Paintsville KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Paintsville, Kentucky.
1. Loretta Lynn's Birthplace - Butcher Hollow
COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND'S HOME
Loretta Lynn's Birthplace in Butcher Hollow provides visitors a glimpse into the humble Appalachian beginnings of the famed country music star. Guests can tour the restored family home, featuring original furnishings and memorabilia that tell the story of Lynn's early life. This landmark is a must-see for music fans exploring Van Lear and the greater Paintsville area.
2. U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum
COUNTRY MUSIC HERITAGE MUSEUM
The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum celebrates the musical roots of Eastern Kentucky, honoring legendary artists like Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, and Ricky Skaggs. Exhibits display memorabilia, artifacts, and photos chronicling the careers of these influential figures. Regular live music events bring locals and visitors together at this Paintsville gem.
3. Mountain HomePlace
LIVING HISTORY FARM
Mountain HomePlace offers a step back in time to an 1850s Appalachian farmstead, complete with original log structures and engaging demonstrations. Visitors can experience butter making, plowing, weaving, and other traditional crafts that showcase rural Kentucky life. Located near Paintsville Lake, the site combines heritage and scenic beauty.
4. Paintsville Lake State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Paintsville Lake State Park features a sprawling lake surrounded by lush hills, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The park's serene setting attracts both families and nature enthusiasts year-round. Well-maintained picnic areas and trails make it a hub for outdoor recreation in Staffordsville.
5. Dawkins Line Rail Trail
HISTORIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Dawkins Line Rail Trail follows a former railroad route through beautiful Appalachian scenery, stretching for more than 36 miles. Cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders can explore tunnels, bridges, and woodlands along the multi-use path. The trail passes through multiple communities, including Royalton and near Paintsville, making it a regional highlight.
6. SIPP Theatre
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN THEATRE
The SIPP Theatre, a restored 1930s art deco gem in downtown Paintsville, hosts a variety of live performances, concerts, and community events. Its elegant architecture and intimate setting transport guests back to the golden age of cinema and live arts. Ongoing restoration efforts keep this cultural center vibrant and welcoming.
7. Mayo Mansion & Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARKS
The grand Mayo Mansion and affiliated Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church stand as architectural landmarks reflecting Paintsville's early-20th-century prosperity. The mansion, known for its opulent design and stone construction, once belonged to a coal baron. Visitors can admire the building exteriors and the church's beautiful stained glass.
8. Van Lear Historical Society's Coal Miner's Museum
COAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Van Lear Historical Society's Coal Miner's Museum preserves the rich mining heritage of this once-thriving coal town. Visitors explore memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts highlighting miners' daily lives and community history. Guided tours and interactive exhibits make it an educational stop for all ages.
9. Stafford House
HISTORIC FAMILY RESIDENCE
The Stafford House is a meticulously preserved historic home showcasing rural Kentucky lifestyle and architecture from a bygone era. Guided tours reveal period furnishings and stories of the influential Stafford family. The residence is nestled in the countryside near Paintsville Lake, providing a glimpse of the region's past.
10. Webb's Grocery Store
OLD-FASHIONED GENERAL STORE
Webb's Grocery Store, an authentic country store in Van Lear, transports visitors to a simpler time with its vintage décor and nostalgic goods. It's famous as Loretta Lynn's childhood store, where families once gathered for supplies and community news. The store is still operational and serves as a living relic of Appalachian tradition.
11. Kiwanis Walking Trail
NATURE AND WILDLIFE PATH
The Kiwanis Walking Trail provides a serene, 1.6-mile pedestrian pathway near the Mountain HomePlace, perfect for a quiet stroll or light exercise. Along the route, visitors can spot native wildlife such as turkeys, deer, and songbirds while enjoying views of Paintsville Lake. Strategically placed benches offer places to rest and take in the natural beauty.
12. Kentucky Apple Festival
ANNUAL FALL CELEBRATION
The Kentucky Apple Festival, held each fall in Paintsville, celebrates the region's apple-growing heritage with parades, crafts, carnival rides, and live music. The downtown streets come alive as locals and visitors enjoy vendors offering apple treats and homemade goods. The festival has been a beloved community tradition for decades.
13. Paintsville Golf Course
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN COURSE
Paintsville Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole public course set against the backdrop of rolling Appalachian foothills. Golfers of all skill levels appreciate the well-maintained greens and friendly clubhouse atmosphere. The picturesque course layout offers stunning views and a memorable playing experience.
14. Oil Springs Arts and Recreation Center (OSCAR)
COMMUNITY ARTS HUB
The Oil Springs Arts and Recreation Center, known as OSCAR, serves as a cultural and recreational focal point for the Oil Springs community. Housed in a former school, the center hosts arts workshops, events, and fitness activities for all ages. Local art displays and friendly staff make it an enriching stop during a visit to Johnson County.
15. Country Music Highway
SCENIC HERITAGE ROUTE
The Country Music Highway, also known as U.S. 23, is a celebrated scenic byway that traces the musical heritage of Eastern Kentucky. Stretching through Paintsville and neighboring communities, the route features roadside markers and attractions dedicated to famed country artists. Driving along this highway offers picturesque landscapes and a journey through music history.