Paducah, KY is a small town in western Kentucky that was originally named by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. When you first hear about Paducah, your initial thoughts may mislead you.  Paducah is well known for its artists, performers, craftsmen, writers, and world-class quilters. In 2013, Paducah was named a UNESCO Creative City by the United Nations.

As a UNESCO Creative City Paducah welcomes artists from around the world to share culture and craft through attractions, workshops, and performances. The Yeiser Art Center, Maiden Alley Cinema and Gallery, Market House Theatre, and more have all contributed to Paducah’s diversity of ongoing cultural offering ranging from live theater to exhibitions, art films, and classical performances by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. The National Quilt Museum stands as a monument to the city’s reference for arts and crafts. Three galleries display a contemporary collection of award-winning quilts and rotating traveling exhibitions that showcase the medium’s incredible range. If you travel outside, there is a gallery showcasing the city’s Wall to Wall Floodwall Murals, one of the area’s most popular attraction. The 50 painted panels, line the riverfront to tell the story of Paducah’s history as a self-guided tour.

After a full day of experiencing exquisite artwork, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Paducah’s creative chefs and restaurateurs have energized the culinary scene with dining experiences that reflect the diversity of the city and its authentic hospitality that has long been the city’s hallmark. In downtown Paducah, you can encounter iconic culinary institutions including a diverse collection of BBQ joints, purveying Paducah’s brand of western Kentucky barbecue at Backwoods BBQ or Bandana’s Bar-B-Q. Not interested in barbeque? There’s other great options such as Freight House, Doe’s Eat Place and Rafferty’s Restaurant & Bar.

Before you finish your trip in Paducah, you’ll have to make sure you visit the award winning brewers, vintners and distillers that capture unique flavor profiles that tap into local tradition and Paducah’s creative spirit. You’ll find expertly crafted beverages at distinctive cocktail bars, such as The FoxBriar Cocktail Bar or The Johnsons Bar. Kentucky is also known for its award-winning bourbon, so Barren and Bond and Freight House are a must visit.

After youre done with your adventure in Paducah, make your way to the Barkley Regional Airport where you can travel to Charlotte, NC and beyond.

For Airport information, click here.