Between Evansville And Nashville Is 'The Batter Capital Of The World' With Downtown Shopping And Family Fun

Kentucky may be home to the South's only bourbon boat tour, but fans of biscuits, muffins, brownies, and batter-fried foods should visit Hopkinsville in the western part of the state. Situated between Evansville and Nashville, Tennessee, along U.S. Highway 41, Hopkinsville has one of the South's most interesting small-town nicknames, claiming the unique title of "Batter Capital of the World." 

The reputation comes from the town's role as a major producer of wheat and flour products, home to Hopkinsville Milling Company, Siemer Milling, and Continental Mills. The city produces a number of well-known batter-related products, such as Krusteaz mixes, Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, Cracker Barrel biscuit mix, and even Ghirardelli brownie mix. Many store-brand baking mixes are made in Hopkinsville, too, including Trader Joe's, Kroger, Great Value, and Target. 

For visitors, the nickname adds a fun reason to visit, but Hopkinsville's fame goes beyond its batter heritage. The town gained national recognition during the 2017 total solar eclipse, when it was widely promoted as the best viewing location in the world due to its long duration of totality (giving it another nickname, "Eclipseville," according to the American Astronomical Society). It's also home to the Kelly Incident, where five adults and seven children claimed their farm was attacked by aliens in 1955 (it's said this legend influenced Steven Spielberg's film "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial"). While these were singular events, Hopkinsville still offers a preserved historic downtown district, small-town shopping, family-friendly attractions, and local festivals that draw in plenty of visitors each year. Its location makes it a good pit-stop for road-trippers heading between Evansville and Nashville, and those interested in flying in can plan to land at Nashville's airport just a little over an hour away.

One must-do for the whole family in Hopkinsville is perusing its historic downtown. Visitors on Tripadvisor recommend Historic Sixth Street for its classic architecture and stores like DarkStar Hobbies, a shop filled with collectibles, games, models, and more. The Historic Sixth Street area is also home to Sixth Street Antiques, filled with antiques and treasures like vintage books and toys. One Google reviewer compared the shop to Disney World, saying, "You can't see it all in one day!" While on Sixth, shoppers can have lunch at The Mixer, a local favorite in a restored building from 1898. 

But the shopping continues once you venture past the historic square. From boutique soap companies to jewelry shops, small clothing stores, and more, there's enough shopping within walking distance to fill an afternoon, maybe even an entire day. Seasonally, from spring to fall, the Hopkinsville Farmer's Market also runs on Saturdays across from Little River Park — dates and times vary, so check the Instagram or Facebook page for up-to-date information.

Another must-visit, unique stop is The Book and Bottle Shop, which combines books and wine under one roof. The shop hosts events like open-mic poetry nights and author signings, and one Google reviewer recommends visiting when there's live piano music. While exploring downtown Hopkinsville, you may notice the town's growing collection of murals, which can be fun to hunt down for photo ops during your shopping spree. And if you're not ready to call it a day, Hopkinsville is just 40 minutes from Russellville, another Kentucky city with quaint shops and a historic downtown.

Beyond shopping, Hopkinsville offers attractions for both education and fun, suited for all ages. The historic Sixth Street is across from the 1928 Alhambra Theatre, and just four blocks over, history buffs should visit the Pennyroyal Area Museum for exhibits on the region's Native American, African American, colonial, and agricultural heritage. Pro tip: don't skip the exhibit on Edgar Cayce, a Christian County native and clairvoyant who made a career offering alternative healing. Hopkinsville is also home to the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, a national historic site. It was once a winter camp on the Trail and contains the graves of two Cherokee chiefs who died there, Chief Whitepath and Fly Smith.

Families with children can work off excess energy at Bluegrass Splash, a seasonal waterpark featuring slides, splash zones, and pools open during the summer months. Nearby, the Jeffers Bend Environmental Center offers walking trails, nature programs, and botanical gardens — allowing visitors to plan a family nature day without leaving Hopkinsville. And families with children should definitely plan a day at Christian Way Farm, which combines a petting zoo with mini golf, lawnmower rides, and farm-themed games and activities. The farm also hosts a pumpkin patch in the fall.

Plus, depending on the time of year, there may be an event or festival going on in Hopkinsville. From the Western Kentucky State Fair in June to the Lone Star Championship Rodeo in August to music and cultural festivals, families will find more seasonal fun throughout the year. Just consult the town's event calendar to help plan your trip around your interests. If you want even more musical events, make your way to Olive Hill, Kentucky's underrated music hub with country heritage.