Thelma and Louise in Kentucky - Part Two

May Lodge in the Jenny Wiley State Park was quaint, cozy and tucked away in the hills of Prestonsburg, KY.  From our room was a lovely view of Dewey Lake and although the water was cloudy, it was a relaxing setting for our weekend getaway.  The staff were friendly and helpful, the food was good and our room was comfortable and clean.

 

There's a plethora of history in those hills.  Jenny Wiley, a real-life pioneer woman, was taken captive after her family (including her four children and brother) was mistaken for another family and brutally slaughtered at the hands of Native Americans.  While in captivity, she gave birth to her fifth child which was also murdered.  She lived 11 months with the Cherokee before she finally escaped and was reunited with her husband, Thomas Wiley.  Jenny and Thomas rebuilt their cabin which had been burned by the Indians and had six more children.

 

 

The Hatfield-McCoy Feud is quite a story.  I would suggest watching the History Channel's rendition.  I would not spend $20 on the driving tour CD from the Pikeville Tourism Commission.  The sites in Pikeville were easy to find because the lady in the tourism office gave us directions but, once you get into West Virginia, the sites are not marked and the CD doesn't give you any addresses to plug into your GPS.  It's somewhat of a wild goose chase.  Instead, I would recommend this tour.  Adam, the guy who heads this up, was out of town so we couldn't go but, given the opportunity, this was what we had planned to do.  I have to give the Pikeville Tourism Commission props though, they had some great t-shirts and a ton of books and little souvenirs.

 

 

Loretta Lynn's home was worth visiting due to her brother, Herman Webb. Sure, she was great and all but, Herman made that trip worth the time and money. He's a humble man of 78 years young and he was a joy to talk to. While Herman's music career wasn't as well known, he has lots of musical talent and tons to tell about his gifted family.   

 

 

Van Lear was a fascinating mining town on the way to Butcher Holler.  The historical museum had lots of interesting artifacts from that time period and we learned a bit about the coal mining business.  From 1910 to 1946 there were 5 mines open in Van Lear and it was quite the hoppin' place.

 

On our last day in Kentucky, we made the 2-hour trip northwest to Mt. Sterling where we visited the Ruth Hunt Candy Company.  Ruth Hunt Candy Company has quite the reputation as they provided candy for the Kentucky Derby up until a couple of years ago.  Unbeknownst to us, the factory only gives tours Monday through Wednesday.  So, we proceeded to sample and purchase candy since Easter's just around the corner.  Afterwards, we had lunch at Melini Cucina, an Italian restaurant not far away where we dined on breadsticks and chicken fettucini alfredo.  It was a great way to end our trip.

 

This was the perfect weekend getaway even if it was destroyed by the weather!  With lots of history, a love of the mountains, and adoring the Kentucky accent, this was a great trip.  It was just right for a few days, not sure you would find a whole, whole lot to do there if you were staying for longer than that.  Thanks for a fantastic weekend Thelma!

 

middle of the roads rendezvous

So, Thelma and I've been talking lately about how we need a getaway.  Seriously y'all.  

The talks started Monday.  Today, being Wednesday and it is so a done deal!  Being the nerd, I went straight to work on where we'd stay and what we'd do.  I conferred with Thelma regarding my findings and she agrees.  She's a history buff and there's lots of history and country legend stuff to explore in Kentucky.  We're gonna stay in the lodge of a state park because they're inexpensive and tucked away.  Being moms on a budget, we like pocketbook-friendly accommodations.  I don't mind dated (as most state park facilities are since the nation's collapse) but I do require clean. 

I've read reviews up one side and down the other and this place passes.  It has rooms with a lake view and all of our tourist destinations are within a short drive.  Emergency fast food chains are only a few miles away and they have WIFI (not that we'll spend much time in our room, but still, a girl can't live without it these days.)  I'm not a huge fan of chain hotels.  I like places off the beaten path.  Somewhere, quiet, nestled and cozy.  A place where you ask the locals what their favorite haunts are.  A place where you see the same faces day in and day out.  And those faces are happy to see you return at night.  They ask about your day and feel like family.

Our plans include visiting some museums and of course, walking the streets of these little towns to find their best kept secrets...stores, eateries, coffee shops, bakeries.  We have to fit dining into this plan and I can't wait to eat some Kentucky grub.  On my list are Derby Pie, a real Kentucky mint julep and last but certainly not least, my favorite barbecue!  Oh goodness, I'm hungry just thinking about it!

So while everyone goes on about their regular ol' day, Thelma and I have blacktop roads and Bluegrass Country on the mind.  May the days pass quickly and the miles fly by.  Woohoo!Bring on Kentucky!

Note: Thelma is most always and only called Thelma when I speak of road trippin'. One, because of road trips. Two, because she shot her ornery rooster with a shotgun right after he attacked one of her littles and scratched him just under the eye. I still like to laugh about that. Not about her boy being attack, but the thought of her stompin' off with a big shotgun and blowin' his feathery guts to smithereens. Otherwise, she is kindly known as Mother Teresa for all her efforts in volunteering and the greater good she does for humanity. And no, Louise was the one who shot the guy on their road trip but, Thelma's real name starts with a T and it's just easier to keep straight that way.