Enchanting Maysville, KY Part 1

Updated: Apr 11, 2020

*Family Friendly

The minute I drove into Maysville's enchanting downtown sector I knew I'd be blogging about my entertaining experiences. You could easily spend the entire weekend there and discover a multitude of pleasantries to occupy your time!

Plan to lodge at the delightful Moon River Bed & Breakfast. It is conveniently located at 320 Market Street, within walking distance of downtown. Owners Marti and Mike Insko live on-site and were so incredibly friendly I felt right at home. They are full of ideas and information about the best places to visit around town. And boy does she cook up a fantastic breakfast!

Their B&B resides in a renovated 1888 Row House. In the English custom of designating houses by the days of the week, Moon River was dubbed "Saturday"; seventh in the row. The homey interior is inviting with shared dining room and laundry facilities. Settle in the comfortable living room with the owners and catch up on the interesting history of their cherished home.

Each room is decorated by theme. I stayed in the Civil War Room. Soft earth tones set the mood for splendid relaxation. Enjoy the look and feel of antique furniture and an original, carved marble fireplace. The wall décor commemorates the Civil War Battle of Maysville. Tuck into one of two restful twin beds or a cozy queen. The bathroom features a clawfoot tub, stand-up shower, and cottony bath robes.

The Maysville Room comes complete with charming photos of the City Center Fountain, bracing hot air balloon events, breathtaking architecture and smiling images of native singer/actress, Rosemary Clooney. The Cardinal Room leaves little doubt as to which basketball team the Inskos support! All things Kentucky are showcased including a picture of a crimson cardinal, the state bird.

Feast on a tasty meal at Maysville College Café, open to the public on Fridays only. Alumni transform their passion for life's sustenance into a thriving, culinary arts vocation. Students range from high school graduates to those venturing into a second career.

Located in the historic Cox building downtown, the College Café has a bakery where patrons can purchase delectable cookies, cakes, aromatic muffins and breads fresh from the oven. The Café often incorporates student recipes, innovative or family formulated.

Indulge in the great culinary delights of College Cafe' at chain restaurant prices. All proceeds and tips are invested back into this marvelous endeavor. For the past two years, they been one of three in the country and the only culinary program from Kentucky invited by the Levy Restaurant Group to provide the extra catering assistance needed for Derby Week at Churchill Downs.

Fabulous restaurants are abundant in Maysville. Just off the downtown scene I have to recommend M’s Eatery, named for owner Melissa Manley. I was totally blown away by this little piece of heaven!

Melissa's special touch was evident in the use of accessories from her own collection. She decorated the lobby/pick-up room in what she quaintly referred to as "early country décor". Lighting fashioned of antlers cast a warm glow on the exposed, raw brick of the far wall. Festive flowers brightened each table and shelving lined the walls bearing rustic memorabilia. Locals and tourists mingled and dined at long, wooden European tables.

Melissa and her crew have been preparing delicious cuisine for quite some time. With years of experience in the food industry, she brought many of her best employees to open M’s Eatery. The menu changes weekly with the nutritional benefits of the freshest ingredients. However, M’s Classic Burger served on a slice of tree trunk with raw bark and Korean Sticky Wings are always on hand by popular demand. Savory quiches, sliders and crisp salads rotate according to seasonal availability and the vivid imagination of Melissa and her talented chef.

Appetites happily satiated, make your way past the fountain to Elementz, the home décor lover’s dream! Established in 2017, the first thing you will notice is the stunning, stained- glass window over the door depicting the Maysville Bridge. Created by a local artist the huge, paned windows flanking the artwork flooded the store with cheerful sunlight.

The appealing, barnwood wall and door along the back was designed by the owners. I fell in love with the image of the mule peeking his head over the fence.

Meander to discover scented candles, fluffy pillows and warm blankets, together with exceptional, silk floral pieces that would enrich the appearance of any room. I couldn't pass up a laser wood cut of the Maysville bridge as my keepsake.

If you are a bride-to-be, Elementz is perfect with limitless choices of high quality home goods for your wedding registry.

Still in the mood to shop, I headed over to Local Kentucky 68, named for the highway that brings visitors to Maysville. They boast one of the largest selections of Kentucky-made articles and artwork in one spot!

With the goal of attracting ten artists, they opened in a small building in 2019. This count was met and quickly grew to 36 artists. That prompted the move to their current, larger location which holds works from 90 makers. The building was formerly PJ Murphy’s Jewelry and the stately, antique safe remains as a testament to its history.

Owner Stephanie Gardner runs the shop full-time. There are sister stores in Carlisle and Midway providing convenient drop-offs for makers. Creators hail from Louisville, Versailles, Somerset, Wilmore, Lexington, Morehead and Mt. Sterling, to mention just a few. Participants pay rent only. The owners collect no commission and take care arranging wares in enticing displays.

Among Kentucky 68's bountiful offerings are elegant woodwork and jewelry, soft lines, fragrant, hand- dipped candies, zesty jams and jellies, attractive hand lettering, herbal seasonings and lovely apparel. I can never depart this captivating shop without purchases of their unique merchandise. It feels right and good to know that I am supporting highly-skilled, local makers and small businesses.

Walking down West Second Street the vintage sign on the EAT Gallery drew my attention. The large “EAT” from yesteryear prompted exciting flashbacks of my memorable drive along Route 66. Keeping with tradition, the gallery was dubbed after the historic icon.

Once inside I was mesmerized by the large, world-wide collection of luminous butterflies framed in the front entry. Sunlight flashed off of their iridescent wings. The Eat Gallery offers beautifully crafted gifts not available elsewhere. Home décor items include paintings, dazzling geodes, wonderful stone carvings and wall art.

They carry the magnificent works of Maysville artist, Ken Swinson, Fred Wisener's winsome pottery and jewelry by Lexington artisan, Meg Carroll of Meg C Jewelry Gallery.

The Eat Gallery specializes in custom jewelry. The owner fashions beautiful, beaded pieces in-house and knots pearls by hand. Contact them to create a personalized wedding ring set to meet your exact wishes and specifications. Clients are rest assured their bands will be distinctive, superb work of arts.

There is great shopping for men as well, with handsome watches, cuff links and turned wood pens. I found the individually designed timepieces just amazing!