Recently we spent some time in Paducah, Kentucky and discovered that the city is full of great local food, history, arts and experiences just waiting to be explored.  If you are looking for a place not too far from home where you can explore your creative side, be amazed and inspired by the quilts of today, then this  Paducah travel guide is for you!  I have your entire trip planned out for you – where to stay, what to eat, things to do and even where to drink your morning coffee!  Join me as we plan a road trip to Paducah!

This post includes affiliate links. Hobbies on a Budget received tickets or discounts as part of a sponsored visit to the city of Paducah. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was provided. #creativepaducah #paducahcreativecity

Paducah Kentucky Travel Guide

Where to Eat

Gold Rush Cafe

There’s nothing better than breakfast at Gold Rush Cafe! The menu is not your typical breakfast but oh my, it is delicious! There’s a couple things you must order! Don’t pass up the scotch eggs, the grown up macaroni and cheese varieties and whatever you do, make sure you order the bread pudding waffle with homemade maple butter!

Kirchoff’s Deli and Bakery

Lunch should be something light and tasty and of course you want to eat at a place with local history! Started in the late 1800’s, Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli combines Old World recipes and quality ingredients to make fresh artisan breads, delectable pastries and fresh sandwiches, soups and salads.

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom in Paducah, Kentucky is the perfect blend of good food, family fun, local art appreciation and a story of revitalization and community. Located in the old Coke Plant, this restaurant is more than just a pizza-shop.

Donuts

When we visit a new city, one of the things we look for is fresh, local donut shops! We hit the jackpot when we discovered Red’s Donuts! This family owned donut shop has been around over 50 years and still makes the best donuts in town! Don’t believe me? Just stop by and order a dozen (or two) for your next family day!  Then take your donuts down to the riverfront and sit and watch the barges go by while you enjoy coffee and donuts!

What to Do

Paducah Floodwall Murals

MAKE Paducah

Many of you are like me and don’t see yourself as particularly crafty or artsy. But that doesn’t mean that we should ignore the creative side of our personality. Our family took the time to go to MAKE Paducah art studio and get creative. We picked out paint and individual art projects and spent some time playing with paint and using our imaginations. If you are looking for a unique activity for coworkers, birthday party or girls night, then a day at an art studio may be just what you are looking for.

River Discovery Center

How much do you know about the river industry in the United States? Did you know that the US has over 250,000 rivers, with a total of about 3,500,000 miles of rivers*? On our recent visit to Paducah, Kentucky, we learned about the significance of the river industry in the state of Kentucky and across the entire United States with a visit to the River Discovery Center.

National Quilt Museum

Whether you love quilts already or just appreciate the work of skilled artists, the Quilt Museum needs to be on your list!

Where to Stay

If you are planning to spend time in historic downtown Paducah, then the Holiday Inn Riverfront is the best place to stay! Located right on the river, you can easily access the downtown area and enjoy the many creative things to do without spending time in your car. Just park in the hotel and walk right over to the Paducah Flood Wall murals. You can then walk across the street to the River Discovery Center or over to the National Quilt Museum.

The Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront offers rooms with a balcony view of the river – perfect for a morning sunrise while you drink a cup of coffee or read the paper before you start your day’s adventure.

It might seem like a little thing, but one of my favorite features of the room was these little book lights on each side of the bed. They were perfect for allowing each member of the family to read before bed without disturbing everyone else. Now we are already planning to buy them and install them in our own bedroom!

Holiday Inn Riverfront
600 N 4th St
Paducah, KY 42001

Have you visited the city of Paducah? What is your favorite thing to do or place to eat? I’d love to hear!

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Ready to find these great places on a map? Just click below and map out your next road trip!

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