Kentucky may be best known for bluegrass, but our country music traditions are just as deeply rooted. With a heavy footing in Appalachian folk music styles, country music originated in the rural South and West in the early 20th century. As broadcast radio popularized the new genre, shows like Kentucky’s Renfro Valley Barn Dance (premiered Oct. 9, 1937) gained immediate popularity and exposed country music to a nationwide audience.

Country Music Highway (U.S. 23)

The stretch of U.S. 23 from Ashland south to the Virginia border has produced more hit country stars per capita than any place in the world. Musicians who hail from this area of Kentucky include: Loretta Lynn, The Judds, Chris Stapleton, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Tom T. Hall and Keith Whitley. 


There are many places to stop and visit or take in a live performance on the Country Music Highway. Tour Loretta Lynn’s Homeplace in Van Lear. The Country Music Highway Museum in Paintsville displays memorabilia from more than 14 artists and hosts live bluegrass on Thursday nights. Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg hosts the Kentucky Opry, and many national country acts take the stage at Paramount Art Center in Ashland throughout the year. Explore the Country Music Highway  .
renfro valley barn venue

Country Music Festivals & Venues

Outside of Eastern Kentucky, there are several more places that country music fans should visit. Renfro Valley has been called Kentucky’s Country Music Capital, and is home to both the legendary Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum, whose country inductees range from Merle Travis to John Conlee to Skeeter Davis. Kentucky also plays host to numerous festivals focused on  music, including ROMP Fest, Spirit in the Bluegrass Music Fest, Poppy Mountain Music Festival and Manchester Music Festival.

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A Historic City That is Always Open to Progress

Founded in 1792, Mount Sterling is a small, friendly city steeped in the history of early Kentucky. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and Bluegrass Region, many sites and buildings can be found on state and national historic registers. The city has a strong heritage with doors open to progress.


There is something for everyone in Mount Sterling. Whether it is a walk through the award-winning historic downtown or a visit to The Gateway Regional Arts Center that offers new art exhibits and daily performances. 

 

Gateway Regional Arts Center

 

No one can pass up a tour to Ruth Hunt Candy Company. Check out a sampling of their famous bourbon balls and Blue Monday candy bars. Their store carries a wonderful selection of Kentucky gifts and souvenirs. 

 

For those more interested in the natural beauty of Mount Sterling, visitors can choose a day at Townsend Sorghum Mill, Two Sisters Pumpkin Patch or Hickory Springs of Montgomery Daylily Farm. A driving tour of the “Clothesline of Quilts” provides travelers with an enchanting journey along the beautiful back roads dotted with colorful quilt squares on highly visible barns.

 

Ruth Hunt Candy Company

 

Court Day is Kentucky’s oldest festival with visitors from all over the country. During the four day event, visitors partake in many different arts and crafts, music, and food. Each year, the festival is held the third Monday in October and the weekend prior.

 

Many new shops and restaurants have opened with the recent revitalization of the downtown district. The award winning new downtown park is a perfect place to take a “selfie” along with the delightful art installation and mural known as “Umbrella Alley”.  

 

Spend a day or two in Mount Sterling and find yourself in a place that is easy to get to, but hard to leave.

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