'''Paducah''' [http://www.paducah-tourism.org] is a small city on the Ohio River in McCracken County, western Kentucky, about halfway between St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee. Paducah has a booming riverfront restaurant trade and arts scene in part driven by the city's Artist relocation program which offers interest free housing loans, and other subsidies for established artists willing to relocate from New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere. Paducah is the hometown of humorist Irvin Cobb and former Vice President Alben Barkley (with President Harry S. Truman).
Get in
By boat
Where the Tennessee River meets the Ohio River, just upstream from where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. River boats, like the Delta Queen, often stop at the riverfront in Paducah.
By car
Most visitors will arrive by car: Interstate Highway 24 describes a semi-circle around Paducah from the northwest where it crosses the Ohio River into Southern Illinois to the southeast where it meets the Purchase Parkway at Gilbertsville, near Kentucky Lake, and the the Western Kentucky Parkway at Eddyville, near Lake Barkley. You could also reach Paducah from the east or the west using U.S. Highway 60. Travelers coming from the south or southwest on the Purchase Parkway should take the U.S. Highway 45 exit on the north side of Mayfield; from there, Paducah is about a half-hour drive.
By plane
There are a few commercial flights per day from the Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) 4 miles west of town to and from Memphis, Tennessee, via Northwest Airlines. Most locals however prefer to fly out of Nashville International Airport (BNA).
Get around
Districts
'''Market District'''. Revitalized starting in the early 1990s, Paducah's riverfront downtown boasts a charming restaurants, shops, museums and an active farmer's market. A particularly unique offering is that of the mural-covered Ohio River flood walls, which are well worth an afternoon of your time.
'''Lowertown Arts District'''. The centerpiece of Paducah's ''Artist Relocation Program'', Lowertown plays host to a dozen or so art galleries of varying reputation, one of the friendly coffee houses ever and a fine-dining fusion style restaurant. How could you go wrong? In general the feel of the neighborhood is reminicient of New Orleans' Garden District, at least before the storm and floods of 2005. If you make art yourself the city might even be willing to buy you a house here.
See
'''Luther F. Carson Performing Arts Center'''. Broadway musicals, plays, musical groups...
'''Maiden Alley Cinema [http://www.maidenalleycinema.com/]'''. Award-winning films every weekend.
'''Museum of the American Quilter's Society'''
'''Paducah Symphony Orchestra [http://www.paducahsymphony.org]'''. The Orchestra-in-Residence at the Luther F. Carson Center.
'''Paducah Wall to Wall'''. Murals on the Ohio River Floodwall by artist Robert Dafford.
'''River Heritage Museum'''
'''Whitehaven'''. Historic home and state welcome center. At I-24 Exit 7 (Lone Oak Road). Many local high schoolers have their prom photos taken here, so it gets very busy on those nights.
'''William Clark Market House Museum'''
'''Yeiser Art Center'''
Do
'''Cardinal Lanes''', 816 Joe Clifton Drive, 270-443-6441. Bowling.
'''Land Between the Lakes'''. Outdoor recreation area.
'''Riverport Lanes''', 3465 Wayne Sullivan Drive, 270-444-7817. Bowling.
Events
'''Quilt Show'''. APRIL: Visitors from around the world come to Paducah to see the AQS Quilt Show & Contest. And shop and visit with each other.
'''Dogwood Trail'''. APRIL: Usually around the same time as the Quilt Show, the city marks out a driving tour of the city, where the blooming dogwood trees are illuminated.
'''LowerTown Fine Art & Music Festival'''. MAY: May 26-28, 2006. All day event, art, music, food vendors and dancing in the streets. Live jazz, blues, salsa & zydeco music. Around 7th & Monroe.
'''Summer Festival'''. JULY: July 26-29, 2006. 2005 was the first year for the Sand in the City sand "castle" building competition. Fireworks, hot air ballons, music, fun.
'''River's Edge Film Festival [http://www.riversedgefilmfestival.com]'''. AUGUST: First-class international film festival, held at Maiden Alley Cinema[http://www.maidenalleycinema.com] .
'''Barbeque on the River'''. SEPTEMBER: The downtown parking lot, between the Floodwall Murals and 2nd Street, is filled with vendors selling BBQ of course, but also cheesecake-on-a-stick, deep fried oreos, local treat Dippin' Dots, baked goods, and more. Live music on the stage at the floodwall. A friendly rivalry continues between many of the yearly competitors for the top prizes. A craft fair is usually held simultaneously along the edges of the Quilt Museum.
'''August 8th Black Family Celebration'''-August the 8th was the day that the word had reached Paducah Slaves that Slavery had been abolished by the signing of the Emanicipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. Black people from around the country come to Paducah to celebrate this event which includes open markets/street vendors/good food/music/african dance and other events including your "neighborhood block party" at the Community Center on 7th Street.
Buy
Lowertown [http://www.paducaharts.com]
(NOTE: on the Second Saturday of every month, most lowertown galleries remain open until 8pm.)
'''520 Studio Gallery''', 520 Madison, 270-575-4595. Tu-Sa 11-5.
'''Agape Sudio & Sign Art''', 322 N. 8th Street, 270-443-6780.
'''AIR Studios''', 621-629 Madison.
'''Aphrodite Gallery''', 503 N. 7th Street, 270-444-6871. Th-Sa 12PM-5PM.
'''Aspire Arts''', 611 N. 6th Street, 541-806-2506. Wed-Sun 12Pm 5Pm.
'''Blue Frog Designs''', 270-442-4482, [http://www.bluefrogdesigns.com]. Open by appointment only for graphic design, illustration, web design.
'''Brokenstone Press and Gallery''', 612 N. 6th Street, 270-815-4538.
'''Bryerpatch Studio''', 502 N. 5th Street, 270-444-8040.
'''Cowango Studios''', 517 N. 8th Street, 270-908-0755 [http://www.cowango.com] Studios of Stefanie Graves (watercolor) and David Lucht (batik painting).
'''Dixie Leather Works''', 306 N. 7th Street, 270-442-1058.
'''Gallery 5''', 803 Madison, 270-444-2020, [http://www.renzulliart.com]. Open Tu-Sa noon-5PM or by appointment.
'''Heart of Healing Gallery''', 233 N. 7th Street, 270-442-2324.
'''Judeens Studio and Gallery''', 720 Harrison Street, 270-444-9525.
'''Leaping Trout Studio''', 723 Madison. 270-441-7050. Tu-Sa 12PM-5PM.
'''Mentor House Gallery''', 332 N. 6th Street, 270-442-1635. We-Su 12PM-5PM.
'''Nancy Calcutt Studio''', 521 Madison, 270-415-9041.
'''Pinecone Gallery''', 421 N. 7th Street, 270.443.1433. M,Th,F from 11AM-6PM; Sa,Su 10AM-5PM.
'''Philosophy Gallery''', 333 N. 9th Street, 270.442.5280. [http://www.philosophygallery.com]. Open Satudays 12PM-5PM. The gallery showcases the paintings of owner Karen Utz. Along with Utz's work, the gallery features the work of many talented fine american craft artists.
'''Stornoway House Gallery''', 513 N. 6th Street, 270-444-9446.
'''Studio E''', 415 N. 7th Street, 270.217.4748, [http://www.studioepaducah.com]. Offering physical therapy, Pilates and massage, by appointment.
'''Studio Mars''', 418 N. 7th Street, 270-442-1087, [http://www.paullorenz.biz]. The working studio of Paul Lorenz. The studio is open Fridays and Sa 1PM to 5PM, and by appointment Sundays thru Thursday. The studio features oil paintings and Bauhaus inspired drawings.
'''Studio Miska''', 627 Madison Street, 270-442-5266.
'''The Egg and I''', 335 N. 6th Street, 270-443-6323.
'''Working Artist Studio''', 303 N. 8th Street, 270-441-7844. Tu-Sa 12PM-5PM.
Downtown
(NOTE: Downtown After Dinner program runs Saturday nights April-October, and most businesses remain open late. Broadway is usually blocked off from the riverfront to 7th Street (cross streets remain open) to allow a street-fair like atmosphere complete with live musical performances. Antique cars are often displayed on Broadway between the riverfront and 2nd Street, and along 2nd Street.) [http://www.paducahafterdinner.com]
'''Allen Music''', 215 Kentucky, 270-442-8900.
'''BeBe's Artisan Market''', 107 S. 2nd Street (''Market House Square''), 270-443-5848.
'''Carol's Custom Framing & Gifts''', 409 Broadway, 270-575-3556, [http://www.carolscustomframing.com].
'''Cassity's''', 115 S. 2nd Street (Market House Square), 270-443-9420, [http://www.cassitys.com].
'''Crash Comics''', 130 Broadway, 270-442-7348.
'''Creatures of Habit''', 406 Broadway, 270-442-2923. Costume rental.
'''Gallery 600''', 600 Broadway, 270-442-1985.
'''Hooper's''', 219 Broadway, 270-443-0019 http://www.hoopers.net
'''J. Elaines & Candy Boutique''', 405 Broadway. 270-442-2828.
'''King's Quilting Studio''', 119 N. 4th Street. 270-444-7577.
'''Market@315''', 315 Broadway. Numerous booths with a little bit of everything.
'''Mr Penguin''', 303 Broadway, 270-444-6520. Formal wear and rentals.
'''PAPA - Paducah Area Painters Alliance''', 124 Broadway, 270-575-3544.
'''Peppermills''', (Market House Square). Kitchen things and coffee.
'''Wildhair Studios''', 2nd & Broadway. 270-444-6115, [http://www.wildhairstudios.com].
'''Yeiser Art Center''', 200 Broadway (Market House Square)
'''Maiden Alley Cinema''', 112 Maiden Alley, 270-441-7007, [http://www.maidenalleycinema.com].
Antiques
'''American Harvest Antiques''', 632 N. 6th Street, 270.442.4852. (Open Wed 10-5, Sat 10-4, or by appointment)
'''Anthony Barnes Antiques & Collectibles''', 111 S. 2nd Street (Market House Square), 270.442.1891.
'''Courtyard Antiques''', 319 Broadway. 270.442.1921.
'''Jeremiah's Antique Mall''', 3rd & Broadway.
'''Just English Antiques''', 212 Broadway.
'''Marshall's Antiques''', 113 N. 2nd Street, 270.442.0024.
Other Shopping
'''Kentucky Oaks Mall'''. Hwy 60, at I-24 Exit 4. Department stores include Dillard's, Sears, JCPenney, K's Merchandise, and Elder-Beerman. "Big box" electronics retailer Best Buy is also located in the mall. Open Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun noon-6.
'''Mall Area'''. There are many stores near the mall. Sam's Club, Hobby Lobby, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, David's Bridal, Toys R Us, Jewelry & Handbag Warehouse, Circuit City, Goody's, Shoe Carnival, and Gander Mountain are located on the same side of US 60 as the mall. On the other side of US 60 are Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, Lowes, Books A Million, PetSmart, Catherine's Plus Sizes, and TJ Maxx.
'''Olivet Church Road Crossing'''. New shopping area just past the mall on US 60. Includes Kohl's; Michael's Crafts; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Kirklands; and Nextel.
'''Southside'''. There are several shops near the southside Wal-Mart, including Big Lots and Trees 'n' Trends.
Eat
'''Alberti's Ice Cream''', 121 S. 3rd Street, 270-442-0055.
'''C C Cohen Restaurant & Bar''', 103 Broadway, 270-442-6391, [http://www.cccohen.com]. Live music on Friday & Saturday nights. Building believed to be haunted.
'''Chongs'''. There are several locations of this local chinese restaurant in town. The nicest is by the mall, and the one on Jackson Street has a buffet.
'''Cynthia's''', 125 Market House Square, 270-443-3319.
'''d Starnes BBQ''', 108 Broadway, 270-442-2122.
'''Di Fratelli Ristorante''', 211 Broadway St., 270-442-7054.
'''Gold Rush Corner Cafe''', 4th & Broadway., 270-443-4422
'''Flamingo Row''', At I-24 Exit 4, ''behind Home Depot''. While the food is still good, the atmosphere has gotten worse with each move (this is their third, and largest, location). It's very noisy and hard to have a conversation, and the bright colors and fun accessories seem out of place in the space. If you hadn't been to the old one downtown, or the one by the Coca-Cola building, you probably wouldn't notice anything though. The fillymingo stuffed breads are a must-try.
'''Ice Cream Factory at Riverplace''', 116 Broadway, 270-443-0084. Homemade waffle cones.
'''Italian Village Pizza''', 125 S. 3rd Street, 270-442-9500.
'''J Cafe & Bistro''', 126 Market House Sq., 270-444-9956. Excellent sandwiches.
'''Jeremiah's Restaurant & Brew Pub''', 225 Broadway, 270-443-3991. Jeremiah was a bullfrog... very good frog legs here too. Everything is cooked on a large grill. Despite the name they no longer brew beer.
'''Kincaid's Crossing Steakhouse & Pub''', One Executive Blvd. (''Inside Executive Inn''). 270-443-8000.
'''Kirchhoff's Bakery, Deli & Market''', 116 Market House Square, 270-442-7117. If you've never been to Kirchhoff's, get a sandwich (and a cookie) -- just make sure to sample something from their bakery, which has been family owned since 1873.
'''KY Oaks Mall'''. Restaurants include Pasta House Factory, Chic-Fil-A, Dippin Dots, and an excellent soup,sub,and coffee shop call Tuscany - it has the best subs around.
'''Mall Area''', Exit 4 off I-24. Numerous chain restaurants including Raffertys, O'Charleys, McDonald's, Bob Evans, Outback, Burger King, Applebees, Texas Roadhouse, Arby's, TGI Friday's, Hardee's, Taco Bell, Backyard Burgers, Steak N Shake, Wendy's, Chuck E Cheese, Logan's Steakhouse, Fazoli's, Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, Captain D's, Red Lobster, and Los Amigos (be sure to try the cheese dip).
'''Max's Brick Oven Cafe''', 112 Market House Sq., 270-575-3473. Sometimes it can be hard to find good bread in small-town America. That's why it can be such a thrill to find a place like Max's.
'''Moss Rose Cafe''', 119 S. 2nd Street (''Market House Square''), 270-575-4828.
'''Parcell's Deli & Grill''', 2201 Broadway (''In the Ritz''), 270.575-3354.
'''Patio Dining Room''', One Executive Blvd. (''Inside Executive Inn''), 270-443-8000.
'''Tribeca Mexican Cuisine''', 127 S. 2nd Street (Market House Square), 270-444-3960.
'''Whaler's Catch''', 123 N. 2nd Street, 270-444-7701. Seafood and cajun food. The Crow's Nest outdoor dining is available in the summer, and overlooks the riverfront. The French Quarter is part of Whaler's Catch, and is available for parties.
Drink
'''Jeremiah's Restaurant & Brew Pub''', 225 Broadway, 270.443.3991. Piano Bar two or three nights a week.
'''Peppermills'''. Market House Square. Coffee and teas.
Etcetera. 20 North 6th Street. 12704437760. tccoffee@bellsouth.net. Sun-Thurs 8am -5:30pm, Fri - Sat 8am - 9:30pm. Real coffee and a nice place to study, read, etcetera in the Lower Town arts district.
Sleep
'''1857's Bed & Breakfast''', 127 Market House Square, 270-444-960, Fax 270-444-6309, [http://www.tribecarestaurant.net/bed&breakfast.html].
'''Duck Creek Campground''', (60 sites) 2540 John Puryear Dr. ''Exit 11 off I-24'', 270-415-0404. Game room, water, sewer, store, primitive camping.
'''Executive Inn Paducah Riverfront''', One Executive Blvd, 270-443-8000 or 1.800-866-3636. Location location location.
'''Fern Lake Campground'', (60 sites) 5535 Cairo Rd. ''Exit 3 off I-24''. Water, sewer, and dump station. 30 & 50 amp, paved & gravel interior roads, some shade, 30 pull-throughs, bath house and laundry facility. 270-444-7939
'''Fisher Mansion Bed & Breakfast''', 901 Jefferson Street, 270-443-0716. Restored Queen Anne with nice antique furnishing.
'''Fox Briar Inn at RiverPlace''', 100 C Broadway, 270-443-7004 or 1-877-FOX-INN1. Distinguished by jacuuzis in some of the rooms, a kitchen for guest use and nice river views.
'''Paducah Harbor Plaza''', 201 Broadway, 270-442-2698 or 1-800-719-7799. Just blocks from the Ohio river; renovated.
Contact
'''The Global Nomad'''. '''Free''' Wifi. See listing under '''Drink'''.
Get out
Metropolis. Right across the river. Attractions include Superman monument, festival, and museum; Ft. Massac State Park; and Harrah's Casino.
Kentucky Lake
Lake Barkley
Land Between the Lakes
Carbondale
Murray
Cairo (Illinois)