The city of Hopkinsville is the county seat of Christian County. This growing town is set in the rolling hills and sweeping farmlands of Western Kentucky’s Amish country and located near the Fort Campbell military base. Hopkinsville both welcomes and respects these families for their hard work and sacrifice for our country.
Over the past several years, Hopkinsville has had revitalization and beautification projects underway, primarily in the historic downtown! This up-and-coming area has quickly become a charming district that has drawn many young adults, and it’s clear to see the appeal! The quaint Sixth Street shopping district is comprised of charming historic brick buildings that are home to some of the area’s most unique shops. Browse Bella Marie Boutique and Sixth Street Boutique for the latest clothing fashions, and go on a search for that perfect vintage piece at Sixth Street Antiques. Hone your artistic abilities or just go and be inspired at Griffins Studio by taking one of their art classes where they offer pottery painting, art workshops, and have painting for toddlers! They also host fabulous art parties with different mediums of art and pricing, for any age! You can’t miss their gift shop that offers home décor, jewelry, beautiful one-of-a kind artwork, and locally crafted items. Across the street is the beautifully renovated Alhambra Theater! Originally opened in 1928, this historic landmark stage theater offers LIVE performances including school plays, and is best known for being the home to the Campanile theater company’s incredible productions! Putting on exciting shows such as Mama Mia and Beauty and the Beast, Campanile is the local theater group that recruits local talent for every performance. They’re known to bring excellence into every one of their shows, and the town loves them for it! If you’re interested in acting, they also host summer camps and are always looking for new talent! This kind of cultural development is a real benefit to the community.
Hopkinsville has quality family and community enriching activities throughout the year, and Founders Square is where many of them are held, like the Downtown Farmers Market! Each summer, this is the place to peruse booths where local farmers bring their best meats and eggs, freshest produce, and plants. Find the perfect bouquet of flowers, Amish made baked goods, or local honey products as a gift perfect for yourself or a loved one in your life. Shopping at the farmer’s market is a great way to eat sustainably, support local farms and get to know your neighbor a little better. Founders Square also has an ice skating rink set up each winter! Bring your family or friends and enjoy this festive tradition that makes for a charming addition to the downtown area. The Summer Salute festival, the annual way to close out the summer, is a big party for the town! Enjoy some tasty fair food as you listen to the band playing on the Founder Square stage, and give the kids a good time on their free rides. Another seasonal tradition is Christian Way Farm. Drive out to this destination setting where a family farm has been opened up to be enjoyed by all ages! They hold seasonal events such as an Easter egg hunt, summer “Splash Day” and “Christian Way Camp out” along with a petting zoo, miniature golf course, and “lawn mower trains” which are offered continuously! Come back in the fall and the farm is set up like a harvest festival. Locals and regional residents drive out for their fun hayrides and pumpkin patch! This peaceful place in the country will become a new family tradition, and it will be sure to bring a smile to your face.
Experience a great adventure just an hour and a half away at Mammoth Cave National Park! Delve into an underground exploration like no other, inside the largest cave on earth! Various guided tours are given daily to explore this interesting natural wonder that is right under the state of Kentucky. The beautiful park grounds are also a good place hike and to enjoy a picnic. Bowling Green’s Corvette Museum isn’t far and is another fantastic road trip to see the greatest display of America’s favorite sports car. For more cultural enrichment close to home, visit the Cherokee Trail of Tears Commemorative Park. This park located along the historical Trail of Tears where two Cherokee Indian chiefs were buried, honors the Cherokee heritage. Over Labor Day weekend, the Trail of Tears sponsors an intertribal “Pow Wows ” where the Native Americans gather to celebrate their heritage. It’s a time where others can come and also experience the beautiful culture through their dancing, stories, and crafts that these Native Americans have held dear for centuries.
On a beautiful Kentucky day, there’s so many outdoor things to do in Hopkinsville! Head over to the Hopkinsville Greenway Rail Trail system and take a stroll along this former railway bed turned trail! This 3.15 mile trail stretching through town is an excellent place for walking, running, and biking in the city. In fact, Hopkinsville has a few bike clubs that take excursions around the beautiful countryside with many of these group rides hosted by local bike shop, Bikes and Moore. This local business has been serving Hopkinsville bike enthusiasts since 1980! They have an assortment of the best brands of bicycles and equipment, and they do repair work, as well. They are very knowledgeable of the surrounding area’s best bike trails and are happy to help. Dive into something different at the Pennyroyal Scuba and Bluesprings Resort, which is the only scuba facility in the state of Kentucky! There are classes and opportunities for the beginner to the novice diver to enjoy at their clear, 22 acre rock quarry lagoon. Make a splash with whole family at Tie Breaker Aquacenter! This water park offers a lazy river, water slides, plenty of lounge chairs to relax. It’s is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day! After some time in the outdoors, try the hand dipped ice cream at Heather’s Homemade Ice Cream. Banana splits, sundaes, milk shakes and more are served at this family owned establishment using their own ice cream recipe with fresh ingredients.
Looking for the best places to eat? There are many fantastic choices around this city! The Mixer serves delicious elevated American cuisine at their chic downtown eatery. Enjoy a juicy filet mignon, or short ribs ‘n grits, or perhaps their delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwich—it’s all delicious. Don’t miss out on their gourmet coffee with a dessert, such as their triple chocolate cake or bananas foster bread pudding! They also have an event room to rent for parties or gatherings on their 2nd floor that overlooks Main Street. Another downtown restaurant, The Local, is one of the newest places in town. This Irish pub style eatery is a sister restaurant to Princeton’s popular Black Patch Grille. Indulge in their house-made Irish fish n’ chips or bangers & mash with imported Irish sausage, or have a perfectly prepared burger made with locally raised beef and fresh toppings. The Local is a new place that already has a following, and it’s easy to see why! On the flip side, Ferrell’s Snappy Services is the oldest and perhaps most beloved restaurant around. Since 1929, this diner has been making old fashioned hamburgers the way you remember from your childhood. The atmosphere is simple and there’s only a counter to sit at, but that hasn’t stopped the locals from coming back for more of the tried-and-true taste that’s people can’t get enough of. Craving something sweet? Visit the adorable Joelle’s Bakery & Cafe for confections like French macarons, fabulously decorated sugar cookies and signature cupcakes! She also makes beautiful custom wedding and birthday cakes. This precious place is decorated in lovely mint greens and pale pinks giving customers a sweet fairy tale-like experience from the moment they step through the door! For an afternoon pick up, relax with a deliciously crafted latte or cup of tea at Cornerstone Coffee or go to Whistleshop Doughnuts for fresh, chewy doughnuts that locals can’t get enough of!
The historic landmarks, diverse culture, and interesting adventures of Hopkinsville make it a wonderful place to reside. Its quality community events and ongoing renovation projects continue to bring residents together as they celebrate the past and the people who make this city great!
The Jeter Group