Looking for a summer drive with good music, fantastic scenery and friendly locals? Take a trip down this 144 mile U.S. 23 in Kentucky – better known as the “Country Music Highway.” In this post, you will find some must-stops with a little bit of everything and a whole lot of fun.
Country Music Highway
Kentucky isn’t just known for its bourbon and horses. It’s also the birth home to many well-known country singers including Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gale, The Judds, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Patty Loveless and more. This 150-mile stretch of road across east Kentucky all the way to the Virginia state border takes you right past each of their hometowns, with many fun and interesting stops along the way.
U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum
A small museum filled with tons of information and even personal items from the many great country music stars who are native to Kentucky. During your visit, you might even get to hear live country or bluegrass music from local musicians.
Paramount Art Center
If you’re in the mood to see a live play or concert, look for tickets at this old, historic performing arts with a deco style interior. This beautiful building was originally built in 1931. Visitors say there is no place like it- the sound is great and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Loretta Lynn’s Homeplace Butcher Holler
When Loretta Lynn wrote a song about being a coal miner’s daughter, she gave listeners everywhere a newfound respect for coal miners. Van Lear is the coal mining town she grew up in and fans are able to visit her cabin home. If you stop by Webb’s Grocery Store nearby, you can ask for a tour.
Coal Miners Museum
Learn about all about the coal mining profession in this museum located inside of a former coal camp.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Jenny Wiley has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. There’s camping, birding, biking, hiking, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Elk watching too! But it also has a couple of pleasant surprises you wouldn’t expect from a park including an outdoor theater and even a bourbon tasting.
Hatfield – McCoy Feud Driving Tour
Who hasn’t heard of the Hatfield and McCoy’s? On this several hour driving tour, you can see where they lived, worked and battled too.
