Welcome to Paintsville. Located along the US 23 Country Music Highway, this “City of Note” is nestled between two lakes in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Known for its rich musical and cultural heritage (country music legend Loretta Lynn lived here) and 36-mile rail trail, this special city is the perfect destination for music lovers, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or just passing through, check out these five top spots the next time you’re in Paintsville.
Butcher Holler
The childhood home of Loretta Lynn, Butcher Holler, was featured in the 1980 movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and – to this day – is still the most visited tourist attraction in Eastern Kentucky. Check in at nearby Webb’s Grocery Store for tours given by Lynn’s family members. Here, you’ll find memorabilia from her life and souvenirs to take home!
Dawkins Line Rail Trail
Experience the great outdoors of central Appalachia on the Dawkins Line Rail Trail, the largest rail-to-trail project in Kentucky. Offering 36 miles of adventure for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, the trail winds along railroad tracks through the mountains. See 24 trestles, marvel at the 662-foot-long Gun Creek Tunnel, and keep an eye out for local wildlife. Access to the trail and parking can be found at Jenny’s Creek, Swamp Branch, Royalton and Jane Beshear trailheads.
US 23 Country Music Highway Museum
Featuring 14 exhibits of memorabilia from many country music singers who call this area home, the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum shares the stories of stars like Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom T. Hall, Keith Whitley, Larry Cordle, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Gary Stewart, Hylo Brown, Crystal Gayle, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and The Judds. And don’t miss an evening of live bluegrass music and dancing during Front Porch Pickin’ shows every Thursday night at 7 pm!
Mountain Homeplace Farm
Mountain HomePlace Farm offers a unique experience where you can take a step back in time to the 1850s while touring an interactive working farm. Watch interpreters dressed in authentic period costumes perform daily chores, give demonstrations and discuss early life on the farm from April through October. Explore the one-room schoolhouse, church, barn, cabin and blacksmith’s shop. And get up close and personal with the livestock. Be sure to stop by the gift shop for unique Appalachian-crafted items like hand-sewn dolls, painted gourds and quilts.
Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church
Built in 1908 by local coal barren John C.C. Mayo after visiting cathedrals in Europe, Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church is now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The church’s interior features stained-glass windows and an organ donated by Andrew Carnegie. Architecture fans will adore the structure’s lovely local sandstone exterior and the 12,000 glazed green tiles covering its roof.
