Located about 90 miles northeast of Louisville, Cynthiana, KY, is the hometown of The Walking Dead creators and the inspiration behind the post-apocalyptic-themed comic books and TV show. Cynthiana is also home to the oldest continuously running theater in Kentucky and boasts multiple sites tied to both Revolutionary and Civil War battles. Oh, and the city also produces 80 billion Post-It notes and about 100 million rolls of packing tape every year! Though the 3M facility isn’t open for tours, there’s much more to see and do in Cynthiana.
Here are 10 things to do in this one-of-a-kind Harrison County city.
1. Sip on some joe at The Main Cup
Located on Main Street across from the local library, this nonprofit coffee shop features espresso, lattes, and the like, as well as an assortment of baked goods and lunch items. On the first Friday of every month, the shop donates 20% of its sales to a local charity, with all monthly profits benefiting Living Waters for the World, which supports sustainable water purification systems and health education programs. The Main Cup also offers an extensive lending library with books for guests to take home or read at the store.
2. Grab a bite at Biancke’s Restaurant
Established in 1894, Biancke’s (pronounced by-yank-ees) is a charming, old-school diner that displays pieces of the city’s history. Framed class photos dating back 100-plus years line the walls, with a few black-and-white pics of the restaurant sprinkled throughout. While there are lots of home-style cooking food options — from burgers and sandwiches to pasta dishes and seafood entrées — the pies are not to be missed. Made in-house daily, the concoctions are available in various flavors and sold whole or by the slice, with an optional scoop of ice cream on the side.
3. Find your next great read at Next Chapter Bookstore
The only bookstore in town, Next Chapter Bookstore, boasts a carefully curated collection of new books for children and adults in a cozy, welcoming space. Husband-and-wife owners Andrew and Betsy Owen strive to help readers in Cynthiana and beyond find their next great read by offering online ordering and nationwide shipping, accepting pre-orders on new releases, and providing help in tracking down special requests.
4. Catch a flick at Rohs Opera House
The oldest continuously running theater in Kentucky, Rohs Opera House is also known as one of the most haunted buildings in the Commonwealth. Guests can book paranormal adventures like ghost walks and overnight visits, but the theater is best known for offering movies, plays, concerts, comedy shows, and more. It also has direct ties to The Walking Dead, as creator and Cynthiana native Robert Kirkman donated more than $100,000 to upgrade the theatre’s equipment when movies moved from film to digital format.
5. Discover vintage treasures at Cordial Coffee & Curated Finds
Head to the back of Cordial Coffee & Curated Finds for a quick drink — like espresso, tea, or a smoothie — then embrace the thrill of the hunt as you scour the selection of vintage garments, home goods, accessories, and more. Unique finds include everything from vases and candlestick holders to books, magazines, and newspapers. Plus, customers all over the country can shop select items online and have them shipped directly to their door.
6. Have your chakras cleared at Appalachian Root Works
What began as Carla Fortner’s handmade soap-peddling venture at farmers’ markets is now Appalachian Root Works, a holistic and metaphysical shop offering energy work-based services, holistic body care, aura photography, and more. Carla co-owns and operates the space with Karlie Knoch, who runs the Rooted in Runes side of the business, which boasts unique retail items as well as classes like “The Art & Magick of Candles.” Customers can still expect to find Carla’s fragrant soaps in the store, as well as supplies for creating their own herbal tinctures.
7. Browse local art at Boyd’s Station Gallery
A nonprofit arts and journalism residency program, Boyd’s Station provides artists and student journalists an inclusive and supportive space to create. The gallery features many of these finished pieces for purchase, including everything from paintings and jewelry to kaleidoscopes and brooms. Different artists are showcased each month, with details announced online or on Instagram.
8. Get tatted at Pike Street Tattoo
One of just a handful of tattoo shops in Cynthiana, Pike Street Tattoo isn’t just for those looking to get some new ink. The East Pike Street spot is also home to a tattoo museum, with framed works and other carefully displayed pieces of the past. Tattoo history buffs will appreciate setting their eyes on items once used by Charlie Wagner, known as the Michelangelo of tattooing, and Lyle Tuttle, the ambassador of tattooing. If guests are interested in putting something permanent on their bodies, appointments are preferred, with limited walk-ins available.
9. Enjoy a treat at The Sweet Boutique
Boasting a huge space with lots of comfy seating, The Sweet Boutique serves a little something for everyone. In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, Graeter’s ice cream, and fresh-baked goods, the eatery also offers a sweet and savory breakfast, brunch, and afternoon menu. Specialty cocktails are available, too, made with a curated selection of bourbon, tequila, gin, rum, or vodka.
10. Explore international finds at Fibonacci Antiques
A newer addition to Cynthiana’s downtown scene, Fibonacci Antiques opened its doors in late 2024. The store features a curated collection of international finds, including period pieces from antiquities through the 20th Century. Owner Jason Lewis’s collection is still growing, and he’s working to add placards to more items to provide customers with additional info about each piece. “I wanted it to be [an] interesting and international place where people … can come to appreciate and learn about different things,” he says.
Happy traveling!
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