Even when the water is low and sometimes not quite deep enough to paddle because of the drought in the South, there is still a lot of excitement when you visit the Cumberland Falls State Park Resort in the “Unbridled State” of Kentucky.

First of all the Lodge at the Cumberland Falls State Park is posh, relaxed, reasonable, clean, friendly, comfortable beds, delicious food in their picturesque dining room, and more. To me this is truly living in nature and having the best view of those Kentucky “hills” and mountains!

Lisa Davis, the Resort Park Manager, knows what it takes to make her visitors happy. Her staff can answer all of your questions and guide you to a vacation you will long remember. We even had a night of “smoores” melting around a big fire with ghost stories being told by Steve Gilbert, the Park Naturalist. That brought back memories of my camping days at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Who would have thought that a group of adults would be scared in the dark park!

The Lodge is surrounded by the natural, unspoiled beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Cumberland Falls State Park is a wilderness retreat with bountiful outdoor recreation opportunities. You will also find some on the most beautiful water falls anywhere in the United States. Probably the most famous of the area is the Cumberland Falls. On nights when the moon is full, you can see the beautiful “MOONBOW”. Now, when told of this event, I said “no-way”. How can you see a MOONBOW on the night of a full moon in the middle of a National Forest? Not only did I see it, but there were about 300-400 other people hanging on the cliff to see this “phenomenon”. What a great place to enjoy a few pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken, a Pepsi Cola and a Moon Pie!

It was a place to party, meet friends, laugh and hear the famous stories of how the white, ghost like arc of light forms in the mist at the base of the Falls and extends down the boulder-strewn gorge. Spooky and exciting! To find out more about this viewing and photography paradise, contact the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park at
(606) 528-4121 or go to your computer and www.parks.ky.gov. Prices for rooms range from $79-$110 and private cottages from $119-$219. Their executive cottages will hold up to 10 people.

When we had to leave the Resort and head back to the life in the City, it was a sad moment for all of us. For the past week, we had been “given” the beauty of Kentucky. For some reason “this Unbridled Spirit” keeps calling me back. In all of my travels, I found peace and friendship in the “Blue Grass State” and the hills of Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Tourism truly offers an exceptional opportunity for you to enjoy an affordable vacation. Contact their website and make sure you get the most out of their State. www.kentuckytourism.com/outdoors

Once back in Lexington, Kentucky we relaxed at the Homewood Suites just off I-75. It was there that I had the fortune of meeting Marge Bateman, the Media Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Tourism. Our dinner that night was at Malone’s who claims the best steak in the State. Guess what, they are right! The next morning was sad as we headed to the airport to fly home.

!