Common Nostalgic Traditions You’ll See on Nearly Every Kentucky Drive

I'm no road trip expert, but I could be close, if I do say so myself. Here's the deal...I don't know very many people who enjoy a good drive, be it a short jaunt or something that might require an overnight stay, simply for the SAKE of the drive. That love of the road is in my blood. Of all the things I got from my dad, THAT gene is my favorite.

So yes, maybe I could teach a course on the subject, but I don't think deciding to take a spur-of-the-moment road trip can be taught. You get in the car, and something hits you, and there you go.

Kentucky Roads

On several occasions, I've extolled the virtues of Kentucky's many vibrant and beautiful small towns. That's the best fringe benefit of them all. And you know something, I've seldom visited one that didn't maintain its downtown area. It's like Mayberry has come to life along every two-lane road in the Commonwealth.

Roadside Attractions

Another part of Dad's "methodology," as it were, was making an unplanned stop to investigate a roadside attraction that looked interesting. I make note of this because, if you had known my dad, you would have known that there is a plan of attack, and you do not stray from the agenda. It was kind of unspoken, but he "strayed" all the time.

You'll find quite a few unusual attractions on Kentucky roadsides, like the giant fork in the road in Simpson County.

But you'll also find wonderful old traditions represented, like quilt patterns on barns. Maybe they're not unique to Kentucky, but they look BETTER in Kentucky.

Yeah, I'll go there. I'm a Kentuckian.