This post is sponsored by Murray, KY Tourism
Craving a charming escape filled with small-town southern hospitality? Look no further than Murray, Kentucky! This vibrant college town offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and delicious eats, making it the perfect weekend getaway or day trip.
Murray is a small town in Western Kentucky, not far from Paducah or the land between the lakes area of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. It had been awhile since I had been to Murray. My twin sister went to college there so I would often visit and I was so happy to see some of the top spots we used to visit still around and thriving. I actually really wanted to go to Murray State University for college, but stubborn me did NOT want to go to the same college as my twin sister. I was ready to spread my wings, so while she opted for Murray I chose a school not too far away in Missouri. Although it had been several years since I last went to Murray, I had a perfect weekend with my family and want to share with you some of the great activities we did and places we ate so you can add them to your list as well!
First up, let’s talk food. If you are a foodie, then you likely plan your trips and days around delicious food. And if you are not a foodie, well anyone can appreciate a delicious meal. Here are some of the top spots we checked out that are worth adding to your agenda on your Murray trip.
- Breakfast:
- Rudy’s on the Square: Rudy’s is an old-time diner that serves a very traditional down home breakfast. From biscuits, pancakes and french toast to bacon, eggs and sausage, you really can’t go wrong. My tip would be to go early though, it get’s pretty crowded so stop by early to avoid a wait.
- Lunch:
- Dumplings: Dumplings is one of those spots that I checked out the very first time I went to Murray years ago, and I make it a point to go every single time I am in town. It’s the cutest Cafe that is famous for their delicious rolls. They serve classics like chicken salad, sandwiches, salads, burgers, dumplings and more. Their bakery case is to die for, you’ll definitely want to leave room for dessert.
- Dinner:
- Stephano’s Trattoria: This amazing italian restaurant needs to be the top of your list. They source majority of their ingredients locally and freshly make their pasta. We enjoyed fresh Bruschetta, a Charcuterie board, pasta main entre’s and a brownie skillet.
- The Keg: We didn’t make it to the Keg this time around, but it’s another favorite when we go into town. The Keg has more of a sports bar feel, but the food and atmosphere are top notch!
- Jasmine: If you love Thai or Sushi, this spot is for you.
- Drinks & Dessert:
- Hop Hound: The Hop Hound Brewery is another spot that has a really cool and fun atmosphere. Reid is a big brewery guy so he loved stopping in and checking out the local flavors. We didn’t grab a bite here but they had all the bar food classics available as well!
- Dairy Queen: I know, really? Dairy Queen made the list? Well the Dairy Queen in Murray is different. Of course they have great ice cream, but this one is also an old school diner drive-in style dairy queen so they come to your car to take your order and serve you. They have picnic tables and a grassy area you can also enjoy your ice cream on if you want to stay awhile!
Along with the great food options in Murray, there are plenty of great activities to check out as well!
Summer Farmers Market: Held every Saturday morning May through October from 7 a.m. to noon, this market is a treasure trove of local produce, handcrafted goods, and delectable treats. Stock up on fresh-picked strawberries, savor homemade jams, and browse unique pottery pieces – all while soaking in the friendly atmosphere. The market is officially certified as “Kentucky Proud” and provides the most authentic, local goods for customers.
Playhouse in the Park: Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Central Park, this local theater presents a diverse range of productions, from classic comedies to contemporary dramas. The theater is very intimate, so every seat in the house is great and it’s even great for kids. We brought Baylor, which was his first play ever and he was captivated the whole time.
Murray State University: Take a scenic stroll through the picturesque campus as you navigate the brick walkways and admire the historic architecture. Afterward, head over to Doran Arboretum. This sprawling 70-acre natural space boasts a network of walking trails, vibrant gardens bursting with colorful blooms, and a serene pond – the perfect setting for a peaceful evening escape. It also has multiple onsite greenhouses and playgrounds for the kids to play!
Discover Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley: Just 20 minutes from Murray, disconnect and spend some time on the water. We played it pretty low key and drove over to Kentucky Dam Village state park and posted up on one of the beaches to swim but there are plenty of on-the-water activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and boating.
Switch up your next weekend getaway or day trip and embark on a delightful adventure to Murray, Kentucky. With its friendly atmosphere, southern hospitality and diverse culinary scene, this hidden gem promises a fun weekend escape! Let me know your favorite Murray spots to visit in the comments and check out the Murray Tourism website for the latest events and hottest spots!
