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If you’re eager to get the kids out of the house, you should consider taking a day trip to one of the many family-friendly attractions in the Paintsville, Kentucky, area. Here are four family-friendly day trip destinations around Paintsville.
1. Paintsville Lake State Park
While Paintsville Lake State Park is just a few minutes outside of town, it feels like a world away. Surrounded by cliffs and wooded coves, the secluded lake is perfect for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Boats and other equipment are available to rent at the full-service marina. The entire family will enjoy a hike along the park’s 1.6-mile Kiwanis Trail. This gentle path features several spots to sit and rest. Be sure to keep an eye out for wild turkey, squirrel, deer, and geese. The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is open to more experienced hikers, as well as bicyclists and equestrians.
Engage in a little friendly competition on the park’s basketball court, sand volleyball court, or horseshoe pit. After a day of play, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park’s waterfront tables.
2. Mountain HomePlace
If you’ve ever wanted to experience life on the farm, head to Mountain Homeplace in nearby Staffordsville. This living history museum allows you to feed goats, mules, pigs, and sheep. You can view artifacts, clothing, and tools from the mid-1800s. There are several buildings to explore, including a blacksmith shop, Baptist church, family cabin, and a one-room schoolhouse. Take a stroll through the gardens to enjoy scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains. The entire family will enjoy presentations by historical interpreters in authentic costumes. Stop by the gift shop, where you’ll find seasonal produce and handicrafts.
3. Butcher Holler
Butcher Holler, also called Butcher Hollow, is the birthplace of legendary country singer Loretta Lynn. Nestled in the hills of Van Lear is the small cabin in which Lynn grew up, which now features memorabilia and memories from her childhood. To get tickets for a guided tour of the home, you’ll need to stop into Webb’s Grocery that was once a coal mining camp store. Up until 2018, the tours were given by Loretta Lynn’s brother, Herman Webb, who also ran Webb’s Grocery.
Stand on the porch where she started writing her songs, see the washboard that her mom used throughout the years, and explore the grounds, which include the original outhouse. Tickets are just $5, and you can see the home from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week.
4. Forest and Maxine Preston Memorial Pedestrian Bridge
If you’ve ever wanted to visit an attraction listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, head to the Forest and Maxine Preston Memorial Pedestrian Bridge in the town of River, Kentucky. Made from composite plastic fibers, the 420-foot pedestrian bridge is the longest plastic footbridge in the world. While strolling across this unique attraction, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of Eastern Kentucky.
These are just a few destinations in the Paintsville area perfect for a family day trip. No matter which one you visit, you’re sure to have a great time.
Image via Pixabay.com
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