Arts are the driving force behind this river town. Sip bourbon at Barrel & Bond,set inside a historic building that’s over 150 years old.
The city’s flood wall tells a visual story of its history through colorful murals. 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. Discover how quilters today create art using fabric and thread at the National Quilt Museum.
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 is located in the Historic Lower Town Arts District and has a Tuscan feel that will transport you to Italy. Mellow Mushroom,which serves craft beer and stone-baked pizzas,is a great place for a casual meal. Dry Ground Brewing is next door,where you can sample classic Paducah beers as well as 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. It was also a project made possible by 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. The community was able to develop a robust manufacturing and shipping sector. Today,the city has a diversified economy with numerous businesses.
3. Gold Rush Cafe & Catering
Classic meets creative at this favorite breakfast spot,which also serves lunch and dinner. Its omelets,waffles and bread pudding are particularly popular with diners,and the bar side offers Paducah Beer Werks regular brews as well as guest taps from around the country. 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
Since its founding,the river has been Paducah’s lifeblood. The mighty Ohio and Tennessee rivers brought settlement,trade and industry to the historic town,which became a steamboat port,coal barge hub and transportation center via railroad. But the rivers also posed a threat. In 1884,1937 and 1913 there were major floods that caused significant damage. In 1946,a gray concrete floodwall was constructed. Today,murals depict the history of the city.
Explore the history and heritage of this fabled place named after William Clark at the National Quilt Museum,the Hotel Metropolitan,River Discovery Center,Market House Square and Yeiser Art Center. Shop local in Lower Town and the nearby Historic District. Paducah has many movie theaters where you can watch Hollywood blockbusters,independent films,vintage films and documentaries.
The city has a public swimming pool in Noble Park as well as skateparks and dog parks,sprayparks and a Brooks Stadium. It also offers disc golf and a Brooks Stadium. The Greenway Trail in the city stretches for five miles,and it connects to the floodwall near Transient Boat Dock.
