*Family friendly *Dogs on leash Hiking Pilot Knob in Powell Country is a marvelous experience! The trail is enjoyable and the grades aren't too steep. As you'll gather from the photos, we chose the wintertime for our trek, an ideal for backpacking. The views are completely different than those of summer when the trees are filled with leaves. As I've mentioned before, I relish hiking the same trails throughout all four seasons to discover what nature has in store for the sense

I have been itching to visit the Kentucky State Parks’ Culinary Trail for a while and finally got the chance before the event ends Oct 31st.

*Family friendly *Dogs on leash Hiking Pilot Knob in Powell Country is a marvelous experience! The trail is enjoyable and the grades aren't too steep. As you'll gather from the photos, we chose the wintertime for our trek, an ideal for backpacking. The views are completely different than those of summer when the trees are filled with leaves. As I've mentioned before, I relish hiking the same trails throughout all four seasons to discover what nature has in store for the sense

* Family friendly I have driven I-65 on the Bluegrass Parkway a hundred times and I’ve seen the signs for the caves more than I can count. Though I'm a bit claustrophobic, I finally took the opportunity to stop and enjoy them and I couldn’t have been more thrilled! The Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum located in Horse Cave, Kentucky is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining this scenic land and waterway while educating the public. Zip lining, rappelling a

Photos by Marie Pullen Photography * Dogs on leash welcome * Family Friendly (note at bottom) I've gotten so many new followers since I started blogging that I thought it would be nice to give an encore to some of the most popular as well as my favorites. This blog about Berea is both. It is also timely as I wrote it last Fall just about this time when the leaves were falling, the weather was cooling and it was a perfect time for hiking. I hope you enjoy this encore! I don’t

I had the occasion to brunch with some girlfriends from Louisville and we chose Shelbyville as the perfect midway point. We opted for the quaint and historic site of the Bell House Restaurant. The Bell House is named for the large iron bell which resides in the front yard. It is rung twice daily at 11 AM and 5 PM to announce that delicious meals are ready to be served. The exterior is a lovely home that compliments the downtown neighborhood with handsome, white trim and well

In honor of the recent National Farmers Markets Week, I'm highlighting a local farmer to share with you. There are so many excellent agricultural operations in the Bluegrass area it’s difficult to decide on just one. But I have to start somewhere and to be sure, I’ll feature more! Triple J Farm is a family-owned fruit and vegetable enterprise, with farm-raised beef and free range egg production. Located in Georgetown, Kentucky, the Triple J's namesake stems from the three ch

*Family Friendly *No pets When searching for fun hiking trails close by, consider those tucked away in the Frankfort, Kentucky area. Capitol View Park, aptly named for the view you will enjoy of the state capitol, is an excellent choice . This trail is also designated for mountain biking, so you will need to keep an eye and ear out for fast-moving cyclists. I would rate this walk as relatively mild with fairly level terrain. The park offers 150 acres that providesa scenic vie

One year anniversary encore!! I started my blog one year ago today with the blog below featuring the Lexington Farmers Market, it was and still is the best in town! Be sure to drop by and visit every Saturday. Since this first blog, they've added the Lexington Makers Market as well with hand made items by totally talented local artists! I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it. I've learned so much, met so many great people and experienced so many wonder

Photography by Marie Pullen Photography Nestled inside a small, cinder block edifice on North Limestone near 7th Street, you will discover a wonderful sandwich shop known as Mintons 760. Owners Chef Ashley and her husband, Brad have designed this cozy spot to seat about 20 people inside and another eight or so on the little back porch. With a longtime presence in Lexington's trendy NoLi (North Limestone) neighborhood, I'm here to tell you, Mintons is a hidden gem. Dining outs

Photos by Marie Pullen Photography * Dogs on leash welcome * Family Friendly (note at bottom) I don’t like to pick favorites among my hiking locations because I love them all for different reasons. But I have to admit that Berea Pinnacles is one of my top choices. A number of trails offer unique and interesting features. Indian Fort Lookout My first bit of advice is to bypass the Main Trailhead #1 off the parking lot for the Indian Fort Lookout. Begin your journey at the s

Family Friendly She’s the Steam Queen of Corbin, L&N 2132. A 95-year-old steam locomotive, a rare survivor when so many others were scrapped. Recently brought back home to Kentucky and made like new again. This is the story of a piece of Kentucky history and a tangible tribute to the hard working employees of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Photo by Kevin Cox The L&N Railroad was a southern institution. Headquartered in Louisville, KY this railroad would eventually

Revisiting the hallowed halls of academia might be a smart move when considering the School Sushi restaurant at 163 West Short Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. The interior is designed with lively schools of fish. The windows, walls and lighting fixtures of this former bank literally shimmer with oceanic ambiance. Photos by Marie Pullen Photography Photos by Marie Pullen Photography The menu boasts a wide variety of appetizing choices to answer those particular craving

There's just under 2 weeks left before Christmas and what better way to get your local shopping on than to visit the pop-up, monthly Friday market on Manchester Street?! The Market 301 is located in the Distillery District of the Manchester Music Hall (formerly Busters) at 899 Manchester St near Oliver Lewis Boulevard. Plan to visit this versatile and unique exchange on Friday, December 15th from 6-10PM. Photos by Marie Pullen Photography Miss Molly Vintage- Photo by Emily R

Located just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, historic Midway is nestled between the bucolic, rolling hills of the world famous thoroughbred horse farms of the Bluegrass. Centuries old structures featuring charming boutiques and award-winning restaurants are stacked along either side of the railroad track running through the middle of downtown. The RJ Corman line chugs into Midway regularly; a throwback to small-town USA. Photo by Debbie Graviss Santa arrives by train at 11 a.

Photo by Marie Pullen Photography America and Europe converge on an unlikely corner at Euro Wine Bar in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Step inside this cozy, little wine bar and restaurant where you enter a decidedly euro-atmosphere! Photo by Marie Pullen Photography First things first. Choose from one of their fine wines or request a specialty cocktail or martini. Euro infuses their vodkas with diverse flavors including cinnamon stick, berry, pineapple and other creative combos. T

Photo by Marie Pullen Photography Appropriately dubbed Local Feed, this hospitable restaurant is nestled in a former Ice house on Water Street in Georgetown Kentucky. Don't be fooled by the unassuming facade for inside you will find heavenly, culinary delights backed by finely, handcrafted cocktails. The interior is warm and rustic with exposed brick and wood accents. Photo by Marie Pullen Photography Our attention was drawn to the three appetizers for $18. Paired with creamy

*Family friendly *Dogs on leash Residing in Frankfort, KY is a secret gem known as Josephine Sculpture Park. Choose a sunny day for a leisurely ramble on the grounds of this uncommon woodland. Here you will discover a remarkable display of outdoor artwork woven into the lush landscape. Most of the artwork you can touch but not climb on. Photo by Marie Pullen Photography You will be welcomed into the park by "Clippity Clop", an impressive steed made of countless metal objec

If you're like me and on the hunt for a quaint local establishment, consider the Wine + Market on the corner of Jefferson and Second Streets in downtown Lexington, KY. The owners of this cozy French market, Renee and Seth Brewer, create the most delicious gourmet sandwiches and salads! My favorite is the savory turkey and goat cheese with a tangy strawberry rhubarb preserve, served on focaccia bread. Photo by Marie Pullen Photography Seth and Rene'e are meticulous and highl

* Family Friendly * Dogs on leashes Cove Springs is a delightful trail in Frankfort Kentucky. It's easy to find and has multiple connecting trails. You'll notice when you first arrive a waterfall near the parking lot and in the water below are goldfish and catfish! Be sure to have a look and take a selfie! I tend to wander a lot and not necessarily decide which trail I'll take but just choose the one that calls to me at any given fork in the road. I will say that the Holly an