Logo with the word 'Creative' in large white letters on a brown paintbrush stroke background, and 'Arts' written in brown cursive on a black background.

From Paducah to Murray

Peak Time to Visit: Year-Round

A young woman with long wavy brown hair observes artwork on a gallery wall, dressed in a gray top and black pants.

Day 1: Uncover Creative Spaces

The National Quilt Museum is exactly what it sounds like, but far more impressive than meets the eye. The quilts on display are true works of modern art, using fabric as the medium rather than paint or clay. Far from the stereotypical “grandma’s quilt,” these pieces are breathtakingly intricate, featuring vibrant colors and powerful subject matters that often reflect themes important to the artist.

Savor an early dinner at Grill 211, along Broadway. The menu offers familiar items, turned up a notch in flavor, with an interesting twist. After a tasty meal, catch a show at the Market House Theatre, which has been in operation since 1963. Productions vary from comedies to musicals to dramas, set in the historic market building on Market Square.

Decorative bar shelf with wine bottles, beer bottles, and glassware, including hanging wine glasses, with plants and a whimsical giraffe figurine on top.

Day 2: Artsy DIY

The Evergreen Plant Shop, Coffeehouse & Wine Bar hits the trifecta of a perfect breakfast. Try the avocado toast with feta and Sriracha hot honey to wake up the day!

Take a morning stroll through Market House Square and visit the Yeiser Art Center, which has anchored Paducah's visual arts community since 1957. Continue the gallery hop at Art Guild of Paducah Gallery and PAPA Gallery, where you can buy original art and watch local artists create.

Continue on to Murray with a stop at the Murray Art Guild, founded in 1967. The guild supports local artists and university students, and the rotating Art Market features a wide range of locally made pieces at accessible price points. If available, consider signing up for a Saturday workshop, many of which are beginner-friendly and affordably priced.

Dinner in Murray’s hidden gem, the Willow Bistro, lands the perfect end to the evening. Nestled in a historic house on the edge of Murray State University's campus, the Willow serves homemade international cuisine, evoking the feel of sitting in a living room with warming curry, strong hot tea, and a sweet finish from a non-traditional cookie of the day.

A woman standing in front of a rustic wooden barn with patriotic decorations, American flag, and a large geometric American flag art on the barn, on a sunny day with a clear blue sky and green trees in the background.

Day 3: The Final Bow

Breathe in the fresh, southern air viewing the MKY’s cultural landscape art. To start, walk through downtown exploring ten different murals, all with vastly different meanings and views. Then hop in the car, roll down the windows and set the playlist for a roadtrip to see the Barn Quilt Trail across Calloway County. Over sixty barn quilts are displayed, each with personal family narratives.

Wrap up the weekend on a high note by going to a Sunday matinee at Playhouse in the Park. Tucked into a historic train depot in Central Park, enjoy a colorful production from local talent from one of the longest running community theatres in Kentucky.

Red brick university building with a clock tower and white trim, surrounded by green trees and a landscaped park area.
Close-up of a golden-brown battered deep-fried food on a white plate, with a small cup of creamy dipping sauce beside it.
A woman walking on a city sidewalk with her small black dog, near an art gallery with potted plants outside, trees and other storefronts in the background on a sunny day.
Two women walking in front of the Market House Theatre, a brick building with decorative architectural details and banners for a play called 'Spelling Bee' running from May 27 to June 13.
Colorful historical map of Paducah from 1873 displayed on an outdoor wall, with flowers and a chain barrier in the foreground.