{"id":2195,"date":"2012-06-13T18:05:59","date_gmt":"2012-06-13T22:05:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=2195"},"modified":"2017-11-19T09:56:40","modified_gmt":"2017-11-19T14:56:40","slug":"when-you-think-outdoor-adventure-think-kentucky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/when-you-think-outdoor-adventure-think-kentucky\/","title":{"rendered":"When you think outdoor adventure \u2013 think Kentucky"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Ski<\/a>

Ski Lift to Natural Bridge<\/p><\/div>\n

Rappelling from rocky cliffs. Scaling improbable heights on an ATV. Ziplining from mountain top to mountain top. Riding a ski lift. Paddling past deadly boulders while whitewater rafting. \u00a0Sort of sounds like a shot list from the Avenger\u2019s new movie doesn\u2019t it? In actuality, it\u2019s all doable in your next vacation if you explore Kentucky. They\u2019ve got a park for that.<\/p>\n

Everyone knows about the Kentucky Derby; but there\u2019s a wealth of other activities to enjoy year \u2013round for the adventure seeker. Above are just some of the things I experienced last month in Kentucky, but action adventure activities that I missed include hot air balloons, powered parachutes, skydiving, canoeing and kayaking, caving, climbing, tree climbing. horseback riding, mountain biking, boating, sailing, scuba diving and shooting.<\/p>\n

In fact, Kentucky has a separate Adventure Tourism<\/span> department in the state government, so you know they mean business. Centrally located in the US, it\u2019s a quick trip from just about anywhere to get here. In this series, we\u2019ll be looking at five great places I can personally recommend for your next adventure vacation:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, KY<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Red River Outdoors \u2013 Slade, KY<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, KY<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Sheltowee Trace Outfitters in Whitley City, KY<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Black Mountain Thunder Ziplines and Off-Road Adventure in Evarts, KY<\/p>\n

Hit them all in one week or spend a week at each, there\u2019s plenty of adventure waiting in Kentucky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Natural Bridge State Resort Park<\/a> is one of Kentucky\u2019s 17 \u2018resort\u2019 parks where there is a lodge with rooms and a restaurant. On 2,380 acres of land, Natural Bridge is one of the larger ones. It offers year round cabins (11) and lodge facilities (35 rooms) with a pool, as well as seasonal camping. Chef Susan in the Sandstone Arches Restaurant whips up a great selection of buffet items including fried chicken and catfish. Rumor has it that many people drive all the way from Cincinnati, OH just for the catfish.<\/p>\n

The rooms in the lodge are quite comfortable, all with forest views and balconies cantilevered over the edge of the woods. \u00a0Mine had a pair of queen beds with table and chairs and a six drawer dresser. A flat screen TV, big coffee pot and full carpeting made me feel right at home. Wi-Fi let me keep in touch and post some photos to Facebook.<\/p>\n