Summary
Set halfway between St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee, is the unassuming town of Paducah, Kentucky. While it may not possess the popularity of other small Southern towns like Eureka Springs, Arkansas, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Paducah distinguishes itself with a unique attribute: it is a UNESCO Creative City, a title it has held since 2013.
Paducah joins other U.S. cities like Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Austin, Texas, as well as international locations such as Sydney, Australia, and Rome, Italy, in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This accolade recognizes cities for their achievements in fields such as film, music, media arts, gastronomy, crafts, and folk art. Paducah earned its status for its rich quilting tradition.
Known as the “Quilt City,” Paducah is home to The National Quilt Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the world. The museum displays 320 contemporary quilts that exemplify various techniques and regularly hosts workshops with internationally recognized instructors.
In addition to being a premier destination for quilters, Paducah boasts a flourishing arts community. Visitors can experience live theater, performances by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, and vibrant wall-to-wall murals that depict crucial events in Paducah’s history.
What to Know About Paducah
Paducah is a vibrant artistic community featuring several theaters and cultural centers. A visit to The National Quilt Museum is essential, particularly as contemporary quilt artist Velda Newman will showcase her works until mid-July. Newman’s large-scale quilts highlight themes from nature, while the “Flora, Fauna, and Landscape” exhibit, on display until early May, showcases nature-inspired creations by quilters worldwide.
Moreover, the city’s iconic floodwall murals, located near the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, feature a series of life-sized masterpieces by Robert Dafford that illustrate Paducah’s rich history. Travelers can take a self-guided tour to discover the city’s past, including its founding by William Clark and its significant role during the Civil War.
No experience in Paducah is complete without exploring the quirky Maiden Alley Cinema and attending a performance by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra.
Best Things to Do in Paducah, Kentucky
Paducah’s vibrant arts community enhances any visitor’s experience. The National Quilt Museum is a must-visit, especially with ongoing exhibitions like the one featuring Velda Newman. Additionally, guests will appreciate the city’s floodwall murals, offering an artistic glimpse into its history.
Best Places to Stay in Paducah, Kentucky
Belle Louise Historic Guest House occupies an impressive Italianate mansion dating back to 1879. This charming bed-and-breakfast features five unique rooms and is situated in Paducah’s artsy Lower Town district, close to The National Quilt Museum and the riverfront.
Nearby, The 1857 Hotel offers ten elegantly appointed rooms within a historic downtown building, showcasing vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. This boutique hotel is conveniently located next to the historic Market House Theatre and The Carson Center for the Performing Arts.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Paducah, Kentucky
The Coke Plant, a restored Coca-Cola bottling facility now lively with a coffee shop and craft brewery, is an excellent dining option. Its stunning art deco architecture complements the enticing brews from Dry Ground Brewing Company, which frequently hosts entertaining events.
Further, dining at the Freight House, situated in a historic railroad depot, offers a uniquely Kentucky-inspired menu. Additionally, try the shrimp tacos at Flamingo Row for a delightful Caribbean flavor. Wine enthusiasts should not miss the family-operated Purple Toad Winery.
Best Time to Visit Paducah, Kentucky
Although Paducah is a year-round destination, the temperate climate in spring and fall is particularly inviting.
Quilters will especially want to mark their calendars for the American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek, scheduled for April 27-30. The Lower Town Arts & Music Festival takes place in May, while the River’s Edge International Film Festival will commence in November.
