City highlights and a disappointment

A couple of highlights from my road trip to Paducah Kentucky- in case you are ever in the area! 

The stunning impact of the  floodwall that protects the historic downtown from the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers overflowing their banks.  Beautifully rendered painted murals by Robert Dafford cover three blocks and because they are lit at night it was very comfortable to view after the heat of the day.  Each one captures a significant a moment in Paducah's history. I can't stop thinking about the murals and their stories.

It was really interesting, and there was not one bit of graffiti!
Strangely enough the murals were not highlighted on the official Paducah Travel website.

We also enjoyed the National Quilt Museum even though we don't quilt ourselves. 

A wonderful and diverse exhibition of quilts - some over 200 years old and other more modern examples.

I took this photo before I was told that photography was forbidden. 
I don't think my i-phone did any damage.

Some are still being made totally by hand, although this is becoming increasingly rare.  The use of  machines, as well as being quicker has created a whole new style of quilt - which we thought was more like a wall hanging.  I appreciated the hand made quilts more- for their history, the time commitment and talent it takes to make one.  I can't imagine having the concentration and patience to do that, ever.

We treasure a few old quilts here on the farm that Mark's grandmother and other relatives made. 

Check what's open before you go.

According to the Paducah Convention Bureau the town has a thriving arts district, a wide variety of cultural pursuits, rich history, urban cuisine and eclectic accommodations, and  offers an incredible array of experiences.... 

Just not on Sunday and Monday!  

The historic downtown district had what looked like some great restaurants, buildings and stores but deserted on Sunday afternoon - with only one store open, a cafe, and one restaurant open... Monday there were a few more places open, but it was also obvious that many of the shopfronts on the blocks just three back from the river were boarded up - not just closed.

Midweek it may be different as the large convention centre obviously draws people to the city then.

A sign of the struggling economy - but disappointing as a weekend visitor.