5 Reasons to Visit Paducah, Kentucky

A trip to Paducah, Kentucky, is sure to be an enjoyable one. While in the past, it may not have been the most remarkable place to visit, thanks to incentives that continue to draw in artists and new businesses, Paducah has been transformed into a lively downtown community.

By restoring the town's beautiful old buildings and allowing a variety of businesses to open shop, The Paducah Renaissance has been a huge success both financially and culturally. Here are the top five reasons you should pay Paducah a visit.

1. The Historic Downtown-Paducah's downtown sets the mood for your entire trip. It's as if you've been transported to the past, strolling though a main street setting that is almost unheard of in modern times. The beautifully restored turn-of-the-century architecture and brick-lined sidewalks work to create a romantic, vintage atmosphere that visitors will love.

Downtown Paducah doesn't just look good; it also offers plenty of entertainment, from a wide variety of shops and dining establishments to museums and art studios. Best of all, every Saturday night during the summer Paducah hosts Downtown After Dinner, a street festival with outdoor music, art, street dancing, horse drawn carriage tours and more.

2. The Second Saturday Gallery Walk- On the second Saturday of every month, the artists of Paducah's Lower Town Arts District really show their stuff. Most of the galleries and studios offer extended hours on this day, often revealing new exhibits and other entertainment.

If you're not in the purchasing mood, it's still fun to window shop. The Lower Town Arts District features beautifully renovated historic homes in which many of the galleries are located. You'll have the opportunity to not only check out the art, but you'll also get to see inside these old houses.

3. Maiden Alley Cinema- Film buffs living in the Paducah area can attest to this: it's difficult to find a place that shows quality films around here. Maiden Alley Cinema comes as a breath of fresh air for those looking to enjoy independent or foreign flicks in a theater instead of at home. Since it's located in Paducah's historic downtown, visitors can easily catch a show in the evening. Dinner and a movie, anyone?

4. Unique Museums- Paducah offers a surprising amount of interesting museums for a town of its size. They're a pleasure to visit, especially if you're a history addict. Three notable museums include:

The River Discovery Center- Offering interactive exhibits that illustrate the science of and life in the Four Rivers Region.

The Paducah Railroad Museum- Displays of railroad memorabilia that bring the history of the railways to life.

Hotel Metropolitan- An African American heritage museum in a renovated historic hotel

The Downtown Farmers' Market - Visitors looking for some delicious and locally produced food items will love the Farmers' Market. Besides fresh vegetables, you'll get a chance to buy flowers, wine, baked goods, and canned foods. Additionally, you may catch the occasional cooking or garden demonstration; so it's educational and delicious! This is opened through November each year.

For more information about travel in Paducah, Kentucky, visit the Paducah Convention and Visitor's Bureau Online.