We know you single folks are busy. iList Paducah's Kelsie Gray goes on that first date so you don't have to!

February 22, 2011

Five Off-Beat Solutions to your “Dinner & a Movie” Dating Rut

We here at iList love this little city as much as you do, but planning a memorable date that consists of “something different” can sometimes leave Paducah’s lovebirds in the lurch. Cynthia’s, Maiden Alley, and the riverfront are classic options that will never go out of style, but as with other areas of romance, it’s always prudent to spice things up every once in a while. Now that the snow has melted away and the daffodils are poppin’, there’s no better time than the present to explore some of these quirky, regional locales with that special someone. Bonus: these options are wallet-friendly, too!

Antiques, Cards, & Collectibles Inc
Affectionately referred to by locals as “The Three Story Antique Store,” this creaky old Paducah institution has been steadily going out of business for the past year or so. Despite a major auction last autumn, the store is, unbeknownst to many, still opened and moving merchandise at dirt cheap prices. I carried out a box load of vintage goodness for ten bucks! If you’re the treasure hunting type, grab your gloves, a flashlight, and your sweetie, and treat yourselves to five floors of dust, chaos, and artifacts waiting to be discovered. From first edition tomes to teacups to things that make you scratch your head and say “hmmm” the (now) Five Story Antique Store has it all — if you’re willing to do some digging.  Watch out for the dead pigeons, or, if you’re into that kind of thing, ask the owner if he’ll cut you a deal. Bonus: you’ll get absolutely filthy, so a steamy post-date shower will be necessary.

Location: 203 Broadway in downtown Paducah
Hours: It seems there are people there from 9 a.m. onward Monday-Saturday. 

The Root Beer Saloon
In the case of the Root Beer Saloon, the name does NOT say it all. Located in the tiny hamlet of Alto Pass, Illinois (Pop. 388), the Saloon is an emporium of weirdness that’s well worth the scenic 1.5 hour drive on IL-146. In addition to delighting the taste buds by serving up frosted mugs of on-tap, micro-brewed, gourmet root beer AND rustic dishes like smoked salmon, trout, and pheasant, this place is a feast for the eyes. Is it a wizard’s lair? A trapper’s cabin? A hunting lodge? A general store a la Little House on the Prairie? The workshop of a master craftsman? Try all of the above, and then some.  The punched tin ceiling and walls are hung with all manner of taxidermied creatures. Jars and canisters filled with gourmet coffees, teas, and herbs — including some you definitely wouldn’t find at Kroger — are available for bulk purchases. Glass curio cases are stuffed with dusty apothecary bottles filled with potions, extracts, and scented oils. Part of the Saloon is dedicated to the shop of master luthier (guitar maker), Michael Blank. Here, he crafts his Zuni Custom Guitars from aged maple that dates as far back as the Civil War. In short, plan to spend more time than you’d expect simply taking in all there is to see at the Root Beer Saloon. Bonus: the area around Alto Pass is loaded with wineries, orchards, and hiking spots, so you can easily make a day of it! More Bonus: There’s always something delicious happening at the Saloon. Check out their schedule of events for details.

Location: Alto Pass, Illinois. The town consists of one small street, so I doubt you’ll have trouble finding it!
Hours: I’d recommend calling first (618-893-1634) to make sure they’re not catering to a private event. Otherwise, their hours are M-F 11:30-4:00 and Sat/Sun 11:00-5:00.

Blue Grass Restaurant
As its name perhaps implies, this eatery in La Center, Kentucky is southern — with a twist. Don’t you dare call it “Bluegrass.” This is “Blue Grass,” which somehow makes it sound more like a trendy Chicago bistro. Fortunately, the prices are not of the bistro variety, though the food really is spectacular, especially if catfish is your thing. And since you live in Kentucky, catfish is probably your thing. Their fried catfish is the house speciality, but it should also be noted that Blue Grass is one of the few places left where you can order a catfish steak. This restaurant is nothing if not a mom and pop organization, and Bob—the owner—is almost always around chatting with customers, busing tables, and making sure folks are happy. So what’s the “twist” that distinguishes Blue Grass from any other catfish joint in the South? Bob and his family are Greek transplants, and in addition to the Americana typical of a southern fried diner, you’ll find Mediterranean memorabilia and décor scattered about, as well. Not only that, but if catfish really just isn’t your thing, Blue Grass serves up a Greek salad that’s about as authentic as it gets. Bonus: This short, 30 minute drive from Paducah takes you through some lovely, hilly countryside. Stuff yourselves silly and enjoy a romantic, sunset drive back home. More Bonus: Blue Grass opens early and
closes late. Try out their breakfast menu and watch the sun rise on a new day with your darlin’.

Location: 143 West Kentucky Drive, La Center, Kentucky
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. (though they stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays, if the place is full)

Makanda, Illinois
If you haven’t figured it out already, Southern Illinois is a cornucopia of odd little villages, and Makanda (Pop. 419) is no exception. If you and your date are proponents of incense and peppermint or crimson and clover, Makanda will welcome you with open arms. This hip hamlet is little more than a single street set into a rocky hillside, but it’s packed with surprises. Find handmade soaps, candles, and tie-dyed goodies at The Smelly Hippie. Grab a cup of coffee, an ice cream cone, or old-fashioned hot chocolate (made by a real hippie) at the Makanda Country Store, or visit the art gallery, Visions, for a selection of jewelry, knitted goods, paintings, and pottery made by local artists. There’s also an eclectic sculpture studio that leads to what can only be described as a secret garden. Go in the spring or summer for the full effect, and be prepared to lose yourself amongst the ponds, artifacts, and hidden passageways. For an even more off-beat journey, visit Makanda in October for the Vulture Festival, during which quantities of raw meat are tossed into the streets in hopes of attracting the buzzards who haunt the surrounding forests and cliffs (it’s also just an excuse for everyone to get together and do the kinds of things that would make Jerry Garcia proud). Bonus: Makanda is located only a few miles from Giant City State Park—another Southern Illinois gem. Go on a Sunday and enjoy the all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner at the WPA-era Giant City Lodge before or after hitting up the Makanda boardwalk.

Location: Makanda, Illinois on Co. Road 25

The Bay City General Store and Lodging
It’s not a city. It’s not even a town. But Bay City is definitely a destination for couples seeking peace, quiet, and the type of nostalgia not even Cracker Barrel can serve up. Located along the under-appreciated Ohio River Scenic Byway, the Bay City General Store is part antique store, part gathering ground for locals, and part overnight getaway. Stop in for the classic combo of an RC Cola and a Moon Pie and stick around to see if you can scrounge up a deal amongst the piles of antiques and collectibles packed on the shelves.  I have a wooden handled potato masher from Bay City that reminds me fondly of a past fling each time I smash a Yukon Gold. As far as lodging goes, Bay City has three rooms upstairs they’ll be happy to rent to you and your significant other for a bargain price of $55/night. The rooms are cozily appointed with antique furnishings and quilt covered beds, and the stunning view of the Ohio River is definitely worth the price of admission. There’s also a rustic, but comfortable cabin (with full kitchen) on the property available for rent for $75/night. It may only be thirty minute drive from Paducah, but I imagine as soon as you curl up with your honey in that big brass bed, you’ll feel worlds away from everything. Bonus: Movie buffs should know that the 1997 Tommy Lee Jones flick “U.S. Marshals” was filmed in part at the Bay City General Store. More Bonus: I only bought one potato masher, so there’s another one up for grabs.

Location: Bay City, Illinois on the Ohio River Scenic Byway (aka CR-1).
Hours: Open April-December, Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 1-5.  For lodging info, call 618-683-4305.