There is no debate: Mother Earth loves Kentucky and she shows us every year in a brilliant autumn performance. We can witness her awe-inspiring shows through our windows, with a drive through a local park, but the best way to soak in this display and really appreciate the phenomenon is at Red River Gorge. Nestled in the vast expanse of The Daniel Boone National Forrest, Red River Gorge is pure magic.
The Red River Gorge I knew from my younger days was simply a beautiful backdrop to get into some trouble, but now as a mother, this is the perfect nearby destination to escape the pressures of the city. A mere two-hour drive east-64 from downtown (if you are taking it slow), Red River Gorge offers stunning hiking trails, a park for picnicking with a playground, beautiful campsites, and if your idea of camping involves a hot tub, convenient, affordable cabin rentals.
My family recently returned from the Gorge and we elected to stay at one of the cabins offered through 5 Star Cabin rental. Just off Mountain Parkway, the cabin was charming and comfortable. Nestled in the woods, secluded from nearby cabins with a gorgeous mountaintop view, the cabin offered three bedrooms, a pool table, hot tub, stocked kitchen, and giant jacuzzi tub in the master suite. My idea of roughing it. Our children, seven and four, loved the jacuzzi tub (their own personal hot tub), brimming over with bubbles after a long day's hike while the adults enjoyed the chilly nights with some red wine in the hot tub. A perfect end to a lovely day in the forest.
