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FROM THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL EDITOR
Brad Golliher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
GET UP AND GET OUT!
Our children are growing up in an increasingly virtual world where physical activity outside is becoming increasing nonexistent. Even when we are outside, many of us, adults and children alike, are tuned out to the world around us, absorbed by our phones and other electronics. Our attention spans have crashed. The fact is that now, more than ever, kids need the outdoors and at the same time, the need for strong families has never been greater. Growing up, too much indoor time wasn’t an issue for me. I spent most of my time outside with friends, swimming, climbing trees, or biking around the neighborhood. We didn’t do family backpacking, hiking or camping trips, but my parents allowed me an incredible amount of freedom to explore and play outside. There is a solution to the decreased outdoor activities, take your family for a walk in a local park, but explore the overgrown areas off the path. Take a hike with your kids, and don’t worry that you don’t have the best gear. Plant a garden and get your hands dirty. Work up to bigger trips and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. My family and I took the leap last year and bought a travel trailer, it was our effort to combat the summertime boredom and constant electronic overload. This issue is packed full of amazing stories from individuals that have gone outside their comfort zone and found adventures in nature. Their stories are meant to inspire you to look around your own backyard for a quick adventure away from technology and enjoy your family in the “great wide open”. Bowling Green has an abundance of activities and locations where you can take advantage of an electronic-free getaway, right in your own backyard. Brad Golliher Editor, Bowling Green Living
Telia Butler Michelle Howell Caitlin Greenwell COPY EDITOR
Ashley Gleason Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to news@bgkyliving.com.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Andrea Roberson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jamie Alexander Loren Gifford Shelley and Portugal
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2019
SEPT . OCT
THE BUZZ
[06] The real people, places and events that shape our community
THE PULSE
[08] Life-changing procedure for AFIB patients
FEATURES
[10] A DECADE OF UNBRIDLED SPIRIT How Cory Ramsey brought the Outdoorsman to life
[15] COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, & CHARACTER The DNA of every Girl Scout
[18] 5 WAYS TO GROW HEALTHY KIDS Investing in the long term health of younger generations
[44]
[24] A RICH HISTORY FOR LOST RIVER CAVE How a group of friends preserved a historic Bowling Green landmark
[28] CREATING A LEGACY Anthony Mason explored his way into the International Explorers Club
THE DISH
[31] INDOOR S’MORES DIP Don’t let rainy weather ruin your camping trip
[32] CAMPFIRE BANANA BOATS
[10]
[32]
[15]
[18]
Make the classic s’mores recipe a little more exciting
THE STYLE
[36] ADVENTURE IS A STATE OF MIND Nat’s Outdoor Sports
[40] SPA-LIKE TRANQUILITY IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD The Kimbel family and their backyard oasis
THE GETAWAY
[44] 36 hours in Cave Country
THE SCENE
[48] Your guide to what’s happening in and around Bowling Green www.bgkyliving.com
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THE
BUZZ
FRATERNITY BROTHERS BIKE COAST-TO-COAST Fourteen WKU Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity brothers biked from San Francisco, CA to Virginia Beach, VA in hopes of raising money for Alzheimer’s research. Bike4Alz started in 2010 by Tyler Jury after losing his grandfather to Alzheimer’s. That year Tyler and five of his fraternity brothers crossed the country on bikes to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Since then, Bike4Alz has covered over 13,000 miles and raised nearly $250,000 for the American Alzheimer’s Association. This year’s group covered 70 miles a day, stopping in various cities along the way to spread awareness of the impact the disease. They reached Virginia Beach on Saturday, July 20 covering more than 3,500 miles, visiting eleven states and earning more than $ for Alzheimer’s research.
STAR WKU OUTFIELDER NOW A YANKEE Jake Sanford spent two years at Nebraska before being recruited by Western Kentucky where he lead Conference USA in home runs, RBI and batting average and was named a second-team allAmerican. In June he was selected by the New York Yankees in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft and immediately got to work, heading straight to orientation and pre-minicamp in Tampa, FL.
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LOCAL LITTLE LEAGUE TEAMS WIN STATE TITLE Thursday, July 25, the Warren County South 8-10-year-olds and Bowling Green East 12-year-olds both took the Kentucky state championship title in Prestonsburg, KY. Warren County South defeated Ashland 11-1 with a 7-run rally in the 5th inning. Bowling Green East topped Lexington Eastern 8-3, earning their spot in the Great Lakes Regional in Indianapolis, to begin Little League World Series play.
FRANKLIN & SIMPSON COUNTY CELEBRATE 200 YEARS 200 years ago, a piece of Allen, Logan and Warren counties was carved out to create what is Simpson County. This year, the Franklin community celebrates the founding of the county with year long festivities themed “This Place We Call Home” that include a parade, concerts on the square and numerous other activities to highlight the bicentennial.
LOCAL DISTILLERY ADDED TO KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL Dueling Grounds Distillery, located in Franklin, KY, is the southern most distillery in the state, and now the newest addition to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour! The distillery first opened to the public in 2014, releasing their signature Linkumpinch Bourbon in 2018. The craft distillery also offer tours, tasting, private party rentals, concerts and weekly handcrafted cocktails. For more information, visit www.duelinggroundsdistillery.com
For more information, visit www.franklinsimpsonchamber.com.
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THE
PULSE
BY MED CENTER HEALTH
LIFE-CHANGING PROCEDURE FOR AFIB PATIENTS 8 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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64-year-old Steve Nunn has struggled with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) for 15 years. In that time, he has had ablations to correct an abnormal heart rhythm, and had a pacemaker implanted to control his heart rate. He’s also been on blood thinners.
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When diagnosed with AFib, most patients are
placed by catheter under general anesthesia and takes
prescribed Coumadin as a blood thinner to help
about an hour. In the past, closing off the Left Atrial
prevent strokes, a major complication of AFib. But
Appendage required open heart surgery and several
Steve had trouble tolerating the drug. Each time
days in the hospital. Steve was in the hospital for two
a prothrombin time (PT) test showed his blood’s
nights after the procedure. After about 45 days, he was
clotting factor was getting out of range, he would have
able to go off Coumadin.
to return to his doctor’s office every week to have it
checked. “It might be in the ballpark two times in a
Gaba, MD with Sahetya Medical Group who
row,” he says, “but then wait a month and it’s off again. There were so many times it was out of control.”
Steve is a double amputee and has prosthetics for
both legs. He has fought calluses and sores ever since his amputations. Any time he had a sore that would open and bleed, it took a long time for the bleeding to stop because of the blood thinner. If he bumped himself against a doorway, he could also develop a huge bruise that might turn into a wound.
Patients such as Steve now have hope of getting
off blood thinners thanks to a new procedure only available in our region at The Medical Center
Steve remembers that his cardiologist, Deepak
performed the Watchman procedure, tried to talk him into getting the procedure done even before it was available in Bowling Green. “He really wanted me to do it,” Steve says. “But I couldn’t travel to and from Nashville so many times before and after the procedure. But as soon as it was available here, I said ‘Let’s do it!’”
As a mechanic, Steve was constantly fearful of
cutting or snagging himself on something while on blood thinners and he eventually retired from the work. But now that he’s had the Watchman device
at Bowling Green. The Watchman™ Left Atrial
implanted, he’s thinking about returning to work
Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device is an alternative
in auto repair. “I didn’t realize how many things the
to lifelong use of blood thinners in patients whose
blood thinners affected until it started being reversed,”
AFib is not caused by a heart valve problem. It’s
Steve says. “But the way I’m feeling now is like before
also the only device approved by the FDA for stroke
AFib even became an issue—like I’m 35 again.”
prevention. The device is permanent— it doesn’t have
To learn more about Watchman and other
to be replaced and can’t be seen outside the body.
cardiac services offered by Med Center Health, visit
The procedure is minimally-invasive – Watchman is
MedCenterHealth.org.
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PHOTO BY LOREN GIFFORD
BY
TELIA BUTLER
A DECADE OF UNBRIDLED SPIRIT HOW CORY RAMSEY BROUGHT THE OUTDOORSMAN TO LIFE 10 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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It
was only fitting to meet The
Outdoorsman
Ramsey
number four. At the time, no one else was
for an interview over a hike at
coming out here,” Ramsey said while we
Shanty Hollow. The Outdoorsman arrived
climbed over a log in the middle of the trail.
in the mugginess of a July afternoon in
“It’s not like it is today. There wouldn’t be
his signature straight leg blue jeans, boots,
anybody else here.”
and ball cap. Perhaps the biggest difference
Ramsey’s
between the 2009 Cory Ramsey and 2019
foundation for his new expertise. He went
version was the full beard. Officially a decade
on more than twenty hikes in a just a couple
after his first rise to statewide stardom, we
of months. And then it happened.
set off down the trail toward the waterfall,
while he retold the story of becoming an
Ramsey said, just before he pointed out a
expert influencer years before before the
tiny frog camouflaged on a rock and warned
social media boom.
me to watch out for snakes instead. “I looked
for local media opportunities to be an expert
Cory
In the summer of 2009, Ramsey was
“This place here was actually layoff hike
layoff
hikes
became
the
“This notion hits to be a travel writer,”
working on a factory line at Bowling Green
on one thing.”
Metalforming. The Hickman, Ky. native
was a transplant to Bowling Green thanks
Ramsey’s first chance to tell hiking stories.
to WKU. The plant announced it was laying
After a simple ask and conversation about
off several employees for a couple of months
what he’d been doing on 20-plus hikes,
because of the economic downturn that
the publisher gave him an opportunity to
hit the whole country. Ramsey, a broadcast
write an article about hiking in southern
journalism graduate turned welder, suddenly
Kentucky. Then the momentum picked up
had “vacation” time to kill.
when he called an old journalism friend from
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SOKY
Happenings
Magazine
SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
was
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media personalities on his journey to influencer fame. But The Outdoorsman wasn’t just making a local splash. A friend sent a video of a TV segment to Elaine Wilson, the director of the newlydeveloped Kentucky Adventure
Tourism
office in Frankfort. Adventure
Tourism
was working on a his WKU days, Laura Rogers, the
project designed to
host of Midday Live at WBKO
get more publicity
TV in Bowling Green. Ramsey’s
for Kentucky State
first TV segment was “How to
Parks, and was in
Pack a Backpack.”
need of a few repre-
“The ‘Outdoorsman’ name
sentatives to travel
came about because Laura needed
the
a title about who I was. Thought
and share stories of
of Hiker or Adventurer, but set-
its land. The Out-
tled on Outdoorsman,” Ramsey
doorsman was a per-
said.
fect fit.
The magazine article and
TV spots were a hit. The Out-
bridled
doorsman took his expertise to
Tour took Ramsey
the radio airwaves when long-
all over the state as
Commonwealth
The
Un-
Adventure
time DJ and local personality Tony Rose hosted The
he became an ambassador for Kentucky Tourism and
Outdoorsman on his morning show. Now the host
state parks. Writing blogs and making videos of hikes
of Tony Rose Live on D93 WDNS radio in Bowling
and unique travels gave The Outdoorsman even more
Green, Rose remembers The Outdoorsman shenani-
opportunities to find a niche audience. Encouraging
gans well.
people to get outside and experience nature is a posi-
tive message that’s being reinforced even more so to-
“Having the chance to hear and share the stories
that Cory collected over the years with our audience
day given how much society relies on technology.
has opened the doors to adventures for our listeners
that are right in our own backyard,” Rose said.
man being featured on the cover of Kentucky Living
By the fall of 2009, The Outdoorsman had
Magazine three times. Even Camping Life Magazine
monthly segments on TV and radio, plus a monthly
called and gave him national exposure. By 2012, at
local magazine article. He was your go-to guy for hik-
the dawn of social media influencing, Ramsey had a
ing tips all over Kentucky. If you look hard enough
new spin on his travels. Called Map Dot, Kentucky,
through the social media vaults of Facebook, you
Ramsey put together a group of road trippers from his
might find photos of The Outdoorsman with these
tourism and media contacts. The group ventured on
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Over the next few years, it led to The Outdoors-
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mini trips all over the state and shared photos and sto-
skills would come in handy someday.”
ries along the way, becoming social media sensations.
The Map Dot crew visited all 120 Kentucky counties twice, was featured on every major TV station from Pikeville to Paducah, took interviews from newspapers all over the Commonwealth,
Ramsey’s experience as The Outdoorsman is a nos-
talgic reminder of what it was like to become an influencer in the days before targeted posts and live streaming social media.
and Ramsey landed a TV
documentary on KET pro-
ioned way back then. There weren’t
duced by State Run Media.
these
It was on the Map Dot
journey that Ramsey met his future wife, Mrs. Map Dot. Monica Spees Ramsey was a
“You had to do it the old-fash-
social
media
celebrities,”
Ramsey said. “You had real TV, real newspapers and magazines. I have a lot of people to thank for that help
Bowling Green Daily News
and am curious to see what the next
reporter in 2014, assigned to
generation comes up with while I
cover a story on a traveling
step back and support.”
Mutual of Omaha team stopping at the National Corvette Museum to hold auditions for its “Aha!” moment com-
We made it to the Shanty Hol-
low waterfall, then ran into another hiker taking photos. The Outdoors-
mercials. Ramsey was audi-
man happened to know
tioning, sharing the Map Dot story and
them as a former co-
the timing was just right for an interview.
worker, and they said
“He may not have been featured in
the commercial, but I like to think that we both had an ‘Aha’ moment that day,” Monica said. “Cory likes to say I wrote
they’ve been hiking more ever since he preached about it back in the day.
a story about him and he liked it so well
The Outdoorsman said
that he married me. I knew my writing
he’s retired. For now.
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COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, & CHARACTER THE DNA OF EVERY GIRL SCOUT
STORY & PHOTOS BY
BRAD GOLLIHER
As
I cruised over Eggner’s Ferry
will host several 9-day camp “sessions” for young
Bridge suspended high above the
girls, encouraging them to step outside their
bright blue waters of Kentucky
comfort zone, learn new skills and “getting back to
Lake, I recalled my summer camp experience at
nature”. At Bear Creek, an aquatic camp, many of
Land Between the Lakes, the loud bunk rooms,
the unit activities are focused on water. I witnessed
the trust falls and the swim races from the dock.
girls paddle boarding for the first time, learning
Twenty minutes later I pull through the gates of
to sail, and taking mud facials in the red clay that
Bear Creek Camp and was being graciously greeted
lines the lake.
by Kristin Johnson, interim Outdoor Experience
Manager for Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana.
while at Bear Creek are what you would expect
at
Bear Creek Camp is a 182 acre camp, opened
Other activities the girls will experience summer
camp:
archery,
word
working,
in 1980 and nestled on two-and-a-half miles
canoeing, but the camp also offers other learning
of Kentucky Lake shoreline and is one of two
opportunities like digital media. The goal of
resident camps facilitated by Girl Scouts of
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana is to empower young
Kentuckiana. Throughout the summer, the camp
women to build courage, confidence, and character
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by conquering challenges, caring for others and gaining independence
Over one hundred years after Juliette Gordon
“Daisy” Low organized the first Girl Scout troop in Savannah, Georgia, the sense of adventure and a belief that girls can do anything lives within 2.5 million strong “G.I.R.L.”s (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader).
The Girl Scouts are more than cookies. They are
preparing young women for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure through five key steps: • Developing a strong sense of self • Displaying positive values • Seeking challenges and learning from setbacks • Forming and maintaining healthy relationships • Learning to identify and solve problems in her community 16 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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They also place an emphasis on teaching
important
skills
like
science,
technology,
engineering, and math, outdoor skills, life skills and entrepreneurship.
According to girlscouts.org, half of all
U.S. businesswomen, 73% of current female senators, and many of the women who have flown in space were Girl Scouts. Every year, Girl Scouts collectively spend tens of millions of hours improving their communities.
The Kentuckiana council, headquartered
in Louisville, serves more than 20,000 girls and adults in 64 counties throughout the region, so chances are a troop is near you.
Take the lead like a Girl Scout!
Go online at gskentuckiana.org to find a
troop or a program learning center. Summer camp registration opens Black Friday.
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BY MICHELLE HOWELL
5 Ways to
GROW HEALTHY KIDS 18 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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Most of the adults I know, myself included, spend a lot of time thinking about ways to improve our health. The most basic ways to achieve better health seem to come most naturally to children.
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PHOTOS BY SHELLEY AND PORTUGAL
C
ould it be that as we invest in the long
encouraged in more effective ways when kids are
term health of younger generations
encouraged to let their creative side run wild.
that we are actually improving our
own health as well? I believe so.
With five children of my own and the
There are a lot of ways to nurture a child’s
creativity. It could be with traditional “arts” like
opportunity to witness lots of kids connecting
coloring or painting, but it could also be starting
to farm life in new ways, I’ve discovered that
a kid business or solving a personal problem.
eating more fruits and vegetables improves our health, but there are other things that are just as important.
A child’s self-esteem soars when they begin to recognize that they are capable of making something out of nothing.
CREATE
There are physical, mental, spiritual and
social benefits for children taking time to get in touch with their creative side. The neural
TRY THIS: Set aside time and space for your child to experiment with something entirely new to them. It could be a new art form like
connections and pathways being formed so
pottery or sharing a talent with a non-profit they
quickly during childhood are stimulated and
are passionate about.
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BREATHE
We are starting to learn more about the side effects
NOURISH
One of the ways we encourage healthy eating in our
of a busy, high-stress lifestyle and particularly what
home is with the never-ending fruit bowl. When my
that does to the brains and behaviors of children. Many
children were younger and hungry all the time I found
children hold their breath or take shallow breaths when they feel anxious. A simple tool that we’ve used is to teach our kids to stop, relax and breathe.
Find a few times during the day to encourage your
kids to stop and take a few deep breaths. It slows down their heart rate, clears their mind and lowers stress levels. First thing in the morning, before meals, or as you are winding down before bed are good times to give this a try. Allowing our minds to rest for a while is a good thing as boredom can actually fuel creativity.
that placing a big bowl of fruit in the center of our home helped encourage little fingers to grab something nutritious and filling instead of a sugary or salty snack. The same practice serves my older kids well as they need a “grab and go” snack between activities.
Want to get kids more interested in fresh food?
Consider shopping at the farmers market, visit a local farm or grow your own garden. Learning where our food comes from is a great motivator to get kids to try new fruits and vegetables they haven’t tried before.
TRY THIS: Start a daily ritual of practicing
Another great way to get kids interested in fresh food is
mindfulness as a family. This could come in the form of
to encourage them to prepare their own meals from time
meditation, yoga, or an afternoon walk. Even three minutes
to time. Start with something simple like cooked eggs
of quiet time goes a long way towards a more restful spirit.
and cut up fruit. As kids get older they may begin to
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prepare some of the meals for the entire
sunshine is an important benefit to kids
family.
health.
For younger kids, this usually
is as simple as finding a spot outdoors
TRY THIS: Visit one of the Warren
to play. Older kids might benefit from
County Library’s seed library catalogs where
more structured and organized activities.
you can check out up to five packets of seeds
per day for free! The library also offers a
up to be physically active for their entire
large variety of books on gardening, farming,
lives.
When kids are more physically
and food preparation for kids of all ages.
active
they
Teaching kids to explore sets them
develop
strong
muscles
and bones, maintain a healthy weight,
EXPLORE
decrease their risk of Type 2 Diabetes,
probably spend time with an electronic
their future that’s worth making.
sleep better and have a more positive
If given the choice most kids would
device of some kind.
outlook on life.
It’s an investment in
That’s why it’s
important to set aside time during the day
TRY THIS: The outdoor classroom
to be intentionally active, and if possible,
and butterfly house at Lost River Cave is the
outdoors.
perfect place for an afternoon adventure.
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Time spent outside in the
SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
“A SIMPLE TOOL THAT WE’VE USED IS TO TEACH OUR KIDS TO STOP, RELAX AND BREATHE.”
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HYDRATE
Phil Moore Park, a 174-acre park located in Bowling
fishing, kayaking and canoeing on Drakes Creek.
One of the basic needs we tend to overlook is
Green features year-round access to swimming,
good hydration. Staying well-hydrated benefits our digestion, skin, and an overall sense of well-being. Encourage your kids to start off their day with a tall glass of water. It’s a great way to get digestion going and ensure that no matter how busy the day gets that they’ve got a good start on their water intake. Divide your child’s body weight by two and encourage them to drink that many ounces of water per day.
Drinking is not the only way that water makes
kids healthier. Whether listening to a gentle creek,
TRY THIS: Purchase a special water cup or bottle for each person in your family and place it in a convenient place.
While there is no such thing as raising perfect
kids we can build new routines that create sustainable changes over time. In our home, we like to wrap healthy lifestyle choices up with a whole lot of grace.
exploring at a river, fishing at the lake, or watching
Instead of using words that might embarrass kids
the waves at the beach spending time near moving
about their current choices we like to come up with
water has mental and physical benefits for kids.
new routines that create sustainable changes over
Being near water makes us generally happier while
time. With our encouragement, kids might even
also encouraging us to get more physically active.
come up with their own solutions.
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BY CAITLIN ELL W GREEN
A Rich History
FOR LOST RIVER CAVE 24 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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Located along the stretch of U.S. 31-W formerly known as the Dixie Highway, Lost River Cave is a tourist attraction unique to Bowling Green and the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the state’s only underground boat tour.
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FRIENDS OF THE LOST RIVER
A
round 80,000 people visit the Lost River
Cave each year, learning about the cave’s
the cave served as the home of one of the very first
rich history dating back more than
businesses in Warren County when the cave’s mill
10,000 years with its first human inhabitants, said
began operating as early as 1792, Lansden said.
executive director Rho Lansden.
This helped establish Bowling Green as a center for
commerce in the region.
Lansden said the cave and the surrounding
Long after the first humans occupied the area,
valley were used as shelters for Paleo-Indians
and other Native American groups. The area was
grains turned into useful products like wheat or
attractive to these groups because it was rich in
corn or barley,” Lansden said. “They also used the
wildlife due to its aboveground bodies of water.
mill to power things like carding machines for wool
“I hate to be glib about this, but the valley area
and power sawmills. Anytime there was a body of
was almost the fast-food equivalent to finding food
water that had some flow to it, like a river, you
for those groups of people,” she said. “In a karst or
could get all the gears and the wheels turning that
cave region like we are in, with very little above-
could provide hydraulic power for these kinds of
ground water, the cave and valley would attract a lot
operations.”
of wildlife.”
Lansden said Native American groups left
Union and Confederate troops in the Civil War.
traces of their hunting culture behind, which has
Soldiers would camp in the area because of the fresh
been documented by archaeological groups from
aboveground water, Lansden said.
Western Kentucky University and the University
of Kentucky over the past 30 years.
said. “Inside the cave we have a number of soldiers’
“We can tell they were here behind some of
signatures. They would use smoke from their
our older trees and rock formations,” Lansden
candles to write their names in the ceiling of the
said. “You can find caches of arrowheads and spear
cave.”
points that they would be sitting there whittling
as they waited for dinner to show up. If a piece of
place for respite and exploration.
flint that they were working chipped off in a way
that wasn’t usable, they would just drop it to the
troop number inside the cave,” she said. “There was
ground and pick up another piece and start working
never a battle here. It was mainly a staging area for
on something else.”
troops who were moving through the area, so they
Research proves drier caves provide a better
used it to regroup and reorganize and would move
environment for the preservation of fibers, wood,
out to another location where they might encounter
tools and even human bodies. Since Lost River
the other side.”
Cave is an active, wet cave, most of the delicate
artifacts that were left behind by these peoples have
prehistoric and Civil War history of the cave,
deteriorated. However, Lansden said the cave’s
they will also take with them the local Jesse James
entrance and areas along the valley have yielded
legend, Lansden said.
cache findings.
www.bgkyliving.com
“Without the mill, farmers could not have
The cave’s resources also proved useful to both
“This was all farm land at the time,” Lansden
Lansden said soldiers would use the cave as a “Many soldiers would leave their name and their
While today’s tourists will learn about the
“Jesse James may have hid out in the cave after
SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
. BOWLING GREEN LIVING
25
robbing the Southern Deposit Bank in Russellville in 1868,” Lansden said. “That’s always been something that people really love to hear about.”
This legend has been told since the 1930s,
when guests of the Historic Cavern Nite Club were treated to a guided walking tour in the cave.
The Historic Cavern Nite Club, beloved from
1933 through the early 1960s, was a popular stop for jazz artists in its day due to its proximity to the
Cave Entrance
Dixie Highway and its natural “air conditioning,” Lansden said.
The Historic Cavern Nite Club eventually
closed after the introduction of the interstate system.
“The Dixie Highway was a main thoroughfare,
connecting all these little towns but when the interstate system came online in the late 1950s and 1960s, the Dixie Highway was no longer the popular route to take,” Lansden said. “And at the same time, the Holiday Inn took business away from all the little motor courts and motels that had individual
Dance Floor
cabins. All of that, plus the fact buildings became air conditioned, caused the demise of the Nite Club.”
In its interim years, between the 1960s and
1990, the cave became a dumping ground, Lansden said.
“In karst or cave country, farmers and everyone
who didn’t give it a second thought, would throw things into sinkholes and caves,” she said. “And lo and behold they would just disappear over time. So the whole entire valley kind of became a dumping ground for people who were not willing to take
Looking Down at Entrance 26 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
their old cars and refrigerators to a proper water disposal area.”
In 1990, the Friends of the Lost River was
created. The purpose of their mission was to clean up, restore and preserve the cave, Lansden said.
For the next eight years, the founders of the
nonprofit organization worked nights, weekends
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and even opened their own personal checkbooks
to start removing trash and having the place
26-county area from Louisville over to Land
revitalized, Lansden said.
Between the Lakes that provides nature-centered
Eventually, in 1999, Lansden was hired as
education for those teachers and their students,”
the first paid employee and the Lost River Cave
Lansden said. “We have about 3,500 to 4,000
underground boat tour was introduced.
children visit every school year.”
While most parks are owned by government
“We are the only organization within a
Those in the community who become a
entity, Lansden said Lost River Cave is owned by
member of the cave enjoy many benefits, and
the Friends of the Lost River.
those funds go directly to keep the costs of the
“As a nonprofit organization, tourism is our
main source of funding,” Lansden said.
Preservation of the cave and conversation of
the land surrounding the cave provides for the long-term safety of the historic site. Lansden said she and her team have fought off threats of selling the property for a shopping center and other developments.
Additionally, the mission of the Friends of
the Lost River has expanded to not only include conservation but also education.
“When I started here, I knew this would be
nature programs down, Lansden said.
“Nearly 93 percent of the schools that come
here are Title 1 schools or free-lunch schools,” Lansden said. “Those families have very limited means. Most of those children will never have the opportunity to visit even a state park. By having this programming available for Warren County and the other 26 counties that we serve, it really gives children an opportunity to put that screen down and see what is real in the world and connects them.”
a beautiful place for a nature center one day,”
Lansden said. “Our work, particularly in the last
teach kids that there’s something other than a
two years, has been to expand on the availability
screen,” Lansden said.
of low-cost nature-centered education.”
The cave’s nature education programs have
programming and cave tours, Lost River Cave
become so popular, they actually have to turn
currently provides walking trails, venue rentals,
schools away at some points during the year.
zipline adventures, the Charlie Miller Butterfly
Lansden said her goal is to have a dedicated
Habitat and adult nature programs. Learn more
nature education center on site very soon.
by visiting www.lostrivercave.org.
www.bgkyliving.com
“It’s the greatest joy in my life to be able to
In addition to its school-focused nature
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. BOWLING GREEN LIVING
27
A
nthony Mason has the Latin phrase “sic parvis magna” tattooed behind an ear. Translating to “greatness from small beginnings,” Mason said he uses this quote as a
reminder to live his life to its fullest despite any hardship.
“I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family, and that drove
me to reach greatness through my actions,” Mason said. “Discovering the unknown and uncharted drives me.”
Mason isn’t your typical 23-year-old. He’s already
completed a record-setting transatlantic row, climbed one of the most dangerous sections of Denali in Alaska and is currently studying at an important archaeological site.
Originally from Tampa, Fla., Mason is currently a
senior at Western Kentucky University. He is studying anthropology and folklore, already having completed a degree in biophysics.
Mason’s resume also bears his membership to the
Triple Nine Society, an international high IQ society for adults whose standardized test scores demonstrate an IQ at or above the 99.9th percentile, and the Explorers Club.
According to its website, the Explorers Club is an
elite club promoting the scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
“The Explorers Club is a symbol of exploration,
commitment and success to me,” Mason said. “The club gave me hope at a young age, which turned to reality very quickly.”
Mason said he can remember reading about the
Explorers Club’s members and their research and explorations as a kid. The club’s roster of members include the first to the North Pole, the South Pole, the summit of Mount Everest, the deepest point in the ocean and the
BY CAITLIN GREENWELL
surface of the moon.
“I think being part of the club gives me high
expectations of myself and to dream even bigger,” he said.
CREATING A
Legacy
and, most importantly, from written word.
. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
“I think my zest for adventure first came through the
pages of books,” Mason said. “Whether that be from old National Geographic magazines my mother would buy me every time we went to the store or books I fell in love with like the original ‘Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling.”
But reading the pages of his favorite magazines and
novels wasn’t enough to keep Mason’s mind occupied.
28 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
Mason said his passion for exploration came about an
early age, fueled by his family’s desire to seek adventure
“I had to live out my own adventures and create a www.bgkyliving.com
story of my own,” Mason said. “I was seduced by the lure of
remains of horses from Pleistocene times. The other sites
adventure and exploring since I was a kid and it only grew
revolve around Apache history and Paleo-Indian mammoth
stronger as time went on.”
hunters, he said.
Mason said his sense of adventure comes honestly. His
Upon arrival at Lubbock Lake Excavation, Mason said
father, Brian, was in the Air Force and his mother, Kim, would
his study location was changed to more dangerous sites due to
always take him storm chasing, hiking and biking when he
his heightened forensics and environmental skills.
was young. Mason’s brother, Jayden, has joined him on his
adventures and his sister, Destinie, wants to major in zoology
other dangerous things,” Mason said. “The post site can be a
with the dream of owning her own zoo.
very dangerous site if you don’t know what you’re doing. We
Currently, Mason is completing a six-week study at
stay in a shanty basically, with bathrooms about 90 yards away
Lubbock Lake Excavation, where he is working at four
with only three walls in the middle of the ancient southern
different sites. One location, Spring Creek Site 370, is a site
plains. There’s barely any running water, we’re surrounded by
that holds over 600 million years of history.
masons, tarantulas and other spiders, coyotes, cacti, aoudads
and the heat.”
“I’m studying a mammoth that dates to 2.58 million years
“The environment has a lot of rattlesnakes along with
ago,” Mason said. “The excavation happens to be a rescue
excavation as well before the cliff side, weighing around 1,000
isn’t surprising in the least.
pounds falls with the remains in it, destroying context and
even bones.”
myself in dangerous environments,” Mason said. “And human
endurance is something I’m very interested in.”
Mason said this particular site also holds an unidentified
He said the temperature reaching 109 degrees at the sites “I’m still interested in the study because I’ve always put
carnivore — likely a dire wolf.
expedition he titled Leviathan.
At Horse Lake Site 358, Mason said he and others are
working to find a connection between modern horses and
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Next, Mason will lead a National Geographic sponsored His Leviathan expedition will be a 3,280-plus mile row
SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
. BOWLING GREEN LIVING
29
from Virginia Beach, Va., to Baffin Bay,
to the frozen mountains of Tianzhu to
stopping at archaeology sites along the
write an ethnography about a village,
coast of Labrador.
participating in marine archaeology
“The row will be the first of its type
excavations in New Zealand and learning
with marine and coastal archaeological
as much as I can about cultures around
exploration being the foundation,” Mason
the globe through exploration,” Mason
said.
Mason has recruited a well-qualified
team to make sure his expedition goes off without a hitch. In fact, Tori Murden McClure — the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean, the first woman to ski the geographic South Pole and the first woman to climb Lewis Nunatak in the Antarctic — is helping him with his boat design.
30 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
said.
Ultimately, Mason said he wants to
impact the world around him with his adventures and explorations.
“Throughout history, the boldest
have dared to go further,” Mason said. “They risk death, and in doing so live on forever through legacies left behind. What drives these few and me to the ends of the
After his Leviathan expedition,
earth? The desire to discover something
Mason has plans of climbing the 10
more, the search for something greater.”
highest mountains in the world as fast as
he can. This is just one among many other
full of unanswered questions, but he is
goals.
willing to seek those answers.
. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
“My next explorations include going
Mason said he knows the world is
“I want to create a legacy.”
www.bgkyliving.com
THE
DISH Indoor S'MORES DIP Don't let rainy weather ruin your camping trip! Everybody can still have a lot of fun with indoor camping. With a fort made from blankets, some scary stories around candles (or even a fireplace show on TV), and this easy s'mores dip, rain (and bugs) won't be an issue. Follow the instructions below for this simple dip that tastes just like the campfire favorite!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: ›› ›› ›› ››
cast iron skillet marshmallows chocolate chips graham crackers
INSTRUCTIONS:
PHOTOS AND RECIPE BY JAMIE ALEXANDER
›› Preheat oven to 450 degrees ›› Line the bottom of your skillet with a layer of chocolate chips (however much you'd like, but make sure the entire bottom of the skillet is covered) ›› Add a single layer of marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips ›› Bake in the oven until you see the marshmallows toasted (around 5-6 minutes). ›› Use the graham crackers to dip.
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THE
DISH
Campfire BANANA BOATS PHOTOS AND RECIPE BY JAMIE ALEXANDER
32 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
www.bgkyliving.com
Planning on doing a lot of camping this fall and want to make the classic s’mores recipe a little more exciting? Banana boats are just as easy to make as s’mores and are customizable with whatever ingredients you’d like. Just make sure when you make these, your bananas aren’t too ripe and your fire isn’t too hot (or you will end up with melted banana goo). These will definitely keep everybody huddled around the campfire!
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WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
TOPPING SUGGESTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS:
›› ›› ›› ›› ››
›› mini marshmallows ›› chocolate chips ›› crushed graham crackers ›› cereal ›› strawberries or blueberries ›› caramel bits ›› nuts ›› coconut ›› Nutella ›› peanut butter
›› Cut each banana down the middle. You’ll want to cut all the way through the banana, but not the peel on the other side. Spread the banana apart to create the “boat” for the toppings. ›› Fill each banana with the toppings you desire. ›› Wrap each banana in aluminum foil, then place the bananas on the campfire embers (if your fire is hot/high you may want to use a grill grate). ›› Let them cook for 5-8 minutes before removing them from the fire with tongs (when they’re finished, they’ll be a bit squishy). Enjoy!
bananas aluminum foil toppings tongs kitchen knife
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34 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
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THE
STYLE
PA I D A D V E R T O R I A L
Adventure is a
STATE OF MIND BY BRAD GOLLIHER
A
dventure doesn’t have to be scuba diving in the Caribbean or hiking in the Swiss Alps. Adventure
is a state of mind that you can carry wherever you go, even if it’s just down the road! You don’t have to go far to explore and discover. You can have outdoor adventures anywhere! As long as you are curious and have an open mind, you can find adventures even in a place you’ve called home forever.
Traveling right in your own backyard is one of the
best ways to add more travel in your life. Traveling outside your backyard can simply mean a day trip or a weekend getaway. It’s a great way to get away and feel rejuvenated. There’s a great, big, awe-inspiring world out there just waiting to captivate, provoke, and intrigue on souls, making us healthier and happier. Getting outside more also helps maintain stronger muscles and bones, better eyesight, and gives our immune system a helping hand.
Being outdoors is fun. A LOT OF FUN! It’s just
you and the great outdoors – no cities, no traffic, no TV or media, no toys, no distractions. Kids are content to find sticks, make up games, chop wood, get dirty, and use their imaginations out in the wild. And then there is that fresh mountain air. Ahhhhh. And the campfire. Oh, the campfires! Sitting huddled around a campfire, swapping stories, laughing, and roasting marshmallows are absolutely priceless memories. But our favorite part? 36 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NAT’S OUTDOOR SPORTS
Sleeping under the stars, with only the sounds of nature (next to a river is our favorite) to fall asleep and wake up to.
Getting outdoors is HARD, especially with a family. You
will shoulder a pack load of extra gear, food and massive tents. Packing and unpacking take as long as the trip itself and a simple rain shower can turn into an epic turn of events. It can feel daunting getting all that gear ready for a camping trip, whether it is a weekend up in the mountains or a two week camping road trip.
Getting outside should be simple but the truth is that travel
planning can be tough. Where do you even start? Time? Money? Skills? Gear?
Well, we found help. Nat’s Outdoor Sports is a true Bowling
Green icon celebrating 46 years. Known near and far, Nat’s has a passion for life outdoors and equipping you with the gear needed to be one with nature. Their curated team of athletes and experts will provide unmatched customer service when assisting you with all your outdoor needs. Whether that be pitching a tent in
The Rain-ToShine Wares Packable layers are key for taking on
your backyard, paddling down Drake’s Creek, or climbing the
anything Mother Nature throws your
highest peak of a mountain, Nat’s is the perfect companion to aid
way. Start with a pair of track pants —
you in achieving your outdoor goals.
their length provides extra protection
Nat’s is a family owned business that was established in
from the elements and extra warmth for
1973 by Nat Love. Nat’s started as L&M Bookstore on Western
chillier nights. A long-sleeve button-up
Kentucky University’s campus in 1971 before adding an adjacent
can be worn over a shirt or tied around
Bike Store in 1973. As the business grew, Nat’s expanded three
your waist for later use. Comfortable
more times and is currently located at 1121 Wilkinson Trace.
shoes with proper grip underfoot are
Nat’s daughter, Lisa Love Martens joined the business in 1985
a must, as well as a lightweight, roomy
and currently owns and operates the business.
backpack.
Nat’s is filled with fabulous finds from leading outdoor
retailers both big and small. From casual to luxurious, Nat’s has scoured the industry in search of unique, functional, and quality outdoor supplies for a one-of-a-kind adventure for you and your family. Hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing are loads of fun! But you don’t have to sacrifice your style for comfort. A good solid pair of boots and a quality jacket will keep you warm, dry and looking sharp. Just make sure to layer so you can add or subtract as your temperature changes and always bring a lightweight rain jacket for hiking. Quality gear should last you a long time and make your time in the outdoors more enjoyable.
You’ll find a variety of different types of products from
camping must-haves, hiking and biking essentials, to clothing and photography equipment best suited to the outdoors. Nat’s www.bgkyliving.com
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Nat’s Outdoor Sports | 1121 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, Kentucky 42103 (270) 842-6211 | www.natsoutdoor.com
stocks a large assortment of premier lifestyle clothing, footwear, kayaks, bikes, camping gear and much more… Nat’s also has a Bike Shop & Repair on site.
Nat’s Outdoor Sports is also known for their
involvement in the community by supporting many local events and fundraisers. Over the past 20 years Nat’s has
biking, camping or just stargazing, simply put, Nat’s
The H20-Ready Option
is the ideal source for the traveler or adventurer that
It may be fall, but that doesn’t eliminate the possibility
wants to experience the beauty of untamed nature, while
of swimming, paddling, floating, or jumping into the
maintaining a certain level of comfort, style and quality.
nearest body of water. Choose pieces that dry off fast
So if you’re a complete outdoor newbie or have
for this very purpose. Water shoes and a bucket hat
trekked all around the globe, Nat’s is the place you’ll find
for sun protection, and utility shorts equipped with
gear, trip advice, and quality service to help you simplify
extra pockets are clutch for stashing any valuables
your adventure planning – so you can stop making
during your next swim.
donated over 4,000 bikes to underprivileged children. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, rock climbing,
excuses and start spending more time outside.
The Cozy Campfire Ensemble Being as comfy as possible is paramount when winding down at the end of the day. Start with a breathable base layer, which you can wear around camp or on your next expedition. Break out your softest, warmest pair of socks and get down to the very important business of marshmallow roasting.
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. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
www.bgkyliving.com
www.bgkyliving.com
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. BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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THE
STYLE
e k i L a Sp y t i l i u q Tran n w O r i e In Th d r a y k c a B 40 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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BY BRAD GOLLIHER // PHOTOS BY LOREN GIFFORD
“Shades or no shades?” David Kimbel jokes as he sips sweet tea on his back patio. The sound of the pool’s water feature almost drowns out the neighbor mowing his lawn, but it doesn’t bother the Kimbels as they relax around the glowing fire pit. In
2017,
when
the
Kimbels
purchased their home, the backyard left a lot to the imagination. “The kitchen is what sold me before I even saw the house
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to run, but nowhere for the Kimbels to entertain. Kelly and David quickly realized they needed a backyard upgrade. They contacted King Contracting and immediately got to work planning their intimate backyard oasis.
Adam King leveled the back yard
with the base of the house and installed a leisure pool built with the Kimbels in mind. They customized the pool design a little deeper to avoid the awkward knee deep water the shallow end, like most
in person,” said Kelly Kimbel. The
pools. They furnished their new space
home’s interior was beautifully designed
with wicker loungers and couches, fitted
by home builder Senad Veletanlic, but
with plush navy and cream cushions.
the outside…. well, it was green. The
They installed flowing curtains around
backyard was just that, a yard, that
the upper sitting area, giving their space
sloped gradually towards a drainage
an almost beach spa resort feel. The
area, with plenty of room for the kids
accent pieces are kept at a minimal,
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. BOWLING GREEN LIVING
41
allowing the space to remain clean and intimate. Bella and
life to the open space. “Lindsey really knocked it out of the
Brody, along with their canine companion Brooks, enjoy the
park!” Kelly exclaims.
fenced side yard complete with a playground set, hammock
for napping and some room to throw around the football.
of relaxation that puts you in arm’s reach of nature. Outdoor
The Kimbels say when they’re not camping they spend
rooms have become more casual versions of what’s going
almost every evening outside enjoying the sunsets and
on indoors and the Kimbel’s outdoor living space does just
tranquility of the space. While the children proclaim the pool
that. The flow from living room, kitchen, to outdoor sitting
as the best part of the renovation, David has a different idea
space, and back through is unobstructed and easily navigable
of relaxing outdoors - football on the patio. “In the fall I’ll
allowing a consistent flow while entertaining.
watch every game out here if I can. Nothing is better than a
warm fire and the game on the TV,” he excitedly says.
residential setting. But they have plans to make their outdoor
Recently the Kimbels enlisted the help of Lindsey
room more functional. “We are planning a detached garage
Sewell, owner of The Greenhouse of Bowling Green, to bring
with a patio and wood burning fireplace,” Kelly noted, “We
some green into the space. Lindsey added shrubs and plants
want to make our back yard an unforgettable space that we
in decorative planters creating privacy and bringing more
will enjoy for years.”
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. SEPTEMBER // OCTOBER 2019
The great thing about an outdoor room is that it’s a place
For now the Kimbels have created their paradise within a
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HIDDEN RIVER CAVE
GETAWAY
THE
y tr n u o C e v a C n i 36 HOURS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CAVES COUNTRY TRAILS INITIATIVE & MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK
BY BRAD GOLLIHER
M
ost of us probably don’t consider our hometowns and cities as being tourist destinations, but staycations are about discovering what we have around us and
Friday Start
your
staycation
enjoying
the
magnificent
day trips are great for exploring beyond the confines of
chambers and twisting labyrinths of Mammoth Cave
your normal routine. Whatever you decide upon, remember
National Park. Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest
that the key is to steer towards adventure.
cave system with over 400 miles of explored caverns. The
“Cave Country” is home to Mammoth Cave National
National Park offers a variety of tours for a variety of ages
Park, Diamond Caverns, Hidden River Cave, Lost River
and abilities. The Historic Tour is perfect for a family
Cave, Mammoth Onyx Cave, Onyx Cave and Outlaw Cave
looking to experience something amazing.
and lies directly beneath four counties (Warren, Barren,
If spelunking isn’t your speed, while above ground,
Hart and Edmonson). These counties have many more
visitors can enjoy the many trails, camping, river access,
activities for you to experience adventure.
and horseback riding at the park. Or head on down the
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road to Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo where you can experience loads of interactive encounters with animals, like petting a kangaroo, feeding the lorikeets, or holding a snake.
If all this adventuring makes you hungry, visit the
Mammoth Cave Hotel for both sit-down and cafe-style dining.
Whether you’re a family, couple or a solo traveler, you
can rest easy at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave or pitch a tent at some of the many campgrounds surrounding the park.
Saturday After a great night’s rest, start your morning in
DENNISON’S MARKET
Munfordville and fuel up for a day of adventuring at Murray’s Restaurant, a local favorite serving home cooked family style meals. Or grab a hand-crafted coffee or pastry at The Brew House to get you going. Make your way over to Kentucky Stonehenge, a miniature recreation of the original Stonehenge, made of stone by Chester Fryer. The estate also displays several of Chester’s rock works including Earth Mysteries, The Garden of Gethsemane, Rock Gardens, and Rock Park. For the history buffs, visit the historic Chapline Building in downtown Munfordville. The building houses the Hart County Historical Society’s collection of historic objects, images, books, maps and papers relating
KENTUCKY DOWN UNDER
to the history of Hart County. From the Chapline Building, you can begin the Old Munfordville Walking Tour. A historic tour made up of historical buildings and sites have a special place in the establishment of Munfordville.
For lunch grab a bite at the Munfordville Pool Hall,
a locally owned restaurant featuring hamburgers, cheese fries, chili dogs and more.
Get yourself back to nature and make a stop in Horse
Cave where the Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum is a must see! The cave has one of Kentucky’s largest & most scenic historic cave entrances. Get your adrenaline fix by rappelling down the cave wall,
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WIGWAM VILLAGE
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MAMMOTH CAVE RAFINESQUE HALL TOUR
ziplining over the entrance or walk across the world’s
longest underground swinging bridge. Cave tours are
head back to Horse Cave and grab some good local
also available where you can learn about the diversity
home cookin’ at 5 Broke Girls, an American restaurant
of life inside caves and formations only found in karst
offering homestyle cooking with a Texas twist.
formations.
Retire after a long day at one of America’s most
unique motels, Wigwam Village Inn #2. Wigwam
To cool down after all the exploring, take a slow stroll
through Maple Avenue Park, a beautiful green space in downtown Horse Cave behind the historic Thomas House. The park is dotted with benches, picnic tables and a 1/3 mile walking trail. Grab a quick and energizing snack at Dennison’s Roadside Market, there you’ll find seasonal flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, Amish baskets, and Kentucky Proud products.
After stocking up on some delicious artisan cheese,
Village Inn #2 was completed in 1937 and is only one of three remaining villages in the United States. It is an opportunity to slow down and share a real, family vacation. The village is listed on the Kentucky and National Historical Registers. Yogi
Bear’s
Jellystone
Park’s
affordable
and
comfortable cabins are also a great option for traveling
Or take the scenic drive to Kenny’s Farmhouse
families. Just minutes away in Cave City, the park is
Cheese, where you can tour the 350-acre Mattingly
a great destination for relaxing and having fun with
Family Farm, visit their facility and observe the cheese
friends and family. Have a blast on their Jumping
making process made from dairy cows raised right on
Pillow, a 300’ waterslide, mini-golf, two huge pools,
the farm.
splashpad and beach.
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BREW HOUSE
Sunday Finish your staycation off with a little relaxation on the water. With easy access to Barren River Lake, Nolin
NOLIN LAKE
KENNY’S CHEESE
If you’re more into long distance cycling, US Bike Route 23 is a newly nationally certified route traveling through “Cave Country” and connects with the trail at the Tennessee border and with the Transamerica. The 109-mile
Lake, the Green River, “Cave Country” is peppered with
route travels through the small towns and historic sites of
an abundance of canoe, kayak and boating opportunities.
Kentucky.
Rent a boat from the Barren River State Park, Cave Country
Before heading home, fill up one last time on down-
Canoe, Green River Canoeing or Mammoth Cave Canoe &
home Southern fare at The Watermill Restaurant, a laid-
Kayak to experience the beauty of Kentucky rivers and
back, family-owned local staple with buffet and menu
lake.
options.
If the kids still need to burn some energy, let them
run at Kentucky Action Park in Cave City, your one stop
at the The Lookout Restaurant. Less than four miles from
for vacation fun. The kids will love the western themed
Mammoth Cave National Park, The Lookout Restaurant at
miniature golf course, bumper cars, bumper boats, go-cart
Park Mammoth Resort offers perhaps the best views in all
track and more.
of Kentucky.
Or take in the amazing countryside views while dining
For more information, visit Tourism Commission websites in the Cave Country Region: Edmonson County - cavesandlakes.com
Glasgow/Barren County - visitglasgowbarrenky.com
Hart County - kygetaway.com
Cave City - cavecity.com
Munfordville - visitmunfordville.com
Warren County - visitbgky.com
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HOLLEY LS FEST
DINNER IN THE 1875 GRAIN BARN
September 7 | 6:30 p.m. South Union Shaker Village 850 Shaker Museum Road | Auburn, KY southunionshakervillage.com A farm to table dinner created from local sources, served in the rustic atmosphere of the 1875 Grain Barn of South Union Shaker Village. Reservations required. Price and menu TBA.
HIGHTAIL’N FOR HADLEY JO 5K RUN / 1 MILE FUN RUN
September 7 | 7 a.m. Chaney’s Dairy Barn 9191 Nashville Road runsignup.com A 5k and one-mile fun run benefitting the Hadley Jo Foundation. All proceeds go towards funding treatment in order to find a cure for mitochondrial diseases. $25 per runner.
VETTE CITY MOTORCYCLE MUSIC FEST
September 12-15 | Noon-11 p.m. Edge Hill Farm 13101 Louisville Road | Oakland , KY vcmmf.com 48 BOWLING GREEN LIVING
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A three-day lineup featuring 24 bands, custom bike show, biker games, burnout contest, Sound Warz competition, and the much anticipated downhill Barbie car races! Pass prices vary.
LTX SHOOTOUT
September 14 Beech Bend Park 798 Beech Bend Road beechbend.com A national event that was founded to bring together the LTX community from across the nation and Canada, celebrating the GM LT1 engine block. Pass prices vary. Participating vehicles must register.
MED CENTER HEALTH 10K CLASSIC
September 21 | 7:30 a.m. Western Kentucky University 1605 Avenue of Champions themedicalcenter10kclassic.com Now in its 40th year, this annual 10K Classic attracts runners from across the region to compete for cash awards and prizes. Athletes will enjoy the 6.2 mile route through Western Kentucky University’s campus and downtown Bowling Green. $35 per runner. Children participating in Children’s Classic are free.
September 6-8 | 4 p.m. Beech Bend Park 798 Beech Bend Road lsfest.com Holley LS Fest is a celebration of everything and anything powered by the incredible GM LS engine! Race cars, street rods, muscle cars, trucks, and late models will take to the track to compete in a wide range of events. Pass prices vary. Participating vehicles must register.
HOLLEY FORD INTERGALACTIC FESTIVAL
September 26-29 Beech Bend Park 798 Beech Bend Road fordfest.com The inaugural Intergalactic Ford Festival welcomes any vehicle with a Ford powerplant to the ULTIMATE all-Ford party! Pass prices vary. Participating vehicles must register.
BOWLING GREEN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
September 28, 2019 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Circus Square Park 601 State Street bginternationalfest.com A traditional celebration that honors the heritage and diversity among Bowling Green’s residents through music, dance, demonstrations, authentic foods, activities, cultural displays and an international bazaar. $4 per person. Children 12 & under are free.
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AMRA HARLEY DAVIDSON DRAG FINALS
September 19-22 Beech Bend Park 798 Beech Bend Road amraonline.com Pass prices vary. Participating vehicles must register.
CASA’S SUPERHERO RUN/WALK September 28 | 9 - 11:30 a.m. Ephram White Park 885 Mount Olivet Road CASAofSCK.org/Superhero19 The 6th Annual Superhero 5K, Kids 1 Mile Fun Run, and 1 Mile Family Walk/ Run to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) serving Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, and Warren counties. Registration prices vary.
NOSTALGIA FALL CLASSIC
October 10-12 Beech Bend Park 798 Beech Bend Road beechbend.com The Nostalgia Drag Racing and Car Show with driver participating in the NDRL Season Finals and also featuring The
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Straight Axle Mafia. Pass prices vary. Participating vehicles must register.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE!: CAPTURING THE IMPOSSIBLE
Buick GSCA presents its 39th annual week-long get together presenting racing, a car show, and many other auto enthusiast attractions. Pass prices vary. Participating
October 13 | 3 p.m. SKYPac 601 College Street theskypac.com Meet extreme filmmaker Bryan Smith, and learn what it means to adventure with purpose, and why he believes the best expeditions are the ones with a healthy chance of failure. Ticket prices vary.
BUICK GS NATIONALS October 23-26 Beech Bend Park 798 Beech Bend Road
vehicles must register.
BG BOURBON AND BREWFEST October 26, 2019 | 1 - 6 p.m. Bowling Green Ballpark 300 8th Ave. bgbrewfest.com This annual festival includes hand selected bourbon from every region in Kentucky, regional craft beer, local food trucks, arts and craft vendors and live music. General Admission is $35. VIP admission is $75.
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