| In today's hectic, keep-up-with-the-neighbors world, the | | | | wonderfully mild climate with warm summers and |
| family vacation has become another form of | | | | temperate springs, falls and winters. Our friends and |
| one-upsmanship which means exotic destinations and | | | | family love visiting Kentucky in the spring and fall as |
| following commercial trends. | | | | our spring arrives much sooner and fall lingers much |
| However it is important to remember that the family | | | | longer than it does in the northern states where they |
| vacation should not be about the location, the gimmicks, | | | | live. Kentucky also offers beautiful scenery from rolling |
| or the amount of money you spend. A family vacation | | | | horse farms, forested mountains, and peaceful lakes |
| should be about spending time together as a family | | | | and rivers. |
| doing something you can all enjoy. A family vacation | | | | The Kentucky State Parks system offers 18 resort |
| should be about cementing your bonds as a family | | | | parks throughout the state which is more than any |
| rather than about splurging or plunging into debt. | | | | other state. Each resort park offers a full-service |
| When I was a child my family took several vacation | | | | lodge which includes guest rooms and dining. Plus |
| and I have fond memories of every one. My family | | | | many also offer cottages or cabins that can be rented |
| was not well-to-do so most of our get-aways meant | | | | by the night or week. The cottages include a |
| camping trips but we still managed to visit several | | | | fully-equipped kitchen so you can enjoy family-style |
| different locations in a number of states and Canada. | | | | meals although you can also eat at the lodge if you |
| We made friends, learned about history and different | | | | choose. Some of the resort parks located on lakes |
| cultures, and spent time together. | | | | also offer houseboat rentals as well. |
| While I am not a big fan of camping (after all, this is my | | | | Each park also offers a variety of activities including |
| vacation too) as a mother, my family has found a | | | | hiking, swimming, play grounds, picnic areas, and |
| wonderful compromise that offers many of the | | | | appreciating nature. Most parks have a staffed nature |
| advantages of camping while eliminating a good many | | | | center that provides programming for all ages. Usually |
| of the disadvantages. Our compromise is the | | | | you can enjoy the outdoors and water in a variety of |
| Kentucky State Resort Park. | | | | ways from golf to horse back riding to tennis. Water |
| We happen to live in Kentucky, but even if you do not | | | | sports are usually available with indoor and outdoor |
| this is a great state for vacationers. Kentucky offers a | | | | pools as well as beaches and marinas. |