Middlesboro, KY

ocated right at the entrance to Cumberland Gap National Park is the town of Middlesboro, Kentucky. Middlesboro has had quite a long and colorful history, starting with the location. It sits right in the center of a meteor crater. Now, you might think that’s a pretty hokey story. But numerous geolo-

gists from around the world have come to Middlesboro to study the rocks and soil. There are documented specimens proving the happening. In Middlesboro Country Club you can actually see one of the meteor rocks that shows through the surface of the ground. It’s said that you could take a hammer to that rock and the hammer would break. That specific spot has been a hot one for geologists to take samples. Another interesting fact about Middlesboro is that when the town was established, it was supposed to be the next Pittsburgh and the Las Vegas of the South. The potential of high steel production was what encouraged the establishment of Middlesboro as a town for entertaining the wealthy. Bars. Luxury lodging. The whole nine-yards. However, the steel industry folded just as quickly as it flourished and the town of Middlesboro was left to die. It never reached the potential the founders intended. Even with difficult beginnings, the people of Middlesboro chose not to give up. They made the necessary pivots in expectations, and remained strong and persistent. Even if Middlesboro couldn’t be a metropolis, it could still be a destination. Nature and history are things that will bring people to the area. However, the people and beautiful sound of the mountains is what makes them

want to visit again and again. Or, it may even make people uproot their entire lives, pack all of their belongings into a Uhaul, and move from the beaches of Florida to Kentucky. You may think that’s just us, but it’s not. There’s some magic here, y’all.

The Downtown area is filled with old buildings that intrigue you with the architecture and fascinate you with the stories they contain. The canal walk is a nice place to take a stroll and feed the ducks. Or just enjoy the sound of the water and the cool mountain breeze blowing through the trees. Downtown also boasts two beautiful murals. The first is on 19th Street, right at the beginning of the Downtown area. The second is located in Levitt Park, right at Fountain Square. This mural is extra special to the community, because artist Jamie Corum created it to celebrate the Levitt AMP concerts that are performed in the park each summer. The Downtown area does have a few restaurants. Our top picks are Shades and Conley’s. Two totally different vibes and menus, but both local and delicious. Conley’s is a local drive-in. The friendly staff come to your car, take your order, and after just a short wait, present you with a steaming white bag of deliciousness. Your taste buds will be dancing, ready for that footlong chili dog or bacon cheeseburger. I’d say go for a side of tater tots, but Jenni would opt for some crinkle fries and a chocolate shake. Shades is a sit down dining experience. They have daily specials, all of which are fantastic, but their regular menu has something for everyone. If you happen to visit on a Tuesday, Jenni says you have to get the nightly special. Penne pasta with your choice of chicken, shrimp, vegetables or a combination.

She always orders the chicken. Manager, Chris, says chicken and veggies are the way to go. But no matter what you choose, you’ll be getting a delicious meal. I say anything you pick, pasta or not, is a great choice. That’s especially true if you add a side of fries. They’re a hand-cut style fry with a yummy house seasoning blend. They go great with the steak tips. Middlesboro, like most small towns, has faced economic challenges, but the people are hard working. They’re always looking toward the future and finding ways to move forward despite the obstacles. If you’re in Middlesboro and are looking for something to do, take a trip to the Bell County Historical Society. It’s filled to the brim with history from the area. There’s an entire section all about the meteor that formed Middlesboro. After you’ve checked out the rock samples, check out the Civil War section of the museum. The most fasinating part to us was the medical kit. It’s what soldiers would’ve carried in the field, and it really puts into perspective how far medical services have advanced. There’s a section displaying early Native American artifacts found along the Wilderness Road. In this exhibit you’ll also find early American artifacts and replicas from the 1700s. Things like burning glasses, tobacco pipes and moccasins. The museum has a ton of fascinating household items, showing how area

residents would’ve lived in the 1800s and 1900s. You’ll find everything from cast iron cook wear to early settler clothing. There’s a Victorian Parlor set-up complete with authentic furniture. The most interesting part of this exhibit for us was the 1900s Permanent Wave Machine. It looked more like a death trap than something that would curl your hair. The museum has a library and archive where you can research more about the Middlesboro area. You can also see vintage advertisements, newspapers, and memorabelia from the early years of Middlesboro. Bell County Historical also has rotating exhibits, so you’ll always be able to find something new when you come to visit.

If you’re looking for something to do outdoors, you can visit the oldest continually played golf course in the country. It’s a nine-hole course that’s been played by several prolific golfers. We received the grand tour from golf professional, Jerry Shoffner. He sat down with us and told us the history of the course and how it became the oldest continually played golf course in the United States. That full story will be in our documentary series about the area. After our quick history lesson, Jerry took us out for a golf cart tour. He drove one golf cart. I drove the other. Jenni sat in the passenger seat and screamed almost the whole time. So, for anyone that was trying to concentrate on the course, I sincerely apologize for the loud screaming you heard. If you visit the course, make sure to check out hole number six. It’s the signature hole, and has the best view on the course. At the time of the publication of this magazine, Jenni and I are living in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Yes, that’s right. We traded the beaches of Florida for the Blue Grass State. We’ve been asked dozens of times why on earth we would do that. Here’s the best answer I can give... when I wake up, the mountains are covered with a hazy mist. A few hours later the sunlight is hitting them just the right way, creating more shades of green than I knew existed. By the end of the day, they’ve changed again and again. It’s always something new. The beach, as beautiful as it is, always stays the same. The tide comes in. The tide goes out. The mountains sing a new song every day. If I could leave you with one last thing to sum up Middlesboro, Kentucky, it would be this...