Peaceful and Laid-Back Southern Style: Grand Rivers, Ky.

“Not only is Grand Rivers (Ky.) a great family destination, but it’s a great destination for all ages,” says Kim Kraemer, executive director of Grand Rivers Tourism.

Located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley (the only community to do so), Grand Rivers is described by Kraemer as having “small town charm that’s big on the outdoors.”

And that small statement speaks volumes.

You see, Grand Rivers serves as the northern entrance to Lake Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Established in 1963, it offers over 170,000-acres of protected forest land as well as 300-miles of undeveloped shoreline. Here, you can go biking, hiking, fishing and so much more. There’s also ample opportunity for wildlife viewing as well (be sure to check out LBL’s self-guided tour of watch areas.)

While you may want to spend a couple of hours or a day here, don’t forget about everything that is waiting for you back in Grand Rivers.

Boating is really big in the area. Just how big? According to Kraemer, in the small town there’s 650 boat slips. As for you, the visitor, you can rent a boat to explore the lakes or if you never the helm of boat, there’s two-day or four-day (if you’re in Grand Rivers for a week) sailing school offered through Lighthouse Landing (map).

If you prefer to spend you time on land, Kraemer says that a must-visit is the Grand Rivers jetty that overlooks the Kentucky Lake. Recognized by readers of Southern Living magazine as the most scenic view in the South, you definitely want to watch the sun set here once (or more) during your stay. Start out early enough so you can also enjoy a stroll during along Grand Rivers Walking Trail.

And like any good southern towns, Grand Rivers has its places with personality. You can’t leave without having a meal at Patti’s 1800s Settlement (map). Kraemer comments that it was Patti’s that put the town on the map. She recommends enjoying their two-inch pork chop and flower pot bread. For those looking for lively evening entertainment, be sure to catch a performance at Badgett Playhouse (map), bet you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for experience someplace different that you’ll always remember, make a (long) weekend getaway to Grand Rivers, Ky.

Located three miles off I-24, Grand Rivers is easily accessible from such places as Paducah, Ky. (25 miles), Louisville, Ky. (175 miles), Memphis, Tenn. (175 miles), Nashville, Tenn. (120 miles), and St. Louis, Mo. (205 miles).

Grand Rivers offers a handful of accommodations – you can select from waterfront resorts to bed and breakfast to campgrounds. Be sure to check out their packages and specials before you decide.

photo credit: All photos are courtesy of Grand Rivers Tourism. (top left) Sailboat leaving lighthouse; (middle right) LBL bison; (middle left) jetty; (bottom right) so cool downtown