hy Paducah? I got that question every time I told people we were going there. To a point, I get it. If you’re a person who doesn’t routinely visit Huntsville, Ala., or Byrdstown, Tenn., it feels random. But I assure you: Small towns make for ideal weekend getaways, in part because of their constraints. Drive instead of fly. Visit one museum instead of three. Walk everywhere. Decide between
this brewery or
that one, because there are only two. Having to make fewer choices if the choices are
good takes the stress out of a vacation. Plus, you get to double back to places you like and pretend to be a local.
Courtesy:Â Ginny Kirchhoff-Elmore
His great-grandfather, Franz Kirchhoff, opened Kirchhoff s in downtown Paducah in 1873. After a closure, Louis and his daughter Ginny Kirchhoff-Elmore reopened the bakery in 1997. He was my father, my business partner, my best friend, said Ginny. We would go out together. He was an amazing man who helped me through many, many things. Taught me many life lessons. Â
Ginny said her father died from natural causes on Dec. 18. Louis Kirchhofff s death is mourned by many in the downtown area.Â
Paducah Life Magazine posted on its Facebook page, Louis was a kind, generous man who helped shape the personality of downtown Paducah. He was a husband, father, mentor, and supporter of community causes. Many had the privilege to learn directly from him as he was always willing to share his knowledge. Beyond that, we ve all learned from his example. Â