Paducah - advice for first timer?

[Judy M.]

I'm super excited to be going to Paducah for the first time this year - yippee! I'm driving down from my hometown of St. Louis.

Unfortunately, I'll only be able to stay for the day and I had been planning on going on Saturday. However, my plans have changed and now I can go any day, so I'm trying to figure out the best day to attend. I'm guessing Saturday is the most crowded day - true? For those of you who have attended in the past, what day would you suggest? I guess I'm thinking in term of crowds - but are there other things to consider?

I'm also wondering about any "must sees" in addition to the actual show itself. I thought I'd check out Hancock's, but what else should I see?

Thank you so much for any advice - I can't wait to go!

[Judith T.]

I went last year and there was so much to see. I was there on a tour that lasted for 3 days. In that time I saw the show, and all of the vendors including Ricky's and Sharon Schamber's. There is always the quilt museum a few blocks away. There are the murals on the wall by the river. There is downtown and the carriage ride. There is Eleanor Burns and her shop and Carol Fallert's studio . Hancocks is on the outskirts of town but well worth the visit if you can stand the crowds. Don't forget the back room there. Full of surprises.. You sure you only have one day. You can't do it all in one day. Have fun anyway. It will be crowded any and all days. Wear your badge.

Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

and wear comfy shoes...
there will also be vendors at the mall (exit 4) close to the same area as hancock's.
head back towards town on hinckleville road and stop by the robt. cherry civic center.
go for lunch at kirchoffs deli/coffee shop. then walk down the street to the findley bldg. for the aqs book sale and more vendors.
did I mention wear comfy shoes?? :wink:

there will be a trolley to take you around town and out to the mall/hancock's, but you'll get there quicker if you have a car avaliable...

[Judith T.]

And, at the entrance of the quilt show, there is a place where you can leave your many belongings (stuff) and your recently bought fabric and kits etc and take a number and retrieve them at the end of the day so you won't have to tire yourself out lugging it all around. And outside in the parking lot, they have food vendors with long lines around noonish. I think there was something to do with strawberries where the line was the longest. Inside there are vendors everywhere, down the halls, past the pool area where the hotel is located which is inside the convention center. You can even sign up to watch demos in one area. Ricky usually has a concert one night and you can get tickets to see that. Oh, I wish I were going again but my kids are coming from back east for a visit.

And , as mentioned before in the previous blog, wear comfortable shoes. There are chairs around everywhere where you can sit and rest but there is too much to see. Bring your camera but you can also buy a book with all of the winner in it. And, before I forget, bring a large tote bag. And bring water. Judy in AZ

[Judith T.]

Thanks so much for all of your replies! I truly wish I could go for more than one day - but I have two toddlers at home, so it's tough to get away for too long! Plus I didn't book a hotel in time...hopefully next year! I know I won't be able to see everything in one day, but I know I'll have a great time no matter what.

Thanks again for your helpful and thoughtful replies - I appreciate it!

[Judith T.]

Hi Callie - This will be my 4th year going. My best quilting friend has been our, several quilters, appointed tour guide each year. She has done a marvelous job. We are staying in a cabin at the Kentucky Dam State Park, about 30 minutes from the convention center. We will arrive on Wednesday and leave on Sunday and still won't be able to see everything. If at all possible, you must go to the fairgrounds and see Eleanor Burns. She is soooooooooooooo funny and always puts on a good show - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Hancock's is a must just for the experience if nothing else. There are vendor's all over the place and so much fun to see all their wares. It is just unbelievable !!!!! Oh yes, the real reason, all the amazing quilts. There are so many gifted quilters in the world and it is a privalege to be able to view their quilts. If you plan to attend next year, you must make reservations this year for your stay. COMFORTABLE SHOES A MUST!! I know you will have a wonderful time. Happy quilting, Rachel in Ohio

[Judith T.]

Hi Callie,

I'm so glad you get to go to the show in Paducah...it's great! This will be my 11th year. We usually stay several days, but you can see a lot in one day. If I were going for one day, I would probably choose Thursday and go to the main show and to Hancocks. Hancocks opens at 8:00 a.m. usually, so you could start there and then spend the day at the show.....A lot of my friends go for one day and love it. Maybe I'll see you there....have a great time!

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

[Judith T.]

can't wait
can't wait
can't wait

[Judith T.]

I've never been to Paducah, either, but my husband has talked about taking our RV for the occasion, one of these years... does anyone know about camping in the area?

[Judith T.]

I've never been to Paducah, either, but my husband has talked about taking our RV for the occasion, one of these years... does anyone know about camping in the area?

yes, there are 3 beautiful state parks in the land between the lakes area.
kentucky dam village

lake barkley

ken-lake

as well as numerous fishing lodge/camping areas.

[Judy M.]

You all have fun at the show!!! It's been on my to do list for so many years--I've got to seriously make it a reality. All the tips will help me when I do get to go. I'm looking forward to the Long Beach show in July put on by the International Quilt Festival. I live in Torrance, CA, so it's just a few miles away and I can still sleep in my own bed! :lol: Let me know if any of you will be there and we'll meet up.

[Margo C.]

COMFY SHOES, WATER, CAMERA AND TOTE!!
Oh, yeah...and you will NEED some plastic!! LOL!!