Kentucky Travel Bargains

By Cheri Sicard

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There's a lot to do in Kentucky! Writer Cheri Sicard shares some of the fun things to do in South Eastern Kentucky!

Surprises Abound
My recent trip to South Eastern Kentucky was filled with surprises -- a surprising range of sites and leisure activities to fill the days and nights and even more surprising bargain basement prices on nearly everything we did, everywhere we stayed and everything we ate.

Kentucky has a lot to offer budget conscious travelers, regardless of their travel tastes -- from a huge range of outdoor activities -- first class hunting and fishing, miles of scenic hiking trails and unparalleled boating opportunities, from luxury houseboat vacations to white water rafting and canoeing, to water skiing and tubing.

In fact, Kentucky has more water than any state in the union except Alaska. History buffs will enjoy visiting important Civil War sites and historic buildings and museums that preserve the past. And who doesn't enjoy the old down-home pleasures of authentic mountain music, crafts and country cooking?

The following article is but a brief overview of some of the best South Eastern Kentucky attractions and bargains we found, but it is only the tip of the iceberg -- there is so much more to see and do. Check out these suggestions, but do consult the Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA), then design your own Kentucky trip based on your interests and needs. Contact them by calling toll-free (877) TOUR-SEKY or visit their web site at www.tourseky.com. This web site is a fabulous single point referral for all questions about lodging, dining, attractions, activities and events in South Eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky State Resort Parks
Kentucky has a phenomenal state park system, offering first class camping and RV facilities, along with on-site hotels and lodges that make perfect home bases while you explore the surrounding territories. Many of the state parks offer amenities that compete with privately owned resorts.

One of our favorites was Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. RV sites with hookups start at just $16 (as of this writing). Primitive campsites for tents or RVs start at $10, with discounts applying for Kentucky seniors or disabled persons. There's also the Lure Lodge, with its breathtaking lake views (rooms start at just $45 a night in off season, but the best room in peak season will only set you back a mere $79.95).

Lake Cumberland Park also offers charming one and two bedroom cottages and chalet style hillside cottages that can accommodate large families -- perfect for budget conscious reunions.

If none of that appeals, how about staying on the water in a luxury houseboat? Rentals are available at the park.

Amenities offered at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park include pools, a golf course and mini-golf course, horseback riding, well maintained nature trails for hiking, picnic areas, playgrounds, dining and shopping facilities and docking facilities for fun on the lake (great fishing!). A variety of rental boats are available, if you didn't bring your own.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is located at 5465 State Park Road in Jamestown, KY. Call (270) 343-3111 for more information or (800) 325-1709 for reservations only.

Of course, Kentucky has lots of other state parks -- 49 in all -- many with comparable facilities and prices to Lake Cumberland. For information on all that the Kentucky State Park system has to offer, visit www.state.ky.us/agencies/parks/parkhome.htm. This web site offers last minute lodging bargains, and great package deals.

Cheap Eats
If you love good country cooking and lots of it, you'll be thrilled with Kentucky. Almost every small town has a local diner or family-owned restaurant where home-style American food is served up by the plateful or choose from a smorgasbord of items at an all-you-can eat buffet. You can even visit the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Corbin, Kentucky. Have dinner or lunch at the restored restaurant, and browse through the free museum dedicated to Colonel Harland Sanders and his famous chicken recipe.

Ten (count them -- 10) BBQ restaurants call the small Kentucky county of Monroe home. But don't get hungry early in the week, they are nearly all closed Monday through Wednesday. Nonetheless, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are more than enough time for locals and tourists alike to chow down on plenty of Kentucky BBQ.

One of the best is Frances BBQ, located in the tiny town of Hestand. In a county of only 12,000 people, Frances BBQ owner David Arms claims to go through 11,000 pounds of sliced shoulder steak during his typical four-day work week. (For more details about Frances BBQ, click here).