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By Smell What’s Happening in Downtown Paducah!
Downtown Paducah? Things are starting to happen again here, my friends. You can almost smell it, and it’s not coming from the river. I checked.
Shandies inside and out. All photos by Nikki D. May
For starters, I get a sense of unity, rather than rivalry, from other bars and restaurants (but mine is Shandies). The realization that we all fare better when it comes to local business when we ALL succeed. When we make downtown a destination again, a destination on weeknights, holidays, even SUNDAYS! When there are choices in accordance to what you are in the mood to listen to, eat and feel within blocks of each other.
Like Water plays in JP’s courtyard.
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| Future iDate of the Week Priya at Live on Broadway! |
And hey, if it isn’t us tonight, please visit our friends around the way! J.P’s, Whaler’s, Doe’s, Max’s, Kirchhoff’s, Tribeca, Cynthia’s, Di Fratelli and Mother Duncan’s – I can honestly say I have recommended each of these places in high regard depending on what a consumer is looking for.
Secondly, Live on Broadway has truly become a work of art within itself. I may never get a Saturday night free to roam the streets for myself, but that’s because the revamping of this street festival has packed the business into local eateries so effectively. Which is something to be truly thankful for in its own right – being too busy.
(And P.S. I still get a pretty good view of the goings on during Live on Broadway from my bar ((Shandies)) and seriously, if you haven’t been downtown on a Saturday night yet, you really need to.)
And as you have probably heard, we have a pretty kick-ass Arts & Entertainment scene. Venues for local musicians are growing (especially at Shandies). Maiden Alley is exhibiting more combinations of art than I would have thought possible and of course there’s the galleries, the plays and the architecture. I am also thankful for the new life the Carson Center has brought us. Mainly the wine auction. Personally.
Which brings me to my final turning point in what has caused the revitalization on the riverfront: You’re allowed to drink outside now. With proper permit and clearly marked boundaries (like at Shandies), we no longer have to pretend that it’s only appropriate to libate behind closed doors.
Downtown Paducah is far from complete – there’s still a lot of empty storefronts, no local bookstore and that whole absence of a hotel – hopefully we can work on those issues.
BUT…You. Can. Drink. Outside.
Smoke on the Water flood relief fundraiser in Max’s courtyard
