed. Today,murals depict the history of the city.
Discover the rich history and heritage in this place named for William Clark by visiting the National Quilt Museum and the Yeiser Art Center. Lower Town and nearby Historic District are great places to shop local. Paducah has many movie theaters where you can watch Hollywood blockbusters,independent films,vintage films and documentaries.
The city offers a public pool at Noble Park,skateparks,dog parks and sprayparks,a Brooks Stadium,and disc golf. The Greenway Trail in the city stretches for five miles,and it connects to the floodwall near Transient Boat Dock.