Travel: Kentucky Offers Unusual Places to Bed Down

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Some of the most memorable trips and vacations can be made even more memorable because of where we stay. This is especially true of travel in Kentucky, where out-of-the-ordinary lodging choices beckon.

From concrete teepees to elegant suites, Kentucky’s variety of lodging options offers many unusual places to bed down for the night.

The Kentucky Department of Travel’s Web site, http://www.KentuckyTourism.-com, offers a way to search for just the right abode. Click on “Places to Stay” and find the ideal place to rest on the road in Kentucky.

Consider these examples:

TEEPEE FOR TWO, OR MORE?
Visitors to the Mammoth Cave region of south-central Kentucky can stay at Wigwam Village’s teepees that were built in the 1930s and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outfitted with rustic hickory and cane furniture and private bathrooms, the 15 teepees and the 52-foot-high Wigwam Village office/gift shop are built of concrete and are painted bright white with a red zigzag. Originally, there were six Wigwam Villages from Alabama to California, but only three remain (and only Kentucky’s are in tip-top shape). So book in advance. Check http://www.wigwamvillage.com or call (270) 773-3381 for details. For more information about other attractions in the Cave City area, visit http://www.cavecity.com.

RESTFUL RESPITE
At Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, experience the beauty and simplicity of a 19th century utopian farming community, completely restored. Located in Kentucky’s bluegrass region, near the Kentucky River palisades, this rural village includes 30 original buildings, 15 of which provide lodging. Along with the setting, the architecture and design of the furnishings provide a respite to a gentler way of life – but with modern amenities. Spend restful nights surrounded by Shaker history, dine on regional cuisine at the inn and if so inclined, board your horse in one of the village’s stalls. There are miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking on the community’s 2,700 acres near Harrodsburg. For more information, visit http://www.shaker-villageky.org or call (800) 734-5611. To explore Harrodsburg on the Web, visit http://www.harrodsburgky.com.

MEDIEVAL PLUSH TOUCH
For a surreal vision of a medieval-like castle overlooking the rolling hills of bluegrass horse country, visit The CastlePost in Versailles, just west of Lexington. For decades the castle sat hollow and unfinished, begun nearly 40 years ago as a private residence. After a recent total reconstruction, the CastlePost opened in February transformed into a luxurious inn and event location. The CastlePost features 12 rooms and suites off of the great hall in the main building and four two-story suites in the turrets of the outer wall. Within the castle wall are a tennis court, basketball court, swimming pool, billiard room and bar. The rooms and suites at the CastlePost provide an escape with modern-day lavishness. For photos, more information and reservations, check http://www.castlepost.com or call (859) 879-1000; http://www.versail-lesky.com has more information about the community, and the CastlePost is near Keeneland Racecourse, too.

ARTISTIC IMPRESSIONS
The 21C Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville features an eclectic collection of contemporary art throughout the luxury hotel’s 90 guest rooms and public spaces. Housed in five renovated brick bourbon and tobacco warehouses along Main Street amidst Louisville’s buzzing museum row, 21C provides an atmosphere of accoutrements, envelope-pushing art and changing exhibits. Guests get an impression of Louisville’s sophisticated sense of humor – large scale red penguins, 21C’s signature, are perched atop the boutique hotel. The hotel’s Proof on Main restaurant is popular with local and visiting sybarites and presents award-winning cuisine. Visit http://www.21cmuseumhotel.com or call (877) 217-6400 for reservations and info. For lots to do around Louisville, visit http://www.gotolouisville.com.

SCHOLARLY MOUNTAIN RETREAT
In the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky, you can experience coal country history in the community of Benham in Harlan County. There you can stay at the Benham School House Inn, a restored and refitted elementary and high school building where children of coal miners were taught. The structure has been converted into a spacious hotel and takes visitors back in time while surrounded by the comforts of a modern mountain inn. Many of the 30 guest rooms have gas fireplaces. The Great Room, once the school gymnasium, can seat up to 350 guests in a banquet setting. For more, visit http://www.kingdomcome.org/inn or call (800) 231-0627. Also, http://www.benhamky.org has more info on area places of interest.

OTHER EXAMPLES of Kentucky’s unique accommodations range from luxuriously equipped houseboats to places where llamas may greet your arrival.

  On Lake Cumberland, Barkley Lake, Kentucky Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Green River Lake and more, you can cruise the waters in comfortable quarters (http://www.houseboatrentals.gordonsguide.com/kentucky.cfm) or kick back on a fully-loaded home away from home that floats and tools around scenic shores.
   
One of many unique bed and breakfasts is Maple Hill Manor (http://www.maplehillmanor.com) in Springfield, where llamas greet you upon arrival at the Greek Revival mansion, with seven guest rooms with modern amenities.

For more lodging and travel ideas and to easily find unique accommodations, visit the Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site, http://www.KentuckyTourism.com, and click “Places to Stay.”