April 7-10, 2026
4 days \ 3 nights

It’s time to explore this beautiful side of Kentucky, and when we do, you will love it as much as I do!  This trip will feature 3 nights at the gorgeously rustic Kentucky Dam Village State Park Lodge on the banks of scenic Kentucky Lake.  We’ll enjoy an included breakfasts each morning in their lovely dining room which overlooks the lake, and a dinner too.  Their staff will provide an evening activities for us too. There is much to explore in this area and we will be out and about each day as well!  Here’s the plan:

We’ll travel here on the first day with an included lunch and once we are checked in, we’ll gather for an included dinner and an activity too.  The following morning we’re off to the pretty river town of Paducah. Named by William Clark, of the famed Lewis and Clark duo, this town is now a UNESCO Creative City, thanks to their important role in connecting creativity and culture here.  It really shows too! While here a local Ambassador Volunteer will greet us and give us a driving tour.  You’ll see the Floodwall Murals, which depict the city’s history. They’ll talk to us about how this vibrant city became the home of the National Quilt Museum, which we will visit.  We’ll enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant too. After, we’ll visit a local history museum.  You will really fall for this town! Next up, we’re heading back toward the lake area to enjoy time at Patti’s Settlement.   This family run business has really grown since Bill and Patti Tullar came here in the 70’s.  On site you will find a great restaurant, 7 boutiques, a lovely garden, a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and so much more.  Located in Grand River, this town of 350 now serves meals here to over 350,000 people a year!  In fact, Patti’s 1880’s Restaurant is Southern Living’s #1 Small Town Restaurant.  It’s amazing!   Can’t wait to enjoy their famous food again and their mile high pies!

The following day we head south to visit Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area and soak up the natural surroundings of this unique spot.  This 170,000 acre park hosts over 1 million visitors a year.  It’s nestled in between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley and we will make several stops while in the park. We’ll make a stop at the Elk and Bison Prairie to view these grand creatures in their native habitat.  Later, we’ll stop at the Golden Pond Visitor Center to learn more about the park.  Next up we’ll leave the area and cross over Lake Barkley to see the charming town of Cadiz, the Ham capital of Kentucky!   You won’t want to miss the 10-feet tall Cadi the Pig!  This charming southern small town is the perfect place to enjoy an included lunch at a local spot.  Later, you’ll have time to visit their historic downtown, which is known as the antique capital of the state.   We’ll enjoy some browsing time, and then make our way back to the lodge for a restful night.  The following day, it’s time to head back to Georgia with an included lunch.  We’ll leave with fond memories of KY!