Kentucky never fails to surprise us. Just when we thought we'd seen it all, we happen upon a new-to-us discovery that stops us in our tracks. Kentucky Amish Country is a place where you'd expect to find beautiful bucolic views, Amish restaurants, general stores, and antiques... but this resplendent region is hiding something quite wondrous and wild, too: a safari park.
Looking for a wild adventure in the Bluegrass? Look no further!
In Horse Cave, Kentucky, a region that's known for its epic underground adventures, there's an aboveground attraction that's as wild as it gets.
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Welcome to Dutch Country Safari Park, the wildest and most unexpected attraction in Kentucky Amish Country... and Kentucky, period.
This unique park includes a drive-thru safari and several animal encounter areas that allow folks to get up close and personal with the world's most fascinating creatures...
...even getting to hand-feed some of them! Now this is an truly hands on experience you won't want to pass up.
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If you're more of a cute, cuddly creature kind of person, you'll be positively delighted by the baby animals and kids frolicking about this safari park in Kentucky!
(Although, who could resist a smooch from this guy? He's a totally different kind of cuddly creature.)
So the next time you're planning a trip to Horse Cave, put this wild safari park on your itinerary... it's truly a one-of-a-kind Kentucky experience!
Did you know about this unique park hiding in Kentucky Amish Country? Wonders never cease! Visit the Dutch Country Safari Park website for hours, admission, and more information.
Looking for more wild day trips in the Bluegrass? You can pet a crocodile and play with kangaroos at this Kentucky adventure park.
Get Ready For Apple And Pumpkin Everything At This Family-Friendly Orchard In Kentucky
Evans Orchard and Cider Mill in Kentucky offers a variety of family-friendly fall activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and a farm-themed playground.
The calendar page flips, the weather doesn't really change, but you start to see apple and pumpkin everything in stores, restaurants, on social media, and these days even in the most unexpected places. But if you are one of those people who is obsessed with fall and just can't get enough of everything harvest-themed, you must plan a visit to Evans Orchard and Cider Mill. This family-friendly spot, which is easily one of the best orchards in Kentucky, is actually open throughout most of the year and always has something fun going on. But September and October are when this farm and market really shine and are the ideal months to bring your family to pick your own fruit, take a hayride, and play in what may be the best farm-themed playground in Kentucky!
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Evans Orchard and Cider Mill is a 5th generation family farm in the beautiful outskirts of Georgetown. It's mostly known for its fall festivities, but this family-friendly orchard in Kentucky is actually open most of the year with a variety of offerings.
Late summer (typically through mid to late August) is a great time to visit for the produce stand and to check out the incredible sunflower field. Evans Orchard is right in the heart of horse country and many would argue it is one of the most beautiful areas of our state.
As an orchard, Evans is the quintessential destination for all apple lovers. The apple donuts, apple slushies, and fried apple pies are as delicious as they sound and you can enjoy them on the farm, as well as take home some fresh apple-themed foods for home. Throughout much of September, you can also pick your own apples, so be sure to visit the website, linked below, for the specific dates.
Eventually, apples give way to pumpkins and apple flavors pass the tasty baton to pumpkin everything. Evans begins their fall festival in mid-September and it goes through October and they offer everything you could want in an idyllic fall outing in Kentucky.
The play area and barnyard are a must for all ages. These unique activities are what make Evans Orchard a favorite of so many local families.
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The bounce pad is also a favorite, as is the seasonal hayride, corn maze, and of course the opportunity to pick your very own pumpkin. Evans Orchard is typically open weekends as well as some weekdays, so there is plenty of opportunity to visit. View the current fall schedule at the farms website, linked below.
If you live nearby, you may even consider a season pass so you can visit a few times throughout the fall festivities. If you're close enough to make this farm a day trip option, make plans now to enjoy apple and pumpkin everything at Evan's Orchard and Cider Mill in Georgetown.
If it's a beautiful fall day (or spring or summer), this family-friendly orchard in Kentucky is the ideal spot for a day trip. There are a variety of activities for all ages and the scenery is picture perfect for a memorable day as a family. Is Evans Orchard and Cider Mill your favorite farm to visit during the fall in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments!
For more information on everything happening at this Kentucky orchard including hours, pricing, and u-pick opportunities, check out Evans Orchard online.
It's always a welcome surprise when an exciting attraction serves up great food, or when a delicious restaurant also has unique entertainment features. It's not always the case, but when it happens it turns a destination into a one-stop-shop for both fun and a great meal. If you enjoy this type of attraction, perhaps while on a road trip or when you're just looking for something different to do, then be sure to make your way to Bowling Green. There you'll find Chaney's Dairy Barn on a beautiful farm that serves up both food and activities for everyone. You'll have loads of fun at this dairy farm in Kentucky that has some of the best ice cream and sandwiches in our state.
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Chaney's Dairy Barn is a working dairy farm in Bowling Green that not only produces delicious ice cream but also serves up other great food choices and plenty of family fun.
The large property makes for a great stop if you live in the area, and is also perfect for a visit if you're passing through on a road trip. There is a large restaurant and ice cream parlor with plenty of indoor seating, a pathway down to the farm to check it all out, and outdoor play spaces to run off all of that sugar.
Speaking of sugar, Chaney's ice cream is some of the sweetest and most delicious in Kentucky. It's so special that it was featured on the popular show, Guy's All American Road Trip.
They have many classic flavors and also add in a few creative ones, most of which perfectly match up with the season. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients and can order get the ice cream as a sundae, atop a warm brownie skillet, or mixed into a shake.
While you may be tempted to just enjoy the ice cream as a meal, don't miss out on the delicious menu at Chaney's Dairy Barn.
The sandwiches (especially the grilled cheese!) are tasty, as are the salads, burgers, and other offerings. Everything is made fresh to order, making it a much better road trip meal stop than a convenient drive-thru. My family has stopped a few times while driving from Northern Kentucky to Florida and it's always a highlight of the trip!
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After tasting the ice cream and sandwiches, be sure to head down to the working farm for a self-guided tour.
Purchase a ticket for the tour up at the barn (where the restaurant is) and then follow the signs down the gravel road. On the tour, you'll get to encounter the cows of course, and also the unique Lely Astronaut Robotic Milker. And thanks to the current 2.7 million dollars worth of renovations being invested into the property, you'll soon have even more to enjoy! Including a viewing window to watch the ice cream making process.
In addition to its daily happenings, Chaney's offers many events throughout the year.
One of the most popular is the Ice Cream & Moovie Night, held multiple times throughout the summer. The farm also hosts a corn maze and other events year round.
But even if the farm is not hosting a specific event, there is still plenty to do.
The playground area is free for customers (the jumping pillow costs extra) and is adorably unique. The farm theme carries into the park and kids love the variety. The views aren't bad, either.
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Chaney's Dairy Barn is a great destination in Kentucky for all sorts of food and fun, but especially for the ice cream and sandwiches.
It's a happy spot in the Bluegrass State with tasty treats, delicious meals, exciting events, and a fun-filled atmosphere that's perfect for everyone. We've loved our stops at Chaney's and can't wait to return soon to see the wonderful updates and new features.
Chaney's Dairy Barn is a tradition for many locals, and also those passing near Bowling Green who are looking for a great restaurant, a sweet treat, and a little fun to go along with them. Have you played and indulged in ice cream and a meal at this big red barn in Kentucky? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Chaney's Dairy Barn is located at 9191 Nashville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101. For more information, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And for more eateries around Kentucky that are more than wonderful places to eat, check out our previous article here.