Discover Hidden Kentucky Gems on the Ultimate RV Adventure!
I’ve been a bit quiet in my newsletters lately as I juggle life on the road, homeschooling, working, and squeezing in adventures—things have been pretty hectic! We’re figuring out what works for us, like setting a schoolwork schedule, and what doesn’t—turns out we’re not big fans of boondocking or even campsites without full hookups. This is our life now, not a vacation, so we’re learning to treat it that way, from saying no to certain attractions that don’t fit our budget to eating out less. As we continue to navigate this new chapter, I wanted to take a moment to share some of our recent experiences that we loved, hoping they’ll spark some inspiration for your own trip planning.
Destination Spotlight
We had an unforgettable time exploring Kentucky, from the lush green grass (which I’ve come to really appreciate after our time out West) to kayaking through caves. Our family had an incredible time, and I can’t wait to share these amazing discoveries with you!
Red River Gorge Underground
You won't want to miss this! I kept seeing Facebook ads for the Crystal Kayak tour, where you kayak through an incredible cave, so I finally decided to book it for our adventure. (Make sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly.) We paddled 280 feet underground in transparent kayaks, gliding over crystal-clear waters where we could see rainbow trout swimming beneath us. It was an unforgettable experience!
Mammoth Caves
While this National Park is often considered one of the less exciting ones, we had an amazing time on our guided tour of Mammoth Caves. It may have been thanks to our enthusiastic ranger or the excitement from our kids as they ducked and slid through the narrow passageways on the historic tour. I was a bit nervous when I heard about areas like "Fat Man's Misery," but despite the occasional strenuous moments, even our 6-year-old managed to navigate the 2-mile tour without a single complaint!
Corvette Museum
A few years ago, my husband and I visited this place on our own, so we were excited to bring the kids this time around (lesson learned—now they all want a Corvette as their first car!). One of the best parts was getting into the museum for free with our reciprocal membership. We purchased the Kern County reciprocal membership which gives you access to hundreds of mueusms throughout the United States. The cost for our family of five was $120, and it paid for itself with just this one visit! The most fascinating part of the museum for us was the exhibit about the sinkhole that occurred in 2014. My youngest son even made a video on the museum, which you can check out on his new YouTube channel. He does a little dance each time he gets a new subscriber!
The Ark Encounter
This was truly a sight to behold—a life-size replica of the Ark. It could easily be a trip in itself, as we spent an entire day exploring and still didn’t see everything. Beyond the Ark and its fascinating history, there were plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, including a petting zoo (we especially loved the kangaroos!), virtual reality experiences, ziplines, and a massive outdoor playground.
Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park made for a great day out, especially since we were staying right next door at the Kentucky Horse Campground—check out Logan’s review here. With horse shows, a kids' barn, and an engaging museum, there was plenty to see and do for the whole family.
Campground of the Week
Out of the campgrounds we visited in Kentucky, Nolan Lake State Park stood out as our favorite. It was peaceful, with spacious, level campsites at a great price. Since I work full-time from our RV, I was pleased to have reliable coverage with my Starlink. While some amenities were limited due to the season, the kids still had a blast riding their bikes and exploring the hiking trails.
I don’t share these amazing adventures to brag, but to inspire you to book your next trip! I recently posted a quote on Instagram: “Stop dreaming about your bucket list and start doing it.” Consider this your sign to take action!
What I’m Reading
As we travel more, I’ve found extra time to enjoy one of my favorite hobbies—reading. Whether I’m relaxing by the campfire or listening to an audiobook on long drives, I’ve been reading more than ever. I usually pair a business book with something for fun. This week, I dove into Frieda McFadden’s new release, The Boyfriend, a psychological thriller with a twisty plot that kept me guessing until the very end.
I don’t share these amazing adventures to brag, but to inspire you to book your next trip! I recently posted a quote on Instagram
Stop dreaming about your bucketlist and start doing it.
Consider this your sign to take action!
If You Liked This Newsletter, You’ll Love…
My book Roadmap to Adventure: Your Guide to Stress Free RV Travel This book includes This book includes; how to efficiently budget, plan & route your trips, RVing tips for traveling with kids & pets, trip inspiration & ideas, RV travel safety tips, and a 30 Page RV Travel Planner which includes packing checklists, trip itinerary, camping journal & more!