Department of Tourism
Welcome Centers Celebrate National Tourism Week

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky’s eight highway welcome centers are marking National Tourism Week, May 12-20, with a variety of special activities to provide entertainment and information for visitors.

From a World War II era tank accompanied by GI re-enactors from Fort Knox to demonstrations of basket making and dulcimer playing, the activities are intended to provide a taste of the many attractions from Kentucky’s diverse regions.

Travelers can observe traditional Kentucky crafts like quilting and lye-soap making and listen to performances of Kentucky music, from contemporary Bluegrass to 19th century songs by the Stephen Foster Singers. 

For several years, the welcome centers located on the state’s four interstate highways near the commonwealth’s borders have observed National Tourism Week with similar celebrations of all things Kentucky. The busy interstates provide a steady stream of visitors to the welcome centers, which are open seven days a week to offer help with directions and provide a wealth of information on each region’s attractions.

For the past five years, each center has partnered with local, regional, and statewide organizations and attractions to greet guests with special displays, exhibits, and demonstrations, said Sharon Finley, branch manager for welcome centers with the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

“Visitors and staff alike enjoy the happenings at the centers. Kentucky's door is always open for our many visitors,” Finley said. “Our staff meets each guest with true Kentucky hospitality.  And during National Tourism Week our Unbridled Spirit spreads to each guest walking in our centers. “

A list of the week’s activities at each welcome center can be obtained by contacting the centers at the phone numbers below:
 
Bullitt County Welcome Center  - I 65 South - 502-543-5900
Christian County Welcome Center  - I 24 West - 270-439-7505
Florence Welcome Center - I 75 / I 71 South - 859-384-3130
Franklin Welcome Center - I 65 North - 270-586-6292
Grayson Welcome Center - I 64 West - 606-474-4333
Shelby County Welcome Center - I 64 East - 502-722-9383
Whitehaven Welcome Center  (Paducah) - I 24 East  270-554-2077
Williamsburg Welcome Center - I 75 North - 606-786-4474

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.