Every region has its fair share of people, places and even foods that fall into the categories of wacky, wild and wonderful. All of the attractions on this Mystery Tour fall into one of those three classifications…in fact, some attractions fall into all three!

DAY 1

4:00 pm – Arrive and check in at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (KDV), Gilbertsville, KY. The park’s cottages remind visitors that this was once a village with its very own post office…and it still is! Stop by and mail a postcard to the folks back home.

6:00 pm – After settling into your room, join us for dinner at the Harbor Lights Restaurant, where the food and waterscape are both stellar.

7:00 pm – Stretch your legs with a stroll down to the water, visit the hotel gift shop or have a nightcap at the Harbor Lights Lounge. Get a good night’s sleep, tomorrow’s a busy day.

DAY 2

8:00 am – Greet the day from your private patio/balcony and meet downstairs for a hearty breakfast. This buffet has everything to suit your fancy, and more!

9:00 am – Depart for Kentucky Dam. Enjoy a knowledgeable step-on guide as you drive over the last dam on the main-stem of the 652-mile Tennessee River. One of the river’s nine major dams, it took six years to construct and was completed in 1944. There are a total of 49 dams throughout the Tennessee River system.

9:15 am – Arrive at Kentucky Dam, learn about its history and its mystery at the dam’s visitor center. Snap a photo with the giant propeller and perhaps catch a glimpse of the dam’s resident American white pelicans.

10:00 am – Depart for Grand Rivers, Kentucky

10:15 am – Arrive at the Village of Grand Rivers for shopping and a mouthwatering lunch. Start by wandering through the boutiques and taking a ride on the trolley.

12:00 – Meet at Patti’s 1880’s Restaurant, recognized by Southern Living as one of the most outstanding non-chain restaurants in the Southeast, for a delightful lunch (pre-selected menu) in the Presidential Room. Peruse signed memorabilia from 35 of America’s 46 presidents.

If you’re familiar with the story of the phoenix rising from the ashes, you will be astonished at the true story of this restaurant’s recovery from a 2018 fire that left the fate of this 40 year-old icon in jeopardy.

1:30 pm – Make a quick purchase or take a walk by the water, but don’t tarry, there’s an entertaining afternoon in your future.

2:00 pm – Meet at the Badgett Playhouse, a local theater where an afternoon of talented musicians, great tunes and fun times await. Tell your toes it’s tappin’ time!

4:00 pm – Depart for the Elk and Bison Prairie (open till dusk) in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation area.

4:30 pm – Arrive at Elk and Bison Prairie where 700 enclosed acres are home to re-established herds of elk and bison, which have thrived in western Kentucky since 1996.

5:30 pm – Depart for KDV

6:00 pm – Arrive at KDV for a Kentucky inspired meal including derby pie, a pecan pie enhanced by chocolate and maybe a touch of bourbon; burgoo, a combination of hearty meats cooked into a stew and served with cornbread; and a Kentucky Hot Brown, made famous in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville and now served all over the Commonwealth.

7:30 pm – Take a walk, play some cards or just visit, then off to bed!

DAY 3

7:30 am – Another yummy breakfast at the buffet – today’s challenge is to try something new! Snap a photo and make everyone back home jealous.

8:30 am – Depart for Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Humphreys County, Tennessee. During the drive, we will watch Ken Burns’ acclaimed Country Music engaging documentary.

11:00 am – Arrive at Loretta Lynn’s Kitchen and gift shop. Check out all of the variety of country music stars’ photos as you make your way to and from the hearty, country-cooking buffet.

12:00 – It’s not every day that you get to tour the home of the Queen of Country Music! You’ll also love the museum, a big treat for Loretta’s fans and admirers of her musical partner, Conway Twitty and her dear friend, Patsy Cline. No matter what, don’t skip the cabin from Coal Miner’s Daughter.

3:00 pm – Depart Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

3:30 pm – Arrive at Johnsonville State Historic Park. Your step-on Ranger guide will share the history of the Battle of Johnsonville, when a 23-day raid through West Tennessee culminated with an explosive attack on a base brimming with munitions.

4:30 pm – Depart for Paris, Tennessee. Enjoy the “Battle of Johnsonville,” DVD on your ride through scenic West Tennessee.

5:30 pm – Arrive at Eiffel Tower Park to stretch your legs and enjoy a photo op under the 70’ tall Eiffel Tower.

5:50 pm – Depart for PerryLogic Brewery

6:00 pm – Arrive at PerryLodgic Brewery for a dinner of distinctive pub fare and brewery tour, with owners Jonathan Lodge and Randall Perry.

7:00 pm – Depart PerryLodgic Brewery

8:00 pm – Arrive back at KDV (Remember what Loretta said in 1967 – “Don’t come home a-drinkin’ with lovin’ on your mind!”)

DAY 4

8:00 am – Enjoy one more big breakfast before heading home. It was our pleasure to have you as our guests in the Lakes Region. Tell your friends and come back soon!