So I went outside.
When you live in a certain place for an extended time, you forget to admire it as the seasons change. You forget how much true beauty this place has. So as an outsider, new to the nice days, great weather and the usual places, I think it is my job to remind you.
Noble Park
In the first days of spring Noble Park is packed wall to wall with families and couples looking to take in the warm temperatures. The rest of the weeks, the crowds calm down. The park is a perfect place for a quick lunch stop, an after-dinner walk, or even a barbecue on the weekends. There’s something to do around every corner, but on a sunny day the scenery itself can be one of the most inspiring and beautiful places in Paducah.
Maggie’s Jungle Golf
You just aren’t going to be able to find a zoo or a rain forest in western Kentucky. The closest thing to that would be Maggie’s Jungle Golf near Gilbertsville in Marshall County. Mini golf is always a fun thing to do, but with a little imagination, Maggie’s can keep you busy all day. And let’s not lie, they have a camel. That, in and of itself, is an epic enough reason to go there.
The floodwall
This comes with a caveat — maybe waiting a few weeks to visit wouldn’t hurt. Either way, the floodwall is a good reminder of a couple of things. First, it’s a virtual telling of Paducah and the river’s history. The paintings alone are breathtaking, but adding to that the scenery and the power of the river (that we have experienced in the past few weeks) makes it a worthwhile trip. Even better is its proximity to the downtown area and hand-made ice cream.
Pizza by the Pound
Yes, there’s the pizza and the old-school atmosphere. But there is also a sand volleyball pit. In land, you aren’t going to find many places to play beach volleyball. Thankfully, the pizza joint offers a pit big enough to bring your friends, get a tan, and enjoy the time. Getting a group together and performing a Top Gun-esque routine is a perfect start to summer.
Calvert Drive-In
There is nothing better then sitting in your car, with your windows down, enjoying junk food and watching “B” movies. In the summer months, the place to do that is the drive-in in Calvert City. They offer rates that beat the movie theaters, plus their old-time burgers are worth the price of admission. They are open only on weekends, but there is always a selection for families and for couples. Even if you’re not particularly into the movie playing, it’s a great excuse to cuddle and enjoy a summer breeze.
Contact Corianne Egan, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8652.
