My Rave Review of the Bluegrass State... (Lexington, Louisville: hardwood floors, for sale) - City-Data Forum

backdrifter · 01-12-2011, 06:23 PM

Hey y'all. I just got back from a little weeklong visit to Kentucky and thought I'd share my experience with everyone.

Most of my time I spent in Covington, but I also took jaunts down to Lexington and Louisville. A week might not be enough time to get a full understanding of an area, but it is definitely enough to change a person's mind 180 degrees! Out here Kentucky is used as the butt of jokes. Vancouver, WA is derogatorily referred to as "Vantucky." Springfield likewise is referred to as "Springtucky." How unenlightened these people are about Kentucky though...

What struck me the most about the area was the architecture. Wow! So many beautiful, historic buildings that are who knows how old! This was true in Covington, Lexington, AND Louisville. But the scenery was also really beautiful--the hills and deciduous forests. I can't wait to come back in summer or fall and see Kentucky's natural areas in full bloom.

Lexington was great and I imagine that in spring and fall it's a lot more vibrant. As it was, the coffee shops and bookstores I went into were really funky, comfortable, and fun. Walked around the Transy campus and drove around UK a little. What gorgeous schools. The Kentucky Theatre was incredible. Everyone we encountered here was very friendly.

Loo-uh-vull was spectacular. It was, by far, my favorite on the trip. Spent a lot of time walking around Old Louisville and exploring The Highlands, but also got lost out in some of the outlying neighborhoods as well, and went downtown a little. Ate some delicious BBQ at Mark's Feed Store and had great coffee at Sunergos. What an amazing city it is. Very vibrant and soulful. Felt very welcoming and 'down home'. Definitely picked up on the 'Gateway to the South' vibe, especially when people opened their mouths to talk to me!

Covington was nice too, but I'll probably discuss that more on the Cincinnati forum.

Anyway, thank you Kentucky for the memorable experience. Never thought I'd say that I loved Kentucky, but here I am, knocked off my coastal-centric high horse. You guys have a beautiful state there and lots to be proud of. I'll post some pictures in the appropriate picture forums when I get a chance.

My one complaint is probably that the drivers are pretty aggressive and inconsiderate of pedestrians, bikes, and other drivers--but then again I'm spoiled in that area in the PNW. I know there are probably a lot of issues and problems underneath the surface that a visitor wouldn't see and/or understand, but it's like that everywhere--even in the liberal utopia of Portland we struggle with unemployment, poverty, hunger, racial divisions, etc, just like everywhere else. But at any rate I liked what I saw and I can't wait to come back for my next visit!

kygman · 01-12-2011, 08:41 PM

Hope you get to come back and check out other parts of the state both east and west of where you visited this time. For a little trivia, did you know Kentucky has more shoreline than Florida? Florida has a total of 1200 miles of shoreline while Lake Cumberland, which is east of Bowling Green, has 1255 miles of shoreline by itself! We also have the largest man made lake east of the Mississippi River. Here's a list of things to see in Kentucky. Glad you enjoyed your stay!
Kentucky.gov: Sites & Attractions

Dayton Sux · 01-13-2011, 04:36 AM

Wow, what a nice trip report!

PONYPULR · 01-13-2011, 05:38 AM

How very nice of you, backdrifter! Yes, you will be amazed at how vivid spring is in Kentucky! Just gorgeous!

skelaki · 01-13-2011, 06:21 AM

My father's family was orignially from KY but I haven't been there since I was a small child. I've always wanted to come back for a visit especially since I found out that many of the places in my favorite series of children's books (The Little Colonel) were real places (as well as people) and that many of the places still exist.

This makes me want to come all the more.

Off Topic · 01-14-2011, 06:58 AM

You definitely need to come back in the spring or fall. It really is a beautiful state and the overwhelming number of residents are friendly and helpful.

Glad you liked your trip and come back soon!

CraigCreek · 01-14-2011, 09:14 AM

Skelaki: The "Lloydsboro Valley" of the Little Colonel books is based on Pewee Valley, near Louisville. "The Beeches", home of author Annie Fellows Johnston in reality and home of the Walton family in the LC books, was recently for sale and I was able to see the interior. It was in good cosmetic condition and structurally sound, but needed some updates and weatherizing. I hope it's owned by someone who knows and respects its history.

Other Pewee Valley structures mentioned in the books include the church where the Little Colonel was married, "The Locusts", the Little Colonel's cottage, "Oakleigh", and many other houses where various characters lived. The old train station and post office, hubs of much social activity in the books, are gone, alas, but the tracks still run through the center of the town.

A Louisville B and B, once the home of the "Two Little Knights of Kentucky", has a huge Little Colonel website with photos of places and people upon whom AFJ based her locations and characters- don't have it bookmarked, but a little surfing should find it readily. There's a lot more to "The Little Colonel" than the Shirley Temple movie, delightful though it was...

OP: so glad you enjoyed your visit here. Please come back when the weather is warmer - spring and fall are our best seasons and a lot more is going on then.

skelaki · 01-16-2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigCreek

Skelaki: The "Lloydsboro Valley" of the Little Colonel books is based on Pewee Valley, near Louisville. "The Beeches", home of author Annie Fellows Johnston in reality and home of the Walton family in the LC books, was recently for sale and I was able to see the interior. It was in good cosmetic condition and structurally sound, but needed some updates and weatherizing. I hope it's owned by someone who knows and respects its history.

Other Pewee Valley structures mentioned in the books include the church where the Little Colonel was married, "The Locusts", the Little Colonel's cottage, "Oakleigh", and many other houses where various characters lived. The old train station and post office, hubs of much social activity in the books, are gone, alas, but the tracks still run through the center of the town.

A Louisville B and B, once the home of the "Two Little Knights of Kentucky", has a huge Little Colonel website with photos of places and people upon whom AFJ based her locations and characters- don't have it bookmarked, but a little surfing should find it readily. There's a lot more to "The Little Colonel" than the Shirley Temple movie, delightful though it was...

OP: so glad you enjoyed your visit here. Please come back when the weather is warmer - spring and fall are our best seasons and a lot more is going on then.

I have the entire series and will never give them up unless it's to a young girl who will love The Little Colonel and her friends as much as I did (and still do). I wish I had the funds to purchase The Beeches. The only actual updates I'd do would be to bring things like plumbing and electrical up to code. I love old homes.

I look forward to visiting one day.

CraigCreek · 01-16-2011, 06:53 AM

Skelaki: See the multimedia section of www.oldhamera.com (local newspaper) for interior photos of "The Beeches", appropriately furnished and decorated for a recent holiday open house tour. It appears the house may still be for sale. Original asking price was c. $750,000+ a couple of years ago. There are about 3-5 acres, 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, lots of fireplaces, beautiful windows, original built-in shelfing and woodwork...but the house was in need of storm windows, additional attic insulation, etc. when I saw it. No idea about plumbing or electrical issues, but interior paint was fresh, hardwood floors in good shape, and the house appeared very livable as is.

Why don't you move to Kentucky and buy it??? ;-) I would love to know that it's in good hands!

skelaki · 01-16-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigCreek

Skelaki: See the multimedia section of www.oldhamera.com (local newspaper) for interior photos of "The Beeches", appropriately furnished and decorated for a recent holiday open house tour. It appears the house may still be for sale. Original asking price was c. $750,000+ a couple of years ago. There are about 3-5 acres, 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, lots of fireplaces, beautiful windows, original built-in shelfing and woodwork...but the house was in need of storm windows, additional attic insulation, etc. when I saw it. No idea about plumbing or electrical issues, but interior paint was fresh, hardwood floors in good shape, and the house appeared very livable as is.

Why don't you move to Kentucky and buy it??? ;-) I would love to know that it's in good hands!

Absolutely gorgeous! I wish I could. It would make a fabulous B&B.