Kentucky Culture

June 2018

Dear Friends,

After our hassles repairing the damage from the blown trailer tire, we finally made it to our campground south of Bowling Green, Kentucky. After passing through this state in the middle of the night every time we visited snow birding grandparents, I finally had the opportunity to see Kentucky.

Once we arrived at our campsite, we were excited to run to the pool before an in-coming thunderstorm showed up on the horizon. The past few days have been in the upper 90’s and even this ol’ mom surprised the boys by getting into the unheated pool water. Once the rain blew over, the boys explored the place, spending time catching half dollar sized panfish in the fishing hole and playing horseshoes.

The next day we went to the National Corvette Museum. Rare concept cars, first and last vehicles of specific types, and biographies of the people who shaped the corvette styles through the years were proudly displayed. Excitement showed through all of my men’s sparkling eyes and smiles as we learned about the changes through the years. I wonder if the rest of the family will be dreaming of cruising in the Stingray or ZR-1. My oldest even commented how there was enough horsepower to tow the fifth wheel. Fortunately for me, the sports cars were only coupes, or I’m sure he would have started scheming how to get a fifth wheel hitch on to the corvette.

On our way back, we ventured off the highway into a Mennonite community (like the Amish). The roads narrowed and our wide beast of a truck took up about 2/3 of the drivable area. We followed a map pointing out several of their small businesses that sold the homespun wares. I was well impressed with the size, quality, and prices of the food items, both the fresh produce and the novelty flavored jams. Of course, our willpower melted once we saw the moon pies. What a fun southern cultural food! If I was around for a while longer, I wouldn’t mind heading back to try more of their goods. We also enjoyed watching how the Mennonite community expertly managed their horses. Even the preschool aged children were very capable in handling their ponies and carts.

After supper, we headed out to nearby Franklin, KY, for a free music concert in the Square. About 500 people gathered in their lawn chairs around a lit up gazebo. A warm-up band played a couple of songs and then “Ronald McDonald” sang. What?? I chuckled to myself. Then I realized it was Ronnie McDowell. I suppose I have to get used to their accents around here a little more. His repertoire included Johnny Cash and other classic country singers. I guess he sang with several big names and at several big venues in Nashville. I enjoyed listening to the music as night set in. The large decorative white lightbulbs highlighted the brave souls who line danced in front of the crowds. The BBQ and homemade ice cream food vendors as well as souvenir merchants lined one side of the Square in the street. Kids played in the background and the atmosphere was like a relaxed festival. My boys did not quite know what to think of the songs as they only recognized about 2 of them. But this Mom and Dad weren’t gonna move. The stars came out, no mosquitos, and the temperature was quite pleasurable. What a beautiful night.

Our first adventure day in Kentucky mixed the fast excitement of corvettes with the laid back lifestyle of homemade goods and country music. Coupling this together with the rolling hills and quaint family orientated campground made this traveling episode start off on the right foot.

Until we meet again,
Regina