8 Standout Main Streets In Kentucky
Kentucky is not usually at the top of bucket lists for top travel destinations. When most people envision a trip to the ‘The Bluegrass State’, horse races, big hats, and bourbon are what come to mind. However, the state has more to offer than these Kentucky stereotypes. There is a rich history and culture in Kentucky's small towns. The best way to experience this is by walking through the heart of a community's downtown, on Main Street. From local shops to unique historic sites, Kentucky's Main Streets show off the spirit of the state. Here we explore eight Main Streets in Kentucky's small towns that prove the state is more than big hats and bourbon.
Paducah
Known for its vibrant art scene and historic architecture, it is no wonder that Paducah has a stunning Main Street. The town's Main Street is called Broadway and is a central hub for culture. Check out the town's unique National Quilt Museum. The museum showcases some of the most intricate quilts and is a must-see for art lovers. The Yeiser Art Center is another place on the street showcasing artwork. The gallery shows visual art from both local and international artists. Walking outside on Main Street, there is also the Paducah Wall to Wall Murals. This is a self-guided tour of over 60 murals that showcase the town's history. Paducah's Main Street also has several cute shops and eateries. The Market House Square is home to ten different restaurants and coffee shops, making it a great spot to stop for a snack.
Covington
Covington is a sweet Kentucky town, known for its iconic Goose Girl Fountain. The fountain is based on a story from the Brothers' Grimm fairytale. Covington's Main Street is part of the historic MainStrasse Village area, full of charming 19th-century buildings and local shops. Enjoy walking down the charming Main Street and stop in at some of the shops and eateries to get a taste of local cuisine and culture. Mainstrasse Village Pub is a local go-to for pub food and a great place to catch a sports game. For a unique gift, check out Hail Records & Oddities. The store has everything from records to incense. Additionally, the town has a museum on its Main Street, the Behringer-Crawford Museum. It has exhibits showing the culture and art of Northern Kentucky.
Bardstown
Bardstown's downtown welcomes visitors with traditional southern hospitality. The town has a Main Street program to revitalize the downtown area, turning it into the vibrant street it is today. Walking through Main Street, there is a mix of cute shops, distilleries, and historic landmarks. Stop in at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History to learn about the history of bourbon in America and see a collection of whiskey artifacts. Afterwards, head to Old Talbott Tavern, right across from the historic Nelson County Courthouse. The tavern is the oldest bar in the United States and dates back to 1779. According to locals, the tavern has never closed since its opening. Bardstown's main street lives up to Kentucky's bourbon reputation. Bourbon lovers will enjoy stopping in at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. The distillery offers bourbon tasting and tours explaining the history of bourbon production.
Danville
A charming town with a rich history, Danville's Main Street is lined with local restaurants and historic landmarks, making for a vibrant downtown area. Some of the most unique historic landmarks on Main Street include Constitution Square Historic Site. This open-air museum features the first post office and is a great spot for a family walk or afternoon picnic. There are a variety of dining options on Danville's Main Street. Bluegrass Pizza and Pub is a great spot to go for a casual outing and is a local favorite. La Cosa Nostra is another local favorite that serves Italian food and is known for its eggplant caprese. Danville's Main Street is also home to the GLASS National Art Museum. This unique museum showcases a variety of glass art and has a café with refreshments to enjoy after a day exploring the exhibits.
Elizabethtown
Known as South Main Street, Elizabethtown's Main Street offers a mix of activities from shopping to enjoying the town's history. For some unique finds, check out local shops, such as The Bug's Ear, a boutique. This is a great spot for local crafts and gifts. There are also cute local restaurants on Elizabethtown's Main Street, including Bourbon Barrel Tavern. This local favorite spot is a great option for a night out with the family at a casual spot. Elizabethtown also has historic buildings on its Main Street. The Historic State Theater is one example of the historic buildings on Main Street. The restored theater hosts movies and events and is a great spot for some afternoon entertainment. The Brown-Pusey House is another historic building that is the town's community center, but also has exhibits about Elizabethtown's history and has a genealogical library.
Franklin
Franklin's Main Street runs through the historic downtown area. The charming street is lined with cute shops and historic buildings. Shopaholics will love checking out Mustard Seed Market. The market is home to a collection of boutiques that sell everything from clothes and home décor to gift items. Chasing Fireflies is another unique store nearby that specializes in Children's clothes. Gallery on the Square is also on Main Street and shows off the work of local artists. The gallery sometimes holds workshops so visitors can delve into their creative side. After an afternoon exploring Main Street's shops, head to The Brickyard Café for some refreshments. Located in a historic building, the café has tasty food and unique décor.
Henderson
A mix of natural beauty and small-town charm, Henderson's Main Street captures the spirit of the town. There is a Central Park Fountain on Main Street that is a magical local spot where people toss a coin in and make a wish. There are many shops, boutiques, and galleries on Main Street. Stop in at Gallery 101 to see local art exhibits. The art exhibits are rotated every three months, so there is always new work to admire. Near Main Street is the Henderson Riverwalk. This paved path goes alongside the Ohio River, making for beautiful views and a peaceful stroll. Walk or bike the path and enjoy the calm waters. Audubon Mill Park is another place full of natural beauty near Henderson's main street. This park is renowned for its vibrant love locks and is an ideal spot for a picnic during the warmer months.
La Grange
La Grange's Main Street downtown is at the center of the community, and a place with lots of shops, local restaurants, and community events. The La Grange Railroad Museum is also on Main Street. This is a great spot to learn about the area's railroad history. The museum is near train tracks still in use today and shows the importance of the train to the development of the area. To see more of the town's history in a unique way, consider the AlleyLoop Historic District Walk. This self-guided tour goes through a series of interconnected alleys. This walk takes visitors past colorful murals, unique shops, restaurants, and notable historic sites like the Oldham County Courthouse. During the warmer months, from May to October, Main Street comes alive Saturday mornings for the town's farmers' market. This is a great opportunity to grab some fresh produce, meats, and artisan crafts.
Visiting Kentucky
Overall, these eight Main Streets showcase Kentucky's charm through their local shops, restaurants serving regional cuisine, and historic sites that highlight the state's rich history. Next time you are considering a weekend away, consider heading to one of these towns to enjoy the culture of their Main Street. Whether you are a history buff looking for a quirky local museum or a foodie looking for some Southern comfort food, there is something for everyone on each of these Main Streets. So what are you waiting for? Start planning and packing for a trip to the southern State. The charming Main Streets are sure to capture your heart.
