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From Murray to Paducah

Peak Time to Visit: May - October

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Day 1: Enjoy the Golden Hour

Settle in and enjoy dinner at The Willow Bistro, known for international dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Try the made-to-order guacamole and pita chips or the lamb gyro. Don’t skip dessert! Stop by Dairy Queen and indulge in an original recipe ice cream cone.

In the evening, take a sunset walk through Doran Arboretum, where garden paths and open spaces glow in the fading light, leaving a peaceful evening among the locals.

A person shopping at an outdoor market, selecting apples from a display of fresh produce.

Day 2: Get the Steps In

Begin the day walking through the Downtown Farmers Market. Murray has the largest farmers market in the region, offering fresh produce, baked goods and artisan crafts. Grab an early lunch at Dumplin’s before heading out for an afternoon adventure; this is the perfect place to carb up, as they are known for their massive yeast rolls and desserts.

Spend the afternoon hiking Hematite Lake in Land Between the Lakes, taking in scenic views and quiet forest trails. Be on the lookout for river otters and osprey! Finish with a visit to the Nature Station for a closer look at local wildlife and ecosystems.

Arrive in Paducah and head straight to dinner at Max’s Brick Oven. Wood-fired pizzas and specialty cocktails make this an easy first stop. Weather permitting, the patio is highly recommended.

A scenic aerial view of a winding pathway through lush green trees and grass on a bright, sunny day.

Day 3: Ride the Scenic Route

Start the day with brunch at Over Under before picking up rental bikes from Bike World. Ride the Greenway Trail for a scenic, accessible way to explore Paducah. Stretching over five miles, this iconic trail links the best of Paducah’s city parks to the historic downtown. Choose your entry point from one of the numerous parks or public spaces around the city, and enjoy the lush greenery that makes Western Kentucky shine.

End the weekend with dinner at Doe’s Eat Place, featuring hand-crafted steaks and delicious shrimp dishes.

A red brick clock tower on a university campus with a green lawn, trees, benches, and lampposts.
Close-up of a large, golden-brown Jamaican beef patty with a bite taken out, served on a white plate with a small cup of vanilla ice cream beside it.
A woman in a green jumpsuit and denim jacket walking a black French Bulldog on a leash down a city sidewalk lined with art galleries and shops, with green trees and street signs in the background.
The exterior of the Market House Theatre building, made of red brick with teal-trimmed windows and a large arched window above the entrance. Two banners on either side advertise the Season 57 production of 'The Spelling Bee' from May 27 to June 13. Two women are walking in front of the entrance, one wearing a pink top and jeans, the other with a white hat, blue top, and white pants, carrying a small bag.
Map of Paducah, Kentucky, from 1873, displayed on an outdoor wall with colorful advertisements and artwork, surrounded by flowers and a chain barrier.