It's Impossible To Drive Through This Delightful Kentucky Town Without Stopping
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Rachel Shulhafer
Author
If you’re driving right through the middle of Kentucky, chances are you’ll go through Danville. And if you go through Danville, chances are you’re going to want to stop and explore this delightful town. Find out why this Kentucky town is one of the best places in the state to live or retire, and why it’s nicknamed “the City of Firsts.”
Some significant historical events happened in Danville, and many of them are commemorated in the present-day city. They had the first courthouse in Kentucky in 1785. Pictured above is a replica of the courthouse, which you can visit.
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Oftentimes, this political club would meet at Grayson’s Tavern. Many of the men who met here ended up signing Kentucky’s first Constitution.
Danville is often referred to as "The Birthplace of the Bluegrass" because Kentucky’s first Constitution was signed there. In 1792, the first Constitutional Convention of the West was held at Constitutional Square in Danville, where the state’s first Constitution was signed.
Some other "firsts" Danville boasts: the first United States Post Office west of the Allegheny Mountains in 1792. In 1809, a Danville doctor named Dr. Ephriam McDowell became the first physician in the world to remove an ovarian tumor. The first college in the West opened in Danville in 1783, and then in 1799 the first law school of the West was born in Danville. Nearly a century later in 1881, the first public school for African-Americans opened in Danville. Pictured above is a replica of Danville's first jail.
Even if you don’t attend Centre, a walk through its beautiful campus is worth a stop. Centre is a small liberal arts college, and is widely considered to be the best college in Kentucky, and one of the best in the whole South.
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The Great American Dollhouse Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Danville. These aren't just ordinary dollhouses, though. They are elaborate works of art depicting hundreds of years of United States history. The museum is located at 344 Swope Drive, Danville, KY 40422.
The Pioneer Playhouse is the oldest outdoor theatre in the state of Kentucky. The theatre was established in 1950, and has had some notable names appear in plays over the years, such as John Travolta, Lee Majors, and Jim Varney. The plays only take place in the summer, so be sure to check the schedule for next season by visiting the website. The Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road, Danville, KY 40422.
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Melton's Deli serves sandwiches, soups, and other deli items, plus there are free cookies! Melton's is located at 247 E. Main Street, Danville, KY 40422.
While doughnuts are their speciality, they are a full service bakery and offer items like breads and cakes. Burke's Bakery is located at 121 W. Main Street, Danville, KY 40422.
We dare you to drive through Danville and not be tempted to stop. Check out these attractions and key places located in the town, but for even more things to do and information about Danville, visit their official website.
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