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Food and Fun in Paducah

Southern Living, Jul 2005

You just can't beat Paducah, Kentucky, in the summertime. With restaurants, shops, and two annual events, this charming town on the western edge of the Bluegrass State offers plenty to see and do.

Park, Walk, and Stay

The really great thing about exploring downtown Paducah is that most everything is walkable. You'll find the perfect spot to stay at the Fox Briar Inn at RiverPlace (rates $125-$350) on Broadway, right at the Ohio River. Exquisitely decorated loft apartments and suites feature the amenities of a fine hotel. In the morning, visit Kirchhoff's Deli & Bakery for a bagel ($1) or French pastry ($1.25-$2.50). For lunch, grab a great barbecue sandwich ($2.75) two doors down from the inn at d. Starnes. Don't pass up a piece of pie ($2.50).

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Spend the afternoon shopping in some of the local antiques shops, or visit a museum. At the Museum of the American Quilter's Society, hundreds of stunning quilts await your perusal. Learn about the history and importance of the state's waterways at the River Heritage Museum.

End your day with a fine meal at Cynthia's on Market House Square. Try the bacon-and-sage-wrapped oak-grilled pork tenderloin ($15.95) or the oak-grilled jumbo sea scallops ($17.95).

Special Summer Fun

Between May and September, the city's annual Downtown After Dinner event attracts locals and visitors on Saturday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy six blocks of horse-drawn carriage rides ($3), antique car shows, live entertainment, and shopping.

Another popular event, the Paducah Summer Festival, brings people out in droves July 22-30. Top-name entertainers, fireworks, hot-air balloons, and children's activities delight the patrons. Many of the events are free of charge.

Summertime in this small town proves refreshing-in all ways.

Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau: 128 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001; 1-800-723-8224 or www. paducahtourism.org.

Food and Fun in Paducah

Southern Living, Jul 2005

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