what is there to do in somerset ky

Most folks come to Somerset and Pulaski County because the sparkling waters of Lake Cumberland are known as the "Houseboat Uppercase of the World." But the fourth-best recreational lake in the country, according to USA Today's 10Best.com, is also a place where friends and family tin can fish, play and detect cozy anchorages under sunny (or starry!) skies. Others come to visit "The Capital letter of Lake Cumberland" because this part of South-Central Kentucky is a vibrant, hospitable center of arts, crafts, civilization and shopping, with thriving restaurants and arable live music in a revitalized downtown.

Summer Time, Fun Time

In the summertime, dip in the area's magnificent cooling waters of Lake Cumberland or plan a visit to SomerSplash, a thirty-acre water park with slides, a wave puddle and adjoining skateboard park. Somerset'due south annual Primary Musicians Festival – an almanac mid-July event since 1994 – draws crowds from all over the state to hear an eclectic list of legendary rootsy artists similar Odetta, Pinetop Perkins, Vassar Clemens, Richie Havens, the legendary Willie Nelson, Counting Crows and Dwight Yoakam – right alongside regional performers who share Kentucky's rich musical roots.

If y'all happen to exist visiting on the 4th Saturday of the calendar month (non only in summertime, but Apr-October) the Somernites Prowl automobile testify downtown offers fun-filled weekends devoted to vintage cars, alive music and the sort of community spirit that hearkens dorsum to an earlier time. With a Rock and Roll Block Party on Friday and and then the car show/cruise on Saturday, in that location'due south cipher quite like it!

All-Season Appeal

But this area is besides spectacular in the autumn – when the area'due south hills, gorges and plateaus are afire with colour – and during the still, common cold wintertime months when the forested landscape, its wildlife and sharp-edged contours can be seen in snow-covered clarity. No matter what direction you're coming from, every route offers scenic views. The principal north-south road, U.S. 27, runs from Ohio through Lexington and so downwardly to Tennessee. Travelers along I-65 volition find that east on the Louis B. Nunn Parkway offers quick passage to Somerset. And to the east, Kentucky Highway 80 – which connects to London, I-75 and beyond – spans the gorgeous Daniel Boone National Forest.

Stay More than, Play More

There are lots of ways to get around these parts – by kayak, gunkhole, bicycle, foot and car. But there are plenty of places to settle into too.

Just a few minutes from Somerset on the shore of Lake Cumberland, Lee's Ford Resort Marina offers rustic cottages and casual-upscale dining at the The Harbor Eating place & Tavern (featured in Southern Living), where you can feast on ribs, pork chops and blackened grouper while gazing at the lake. Boaters won't miss out either, since the eating house delivers to marina slips and cabins. (How cool is that?)

If it'due south a campsite y'all require, y'all'll find lakeside spaces for RVs at Shoreline RV Park, Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland RV Park, Pulaski Canton Park and others. There are nearly a hundred sites with utility hookups, showers and full amenities at General Burnside Island Land Park, home to ane of the land's well-nigh beautiful golf courses. There are also archaic campsites at Bee Rock, due east of Somerset on Rockcastle River, the have-out betoken for audacious paddlers who've tackled the frothy waters upstream.

And all effectually the region you'll find a mix of civilities and locations that volition satisfy every sense of taste. Somerset itself is blessed with an abundance of locally-endemic and national hotels and motels at cost points that give visitors plenty of choices. In that location are more than 100 short-term rentals bachelor too.

Visit historical sites similar Manufacturing plant Springs Battlefield Museum/Visitor Heart (now a National Monument) where Marriage troops achieved the first major victory in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Scan arts and crafts or listen to the music of local and regional artisans at the Cooper Arts Middle in downtown Somerset. Accept a walking tour of historic downtown to get a sense of how time and history have shaped this 200-year-old town.

Come Vino & Dine

No affair where y'all're staying, you lot'll want to visit the tasting rooms at Cedar Creek Vineyards (located in a scenic mountain setting) and Cave Colina Vineyard & Winery, simply north of town. If it's craft beer y'all love, visit Jarfly Brewing Company the first of its kind in downtown Somerset.

And, of course, you'll eat well! With luck, you'll haul in a mess of fish on your own, merely area restaurants stand up ready to serve everything from grits, biscuits and gravy to fried craven, sushi and steak with potatoes. You won't want to miss the hot donuts from Amon'due south Sugar Shack, bachelor Th through Sabbatum evenings during the summer.

Whether you're shopping for produce from the area's rich agricultural bounty or antiques and hard-to-find knickknacks, the local farm markets, unique antique shops/malls and vast flea markets are great places to meet the locals and get personal advice about the items and places they treasure.

Ready to make your escape? Call 800-642-6287 or visit www.lctourism.com for information on all there is to see and practise here. Your dream vacation waits on the shores of Lake Cumberland!

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Source: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/lake-cumberland-fun-somerset-pulaski-county