Discover These 5 Attractions of Note in Paintsville

Nestled between two lakes in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, you’ll find a “City of Note” along the US 23 Country Music Highway. This special place – Paintsville – offers a bounty of unique experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re an individual country music fan, a family seeking outdoor adventure or a tour group wanting to explore the rich musical and cultural heritage of central Appalachia, this is the place for you.

Paintsville in Johnson County is home to a variety of country music stars, including Chris Stapleton, Crystal Gayle and the late legend Loretta Lynn. After exploring their stories, enjoy an authentic Appalachian meal at a local restaurant, shop the downtown antiques district and enjoy live music at venues throughout the city.

Ready for an adventure to remember? Make plans to visit these five top spots during a trip to Paintsville!

Butcher Holler

The childhood home of Loretta Lynn, Butcher Holler, was featured in the 1980 movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and – to this day – is still the most visited tourist attraction in Eastern Kentucky. Check in at nearby Webb’s Grocery Store for tours given by Lynn’s family members.

Dawkins Line Rail Trail

The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is the largest rail-to-trail project in the state, offering 36 miles of adventure for hikers, bikers and horseback riders winding along old railroad tracks through the mountains. Rail enthusiasts will marvel at the 24 trestles and 662-foot-long Gun Creek Tunnel, plus the trail’s less than 1% grade offers multiple spots for easy accessibility.

US 23 Country Music Highway Museum

Featuring 14 exhibits of memorabilia from many country music singers who call this area home, the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum shares the stories of stars like Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tom T. Hall, Keith Whitley, Larry Cordle, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Gary Stewart, Hylo Brown, Crystal Gayle, Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and The Judds. And don’t miss an evening of live bluegrass music and dancing during Front Porch Pickin’ shows every Thursday night at 7pm!

Mountain HomePlace Farm

Mountain HomePlace Farm offers a unique experience where you can take a step back in time to the 1850s while touring an interactive working farm. Historical Interpreters in authentic period costumes perform daily chores, give demonstrations and discuss early life on the farm, plus there’s a school, church, barn, cabin and blacksmith’s shop to explore.

Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church

Built in 1908 by local coal barren John C.C. Mayo after visiting cathedrals in Europe, Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church is now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The church’s interior features stained-glass windows and an organ donated by Andrew Carnegie. Architecture fans will adore the structure’s lovely local sandstone exterior and the 12,000 glazed green tiles covering its roof.

Come on down and stay awhile in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Whether you are a country music fan, history aficionado, outdoor lover or just a weekend warrior looking for a unique getaway, Paintsville and Johnson County offer plenty of ways to explore.