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.

Trip Inspiration

How to Spend a Day in Ashland

Kentucky Appalachians

Start your day at Sky37, where you can savor some of the best Brazilian coffee while meeting the humble and welcoming owners, Jason and Carma. Their custom ceramic pour-over ensures the perfect drip, and they source their coffee beans directly from farmers in Brazil.

 

Don't miss out on their delicious Breakfast Rice Bowl and the brown-sugar caramelized pineapple, which are simply irresistible. Jason and Carma’s whole goal is to make people feel like they’re at home, and that’s exactly what they accomplish — we didn’t want to leave. 


For lunch, head to Backyard Pizza and Raw Bar. You’ll find wood-fired pizza here with superb crust and unique topping combos. We ordered The Flying Piggie with tender bbq pork, mozzarella, toasted butter pickles, and onion strings. Other menu highlights — fresh raw Oysters, Hickory Grilled Wings, and Wood-Fire Grilled Mussels with a beurre blanc sauce.

 



The Ashland Hot Chicken Sandwich served at The Mill.

 

We recommend having dinner at The Mill, which serves delicious comfort food like the Ashland Hot Chicken Sandwich — crispy, juicy chicken, slathered in homemade hot sauce, nestled between buttery, fluffy toast, and served with perfectly cooked fries. While you might be full from the day, don’t miss their dessert. This is their specialty, as the owner herself makes all their baked goods in house and changes the options offered with the season. 


See more from @befatbehappy's visit to The Mill here.

See more from @befatbehappy's visit to Sky37 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 Handcrafted Shopping in Kentucky

More Attractions & Experiences in Kentucky