Tales from the Country Store

Well, if everything is going the way it should, your garden should be planted and the grass in your yard should be under control. If you live on a farm, most of the crops should be out and growing. This being the case, then it must be VACATION TIME.

I know your mind may be on mowing the grass or tending the garden but we all need a little vacation now and then. With this in mind I have a few suggestions for you.

Recently I went on a trip to Paducah to attend a Lions Club Convention. On the way I was thinking about this months column and what I should do. While I was thinking about this (and driving), I was also looking at the beautiful landscape along The Bluegrass Parkway. Just the mere thought of Bluegrass sent my mind wandering through this beautiful land we call Kentucky. I thought of the rolling farm land, the knobs, the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and the flat lands of Western Kentucky. All of these visions were mixed with the visible rock formations exposed by the road builders of the 1960's. Kentucky is a geological treasure in itself.

I'm not saying anything new when I say we don't have to stray very far from our own backyard to have a memorable vacation. I know you've heard it before but it all became a lot clearer to me as I drove along.

Let me ask you Mercer Countians how many of you have visited Old Fort Harrod in the last five years? Or how many of you have been to see the Legend of Daniel Boone or Shadows in the Forest? My guess, if we had a way to measure it, would be less than 50% have done either one. Just think, you could visit the Fort, see the drama and eat at some place like Beaumont Inn and still sleep in your own bed that night. Many of you who read this column enjoy it for the nostalgia we discuss, well, I say to you, visit the fort. That is where our history began. Without Fort Harrod, Daniel Boone and all the others, we wouldn't have any tales to tell. Things have probably changes a lot since the last time you were there. This summer would be a good time to get a first hand look at our very unique and special heritage. They have come a long way from the days of Home Is The Hunter, I guarantee it.

There are a lot of things to see and do right here in our backyard. Here are just a few:

Shakertown: This place is not just for tourist. You can spend a day doing all sorts of neat things and then have a wonderful meal. The Shakers brought a lot of good to Mercer County. You can find out about that with a day trip to the village. Don't forget to take a ride on The Dixie Bell. Tell Captain Ron that Tony sent you.

Constitution Square: In Danville we have a very rare place to visit but all I am going to say is; do you know why it is called Constitution Square? If you don't, then you should go for a visit. There are lots of things to do in Danville.

Festivals: I know, you say, there is a festival in every little town across the state. And, I say, you are right and that is my point. A family could spend an entire summer just visiting the small (and large) communities that have these festivals. Go visit Junction City, Lebanon, Mackville, Springfield or Lawrenceburg during their celebrations and you will have a good time. I know a lot of the vendors are the same at each of these but if you will look around you will find local folks preparing special food or making unique crafts from that community and that gives each one its own personality. Try some of these and I am sure you will find a wonderful treat along the way.

Perryville: Folks, you won't believe what is going on down there in the small town of Perryville. In a few years they will be one of the biggest attractions in Central Kentucky. That community has always been a place you passed through on the way to someplace else. This year take time to stop in a see what is happening. If you have never seen the battle reenactment they do the first weekend of October, you should. It is a very moving experience. Last year I attended and when the battle was over I felt like I was walking on Holy Ground.

OK, so you don't want to go on vacation and sleep in your own bed. Well, never fear, I have a few other suggestions for overnight trips.

First I recommend you pick up the book, Kentucky OFF THE BEATEN PATH by Mercer County's own Zoe Strecker. In this book you will find all kinds of destinations right here in our state. Zoe tells about all the big name places but she also gives us directions to some of the lesser know interest points. The following are some places I believe you would enjoy.

Natural Bridge State Park: At this park you can stay in the lodge, camp or find a mom and pop motel. The Red River Gorge is a place to see and remember.

Augusta: That's Kentucky not Georgia and it is one of those small river towns with a special flair. This is one of Bracken County's little gems. If you go stay at the Lamplighter Inn. Call ahead and you may get to be involved in one of their Mystery Weekends. The peace and serenity of this town is worth the trip.

Cumberland Falls: Many Kentuckians did their honeymoon there and haven't been back since. Maybe this is the year to reclaim that feeling. If you go I suggest the Family Steak House for dinner, especially if you go down on Friday night. At this restaurant you get all the Crab Legs, Catfish and Shrimp you can eat for a very reasonable price. I've been known to drive down there and spend the night just to eat in that restaurant. GOOD FOOD.

Mammoth Cave, Horse Cave Theatre and the Wigwam Village: All of these are in the same area and require a couple of days to enjoy. The cave is a great place to visit and you can camp or stay in a lodge. As for the theatre, well, they do several full scale plays every year and they are professionally done. Definitely good entertainment. And, The Wigwam Village is a blast from the past. Places like this were very popular before interstates took over our traveling lives. This place is still very popular and if you want to stay there call WAY ahead for reservations.

Monkey's Eyebrow, Rabbit Hash, Shoulderblade, Nonchalanta or Chicken Bristle: These are all towns you can visit but you might have to hunt them. Get Zoe's book for directions and other ideas for places to visit this summer.

Of course, as you go, get off the beaten path and visit a few country stores, have a bologna sandwich and tell the folks at the store you are on vacation; I'm sure they'll make you welcome.

Until next month, see you at the store.