A small tour group gathers with park ranger Richard Howell at the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave on a summer day, preparing to enter. The cool cave air, meeting the warm, humid outer air, creates a sudden zone of mist that both delights the skin and fogs spectacles, and gives a sense that one is on the threshold of another world.
(NATIONAL PARK SERVICE)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Several southcentral Kentucky attractions, businesses and restaurants are finalists in this year’s Kentucky Living’s Best in Kentucky contest.
MacLean Lessenberry, executive director of the Barren County Tourist and Convention Commission, said the agency is the 2021 contest sponsor. Barren County, particularly, has several nominations included in the contest.
“We have eight from Barren County in the finals, which is the top three this year,” Lessenberry said. “Which is the most we’ve ever had.”
The commission recently unveiled a new logo and website.
Mammoth Cave National Park is nominated in categories such as “Day Trip” and “Place for Adventure.” Jelly Stone Park Mammoth Cave is nominated in “Camping Spot.”
Glasgow’s Bush’s Saloon & Dance Hall is nominated in “Place for Live Music.”
Hart County’s Dennison’s Roadside Market is nominated in “Farm Tourist Attraction,” and Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is nominated in “Kid-Friendly Attraction.”
Metcalfe County’s Lighthouse Restaurant is nominated in “Down-Home Restaurant,” and Black Stone Cherry is nominated in “Kentucky Musician/ Band.”
Attractions surrounding Barren River Lake are nominated for various accolades too.
Barren River Lake State Park Golf Course is nominated in “Golf Course.” Barren River Lake is nominated in “Houseboating Lake.” Barren River Lake at Barren River State Resort Park is nominated in “Public Hunting/ Fishing Area.”
“It’s all user-generated, so you have to go vote for each category,” Lessenberry said.
Voting is open through May 31. Voters can cast votes once a day through that time.
The winners will be announced via Facebook and YouTube on Aug. 26. The winners will be published in Kentucky Living’s September issue and their website.
