Adventure
Kentucky Capitals Quest
Lexington, Kentucky: The Horse Capital of the World
Explore the Bluegrass State’s “claims to fame” with the Kentucky Capitals Quest. This passport program charts visits to 11 destinations that showcase the state’s treasures – capitals of sorts. A suggested itinerary is provided for each location. Travelers can pick up a passport at one of the visitor centers and then collect stickers to earn prizes as they make stops along the way. Those who collect all 11 stickers become honorary Kentucky Capitals Quest Ambassadors and are rewarded with a cozy branded blanket. It’s a fun way to immerse yourself in destinations that define the state’s rich history, heritage, and charm.
The 11 stops are as follows:
Owensboro, Kentucky: The Bluegrass Music Capital Of The World
Bowling Green: The Corvette Capital Of The World
Frankfort: The Historic Heartbeat Of Kentucky
Hopkinsville: The Batter Capital Of The World
Lexington: The Horse Capital Of The World
London: The Cycling Capital Of Kentucky
Morehead: The Musky Capital Of The South
Paducah: The Quilt Capital Of The World
Oldham County: The Farm Tour Capital Of Kentucky
Owensboro: The Bluegrass Music Capital Of The World
Paducah: The Quilt Capital Of The World
Somerset: The Houseboat Capital Of The World
Winchester: The Beer Cheese Capital Of The World
Learn more at kentuckycapitalsquest.com.
Bookshelf
RVing: Always An Adventure
When Bill and Bonnie Neely were busy raising three young children, Bill announced that he had bought a tiny used RV. His plan: Take the family on a six-week journey to Mexico as part of a business trip. That spawned 47 years of travel across several continents. During that time, Bonnie transformed from reluctant traveler to RV enthusiast.
Bonnie’s book, Real Ventures: Did We Really Do That? (Newman Springs Publishing), recounts many of the family’s “almost unbelievable, but true, RV experiences and hilarious tales,” and includes tips from their travels.
The Neelys owned eight RVs and rented one in Europe over the years. “Our nine different RVs were a cramped 17 feet for a family of six to 36 feet of luxury for two,” Bonnie recalled. “Our adventures sometimes included a pet, friends, in-laws (once even outlaws!), a newborn baby, children, teens, the elderly, or physically challenged.”
Bill, a college professor, wanted to see as much as possible during school holidays. “He preferred to ‘wing it’ and exit to anywhere that looked interesting. Our serendipities!” Bonnie said. These journeys began when Bill and Bonnie were in their early 30s.
The family camped in every state in the continental United States; every Canadian province; “all over” Mexico, El Salvador, Belize, and Guatemala; and some of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Their RV travel mileage was equal to 25 trips around the equator, or three times circling the moon, Bonnie said.
The Neelys have been professional travel journalists for over 40 years. They are the creators of RealTravelAdventures.com, which spotlights destinations around the world. Real Ventures is sold in bookstores and online; an excerpt is available on their website.
Holiday Fun
Ride A Holiday Train
Inspired by The Polar Express book and movie classic — and by the holiday season itself — Christmas train rides, which typically operate in November and December, are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s a sampling. Note: These trips sell out quickly, so consider planning for next year as well.
The Polar Express Train Rides are offered throughout the U.S. and Canada, inviting families to experience the imaginary tale of a child’s Christmas journey to the North Pole. Locations include the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Grand Canyon Railway, Alberta Prairie Railway, and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. raileventsinc.com
Magic awaits at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, which hosts holiday excursions to meet Santa aboard the North Pole Limited Christmas Train. tvrail.com
The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad operates family-friendly trips, such as the Santa Pizza Train; adult-only treks include the Holiday Wine Train. spoonertrainride.com
In Grapevine, Texas, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad takes guests on a festive ride aboard Santa’s North Pole Express in authentic luxury 1920s rail cars. grapevinetexasusa.com
Santa takes over the Virginia Scenic Railway through the month of December. Travelers enjoy beverages, sweet treats, and an appearance by the big man himself. virginiascenicrailway.com