Central City is a growing community with a rich music history
For decades, Central City was a coal-mining community in Muhlenberg County. “The coal that we have burns nicely, but it has a high sulfur content,” says Dr. Freddie Mayes, lifelong resident and executive director of Central City Tourism. As environmental concerns grew, the coal industry shrank. Mayes says the community is “on the verge of rebirth” now, with businesses like Central Screen Printing, Brewco Marketing Group and several sawmill companies expanding in the area. Even with this growth, Central City maintains its easy pace of life with local eateries and community pride. The area also has a rich music heritage, which can be seen at its music museum and in the bronze statues in Festival Square.
Muhlenberg County Music Museum and the amphitheater draw in locals
One of the most visited attractions in Central City is the Muhlenberg County Music Museum, one stop along the Kentucky Music Trail. Exhibits highlight several musicians, including John Prine, who wrote his song “Paradise” for Muhlenberg County, and Merle Travis, known for thumb picking. “Locals started it, and Merle Travis took it from here to Nashville,” Mayes says. “Chet Atkins got it, and it’s gone all over the world.” The Kentucky Motor Sports Hall of Fame is in the same building. At Lu-Ray Park & Amphitheater, a paved walking trail surrounds an outdoor venue for over 5,000 people. Less than 1 mile away, the Central City Convention Center has a full fitness facility, basketball court and an indoor and outdoor pool. There is a spray park with fountains out front. Lake Malone State Park is about 20 miles away and features the Big Twigs, three towering sculptures that portray camping, fishing and hiking at the park. “It’s a parallel to what Louisville has in the Bernheim Forest,” says Mayes, referencing the Forest Giants.
Homes typically sell for less than $300,000
While homes in the city center are laid out on a grid shaded by mature oak trees, those farther out are on sprawling lots of at least an acre. The oldest properties date back to the early 20th century, including bungalows and ranch-style houses. New Traditional residences are more common in the southern parts of the area. Prices for single-family and manufactured homes generally range from $110,000 to $290,000, although investment properties cost as little as $30,000. Some larger properties have sold for as much as $600,000.
Downtown restaurants are near Festival Square
In 1988, Don and Phil Everly, whose family is from the city, threw a benefit concert to raise money for the community after the coal industry began to decline. One of the performers was John Prine, and all three came back to put on a show every year. Now, their contributions are immortalized in the statues in Festival Square, at the heart of the city. There are boutiques like Able Stitches and Co. and cafes like Coffee Central, which Mayes says is “our version of Starbucks.” Stellian’s is an Italian restaurant with extravagant dessert shakes called Freakshakes and an 8-pound pizza. Several more dining options are throughout the city, including La Fiesta Mexican Grill and Jan’s Burger Basket. This community staple is known for its comfort food. Food Giant is an employee-owned grocery store, and there is a Walmart on the outskirts of town.
Muhlenberg schools offer summer programs
Students attend Muhlenberg County School District, which offers school choice. Central City Elementary School and Muhlenberg North Middle School receive a C from Niche. At Muhlenberg County High School, which earns a B-minus, students can apply for summer programs like the Governor’s School for the Arts and the Governor’s Scholars Program. Madisonville Community College’s Muhlenberg Campus in Central City focuses on general education and select technology and healthcare courses.
Kick-off to Christmas is one of the community’s biggest events
Central City’s most anticipated celebration is Kick-off to Christmas, a three-day event the weekend before Thanksgiving. Besides having visits from Santa, the Grinch and Frosty, there are vendors, games and hot cocoa. “We actually have a synthetic ice-skating rink so people can enjoy a version of ice skating,” Mayes says. The festivities end with the Central City Christmas Parade.
Central City is less than two hours from several major cities
One of Central City’s appeals is its location. Four larger cities – Louisville, Nashville, Bowling Green and Paducah – are within 150 miles of most homes. Locals drive themselves. U.S. Route 62 and Route 431 both pass through the area. Most people fly out of Nashville International Airport, which is about 125 miles away and has nonstop service to over 100 destinations. Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital is about 9 miles away.
