Posted in Kentucky June 08, 2022 by Sarah McCosham
Kentucky’s contribution to the country music scene is undeniable, with Bluegrass spawning some of the genre’s most iconic legends. And on the Country Music Highway, you’ll pass by some of the most important sites and attractions in country music history. US 23 is known as the Country Music Highway because it traverses seven counties that were home to music stars like Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gail, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless – not to mention Kentucky’s incredible Appalachia. . Turn on the radio and get ready to cruise with the windows down when you visit these must-see attractions along the Country Music Highway in Kentucky.
Our road trip along the Kentucky Country Music Highway begins in Ashland at the famous Paramount Theater.
Paramount Arts Center, 1300 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY 41101, USA
The Paramount was one of the first transitional theaters built for “talking pictures” and served as a model theater for others across the country to show films produced by the eponymous film studio…until what the Great Depression hit. These plans were scrapped, but the theater was spared; today, Paramount hosts all types of shows, including many country music legends.
Next, the birthplace of the queen of country music, the daughter of the coal miner herself, Mrs. Loretta Lynn.
Butcher Hollow, Kentucky 41265, USA
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Born and raised in Butcher Holler, Kentucky, the home where Lynn spent her childhood is open for tours and exploration, and it’s definitely a day trip that belongs on your Bluegrass bucket list.
Continuing along US 23, Paintsville is an incredibly charming little town in Kentucky, and home to the eponymous Country Music Highway museum.
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The Official US 23 Museum is an attraction dedicated to country music artists who were born or lived near US Route 23 in eastern Kentucky. There are 14 exhibits in the museum, paying homage to country music legends like Chris Stapleton, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam and Loretta Lynn, who you already know!
100 Stave Branch Road, Staffordsville, KY 41256, USA
After a busy day exploring country music’s most legendary stars and attractions, it’s time to cruise down the Country Music Highway to the last stop of the day: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.
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All of the stars who have called Kentucky home over the years have something in common besides their country music fame: they’ve all been endlessly enchanted and inspired by the beautiful Bluegrass State. And at this Kentucky state park, with its rolling hills, blue lakes, and mountain vistas, you’ll be wowed too.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA
The 144-mile stretch of the Country Music Highway through Kentucky makes for a great weekend getaway to enjoy beautiful scenery, upbeat music, and friendly people eager to share the character and history of the area. There is nothing like it in the country, and we are so lucky to call it ours.
Have you ever driven this iconic road in Kentucky? Talk about country music feat.
For more scenic back roads in the Bluegrass, check out these beautiful back roads.
Address: Butcher Hollow, Kentucky 41265, USA
Address: Paramount Arts Center, 1300 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY 41101, USA
Address: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 419 Jenny Wiley Dr, Prestonsburg, KY 41653, USA
Address: 100 Stave Branch Road, Staffordsville, KY 41256, USA
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Country Music Highway Museum." data-pin-url="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/attractions-country-music-highway-ky/">
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park." data-pin-url="https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/attractions-country-music-highway-ky/">
