2023-12-29 09:36:48
Gothic architecture. Highly decorated caverns. A Tranquil Valley of Wondering Woods. Tunnels traversed by human footfalls for thousands of years. Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest-known cave system, World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is a truly magical place.
See what was voted the coolest thing made in Kentucky at Bowling Green’s National Corvette Museum, marking its 30th anniversary in 2024. Rev the engine of America’s Sports Car and bank a curve at the NCM Motorsports Park. Get in line for the “world’s largest moving automotive event” at the National Corvette Caravan in August.
Seven historic buildings. Two National Register Districts. One long, hard-fought journey to emancipation. Hear the stories of freedom’s struggles at Russellville’s SEEK Museum. See the life’s work of a world-renowned painter and sculptor at Bowling Green’s Downing Museum in the pastoral setting of Baker Arboretum.
Pitch a tent or park your RV at lake’s edge at Bee Spring’s Nolin Lake State Park, whose crescent of beach beckons sandcastle builders. Go retro at this National Register of Historic Places site in Cave City: Historic Wigwam Village No. 2, a piece of Americana right out of the 1930s with original hickory bed frames, plus cooking grills, fire pits and lighted picnic pavilion.
“Not all who wander are lost” might not hold for Kentucky’s largest Sunflower Maze, open in August at Franklin’s Ruby Branch Farms. Fall brings a pumpkin patch, corn maze, mums and seasonal décor and, for the holidays, Christmas trees.
Jesse James Bank Robbery, cemetery tours, blessing of the animals, a craft show, a parade, a kid’s zone and so much more! October’s annual Tobacco & Heritage Festival in Russellville is Logan County’s largest community event.
Got game? The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs in Franklin does — 1,000 gaming machines, plus live music and entertainment, year-round simulcast racing and classic steakhouse dining.
History Happens Here
The year: 1807. The event: Auburn’s South Union Shaker Village appears on the Kentucky frontier, growing to 200 buildings. Today, Shaker history, architecture and way of life are interpreted through nine original buildings. Special events, such as December’s Holiday Market, take place throughout the year.
Bring Your Appetite
Franklin’s 21-foot-tall stainless steel eating utensil may inspire hunger for more. Rising above the landscape at 2018 Uhls Road, the Fork in the Road is among Franklin-Simpson County’s public art installations, which also include a spaceship and more impressive pieces in Blackjack Sculpture Park. Snap pictures of Fork in the Road as you explore the emerging 12-city, multi-region Larger than Life Trail, featuring Louisville’s giant Big Bat and Hopkinsville’s oversized wheat sculpture.
“Good Beer, Small Batches”
White Squirrel Brewery, located in downtown Bowling Green’s historic Shake Rag District, serves fan faves Pale Ale, Kolsch Style and Nut Brown Ale, along with live music and theme nights like trivia. The family-friendly brewery with a full bar also offers food truck noshes, games and special drinks for kiddos.
Sense-ation Vacation
See a Kentucky sunset slip into the lake. Feel a bluegill tugging at your line. Hear the smack of a golf ball. Taste golden-fried catfish and other Southern favorites. Smell the bluebells growing wild on the nature trail. Be in the moment at Lucas’ Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
Museum of the Barrens
Inside the historic 1928 former Kentucky Pants Company building, Glasgow’s free-admission South Central Kentucky Cultural Center shares the story of the Barren community through a pioneer cabin, The General Store of the Barrens, a 1940s-era kitchen and other artifact-filled vignettes. You’ll also find the Snavely Gallery with ever-changing exhibits, a genealogy library and a gift shop.
A Town’s Underground
Gather up your courage and venture across the world’s longest underground suspension bridge, hovering high above the river within Hidden River Cave. At American Cave Museum — 200-plus steps above the cave entrance — see exhibits on the history of the cave hidden beneath Horse Cave.
Bowling Green: 270-782-0800, visitbgky.com
Cave City: 270-773-8833, cavecity.com
Edmonson County: 270-597-2222, cavesandlakes.com
Edmonton/Metcalfe County: 270-432-3222, metcalfechamber.com
Franklin/Simpson County: 270-586-3040, franklinky.com
Glasgow/Barren County: 270-479-7259, betterinthebarrens.com
Horse Cave/Hart County: 270-218-0386, kygetaway.com
Logan County: 270-726-1678, visitlogancounty.org
Monroe County: 270-487-1314, monroecountykytourism.com
Morgantown/Butler County: 270-526-6827, morgantowncoc.com
Munfordville: 270-524-4752, visitmunfordville.com
Park City: 270-537-1213, visitparkcityky.com
Scottsville/Allen County: 270-237-4782, scottsvilleky.info
Plan your regional road trip!
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