Welcome Home!- An Essential Itinerary for Move-in Weekend in the MKY
Welcome back, Racers and families! It's time for another school year here in the MKY. Whether you’re moving back or getting ready to call Murray home for the first time, we've got a jam-packed move-in weekend itinerary to get students out of the dorms and into town.
Day 1
Start your weekend in the MKY with a pick-me-up at Future Grounds Coffee and Tea House. With a variety of flavorful loose-leaf teas, comforting fresh-roasted brews, creative monthly specials, and a full spectrum of modification options, this is a great stop for the full range of caffeine needs. Beloved by students and located just off campus, a walk to Future Grounds is the perfect start to the day. No visit is complete without grabbing a pastry from the counter case. Between warm blueberry muffins, tasty cookies and seasonally rotating favorites (like the locally loved pumpkin muffins) their pastries are sure to make any morning just a little sweeter.
Continue your weekend in Murray, now with a drink in hand, and take a stroll around the Doran Arboretum. The arboretum is one of Murray’s most distinctive outdoor locations, cultivated and maintained by locals and MSU students; Western Kentucky flair is all around. From the fun and accessible walking loop to stunning views year-round, the Doran Arboretum is a celebration of Western Kentucky’s outdoor spaces with an undeniable MKY influence.
Located on Chestnut Street, just off campus, The Palm on Chestnut and Dan’s Southern Prep provide a plethora of upscale women’s and men’s clothing options. From beloved brands like Lululemon and Lily Pulitzer to unique boutique fashion finds, the endlessly curated displays are easy to get lost in for hours. For those whose closet is already overflowing, Intuition of Murray, located off campus near HWY 121, is a perfect spot to shop for curated, classy home decor. Featuring a wide variety of color palettes and design styles, the stunning exhibits throughout will have you seriously considering an apartment or home redesign. Be sure to check out their adorable children's section, even just to trigger some nostalgia. For those looking to shop till they drop, a full list of boutiques and local shopping is available here.
Murray State University’s influence on the city can be seen all over, but nowhere is it more obvious than at campus events. MSU has multiple campus-wide celebrations for the whole family that highlight the university’s eclectic charm and rich history. From concurrent chants filling the air from student groups during the annual homecoming parade, shouts of “Clear the track!” accompanied by the Racer Band in Football season, and every student gathering in between, tradition and togetherness are steeped into every big event in Murray! There is always an event happening on or around campus; check out the campus event calendar or our city events calendar to find that unexpected highlight of your weekend.
After an exciting campus event, there is no better spot to grab a bite and debrief than The Burrito Shack! Located right off campus, the Caribbean-inspired build-your-own restaurant is a longtime student and local favorite. From fresh, crispy tortilla chips and flavorful salsas to well-seasoned meats and out-of-the-box topping options, The Burrito Shack is a great option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking to add a new spin on classic favorites. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend their fish tacos complete with their made-in-house fish sauce. They’re crispy, flavorful and well worth the extra 10 minutes. Locally loved for almost 20 years, “B-Shack” is a can’t miss Saturday stop.
Day 2
Get ready for the next day of a jam-packed weekend with a snack and specialty drink from The Blend By Avery. Located near campus, this newer addition to Murray’s coffee scene quickly became a campus favorite. Whether you’re looking for the familiarity of a toasty breakfast sandwich, the fresh sweetness of an acai bowl or the chewy crunch of a good bagel, their cafe has your morning fuel covered. Featuring coffee-house classics and creative, trendy flavor combos, The Blend is a great stop for any age range looking for a pick-me-up!
Grab your coffee and get ready to head downtown, where Murray’s hidden gem shopping gets its chance to shine. With various eclectic stores, Murray’s Downtown businesses are brimming with a unique flavor of small-town charm. Browse new and gently used albums and physical media at Wit’s End Records and pop in to Greymare Music Works and peruse for a new musical hobby or accessory. Start your Christmas shopping early at New Life Christian Bookstore and check out their selection of Hallmark Keepsake ornaments, then head over to Bolin Books to discover your next read. Explore all of the other delightful small businesses in Murray’s Downtown, indicated by a “Downtown Business” flag on the Shopping tab of our website.
While exploring Downtown Murray, don’t forget to make time for one of Downtown Murray’s seasonal celebrations! Murray Main Street hosts some of the MKY’s most cherished events, like the Downtown Farmers Market and Main Street Merriment. The Murray Downtown Farmers Market has been a pillar in the community for over 25 years. Taking place on the Court Square every Saturday morning from May to October, the market unites local and regional vendors all in one place with plenty of fresh goods and artisan crafts to peruse. During the first weekend in December, Main Street Merriment takes over the Court Square with holiday cheer. Highlighting Downtown businesses for holiday shopping and promoting local and regional vendors at the Holiday Farmers Market, this is a can’t-miss for last minute gifts. Main Street Merriment lights up the court square and brings the community together, offering crafts and activities around the Court Square as well as The Murray Bank Ice Skating Rink; it’s the best way to kick off Murray's holiday season. For a full list of Murray Main Street’s annual community events, visit their website.
Another student favorite event is MKY’s semi-annual Citywide Yard Sale. The Citywide Yard Sale happens in both the fall and spring and is a great opportunity to find some unique and affordable treasures while exploring the city and county. Student and community groups come together to organize massive yard sales, making the selection unbeatable. The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau makes and sells maps of the yard sales to help you track down whatever you're looking for while collecting funds to support Murray’s annual Freedom Fest celebration in July.
Head on over to Tap 216, located just off Murray State’s campus, to wrap up your weekend with some delicious appetizers and incredible local talent! During the school year, Tap 216 offers performance spots for live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Ranging from student ensembles to local and regional artists, Tap 216 features acts that give you a taste of the musical variety that Western Kentucky has to offer. Not to mention, their appetizers and late-night menu are always a hit! From crispy fried chicken wings to zesty buffalo chicken dip, it's hard to go wrong when choosing an evening bite at Tap. While most shows begin before 9:00 PM, this is also one of Murray’s most popular bars, so if you're considering having an evening adventure, just make sure everyone in your party is above 21.
For updates on all things MKY follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or sign up for our quarterly newsletter!
by Isabella Shevetz
