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

The Quirky Side of Kentucky

State Wide

Kentucky’s beautiful scenery, charming culture and fascinating history, attract visitors from far and near. But Kentucky also has some wonderfully quirky attractions to delight vacationers. 

 

Whether you are looking for a roadside attraction, exotic restaurant or a neighborhood brimming with interesting buildings and fascinating people; Kentucky has something fun and unusual to catch your attention and spur the imagination. 

 

 


 

For those seeking the weird and wonderful in far western Kentucky, the Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland is a great start. This family-owned gas station/diner/general store turned eclectic art and pop culture museum is located just off Interstate-24 in Marshall County. It features an outdoor hillbilly sculpture park and a toy museum with more than 3,000 toys on display.  

 

Near Interstate-65 in Munfordville, is a replica of England’s world-famous Stonehenge.  Kentucky Stonehenge was built by Munfordville native, Chester Fryer, using every rock and boulder that he could find in a nearby valley. In addition to the uncommon replica, the property also features Fryer’s other rock art installations such as Earth Mysteries, The Garden of Gethsemane, Rock Gardens, and Rock Park. 

 

The Red River Gorge Bigfoot Fest is a quirky event drawing enthusiasts from far and wide, and offering a weekend filled with lectures, workshops, and exhibits dedicated to the elusive creature. The event which takes place in late May in Stanton, invites attendees to learn about Bigfoot sightings, folklore, and scientific research. The festival also features live music, food vendors, and a chance to connect with fellow believers in the legend of the elusive Sasquatch. Need more Big Foot? Checkout the annual Big Foot Festival held every October in Park City

 

If you love dioramas and history, the Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky, offers a captivating journey through American history, all in miniature. With over 200 dollhouses and room boxes, the museum showcases a range of meticulously detailed scenes from historical Native American life to modern times. And from bustling city streets to tranquil rural landscapes, each miniature world tells a story. For visitors of all ages, whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy intricate details, this museum offers a unique and immersive experience. 

 



 

To build out your quirky KY trip itinerary, pick up a Kentucky Capitals Quest passport and see the Batter Capital and the Beer Cheese Capital - both in Kentucky. Or explore larger-than-life attractions around the state like the Big Twigs in Muhlenberg County and the Fork in the Road in Franklin on the Great Big KY Adventure. For more information go to https://www.kentuckytourism.com/  

Author Information

Ben Mackin holding a coffee cup while making a strange face.

Ben Mackin

Ben Mackin is a communications specialist for the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  Before joining KDT, Ben worked as a staff writer and freelancer for a number of publications including the Vicksburg Post, Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily and the State Journal in Frankfort. 

Related Articles

Explore Handcrafted Shopping in Kentucky

More Attractions & Experiences in Kentucky