Handmade heritage

A 3 day tour of Kentucky
from our Southeastern issue,
Summer 2012.

	Photo: TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky
	Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant in Berea serves local favorites like fried green tomatoes, rabbit pot pie and spoon bread.

Travel Wilderness Road Heritage Highway, and enjoy scenery, wildlife, and arts and crafts. 

From panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park to a community culture centered on folk art and mountain music, Wilderness Road is packed with reasons to tour the southeast. 

One of the most compelling is the bounty of historical sites along the way. From Native Americans to European pioneers to Civil War soldiers, many cultures have left their mark on this historic route.

Day One

Arrive in Berea, Kentucky’s “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital,” for shopping at Kentucky Artisan Center. 

After, check in at Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant. Enjoy dinner there, with menu items including local favorites such as fried green tomatoes, rabbit pot pie and the tavern’s famous spoon bread.

Then, enjoy a private performance of local musicians or festival dancers with the help of Berea Tourism. 

Day Two

Rise and shine with breakfast at Boone Tavern before heading to Berea College Square and The Log House Craft Gallery for some shopping. Explore handmade crafts and jewelry at the premier showplace for Berea College Crafts. 

Built in 1917, the Log House is the oldest and largest craft gallery in Berea. There are many spacious rooms to explore. Visitors will find treasures made by Berea College students and other regional artists.

Enjoy lunch at Papa Leno’s, a local favorite known for its pizza and homemade garlic bread sticks. Then, spend more time shopping at the Old Town Artisan Village. Visit working artists in their studios and take home a piece of Berea before you leave.

Next, depart for Kentucky’s Country Music Capital, Renfro Valley. Tour the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which honors Kentucky performers, songwriters, publishers, promoters, managers, broadcasters, comedians and other music professionals who have make significant contributions to the music industry in Kentucky and around the world. 

Before dinner, hit up the Village Shops at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, featuring everything from sweet treats to old-time handmade quilts and ladies jewelry and accessories.

Dine at the Historic Lodge Restaurant, a staple since 1930, and enjoy the best in country cooking. Try the famous fried chicken and other creations by Chef Clifford Mullins.

After supper, enjoy the Malt Shop Memories Show at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. Renfro Valley Band performs 1950s-era music.

Stay the night in London.

Day Three

Start the morning with a sweet beginnings breakfast at Parrett’s Pies and Pastries.

Then, depart for Barbourville, home of Union College and what claims to be the first Civil War skirmish.  

Spend the afternoon on a downtown historical walking and shopping tour.

Have lunch at Tammy’s Café, where homemade chicken salad is a local favorite and scrumptious cupcakes are available in all flavors. 

Then, depart for Middlesboro, the Cumberland Gap Gateway to the West. Enjoy a Victorian Garden Tour and Tea at Alexander Arthur Museum, which exhibits personal items owned by Arthur, the first head of the English land company that founded Middlesboro.

After, head to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. 

Native inhabitants, pioneers, and modern-day visitors have all taken advantage of Cumberland Gap to cross the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to views, a film, gift shop and shuttle to Pinnacle Overlook await.

Depart for Pineville, stopping at Pine Mountain State Resort Park for dining, lodging and views of the Cumberland Mountains. 

In the evening, be charmed by the skilled craftsmanship of stone and wood throughout Herndon J. Evans Lodge. Each of its 30 rooms has a private patio or balcony to enjoy the views.

GO
Berea, Renfro Valley, London, Barbourville, Middlesboro and Pineville

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