The end of October was the perfect time and opportunity to travel by car with dog in tow to see the beautiful fall colors in Kentucky. I had wanted to go the year before during Thanksgiving break; however, it didn’t work out and I really wanted to go. The AirBnB I booked last year was available, so I booked it. Plans were to visit Paducah, Kentucky, home of Hancock’s of Paducah fabric warehouse and the National Quilt Museum. These were places I have dreamt of seeing since the my early career days in the sewing industry.
Driving through the Ozark’s of Missouri was breathtaking. It was as if God Himself was speaking to me through the magnificent fall colors and rolling hills of trees. A beautiful reminder that God is good and creates masterpieces. And even though it was cloudy the colors were showing through.
After driving through the Ozark’s, then you drive over the Mississippi River and about 5 miles into Illinois. Right after that is another bridge over the Ohio River taking you into Kentucky. It is a small narrow bridge so no stopping for a photo moment. Paducah is several miles down the road where finally a rest area is available. The Whitehaven Rest Area is a majestic landmark that was once a mansion of two different owners. The KY Transportation Cabinet saved the house.
The place I was staying was about 30 more minutes east of Paducah. The beautiful fall colors in Kentucky continue on the winding and narrow roads to the property. It was a beautiful place complete with a small creek as you enter, and rolling hills with trees all around. After settling in, my dog and I went for a walk.
Sightseeing
On the next day, I drove back to Paducah, did some shopping and sight seeing downtown. I walked downtown close to the river front to see the Paducah Wall to Wall (Portraits of Our Past). Even though it was cloudy, it wasn’t raining so I decided to go back and get the dog. We drove to the Kentucky Dam and a state park. We also drove through the small town of Grand Rivers. It was a quaint small town.
Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area also includes the Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive. I took a road that led to the Moss Creek area of the Kentucky Lake. The drive was beautiful. I stopped so my dog could walk around. The area was so pretty. We drove back and settled for the evening.
National Quilt Museum
With it raining on the next day, I went to the National Quilt Museum. Stained glass windows depicting quilt patterns are in the front and round section of the building. They were stunning. There were many pretty amazing quilts representing several exhibits. One was the Quilts of Valor incorporating the 250th anniversary fabric. I enjoyed seeing the different ways the quilters used the panel and coordinating fabrics. Some of the exhibits change from time to time and are only there for limited times, so check out the website for more information.
Heading Home
The next day, the sun came out to shine on the beautiful fall colors in Kentucky. On the morning walk, four deer were grazing in the front yard. Several deer came through during the evenings. While driving home, I stopped at Mansfield, MO to see Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home and museum. I took a couple of photos, but didn’t get out. I’ll save this for another visit without the dog.
Overall, the trip was great! Paducah, Kentucky is a fabulous area and the timing was perfect to see the beautiful fall colors. It also marks off another state for me. I now have 12 states left to visit out of 50. I’m excited to see that it is doable to see the last 12 states. Thanks for coming along with me.
Until the next adventure . . .