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

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How to Spend a Day in Berea & Red River Gorge

Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region

 

Have casual breakfast at Native Bagel Co, where you can indulge in their hand-rolled bagels. We loved the classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich, but the surprise hit was the one our server recommended — a cheese bagel with rosemary honey cream cheese.

 


The classic sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich at Native Bagel Co. in Berea.


 

 

Then, walk it off by heading to Red River Gorge, where there are several  nice hikes in Natural Bridge State Park. For lunch, locals recommended Red River Rockhouse and Miguel’s Pizza. My fiance’s name is Miguel and one of his favorite foods is pizza, so we had to check it out. They let you customize everything! If you need a caffeine boost before leaving, stop by Daniel Boone Coffee Shop. 

 

Head back to Berea, and stay the night at Boone Tavern Hotel. Explore the artisan shops and walk around this charming college town. After a long day, stay in for dinner at Boone Tavern Restaurant. They offer Kentucky classics like Spoonbread or Hot Brown at the hotel's restaurant.

 

See more from @befatbehappy's visit to Kentucky here.

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Caitlin Sakdalan

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

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