“I have seen Oaks of many species in many kinds of expose & soil, but those of Kentucky excel in grandeur all I have ever before beheld.” -John Muir, September 1867

“Me too, John. Me too.” -C.A. Downs III, January 2009

Winter sets in on Kentucky and as a young boy I can recall with fondness a blanket of fresh snow throughout the season. Not too much, not too little, just enough to get a few days free of the confines of school and set a fire in the imagination of small boys with rickety sleds and reckless abandon.

As an adult; I use the term “adult” in the very loosest definition, it seems as winter is now just wet. And grey. Sometimes there is ice. Mostly just wet. And cold.

But the “very cold,” the kind of cold that keeps you inside and under a blanket reading gardening literature, is fleeting. An oddball occurrence that is talked about over coffee or beer, then forgotten. Which is a pro in a sea of cons. If there is to be no snow; no snowmen or snowball fights, then let there be brisk walks, void of slush and cold toes, in the out of doors. May I suggest the The Arboretum – State Botanical Garden of Kentucky .

Cherrybark Oak - Quercus pagoda

Established in 1991, a fine bit of work between the City government and the University of Kentucky, The Arboretum can boast over 100 acres of botanical majesty. Located just on the fringe of downtown Lexington, Kentucky and a stones throw from the University of Kentucky’s’ Commonwealth Stadium, the Arboretum is an island in a sea of asphalt and concrete. Quite a relief in any season, really.

The Arboretum’s visitor center, an architectural   complement and yet almost invisible, is located just a few yards from the parking area and paved trail that, at two miles in length, is ideal for strollers and bicycles. Pets are also welcome.

While the majority of the trail that winds through the gentle, rolling hillside, is paved, there is a footpath that winds through a wood as old as time, it seems. Just past the “Invasive Species” exhibit, trail left, is the footpath trailhead.  It’s peaceful back there. The fallen giant; a massive Bur Oak that has lost its battle with gravity, is a very interesting, and humbling stop on this quiet trail. Bur Oak Gap, they call it. Don’t forget to look up at the canopy and the hole that resides there after the fall of this mighty piece of Nature.

Many different activities and demonstrations, including children’s programs, are hosted by the Arboretum. If you plan to visit, I would recommend checking the calendar of events

There is always something happening. For ever season there is a time.

The Arboretum is open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. Admission is free.

Now, go take a walk. Across Kentucky.

All photos by Charles A. Downs III

Cascade Waterfall - Giles County, Virginia

I don’t know if it’s those old black and white images or maybe it’s that dueling banjo song in Deliverance. Either way you rarely hear anyone say, “Hey, let’s go vacation in the Heart of Appalachia!” I think that’s a shame because the area is full of history, tradition, music and art. The winding back roads and mountain views are breathtaking. It’s probably one of the most beautiful areas in Virginia. I haven’t told my husband yet, but we are going for a visit during spring break.

Here are a few places I’ve added to our must see list. I plan to round it out with enough arts and craft type stops to keep me happy but not enough to end up divorced. If you’ve been to any of these or have other suggestions let me know.

Pocahontas Coal Mine – Tazewell, Virginia

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a real piece of coal much less a full-blown coal mine. The guide at the Pocahontas coal mine will give a tour of a former working coal mine and explain the history and significance of coal in the development of our country. That’s good stuff to know. And yes, I’m planning to tell the kids the mine isn’t open in the winter so Santa can get coal for stocking.

Tours of Mine and Educational Room
$7.00-Adults
$4.50-Children 6-12
Museum Free
Open April – September

Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park – Tazewell, Virginia

The Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park is a little piece of carefully preserved history starting with a 570 million year old snail fossil, moving on to a cabin built in 1802, throwing in some historical farm buildings, and finishing up with a 1917 Model T Ford and an old-time gas pump. This is one stop history shopping. They also maintain a working farm with heirloom and back bred seeds of the same variety that was cultivated 150 or more years ago. It sounds like a fun way to spend the day. The Fiddlers Convention in July might be worth a trip.  But then again, there’s that fear of divorce thing.

Adult (full tour): $4
Adult-Senior/AAA/Time Traveler: $3
Adult (Gallery OR Park Only): $2
Children 7-12 (full tour): $2
Children 7-12 (Gallery OR Park Only): $1
Children under 6 – FREE

Open Memorial Day – Labor Day

White Rocks in Cumberland Gap National Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is located in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. I think this would be an excellent park to add to your list of National parks.  It has seventy miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and fascinating limestone caves and structures. We’ll probably check out Gap Cave and maybe Hensley’s Settlement. Or we might just spend the day hiking and taking photographs.

No entrance fee for park

Gap Cave Tour
Adult $8
Children 5-12 $4
Hensley’s Settlement
Adults- $10
Children under the age of 12 – $5

I haven’t decided if we’ll continue on to Tennessee or Kentucky. Maybe turn back towards North Carolina. If we had a little longer I’d head to Memphis. Then again, Memphis would be more fun in May – without the kids.

Photo Credits : White Rocks from the National Park Service.  A cascade of thanks to Daniel Farrell for the gorgeous waterfall picture.

This time of year can shake a soul right to its very foundation. Sure, it’s festive and merry and sometimes our bellies, in fact, shake like a bowl full of jelly. But boy-howdy, when January 2nd rolls around, listen with the right kind of ears and you can hear a chorus of relaxing exhales.

Need to wind down? I would recommend a drive through the rolling hills of Central Kentucky. Destination? Four Roses Distillery.

Outside the distillery

Nestled in the rolling Hills near Lawrenceburg, Ky., and smack on the banks of the Salt River sits a charming distillery that features Spanish Mission style architecture as uncommon in Kentucky as heavy snow. Built in 1910, Four Roses Distillery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether or not said distillery used their product to grease the wheels of the National Register is unknown to me. But, those little airplane bottles do work magic.

Drive into the parking area and you know where you are. The heavy smell of fermentation and corn and finished product intermingle with the country air. Upon entering the visitor center, built to complement the historic distillery, the tour starts with an informative video about the magic that is bourbon. Then, a brief tutorial on Four Roses patented “mash bill.”

Mash Bill

The visitor center also offers a miniature cross section of its multi-tiered still. A walking tour of the historic Distillery is a fantastic way to get a feel for this glorious product. Ever wanted to know what Bourbon tastes like before barreling? Distillers call it “White Dog” and you will sample it on the tour. Twice.

If you plan on visiting Four Roses Distillery, July through mid-September is right out. While the gift shop and visitors center are open year-round, production at the Distillery comes to a stand-still during the afore mentioned months. If you feel like traveling a bit further, you may want to visit Four Roses’ state-of-the-art single story barrel houses in Cox’s Creek, Ky, a short drive from Louisville, Ky. and the famous Brown Hotel.

Note: Tours ending before noon will be, by state law, void of a product tasting. While touring the facility is a treat in itself. Sampling the myriad of different styles is quite another. So, timing is everything.

*All photos by Charles A. Downs III