Sharing your essential weekend guide to a creative city in Western Kentucky: Paducah
As a weekend travel enthusiast, I am always thrilled when a new direct route is announced at my hometown airport – doubly so when that route turns out to have those magical Friday evening to Sunday afternoon flight times.
So when it was announced that Contour Airlines was launching daily service between Charlotte and Paducah, Kentucky, with an outbound flight at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and an inbound flight departing at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, I was over the moon.
(Even if I couldn’t have located Paducah on a map at the time).
Researching and learning about the Western Kentucky town’s history and prominence as a crafting capital made me more excited to visit, and I finally booked my ticket. Now that I’m back, I can’t help but share my own guide to Paducah, and hopefully, you’ll soon see what makes it such a perfect weekend getaway destination:
ABOUT PADUCAH
The history of Paducah, Kentucky, is rich and diverse, reflecting its role as a vital crossroads in the heart of the American Midwest. Founded in 1827 and named after the Padouca Indians, the city’s earliest days were marked by its strategic location along the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers.
In the decades that followed, Paducah’s economy thrived on river commerce, with steamboats, shipping, and trade being the lifeblood of the community. As the 20th century unfolded, Paducah embraced new industries, including atomic energy. Over time, Paducah evolved into not only an industrial center but also a hub for the arts. Thanks to a vibrant quilting community and the presence of the National Quilt Museum, the city’s reputation as the “Quilt Capital of the World” was finally solidified. Today’s Paducah is one that artfully combines its rich history with a vibrant present, tossing in a dash of Southern hospitality for good measure.
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Five things you should know: Paducah, Kentucky
- Paducah earned its Atomic City nickname in the 1950s when it was selected as a site for one of the nation’s three planned uranium enrichment plants.
- The city supports a full symphony orchestra, providing locals and visitors with a premier musical experience.
- Paducah’s Artist Relocation Program has inspired other cities to incentivize artists to move to their area and foster a creative community.
- UNESCO awarded Paducah with its prestigious Creative Cities designation in 2013 – and today it is one of just nine Creative Cities in the U.S.
- Paducah was originally platted by William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame).
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Ready to piece and stitch together your itinerary for a weekend in the Quilt Capital of the World? Here’s everything you can’t miss in Paducah:
PADUCAH SIGHTS + ATTRACTIONS
National Quilt Museum
National Quilt Museum | 215 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001
The National Quilt Museum is Paducah’s premier museum and is dedicated to the artistry, creativity, and cultural significance of quilting. Established in 1991, this museum has become a must-visit destination for quilt enthusiasts and art aficionados alike (and, I suspect, even if you don’t fall into either of those categories, you’ll still enjoy your visit immensely). Here you’ll find intricate and beautifully crafted quilts in a range of styles, all made within the past ten years. The museum takes its mission of honoring today’s quilters very seriously so that future generations can be inspired to keep the craft alive.
As someone who dabbles in fiber crafts, I was simply in awe of the level of detail and high caliber of work on display. Over and over, my notions of what a quilt could be were challenged, and I delighted in that feeling and relished in the discovery around every corner. Budget at least two hours for this museum (that’s truly a minimum!), but quilt superfans might just linger all day… Head here for a preview of the latest exhibitions – or perhaps let it be a surprise!
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Paducah Wall to Wall
Paducah Wall to Wall | 200-298 S Water St, Paducah, KY 42003
Paducah’s floodwalls were constructed following the catastrophic 1937 flood. Paducah Wall to Wall has transformed that very floodwall along the Ohio River into an outdoor art gallery and a Paducah history lesson. This striking series of murals narrates the city’s past in vibrant and larger-than-life paintings along what could have been just a plain grey wall (hooray for thoughtful and meaningful design!).
Each mural by the Dafford Mural Team captures a different aspect of Paducah’s identity, from its indigenous roots to its riverboat history to its atomic identity. To help tell the story, markers are placed in front of each image, providing a bit more context and insight for visitors. It’s the perfect introduction to Paducah and an excellent way to spend an early morning before local businesses begin to open for the day.
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Downtown Paducah Farmers Market
Downtown Paducah Farmers Market | 306 N 2nd St, Paducah, KY 42001
The best way to start a Saturday in a new city is by grabbing a coffee and visiting the Farmers Market, getting acquainted with the local products and producers. When the weather is seasonable, the Downtown Paducah Farmers Market is full of vendors selling produce, fiber crafts, baked goods, and preserves. Limited to what we could bring in our carry-on luggage, we sadly passed over the delicious-looking jams and jellies and instead brought home some 2-oz bottles of hickory syrup (and I suppose we brought home some cookies, too – in our bellies!).
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Paducah Riverfront
Paducah Riverfront
Paducah’s riverfront is a defining feature of the city’s landscape and is both a gathering place for active locals and a magnet for visitors (many of whom arrive on river cruise ships at the port!). Take a stroll on a beautiful day or simply sit and watch the cargo ships go by, and marvel at the river’s continued impact today.
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Shopping in Paducah
Art Guild of Paducah | 115 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001 Bricolage Art Collective | 107 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001 Lepa Jewelry Design Studio & Boutique | 126 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001 Retro-Fitz | 106 S 3rd St, Paducah, KY 42001 Second Time Around | 717 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001 Tuscan Rose Yarn & Hand Dyed Fabrics | 420 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001 Troutt Old Time General Store And Market | 433 N 4th St, Paducah, KY 42001 With Love, From Kentucky | 106 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001
Although I rarely buy anything non-edible when traveling these days, I still think it’s incredibly fun to browse local shops and boutiques. It may not be their intention, but I think these spaces offer visitors insight into the local community.
Paducah’s local shops showed pride in the city, support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and a dedication to preserving and promoting the arts – but perhaps nowhere did it quite as well as Bricolage Art Collective. The shop largely features artwork by regional artists and Paducah mementos, and there’s something at every price point (which is great for all of our wallets!). The celebration of art continues two doors down at the Art Guild of Paducah gallery, where the walls and shelves are chock-full of work from local artists. And no shop in town gets into the local spirit like With Love, From Kentucky; this new storefront sells a range of locally-loved souvenirs.
Makers will enjoy a stop at Tuscan Rose Yarn & Hand Dyed Fabrics, a fabric and yarn store with an excellent selection of well-known and independent producers. I had to remain strong in my dedication to not buy yarn until I’ve worked through my current stash, and let me tell you, my willpower was really put to the test (fellow knitters will know exactly what I mean!). Troutt Old Time General Store And Market is a great stop for anyone who simply loves outfitting their home or whipping up a great meal.
Just here for the style? Thrift or consignment shops are always a must when traveling, as you can sift through a whole new sea of potential treasures. Second Time Around carries items for women and men, and brands from your typical mall finds to designer. Retro-Fitz offers fun 90s and Y2K styles, many of which are reworked for today. Lepa Jewelry Design Studio & Boutique offers the finishing touch for your outfit: handmade jewelry. Shop ready-made styles, or make a full commitment by choosing a piece of permanent jewelry (welded on-site!).
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Paducah Events
Paducah Events Calendar
It seems like there’s always something going on in Paducah. Our visit just so happened to coincide with two fun and unique events: the monthly Cocktail Trail, where businesses compete for the title of best cocktail (the theme for our visit was “Celebrating 10 Years as a UNESCO Creative City” and boy, were the cocktails creative!), and the Local Licks music festival. Hopefully, the calendar will be just as full for your visit!
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN PADUCAH
Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli
Kirchhoff's Bakery and Deli | 118 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001
I haven’t made my way through all of the Paducah guides on the internet, but I’m pretty confident that Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli is in all of them – and for good reason. This historic bakery has been serving fresh bread to Paducahans since 1873, and today is operated by fifth-generation descendants. The deli is a popular spot for lunch, with classic sandwiches on their freshly baked bread. But if you just can’t squeeze in a lunch stop during your visit (we couldn’t, unfortunately, as we already had lunch plans on Saturday and Kirchhoff’s is closed on Sundays), the bakery is open all day Saturday with a case full of pastries. The breakfast focaccia stole the show, and we left with a big box of cookies and bread to bring home as well as a strong desire to go take a nap after loading up on carbs (thankfully Etcetera Squared is next door to perk you back up). Don’t skip this essential Paducah experience!
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Stella’s
Stella's | 202 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001
Stella’s opened in October 2022, but the story behind the name goes back more than a century. The restaurant is located in a building largely known to locals as the Cohen building, as it was owned by the Cohen family for generations. Stella Cohen was the last in the line of owners, and so the restaurant is named for her (oh – and rumor has it the building is haunted!).
Modern-day Stella’s bills itself as a tavern, and the menu is a bit all over the place in the very best way. From tavern favorites to elevated takes, there’s bound to be something on the menu for everyone in your party. We had the pleasure of company during our meal at Stella’s and used that to our advantage by ordering a bevy of small plates and shareables (I might still be dreaming about the seared tuna!). Every meal at Stella’s ends with a sweet surprise – I promise I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s downright delightful.
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Burrito After Dark – B.A.D. Paducah
Burrito After Dark - B.A.D. Paducah | 902 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001
Arriving late in the evening? Burrito After Dark is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (though you might have guessed that from the name!). We popped in late on the evening of our arrival for a little midnight snack of chips and queso and a Xango, a churro-wrapped cheesecake. Vacation calories don’t count, right?
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Branch Out
Branch Out | 713 Kentucky Ave Suite 101, Paducah, KY 42003
Branch Out started as a way to fill the gap in plant-based and gluten-free options in Paducah at the farmers market, and today it is a full-service restaurant that caters to all diners. The menu is globally-inspired and the team uses inventive methods to produce flavorful meals without the use of animal products or wheat (think, a Po’ Boy with oyster mushrooms, “fish” tacos with hearts of palm, a poke bowl with watermelon instead of tuna, and a bacon burger with rice paper bacon). My Harvest Bowl was the most delicious repentance from the bourbon-fueled night before, and Michael’s falafel burger made a beeline for his burger-loving heart. One of my favorite travel rituals is imagining which local spots would be our go-tos if we lived at that destination, and Branch Out would for sure be one of them.
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Over/Under
Over/Under | 314 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001
Sunday mornings are sleepy in Paducah, but there are a few brunch options available if you are catching the afternoon flight (if not, more options open around 1 p.m.!). Over/Under is one of a handful of places that is open by 11 a.m., and it serves a menu full of brunch classics. The simply-named “Sandwich” is the breakfast classic of a sausage, egg, and cheese served on an English muffin from Kirchhoff’s, and it’s the perfect way to begin your final day in Paducah. Pair it with a local beer or bourbon, just because you can.
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Paducah Coffee Shops + Treats
Etcetera Coffeehouse | 320 N 6th St, Paducah, KY 42001 Etcetera Squared | 118 Marine Way, Paducah, KY 42003 The 505 Coffee House | 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Paducah, KY 42001 Forever Sweet Creamery | 116 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001
It takes a lot of coffee to fuel the energy needed when traveling for such a short time. Thankfully Etcetera has two locations in the downtown area, so you’re never far from that much-needed jolt. Etcetera Coffeehouse is a favorite meeting spot in the community, and you’ll likely see neighbors catching up over a cup in the sunshine. On a smaller, more quick-service scale, Etcetera Squared serves the same great coffee but primarily to-go (this location is also closed on Sundays and Mondays).
For a fun and funky coffee shop a little off the beaten path, check out The 505 Coffee House (you’ll know you’ve found it when you start seeing Bigfoot everywhere!). The shaded patio is an excellent place to cool off with an iced coffee at midday, and it’s pup-friendly, too.
To really cool off, Forever Sweet Creamery scoops up fresh ice cream and homemade treats – and it seems like they’re always coming up with something new and unique.
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Paducah Bars
Barrel & Bond | 100 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001 The Bully Gorilla Bar | 117 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001 The Foxbriar Cocktail Bar | 112 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001 Paducah Beer Werks | 301 N 4th St, Paducah, KY 42001 Johnson Bar | 133 S 3rd St, Paducah, KY 42001
Paducah technically isn’t bourbon country, but the spirit still reigns in the city. There’s no better place to imbibe Kentucky’s best-known spirit than at Barrel & Bond, which was named one of America’s Best Bourbon Bars by The Bourbon Review. A wall of bourbon greets you as you enter, but there’s no need to be intimidated by the sheer number of bottles on the wall. Bartenders are friendly and happy to help, and there’s a great cocktail menu for folks who still feel a bit overwhelmed.
For a unique and creative cocktail, head to The Foxbriar Cocktail Bar. The bartenders at this snug cocktail bar love getting inventive with their libations (in my opinion, they mixed up the most creative cocktail during the Cocktail Trail: a Margherita cocktail that can only be described as “drinking a slice of pizza”). The bar changes its theme and menu every few months, so your experience will likely be different than our movie-themed visit – but they’ll also make you anything you’d like off-menu. Don’t be surprised if you walk away with a new favorite drink, and perhaps a new friend, too.
As a pair of mid-thirties travelers, the two bars above are the types of establishments we seek out most often at home – but that might not be the case for travelers in their early- to mid-twenties. The crowds at The Bully Gorilla Bar (a divey spot with loud music and excellent burgers that remains open until 3 a.m.) and the Johnson Bar (a cocktail bar with charcuterie boards and cozy seating) both skewed younger. Best of all, these bars are all within a few blocks of each other, so you can find the spot that feels most like you.
That’s a lot of liquor – what about beer? While you’ll find beer at each of the above spots, Paducah Beer Werks seems to have the highest concentration of brews around. In addition to their in-house brews, the draft list likely contains a few familiar favorites.
WHERE TO STAY IN PADUCAH
Downtown Paducah
If you have access to a car, there are many hotel options along I-24 (just about every major hotel brand can be found across one or two highway exits!), but I would encourage you to stay somewhere local and within walking distance of the lively downtown area.
The downside? There are only a handful of lodging options in downtown Paducah and most of them were fully booked for the weekend of our visit, so we landed in an Airbnb for this stay. The two-bedroom home was built in the late 1800s, and offered way more space than the two of us needed at a great price – and is located about a fifteen-minute walk from the river. I highly recommend it, if you enjoy a home with character and the privacy of a rental.
Though we had a wonderful experience in our homeshare, sometimes you just can’t beat the comforts and amenities that a hotel provides. If I were to return and stay in a hotel or inn, I would strongly consider The Belle Louise Guest House, The Respite Bed and Breakfast, or The 1857 Hotel. Though there is a Holiday Inn along the riverfront which undoubtedly offers a level of hospitality you’re familiar with, local lodging offers a chance to get a sense of the destination around the clock. Reading this in the future? A new 80-room boutique property is slated to open in early 2024 in the center of downtown – and the renderings look beautiful.
WITH MORE TIME IN PADUCAH
More time in Paducah? Lucky you! Here’s what I have on my radar for my next visit (these are places you might want to check out, too!):
Things to Do
- Schedule a tour at Hotel Metropolitan | Initially built to serve Black travelers who were denied lodging at other establishments in the area, now a museum.
- Catch a flick at Maiden Alley Cinema | A non-profit, independent theater right downtown.
- Dive deeper into local history at Market House Museum | A treasure trove of artifacts and information from the region.
- Peruse the aisles at Midtown Market | What’s not to love about a good local grocery store?
- Wander a little | There’s something so intriguing about Paducah’s architecture.
Places to Eat & Drink
- freight house | local and seasonal fare from an award-winning chef.
- Cynthia’s | Made-in-house pastas and a curated wine list.
- Dry Ground Brewing Company | Paducah’s first craft brewery.
- Pipers Tea & Coffee | Single origin coffee and small batch tea.
- Red’s Donut Shop | Fresh donuts from scratch since 1955.
As always, if you beat me to any of these spots, leave a comment and share your thoughts for future visitors!
TRAVEL TIPS FOR PADUCAH, KENTUCKY
Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) is currently served by Contour Airlines with daily direct service solely to Charlotte, North Carolina (lucky me!). Travelers looking to fly direct from other destinations will need to consider flying into Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; or Louisville and making the 2-3 hour drive in. But for most travelers, the easiest route will likely involve a connection in Charlotte.
Flying Contour Airlines for the first time? Check out my post on the 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Fly on Contour Airlines.
The airport is about a twenty-minute drive from downtown, and the most economical option for visitors is the shuttle through the local transit service, which must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. However, we were unsuccessful in using the service for this trip; despite calling more than 24 hours before my first ride on Friday, they were unable to provide service. They were also unable to schedule return service to the airport as the shuttle doesn’t run on Sundays.
According to the airport website, Uber and Lyft are available, yet I found both services unusable. After arriving Friday evening, I pulled up both apps to compare pricing and request a ride, but multiple requests for Uber were declined and the pricing for a Lyft ride was an unbelievable $122 one-way. Multiple calls to the local taxi service went unanswered, but finally, we made it through and a driver was dispatched to transport us to the city (safely, just much later than we’d hoped!).
After marveling at this experience with locals, we wound up with multiple generous offers for rides back to the airport – which was quite a relief, and I’m so grateful! – but I can’t in good conscience advise you to hitch a ride with a stranger. Although you may not use it for anything other than transport to and from the airport, I highly encourage you to rent a car (Hertz and Enterprise are available at the airport) or find alternate transportation in advance of your trip to Paducah.
Once downtown, the city is easily navigated on foot. Most of the downtown area’s shops, restaurants, and attractions are within a ten-minute walk of one another, and it will soon begin to feel familiar. In need of a public restroom while exploring the downtown area (not all shops have one)? Facilities are available near the corner of Jefferson and Water Streets.
While it’s always a good practice to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions, Paducah is generally a safe city. Not only that, but it’s an incredibly friendly city, too. Locals like to strike up a conversation, so budget a few extra minutes wherever you go (you’ll likely learn a fun fact or two!).
Weather-wise, Paducah experiences all four seasons, so check the forecast and pack accordingly. The first half of September turned out to be the perfect time to visit, as it coincided with the first break in heat since the summer began. We can’t always choose when we visit a destination, but if you have such a luxury, Spring and Fall are generally comfortable and mild.
In need of advice beyond this guide? While walking around downtown, look for a person in a red blazer. It’s the uniform of the city’s Ambassadors, who are glad to steer you in the right direction!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING PADUCAH
We should all be so lucky to spend a weekend in Paducah. The Western Kentucky city is wholly unique, honoring its history and legacy while propelling into the future with a creative spirit. Visitors will find a warm and welcoming community of kindhearted locals, a wealth of local art, and an eclectic range of food and drink options. Best of all, the city’s compact size makes it perfect for a weekend getaway: there’s plenty to do to keep you occupied, but just enough left over to make you want to return.
Personally, a quick and easy flight at an ideal time of day all but guarantees I’ll return one day – and I very much look forward to it (but I’ll be sure to rent a car this time!).
Portions of this visit were generously hosted by the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau. Thank you for your warm and welcoming hospitality during our dinner at Stella's, our visit to the National Quilt Museum, and our time on the Cocktail Trail!
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Questions for you
When did you first hear of Paducah?
If you’re a visitor, what are you looking forward to discovering during your time in Paducah? And if you’re a local, what else would you add to this guide?
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Thank you so much for mentioning us! So glad you enjoyed your visit and look forward to you hopefully visiting our store again 😊