A Quick Detour for the Judds and Kentucky Music
If you ever find yourself driving between Cincinnati and Lexington, Ky., you should pull off I-75 and check out the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Renfro Valley. That town's name will be familiar to an older generation of country fans, because it's the home of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, the famous radio show that started broadcasting there in 1939. The big, black barn is still standing. You can't miss it from the highway. And after walking through the nearby museum, I was surprised by how many of my favorite singers are from the Bluegrass State.
For example, the Judds are in there. You've also got Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley and Dwight Yoakam. Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle are represented, of course, plus their distant cousin, Patty Loveless. Classic country fans will be happy to see displays on Merle Travis, Bill Monroe and Grandpa Jones. If nothing else, the quick detour will give you some inspiration about what to listen to, before jumping back on the freeway.
On a side note, music isn't the only creative outlet in this corner of the world, where quilting, pottery and glassblowing are commonplace. The café inside the Kentucky Artisan Center near Berea, Ky., about 15 miles north, offers delicious home-cooked meals. And if it's too early for moonshine, the five-star blend at Berea Coffee & Tea is one of the most satisfying cups of coffee I've ever stumbled across.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
MiaT says:
I just LOVE these kinds of places! They are too few & far between these days. Great article. I hope I get to check this place out someday.
A Carrie Underwood Fan says:
I live in Northern Kentucky, and as many times as I’ve driven I-75 to Lexington, I’ve NEVER seen this! I’ll need to keep my eyes open and visit it some time!
Bill Dennis says:
Not to be picky, but Renfro Valley is not between Cincinnati and Lexington, it is further south of Lexington.
Other than that miscue, I like your blog. Very informative.
Laura Heller says:
As someone who lived in Berea, KY, for four years and having visited Renfro Valley quite a few times in 2008, I can give further fact to Bill’s comment above.
If you want to get to Renfro Valley, take Exit 62 on I-75, SOUTH of Lexington, Richmond, and Berea. Its a great place to go and the performers there are top-notch. :) Great people.
To visit Berea Coffee & Tea, take Exit 76 and follow Hwy. 25 into town ’til you see Boone Tavern and several shops. You should go through 5 lights (not counting the one or two at the interstate exchange). BC&T is in this shopping area. Park and meet some excellent baristas and regulars. Tell ‘em I said, HI! I miss them so much.
Kentucky Fan says:
check out the country music video on youtube called
Bring Her Back Kentucky Moon
AndrewBoldman says:
Hi, good post. I have been woondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.