100% American in Paducah, Kentucky

In honor of the holiday weekend the Sensible Traveler is highlighting a not so popular spot in the middle of the USA that exemplifies the peak of Red, White and Blue!

Sensible Traveler’s Hot Take

Branded as a Western Kentucky enclave for artists, Paducah is home to the National Quilt Museum and is a brilliant stop over for a long journey or a much-valued weekend getaway from Nashville, Memphis, St Louis, Cincinnati  or Louisville. The town has a brilliant collection of fine restaurants that are generous in portion, approachable yet sophisticated in addition to a cigar bar, which sings ode to the town’s native son, Irvin S Cobb.

Irvin S Cobb (1876 – 1944) is well celebrated in this grand historic Kentucky town at the confluence of the mighty Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Cobb was an author, humorist, editor and columnist. He wrote more than 60 books and 300 short stories. After his career start in Paducah, he relocated to New York in 1904 to eventually become the highest paid staff reporter of Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, the New York World. Cobb has been described as having a round shape with a cigar always hanging out of his mouth and his thick eyebrows are matched only by the summer green of the trees that line the mighty Ohio River across from Old Town Paducah today.

Much of the writer’s content was that of his own town and its’ people sharing tales of the day. Cobb’s writings are often a contemporary portrait collection of the set where his story of life took place, and that set is thriving today in a unique way worth a visit!

Top Things to do in Paducah:

1. Not to be missed is a walk through old town and the murals along the river.
   • During the Sensible Traveler’s visit, one artist was actively restoring his masterpiece celebrating the river and rail heritage of this transportation town.
2. Paducah is home to the National Quilt Museum!
   • An annual event is held here celebrating the art bringing folks from near and far. Worth a visit to celebrate the craft.

Food to Eat

1. Kirchoff’s Bakery and Deli: Fresh savory and sweet breakfast items as well as deli sandwiches that are as good as they come. Some with a twist. A slice of breakfast pizza with a runny soft egg was excellent in addition to a sweet roll flavored w orange and orange zest. Yummo!
2. Freight House: Located in an old freight train warehouse at the edge of the historic district. Elevated southern comfort food with a twist. Celebrating local and the season. One of the best grilled Caesar salads I have ever had, great shrimp and grits and a fun twist on a fried green tomato. Oh, and the pea cake with cream and pistachio rocked! Well done indeed.
3. Cynthia’s Risorante – A great space tucked in a historic facade in old town, this not to be missed cozy little spot is putting out some serious food. A nest of fresh angel hair pasta cooked perfectly with well seasonal grilled veggie. A lemon tart. Super knowledgeable bar tender. Not to miss!

Value

1. Overall the town is relatively affordable to many other parts of the United States but that doesn’t mean you’ll be suffering any significant quality.
2. The 1857 Hotel – A boutique hotel in the center of the historic district w a revolving local art display for sale, a lively bar and lobby. Book weeks ahead if you can as this place is very popular.

Time Needed: 2 days, 1-2 nights. Perfect stop if you find yourself in town for a long journey or a lovely much-valued weekend getaway from Nashville, Memphis, St Louis, Cincinnati  or Louisville.