Wander Along These Paths in the Bluegrass State
Hike, bike, paddle or stroll—and more! Summer is the perfect time to launch a trek along the wide variety of trails that criss-cross the Bluegrass State. Kentucky has more than 3,000 miles of recreational trails for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, cycling, ATVs, and even canoeing and kayaking. The adventure is there for the taking and there is something for everyone.
Kentucky’s diverse and natural beauty is just part of taking to the many kinds of trails that the state has to offer. Our varied geography, which naturally divides into four distinct geographic regions, offer up very different natural treasures and vistas. You’ll want to take in all areas from the mountains and the Daniel Boone National Forest in the east, the plateaus near expansive lakes in the west, to paths near bustling urban areas-- take you’re pick.
And for those who prefer to explore the trails from the comfort of their car, Kentucky has wonderful driving trails too. Check out these sites for more information:
See Who’s at Bat in Kentucky!
Grab your seat where you’re close enough to hear the crack of the bat, the ball connecting with the glove and the umpire’s calls and experience summer fun at Kentucky’s four minor league baseball parks. Tickets for this all-American pastime are a real deal so you can afford the popcorn and peanuts and crackerjacks too.
While you’re in the vicinity, there are plenty of places to stay, other attractions to see and things to do to compliment your trip to the park!
The new team on the block for the 2009 season is the Bowling Green Hot Rods who play at the Bowling Green Ball Park in Warren County. Affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Hot Rods are fueled for fun. The stadium at 300 8th Avenue is ready to hear you sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
The grand daddy of Kentucky’s teams is the Louisville Bats which, who can be seen at Slugger Field, named after the Louisville Slugger baseball bat made exclusively in Louisville. Fans get to watch a Triple A team that is affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds and enjoy special promotions all season long to add to the entertainment. Bring your mitt and keep your fingers crossed a foul ball comes your way.
The Lexington Legends are on deck at Applebee’s Park in Lexington for their ninth season. Associated with the Houston Astros, this Triple A team has everything lined up for exciting baseball with affordable, fun special events and good eats. Every game features something new in the way of family fun for visitors of all ages.
A member of the Independent Professional Baseball League, the Florence Freedom is now lining up batters right off of I-75 in Florence, just 20 minutes south of the Kentucky border in Northern Kentucky. Champion Window Field is a great place to watch major league players in the making.
Don’t forget your glove!
For more information about the stadiums, tickets, promotions and stats, click on these sites:
Kentucky Waters Run Deep
It’s true: Kentucky ranks right up there among the states with the most miles of shoreline along its lakes and rivers. But even with loads of navigable water ways, making a connection between scuba diving and the Bluegrass State might not pop immediately to mind for many folks, but it’s true!
The Pennyrile Scuba Center at the Blue Springs Resort, Inc. in Hopkinsville welcomes divers to join in the 2009 diving season which is underway. Billed as the most enjoyable diving destination in the mid west, the center offers a wide range of services, expert staff and a weekend water playground with depths to 120 feet. Unusually clear water gives way to 40 different attractions to explore in 20-acres of opportunity.
Topside amenities at the area leader in local diving destinations include a dive shop, classrooms, on-site air fills, and rental. Opened since 1994, this full-service diving resort offers certification through Scuba Schools International.
For more information about diving or learning to dive, visit the center on-line at www.DiveKentucky.com.
The Pennyroyal Scuba Center is located near the beautiful and historic Hopkinsville, Kentucky in the heart of the Pennyroyal region. From the natural beauty of the area, to fine and home-style dining and great golf, the scuba center rounds out a great reason to bring the whole family. To get ideas for places to stay, places to shop and other ways to relax this summer, log on to www.visithopkinsville.com where you’ll find plenty of suggestions to make your visit truly memorable.
Kentucky State Park’s Passport Program
Come September, when the inevitable, “How did you spend your summer vacation?” question arises, how will you answer? Bragging rights begin when you showoff the stamps you’ve accumulated in your Kentucky State Parks Passport. By participating in the Resort Lodge, Camp, Golf or Family Adventure programs, visitors to the Parks can earn rewards and enter to win prizes and discounts. Check out Kentucky State Park’s Passport Program for details.