I'm tempted to go to the Paducah quilt show this year for the first time. It's about a 6 hour drive so it's do-able.
But since it's such a famous quilt show, I'm wondering if it's just too darn crowded, too expensive, too everything to really have a good time?
Those of you who've been to it, were you disappointed at all?

Would you recommend driving, or flying and renting a car?

I live about 5 hours away and I drive. You may have to get a hotel room 30 or more miles away from Paducah at this late date. The whole town is the quilt show so no you are not crowded in one area. I park at Hancock's of Paducah and take the shuttle buses (free) everywhere I want to go. Eleanor Burns tent show and Barn, the quilt show, museum, vendors, mall where more quilt vendors set up, book sale building, and all the stores and other exhibit set ups. The town is easy to drive around in, no big traffic problems. If you go for one day you will not be able to see it all, I won't go if I don't have at least three days, not worth the trip for me. Everything is free except for the quilt show admission and museum admission. Eleanor's show is free. Of course the expense comes from what I buy!

I LUV the Paducah quilt show! It is such a trip to see the quilts. I always come home wanting to be a better quilter. I spend several hundred dollars with the vendors, but you can look for free. It's always fun to bring home the latest ruler or some such. Fabric isn't a bargain, but you will find a wealth of fat quarters you may have never seen. I do a lot of applique so fat quarters appeal to me.
Paducah is certainly quilter friendly, I'm sure their economy is based on this one large show. There are shops set up all over town. The Paducah riverfront is gorgeous and so much to see. Be sure to look for the AQS store downtown. You'll find hundreds of books cheap.
I once visited Paducah in the Fall, expecting to visit a dozen or more quilt shops and guess what? They only open up for the show! I believe there are only two full time quilt shops and possibly three. Be sure to visit Eleanor Burns year round shop, and don't miss her setup at Carson Park. It's in a tent, but awesome. She brings her own tractor trailer trucks full of "stuff." You'll run in to her along the way, just keep your eyes open for a big Jimmy Carter smile!
If you need reservations, try the KY state park, about 30 miles away, but for this event, that's close. I stayed in Mayfield once (crummy) but I delayed getting my reservations unto too late. Reservations are made beginning at midnight on Dec.31 for the coming year. Most regulars are already on somebody's list and they snatch up the spots ASAP.
I hope you do plan to go to Paducah. It's like going to Mecca for quilters. Wear comfy shoes, carry a good shopping bag and lots of cash. Maybe we'll see each other there this year.
Oh, by the way, as the last poster said, you can't see it all in a day! I can't get it all in in one day, so I try two. Two days nearly puts me in the bed for a week, but I love it!

Oh, you all make me want to go - maybe next year.

I went about 10 years ago. It was so much fun!!! We stayed right in the hotel & saw everything. It can be a bit overwhelming but it is very well run. I fell in love with Hadcocks of Paducah & would go back just for the back room sale!

My most favorite quilt show and quilt town. I flew down and rented a car and stayed five days. What a trip. Wish I were going this year, although I have been three times. I had a motel room in Metropolis, Ill. about 1/2 hr away. Not a problem to drive. The town is visitor friendly. Enjoy

Dear Fabric-holic....I've been there 6-7 times and it IS crowded but it's worth every minute. I live in Ohio too and it's 6 hours from us. We take a car full and have a blast. You won't be disappointed if you go.

Thanks---
I'm still thinking of running down there for a day. I can stay at my DD in Cincy, get up early and drive to Paducah and back again. Unless I can find a cheap room on the way back. But right now it's still only a wish. I may have to work. :cry: