We went to Kentucky Lake last week to just relax and unwind. Going to places in Benton, Murray and Paducah brought back fond memories from our childhood. TJ moved to Benton when he was in jr high and I moved from Murray when I was in 5th grade. We drove by my childhood home (and thankfully it is still being taken care of and a family lives there), to the lake, Patti's to eat and play mini golf (along with other delightful local eateries), the bison/elk range and the 1800s Home-place in LBL. On the way home we stopped by Bill Monroe's birthplace in Rosine and got to talk with one of his relatives. We got back and celebrated the marriage of two friends, so the vacation/getaway/celebration week was one for the books. Great times!
Our house in Murray. My parents had the same garden spot growing up on the right. The big tree in the front is one we planted! I think it's my sister's. Such fond childhood memories, great neighbors and good times.
Hutchen's Drive In is DEEEELICIOUS! The bbq comes with the sauce on the side, the way it should be... Benton KY.
Patti's is known for their huge chops, but none of us even ordered one! The food is great, the servers are sweet and the whole place is just filled with cute, kitschy ideas.
We finally saw one bison and two elk. It was a great drive to slow down and take in nature. True Kentucky pioneers.
This guy was slow and steady, he sat calmly while we whispered. In the car with the windows ready to roll up and foot on the gas. He was HUGE.
This little guy was sitting up then took off when we "oohed" and "aahed" about how cute he was … humble, indeed.
We got to hang out with good ole Uncle Dave! We had a blast laughing, telling stories and exploring the Paducah river shoreline.
Aiden loves hanging out on GPa's tractor!
Seriously, you need to take your kids here:: Land Between the Lakes Homeplace 1850s. This farm is where I grew up going to see how it was in the 1850s. I would always come back home and appreciate our toilets, running water and a/c in the summers. http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/attractions/homeplace/
The man in blue knows more about these oxen than probably most farmers. He was so interesting and very humble. These oxen can carry so much weight that they rarely are used anymore for farming in West Ky. They sink into the ground once it's plowed, we need these to start our garden each year. But if they step on a toe, an emergency room visit is in the future.
And of course, no trip would be complete to start the summer off right without THREE putt-putt golf adventures. Forgotten Past, The 19th Hole at Patti's and Maggie's Jungle Golf. I still am no good but the boys did great.
Last stop:: Bill Monroe's birthplace in Rosine. His parents passed away when he was young, so he lived with his Uncle Pen, whom he later wrote about and recorded this song:: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_TbkUo66IU The house has been restored to what it was originally. It has gorgeous hardwood floors and this mantle and fireplace are original. What a great time to end the fun we had... good times in Kentucky history!