Kentucky
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Charming Small Town In Kentucky That Was Home To Loretta Lynn Once Upon A Time

Butcher Holler, Kentucky, is the birthplace of country music legend Loretta Lynn and a significant site for fans of her music.

Updated Apr 15, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Bluegrass and country music go hand in hand, with Kentucky birthing some of the genre’s most iconic legends. Most notably, one female country music force hails from Kentucky, and she's truly an American treasure. No, we're not talking about Dolly (though she most certainly fits that description, Ms. Parton was born in Tennessee); we're talking about one Loretta Lynn, the First Lady of Country Music and (coal miner's) daughter of Butcher Holler, Kentucky.

While Loretta Lynn called Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, home after becoming a veritable country music icon, she comes from much humbler beginnings. Much, much humbler beginnings.

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JerryPDX/iStock via Getty Images Plus

This is Butcher Holler, Loretta Lynn's birthplace in Van Lear, Kentucky.

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Within these four walls, a legend was born in 1932.

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These inauspicious beginnings provided inspiration for some of country music's most iconic songs.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Loretta Lynn, nee Webb, was one of eight children who called Butcher Holler (also known as Butcher Hollow), a tiny coal mining community in Kentucky's eastern Appalachia, home.

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And her experiences as a coal miner's daughter in this rural community inspired many a future hit song.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Are you a fan of Loretta Lynn? We sure are, and we can't think of a better place for a day trip than Butcher Hollow, Kentucky.

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"Well, I was borned a coal miner's daughter/ In a cabin, on a hill in Butcher Holler" -- so begins one of the most famous country songs ever; a true celebration of My Old Kentucky Home.

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Anna Hanks/Wikipedia

Have you ever wondered, "How far is Butcher Hollow from Nashville, TN?" Well, it's around 321 miles.

Some of us view the past through rose-colored glasses. But not Loretta Lynn, whose music is somehow both transcendent and wholly grounded.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Because it's this place, this rural community full of hard-working folks and shared history, that made Loretta Webb, a coal miner's daughter from eastern Kentucky, into the legend she is today: The Queen of Country Music, The Blue Kentucky Girl, and always, always, The Coal Miner's Daughter.

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Kevin/Flickr

Have you visited Butcher, Holler, the charming small town in Kentucky that's known as Loretta Lynn's birthplace? For country music fans, a trip to Van Lear's Butcher Holler is a bucket-list-worthy pilgrimage.

Sadly, Kentucky's most famous daughter passed away in September 2022. Here's a glimpse of her Butcher Hollow home:

And here's a video of Ms. Lynn performing her most famous song, "A Coal Miner's Daughter" way back when:

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Magic of the North Pole Can Be Found in the Quaint City of Bardstown, Kentucky During Christmastime

Bardstown, Kentucky transforms into a magical holiday destination with festive decorations, historic charm, and bourbon-related attractions.

Updated Oct 24, 2024

Written by 

Andrea Limke

As a child, and even as an adult, one of the most magical places to imagine was the North Pole. It turns out that you can visit a spot that's just as magical right here in the Bluegrass State. Christmas in Bardstown should be considered the North Pole of Kentucky, thanks to its enchanting Main Street and plethora of holiday festivities. This popular destination for bourbon and history takes on a whole new atmosphere this time of year, so plan a visit and experience the magic of the North Pole of Kentucky.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

Known as one of the best small towns in America, Bardstown is a favorite destination in the Bluegrass State. And during the holidays, this Kentucky town literally lights up with beautiful decor and festivities. After the town's tree is lit and the parade heads down Main Street, the festive fun continues throughout the season. Bardstown is known for its history, bourbon, and charm and you can still experience all of those during the holiday and winter seasons.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

Throughout December, Main Street and the historic buildings are glowing with lights and decor. You may even run into Santa Claus, which wouldn't be surprising in this North Pole atmosphere. Many people visit Bardstown as a place along the Bourbon Trail and every stop is even more memorable during the holidays.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

Learn about the making of bourbon and its history at many destinations around the town. Find out more about these spots on the Visit Bardstown website. My Old Kentucky Home State Park is another must-visit place in Bardstown, especially during the holidays.

If this were the North Pole, Santa would likely choose this as his home. Find more information on the My Old Kentucky Home site. Another lesser-known place in Bardstown that is beautifully decorated for the holidays is Spalding Hall. Recently renovated, you'll love the museum and gift shop inside. Get all of the details on the official website of the Oscar Gertz Whiskey Museum.

If you happen to be in the area around mid-December, head to Bardstown Baptist Church. The church hosts live nativity scenes. This lovely event is just another reason to visit Bardstown this season. Visit the Facebook page of Bardstown Baptist Church for event times and schedules this winter.

Bardstown is bursting with small-town charm all year long, but the enchantment only increases during the holidays.

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Photo Courtesy of Zachary Sinclair/Grizzly Media

If you can't swing a trip this year, keep this Kentucky getaway in mind for years to come. This North Pole of Kentucky will surely always be a sought-after destination in the Bluegrass at Christmastime.

A magical Christmas in Bardstown KY 2024 awaits you! If you've been considering a visit to this memorable town, now may just be the best time. Have you celebrated a Bardstown Christmas in Kentucky? What is your favorite thing to do or see? Let us know in the comments! For more information on this festive town, visit the Christmas 'Round Bardstown website.

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What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in Kentucky? If you're still looking to pack out the space under the tree, we've put together this super fun gift guide for travelers that should be a great help.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Kentucky, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Published Sep 23, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

A small town of about 18,000 people in southwestern Kentucky, Murray is the ideal place to spend a day. Case in point: Murray has been voted the "friendliest small town in America" by Rand McNally and USA Today five times! There's much to love about Murray beyond its friendly people. But what if you only have one day to spend in this treasured small town? We've compiled a list of four must-see attractions for a day trip to Murray, Kentucky:

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1. Murray's Historic Town Square

The first thing visitors must see is Murray's historic town square. The square is a great place to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat. Murray City Hall is on the corner of 5th and Main Street. Nearby are three bookstores: Bolin's Books, Newlife Christian Bookstore, and Bookmark. The Main Street Market, a boutique grocery store, is also on Main Street. Hungry day trippers can eat at Mugsy's Hideout, which serves Italian food, or Rudy's on the Square, which serves classic Southern food. If you love visiting local coffee shops, as I do, 5th & Main Coffees is near City Hall. If you visit on a Saturday morning, look out for the popular Downtown Farmer's Market, where local vendors sell crafts and produce.

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A stately red-brick city hall building stands prominently at the corner of an intersection, framed by the lush green leaves of an overhanging tree. The architecture conveys a sense of authority and classical design, with large white columns flanking the entrance and the words “CITY HALL” engraved above the doors.500 Main Street
Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024

2. Wrather West Kentucky Museum

After getting acquainted with Murray's town square, the next place to visit is the Wrather West Kentucky Museum on Murray State University's campus. The museum is free and open to the public and shares historical information about West Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase through fixed and short-term exhibits. Interestingly, the museum is located in the university's first permanent building, which opened in 1924 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

3. The Doran Arboretum

The next stop is a 15-minute walk from the Wrather West Kentucky Museum: the Doran Arboretum at Murray State University. The arboretum is open every day from dawn to dusk and is the perfect place to take a walk on a pretty day. It has a 0.8-mile track for walking and running, a butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and much more.

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A quiet street is lined with a row of two-story brick buildings featuring various storefronts, including a law office and a cafe. Two large white arrows painted on the road indicate traffic direction in adjacent lanes under an overcast sky.Main Street
Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024

4. Kentucky Lake

Incredibly, Murray is about 30 minutes from Kentucky Lake. This 160,000-acre lake is the last attraction we chose for our list of things to do on a one-day trip to Murray. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, horseback ride, golf, and hunt at Kentucky Lake. Of course, it is difficult, and likely impossible, to do all of these things at Kentucky Lake in one day. For a short visit, we recommend taking the Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive, a three-mile drive with several photo-worthy overlooks and places to picnic.

What do you think about this list of must-see attractions in Murray, Kentucky? Is there anything you would add?

There are many more things to do and places to eat in Murray than we could include in this list. Murray is home to the best Dairy Queen in the world. It also has the Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail, a collection of more than 60 colorful quilt patterns on barns scattered around the county. Each quilt has a special significance and is often associated with a family story or tragedy.

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If you'd like to spend more than one day in Murray, Kentucky, this two-bedroom cabin Airbnb near Kentucky Lake may be the perfect place to stay!

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