Welcome to Murray

Welcome to Murray

Including New Concord, Hazel, Blood River and Cypress Bay

Located near the Tennessee border, Murray, Kentucky, is a delightful town packed with charm and entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Located just 15 minutes from Kentucky Lake, Murray offers easy access to outdoor recreation and in-town shopping at one of several locally owned boutiques. Murray State University adds a youthful presence to community culture, as well, providing a state-of-the-art venue for visitors to enjoy sporting events, gallery exhibitions, theatrical performances and more.

Rand McNally and USA Today have dubbed Murray the "Friendliest Small Town in America." Visit and find out why!

Local Shopping

Spend an afternoon wandering around Murray's quaint court square and 12th Street shopping area to peruse the wares of local shop owners. If you're looking for unique gifts and items, you will find plenty in the town's 15 locally owned boutiques. Discover stylish women's and children's fashions at Ribbon Chix, presents for baby showers at The Plaid Rabbit and a wide selection of fine quality men's apparel at Dan's.

When looking for antiques, simply take an eight-mile drive to Hazel, Kentucky. Fodor's Travel recently named it one of the 10 Best Antiquing Towns in the U.S. Hazel's 12 antique stores have shelves and shelves of vintage home décor just waiting for new customers. And, of course, the town also caters to general shopping needs with national stores such as Maurice's and JCPenney.

Local Dining and Nightlife

Visitors and residents alike enjoy Murray's blend of restaurants, including several local eateries. Murray favorites include H.R.H. Dumplins (loved for its dinner rolls and cheesecake), Mugsy's Hideout (known for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza), and Tap 216 (frequented for pub food and craft beer).  If you're looking for a waterfront meal, check out Cypress Springs Resort. They serve delicious seafood and chicken dinners.

Many university students visit Matt B's Main Street Pizza for its delicious breadsticks and budget-friendly prices. If you're looking for a quick bite and some evening entertainment, grab a seat at the Big Apple Café, home of delicious burgers, wings, sandwiches and salads. If you're seeking fancier fare you'll find steak, seafood and pasta at The Alley.

Wine and Spirits

Murray is one of the few western Kentucky communities that is able to sell alcohol on Sundays, both by the drink (starting at 1 p.m.) and in retail shops. There are several local options for lake dwellers to check out while they're in town.

The Cask Wine and Spirits was voted Murray's "Favorite Liquor Store" in 2016. This locally owned retailer carries a variety of fine wines, craft beer and a full range of liquor. Other local options include The Cellar Door, which boasts the largest selection of beer, wine and spirits available in the city, as well as Thoroughbred Spirits, which carries several regional wines, as well as fine wines, beer, liquor and party entertainment supplies.

Entertainment

No city can maintain a large population of college students without offering plenty of high quality entertainment. Murray hosts festivals throughout the year, including the annual July 4th Freedom Fest, Citywide Yard Sale and Ice Cream Festival. The town also boasts an active community theater scene, as well. Local thespians frequently perform at Playhouse in the Park, a freight-depot-turned-theater-space located in the Murray-Calloway County Park. In addition to all of this, you and your family will enjoy quality plays, musicals, concerts, art shows and sports events hosted by Murray State University.

Outdoor Recreation

If you're itching to connect with nature, visit the Arboretum at Murray State University, which houses a public garden, horticultural display and educational laboratory. Or, follow the Calloway County Quilt Trail, a collection of more than 40 painted quilt patterns hung on barns, homes and businesses. Each tells a story of local families or land.

In addition to all of this, you'll also find wildlife and water activities at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, just a short drive from Murray. More than 170,000 acres of forest comprise Land Between The Lakes, which includes the Woodlands Nature Station, Elk and Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory, and The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum.

You can explore the history and natural surroundings of western Kentucky and Tennessee as you explore the attractions and hike through wetlands, forests and open lands.

Land Between The Lakes is situated between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake and offers camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking and other activities for the adventurous spirits in your group. You and your family and friends will enjoy all there is to do in this national recreation area.

Plan Your Trip to Murray

Pack your bags, buckle your kids in the van and head to Murray, Kentucky for a few days of fun that your family will love! You can find a complete list of restaurants, lodges and other Murray attractions here on Explore Kentucky Lake.