Days 179-182–Sharps Bar to Paducah, KY to Green Turtle Bay, KY

Tuesday October 14 – Friday October 17, 2025

TUESDAY

Paducah Arrival: Quilts, Murals & Top Chef Cuisine

We cruised a quick 22 miles from Sharps Bar and pulled into the City of Paducah Marina. While the marina itself is simple—just a brand-new dock with fuel, water, and power—it’s in a fantastic location, just a short and easy walk to downtown.

Once we got settled, we set out on foot to explore. First stop: The National Quilt Museum. Yes, Jeff even came along—and he was surprisingly impressed! The craftsmanship and artistry in those quilts were truly something to see.

From there, we wandered through downtown Paducah, soaking in the charm of the historic district. As we made our way back to the marina, we came upon the floodwall murals—a fascinating outdoor gallery that tells the story of the town’s past. Each mural was beautifully done, like an open-air history museum. There was even an old train on display nearby, adding to the nostalgic vibe.

That evening, all six of us headed to dinner at Freight House, the incredible restaurant started by Chef Sara Bradley—yes, the same Sara who competed on Top Chef and is a James Beard Award nominee. The place was absolutely packed (thankfully we had reservations—made a couple of days ago!). The food, the drinks, the atmosphere—everything was spot-on. Huge thanks to our friend Alisa for the recommendation—she mentioned it back in early September when she visited us on the boat.

All in all, a fantastic stop in Paducah. Highly recommend this one!

WEDNESDAY

Morning Strolls and Dockside Delights

We kicked off the morning with a leisurely stroll through town, soaking in the crisp air and quiet charm of the early hours. Our first stop was the local bakery—impossible to resist with the scent of fresh bread wafting out the door. We picked up a warm loaf, a couple of cherry danishes, and treated ourselves to a proper breakfast.

Each of us ordered a croissant-style danish, baked to golden perfection and stuffed with a savory mix of fried egg, melted Gouda, and a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon. Absolutely divine—flaky, rich, and just the right kind of indulgent.

After breakfast, it was back to the boat for a round of chores. I got to work scrubbing the decks until they gleamed, while Jeff disappeared into the engine room, elbows-deep in maintenance. By mid-afternoon, more boats began pulling in, filling the marina with new neighbors and nautical chatter.

As the sun dipped lower, we gathered on the dock for “docktails”—a floating happy hour of sorts. Laughter echoed across the water as stories were swapped, drinks clinked, and the sky turned a painter’s palette of soft evening hues. A perfect end to a well-balanced day.

THURSDAY

Smooth Sailing to Green Turtle Bay

This morning, the three of us who’ve been cruising together set off early, aiming to reach Green Turtle Bay before the afternoon sun got too high. Our route included just one lock—Barkley Lock—a name that’s earned its reputation for long, grueling wait times. We’d heard plenty of horror stories from other boaters, so we braced ourselves for the worst.

But luck was on our side.

Thanks to the temporary reopening of Kentucky Lock for a brief five-day window, much of the commercial traffic diverted that way. With the big tows rerouted, Barkley was wide open for us pleasure craft. We cruised right in with no delay, and everything went smoothly. What a relief!

We pulled into Green Turtle Bay around 1:00 PM, got tied up and settled in. A bit of laundry, a few chores, and we were back in relaxed marina mode. Later that evening, we gathered with our buddy boats for one final evening together—sharing stories, laughs, and that familiar camaraderie that’s become part of the rhythm of this journey.

After tonight, we’ll each be charting our own course. Our friends are both heading to Nashville for side trips, though on different timelines. As for us, we’re continuing down the Tennessee River, aiming to make it home in time for the holidays.

Before we set off on the next stretch of our journey, we had one last stop to savor—dinner at the iconic Patti’s 1880 Settlement. It’s one of those legendary places you hear fellow travelers rave about, and now we know why. Patti’s did not disappoint!

True to tradition, the place was already dressed to the nines for Christmas—twinkling lights, garlands, and festive cheer in every corner. Each dining room had its own personality, uniquely decorated with a cozy, nostalgic charm that made you feel like you’d stepped into a holiday postcard. Stained glass windows cast a warm, colorful glow across the tables, adding to the magic. It was the perfect way to celebrate a smooth day on the water, good company, and the end of this leg of the trip.

FRIDAY

A Quiet Day Before the Storm

Today was all about keeping it simple. We picked up a few packages, tackled some boat upgrades, and enjoyed a leisurely stroll into town under yet another blanket of warm, golden autumn sun. To our surprise (and delight), we discovered the pool here is still open and ready for use—definitely planning to take advantage of that tomorrow!

The evening was quiet and just for us. We curled up on the bow, letting the soft breeze wash over us as the sky put on a spectacular show. The sunset painted the horizon in shades of peach, pink, and lavender before fading gently into dusk. It was one of those peaceful moments that feels suspended in time.

We’ve decided to extend our stay here, along with many others. There’s some serious weather on the way—forecast calls for heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and even a risk of tornadoes starting tomorrow night through Sunday. Staying put feels like the smart call.

As a silver lining, the delay gives us a chance to reconnect with our friends Bonnie and Louis from Goldilocks, who are wrapping up their Nashville side trip and heading back this way. Looking forward to catching up and waiting out the storm together.