Home to just under 4,000 people and 60 miles from the nearest Interstate, Paintsville is a small Kentucky town that is a hidden treasure. You’ll find Paintsville and the surrounding area provides a variety of fun things to do. With plenty of historical, pop cultural, and other attractions, Paintsville is worth a trip off the beaten path.
Loretta Lynn’s House
Before Loretta Lynn became the Queen of Country Music, went to Fist City, or sang at the Grand Ole Opry, she grew up in Van Lear, Kentucky, just 5 miles from downtown Paintsville. Just off Millers Creek Road in Van Lear, you can see the modest house where she lived from birth until age 15. In 1969, Lynn would recount her upbringing in the famous song “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which states that “we were poor, but we had love.”
It’s this type of American rags-to-riches story that makes a visit to Lynn’s childhood home a must. If you love her old-school country songs, it’s an added bonus.
Country Music Highway Museum
If Loretta Lynn got you in the mood for some more country music, you have to stop at the Country Music Highway Museum. Also known as the U.S. Highway 23 Country Highway Museum, this institution is dedicated to the country music stars that grew up in eastern Kentucky along U.S. 23. This list includes a surprising number of well-known artists including Lynn, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Judds, Dwight Yoakam, Patty Loveless, and Chris Stapleton.
Located at 100 Stave Branch in Staffordsville just five minutes from Paintsville, the Country Music Highway Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $4.
Paintsville Lake State Park
Five miles west of Paintsville, Paintsville Lake State Park is the top recreational destination in the area. Covering over 270 acres, the state park offers 42 campsites for a weekend jamboree, an 1,100-acre lake for water sports, fishing, and boating, and two multipurpose trails for some exercise and photo ops.
The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is Kentucky’s longest multipurpose trail, stretching 18 miles along a former rail line. Along the trail, visitors will see wildlife, get a glimpse of unspoiled nature, and enjoy a 662-foot trek down the old Gun Creek Tunnel. Fishing is also a favorite at the park, with tons of sunfish, catfish, trout, small-mouth bass, and large-mouth bass to hook at your leisure. Just make sure to get a fishing license before you cast your line.
Francis M. Stafford House
Built at 102 Broadway St. in Paintsville, the Francis M. Stafford House was the original home of John Stafford, who helped establish the town of Paintsville in 1843. Although the last surviving Stafford family member died in 1979, the house remained. It fell into disrepair and only found an owner in 2010. After two years of repairs, the owners opened the home as the Stafford House, offering tours that highlight the architecture and history of the home.
If you’re a fan of history, country music, or the great outdoors, Paintsville has an attraction that you’re sure to remember for years on end. Set your course for this wonderful little town, and you’ll be glad you did.
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Image via Flickr by w.marsh
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