Paintsville Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, Paintsville is a charming city filled with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene. Known as the "Gateway to the Mountains," this hidden gem offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and small-town charm.

For nature enthusiasts, Paintsville Lake State Park is a must-visit destination. With its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, the park offers a plethora of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Explore the serene trails that wind through the dense forests, or simply relax by the lake and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

History buffs will find themselves immersed in the fascinating past of Paintsville at the Mayo Mansion. This historic landmark showcases the grandeur of the early 20th century with its exquisite architecture, stunning gardens, and carefully preserved artifacts. Take a guided tour to learn about the prominent Mayo family, who played a significant role in the development of the region.

Art lovers will be delighted by the artistic spirit that thrives in Paintsville. The Appalachian Artisan Center is a hub for local artists, offering workshops, galleries, and unique handcrafted products. Explore the diverse range of artwork, from traditional Appalachian crafts to contemporary masterpieces, and even try your hand at creating your own masterpiece.

No visit to Paintsville is complete without experiencing the vibrant local music scene. The Mountain Arts Center hosts a variety of live performances, including bluegrass, folk, and country music. Immerse yourself in the toe-tapping rhythms and soulful melodies that have been a part of the Appalachian culture for generations.

When it comes to dining, Paintsville offers a taste of authentic southern cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes such as fried chicken, cornbread, and homemade pies at the local diners and restaurants. Don't forget to try the famous Kentucky bourbon, a staple of the region.

Alternative names: Population: 4.2 thous.Area: 50.42 mi²Elevation: 604 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°48'51"N, 82°48'25"W

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KentuckyUnited States

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Paintsville Top Attractions

Paintsville Attractions - What to See and Explore

Paintsville offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: First Baptist Church, U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum, Mountain Homeplace, Johnson County Public Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church is a historic church on College Street in Paintsville, Kentucky.
Specialty museum • Museum
U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum
The U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum is a museum in Paintsville, Kentucky dedicated to the country music entertainers who were born or lived near U.S. Route 23 in eastern Kentucky. Entertainers exhibited within the museum include Billy Ray Cyrus, The Judds, Tom T.
Shopping • Museum • History museum
Mountain Homeplace
The Mountain Homeplace is a living history museum located within Paintsville Lake State Park, in Staffordsville, Kentucky. The museum is a re-creation of a mid-nineteenth-century farming community and includes a blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, church, cabin, and barn with farm grounds.

Library
Johnson County Public Library
The Johnson County Public Library is a public library serving the residents of Johnson County, Kentucky. The library's collection contains 44,236 volumes, serves a population of 23,827, and circulates 120,687 items annually.
Church
Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church
Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church is a historic church located at 325 Third Street, Paintsville, Kentucky, United States. On January 26, 1989 the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Museum • History museum
Francis M. Stafford House
The Francis M. Stafford House is a historic house located at 102 Broadway Street in Paintsville, Kentucky, United States. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places not only for its architecture, but for its family's importance in the founding and development of Paintsville.
37°48'49"N • 82°48'25"W
H.B. Rice Insurance Building
The H.B. Rice Insurance Building is a historic building located in Paintsville, Kentucky, United States. The building was constructed in 1890 by Harvey Burns Rice, who in 1908, opened an insurance company in the building.
Library
Paintsville Public Library Building
The Paintsville Public Library Building is a historic building located at 305 Second Street in Paintsville, Kentucky. It was constructed by the WPA in 1934.
37°48'49"N • 82°48'20"W
First National Bank Building
The First National Bank Building, originally the Paintsville National Bank, is a historic structure located in Paintsville, Kentucky. The bank opened on May 5, 1902, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 26, 1989.
Church
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church is a historic church located at 505 Main St. Paintsville, Kentucky, United States. In 1989, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The congregation was established in 1865.
City hall
Paintsville City Hall
Paintsville City Hall was completed in January 1940 by the WPA, in order to house the city government, fire department, and police department of Paintsville, Kentucky. The structure is located at 101 Euclid Avenue in downtown Paintsville. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 26, 1989.
37°48'59"N • 82°48'30"W
Mayo Mansion
Mayo Mansion is a historic mansion at 405 Third Street in Paintsville, Kentucky. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 3, 1974, as John C.C. Mayo Mansion and Office. The mansion is currently occupied by Our Lady of the Mountains School. Mayo Mansion was built for American entrepreneur John C. C. Mayo.

Day trips

Paintsville – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Paintsville, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Joan C. Edwards Stadium (Huntington), Kyova Tri-State Mall (Ashland), Heritage Farm Museum & Village (Huntington).

47 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport, Football
Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington
Joan C. Edwards Stadium, formerly Marshall University Stadium, is a football stadium located on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, United States.
41 milesN
Shopping, Shopping centre, Department store
Kyova Tri-State Mall, Ashland
Camp Landing Entertainment District is an enclosed shopping mall located outside the city of Ashland, Kentucky, United States, in Cannonsburg. Opened in 1988 as Cedar Knoll Galleria, the mall struggled to keep tenants for several years, eventually becoming a dead mall.
43 milesNE
Museum, History museum
Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Huntington
Heritage Farm Museum and Village is an open-air living history museum in Huntington, West Virginia that focuses on Appalachian history and culture. Originally conceived as a location to house and display the private collection of A.
43 milesN
Theme park, Historical place, Amusement park
Camden Park, Huntington
Camden Park is a twenty-six acre amusement park located near Huntington, West Virginia. Established in 1903 as a picnic spot by the Camden Interstate Railway Company, it is one of only thirteen trolley parks that remain open in the United States.
45 milesNE
Museum, Art museum
Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington
The Huntington Museum of Art is a nationally accredited art museum located in the Park Hills neighborhood above Ritter Park in Huntington, West Virginia.