Paducah vs. Grand Rapids AQS Quilt Week
 

My husband and I attended the AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids last year. Grand Rapids is a good size town so we pretty much had our choice of restaurants and were able to do some other interesting things, like visit the Meijer Gardens, tour the historic home area, etc. We were planning to attend AQS Quilt Week in Paducah in April this year, but now I'm having second thoughts. AQS is now suggesting lodging as far as Mt. Vernon, IL, nearly 100 miles away. With so many people descending on Paducah for Quilt Week, is everything wall to wall people where you have to wait forever to get into a restaurant, tour the quilt museum, etc.? What were the pros/cons of your visit to Paducah? Have you been to Quilt Week in Grand Rapids too? Did you like Paducah or Grand Rapids better? Thank you so much for your input.

Hubby and I were talking last year about me going to Grand Rapids this year -- but I'd be staying with my dear mother-in-law. I think Paducah (or the Houston show) would be too much for me, but I think I would enjoy Grand Rapids. Have only been there once but know the venue(s).

Some things have been going on back home and I'm doing something quilt related in May, think if anyone goes to Grand Rapids it should be him and that doesn't need to coincide with anything other than meeting up with his brother. Because of our pets we find it easier if just one of us goes on a trip at a time. So maybe next year for me.

I love the show at Paducah. You might try to stay in Metropolis IL. It is about 8 miles from Paducah, north on 65. Harrahs Casino has hotel rooms along with other hotels. The casino has a buffet and a restaurant on the premises so you don't have to worry about a long line Also, there is a great local restaurant in Paducah that not many visitors know about called Flamingo Road. I hope this helps as you make your decision.

I have only been to Paducah, so I really have nothing to compare it to, crowd-wise. When they added the second yearly show in the Fall, there were many less people, but also less vendors. It wasn't as fun. I think they have stopped the Fall shows because of the smaller turnout. So, more people means more crowds, but also more going on. More vendors, restaurants, etc. I think it's fun.

Definitely give Paducah a try, if you have never been. The Harrah's Casino in IL is only a short drive across the river, and they always have rooms, and cheaper than the Paducah hotels, too.