Paducah, Kentucky, Is One Of The Best Small Towns To Visit In The U.S., And We're So Proud To Call It Ours
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 03, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Located in the southwestern end of the state, Paducah is a proud river city that’s big in natural beauty and the arts. This well-rounded Kentucky gem has a thriving creative community and boasts attractions and experiences you just won’t find anywhere else, making this small town in Kentucky, in our humble opinion, one of the best places to visit in the U.S. Stroll through the downtown district, wander along Paducah’s Historic Riverfront, and enjoy culinary offerings aplenty when you visit postcard-perfect Paducah, Kentucky.
Located at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers in the westernmost corner of Kentucky, you'll find the lovely little town of Paducah. Despite having a population of nearly 25,000, Paducah has an undeniable small-town vibe that's downright irresistible, making this Kentucky town a delight to visit.
Paducah's unique geography has long played an important role in its development as a bona fide river (or rivers?) town. At Paducah's Historic Riverfront, folks come and enjoy the stunning waterfront scenery, watching majestic riverboats cruise by...
Historic Riverfront, 27 The Foot of Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
The art extends beyond museum walls, too; Paducah has an amazing collection of public murals that quite literally paint the town! The Wall to Wall Murals is a collection of 50 paintings on Paducah's flood wall. Created by world-renowned artist Robert Dafford and his team of muralists, these illustrations (and their riverfront location) epitomize the celebration of the arts and river culture you'll find in Paducah!
Paducah Wall to Wall, 200-298 S Water St, Paducah, KY 42003, USA
In addition, there's pretty much always some sort of community event or festival happening in Paducah, all but guaranteeing you'll experience something special when you visit this Kentucky town.
Feeling a bit peckish? The culinary scene in Paducah has exploded in recent years. Not only is virtually every type of global cuisine represented in Paducah, but the town is home to some standout Kentucky restaurants such as The Frieght House and Starnes Starnes Bar-B-Q.
Freight House, 330 S 3rd St Suite 102, Paducah, KY 42003, USA
What's a Kentucky meal without dessert? There are some stellar bakeries and creameries in town that will undoubtedly tempt and tantalize your taste buds. Forever Sweet Creamery is a family-owned ice cream shop in downtown Paducah with some of the best milkshakes in the Bluegrass. Banana puddingas a milkshake? Sign us up!
Forever Sweet Creamery, 116 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Paducah is a gem of a town that really is a microcosm of Kentucky's best qualities: wholly accessible, full of Southern charm and hospitality, deeply connected to its roots, and breathtakingly, undeniably, unbelievably beautiful.
When you visit Paducah, Kentucky, you’re in for a real treat! For those of y’all who live in Paducah, what are your favorite spots in town? If we missed any of your go-to attractions or restaurants in Paducah, Kentucky, head over to our nominations page and tell us all about it!
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