Kentucky explorations
Kentucky folk need not travel far to find something unique and beautiful to explore.
Northern Kentucky author and Kentucky Living freelance writer Kathryn (Kathy) Witt has made the planning easier with her guidebook, Perfect Day Kentucky: Day Trips, Weekend Getaways, and Other Escapes. Along with input from the Kentucky Department of Tourism and Kentucky State Parks, Witt has compiled insights and insider tips about the best Kentucky experiences “aboveground and below, and around every bend in the road” to make the most of a staycation.
In its 101st year, the Kentucky State Parks system comprises 44 official parks, originating with only four. In the book, Witt details the three still thriving first parks, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge and Old Fort Harrod. Each state park has a range of amenities as well as unique attractions—like the “Big Twigs” family of 14-foot giants at Lake Malone State Park. Nearby attractions to the parks are also included. For example, a trip to Natural Bridge State Resort Park just wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Miguel’s Pizza to fuel up before a hike or climb.
Witt also covers local oddities. Check out the world’s largest cutlery set in Franklin or the giant wheat stalk in Hopkinsville. Both are on the state’s new Larger Than Life Trail.
Of course, there are always plenty of options if you’re seeking Kentucky’s claims to fame—bourbon, horses and fried chicken. From retired racehorses to the tracks where they ran, from distilleries to the Sanders Cafe, the book has all the info at the ready.
To her Kentucky Living readers, Witt offers a couple of specific summer getaway ideas: “The Hatfields and McCoys Historic Feud Driving Tour, Pikeville: This self-guided tour takes visitors to key sites connected to the 30-year feud. First stop: the Pikeville-Pike County Kentucky Visitors Center to pick up the brochure with step-by-step directions through Pike County’s winding mountain roads. An audio CD or USB is available for purchase and sets the stage for full-on feud immersion with narration, music and jaunty ballads.
“Hidden River Cave, Horse Cave: Cross the world’s longest underground suspension bridge, hovering 45 feet above a rushing river, to Sunset Dome. On the way to the cave, explore exhibits about karst geology, cave archaeology and early 20th century Show Cave Wars at the free-admission American Cave Museum. Then descend the 230 steps down and into the cave.”
Perfect Day Kentucky (Reedy Press, $27) can be found wherever books are sold or online at www.reedypress.com.
Witt has written seven books, including Secret Cincinnati: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, which includes northern Kentucky secrets. She has also written for the Kentucky Visitors Guide and is a member of the Society for American Travel Writers. Connect with her at www.kathywitt.com.
