When people ask me where I go to school, I always say, "Centre College in Danville, Kentucky," because who knows what Centre is or where Centre is? But then I think who knows where Danville, Kentucky is?
That's what I thought when I happened upon Centre College during my college search almost three years ago.
With a population of 16,411 and 15.9 square miles, how much could there really be to do? Coming from Jacksonville, Florida with a population of 842,583 and the largest square footage of any city in the United States, I thought there surely could be nothing to do in Danville.
Well, after a year and a half lived in Danville, I realize that I was wrong.
Here are 20 things to do in Danville, Kentucky besides stay on Centre's campus and make a fool of yourself on Saturday night.
1. Burke's Bakery
A necessity when visiting or living in Danville. Burke's offers a variety of absolutely delicious baked goods and pastries - my favorite is the gingerbread cookie (to die for).
Note: Burke's only accepts cash but the good news is, even if you forget that, they have an ATM in the store.
2. Constitution Square
A beautiful open air museum located in downtown Danville. It celebrates the political history of the Bluegrass State, Kentucky.
In 2011, the first Kentucky State Barbecue festival was held in November and proved to be very successful. Today, it is held in Constitution Square in September and is one of my favorite Danville events.
3. Grace Cafe
A new addition to Danville in the summer of 2015, Grace Cafe is a pay-what-you-can model restaurant. Grace's provides menus prepared with local foods and seasonal options funded by donations and fundraising. In the event that a guest cannot pay, volunteer hours may be exchanged for meals.
4. Bowling
A classic favorite of many Americans, the Danville Bowl-A-Rama is your typical bowling ally but we like it that way. It will bring you back to your days as a carefree child.
5. The Hub
Also the site of the Centre College campus bookstore, The Hub is a local one-of-a-kind coffee shop located on Main Street in downtown Danville. The Hub also offers great food - my favorite is the three cheese ciabatta.
Here you'll find students studying, locals reading a good book, or professors meeting with students.
6. Movie Theater
Who doesn't love a good movie? - proof that you aren't completely in the middle of nowhere.
7. The Community Arts Center
Located on Main Street, the Community Arts Center was created to promote the arts in Danville, Kentucky, and I highly recommend doing so.
Two weeks ago I took a ballroom dance class here, and it was a very unique and fun experience.
8. Guadalajara (affectionately called 'Guadies')
We don't just have one Guadies in Danville - we have three (one on Jane Trail, one on Hustonville Road, and one on Perryville Road).
A relatively 'authentic' Mexican restaurant, offers delicious college-budget lunch and dinner.
9. The Bluegrass Pizza Pub
Also located on Main Street, the 'Pub' serves gourmet pizzas and other delicious entrees.
A must visit when visiting Danville.
10. The Norton Center
A performing arts center affiliated with Centre College hosts a wide array of well-respected national and international performances. More notably, The Norton Center has twice hosted the Vice Presidential debates- in 2000 and in 2012. Most recently, The Norton Center hosted Jim Belushi. This Wednesday, The Norton Center will host international rock sensations, Foreigner.
11. The Wilderness Trail Distillery
The second stop on the Bourbon Trail is a great experience. Although the distillery is small, the team is passionate about what they do and could easily rival a large, more well-known distillery when it comes to experience.
Although this may not be representative of all that Danville, Kentucky has to offer because I'm still pretty new to this place, it is a taste of the hidden small town culture you can find here.
