Antique Shopping Town Adds to Charm of Calloway County

In the early 20th Century the small community of Hazel, Kentucky, became a booming railroad town. As time rolled on and the railroad industry began to dwindle, so did Hazel. Then, in the early 1990s, the town found a new industry to breathe the life back into it -- antiques. Since then, the quaint little area has found its calling with 12 antique specialty shops, unique restaurants and the Hazel Fine Art Gallery.

Only an eight mile drive from Murray, Hazel is an antique-lover's heaven. Park your car once and spend the entire day browsing the various shops. Be sure to stop for a delicious plate lunch at the Blue and White Grill. Named for the owner's love of University of Kentucky basketball, the restaurant serves some of the best country cooking in the state. Whether it's catfish, a pork chop sandwich or mashed potatoes with gravy, patrons never leave disappointed (or hungry).

State Line Ranch and Home, on the outskirts of Hazel, offers not only antiques, but also western-style gear. Angelique's Antiques sells pieces from the mid to late 1800s and vintage pieces as well as new items. Blue Moon Antiques specializes in large antique furniture and unique items that you would only see once in a "blue moon."

Combined, Hazel is home to several hundred antique dealers with more than 40,000 square feet of shopping space. Whether you're looking for that perfect Christmas gift, a one-of-a-kind piece for yourself or just want to spend the day browsing, Hazel is one of Western Kentucky's top spots.

For more information on Hazel and its shops, visit www.hazelkyantiques.com.