Greenville is a quaint city that takes pride in its veterans
Nearly 4,500 people live in Greenville, the seat of Muhlenberg County, and about 15% are veterans. Many of their names are etched into plaques at the Muhlenberg County Veterans Mall and Plaza. “My name is on it, and my dad’s, cousin’s and uncle’s,” says Mayor Ed DeArmond. The memorial is one of many in downtown Greensville, a snapshot of the community. There are local businesses, churches and historic homes lining the streets. The city is about 130 miles from Louisville and 90 miles from Nashville ; both can be reached within two hours.
Local eateries and shops line the brick paths in downtown Greenville
Paved brick line the sidewalks downtown, which is anchored by the courthouse and a fountain at The Crossing. “People have lunch there or use it for photo ops,” DeArmond says. “Some people just go to sit and watch the water.” Locals can grab a cup of coffee and a new record at Sip&Spin or enjoy a show from the Muhlenberg Community Theatre Inc at the Palace Theatre. The Lantern Restaurant & Bar serves unique twists on American fare like the Mustang Burger, which gets its dark color from water dyed by blueberries. El Rancho Grande is a Mexican restaurant on the city’s outskirts. Residents get most of their groceries from Food Giant, although they can get fresh fruits and veggies from Gibson Family Produce. Walmart is about 6 miles away, and Malone Home Center is a locally owned hardware store.
Annual events include the fall art festival and summer concert series
The community comes together every September for the annual Squash and Gobble, a vendor market that takes place downtown. “There are probably 140 or 150 artisans here,” DeArmond says. There are also food trucks, kids’ activities and live music. On sunny summer days, the free concert series plays outdoors there. It moves inside to Felix E. Martin Hall, a performing arts center, when it’s rainy. ether every September for the annual Squash and Gobble, a vendor market that takes place downtown. “There are probably 140 or 150 artisans here,” DeArmond says. There are also food trucks, kid’s activities and live music. On sunny summer days, the free concert series plays outdoors there. It moves inside to Felix E. Martin Hall, a performing arts center, when it's rainy.
Historic homes are along North Main Street
The well-maintained lawns of Greenville stretch to the road, shaded by towering oak trees. “What’s unique about the community is that they’re self-aware about their own properties,” DeArmond says. “If they see somebody else’s property that is over the line, they’ll bring it to our attention. That’s a good sign, when people have enough pride to keep a city looking vibrant.” Homes built between the early and mid-20th century, including bungalows, Foursquares and ranch-style houses, line the streets. The oldest residences are in the historic district along North Main Street. While properties near the city center are close together, those farther out can exceed an acre of land. Prices generally range from $100,000 to $380,000, depending on size and condition, although investment properties can cost as low as $20,000.
Recreation includes a nature park and athletic complexes
A 7-foot-tall wooden bear named Yogi greets hikers at Brizendine Brothers Nature Park, which spans about 12 acres of forests. It is near Morgan Memorial Park, where amenities include a colorful playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a pool open during the summer. Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails is a 6-mile path that connects Greenville, Powderly and Central City . Ray Jones Athletic Complex is an $8.5 million project that hosts the county’s youth softball and baseball teams. It is next to the Sue & Brown Badgett Center, an indoor venue where community leagues, like pickleball and youth basketball, practice. Luzerne Lake is just outside city limits, with a picnic shelter on the shore and fishing allowed in the water.
Muhlenberg schools work with nearby universities to offer dual credit
The city is served by Muhlenberg County Public Schools, which offers school choice. They can start at Greenville Elementary School before attending Muhlenberg South Middle School and Muhlenberg County High School. All three receive a B-minus from Niche. The high school offers dual credit courses through local colleges like Western Kentucky University.
Locals walk or drive, with access to U.S. Route 66
While downtown is very walkable, residents need cars to get anywhere else. U.S. Route 62 goes through the city. Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital is in the area. Muhlenberg County Airport offers the Fixed Wing Flight Training program through Madison Community College and services private and business flights. “A lot of people stop by here because the fuel is cheaper,” DeArmond says. Locals fly commercially out of Nashville International Airport, about 90 miles away.
