Make holiday memories in Hopkinsville this year. Bring the family and enjoy the Festival of Trees, Christmas Parade, Christmas at the Bend, Madrigal Fest or The Polar Express. These and other entertainment opportunities will be waiting for you this fall.

For details on these events and others, visit our website at www.visithopkinsville.com. Request a visitors guide by emailing tourism@visithopkinsville.com or call 1-866-324-2616.

Save March 15 & 16, 2013 to attend the 21st Edgar Cayce Hometown Seminar in Hopkinsville. Mr Cayce is considered by many to be the greatest psychic of the 20th century. From early schoolhouse to the church in which he confessed faith in Christ, gain a new perspective on “The Sleeping Prophet” by seeing the environment in which he lived.

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, Lexington is a city long cherished for its rich bourbon heritage. Five award-winning distilleries are located within 25 miles of the city, including one right in downtown! Each distillery offers exciting tours, where you can see how bourbon is made, try samples and learn the story behind America’s only native spirit.

Continue your journey with a visit to downtown Lexington’s delicious restaurants and nationally acclaimed bourbon bars, featuring unique bourbon dishes and cocktails.

For a full list of offerings, go to www.visitlex.com/bourbon.

Plan your next adventure in beautiful south central Kentucky where you can get up close and personal with kangaroos, emus, wallabies and other Outback friends at Kentucky Down Under, an Australian-themed animal park.

Discover underground wonders at Kentucky Caverns, Cub Run Cave and Hidden River Cave. Get down and dirty on an off-trail Wild Cave Tour.

Trace the pathway of a cave under your feet along Horse Cave’s streets and sidewalks, and listen to the folklore of this colorful town on the award-winning Horse Cave Stories Cell Phone Tour. Learn about cave history, geology and wildlife at the American Cave Museum. Top off your visit with a professional production at the nationally-renown Kentucky Repertory Theatre in Horse Cave’s Cultural District.

Zipline through the treetop canopy along Mammoth Cave National Park. Add a stop in historic Munfordville, where Civil War history is deeply embedded, and take a lazy canoe trip down beautiful Green River. For more information, go to www.kygetaway.com.

Here at Kentucky Lake, we understand that the perfect vacation is different for everyone. That’s what makes Kentucky Lake naturally perfect for you to create a unique vacation experience that is just right for you and your family. Whether it’s socializing around the campfire, laying out by the pool, or tubing and skiing along 2,300 miles of shoreline, Kentucky Lake has what you need.

Fishing is what we are known for and that is our main draw. Every year, Kentucky Lake is one of the Top Ten Bass and Crappie lakes in the United States. It is also home to the largest tournament organization in the world, FLW Outdoors.

In addition to the great fishing, we also have hunting, mountain biking, road cycling, ATV riding, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking or hiking and seeing what nature has to offer.

There are a variety of local antique shops, gift shops and boutiques. Whether you’re looking for an old treasure or keepsake, or that perfect gift to take back home, our local shopping has got you covered. Some of our shops are unique to Kentucky Lake and can’t be found anywhere else.

Throughout the area you will find many holiday activities including Festival of Lights, Old Fashioned Country Christmas Show presented by the Carolina Opry, Dickens Christmas, Christmas in the Park and Holiday Dinner Experience at Kenlake State Park Resort – to name a few. Visit our website for details and a complete list of activities and events held during the year.

Kentucky Lake prides itself in offering diverse accommodations for everyone. Resorts and marinas line the lake. Our lodging includes lakefront cabins and cottages, motels and hotels, primitive and full hook-up campgrounds and unique floating houseboat vacations. Accommodations are strategically located throughout the beautiful lake area with access to major highways.

Family vacations, fishing trips or just a getaway … Kentucky Lake has something for everyone! Whatever the season, whatever the reason – the Kentucky Lake area is the perfect spot for you and your family.

Marshall County Tourist Commission
93 Carroll Rd.

Benton, KY  42025
800-467-7145
www.kentuckylake.org

Savor the Flavors Lexington’s Bluegrass Region  

Commemorate the legacy of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.

Savor the flavors of the Bluegrass with a tour of Kentucky Bourbon distilleries, a tasting at one of many beautiful wineries, or a sampling of local cuisine—from spoonbread to burgoo!

Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts at the region’s art galleries, or discover your own treasures in antique shops and world-class boutiques. Berea’s local artisans offer hands-on learning experiences for visitors looking to create their own masterpiece.

Commemorate the legacy of the 150^th Anniversary of the Civil War at forts, battlefields, civil war tours, and historic homes. From Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill’s living history to the reenactment at the Battle of Perryville this fall, the region’s history and heritage leaves a lasting legacy.

Play outdoors on hiking & bicycle trails, scenic byways, and lakes and rivers throughout the region. For an authentic “horse country” experience, try horseback riding or a tour at the Kentucky Horse Park!

An experience difficult to describe, impossible to forget.

www.BluegrassKentucky.com  

Discover the Attractions of Prestonsburg and Quench Your Travel Thirst! 

Prestonsburg, Kentucky-Tour Country Music Highway!

The attractions in Prestonsburg can suit the travel thirst for all ages. The diverse and fun places to visit range from water recreation, music entertainment, elk watching, harness racing, craft shopping, golf, and all kinds of special events.

Speaking of thirst, have you ever wondered why so many national artists hail from right here in Eastern Kentucky? Well, we think it’s in the water! The US 23 Country Music Highway “Road to Fame” talent search contests have begun and we are searching for the next Loretta Lynn, or Ricky Skaggs, or even Dwight Yoakam.

Semi-Final Round competitions begin in May, with the grand finale June 16 at the Mountain Arts Center. Go to www.cmhroadtofame.com for details. Be a part of this exciting musical experience.

Enjoy the fine places to lodge and eat and enjoy the great hospitality. Call us for detailed information at 800-844-4704 or visit www.prestonsburgky.org.

HAPPY TRAILS MY FRIEND.

Family reunions can be a lot of fun. You get to see family members you may not have seen for a couple of years. Perhaps, there are ‘new’ family members you haven’t met. The good news is there are plenty of family reunion locations throughout the U.S. The possibilities are endless!

It’s important to make arrangements early and find a place that works for everyone. This is a good way to prevent family feuds! If you wait too long to plan your family reunion, your favorite hotel or resort could be booked solid. Also, family members may not be able to attend due to previous travel plans.

How to Plan a Family Reunion, Cut Costs, and Have a Good Time

Book Your Family Reunion Locations Early! Photo credit: Stock exchange-Sign-Helen Bobis

Book early

Beach family reunion locations are popular. The most popular beach vacation destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you have your heart set on having your family reunion in SC then you better book your location early. Otherwise, the entire family will be left out in the cold.

Tie your family reunion to an important date

If grandma and grandpa are celebrating 65 years of marriage, celebrate their special day at the family reunion. Building your family reunion around a holiday could be tricky. Big holiday’s like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are during the travel ‘high season.’ You may not be able to find accommodations or someone may not be able to attend.

Hold your family reunion in the off-season

It may be cost effective to hold your family reunion in the off-season. Family reunion locations such as Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and other popular destinations can be expensive during the ‘high season’ which is usually during the summer. Some family members may not be able to afford to attend. Take this into consideration when planning your family reunion. Holding in the off-season could work for everyone.

Meet at a family member’s home

Holding your family reunion at a family member’s home is another way to cut costs. Perhaps, a family member with five or more acres of land will be willing to host the family reunion. Everyone can bring something, a hot meal, desert, or soft drinks. Of course, cash would probably be accepted too!

Decide on the size of your family reunion

Your family reunion doesn’t have to be large. A small and intimate family reunion could be more inviting. First-time family reunion planners may want to plan a smaller affair. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to plan reunion.

Raise money for your family reunion 

Send out an email blast and ask family members to have garage sales, silent auctions, raffles, car washes, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for your family reunion.

Plan cost-effective family activities

Ask family members what they like to do. Ask family members what their kids like to do. You can’t please everyone. But you can plan activities ahead of time to keep people entertained. Ideas are:

• Renting a karaoke machine.
• Set up a sound system outside (if you’re holding at your home).
• Booking golf outing.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Going to the park.
• Renting a ‘bouncy castle’ or other inflatable rentals.

Now you know how to plan a family reunion, cut costs, and have a good time! Keep the lines of communication open. Correspond via email or Facebook. Keep in mind that everyone may not have a computer or Facebook page. Contact family members when you have the date, time, and location settled. Keep family up-to-date with the latest information. Happy planning!

CRUISE CONTEST: Win a free cruise! 

Related Articles

• 7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA (guestquest.com/blog)
• 5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation (guestquest.com/blog)