Cave City, Bowling Green and the Surrounding Area

Jefferson Davis State Historical Site

Being a Southerner by ancestry, I have always heard stories about Jefferson Davis, the man. Supposedly we are related; my paternal Great Grandmother was a Davis, but then every Southerner claimed to be related to him, so who knows? In my genealogical research, this is not important to me. I am content to be related to everyday, humble people and don't need to prove I am descended from royalty or otherwise famous people.

Humble Beginnings

This monument was erected by admirers in 1907? in a rural area of Western Kentucky. It is xxx ft. tall and an amazing structure. There is an elevator inside which was down for repairs when we were there, so unfortunately we didn't get that fantastic view.

Top half
Bottom half







Black Sheep Diner

We stopped for lunch here. Johnnie is always looking for local diners and this place looked promising.

Love the sentiment of the owners

Good BBQ, smoker going on the porch!


















This is probably one of the best finds of our entire trip. We visited their farm way out in the country; it seems like we drove for hours but probably only 30 min. from Cave City. It is a lovely setting in the rolling hills. The dairy is family-owned and operated, they raise all their own cows, milk them and process all their cheese onsite. When we arrived one of the family gave us a tour, explained the operation, and then her 9 year old son who was all suited up and working in the clean environment, came out and handed her a sample for us of fresh Kentucky Bleu Cheese just coming out of the cave and ready for packaging. It was incredibly yummy!
Johnnie wants Bessie for our yard

I could probably get on board with a cow like this!

We bought several packages of cheese there, and ate most of it before we got home! So I have now placed a mail order for some more.


We deliberately camped in Cave City so we could visit Mammoth Cave National Park. Well, as it turns out, the only remaining cave tour open in mid-October was completely booked. They close the caves from November to March, so we looked around the area for other caves to visit. There are plenty! Kentucky is uniquely situated on a vast plateau of limestone and caves abound.


Discovered years ago, Lost River Cave has a long history

Famous for the Blue Holes
where things "disappear"

One of the four Blue Holes







Looking out from the entrance;
remnants of the old mill


Used as a nightclub in the early 1900's


Used by Union and
Confederate


This will be an excellent place to visit in future. Go in the summer or early Fall when all the caves are open. Camp in the park, which is beautiful! Plan ahead and book your tours ahead, especially if COVID social distancing guidelines are still in effect. And, most importantly, get into shape for climbing! Even the  guided tours involve steps, lots of steps, and some slippery footing and low ceilings. There is one accessible cave tour, but the rest are rated from moderately strenuous to very strenuous.


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