I had the pleasure of checking out Williamsburg, county seat of Whitley County, Kentucky, and I must say I loved it! This beautiful city in the southeastern region of the Commonwealth has everything for travelers looking to get well-acquainted with nature, learn about history, and have plenty to take photos of. The locals are super friendly and you couldn’t ask for a safer place to get lost! That’s right my friends that’s the single best way to explore. Don’t plan on going anywhere – just walk! You’d be surprised how much ground you cover in an hour and you’ll get some really cool shots as well!
One place you won’t want to miss is the Lane Theatre. It opened back in 1948 and for a long period of time was a hub for the influencers of the day. It’s been closed since 1987 but its curbside appeal is undeniable. You can’t drive by and not notice it. And if you like to walk and explore you’ll find yourself staring at it. I literally stood across the street marveling at the architecture, the signage, and the surrounding buildings for a good ten minutes! Just think about how busy this place must have been at a premiere or at a red carpet event! It’s currently under renovation and I’ll do my best to be there once it re-opens. The Lane Theatre is a piece of Kentucky history that needs to be maintained. I’m not sure if it holds any historic designations but it should!
One of the things I preach most as a tourist is being courteous and kind. When you visit places treat them the way you’d like out-of-towners to treat where you live. While walking around I noticed some really nice people moving furniture up to a loft. I offered to help and after they knew my offer was real, they took me up on it. I set my camcorder down and someone from the moving party promised to keep an eye on it. As it turns out, the furniture was for a loft above the videogame store. The owner helps folks who are struggling by offering low-cost housing in area that would command huge rents. A loft like the one I saw in the center of downtown Williamsburg could probably fetch a considerable lease. Instead, the landlord has a heart of gold and chooses to help those down on their luck. God bless him!
There’s really something for everyone in The Burg and I highly recommend visiting. If you’d like a preview check out the Exploring Kentucky video. It’s a whole 25 minutes of sight-seeing and commentary.
If you do visit Williamsburg, you should also check out nearby Corbin. Although both cities are in the same county they have pretty distinct cultures. One has all the characteristics of a big city while the county seat retains its small town identity. There’s a strong law enforcement presence ensuring safety and I must tip my hat to code enforcement. There’s literally zero litter – anywhere – and people are out and about enjoying the community. All of the lawns, shrubs, and trees in public places are exceptionally well-maintained and that creates a very inviting feeling for locals and tourists alike.
As the temperatures cool down a bit, I’d strongly recommend including Williamsburg on your list of places to see in Kentucky. Let me know how you like it.
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