Southern Lakes Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Southern Lakes, Kentucky, with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Southern Lakes
- List of Places to Visit in Southern Lakes
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Lakes
- Best Things to Do in Southern Lakes: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Lakes
- Food and Drink Scene of Southern Lakes
- Where to Stay in Southern Lakes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Southern Lakes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Southern Lakes
- Best Time to Visit Southern Lakes
- Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Lakes
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Southern Lakes: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Southern Lakes
- Where to Go Next from Southern Lakes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Southern Lakes
Located in the southern region of Kentucky, Southern Lakes is a natural wonderland with abundant waterways, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. The area is named after the several lakes in the region, including Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Visitors to Southern Lakes can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and more.
List of Places to Visit in Southern Lakes
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- National Quilt Museum: Nestled in Paducah, this museum features over 600 contemporary and antique quilts, making it one of the largest quilt collections in the world.
- Kentucky Opry: This award-winning entertainment spot in Benton offers country, gospel, and bluegrass performances and has been a staple in the area since 1976.
- Historic Downtown Paducah: Explore this revitalized downtown area, home to a variety of unique galleries, boutiques, and local restaurants.
Natural Attractions of Southern Lakes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area: This vast nature preserve has over 170,000 acres of wildlife and nature, perfect for hiking, camping, and picnicking.
- Kentucky Lake: As one of the largest man-made lakes in the country, this scenic spot offers plenty of water activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Lake Barkley: This smaller lake is known for its peaceful atmosphere and prime fishing spots.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Lakes
- North-South Trail: This 60-mile trail runs between Kentucky and Tennessee and offers hikers and bikers spectacular views of the region’s rolling hills, grasslands, and woodlands.
- The Trace: A 39-mile paved path that spans the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts.
- Carson Park Mountain Bike Trail: An off-road mountain biking trail, offering bikers of all levels challenging and fun terrain.
Best Things to Do in Southern Lakes: Activities and Tours
- Paducah Farmers’ Market: Open year-round, this market offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods from local farmers and artisans.
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park: This park offers a plethora of activities, including golfing, swimming, hiking, and fishing. The park also has an on-site marina where visitors can rent boats and watercraft.
- Riverview Mansion Hotel: Located in Golconda, Illinois, this 1918 mansion offers visitors a taste of the past with elegant rooms and antique furnishings. The hotel also offers ghost tours for thrill-seekers.
Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Lakes
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the National Quilt Museum in Paducah |
| 2 | Visit the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and go hiking |
| 3 | Enjoy a day on Kentucky Lake and rent a boat |
| 4 | Take a guided tour of the historic downtown Paducah |
| 5 | Explore the antiquing scene in the local towns |
| 6 | Visit the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park |
| 7 | Relax and enjoy the scenic views of the lakes from your lodging |
Food and Drink Scene of Southern Lakes
Must-Try Dishes
- Bourbon Steak: A bourbon-marinated steak, cooked to perfection, a Southern classic you can find at several restaurants around the lakes area.
- Barbecue: Pulled pork, rib racks, all cooked in traditional Kentucky style.
- Mutton Sandwich: A Kentucky tradition, a hearty and flavorful dish made with spit-roasted mutton.
Local Beverages
- Bourbon: Known as “America’s Native Spirit,” bourbon is a must-try when visiting Southern Lakes. Several distilleries, including the famous Maker’s Mark, are within driving distance.
- Wine: With several wineries in the area, including Purple Toad Winery, visitors can enjoy a glass of Kentucky’s best vintages.
Where to Stay in Southern Lakes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Lakeside Resorts: Several resorts offer accommodation close to the water, perfect for visitors who want to enjoy the scenic views and the lakes’ water activities.
- Bed and Breakfasts: For a more intimate experience, visitors can stay at several B&Bs around the small towns close to Southern Lakes.
- Campgrounds: For those who love the outdoors, there are several campgrounds in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area that offer camping facilities.
What to Buy in Southern Lakes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Regionally-made Crafts: Visit the Kentucky Artisan Center to buy locally-made crafts that represent the area’s heritage.
- Bourbon and Wine: Bring some of the local spirits back home and savor the flavor of Kentucky.
- Kentucky Hot Browns: A popular dish that can serve as a unique souvenir with its history, hot browns can be found in local restaurants or bought in a mix for home cooking.
Local Culture and Customs of Southern Lakes
The culture of Southern Lakes centers around the idea of Southern hospitality. Southerners are known for their friendly demeanor and are welcoming towards visitors. The area also has a deep appreciation for arts and crafts that can be seen in local shops and museums.
Best Time to Visit Southern Lakes
The best time to visit Southern Lakes is during the spring or fall. During the spring, visitors can enjoy the blooming flora and the crisp weather. In the fall, visitors can experience the beautiful fall colors and enjoy the fall festivals.
Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Lakes
Do:
- Do immerse yourself in the local culture and visit small towns to buy locally made crafts.
- Do explore the nature preserves and recreational areas.
- Do try local dishes such as hot browns, barbecues, and bourbon steak.
Don’t:
- Don’t litter, as respecting the environment is essential to the locals.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of Southern hospitality, be polite and humble the southern way.
- Don’t forget to bring necessary outdoor gear, such as hiking boots and sunscreen.
Safety and Health
Safety in Southern Lakes
Southern lakes is relatively safe, but visitors should take standard precautions, such as locking car doors and securing valuables. Visitors should also be aware of possible wildlife encounters, such as snakes and bears, and take precautions against insect-borne diseases, particularly during summer months.
Health in Southern Lakes
Visitors should be aware of deer ticks that cause Lyme disease and other ticks that carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Limiting outside activities in brushy areas, using insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing can help prevent tick bites.
Getting to Southern Lakes: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Southern Lakes
The nearest airport to Southern Lakes is Barkley Regional Airport, which is approximately 30 miles away. Visitors can also fly to Nashville International Airport, which is 120 miles away.
Bus Stations Near Southern Lakes
The closest bus station is in Paducah. Several regional and national bus companies such as Greyhound offer service to the area.
Other Options
Driving to Southern Lakes is the most convenient option for visitors, as the area is easily accessible from several highways, making it a popular road trip destination.
How to Get Around in Southern Lakes
Getting around Southern Lakes is relatively easy with several car rental agencies. Visitors who don’t want to drive can use ride-sharing services or book a tour with local guides.
Where to Go Next from Southern Lakes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Mammoth Cave National Park: Located 90 miles east of Southern Lakes, this park is the longest cave system in the world, offering visitors to explore underground labyrinths full of beauty.
- Nashville, Tennessee: Known as the Music City, Nashville is approximately 125 miles from Southern Lakes and is famous for its legendary country music and food scene.
- St. Louis, Missouri: Approximately 200 miles northwest of Southern Lakes, St. Louis is known for its famous Gateway Arch, music, and food scene.
Conclusion
Southern Lakes is a unique destination for travelers seeking outdoor activities, scenic views, and excellent cuisine. With a rich cultural heritage and plenty of history to explore, Southern Lakes is an excellent getaway destination for any season. The area offers plenty of accommodation options, and several nearby destinations can be explored on a day trip.