Backroad Adventures & Small-Town Charm: Exploring Kentucky with the Bluegrass Blog

On this episode of The Bold Route Podcast...

We're diving into the heart of Kentucky adventure with Marie McLamb, the creative force behind Bluegrass Blog and BackroadBluegrass.com!  🐎

If you’ve ever felt like adventure requires a plane ticket, Marie is here to prove otherwise. She’s on a mission to showcase the beauty, charm, and hidden gems of Kentucky—one backroad at a time. But even if you’re not from the Bluegrass State, this episode is packed with insights on how to uncover hidden gems, support local businesses, and embrace adventure right where you are!

In This Episode, We Explore:

⏳ [00:01:00] Marie’s journey: How moving away gave her a renewed love for Kentucky
⏳ [00:07:00] What adventure really means—and how to find it close to home
⏳ [00:09:00] Turning passion into a platform: How Marie built Bluegrass Blog and why storytelling matters
⏳ [00:12:00] Tips for starting a blog (and why you shouldn’t quit your day job just yet!)
⏳ [00:18:00] The Bluegrass Creative Market: A space for Kentucky artists & makers
⏳ [00:23:00] Exploring Kentucky: Hidden gems, must-visit small towns, and scenic drives
⏳ [00:34:00] Weekend Getaway Itineraries 😀: The perfect Kentucky girls' trip, couples’ retreat, and family-friendly adventure
⏳ [00:44:00] How to explore on a budget—yes, adventure can be affordable!
⏳ [00:46:00] What’s next for Bluegrass Blog and Marie’s newest venture

Resources Mentioned:
🌟 Planning your next adventure? Marie shares expert tips on crafting the perfect girls’ trip, couples’ retreat, and family-friendly getaway—tune in at [00:34:00] for all the details!
🏞️  Marie's Top Pick hidden gem: Local Feed -Georgetown, KY

Connect with Marie:
🌐 backroadbluegrass.com
🎉 Follow Marie's Journey for giveaways, travel tips, and local adventures!
*Correction: GIVEWAYS WILL BE ON IG!
 FB-BluegrassBlog
IG-@bluegrassblog

Want to meet Marie in person???? 
Check out her new working artist studio 👉Midway Art Studios, 2nd Floor of Midway Boutique- Downtown Midway, Kentucky.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
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🎉 As a thank you for listening, enjoy 10% off your Seat Gap Filler!     
Use coupon code  👉BackroadAdventures👈 at checkout. Don’t wait—grab yours now and hit the road clutter-free! 🚙✨ 👉 Bold Route Seat Gap Filler & Organizer 

Stay connected with Bold Route:
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Transcript

 Welcome to the bold route podcast, where we empower your journey to live life to the fullest. I'm Brooke, a former public school teacher turned mompreneur here to inspire you to chase your dreams, embrace new adventures and challenge the status quo. Join me as we explore entrepreneurship, travel, and the pursuit of passions all while lifting each other up along the way.

Let's take the bold route together.

Okay. This month, our bold route content is all about embracing adventure, finding joy in the present and discovering the beauty of local travel and close to home getaways. In my search for inspiration, I came across the Bluegrass blog and I was instantly hooked. Marie's passion for exploring Kentucky shines through with so much incredible info on the best places to visit, things to do, and even what to taste along the way.

So whether you're a fellow Kentuckian searching for your next adventure, someone from out of the state considering a trip to our incredible bluegrass region, an inspiring blogger, or just someone who loves hearing stories of people boldly chasing their dreams, this episode is for you. I'm here today with Marie McLam, author of Bluegrass Blog and the creative behind backroadbluegrass.

com. Marie, how are you today? 

Hi, I'm great. How are you? 

I'm good. I would like for you to tell us a little bit about yourself and how the back road bluegrass blog came to be. 

Sure. So, um, I was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky lived here for most of my life. Chased a boy down to Alabama and I thought I'd only be there.

A year or 2, I kind of had no interest in really living there very long. Um, but after I was there, I got like, a really good job with great benefits. And I started, um, working with the big brothers, big sisters, and I got a little sister and became attached to her. And, um, she actually became my foster daughter for a little while.

made wonderful friends. I mean, lifelong friends that are more like family. Um, so, but I always knew I wanted to come back. They always say, you know, everybody who's left Kentucky always, it's always on their way back. And it was true of me as well. So, um, I think, though, what Alabama did for me, in addition to all those great things I told you was that I think it gave me an extra fire for Kentucky because I wasn't seeing everything all the time.

I wasn't, you know, seeing people and go cats and and just, you know, I don't know. cheese and all that great stuff wasn't down there. I tried to bring it down there. 

We went to Florida for a year and my husband was like, I can't do this without LA. I don't know if you know anything about LA, but he's like, we're going to have to go back to Kentucky.

Right. 

Right. So I guess, um, that was kind of what, uh, how the bluegrass blog was born because I was like, I just want to share this with more people. I just think it's so awesome. You know, of course it focuses a lot on local business and small towns and, um, you just see so many bigger business coming in, putting smaller businesses out of, out of their production.

And so, um, I was just like, this is a passion of mine and I want to share it. And so that was, how it was born. 

I love that. I'm so glad that I found you like this is these are the things that you are doing, things I'm passionate about too. So I'm so glad to be able to share your story. So adventure doesn't always mean climbing mountains or booking a one way ticket across the world.

Sometimes it's about saying yes to new experiences, stepping out of your comfort zone, and seeing the world around you with fresh eyes. Um, and this is a lot about what we're talking about. Marie, your passion for exploring Kentucky is Uh, and beyond is so inspiring. So I would like to know. I like to know this when I interview people.

Have you always had an adventurous spirit and kind of an entrepreneur mind? Or was there a turning point that led you to be? Um, adventurous was it meeting a boy chasing a boy? 

No, it happened long before that. Um, I was actually really a homebody when I was young and little. I cried every day at school. I had no interest in that.

Um, and I was pretty shy, um, especially around, you know, the groups got very big or something. I was very shy and I just started realizing in high school and beyond. I'm like, that's not serving me. Very well to just be tucked in the background and not being out there and in discovering and doing things.

So, um, when I was in college, I finally decided I'm like, that's not working for me anymore. And so I actually stayed a year longer, got a minor in communications and it kind of forced me out of my shell. I had to take public speaking, which they all, you know, that's apparently 1 of the, Biggest things that causes people stress is the thought of speaking in front of other people.

So, um, I'm a lot better at that now. And, um, so, yeah, I had to kind of break my own shell. I just came to the realization that that wasn't serving me well. And so I just kind of forced myself out of it. So, um. You know, and it's not always easy. My actually, 1 of my biggest fears is to go to a place with a bunch of people where I think they all know each other.

And I just feel like you've never felt more alone than when you're in a crowd basically. So, um, but when I make myself go and just be like, just go, just have fun, talk to people. I always enjoy it. I always meet people. I mean, nobody's turning their back on me. You know, they're people just like us and you just have to kind of put yourself out there, uh, and, and be a part of them.

So that has kind of been my journey, um, I guess towards adventure. 

I love that. I love that. Thank you for sharing that because I think that's so important. Um, Breaking your own mold, like what you said, you did that, like you made those steps to do that. I love that. So what would you say, what does adventure mean to you?

For me personally, I would, it's like exploration. Um, it's just going somewhere new, checking something different out. Um, it's even, even if it's not something new, I mean it can even be going out to eat by yourself or going to a movie by yourself. Um, you know, if you don't want to sit home on the couch or you feel like you shouldn't, just go somewhere.

You know, you don't even have to meet anybody. Just go, enjoy whatever you're going to do and have a good time. 

Yeah. Pushing yourself out of just a comfort zone a little bit. I love that. 

Yeah. 

So what advice would you give someone who wants more adventure in their life, but kind of feel stuck in their routine and you, we've already hit on this a little bit, but is there anything else 

I would just say, make a decision.

You know, everybody can say, oh, just do it. But it's that's a lot easier said than done. But if you make a decision, basically, you cut out the other options. So just decide. You're just going to go do something and, uh, don't overthink it because the more you think about it, you'll find reasons not to do it.

Just be like, I'm going I'm going to do that. Um, I did that when I, uh, I came back to Lexington. So I was in Alabama for 14 years. I came back to my hometown. I didn't know anybody because everybody moved away and all my, you know, closer friends were somewhere else. And so I'm like, I'm in my hometown. I literally.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Don't have friends here. Um, so I joined a meetup, a walking, running meetup group and I didn't go and I didn't go and I didn't go. And then 1 day, there was a hike out in Berea and I'm like, I'm just going. I'm just going and I tried to talk myself out of it. And I'm like, no, just go. Don't even think about it.

Just go. I had a fabulous time. You know, I got started getting integrated in this new group. They became after a while. My new friend base. Yeah. So it's just make a decision. Don't let yourself think of why you couldn't shouldn't or whatever. Just just go do it. 

I love that. Love it. Okay. We are going to talk a little bit about blogging now and your entrepreneurship, um, turning a passion into a platform takes vision dedication and a love for storytelling through your blog.

You've created a space that not only highlights the beauty of Kentucky, but also encourages others to explore and embrace adventure. What led you to choose blogging as your way of sharing this journey? 

I do love writing and I love photography. So those two went pretty well together. 

Oh my gosh. Your, your blog, the images, like the photography and everything.

Oh, it's wonderful. 

Thank you. I appreciate that. Um, yeah, I would say anybody who's interested in starting blog about anything, you have to have a passion for it. Um, you're not probably unless you're already famous going to make money like anytime soon. So, and you know, you got to build yourself up. You got to create a brand.

You have to get yourself out there and get better known. So it takes a while. So it has to be something you're passionate about. It has to be something that you want to share with other people. Um, but man, I tell you what, you know, from Kentucky, but, you know, When I started the blogging thing and I started exploring more places so much to learn.

I mean, so much to see and do and things I didn't realize. And 1 of my favorite compliments that people tell me if I write, you know, about some other small town. I always try to put at the end how far it is away from some of the bigger, you know, towns or cities in in Kentucky. And, you know, people are like, that's a half hour away from me.

I had no idea. Oh, I can get to this within an hour. I had no idea that this was close by. And I'm like, yes, just go do it. 

I love that. And that is so true because even I, I know this. But yet sometimes you think about, well, I want to take a trip or I want to do this and you think these big things and like you say, then it's overthinking.

Well, we'll have to take this long and we'll have to have this much money and everything. And I love, I love what you're saying. Like, there are places in your back, you know, in your backyard. Like what we talked about that you don't even know about. Okay, so your blog covers everything coffee shops, glamping, hidden gems, and I'm just now discovering it.

So I know there's a lot more to it than that. But how do you find and choose what you highlight? 

Um, I basically, um. You know, I live in Lexington, so it's easy to kind of hit those surrounding places within an hour, but it might be something somebody told me about. It might just be okay. I need to start going west more.

I need to start going east more. And so I would just, you know, find Pikeville, read about Pikeville. And actually, that was just, um, you know, that's out in the eastern part of Kentucky. And I had no idea how much there was to do in Pikeville, how much they had going on. Then I wanted to go west. So I went to Owensboro and I, I do some research, of course, about it.

I try to contact tourism and that sort of thing. Um, but, you know, just going there and experiencing it is how you're really going to learn about it. So, a lot of times I'm finding things while I'm there that I'm including in my blog, because I'm like, oh, this is, you know, such a cute bakery or whatever.

That I have to be, I try to make my blogs, you know, especially if they're about a small town, where to stay, what to do, what to experience, where to eat so that you kind of get the whole picture when you're there of, you know, what you can do when you're there. 

I love that. Um, any tips for someone who is, um.

You're giving them as we go, but any specific tips for someone's wanting to start a blog? 

Yeah, the passion. Yeah, it's a big part of it. And also, um, don't quit your day job, make sure you keep that day job for a while. If not forever, because like I said, it doesn't, you know, it doesn't pay right away. Um, but collaboration, like we talked about, um, collaborating with other people, and then you're starting to combine audiences.

And so, um, you know, starting from scratch can be a little slow going, whether it's on social media or or whatever. Um, so try some collaborations and see if you can get people to collaborate with you and, uh, that should help to build your audience a little quicker. Anyway. 

Yeah, that's so true. Okay, and then, um, as we transition, what are some other hats that you're wearing besides just the blogging in the background bluegrass blog?

Yeah. So, um, my passion, you know, is for small towns. I am an artist and, and, um. My brothers and sisters are artists also. So always been part of the art world. Um, I've been event coordinator for a bajillion years. I just kind of started doing it, loved it, continued to do it. Um, so I in, let's see, 19, 19, 20, 20, um, created the Bluegrass Creative Market.

Um, so that we're in our fifth year of that now, which is really awesome. And we're a quarterly pop up. So we're popping up, um, April, June, September, and November for, and November's our holiday market. Uh, and we are at Lexington green back out, um, lakeside at Lexington green, actually indoors and outdoors, but it's basically, um, giving a platform to local Kentucky creators and makers.

And making it into like a family friendly festival style market. So food trucks, drink trucks, live music, giveaways, tastings, and then like usually about 50 Kentucky artists. So it's just a fun weekend. We do it on Saturday and Sunday, and it's just a good time. And it, it just gives, I think if you, you know, you can see art everywhere.

You can see people's products everywhere, but when you're actually meeting the maker. And listening to them and getting inspired by them and them telling you the backstory of something that they did. I think that makes all the difference. 

I hadn't told you this prior, and I think maybe it was 1 of the reasons I was drawn to you too, especially when I found.

Your website and looking into the bluegrass creative, um, my mom and I dabble, but my mom is a maker. She is a gourd artist. Oh, wow. And I do pine cone art. Um, I have a three year old so. When I can find time. Have you ever heard of the wool festival in Falmouth, Kentucky? Okay. 

Well, I didn't know it was there.

We have another one in Lexington, but I didn't know. Okay. Well, 

there's one in Falmouth, Kentucky. It's really big. So look that up. It's the first weekend in October. We do that. And then she does something. Have you ever been to Augusta, Kentucky? 

Actually, that is on my list. I've been to Maysville, which is close by, but we're going to Maysville and Augusta.

Um, we do a couple's trip. And we go to another small town. So we are going to Augusta in May. 

Oh, you'll love it. That's my hometown. Augusta is Bracken County. That's my hometown. Love it. So we, um, she sets up two events a year right now. Um, but she did, she does art in the garden in May. Uh, actually it might be the first week of June, the end of May, first of June.

I'll have to look that up, but she does that. And, uh, it's so neat. You would love it. It's so during 

that time, but like, mid May is when we're going to be there. 

Yeah, you'll have to look it up. But Augusta is so beautiful. Yeah, 

a river town. I tell you what, some certain towns get extra points for things. A river town is a big 1, a train town, you know, a town with a great overview or some kind of overlook.

You need to eat at the beehive in Augusta, 

right? Yes. 

Yep. 

Absolutely. We want to go to the Augusta distillery. So, yeah, we'll be hitting all that. And in Amazeville, of course, is also the river town too. And so, um, I've been there before and blogged about it, but I'm excited to go back because it's been quite a while.

Yeah, yeah, it's growing. Um, so that's cool. I'm like, I'm glad I wanted to know if you had ever been to Bracken County. Yeah, now we know. Um, okay. 

Yeah. So, yeah, the market and I actually have a brand new business. My 1st brick and mortar that kind of fell into my lap. 

Okay. 

It's called Midway Art Studios. So it's right downtown Midway.

It's on the 2nd floor of the Midway boutique, right on the corner. And it is a working artist studios. So, um, we have 3 more artists moving in actually for March. So we'll have 5. we're up to 5 artists. And I think we can take about 9 and we also do creative workshops. So maybe you'll be interested in that sometime.

So, um, they're different things. I mean, it's mosaic, it's glassworks, it's painting, it's, I do a Derby Fascinator class and I have other artists come in and teach as well. So we, I literally just started that like three weeks ago and we've had two classes now under our belt. So. So you can kind of see how everything kind of goes together.

It's Kentucky, it's art, and it's events, and it just all, um, I guess it's just kind of my passions coming together, and they just express themselves in different ways. 

I love that. That's where I am. I have all these things. I'm like, how is all this working together? And I've just recently been like, just take one step at a time.

And you know, when, when a door opened, just like you said, the brick and mortar kind of fell in your lap, like those kinds of things, those doors are just open and you go through them and see what's next. So that's how it goes. Yeah. 

And it's okay to, I don't even know if you would call it failing. I mean, it's okay to try something and maybe it doesn't work out and then you just go to something else.

So, especially when you're a creative, I think that happens a lot or an entrepreneur, you know, um, that tends to happen more. I left when I left Mercedes, I left a really good corporate job, you know, to just come back and kind of wing it. So, um, that was a lot of adventure. I was my bold adventure. 

That's exactly.

Yes, that is it right there. Okay, and then before we take a break, um, beyond your everything that you've just told us, and we're talking about Kentucky when we get back a little bit more. But, um, what do you hope that people who are following you can take away from your journey? And I know you've kind of highlighted on it, but if you could kind of put that into, you know, a phrase or a, you know, just a little bit right now, what do you hope people would take away from this?

My goal has been always to you. Encourage Kentuckians to explore their own backyard. I mean, sure, we want other people to come in, visit Kentucky or whatever, but, you know, I feel like, you know, we're just sitting on this treasure chest and if you don't take some time to see it, if you're just going to the mall and you're going, you know, you're going to miss all the good stuff.

So, um. Explore, uh, Kentucky and, and like I was telling you, I'm like, reach out to me, DM me on Instagram and be like, I'm going to blah, blah, blah. What should I do? I'll give you an itinerary. I 

don't 

mind one bit because I'm just like, yeah, yeah, yeah. You got to see this. You got to do that. Um, so, yeah, just, um, get out there and explore your own backyard.

You know, a vacation doesn't always mean you have to fly somewhere, or you got to pack for a week, or, you know, spend all this money. You can literally go to another town in Kentucky, half hour away, hour away, 2 hours away and just feel like you're completely in somewhere completely different. You won't even necessarily feel like you're in Kentucky.

Um, and just to do that, yeah. You'll save a lot of money, but I think you'll have a great time and just have great memories from that as well. 

I love that. Okay, we are going to take a quick break and share a little bit more about our Bold Route travel products designed to make your adventure smoother and more enjoyable.

When we come back, we'll dive into all things Kentucky, from must visit spots to hidden gems that you won't want to miss.

At Bold Route, we're all about equipping travelers with tools that make trips easier and more enjoyable. But don't just take my word for it, each week I'm excited to bring on one of our customers to share how our products have made a difference in their travels. 

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Created with adventurers like you in mind. Okay, we are back and I am so excited to hear more insights and recommendations from you, Marie. Um, but I want to share a quick personal note, uh, leaving my steady paycheck as a teacher to become a stay at home mom has definitely made finances tighter. And with a toddler in tow, long distance travel or extravagant vacations aren't exactly in the cards for us right now.

Uh, sometimes I'm tempted to feel like my days are Exploring are over for a while, but since I've been looking through your content, I've found new excitement and discovering all the opportunities for day trips with my girls or short couples getaways to recharge or even family adventures that I can actually fit into our lifestyle.

So I'm really looking forward to hearing your tips for making the most of Kentucky adventures. But before we get into Kentucky specific travel, do you have any advice for people looking to uncover unique local experiences in their own states? Um, you have any go to strategies for finding the best hidden gems, whether it's Kentucky or not.

Yeah, I think no matter where you are, if you, um Go to a small town, go downtown. 

Yeah. 

Even if it's a bigger place, go downtown. That's where you're more likely to find the local businesses, the locally owned places, the more unique places. The more historic places. Those are all going to be downtown. So head downtown.

I love that. Okay, so let's dive in all things Kentucky. So whether you're a local looking for a weekend adventure or someone considering a visit to the bluegrass state, we're covering hidden gems, must see spots and everything in between. Um, what before we do that, what is your, what are some of your favorite things about Kentucky?

Uh, scenery is probably number one, the rolling hills. Of course, we have mountains to, um, Kentucky has a ton of waterways. I think we have, uh, statewide. We have more waterways than almost any other state, uh, that there is. So there's always something to do on or near the water. One thing that I think, you know, people that come here notice and we start.

Not noticing it as much as the horses. There's, we're obviously horse country. Um, but we just kind of start thinking, oh, well, doesn't everybody see horses all the time? And the answer is no, they don't. Um, so it is nice and this is actually the season, of course, for thoroughbreds and, and, uh, foaling season is, is right now because, uh, FEMA knows anything about thoroughbreds.

You want them to be born as close to January 1st as possible. 

Okay, 

because all horses are the same age, no matter when they were born during the year. So you want the youngest horse because by race time, you have the oldest horse, uh, earlier the year that they were, um, born. But, uh, as we discussed, the people I think are really wonderful and just simple things like, you know, they, they let you in when you're trying to get into traffic and they wave from their porches and.

Things like that that you don't always find, uh, in other places, uh, that I think Kentucky people are pretty willing to help. And, um, so that's, that's always nice. Of course we have great music and the home of bluegrass music, which, uh, is a lot of fun and, um, and just in general, I'm just going to say the beauty of Kentucky is just an amazing, amazing state with a lot to offer.

And I agree, you can take it for granted if you're, you know, if you see it all the time, you just assume that everyone has those views and that scenery and the people that open the door for you as you're coming in and out of a store. And so, yeah, okay. We're gonna have some fun now. Do some quick rabbit fire questions, travel questions, and Kentucky questions for you, Marie.

Okay. Um, okay. What is your favorite Kentucky musician or band? 

Um, I like TD Young. Um, he has been around and a musician for 50 years now. Um, he has a, a lounge in Lexington. And so he plays blues kind of jazz. And so I just love some good jazzy. It's a good jazz time. Um, and he's just a very nice person. And so, uh, I've met him personally.

And so I love just listening to him and, and seeing him do great things. 

That's awesome. Okay, next bourbon or sweet tea or I guess you can say both if you want. 

Well, both mixed together. Um, so bourbon tea is really delicious. Yeah, I mean, um, obviously we're known for bourbon. The, we're, uh, Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon.

I think, uh, what 90 percent, 90 to 95 percent of bourbon is made in Kentucky. No, it doesn't have to be made in Kentucky to be called bourbon, but it does have to have Certain other things like a certain amount of corn and to be, um, aged in a charred barrel. But, um, yeah, so we have some really, really good bourbons.

We have some very expensive bourbons and some are not meant for mixing. And so those are the ones my husband drinks and, um, you're supposed to sip on them. So you kind of, I guess, in some people's opinion, ruin them when you put them with something else. But if you're not getting the most expensive bourbon and you put it with some, with some sweet tea, it's really delicious.

I love that. Okay. Best Kentucky Derby tradition besides just the race itself. 

For me, it's the hats and the outfits. Um, I always have, we normally have Derby parties at our house. We always have a Derby hat contest. And there's just some amazing, amazing Derby hats that you see and I do like watching the Derby and checking out what people are wearing.

Um, at that Midway Art Studio, I tell you, uh, told you about, I'll be doing a Derby Fascinator class, so we get to make our own little fascinators to wear wherever. So yeah, for me, it's, it's the hats. 

And you'll put all that information out on Instagram ahead of time. 

All of our workshops will be out Facebook.

Okay. Exciting. All right. Favorite outdoor adventure spot in Kentucky? 

Has to be Red River Gorge. Um, there are a million hiking trails, uh, at Red River Gorge. And, um, there's easier ones. There's much more complicated ones. There's also, of course, rock climbing, which I don't do. I'm not that adventurous. Um, But Red River Gorge is amazing.

I'm going to say it's gorgeous, uh, probably 10 months out of the year. Even in the winter, they have like icicles that are like basically waterfalls that have frozen. Some people are climbing up them. Um, it's amazing in the fall. It's beautiful in the spring. Um, we loved it so much. We got married there.

Yeah, my husband and I, our first date was a hike in Frankfurt. And, um, So it just made sense, you know, Red River Gorge was going to be our place to get married. 

Oh, I love that. Okay. Go to Kentucky comfort food. 

For me, that would be cheese grits. Okay. Not everybody loves the consistency of grits, but I tell you what, you put enough cheese in anything, it'll be good.

Yes. I love grits. My husband does not, but I'm, same thing. I'm like, I'm going to put a bunch of cheese in here and you're going to love it. And 

it has to be cheesy. I mean, it can't be semi. It just has to be full on cheese. And yeah, for me, that's super comfort food, Kentucky style. 

I love that. Okay. Most scenic road trip in Kentucky.

I love old Frankfort Pike, and I've actually written a blog about it. And, um, at one point, I was living in Lexington, a different point, not now, but working in Midway. And so I would always take old Frankfort Pike. Um, it's gorgeous again, 9, 10 months out of the year. Um, in the spring, just fields will be covered with.

yellow flowers, the bushes will be covered with white. The summer is just pretty because you get the arches from the trees, you're like driving through these arches of green trees, and then of course in the fall is just amazing. And Old Frankfort is also just lined with horse farms, and so you're going to be capturing all of that beauty as well.

So, yeah, check out my blog. There's a search bar at the top of my blog page and you can put in anything you're searching for. So if you put in old Frankfort Pike, I shot there four seasons and, um. It's just gorgeous. 

Okay. I didn't ask you this 1 before or I didn't let, you know, some favorite Kentucky season.

I'm going to say fall because I'm okay with winter. I mean, not when it gets completely terrible, but I don't like humidity. So, spring is a very close 2nd, but for me, I love a Kentucky fall. 

Yeah, that would be my favorite. Also. Okay. Most sorry. Charming small town. Main street. 

Um, that was maybe a tie between midway, which is a train town and the train comes right through the middle of town.

Um, very historic. Very just cute. Charming. Uh, place and also Bardstown. And I think Bardstown is one of the worst for being the most charming Kentucky town. And, um, both of which have very cute B& Bs. You know, they're locally owned that you can stay with. They have great food. Um, Bardstown is obviously, I think they call it bourbon capital of the world.

Um, so lots of distilleries around there and ones are close by Midway as well. But I'd say Midway and Bardstown would be my two favorite, just kind of charming quaint downtowns. 

Yeah, um, I hadn't ever been to Midway as an adult. I will say that until recently, and I just fell in love. I was like, Oh my goodness.

Of course, my husband, he's like, he doesn't get my vibe on. I was like, Oh, I love this place. I need to come back. He's like, well, get your girls rounded up. I will be back. Yes. Perfect. All right. Most. No, let's do this favorite Kentucky made product that everyone should try. 

Beer cheese. 

Oh, yeah. 

It has to be beer cheese.

Yeah. I mean, there's certain, you know, brand name products like you mentioned and some other things like that. But, um, and there's quite a few brand names of beer cheese because it's so popular and a lot of people make it. But, um, man, I love a good beer cheese. A little bit of spice. 

Yeah. Love it. That's a good appetizer to when you go somewhere 

in Winchester, of course, is known for its beer cheese and they have a beer cheese festival.

And they asked me last year to judge it. And I'm like, uh, yeah, I'll tell you about awesome. 

Okay. Most 

underrated 

hidden gem in the state. 

Oh, gosh. Um, you

know, there's so gosh, there's so many. It's hard to say. It's like you asking me to pick my favorite place. I don't have a favorite place. I like this place because of this. I like this place because of that. Um, But I will just, um, let's see, there is, um, I don't know if you want me to go this micro, but there's a, um, restaurant in Georgetown called local feed and that's where we go when we want to celebrate.

That's kind of our celebrate place. So, it's 1 of those farm to table type of places. The menu is very thoughtful. Um. You're never going to get anything bad there. It's pretty laid back. Um, I mean, the food is elevated, but you can wear whatever you want when you go there. The drinks are good. So yeah, I recommend local feed in, in Georgetown.

I love that. Okay. And then now let's do, let's talk about weekend getaways. Um, if you were to give us a pick for best small town for a weekend getaway. Um, and then let's kind of separate it because For me, when I think of weekend getaways, it's different things. So a couple's retreat, a girl's weekend, and a family friendly adventure.

And it could be the same place, but if you were to separate that, how would you do it? 

Yeah, sure. Um, well, while we're in Georgetown, I would say, uh, Georgetown would be great for a couple's retreat. Um, there's a, kind of a, Spa type place there called, um, full Circle Wellness. You can get couples massages, so that's always a fun thing, romantic thing to do.

They also have a very cute downtown, uh, the local feed that I mentioned. That's where you need to go for dinner. Um, they've got great shopping downtown, all locally owned, um, whether it's, um, you know, clothes shopping or shopping for gifts or that type of thing. They have a really yummy bakery there.

They've got a place called Choco mania, which is locally owned and they have really wonderful, wonderful chocolates there. So go there just to get your little sweet tooth. Going, um, there's a slant a pub there and it's, um, it's a really, it's in a very old, uh, building and the inside is also decorated just very cozy.

Like, when you first walk in, it almost looks like a living room. You can sit around the fireplace and the rooms are kind of separated because I guess it used to be an old home. And then out back, it literally, to me, feels like New Orleans when you go out back. I mean, the magnolia trees are kind of hanging over.

They'll have live music out there. So that's a really cute and romantic place to go. Um, it's on the Elkhorn River. It has the easy put in. Um, so if you like kayaking, bring your kayaks with you. They also have a sister city from, um, Japan and it's called, uh, Yuko Inn. It's like a garden there. That's a Japanese garden.

Really pretty just to go and walk around. Sometimes there's events there. So I think that is kind of a nice little romantic place to go would be Georgetown. 

See, I, I have done local feed. I did not know any of those other places, and I am a Kentucky girl. All right, people, you're getting your itineraries here, so.

That's right. Okay, what about a girls weekend? 

So girls weekend, I am going to lump it into Woodford County. Which is going to include for sales and midway. Okay. So, uh, midway, I kind of talked to you about, um, charming downtown with the shopping, but midway has some great food and you kind of have a choice of like, do I want to dress up and have something really farm to table?

Nice. Then you would go to heirloom. If you want completely just laid back Southern, then you go to brown barrel. Uh, things in between would be goose and gander where they have a fire roasted pizza and stuff. You know, salads and sandwiches. There's a Gibson's there, which is maybe kind of in between. Um, you can get a good drink there and just really good food.

So, um, yeah, midway is good. Good for the food. Good for the shopping. And then downtown for sales is really it's downtown for sales is literally, like, 10 minutes away from midway. Midway was named because it was midway between Lexington and Frankfurt. So. If you're heading from Lexington, you'd hit midway, then you would hit for sales.

We call it for sales. It's spelled for side to the rest of the world. I've never heard anyone. Oh, that's embarrassing. But yeah, that's what we do. So, um. Super cute downtown, they have a wonderful bakery, uh, Kristen's creations and she's just a gem herself. She's very, she does a lot of philanthropy and she's just super cute.

She's a dance teacher, uh, to young girls and boys and, um. Next to that is a really cute shop that has there. She does carry some locally made Kentucky goods. And so it's called my darling and Co super cute place. Um, there's the coffee house, which is really great. And for people with kids, um, the answer actually has kind of like a playroom attached to it.

So, um, you can go in there and do play things. And also, at certain times, usually when the weather's warmer, She'll have story days and people just flock to that and that's really good. There's a bourbon bar next to that. There's a Jolie's boutique. There's gelato there. There's a rolling oven pizza.

There's a really nice, um, hotel and restaurant that is coming, but it should be coming in June and it will be. Placed in an old bank, like, right on the corner, which is really cool. Um, and there's also the bourbon hotel that's there and every room is, um, meant to look like, um, or is is decorated for different Kentucky bourbons and it's real.

Swanky and nice and the Woodford Hotel, or sorry, that's the Woodford Hotel. Then there's the Woodford Inn, which is a very old inn. That's there and has wonderful food. So, uh, small space, but man, there's a lot to do there. There's a whole lot to do. Eckerd's Orchard is also there, so different seasons, you're gonna be picking your own strawberries, picking your own blueberries, and then they make it easy.

I grew up on a farm. I tell you what, picking blackberries was. Awful. I mean, there was all the thorns. We had to push our way through the patch. They have it just arched up over you. You're like big, big, big, and they have a huge children's area. So, yeah, wood for county for the girls. I think it's fun. And like I said, lots of distilleries around there.

So, if you like distilleries and also some wineries. Close by. 

Love it. Oh my gosh. You are a wealth of knowledge. Okay. Family friendly adventure. 

Yeah. So that was hard to narrow down too. And like I just mentioned, Versailles with the whole Eckerd and that type of thing. And the amda also good. Um, if you've got the kids, but I'm gonna say Frankfort.

Okay, for the kids, uh, Frankfurt's a very walkable town. It's on the Kentucky River. So there are some opportunities to, um, do some boating or, like, get on, um, some of the boats that they, they have going there. Um, Frankfurt, I didn't realize until I was blogging has, like, 3 pretty good hiking trails. So, and some of them have some really nice overviews.

One has a great overview of the down, like, the downtown area or the capital. Uh, it's called capital view park. Um, there's one called Cove Springs. That's very beautiful. And it starts out right when you get out the parking lot of your car. There's a nice waterfall there. Um, and you can end up hiking and have a good overlook of, um, Uh, not what for, um, Buffalo trace distillery.

Okay. 

So, if you want your kids to be outdoors, if y'all are outdoor family, I recommend Frankfurt for that. Frankfurt has a ton of murals. They're really, really heavy on the murals. So, I recommend going down to their Riverwalk. And there's a, just a wall that lines their river walk and it's all murals and it's, um, it's creatures from the lake area or the river.

I mean, so, you know, it's butterflies. It's bees. It's beavers. It's everything that you would see ducks, you know, in the lake. It's and it's a very nice mural and they've got more murals downtown. Um. So, I always think, you know, when you kind of walk around with the kids, you guys, you know, the parents want to do some stuff they love, but if you get the kids interested in the murals, it'd be like, okay, we're going to go to the store and then right around the corner, there's going to be a super cool mural.

So, it kind of, I think, helps to get them involved 

with 

it as well. 

That's such a great idea. 

Yeah, the Kentucky History Museum is there. It's a beautiful, really, really nice museum. It's right downtown. Frankfort is actually a river town and a train town. It gets double bonus points for that. So a train goes right downtown for Frankfort as well.

And let's see, there's a really good bakery there. It's called Andy's bakery and there's also a shop called completely Kentucky and they have nothing but Kentucky made goods there. So, um. Yeah, I'd recommend Kentucky for family. I mean, uh, Frankfort for families. 

I love that. Oh, my goodness. That was so much information.

People are getting so much information to listen to three times. I was writing down like it starts at this many minutes so I can tell people when to get you. I love that. So good. Okay, you have given us so much. I'm gonna ask you a little bit more. If someone has never been to Kentucky, what is one thing that they have to experience to truly get our state?

And I know we've talked about so many, but if you were just to kind of pick one thing. That kind of represents Kentucky. What would you say? 

Yeah, I almost think it would have to be the horse farms. Um, whether you're driving through them, and I'm like, just take the drive, forget the interstate. I mean, you can get anywhere.

Take the back roads, which is why my blog's called take the back roads. Don't listen to your Navi. Turn that interstate thing off. Um, and catch some of that beauty, catch the horses, um, whether it's our rolling hills or our mountains, you know, just take those back roads, stop in the small towns while you're driving through and eat there.

And, um, the cool thing about, you know, going to this, going to smaller towns or going to downtowns is I always say, like, y'all walk into target and ask to talk to the owner. You're going to get laughed out the door, but go to a small town wherever you live. And the owner is usually there. It's a family member.

It's their friend. You know, they are there and they're representing themselves. They want you to have a wonderful experience. They care about what you think. Um, so, yeah, I just. Just, um, get off, get off the interstate and, and explore. 

I love that. Alright. Sometimes even local adventures can feel expensive though, so do you have any tips for exploring Kentucky on a budget, like saving on attractions or stays or dining?

Well, I think all the just, you know, do your research on that. Um, and if you can go, sometimes it either you need to reserve early to get the deals, or it might be a last minute thing and y'all have, it doesn't even have to, it doesn't have to be a weekend. Even if you. If you have a couple of days off, you know, a Thursday or Friday, um, and then go and check something out.

Then then you're not, you know, there with all the crowds. You're not paying the higher B and B rates, you know, if you're not on the weekend. So, things like that, if you're able to stay away from a holiday or stay away from a weekend, you can get some better deals that way. 

That's good. Okay, before we wrap up, what is next for you?

And I think you've already kind of told us about your new, uh, brick and mortar thing, but what else is next for you in the Bluegrass blog? Um, any exciting projects or travel plans coming up? 

Um, well, my next blog is probably going to be about Midway because I get to write about my own business for a change.

I can't wait to read it. Yeah, and I've also, I mean, I think I have at least two blogs about Midway, but, um, you know, it was funny when I, when I started this blog, I'm like, okay, you know, how long can you write about a state that everything and the answer is forever. Forever. I mean, I'm never going to get to everything.

I'm never going to be able. My life is not going to be long enough to explore this whole state. And, you know, you go one place and you go back 2 years later and things have changed, you know. So, um, yeah, so I would say, um, but for travel, like I said, uh, every year we do a couples trip. And that was also me kind of like, hey, you guys, let's go explore these small towns.

So, the 1st year we did Danville, which is wonderful. I haven't brought up Danville, but Danville is a super cool place actually a really great couples that would put that 1 for a couples get away. And even a girls get away. They've got good entertainment there. And, um. Yeah. But we went to Danville, then we went to Frankfurt last year, and we're doing Maysville and Augusta this year.

So that's my next local travel plans. And I'm also partnering with a couple of, um, different, um, I guess you would call them B and B's 1 of them is kind of a glamping place in red river gorge. So I'm going to be going to that in March and I'll be writing about that. Um, and then another one, uh, in Louisville, so yeah, sometimes I'm able to partner with some people and trade some really nice days and then I just get to rave about it.

So it's a win win for us both. 

Absolutely. Well, I, uh, hope that and we will, I'll make it happen. Our paths are going to cross in person. Sometime soon, probably in Midway, I would say perfect, or maybe in Augusta when you're there. Yeah. Um, okay, before we remind everyone where they can follow along, and I'll also put it in the show notes, but tell us where we can follow along on your journey.

1 more time 

on Instagram or Facebook. I am bluegrass blog. And if you want to see my actual blog, it is backroadbluegrass. com. And, uh, if y'all are Facebook fans, you really want to follow me there because almost every month I'm going to be doing a pretty big giveaway, uh, kind of an experience type of giveaway.

So it usually includes an overnight stay. Something to experience, whether it's a show or a tasting or something and then dining. So, um, those are always fun to get in. Maybe that's the best budget friendly. You win one of my, win one of my giveaways. You don't have to pay anything. 

All right. Well, people I'll be sharing that.

I'll share that on my socials also when you're getting ready to do giveaways and things, and I'll put all this in the show notes. Marie, you are so awesome. Your journey is so inspiring and I kind of feel like I had gotten in a rut lately, um I mean, I'm talking to all these people that are doing all these more extravagant or crazy big travel, you know, across the country and things like that.

And that is super inspiring, but from the point that we're at right now, it's not really doable. And I love hearing their stories, but you specifically have given me, like, inspiration. And I'm excited again, because I'm thinking, duh, like, I could have been going, driving an hour and doing these really awesome things right here in our state.

And I love your passion for supporting local, supporting local small businesses. And so I wish you the best in all that you do. And I hope that we can stay in touch, um, through our journeys. And maybe we'll do another interview at some point. 

Well, thank you, you as well, because you've got a lot going on too.

And, and I really appreciate you finding me and giving me a chance to, you know, go on and on. 

I know, it was wonderful. 

I'm not going to turn down that chance. 

Oh, it was wonderful. Okay, thank you, Maureen. And we will be in touch. Alright! Yay! That was so good! Thanks so

much for listening. I hope today's episode inspired and encouraged you on your own bold journey. And if you're gearing up for your next adventure, don't forget to visit our shop. Head over to theboldroute. com for innovative solutions that enhance your travel experience. We believe that every trip is an opportunity for bold exploration, encouraging you to embrace new experiences and create lasting memories along the way.

Until next time, keep living boldly and chasing those dreams. Have a good day!