Arts & Crafts Shopping In Kentucky

Beginning with the earliest days of English settlement, handicrafts have been a beloved art form in the Bluegrass State. While many Kentucky arts and crafts are rooted in tradition, others are on the cutting edge of contemporary art. You can find it all on your visit, and even bring home a piece or two as a gift or souvenir.

Berea, known as the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky, is home to a thriving community of artisans with shops and studios scattered throughout town. The city’s craft heritage is tied to historic Berea College, the first integrated and coeducational college in the South. Paducah, home to the National Quilt Museum and Lower Town Arts District, has been designated a UNESCO Creative City, one of only nine in the United States. Inspiration awaits visitors to this city’s many vibrant galleries and workshops.

The Kentucky Artisan Center, Appalachian Artisan Center and KMAC Museum all display and sell works of hundreds of Kentucky artisans. Kentucky Arts Council maintains directories of Kentucky Crafted Artists and Retailers that have met the Council’s criteria of artistic excellence and professionalism as judged by independent panels of arts professionals. Plus, handcrafted wares are the centerpiece of many festivals throughout the Commonwealth, large and small.

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Shepherdsville: Bourbon Casual

Jim Beam Country

 

Shepherdsville, Kentucky, is “Jim Beam Country” – home to the #1 selling bourbon in the world and located just 20 miles south of Louisville on I-65.   

 

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse’s “behind-the-scenes” tour offers an interactive, sensory and creative distillery experience. From its two-story interactive display and gift shop to the pilot plant highlighting the distilling process, the tasting room experience, on-site Kentucky-themed restaurant (The Kitchen Table) and scenic grounds, a day at the Jim Beam Distillery is one of Kentucky’s must-see Unbridled Experiences.

 

 

Wine & Whiskey Trail

 

Within a 9 mile radius, you will find our Wine, Whiskey & Ale Trail along beautiful Kentucky back roads. In addition to the Jim Beam American Stillhouse, the trail includes Four Roses Bourbon Visitor Experience and four award-winning local wineries – Brooks Hill, Forest Edge, Wight-Meyer, MillaNova Winery and Gallant Fox Brewing Co.

 



 

Bernheim Forest & Family Adventures

 

Families and adventure-seekers alike will enjoy hiking, biking and year-round special events at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum. The forest is larger than the island of Manhattan and includes lakes, gardens, trails, a children’s play area and a Leeds Certified Visitors’ Center. Other attractions include: Kart Kountry, home to the longest go-kart track in the world; Heritage Hill Golf Club’s award-winning golf course; and a variety of parks and recreational activities and events.

 

 

A Shopping Adventure

 

Shop at Amazon’s 6pm.com Shoes & More Outlet plus visit seasonal outdoor markets including The Most Awesome Flea Market in the World. Shop distillery and winery gift shops, as well as the gift boutique at the Fire Art Glass Gallery. With a stay in Shepherdsville, you are also only minutes from Kentucky’s newest outlet mall, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass.

 

Ready to explore everything this area has to offer? Shepherdsville also has more than 1,000 affordable hotel rooms conveniently located off I-65 (Exits 117 & 121) only 20 minutes south of Louisville. Plan your Shepherdsville getaway – a casual, well-rounded Kentucky vacation at the gateway to Kentucky Bourbon Experiences which embodies the heart of Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit!

Author Information

Shar Scanlon

Shar Scanlon is contributing writer for Kentucky Tourism.

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