Ah Summer... it's the greatest feeling to be done with classes and under the hot summer sun.
Until someone asks you the question, "What are you doing this summer?"
So, then you start to think, "Hm...well, I hadn't really thought about it. I could read all of those books I've wanted to. I could learn a language, pick up a new hobby, get another job. What do people even do with this much free time? Is this what it's like to be retired?" The more realistic answer to that question is that you'll spend 12 hours a day watching Netflix, but people seem to give you this weird look when you say that. People are always looking for adventure, so obviously Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all the fun and adventurous things that your home state has to offer.
Kentucky is state that has so much to offer. Especially in Summer, there are a multitude of hiking trails, camping sites, festivals, and fun activities for you and all your friends to take advantage of. Netflix is great, I'll be the first one to admit it. But I'd encourage everyone to take some time this summer to explore the state you live in and discover some hidden treasures of your own home. If you're in Kentucky, here are a few great things not to miss!
1. Hike the Pinnacles - Berea, KY
The hiking trails at the Pinnacles don't take too long, and the views are totally worth it. It's a perfect way to get outside with friends and absorb some of the beauty that the Bluegrass State has to offer. And, of course, you get some totally adorable Insta opportunities at the top. After the hike, you can visit the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, where you can look at the work from over 700 artisans in the state of Kentucky,
2. Go Ape Treetop Adventures - Fairdale, KY
Just a short drive outside of Louisville, Go Ape Treetop Adventures has numerous rope ladders and bridges across Jefferson Memorial Forest. There are also 5 zip lines that send you flying through the trees. Because exploring Kentucky from the ground is so yesterday, am I right?
3. Cave Tours - Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
One of the few National Parks here in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave, offers different cave tours, hiking trails and camping destinations. The last time I went to Mammoth Cave was for an elementary school field trip, and I am dying to go back and explore some of the more intense cave tours. Some of the longer tours take you through the caves lit only by lanterns and tell stories about the history and legends of the caves.
4. Newport Gangster Tour - Newport, KY
As a Northern Kentucky native, I'm completely fascinated in the history of Newport. The Gangster tours tell you all about the history of Newport, much of which consisted of mobs and gangs throughout the 1900s. Newport also offers haunted tours, where stories on "gruesome crime and punishment" are told around historical sites in Newport.
5. Weekend in the Gorge - Red River Gorge, KY
Nothing epitomizes the beauty of Kentucky just like the Red River Gorge. Instead of choosing one thing to do in the Gorge this Summer, spending a weekend hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing is the perfect trip to take this summer without leaving Kentucky. And of course you cannot forget to make a stop at Miguel's Pizza!
