Travel Kentucky Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Is Kentucky's Best Bluegrass Venue By Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 6, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article The History of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Visiting Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Close Photo: Courtesy of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center John Lair knew that if he brought Kentucky music to the world, he could get the world to come to Kentucky. In the 1930s, Lair created the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, a radio and stage show filled with country and bluegrass music by artists including Hank Williams, Red Foley, and Hank Snow. The show was based in Illinois and Ohio but broadcast nationally. The South's Best 2024 The History of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center As the Barn Dance’s popularity soared, Lair wanted to move it down South, closer to the musicians and performers who appeared on the show. His choice, Renfro Valley (not far from his hometown of Livingston), was met with much skepticism—who would travel to the middle of nowhere to hear country music?—but he forged ahead, and built a big barn that would serve as a music hall. Because there wasn’t much in the area to accommodate visitors, he also added a restaurant, cabins, and a tourist court. In 1939, the doors of the barn swung open, and Lair turned a rural part of Kentucky into a destination for music lovers. Courtesy of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center The Valley remained under Lair’s tender care for nearly three decades until it briefly left his hands from 1966 to 1976, then returned to his possession from 1976 to 1985. In 1985, after Lair’s death, his family sold the operation, and from there it changed ownership several more times until finally landing with local couple Don and Vera Evans. The Valley superfans attended hundreds of shows before venturing to buy their favorite place in 2005. During their stewardship, the sprawling 90-acre property grew to include a 35-site RV campground. When the couple died at the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010, their daughter and son-in-law John and Julie Enneking took over operations. Visiting Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Over the past 85 years, tastes in music have changed and the property itself has, too. New ownership added programs like the annual “Christmas in the Valley” show and built a second barn for performances. In 2002, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened right next door—the entrance to the building is Lair’s former riding stable. In 2022, the original barn was turned back into a general admission music hall with original elements like the floors, stage, and sign. Courtesy of Renfro Valley Entertainment Center For the full experience, visitors can spend an entire day (or more) at the Valley. Start by earning a musical education at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, then mosey over to the Country Music Store for a souvenir to take home or something to wear to the night’s show. For a different kind of take-home gift, Valley Liquor offers a wide selection of rare and allocated Kentucky Bourbons. Then, of course, your night can only end with a live show in the Old Barn or New Barn Theatre—and maybe even an overnight stay in the RV Park. Things look quite different from the early days, but Renfro Valley has remained true to Lair’s vision: steadfastly dedicated to all things country. renfrovalley.com; 2380 Richmond Street, Mount Vernon, KY 40456; 606-256-0101 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit