This Charming Riverside Town Is Set To Welcome First Commercial Flights In Years

It seems like we can fly anywhere, but turns out that’s an illusion.

Over the past year or so, I’ve lost count of how many airport openings Travel Off Path has covered ranging from Tulum to Gulf Shores to perhaps the most surprising of all, McKinney, Texas.

Now there’s another surprise destination to add to this growing list…

Kentucky is a state that often sparks debate. The conversation ranges from whether Popeye’s is truly better than KFC (it is!), to the proper height of a hat at the Derby, and the unique dynamics of navigating family reunions.

Kidding aside, Kentucky is one of America’s most underrated states. One sip on the Bourbon Trail will have you forgetting about Tennessee, and numerous small towns exude a deep sense of history and timeless charm, overshadowed by Louisville.

One such town, Paducah, lies along the tranquil Ohio River. According to the Paducah Sun, this charming riverside hideaway is set to welcome new commercial flights for the first time in years, serving major hubs in hopes to create a new wave of tourism.

Where In The World Is Paducah?

Hugging the Ohio state line, Paducah is Kentucky’s last frontier for river commerce and still sees riverboat tours to keep the unique history alive.

This charming waterfront town is certainly not a household name like Louisville, and is even less well-known than other large cities like Lexington.

Paducah boasts a fascinating history, but the one fun fact that stood out to me the most was that this underrated town was part of the real estate deal of a lifetime.

Have you been house hunting at all lately? Listing prices seem like an impossible goal to achieve.

Well, Paducah was once purchased for less than a Starbucks drink, which sends my jealousy meter skyrocketing.

Its prime location at the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers made Paducah a major port back in its heyday, but it’s set to see a rise again in a whole new form as a foodie destination, arts hub, cultural getaway, and nature haven with easier access than it’s seen in years.

Why Visit Paducah?

There are so many small towns oozing charm and character, so you’re probably wondering what makes Paducah stand out above the rest.

First off, not every town is as conveniently walkable as Paducah. Say you were to arrive by a river cruise, you wouldn’t feel the need to snag a rental car to get around.

Downtown and the LowerArts District are made for wandering on foot with galleries, cafes, and boutiques all within close reach.

Second, Paducah has received the UNESCO Creative City designation. To be honest, as a seasoned traveler and journalist, I had no idea this was a thing!

It turns out this is a global recognition, highlighting Paducah as a surprising cultural hub for the arts, as it’s officially been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

That’s probably not the idea you had of Kentucky, right? Me neither! Visit the Floodwall portraits and you’ll be shocked by the artistic talents of this tight-knit community.

And not to make a blanket statement on Paducah, but the National Quilt Museum of all places is one of the town’s top-rated attractions.

Aside from a burgeoning arts scene, soulful cuisine, vintage streets, and the vibrant waterfront, Paducah boasts underrated nature to explore, especially as summer winds down and the lush tree lines transform into rustic hues of red, orange, and gold, most notably the Greenway Trail and nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

So Long, Confusing Charter Flights! United Airlines Has Arrived

Before we dive into Paducah’s new flights, make sure to check out Travel Off Path’s latest tools, such as the Jetlag Fixer and Travel Personality Checker, to prep your next trip.

Alright, shameless plugs aside, this is really exciting news for Paducah! Right now, only Contour Airlines flies here, which offers really confusing charter flights from Charlotte that I personally would not take for a variety of reasons.

In the past, more notable commercial airlines have served Paducah’s Barkley Regional Airport (PAH), such as Delta, but it was just announced SkyWest is next in line, who is partnered with United — yes, you can use your points!

This news is all but official as the Department of Transportation (DOT) still has to give their stamp of approval, but the airport’s Executive Director Dennis Rouleau is claiming travelers can begin booking flights in September with the following inaugural flights set to take off in December:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Houston (IAH)

Flights will take place on a 50-seat CRJ 550 aircraft with first class, economy plus, and economy seats.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.