Just two hours away, Paducah offers much to see and do
(This article first appeared in the June print issue of the Hendersonian)
PADUCAH—It’s hard to miss “the wall.” It’s right there along the Ohio River with colorful scenes, snippets of history and a welcome mat to a community’s culture.
Welcome to Paducah, Kentucky, which in 2013 was designated a UNESCO Creative City (one of nine in the United States), thanks to its artist relocation initiative, galleries packed with the work of local artists and artisans and a world-class museum devoted to textile and fiber art.
Now back to “the wall.” Because of its location on the banks of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and very near the Cumberland and Mississippi rivers, this city of 26,800 needs the wall for flood protection. Otherwise, what happened in 1937 when a 500-year flood inundated the city and the river reached the second floors of downtown buildings could happen once again.
So, if you are a city of artists, and must have a flood wall for protection, why not make the most of it and use it as a canvas to paint the story of a city on it?
It’s one of many things you can experience on a day trip—or a little longer—to downtown Paducah, just a two-hour drive away. Readers of Southern Living magazine have just rated it as one of the state’s best small towns.
And now since it’s vacation season, why not explore something in our own “backyard?”
Flood wall murals
Paducah’s history is painted on 50 concrete flood wall panels along the downtown riverfront. The art initiative that launched in the late 1990s was created by muralist Robert Dafford and the Dafford Murals team and depicts everything from river and railroad history to the acquisition of the land from native Americans, vintage downtown streetscapes, the city’s connection to strawberries and the aforementioned 1937 flood that devastated communities all along the Ohio River and its tributaries. The pathway alongside the mural wall is lighted at night, providing “wall to wall” opportunities for viewing. And it’s free for the taking with just the investment of a leisurely stroll along the river.
National Quilt Museum
On the edge of the central business district is the National Quilt Museum, which is considered the nation’s premier venue for contemporary quilting. The museum, the largest quilt and fiber art museum in the world, opened in 1991 and rotates what’s on exhibit at any given time from the hundreds of quilts in its permanent collection while also hosting special temporary exhibits featuring the work of the artform’s most talented quilters. So you’ll likely see something different even if you’ve visited before. Through the years nearly 1 million people have visited. Location: 215 Jefferson St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Information: QuiltMuseum.org.
Inland Waterways Museum
One of the oldest buildings in town is home to the Inland Waterways Museum. You can get a birds-eye view of the Flood Wall Murals and the Ohio River just beyond its front windows. Learn something about Paducah’s maritime legacy and lore through interactive water-filled exhibits, including a working model of a lock and dam. In a pilothouse simulator, you can “drive” a towboat, a pleasure watercraft or a Coast Guard buoy tender through various scenarios. Location: 117 S. Water St. Information: InlandWaterways.org.
Other museums in downtown that are open seasonally: Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum (631 Kentucky Ave.), Paducah Railroad Museum (200 Washington St.) and Market House Museum (121 Market House Square.)
Lower Town Arts District
On the streets of Lower Town, you’ll find the home of the award-winning Artist Relocation Program and a beehive of activity at the Paducah School of Art & Design. Creativity is in the air as visitors encounter working artists, galleries, hands-on arts experiences. The Lowertown Arts and Music Festival presented by Yeiser Art Center takes place annually in May featuring art vendors, live music, family activities and food.
Beer, bourbon and bottles of wine
Take a walk through Midtown and you’ll find the revitalized Coca-Cola bottling plant that now houses the town’s first craft brewery, Dry Ground Brewing Company and a Mellow Mushroom pizza restaurant. Dry Ground features original craft beers and guest taps including classic beers and hard ciders.
For other libations, Paducah’s offerings include Purple Toad Winery, Barrel & Bond bourbon bar, Paducah Beer Werks and Silent Brigade Distillery.
Shopping
Downtown Paducah has its share of shopping opportunities including a boutique devoted to Kentucky items, a collective run by local artists, galleries and specialty shops. For the musician, there’s a shop devoted to instruments. For the culinary artist, there’s a kitchen store and a barbecue supply store. And, of course, textile artists can find their supplies and inspiration at many locations.
Where to eat
It’s been said by the experts that downtown revitalization starts with a restaurant scene and that was certainly true for Paducah. While visitors will still find classic western Kentucky barbecue, such as that available at Starnes Bar-B-Q (listed on the latest Southern Living “Top BBQ Joints” list), they can also enjoy new takes on local cuisine, modern farm-to-table fare and craft cocktails. Any “locavore” won’t want to miss dinner at Freight House, which rotates its menu often and uses seasonal ingredients from nearby sources. Home of Top Chef Season 16 runner up Sara Bradley, Freight House also offers one of the finest selections of bourbon in western
There’s also the top-notch Cynthia’s Ristorante, the Caribbean restaurant Flamingo Road, Stella’s, Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, Kirchhoff’s Deli for lunch specialties and Gold Rush for breakfast fare and your morning Joe and more.
For a fun, retro atmosphere, steer on over to Parker’s Drive In & 50s Diner on Lone Oak Road.
Where to stay
Graced with beautifully-preserved buildings dating to the 1800s, Paducah offers several charming places to stay overnight. Local B&B’s and hotels offer interesting architecture, as well as displays of local art.
Mixing old-world and modern decor, the relatively new 1857 Hotel in the central business district features 10-plus unique rooms that feature large sitting areas and rotating art. Local chain hotels also are decorated with paintings, quilts and other art pieces, demonstrating the city’s devotion to the arts.
Get outdoors
For a little exercise, take a stroll or bike the Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail, which allows hikers and bikers to access several city parks, ranging from the riverfront area to Bob Noble Park and Stuart Nelson Park to the west.
Planning your visit: Get all the details you need at www.paducah.travel.
