Where to Spend a Day in Downtown Murray, Kentucky
Eli Pitcock
Despite Murray’s small geographical size, it is teeming with interesting businesses and delicious restaurants, many of which are unknown! Ask any Murray resident, and they’ll tell you 12th Street is the center of town, but in reality, there is another side of the Friendliest Small Town in America that many will never venture to.
Photo: Eli Pitcock
Downtown Murray is home to great food, unique businesses and historic sights. We’ve compiled a list of the best spots to hit during your day in downtown Murray, complete with food, shopping, coffee and more.
Downtown Eats and Treats
Photo: Eli Pitcock
Rudy’s on the Square has been a staple of downtown dining since they opened their doors in 1936; many grandparents may have enjoyed Rudy’s during their college years. Serving “real home cooking,” customers come from all over town to enjoy their daily specials, delicious breakfast and undeniably good desserts. Rudy’s opens bright and early at 5 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday, making it the perfect spot to grab a “meat and three” meal downtown. Rudy’s on the Square is located at 104 South Fifth Street and is situated on the Court Square in downtown Murray.
Photo: Eli Pitcock
Mugsy’s Hideout is Murray’s main provider of “authentic, Chicago-style cuisine.” This beloved pizza place features eclectic wall art to enjoy while you chow down on the various pizza and pasta dishes offered. Mugsy’s also offers a wide array of alcoholic beverages–beer, wine and bourbon lovers alike will be well satisfied with their selection of beverages to be enjoyed with their meal. Mugsy’s Hideout is located at 410 Main Street and can be accessed from the Court Square in downtown Murray.
5th and Main offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere all coffee lovers can appreciate. Not feeling coffee? Not to worry, as the corner café also offers baked goods and specialty sweets such as chocolate covered espresso beans! As you enjoy your treat, take a stroll through New Life Christian Bookstore and browse their wide array of adorable knick knacks and Willow Tree merchandise–you’re sure to find something you can’t live without. 5th and Main is located on the lower level of New Life Christian Bookstore at 100 South Fifth Street, or you can use the lower Main Street entrance. Both are accessible from the Court Square.
Shopping and Novelty
The Bookmark & GameDay are combined into one giant treasure trove of the most interesting decorations, greeting cards and coffee mugs you will ever see. The Bookmark & GameDay are filled with so many too-cute-to-handle knick knacks that you’ll want to spend hours scanning each and every shelf, finding something on each one that is even better than the last. Make sure you have some cash on hand when you shop here, as electronic payment is not accepted. The Bookmark & GameDay are located at 404 Main Street, facing the Court Square.
The Fanspired is a pop culture shop that features all things fandom. With Harry Potter, Star Wars and Disney galore, fans of all varieties are sure to be enthralled with the selection of action figures, movie memorabilia and apparel that The Fanspired offers. Customers love the unique selection of items. Reviews left by enthusiastic customers include high praises, such as: “the range of merchandise here is amazing!” The store also hosts a social media group in which users are able to interact and even save on in-store purchases with their rewards card. The Fanspired is a magical place that has the potential to keep you inside for hours discovering the significance of each and every item. It is located at 109 South Fourth Street in downtown Murray; its entrance faces the Court Square.
Fans of baseball, Pokémon and pop culture in general will feel very at home in The Wizard of Sports Cards. The quaint shop feels as though there are new things to discover in every direction you look, with the owner readily available to give recommendations and answer any questions customers may have. The friendly atmosphere and organized nature of the shop makes finding what you’re looking for a pleasant and fun experience. Located at 401 Maple Street in downtown Murray, the Wizard of Sports Cards is a must-see on the Court Square.
Downtown Murray is a less-explored part of the town, but one that should not be overlooked. There is an abundance of unique shops, wonderful dining experiences and beautiful sights to see. Take this list and explore the area; while you’re in the area, make sure to stop by the Murray Convention and Visitor’s Bureau located just off the Court Square for more information and other destinations! There is no limit to the fun that can be had exploring downtown Murray.
