Paducah is one of only nine cities in the country given a UNESCO designation as a creative city. It sits where the Ohio and Tennessee rivers converge. That helped form its history since it was founded by William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, in 1827. Then steamboats traveled the rivers. Later, it became an important railway hub. I visited as a guest of Paducah but opinions are my own.
William Clark Market House Museum
Why go: Housed in a 1905 market house, this museum features exhibits on Paducah’s founding, pioneer life, and regional development. There’re exhibits about the Civil War, a 1913 LaFrance Fire Truck, a statue of Henry Clay carved by a twelve-year-old boy, a room dedicated to Alben Barkley, Vice President under Truman, and more, but what I found most interested were personal stories about an exhibit called “Courage in Action: A Sailor’s Story.”
What not to miss: Margaret Shoulta shared the story of her father, Allard Vessels, who was on the USS Arizona and survived the Pearl Harbor bombing. He was in the crow’s nest playing Acey Deucy with a shipmate. She started by telling how her parents met as children, fell in love, and married. She pointed to a picture, “He was 19 years old in this picture and my mother was 18.”
She told how he joined the navy, bought her mother’s engagement ring at the ship’s store, and sent it home to his parents. They brought the ring to her mother, Anita, on Sunday, December 7, 1941. When they turned on the radio, the news told them Pearl Harbor had been attacked by the Japanese, sinking the Arizona, and killing almost the entire crew. Her dad was one of only 334 who survived out of 1511 men aboard. After the bombs detonated the magazine blowing the Arizona apart, he jumped into the water and began pulling men to shore.
She Buys Travel Tip: Don’t miss the cloth Acey Ducey game board, tube and the roll-up where it’s stored. It’s a replica of the one Vessels was using when the bombs fell.
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National Quilt Museum
Why go: The Quilt Museum shows over 650 quilts made after 1980 that represent the best of contemporary quilting. The American Quilter’s Society presents an annual show there called AQS QuiltWeek.
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What not to miss: The exhibit, “Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry: A Life in Color–50 Years of Art Quilts.” My favorites are her Aquarium, Through Thick & Thin, and Branches. Another exhibit tells how quilters often get caught up in editing their design. In “Option Expedition,” Victoria Findlay Wolfe shows some basic shapes, and shows how each can make a beautiful quilt.
SheBuysTravel tip: Be sure to see the bronze sculpture on the museum lawn, “On the Trail of Discovery,” portraying Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, a Native American man and child, and Clark’s dog, Seaman.
River Discovery Center
Why go: Paducah’s history began because of its location where the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers meet. The museum tells that story. It’s housed in the oldest commercial building in Paducah, the Petter Bui;lding originally built in 1843 as a branch of the Bank of Louisville.
What not to miss: The museum explains the river’s influence on Paducah. Beginning with an exhibit showing the rivers and models of early steamboats. The Civil War exhibit tells of the battle of Paducah mainly on the water. There are several interactive exhibits. One lets you pilot a boat, under various scenarios, you choose day and night, kind of boat, and circumstances. The Delta Queen lets you activate a historic paddlewheel steamboat. Be sure to watch the video, Heart of a Nation, in the Founders Room
Wall-to-Wall Floodwall Murals
Why go: Paducah’s life-sized panoramic murals along its floodwall are one of the most popular art attractions in Kentucky. Portraits from Paducah’s Past, created by renowned artist Robert Dafford and his team, tell Paducah’s history from Native Americans, the steamboat era, the trains era, to the 20th century.
What not to miss: The murals have interpretive panels that make this a self-guided tour. The earliest mural shows the tribe William Clark stayed with when plotting the town. There’s a mural of the older Market House before the present one was built. The murals extend several blocks and include early settlers, a boat christening, trains, and more.
SheBuys Travel tips: The Number 1518 steam engine was known as “the last Iron Horse” of the Illinois Central Railroad. It sits at the far end of the murals.
Paducah Art Experience
Why go: There’s more art in Paducah than the Floodwall Murals. You’ll find murals and live art throughout the city.
What not to miss: The live performances abound here.
- Carson Hall: Upscale auditorium that hosts everything from Broadway plays like Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. to Crosby, Stills & Nash, and local events.
- Maiden Alley Cinema: As the name suggests, the theater is in an alley off Paducah’s main street, appropriately named Broadway. It shows foreign, independent, and documentary films..
- Market House Theater: Shows musicals, dramas, comedies, live performances and interactive murder mystery dinners in a small venue in the front section of Market House.
- Clemens Fine Arts Center: Part of West Kentucky Community & Technical College, the center presents concerts and live performances.
Art Galleries
PAPA Art Gallery. Photo Credit: Kathleen Walls
Why go: If you’re an art lover, you can find many places to view art, purchase art, and see artists at work.
What not to miss: These are just some of the art galleries.
- PAPA Gallery: This was one of the first places I visited since it’s next door to the visitor center. The name stands for Paducah Area Painters Alliance. You can browse and vote for your favorite artist.
- Yiester Art Gallery: The gallery’s in 1905 Market House along with Market House Theatre and the William Clark Market House Museum. They host a variety of exhibitions.
- Bricolage Art collective: A consignment collective where you can find local art or craft items on Market House Square.
Antique Shops
Why go: Paducah is a shopper’s paradise.
What not to miss: If you’re like me, antique stores are your favorite shopping spot. Here’s a few I found.
- Paducah Antique Mall: It has a great variety with 40 vendors and 7500 sq. ft. of space on Broadway. My favorite since a jewelry selection is right upfront.
- Victorian Parlor: This one is tiny, also on Broadway. Like its sale items, the store itself is antique. There’s lots of interesting items including jewelry.
- American Harvest Antiques: Sells early American country antiques.
Paducah Homegrown Farmer’s Market
Why go: The Farmers’ Market is on Saturdays, from early-April through mid-October from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find fresh, local produce, baked goods, meats, eggs, and dairy products, plus some craft items. It’s near the river across from the large downtown parking area.
What not to miss: I bought a delicious chocolate mini-pie and saw lots of beautiful produce.
Broussard’s
Why go: Being from New Orleans, I can’t resist trying Cajun/Creole restaurants. Broussard’s lived up to my expectations. Even as a solo diner, they seated me quickly at my choice of tables. Service is great, and the atmosphere is pure New Orleans French Quarter.
What not to miss: Broussard’s specializes in my favorite Cajun and Creole dishes, including étouffée, jambalaya, and seafood platters. They also have Po’ Boys and you can get a Hurricane to drink. I splurged on the Steamed Crab Legs and finished with some beignets.
Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront
Why go: When traveling, you want comfortable lodging.
What not to miss: The hotel is modern and clean with all modern amenities. Being on the river, you have a splendid view. Rooms are comfortable and there’s a saltwater pool.
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