Visit like a local
Travel tips from co-op consumer-members
Nature, wildlife, one-of-a-kind landmarks and laid-back gathering spaces under the stars or around a table: these Kentucky attractions are among the nearest and dearest to the hearts of the state’s residents. Not only are they the go-to places to take out-of-town family and friends but they’re also among “must” recommendations for visitors who ask what to see and do in the Bluegrass State.
“Lakes, caves, mountains, rivers—we got it all,” says Pat Hargadon, agency manager at Shelby County Farm Bureau and a director on the Shelby Energy board.
Scenic settings and sipping
When it comes to hosting visitors, bourbon distilleries are No. 1 on Hargadon’s list. “My first choice to take guests is a bourbon distillery—fascinating places and classic Kentucky, with each distillery varying in setup, level of technology and history,” he says.
Among his favorites is Shelbyville’s Jeptha Creed, one of a handful of women-owned bourbon distilleries in the state and famous for the use of its farm-grown bloody butcher corn in its spirits along with other all-natural ingredients.
Another top choice: Kentucky State Parks for their scenic settings and variety of activities, everything from boating, caving, fishing and golfing to hiking, camping, paddling and horseback riding. At the top of Hargadon’s list? Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
“Natural Bridge is special because my wife and I are avid hikers, and there is no place more beautiful,” he says.
Downtown Cynthiana is full of charm, featuring a variety of unique shops and local finds. Visitors can also step into local history at the Cynthiana/Harrison County Museum, housed in the historic Rohs Opera House building, where exhibits showcase the area’s rich heritage and community story.
Good nature and good food
Kellie Wilferd, the owner of Whippoorwill Manor, a gracious Mayfield event space with bungalow and vacation home lodgings, loves to steer guests to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area for a full day of nature, history and lakeside fun.
“Take the scenic loop through the Elk & Bison Prairie—and keep your camera ready for grazing herds and wide-open views,” says Wilferd, a consumer-member of West Kentucky RECC. “Make time for Golden Pond Planetarium, where you can enjoy an immersive show about Kentucky’s night skies, before crossing over to Grand Rivers, a picturesque resort town nestled between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.”
Discover the great outdoors at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a sprawling 170,000-acre haven of forests, wetlands, and open lands nestled on the peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. With endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and water-based adventures, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Photo: Land Between the Lakes
Here, Wilferd likes to introduce her guests to the culinary delights of Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, known far and wide for the house specialty, perfectly seasoned 2-inch pork chops grilled over an open flame, and decadent sinker pies that are top-heavy with whipped cream. This resort village also offers a variety of overnight accommodations and fun shopping options.
“Spend the afternoon browsing the boutique shops at Patti’s or unwind at Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina’s Jade & Earth Spa,” says Wilferd. In the evenings, she suggests the shows at the Badgett Playhouse and live piano music and cocktails at T. Lawson’s Grill or Pier 32, the Commonwealth Yacht Club at Green Turtle Bay Resort, with views over the water.
Manmade and natural attractions
Diana Morgan, president of the Grant County Extension Homemakers and a consumer-member of Owen Electric in Dry Ridge, encourages visits to Williamstown’s Ark Encounter for several reasons: “The actual size and beauty of the Ark; the grounds that are kept so clean with beautiful flowers; and the good food, great playgrounds and petting zoo.”
Morgan even volunteers at the Ark Encounter’s summertime 40 Days of Christian Music—the world’s largest Christian music festival. (In 2026, the event is planned for July 28–September 5.) “I love gospel music,” she says.
Bible stories come to life at the family-friendly Creation Museum, where immersive exhibits explore faith and history. Visitors can also enjoy beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an on-site zip line course for an added dose of adventure. Photo: CreationMuseum.org
When Janeen Taylor’s family visits from out west, she drives them along the backroads of Butler County, through the tiny river town of Rochester and into Morgantown, a Kentucky Trail Town and home of Woodbury RV Park, a tranquil hidden gem surrounded by forest.
“The mighty Green River connects these three communities,” says the Morgantown resident, a consumer-member of Warren RECC. “This river offers boating, fishing, kayaking or just relaxing on the banks.
“I really don’t think I could take my guests anywhere else to showcase Kentucky.”
DESTINATIONS –
Share these local favorites with out-of-town guests—or make repeat visits on your own.
Featured favorites
Ark Encounter:
- 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown
- (859) 727-2222
- arkencounter.com; and sister attraction, the Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg; (888) 582-4253, creationmuseum.org (Owen Electric)
Grand Rivers Tourism Commission (Badgett Playhouse, Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, T. Lawson’s Grill):
- 1858 JH O’Bryan Avenue
- (270) 362-0152
- grandrivers.org (Jackson Purchase Energy)
Jeptha Creed Distillery:
- 500 Gordon Lane, Shelbyville
- (502) 487-5007
- jepthacreed.com
Land Between the Lakes (Pennyrile RECC):
- 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond
- (800) 525-7077
- landbetweenthelakes.us
Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Clark Energy):
- 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade
- (606) 663-2214
- parks.ky.gov
Woodbury RV Park (Warren RECC):
- Lock 4 Road, Morgantown
- (270) 532-1083
- woodburyrv.com
Other favorite places
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum:
- 2075 Clermont Road, Clermont
- (502) 955-8512
- bernheim.org
“I have gone to Bernheim since I was 4 or 5 years old, and it’s cool to visit a place that has such long-dated memories,” says Pat Hargadon, who includes this 16,000-plus acre wild forest and arboretum on his go-to list.
Morgantown Tourism Commission:
- 117 N. Main Street, Morgantown
- (270) 526-3557
- morgantown-ky.com
- Facebook: Morgantown Tourism Commission
“Some of the most amazing scenery is right here, on the backroads of Butler County,” says Janeen Taylor. “Rochester is an interesting old river town; in its heyday, it was a lifeline for Butler County. Some of the old stores still stand and it’s filled with beautiful Victorian homes.”
Hub’s Restaurant:
- 1802 S. 7th Street, Hickman
- (270) 236-9858
- Facebook: Hub’s Restaurant
“Hub’s is a little dive I love for good drinks and an awesome steak,” says Kellie Wilferd.
Pendleton County Tourism:
- 233 Main St., Falmouth
- (859) 654-4567
- pendletoncountytourism.com
One of Lesha Munich’s favorite places to share is “anywhere on the Licking River—no matter the time of year. “In the winter, the water turns a clear emerald green that is so beautiful,” she says. “In summertime, the river water is the best for sitting in and relaxing with your favorite drink and friends. I love the Licking River, and you will, too.”
