September 5, 201610 yr I just finished watching a KET program which originally aired back in 2000. It was a drive from Maysville to Paducah spread out over several days stopping at specific venues and historic sites along the way. Is anyone familiar with this program? My wife and I were talking about taking a weekend with our 8 year old daughter and making this trek and I even thought maybe there were some other BGPers I could meet along the way. Any advice about where to stop would be most welcome even if it wasn't featured in this program. Thanks in advance for any input. FYI...I have only been a resident of the Commonwealth since 2005.
September 5, 201610 yr Actually if you really want to see Kentucky, you should travel the entire distance of Route 80 from the Virginia Border to the Mississippi River. From the Mountains of Eastern Kentucky through South Central Kentucky, to the flat lands of Western Kentucky and the Mississippi River. Drive just a little North to see the Beautiful Ohio merge with the Muddy Mississippi. Kentucky Route 80 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia KentuckyRoads.com - KY 8 Kentucky Route 8 - Route Description Enjoyed the trip very much, as it was the way to see some of Kentucky that I really hadn't seen before. While each region is different, we Kentuckians are pretty much alike, whether we live in the Golden Triangle, Eastern Mountains, South Central or in far Western parts of the Commonwealth. The love of God, Country and Family is just about the same, no matter where you roam in the Commonwealth.
September 5, 201610 yr Author Actually if you really want to see Kentucky, you should travel the entire distance of Route 80 from the Virginia Border to the Mississippi River. From the Mountains of Eastern Kentucky through South Central Kentucky, to the flat lands of Western Kentucky and the Mississippi River. Drive just a little North to see the Beautiful Ohio merge with the Muddy Mississippi. Kentucky Route 80 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia KentuckyRoads.com - KY 8 Kentucky Route 8 - Route Description Enjoyed the trip very much, as it was the way to see some of Kentucky that I really hadn't seen before. While each region is different, we Kentuckians are pretty much alike, whether we live in the Golden Triangle, Eastern Mountains, South Central or in far Western parts of the Commonwealth. The love of God, Country and Family is just about the same, no matter where you roam in the Commonwealth. Thanks for the tip...that might be a whole other trip and sounds like it would be fun too!!
September 7, 201610 yr I believe lots of Kentuckians make the same trip...They call it the 500 mile YARDSALE! :walk:
September 7, 201610 yr Actually if you really want to see Kentucky, you should travel the entire distance of Route 80 from the Virginia Border to the Mississippi River. From the Mountains of Eastern Kentucky through South Central Kentucky, to the flat lands of Western Kentucky and the Mississippi River. Drive just a little North to see the Beautiful Ohio merge with the Muddy Mississippi. Kentucky Route 80 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia KentuckyRoads.com - KY 8 Kentucky Route 8 - Route Description Enjoyed the trip very much, as it was the way to see some of Kentucky that I really hadn't seen before. While each region is different, we Kentuckians are pretty much alike, whether we live in the Golden Triangle, Eastern Mountains, South Central or in far Western parts of the Commonwealth. The love of God, Country and Family is just about the same, no matter where you roam in the Commonwealth. I did that once when I was in college. Very cool experience.
September 7, 201610 yr There is a footnote in the book by Allan Eckert, the Frontiersman, that refers to a Buffalo (Bison) path followed by many of the first explorers and settlers. The footnote says this Buffalo path is basically today's Rt. 68 since that road was laid on the path already created by the Buffalo. I believe it too. Rt. 68 was very windy until the last 15 years when they started to straighten it out and bypass some things. Especially along the Kentucky River. You can see that the Buffalo just took the path of least resistance no matter how windy it was and the road did the same. Some places to see along the way: 1. Old Washington -- place founded by Simon Kenton 2. The Blue Licks Battle Field. There is a nice little museum there. 3. If you want to go south down I-75 from Lexington a bit you can visit Fort Boonesborough. 4. Just south west of Lexington you can go a short distance off 68 on to Rt 29 and go to Wilmore, home of Asbury University and Asbury Seminary. It's worth taking in. Then head west on 29 until you run into the Kentucky River at High Bridge. You will see a Lock on the Kentucky River and of course, the high bridge. It was built by the same guy that built the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a train bridge that traverses the Kentucky River. Kind of a neat place. 5. A bit further west on Rt. 68, just across the Kentucky River is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Take some cash and have a tour of the place and eat at the restaurant. Across the road and down by the river you can take a river boat ride (If they still have it). 6. At Harrodsburg you can visit Old Fort Harrod (Say that several times as fast as you can). 7. At Perryville (pronounced pair'-a-vul), you can go see the Civil War Battlefield area. Do they still do a re-enactment? They say that the Methodist Church in town had some holes in the wall and blood stains on the underflooring because it was used as a hospital during the battle. 8. Just west of Perryville, you can turn on Rt. 243 and drive to Gravel Switch. Nothing much there, but it is a quaint little town from Kentucky's past. Continue through Gravel Switch until you come to Rt. 37 and turn on it towards Forkland. If you go October 14 or 15 of this year you will get to experience their Heritage Festival. It is an homage to their rural past with crafts, displays, music, and food, that represents their past. The people are splendid. The proceeds goes to fund the volunteer fire department and other community services. You can even get a tobacco twist there. 9. Penn's Store is on the way to Forkland. It is the oldest country store in America run by the same family going back to 1850 and before. Chet Atkins actually was there in 1992 to dedicate a new privy. They actually called the event The Great Outhouse Blowout. Sept 17 is the 25th anniversary. Here's a link so you will know I am not making this up PENNSSTORE 10. You can make your back to Rt. 68 and head west to Lebanon, KY (pronounced LAYB-nun). They have Country Ham Days there Sept. 23-25. I was told I had to try country ham at Shaker Village so I ordered that on the menu. I did not know that it was served cold. It is very salty. I suppose it can be served in various ways. You'll find out at Country Ham Days in Lebanon because it is a full-blown event with lots to do. This year they will feature Cincinnati's premiere jug band, the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs on Friday night of the event. The weekend includes, hot air balloons, classic car & motorcycle show, beauty contest, hog calling contest, cornhole tournament, and a full slate of musical entertainment. Again, just so you'll believe me, here's a link: Ham Days – Marion County Chamber of Commerce That's all the further out Rt. 68 I can get you with any knowledge. Enjoy the trip, but I suspect, you'll ned to do several trips to get it all in.
September 7, 201610 yr Don't miss the catfish at Blue Licks SRP. We probably go 6 or 8 times a year. Senior discount day is Tuesday. And they reenact the battle every year. They bill it as the last battle of the Revolutionary War.
September 7, 201610 yr A good friend of mine (deceased) played basketball at Georgetown College. Lived in Hopkinsville. Back in the day, US 68 was the most direct route between the two towns. He said it was a real long drive. A side note - he told me that best player (by far) that he ever went up against was Willis Reed.
September 10, 201610 yr I've been on 68 hundreds of times in my life and never knew it was so historical and reverent. Very cool thread.
September 11, 201610 yr Don't miss the catfish at Blue Licks SRP. We probably go 6 or 8 times a year. Senior discount day is Tuesday. And they reenact the battle every year. They bill it as the last battle of the Revolutionary War. In other words, somebody we know is there every Tuesday, perhaps digging on the early bird schedule.
September 11, 201610 yr I've been on 68 hundreds of times in my life and never knew it was so historical and reverent. Very cool thread. I've never driven it from top to bottom, but I've driven it in bits and pieces.
September 11, 201610 yr In other words, somebody we know is there every Tuesday, perhaps digging on the early bird schedule. It's the little things that keeps us going back. Great catfish. Best croutons for your salad on the planet. Coconut cream pie on the dessert table. Roma beans and shoepeg corn. And the price is right for seniors on Tuesdays for sure.
September 14, 201610 yr Author Thank you everyone for all of the information. I can hardly wait to take my trip(s) on this historic road and others in the Commonwealth.
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