Beech Tree News Network

The end of summer through early fall is a great time for a short road trip, and Kentucky provides a great deal of entertainment. From the Appalachian Mountains to the western Kentucky lakes, our state is full of attractions. So much to see and do!

Close by is Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Within our state, we can also see exotic animals and aquatic creatures at zoos and aquariums, including Kentucky Down Under. The Kentucky Horse Park is a great place to learn about thoroughbred horses. Our state has recreational state parks, resort state parks, and numerous historical sites, as well as the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge, dozens of lakes, preserves, and hiking trails (http://www.kentuckytourism.com/things_to_do/attractions.aspx).

Some of Kentucky’s historic sites include the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Kentucky Civil War forts and battlefields, Appalachian festivals, and the Trail of Tears, which passed through far western Kentucky. Shaker Village is a restored Shaker community and a good place to experience Shaker-style crafts. Many Kentucky museums and memorials are scattered around the state, such as the Churchill Downs’ Kentucky Derby Museum, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Museum, and the nearby (Owensboro) International Bluegrass Music Museum. The Historic Railpark and Train Museum and the Corvette Museum (Bowling Green) provide opportunities to learn more about rail transportation and Corvettes (http://www.kentuckytourism.com/things_to_do/history_heritage/historic_si...).

Other entertainment might include the nightlife, theaters and art found in Kentucky’s larger cities. Some of our state’s largest cities are: Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, Hopkinsville, Richmond, Florence, Georgetown, Henderson and Elizabethtown. Each of these towns has a unique character and provides various forms of entertainment, such as sports events, concerts, and specialty shopping.

Kentucky is certainly packed with family entertainment opportunities – most within easy driving distance. A Kentucky road trip also helps our regional economy. And, I do like a good road trip.