If you’re looking for the best things to do in Whitesburg, Kentucky, then you’ve come to the right place. This home rule-class city is the county seat of Letcher County. As of the 2010 census, the population was 2,139. That number rose to 1,875 in 2018. Whitesburg was named after C. White, a state politician.
Letcher County
Located in eastern Kentucky, Whitesburg is a home rule class city and county seat of Letcher County. Its population was 2,139 at the 2010 census and was 1,875 as of 2018. It is named after state politician C. White. This community has a long history of historic significance and is well worth a visit.
Letcher County is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and Whitesburg is one of the many places to visit. This charming town is nestled within the mountains and is full of personality and tradition. Located near the border with Virginia, it offers spectacular scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. You can go horseback riding and ATV adventures, or try fishing.
The town has a vibrant downtown with historic Italian stonemasonry buildings. If you enjoy music, you’ll love Whitesburg’s Roundabout Music Company, which sells rare vinyl records and indigenous Appalachian instruments. The town also boasts the Appalshop, a local arts and media center, which hosts live music shows and regular movie nights.
If you have time to visit the surrounding area, you can take a day trip from Louisville. You’ll want to check the road conditions, as you may have to drive for an hour or more. Alternatively, you can plan a weekend trip to other nearby cities.
Whether you’re looking for a great place for your family reunion or just to enjoy the fall foliage, Letcher County is an ideal destination. The area is full of arts and culture and is a natural wonderland. It’s home to some of the most talented local artists.
The Harry Caudill Library
Harry M. Caudill Memorial Library is located on Main Street in Whitesburg, KY. It was named for the writer, who passed away in 1990. Born in Letcher County in 1922, Caudill was a lifelong resident of the area. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was later elected to the Kentucky legislature. He served in the legislature from 1956 to 1960. During his time in the legislature, he wrote Night Comes to the Cumberlands, a book that chronicled Appalachian poverty and led the Kennedy administration to support programs in the region.
Visitors can get a feel for the town’s history at the Harry Caudill Library. It is located at 220 Main Street, in the Downtown Historic District. The library offers free admission to the public. In addition to reading materials, patrons can enjoy coffee and hang out in the library.
Caudill was a prolific writer, politician, and environmental activist. His passion for the Appalachian region led him to fight for its protection. He also won a seat in the state legislature and rose to national prominence. He also taught at the University of Kentucky and wrote several books.
During his lifetime, the town of Whitesburg was a small town. At one point, it was the county seat of Letcher County. The whitesburg newspaper noted that the town’s original architecture consisted of logs. The town was a small farming community, but the Mineral Development Company of Philadelphia prompted coal exploration.
The city also boasts a historic district that includes historic houses. In 1891, a Presbyterian congregation met in Whitesburg. The church was called Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. A Baptist congregation organized nearby in 1909, which met in a second-floor Lewis Wholesale building. The congregation eventually built its own house of worship near the beginning of World War I.
The pumpkin patch
One of the best things to do in Whitesburg during the fall season is to go to the pumpkin patch at Mountain View Farm. This is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the state. While you’re there, you can sample some southern fried favorites and buy some handmade clothing.
Although most pumpkin patches open in mid-September, some open earlier. Some even offer paintball and zombie events! The pumpkin patch is a local favorite and is open daily, but you should plan to pay $6 for a hayride. There are many ways to enjoy this pumpkin-growing season in Whitesburg.
The outdoor adventures
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures that will take your breath away, Whitesburg is the place to be. The town has everything from mountain top horseback riding to fishing on Fishpond Lake. There are also 22 miles of ATV riding paths to explore. You’ll never run out of things to do in Whitesburg.
While in town, you can visit the Pine Mountains Overlook, where you can get stunning views of the surrounding area. Another attraction is Fishpond Lake, an old mining camp that offers 45 acres of recreational opportunities. You can also explore the Tanglewood Trail, a former railroad bed that runs along the Kentucky River. Several restaurants and shops are also located along this trail. If you’re a fan of moonshine, you can also tour the town’s first legal distillery.
The arts and culture
There’s no shortage of activities for the arts-loving visitor to Whitesburg. The historic downtown is surrounded by shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a farmers market. The Whitesburg Music Depot is located in downtown and is easily accessible for residents of the city’s 102 public housing units. During the inaugural concert season in 2018, the music venue attracted 400 patrons. The venue has become an integral part of the city’s creative scene, bringing new life to downtown Whitesburg.
The arts and culture in Whitesburg has always been a major part of the community. There are several art galleries and studios and an Appalshop, which focuses on music, film, and storytelling. Additionally, the city’s public library and restaurants showcase local artists’ work occasionally. Art is also displayed in Dr. Pellegrini’s office. Eventually, a former restaurant will open as 260 Gallery, the city’s first full-time gallery.
The Appalshop has been at the forefront of efforts to improve Appalachian culture and image through film, theatre, and other art forms. During the recent flooding on the North Fork of the Kentucky River, the Appalshop suffered significant damage. The organization’s mission is to promote creativity, preserve Appalachian traditions, and share these with the world.
The Fayette Campus was chosen as the site because of its central location and familiarity as a gathering space. About thirty participants from across Fayette County, including county commissioners, city council members, village mayors, small-business owners, and artists and art organizations, attended the discussion. The results of the forum were a set of recommendations and possible next steps for achieving community goals. Several local partners and OSU faculty and student collaborators expressed interest in the process and helped identify a way forward.
