Local Travel Features

Downtown Cadiz Offers Southern Charm & Antiques

July 3, 2017 | Jessica Perkins

In addition to Cadiz, Kentucky, serving as a hotspot for anglers seeking to fish the waters of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, the city is also home to a charming and historic downtown district. Visitors will find delightful shops, restaurants and other local attractions that make a stop in downtown Cadiz worthwhile.

Explore the Shops Along Main Street

Downtown Cadiz has become a mecca for antique lovers and those who enjoy collecting vintage, and sometimes rare, items. The shops that line Main Street range from consignment and thrift stores to storefronts lined with items from antiquity. Visitors to downtown Cadiz are sure to find themselves on a trip down Memory Lane, as they stumble upon items they have not seen since childhood.

As if antiques weren’t enough, Main Street is also home to a variety of clothing boutiques, art collectives, and home decor and gift shops. These retailers carry a variety of trendy women’s apparel, as well as an array of gifts for the home and hostess.

Cadiz-Trigg Downtown Farmers Market

Situated in a rural region has its advantages, as fresh produce and farm-raised meats are plentiful at the community’s downtown Farmers Market. Find locally-sourced hams and meat, as well as Amish-made jams, jellies and baked goods. Booths overflow with an eclectic mix of fresh produce and other goodies produced in the region.

Janice Mason Art Museum & Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre

The Janice Mason Art Museum and the Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre occupy the creative space at the Cadiz Community Art Center. The museum showcases a variety of art exhibitions, which represent a plethora of artistic disciplines and styles. The museum also provides arts education and programming to the peoples of Western Kentucky. The museum is a non-profit organization which seeks to make the arts accessible to all who wish to engage.

The Southern Kentucky Independent Theatre brings the performing and dramatic arts to life through Community Theater. Performances are hosted at various times of year. Check their Facebook page for upcoming shows.

Downtown Cadiz Restaurants

After a day of exploring Cadiz’s historic downtown and shopping the various shops along the way, you’ll be ready to dig into some local grub at a nearby Cadiz restaurant. If you’re seeking some nostalgia, you’ll want to pop your head into Ferrell’s Snappy Service for a burger and fries. You can also enjoy breakfast there any time of day. They’re open 24 hours.

If it’s Southern cooking you’re craving, there are several options along Canton Road and Main Street that will tempt your palate.

Many of Cadiz’ locally owned eateries include ham, of course, and a variety of other locally-sourced meats and produce. You’ll want to save room for some homemade dessert, as well.

Ham Festival

A favorite annual event in Cadiz is the Country Ham Festival, which celebrates the tradition of the ham-curing industry that has made Trigg County world-famous. This two-day event invites visitors to indulge in delicious foods, carnival rides and live entertainment. There’s even a petting zoo for the kids.

The festival kicks off in October. It’s a family-friendly festival in which the smell of pit-smoked barbecue is free and the entertainment is delightful. During your time at the festival you can even expect to find such wonders as the World’s Largest Ham and Biscuit! So, come prepared for some kitschy fun and amusement.

Looking for a Place to Stay?

If you’re looking for overnight lodgings in or near downtown Cadiz, there are several from which you can choose. There are rustic cabins, cottages and lodges located near and on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. There are also comfortable campsites nearby, which the whole family can enjoy.

So, make plans to spend some time away in Cadiz, Kentucky, and enjoy the quaint community and Southern charm that this small town has to offer.

For more information on Cadiz, visit GoCadiz.com.

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