11 Fascinating Spots In Kentucky That Are Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

We all need to get away once in a while, and Kentucky has some magical spots to escape to. Some places are unique because they held onto history. The wonder of the era has been maintained in the décor, woodwork and overall feel of the mansions. Modern spots can be fascinating as well, offering incredible works or art, or enchanting environments. Not to mention, our breathtaking Bluegrass State woodlands are always a wonderful getaway. They are brimming with wildlife and the eternal magic of Mother Nature, reminding us what the entire state was likely like, prior to development. If you have difficulties finding serenity in life, take the time to go out to the woods, and you just might find your own fairy tale.

Here are 11 fairy tale spots in Kentucky:

11. Louisville Glassworks

This glass blowing business at 815 W Market may not seem like something out of a fairytale--at least till you walk in the door. This is a haven for glass blowing artists and their creations. There are amazing works of glass art hanging, sitting on shelves and being worked live. It is incredible to watch as a shapeless blob suddenly becomes whatever the artist wants it to be; a pumpkin, a swan, or a colorful vase. The business itself may not be fairy tale material, but the art inside definitely is.

10. Big South Fork

Located off Mine 18 Road, (aka KY 742 near Sterns,) this is a beautiful place to visit and relax in nature. The rolling river is great for rafting, canoeing or fishing in some spots. The surrounding forest is rich and hearty, reminding us of the peaceful beauty that Mother Nature can provide.

9. Castlepost Courtyard.

This B&B in Versailles allows visitors to relax in a real castle environment, complete with perks. You get first class food, comfortable surroundings and an amazing modern/medieval experience. This serene Bed and Breakfast is located at 230 Pisgah Pike and will make guests feel like royalty.

8. Locust Grove

Step back in time and visit an 18th-century farm at 561 Blackenbaker Road in Louisville. This national historic landmark was built in the Georgian architectural style and the look and feel of the century has been maintained in the décor. The lands are flourishing, including a botanical garden and special events are presented yearly, including a Civil War re-enactment.

7. Cumberland Falls State Park

The falls at 7351 KY 90 in Corbin is a magical place where the conditions are right for moonbows. They appear periodically and give those present a moment when magic seems to drift over the falls, and we half expect fairies to dance in the colored mist.

6. Lost River Cave

The Blue Holes located at 2818 Nashville Road in Bowling Green are completely surreal with their magical blue green color. One almost expects a water nymph to pop up and say hello. The entire area offers visitors a unique journey through Mother Nature’s works of natural art and landscaping. This is an amazing area to see and just soak up the surrounding beauty. I highly recommended it.

5. Mammoth Cave National Park

The Mammoth Cave is located at 1 Mammoth Cave Prky in Mammoth Cave Kentucky, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Each area of the underground wonderland opens patron’s eyes to a new and amazing realm of seemingly alien formations and beings. If you have never been to this fascinating attraction, you will want to put it on your to do list.

4. Natural Bridge State Park

Located at 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade, this amazing natural formation shows the power of Mother Nature. The bridge is sturdier than anything man has made, and likely will last through many more human lifetimes unless destroyed by weapons of mass destruction. The view is in itself, one of the reasons to visit this amazing formation. It is breathtaking.

3. Newport Aquarium

Visiting Newport Aquarium at 1 Aquarium Way in Newport is like stepping into a bubble underneath a magical water wonderland. There are areas in which you are surrounded by water and sea life, protected only by the thick, tempered glass. There are over 70 exhibits and 40 galleries of amazing sea life. You can get in touch with your ocean loving side in the heart of northern KY.

2. Paintsville Lake State Park

The campgrounds at 1551 KY 2275 in Staffordsville is open year round, allowing people to experience the beauty of the area spring, summer, winter and fall. The beautiful lake and surrounding area offers a comforting environment all year round. This is a magical place, overflowing with nature’s abundance.

1. Red River Gorge

Once you arrive at the Gorge in Slade you will realize you are in a literal fairy tale forest. The further into the woods you go, the more magical they become. The lush woodlands has an abundance of babbling brooks and a few river rapids to welcome visitors into a relaxing environment. The woods themselves cover campers like a blanket of flora, trapping the busy world outside the forest borders. The cabin rentals are another great way to enjoy the nature of the Gorge, while still having a few modern conveniences. No matter how you do the Gorge, the atmosphere is still fantastic.

Each one of these amazing spots in Kentucky is truly fascinating on some level, depending on what your interests are. Nature has always been a favored spot of ours to escape from the daily grind and find that Zen, but a B&B can be quite serene as well. We’ve all read a fairy tale or 10 during our lives, and they can take place in any type of environment. The bottom line is, it is all about what brings us that warm, fuzzy, relaxed feeling… not including wine. What are your favorite "fairy tale" spots to visit in Kentucky?