While boasting a few hidden treasures of its own, Park City, Kentucky, itself can be considered a hidden treasure. Not to be confused with Park City, Utah, this town sits in a corner of rural Barren County right along the Edmonson County line. Known as both a really tiny town (with a total of 550 occupants as of 2013) and as the "Gateway to Mammoth Cave," there is a little more to this little place than meets the eye, with quite a few gems of its own hidden here and there.
1. Bell's Tavern
Bell's Tavern, which graces the town's sign and is known as the "historic core" of Park City, has served as a city landmark since its construction in 1830. While the tavern was burned in 1860 and efforts to rebuild the tavern were hindered with the onslaught of the Civil War, it still serves as a nostalgic piece of history, a great site for the town's annual heritage festival and a great backdrop for prom pictures. The ruins of the tavern can be found next to the railroad tracks near the old Mentz Hotel and the Park City Lion's Club.
2. Bike trail to Mammoth Cave
While many may know Park City as the "Gateway to Mammoth Cave," few may know that the hiking trail that runs along Mammoth Cave Parkway actually links the entryway to Park City with the Mammoth Cave Visitor's Center. Parts of the path even follow the original Mammoth Cave Railroad line, which at one time connected the town and the park.
3. Diamond Caverns
Serving as the cave a little closer to home, Diamond Caverns was discovered on July 14, 1859, and the cave officially opened to the public in the 1920s. While the halls of the cave may not stretch out quite as long as those of Mammoth Cave, the beautiful formations and awe-inspiring views of the cave are sure to please. For those not interested in the underground, Diamond Caverns also doubles as its own resort, with a golf course, campground and other amenities.
4. Park Mammoth Resort
Tucked away in the woods right outside of the town near the Edmonson County line, this is yet another favorite for Park City natives and visitors alike. The resort boasts a winery, a lodge, a restaurant, a golf course and a shooting range. Guests can also enjoy the resort's annual arts and crafts fair near Christmastime, which features several local vendors.
5. Veterans' Memorial
Situated on its own little slice of land across from South Central Bank, Park City's Veterans' Memorial provides an even quieter haven in the quiet little town. Featuring a wall to honor past and current residents who have served for the United States Armed Forces and a sundial, the spot is a popular destination for the elementary school each Veteran's Day.
6. Park City Elementary School
Speaking of Park City Elementary, one can't forget the largest establishment in town. Originally constructed as a high school, the school now serves students grades K-6 in the surrounding community. While the old high school is long gone, the elementary still boasts pieces of its past, with old yearbooks in the library and two paintings of the old building located in the lobby and in the hall leading to the gymnasium. The gymnasium itself is in fact an artifact of the old school, with bricks filling in the squares where the gym's windows were once located.
7. Friendly neighbors
Though the town may be tiny, it is no doubt known for its cheery people and smiling faces. Even when you're feeling under the weather, there is always a friendly (and perhaps nosy) neighbor waiting at your door for a chat, maybe even carrying a pie or a piece of cake.
8. Glasgow Junction
Prior to being officially named as the great city of "Park City," this tiny town also went by Three Forks, Bell's Station and Glasgow Junction. Morphing the city's railroad-like vibe with its proximity to the city of Glasgow, Glasgow Junction is one of the more well-known names of Park City's past.
9. Mentz Hotel
Currently known as the Grand Victorian Inn, Park City's Mentz Hotel features a long and interesting history similar to that of Bell's Tavern. The building was originally constructed in the early 1900s and has since served as a boys' boarding school, a nursing home and a private residence. The hotel now serves as a bed and breakfast owned by Gary Carroll and Karin Baldwin-Carroll. While some speculate the possibility of hauntings in the old hotel, few are afraid to stop by and enjoy the delicious food at the inn's restaurant or the new ornate decor that graces the building's halls.
10. Elvis Presley
While some may see this story as more of a fiction than a fact, it is a common rumor among the more seasoned residents of the town that the legend Elvis Presley once stopped through Park City on a trip along the 31-W Highway. It is rumored that he stayed in the Pink Motel, which some say was located at the corner where the highway and Dickerson Street meet, right across the road from the Baptist Church. If this rumor is true, the old motel is no longer standing today.
