Kentucky is home to some amazing rock formations, from Natural Bridge to Silvermine Arch. But did you know there's another fascinating rock collection in the state that's a doppelgänger of one of the world's most famous formations? In Munfordville, there is a place known as Kentucky Stonehenge, and it's a worldly wonder for your Bluegrass bucket list.
This is Stonehenge, the world's most famous archeological ruins and an English icon that archaeologists and historians date as far back to 3000 BC.
It is the creation of Munfordville native and former mayor Chester Fryer, who, after scouring over 1,000 acres of nearby Hatcher Valley, relocated nearly every large rock he could find in order to bring his vision to life.
In addition to displays resembling the world famous Stonehenge, the estate is divided into several other rock displays including: Earth Mysteries, The Garden of Gethsemane, Rock Gardens, and Rock Park.
Today, if you’re traveling down Interstate 65 in Kentucky, take a detour at exit 65 – and just about a mile down the road you’ll find this incredible recreation of one of the world’s oldest attractions. It's free to visit and dogs are welcome.
With a list of things to love that numbers far larger than its popularity of 300, the tiny community of Slade leaves us hard-pressed to find a more fun, beautiful, remote town in Kentucky. (And if you want to be more hard-pressed—literally—there's always Fat Man's Squeeze, a super-narrow, rock-walled passageway at Natural Bridge State Resort Park nearby).
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Lisa Battles/OnlyInYourState
Considered the gateway to the spectacular Red River Gorge National Geological Area, Slade has long held a special place in my heart. My parents grew up and met in Stanton, 11 miles northwest, along the Bert T Combs Mountain Parkway. My paternal grandfather helped build that road in the early 1960s, maneuvering heavy equipment to cut through the rock now lining the way.
For as long as I can remember, most of my mother's side of the family has hosted a reunion for us all. I've been fortunate to make it to most of them over the past 15 years, including a trek to Slade at least once during those weekends. I like to arrive at the state park at dawn and make it to the top of the sandstone arch of Natural Bridge to watch the sun burn off mountain fog. Ideally, I do it two or three times over the weekend.
You can sign up for AllTrails and get all the details on my favorite route, the Original Natural Bridge Trail via Lakeside Trail. It's a little over 2 miles and considered "out-and-back," but I will be real with you here: it's "up-and-down," and 8-year-old me didn't remember that when I started revisiting as an adult. Still, it's only rated moderately challenging, with plenty of places to stop and rest (or sit and gasp, as I admit I've done more than once). The views are 1000% worth it.
And here's the added beauty: You don't even have to hike to the top of Natural Bridge if you don't want to or aren't capable. The Skylift at Natural Bridge has been a popular option since 1967 and offers round-trip and one-way rides in both directions for a fee. Adult round-trip tickets are around $17, with discounts for kids, seniors, and active or retired military members.
I've ridden the lift once as an adult, and my sister and I enjoyed spotting wildlife along the way. We still giggle about our struggle to identify what turned out to be a very large groundhog who was scuttling around, oblivious to us cruising by far above.
When it comes to development, there's not much there, and yet, there is everything a person truly needs, at least in my book. Immediately after exiting the Mountain Parkway at Slade, there's a welcome center. A dozen or so businesses line the road to the state park, including Thrillsville Adventure Park, Red River Gorge Earth Shop, Thatcher Barbecue Company, Lil' Abner Motel and Cottages, The Pit House, Black Bear Lodge, La Cabana Mexican Restaurant, and Red River Gorge General Store.
One of the longest-enduring businesses on the road leading to the state park, Miguel's Pizza is nationally known as a clutch spot for climbers and equally loved by locals for its delicious food. Miguel's has a gear shop for rock climbers as well as a climbers-only campground. While the sites are primitive, the grounds have showers, bathrooms, a laundry facility, cooking pavilions, sinks, and free internet and phone charging.
Of course, there are many other traditional campgrounds for non-climbers in the area, too. Natural Bridge Resort Park is a great place to start exploring those options. The forested park and nature preserve covers 2,200 acres, including two campgrounds, a popular lodge with a pool and dining room, a 60-acre lake, and 22 miles of trails. It is the perfect place for a home base for exploring the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest.
While I didn't get to visit this beautiful remote town in Kentucky for our family reunion this past Labor Day, I cannot wait for the opportunity to return. We'd love to hear about your experiences there if you've had a chance to visit. And if you make plans to go soon, we can't wait to hear all about your adventures in Slade!
There's nothing like the holidays in Kentucky, and we're the types who want to do all the Christmas things during this festive, fleeting season. So we thought, why not put together a holly jolly Kentucky adventure that combines two of our favorite festive activities: a Christmas train in Kentucky and an overnight getaway at a decked-to-the-nines hotel in one of our favorite Christmas towns? If you're looking for a big, ole dose of holiday cheer, come with us on this Kentucky holiday adventure!
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Every year as Christmastime rolls around, Kentucky transforms into an enchanting holiday wonderland that's downright delightful. There's so much to see and do, it's easy to become overwhelmed and let the holidays pass you by. But that doesn't have to be the case this year!
A view of the city streets in small-town America (Somerset, KY) with the lights of vehicles passing streaked and the town tree lit off to the right.
We're big fans of a holiday getaway; an overnight excursion that forces folks to stop and savor the season. Enter: our Kentucky holiday adventure, a trip that combines two of our favorite Christmas traditions in Kentucky: a festive train ride *and* overnight at a holiday resort in Kentucky!
First up: the North Pole Express ride at My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is a popular adventure year-round, and by all accounts, it's worth every penny. Not only will you experience a wonderful atmosphere, but you'll also get to experience a slice of Kentucky's railroad history. Folks are especially enthusiastic about the Bourbon Excursion, a 2.5-hour trip that includes a gourmet meal and Kentucky bourbon tasting! But, today, we're focused on the North Pole Express.
The North Pole Express is a two-hour train ride that's a hit with the young and young at heart and features a gourmet three-course meal, hot cocoa, sing-a-longs, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus! This beloved couple loves taking a ride on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train and encourages participants to come in their pj's and enjoy a night of magic in the heart of Horse Country.
After your holiday train ride, it's time to check in to one of the most gorgeous hotels in Kentucky: the Galt House. It's one of the most iconic places to stay in Louisville, boasting breathtaking views of the Ohio River. If you can book a room with a water view, do it! Each year, the hotel's "Christmas at the Galt House" is a memorable holiday event with decked-to-the-nines halls, trees, lights, shows, carolers, and so much more.
The iconic hotel -- Louisville's only waterfront hotel, in fact -- positively dazzles during Christmastime, with its Conservatory transforming into an enchanting winter wonderland for guests to enjoy.
If you're lucky, you might even get to visit Santa at the Galt House Hotel, too! (He likes to make his rounds in the Bluegrass State...) Be on the lookout for Breakfast with Santa events in December, because you know the Man in Red adores his pancakes!
Don't let the holiday season pass you by. Stop and savor everything that makes Christmas in Kentucky so special on this festive overnight adventure! Christmas truly is the most magical time of the year, and this Kentucky holiday adventure is peak holly jolly vibes. Speaking of Christmas, be sure to take a look at our ultimate gift-giving guide for all the travel enthusiasts on your list this season!
