Every work of art is a story, and Kentucky has many to tell. Our rich heritage of craftmaking goes all the way back to the pioneer days of the Commonwealth, when settlers living on the frontier learned to make the things they wanted or needed, and then passed those skills down through the generations. These traditions still thrive today, with a new class of Kentucky artisans crafting handmade music instruments, sculptures, intricate quilts, ceramics and pottery, textiles, paintings and many more objects of art.

Visit Berea, the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” for charming shops selling some of the finest folk art Kentucky has to offer, and stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea to peruse the work of more than 800 Kentucky artists. Travel to western Kentucky to discover just why Paducah has been designated a UNESCO Creative City, from the historic floodwall murals along the riverfront to the eclectic studios of the Lower Town Arts District. And other arts destinations, including the Appalachian Artisan Center in Hindman and the annual Kentucky Crafted Market, provide even more opportunities for visitors to bring home magnificent art and a fascinating story or two. 

And if contemporary art is more your style, don’t miss KMAC and the 21C Museum Hotels in Louisville and Lexington, which showcase eclectic exhibitions from global artists. 

New: . The Stephen Rolfe Powell Memorial Sculpture Garden and Outdoor Classroom at Centre College in Danville, conceptualized and led by one of Powell’s former students, Brook Forrest White Jr., owner of Flame Run Hot Shop and Gallery in Louisville, features a 25-foot-tall sculpture that spectators can walk through, as well as a garden and an outdoor classroom. The memorial serves as an endearing reminder of the Kentucky artist’s legacy by creating a landmark where visitors can experience and appreciate his profound impact on glass art, not only as an arts professor but as a preeminent artist of world acclaim.

Trip Inspiration

How to Spend a Day in Covington

Northern Kentucky River Region

 

Start your day off in style by checking into the chic Hotel Covington. This hotel perfectly balances modern luxury and rustic, industrial touches.


Then indulge in a mouth-watering breakfast at Cedar where you can try dishes like their Coffee Crusted Filet Mignon with Chimichurri, Eggs, and Potatoes or the Chorizo & Lamb Sausage Biscuits and Gravy. 


After breakfast, take a stroll to Revival Vintage Spirits to experience rare vintage bottles of bourbon, scotch, tequila, rum, and other unique spirits. Don't miss out on their suggested tastings, where you can try incredible liquors at a fraction of the price of buying a bottle. This is a one-of-a-kind experience to sip your way through history

 


Fried chicken at Anchor Grill

 

For lunch, head to the legendary Anchor Grill, one of Covington’s oldest establishments. This cash-only spot serves up crispy, juicy Southern Fried Chicken that's made to order.


Next up, explore Main Street and stop by the Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, home to an extensive bourbon collection and seasonal draft cocktails like the refreshing bourbon mojito. Take a break at Bouquet for some light bites, where local and sustainable farming is the cornerstone of their mission. With over 40 local farms as partners, they bring farm to table to life, not just as a marketing buzzword.


End your day at Mama's on Main, one of the new spots on the block. Focus on their quality handmade pasta. As someone from New York who has had a lot of pasta in life, I was genuinely impressed. 

 

See more from @befatbehappy's trip to Covington here.

Author Information

Caitlin Sakdalan

Caitlin is a social media influencer, storyteller, and content & community expert. She is the creator behind the hugely popular @befatbehappy Instagram page. 

Related Articles

Explore Visual Arts in Kentucky

Find More Kentucky Inspiration