So merset p u l as k i co u n t y
a great place to visit. a great place to live.
Your health means everything. And your heart is at the center of it all. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath or an irregular heartbeat could be signs of a heart problem and should be evaluated by a physician. Don’t make your health wait. Take our free heart health assessment today.
How Healthy Is Your Heart? Take our free heart health assessment now at LakeCumberlandHospital.com/Heart To find a healthcare provider, call 800.424.DOCS (3627)
“A Great Place to Visit, A Great Place to Live” was made possible with the support of SPEDA, Lake Cumberland Tourism and the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission.
So merset p u l as k i co u n t y presented by
kentuckymonthly.com // ad@kentuckymonthly.com // 888.329.0053 Publisher + Editor-in-Chief STEPHEN M. VEST // Associate Editor PATRICIA RANFT // Assistant Editor DEBORAH KOHL KREMER Contributing Editors JACKIE HOLLENKAMP BENTLEY and TED SLOAN // Creative Director REBECCA REDDING Business Manager BARBARA KAY VEST // Account Executive LINDSEY COLLINS // Circulation Specialist JOCELYN ROPER
Photos courtesy of SPEDA, Lake Cumberland Tourism and the City of Somerset // Supplemental photos by Rebecca Sams
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LAKE CUMBERLAND
Fun on the Water The Bluegrass State is home to many ponds, streams and rivers, but the giant Lake Cumberland is a massive playground in south central Kentucky, offering many types of boating, excellent fishing, unmatched scenery, and even electrical power to the counties through which it runs. The Cumberland River was impounded in the 1950s by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and to provide hydroelectric power, creating a lake that measures 101 miles long and more than 1 mile across at its widest point. Lake Cumberland has been dubbed the Houseboat Capital of the World, and for good reason. The marinas have hundreds of houseboats in all sizes moored to their docks, many available for rent. Also available for rental are fishing and ski boats as well as tubes and jet skis.
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LAKE CUMBERLAND
Fun on the Water Continued For fishing fans, Lake Cumberland is well stocked with trout, bass, sturgeon, walleye, crappie and catfish, making it a favorite of fishermen nationwide. Somerset and Pulaski County are home to two marinas offering all that you need for a day, week or longer on the lake. Burnside Marina has direct access to the water with floating boat slips and rentals of everything from houseboats to jet skis. It also features an on-water gas station and a small general store. Four miles west of Somerset is Lee’s Ford Marina, above, which boasts a large dock and boat ramp. The marina rents pontoons and fishing boats as well as canoes and houseboats. If you need lodging, a motel and well-appointed cabins are available on shore.
Burnside Marina 680 West Lakeshore Drive Burnside, 606.561.4223 Lee’s Ford Marina Resort 451 Lee’s Ford Dock Road Nancy, 606.636.6426
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WE are the CU difference! 13 (606) 451-8474 • 81 Family Fun Drive • Somerset, KY 42501 ke n t u c ky m o n t h l y. c o m
136-slip boat dock on beautiful Lake Cumberland
www.woodsonbendresort.com
18-hole championship golf course designed by Lee Trevino and Dave Bennett
Woodson Bend Resort is the PREMIER vacation destination on Lake Cumberland!
DID YOU KNOW
Located on a scenic 455acre peninsula, high above and surrounded by Lake Cumberland, Woodson Bend Resort offers views of heavily wooded foothills and limestone palisades rising 300 feet above the emerald green lake. The resort has more than 480 privately owned condominiums, with many available for rent throughout the year.
Woodson Bend Resort offers discounted golf packages, business meeting facilities, indoor and outdoor wedding venues, “non-owner” golf memberships, “non-member” tee times and catering.
FOR MORE INFORMATION 1.800.872.9825 rentals and reservations 606.561.5300 rentals and reservations 606.561.5311 general information 606.561.5316 pro shop/tee times rentals@woodsonbendresort.com
Some of the excellent amenities offered: • Mechanical boat launch • 24-hour gated security • Driving range • Five tennis courts • Outdoor basketball and volleyball courts • Playground • On-site fine-dining restaurant • Pavilion and fire pit • Clubhouse with meeting space
DOWNTOWN
Festivals, Food and Fun Somerset’s walkable downtown is charming and friendly. With a mix of old and new, historic and contemporary, there is so much to see. The Citizens National Bank Pavilion, which houses the Lake Cumberland Farmers Market, is a permanent structure offering indoor and outdoor booth space. Visitors will find an array of locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as meats, cheeses, flowers and plants. The market is open on Saturdays beginning in April, with more days added during the summer months. Somerset’s festivals, held throughout the year, are an exciting draw to downtown. Stages are erected for live music, streets are blocked off, food trucks and vendors are brought in, and, just like that, everyone is having a good time. These events — including The Moonlight Festival, Foodstock, Light Up Bash on New Year’s Eve and Juneteenth Festival—provide fun for every member of the family. 10 KE N TU CK Y M O NT H LY
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BOURBON
Somerset’s First Distillery
Brothers in arms: Horse Soldier Bourbon partners
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The founders and owners of Horse Soldier Bourbon are retired members of the United States Army Special Forces, who led a counterterrorism charge and were the first on the ground entering Afghanistan via horseback following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The bourbon is a tribute to this group of brave soldiers who are depicted on the America’s Response Monument, a bronze statue in New York City that overlooks the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The bourbon’s label features an image of the monument.
The distillery’s motto is “Legendary men, legendary spirits.” Somerset salutes these living legends— and their bourbon. About six years ago, these brothers in arms opened a distillery in St. Petersburg, Florida. The group learned all they could about bourbon and, using many of their skills acquired while in the military, got to work. They began producing hundreds of barrels of their rich bourbon, quickly outgrowing the Florida distillery and another one they had opened in Columbus, Ohio. In 2019, the partners selected Somerset as their new home. Many of the former soldiers had been stationed at Fort Campbell, and some were training on the Cumberland River when they received word of the attack at the World Trade Center, so to those men, there already was a Kentucky connection. The people of Somerset and Pulaski County are excited for the opening of Horse Soldier Bourbon Distillery. This multimillion-dollar project on 227 acres of a former golf course overlooking Lake Cumberland is expected to open soon.
Horse Soldier Bourbon 855.729.5457 horsesoldierbourbon.com
Happy to host you and yours on and around Lake Cumberland! SUMMER LOWERY | 606-219-6471 WWW.LAKEVISTAPROPERTIES.COM
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THE ARTS
Creative Spaces Somerset and Pulaski County have plenty of art experiences to share with residents and visitors. With its dedication to arts and culture, the city received the Governor’s Award in the Arts in 2020 for its support of the arts through government action. Downtown murals treat the eye to vibrant and exciting pieces of art appearing in sometimes unexpected places. One mural, at Hopkins Elementary School at 210 May Street, livens up a retaining wall and is reminiscent of the art of Eric Carle’s children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. A thoughtprovoking and inspiring mural based on the beloved book by
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Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree, is at God’s Food Pantry, 110 South Central Avenue. Others are inspirational or represent a bit of Somerset history. Each encourages the viewer to stop and ponder as well as possibly take a selfie. Hosting performing arts events and concerts, The Center for Rural Development always has something going on. In addition to the arts, the center focuses on business and educational needs for Somerset and surrounding Pulaski County communities. It offers training programs for emergency responders and business services such as a full-service video studio, graphic design and website hosting, and a 24/7 technology help desk.
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THE ARTS
Carnegie Community Arts Center 107 North Main Street Somerset, 606.677.0333 carnegieky.com The Center for Rural Development 2292 South Hwy. 27, Suite 300 Somerset, 606.677.6000 centertech.com The Shine House 402 North Main Street Somerset, 606.416.5380 theshinehouse.com Wandering Elm Photography 209 East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, 606.875.9504 wanderingelm.com
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Creative Spaces Continued At Wandering Elm Photography, visitors are treated to the works of Lacy Hilliard, a well-traveled photographer who has put down roots in Somerset. Her downtown gallery is ever-changing and continually inspiring. The John Sherman Cooper Community Arts Center, a magnificent building full of history in downtown Somerset, was once a Carnegie Library and, later, a post office. It remains a community gathering place. Now more than 100 years old, this stately building is home to local artists who use it as gallery or teaching space. The center also features live entertainment, a large events space, a gift shop and an eatery. Housed in a beautiful historic farmhouse near downtown, The Shine House is a community arts center and creative educational space with the goal of sparking imagination and inclusion. The organization offers yoga and meditation classes, along with visual arts classes in painting, drawing and sculpting.
Left, Mayor Alan Keck receiving the 2020 Governor’s Award in the Arts
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WEST 80 CORRIDOR
In the Countryside Outside of the downtown proper is an area of Pulaski County known as the West 80 Corridor. Heading in that direction takes visitors into a picturesque rural setting. For a fun, farm-filled family day, visit Bear Wallow Farm. This working farm offers memory-making adventures that include a corn maze to navigate, farm animals to feed, hayrides, nature trails, and, of course, pumpkins to pick. The Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument is a solemn and educational experience. It is the site of the Civil War Battle of Mill Springs, which took place on Jan. 19, 1862. Visitors can learn details of the battle at the Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum, which is chockful of artifacts. The adjacent Civil War Library houses diaries, letters, news clippings and books to further explain this period of history and the brave people who were a part of the conflict. After the battle, Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas laid out the plans for a burial ground adjacent to the battlefield, which today is known as Mill Springs National Cemetery. The site of the actual battle is now called Zollicoffer Park, named for Confederate Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer, who lost his life that day. Walking trails feature educational signage, and the park hosts memorials throughout the year.
Bear Wallow Farm Piney Grove Road Nancy, 606.871.7745 bearwallowfarm.com
Sprawling more than 450 acres, Haney’s Appledale Farm is known for its nectarines, pears, peaches and more than 25 varieties of apples. Visitors can pick their own fruit right off the branch, but if it is not harvest time, they can purchase fruit from the Haneys’ market. The shelves of this old-time store are filled with freshly made cider, jellies, sauces and salsas. Don’t forget to try the fried pies and caramel apples!
Haney’s Appledale Farm 8350 West Ky. Hwy. 80 Nancy, 606.636.6148 haneysappledalefarm.com Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument 9020 West Ky. Hwy. 80 Nancy, 606.636.4045 millsprings.net 18 KE N TU CK Y M O NT H LY S O M E R S E T G U I D E
The Carnegie Academy is a college-preparatory curriculum and program of study designed to challenge students to strive for excellence in themselves and in all their endeavors. Named for Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the academy is built upon his four principles
3 0 1 C O L L E G E S T R E E T, S O M E R S E T, K Y 4 2 5 0 1
•
W W W. S O M E R S E T. K 1 2 . K Y. U S
4141 S. HWY 27 Somerset, KY (light #23) www.somersetky.hamptoninn.com 606.676.8855
103 Jefferson Dr., Somerset, KY (light # 14) www.bestwestern.com/somerset 606.677.9000
JACUZZI SUITES
OUTDOOR POOL
of success — initiative, enthusiasm, imagination, and purpose. These ideals, along with a rigorous academic program, prepare our students to open their own doors, achieve their own goals, and realize their own far-reaching dreams throughout their lives.
•
PHONE: (606) 678-4721
82 Jolin Dr., Somerset, KY (light #23 & #24) www.choicehotels.com/KY023 606.677.1500
PET FRIENDLY
THOROUGHBRED HOSPITALITY GROUP WWW.THGHOTELS.NET
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Enjoying Nature Lake Cumberland. Daniel Boone National Forest. Cumberland Falls. These locales are home to anything and everything an outdoors enthusiast would love, and Somerset is the perfect starting point to visit each of them. “In addition to our beautiful Lake Cumberland, one of the crown jewels of recreational boating in the southeastern United States, there are hundreds of miles of trails and streams here and within a short drive,” said Leslie Ikerd, Somerset’s director of tourism.
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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
“A trip to Somerset isn’t just an invitation to experience,” said Leslie Ikerd, Somerset’s director of tourism.“It’s an invitation to explore.”
Enjoying Nature Continued With Lake Cumberland just to the south of the city, the choices of where to put in a kayak, settle in for a day of fishing, or take on the waters with a jet ski are practically endless. Eight miles to the northeast, kayakers and canoers can enjoy the winding path of Buck Creek. If hiking sounds more appealing, take your pick among dozens of trails that meander through several parks, including General Burnside Island State Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Lake Cumberland State Park, Pulaski County Park and Daniel Boone National Forest. How about some off-road action? Just 25 miles from Somerset in East Bernstadt, Wildcat Adventures is home to 100 miles of trails across 2,000 acres. 22 KE N TU CK Y M O NT H LY S O M E R S E T G U I D E
SCC is making a DIFFERENCE. SCC and its students added
$148.9 million
in income to the SCC Service Area economy.
For every $1 spent by...
Students
Taxpayers
Gained in lifetime earnings for STUDENTS
Gained in added taxes and public sector savings for TAXPAYERS
$7.20
$4.40
Society
$11.00
Gained in added state revenue and social savings for SOCIETY
1 out of every 60 jobs
in the SCC Service Area is supported by the activities of SCC and its students. Now helping students get their 4-year degree here at home!
University Center of
For more information about the University Center of Southern KY, SOUTHERN KENTUCKY visit somerset.kctcs.edu/ucsk
SCC is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution. KY Monthly SPEDA Insert - SCC Economic Impact 2021.indd 1
5/6/2021 9:39:18 AM
SOMERNITES CRUISE
Sharp Rides To call Somernites Cruise a car show would be a gross understatement. It’s become an integral part of the city of Somerset, where cars of all kinds roll into town the fourth Saturday of every month between April and October. From there, numerous events branch out to include family-friendly events, vendors, swap-meets, food, driving tours and more. Along with showing off their custom, classic, muscle or highly modified cars at Somernites’ Show and Shine and/ or Cruising the Strip, drivers can join in an annual fall tour of Kentucky’s scenic backroads and covered bridges. Somernites has partnered with Pulaski County Park to host the annual Campin’ the Cumberland Vintage Camper Rally. Held every September alongside Somernites, the rally brings dozens of vintage campers to the area. A complete listing events associated with Somernites can be found on its website, somernitescruise.com.
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M A S T E R M U S I C I A N S F E S T I VA L
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Toe-Tapping Entertainment For nearly 30 years, Somerset’s Master Musicians Festival has filled the atmosphere over Somerset with songs and melodies that pleased the ears of any music lover. presented by the City of Somerset in 2021, the internationally known festival is held on the campus of Somerset Community College. Musicians playing country, rock, bluegrass and everything in between take the stage for one weekend every July. With past big-name acts such as Willie Nelson, John Prine, Guy Clark, Nickel Creek, The Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show, it’s no wonder the festival has been named one of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s Top 10 Summer Festivals & Events and recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Shining Example of the Year. The festival also showcases juried artisans and craftsmen, and includes dozens of art and food vendors. Workshops and meet-andgreet sessions with musicians and artists are on the schedule. For a complete schedule of the next Master Musicians Festival, visit mastermusiciansfestival.org.
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SHOPPING Somerset offers unique boutiques for shoppers on the lookout for one-of-a-kind items.
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Retail Therapy At Be You Boutique, the owners— mother-daughter team Amy Poynter and Ashton Dockery—have a goal of stocking trendy, flattering clothes for women of all ages and sizes. Be You carries dresses, tops, denim and accessories in a vast array of styles at affordable prices.
Bazaar Universe 400 East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, 606.224.6278 abazaaruniverse.com The Mole Hole 37 Public Square Somerset, 606.679.0170 shopthemolehole.com The Vintage WKND 37 Public Square Somerset, 606.416.1393 vintagewknd.com
Be You Boutique 305 East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, 606.425.5549 shopthebyb.com
The Mole Hole Gourmet Chocolate, Gifts & Spirits is the perfect place to find a special present. The shop’s sales associates provide excellent customer service and can help you find just the right gift. They even will wrap it for you. Some visitor favorites include the creative stoneware and minis from Nora Fleming, the tantalizing fragrances of Candleberry Candles, and the serene beauty of Willow Tree figurines. Shoppers can look stylish and protect the environment with merchandise from Bazaar Universe. Owner Jade Ellis uses vintage clothing and repurposed material to create new, handmade, up-cycled, wearable works of art. Looking for some cool duds from the 1980s and ’90s? The Vintage WKND has got you covered. The store is stocked with T-shirts displaying the fads, bands and sports logos from the Big Hair days, along with jackets, shoes and high-rise jeans from designers you’ll probably remember. ke n t u c ky m o n t h l y. c o m 29
P U L A S K I C O U N T Y PA R K
Lakeside Gem Pulaski County Park is practically a secret spot that only those in the know seem to be aware of. In an area that offers so much outdoor and on-thewater recreation, this park is tucked away on the Fishing Creek leg of Lake Cumberland. The grounds feature a scenic white sand beach as well as boat ramps for easy lake access. The park contains more than 18 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails of varying degrees of difficulty, but all meander through the sometimes-hilly terrain with lookouts, creeks, bridges and paybacks from nature along the way. The park offers picnic shelters, basketball and volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and playgrounds for the kids. This county park is perfect for campers, sporting more than 100 tent and RV sites—most with views of the lake. Guests also may rent one of the furnished cabins scattered throughout the park.
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Pulaski County Park 1200 Ky. Hwy. 3189 Nancy, 606.687.4670 pcparkky.com
horsesoldierbourbon.com
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FOOD + DRINK
Appetizing Options The restaurant scene in Somerset and Pulaski County is ever evolving, with new and exciting dining options opening all the time. No matter what you’re craving, you will find the familiar chains as well as many locally owned, one-of-a-kind eateries that fit the bill. If your sweet tooth is achin’, the cure is a visit to Somerset Sweeterie. The downtown shop sells cookies, cupcakes and cakes that are almost too pretty to eat. Cream horns, muffins and chocolates add to the plentiful treat options.
Somerset Sweeterie 214 East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, 606.802.2011
More to Explore Downtown Deli 58 Public Square Somerset, 606.425.5845 downtowndeli.org Eubank Pizza 4546 South Hwy. 27 Somerset, 606.379.0622 eubankpizza.com Get Ur Smoke On 650 South Hwy. 27, Suite 1 Somerset, 606.492.7441 Guthrie’s Grill 6075 South Hwy. 27 Somerset, 606.425.5987 guthriesgrill.com Harbor Restaurant + Tavern 451 Lees Ford Dock Road Nancy, 606.636.6426 cravetheharbor.com Battlefield Coffee Co. 70 Hwy. 235 Nancy
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At Charred Oak Whiskey Grill, diners can find steaks and seafood along with burgers, sandwiches and tacos. This swanky-butcomfy restaurant offers a full-service cocktail bar.
Charred Oak Whiskey Grill 305 East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, 606.451.7935
Surrounded by antiques and kitschy décor, diners at Serendipity at the Orange Door are treated to a homemade daily special along with burgers, salads and sandwiches. Open for lunch plus Friday and Saturday dinner, Serendipity also offers a quiche and soup of the day and includes a kids menu.
Serendipity at the Orange Door 220 East Mount Vernon Street Somerset, 606.678.0648
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FOOD + DRINK
Baxter’s Coffee is the locals’ answer when you need your morning—or afternoon—caffeine fix. Baxter’s has locations around town, and many restaurants across the state serve their coffee, too. Each Baxter’s offers lattes, mochas and cold brews as well as dreamy baked goods. Baxter’s Coffee baxterscoffee.com
Appetizing Options Continued A visit to Somerset isn’t complete without sampling Tooter Pie. These delicious meringue pies—concocted by Mildred “Tooter” Phelps, whose mother made them in the 1940s— are available only at the Downtown Deli. The deli offers a wide variety of delectable sandwiches and salads. Just make sure to leave room for a slice of coconut or butterscotch Tooter Pie—or try the individually sized Little Toot-Toot. Who would expect to find Chicagostyle pizza in the Lake Cumberland area? Diners at Eubank Pizza, that’s who. Baked in a stone oven, the 34 KE N TU CK Y M O NT H LY S O M E R S E T G U I D E
pizza is made with fresh dough every day. Choices include the E.B.A. (Everything But Anchovies) Pizza and a Deep Dish Cheese that will make you think you are in the Windy City. The restaurant also serves sandwiches and appetizers, but the pizza is the main attraction. Over at Guthrie’s Grill, the offerings are steaks, chops, pasta dishes and flatbread pizzas. Enjoy a fine bourbon from the plethora of brands along with a lovely view of Lake Cumberland. You know something is always cooking at Get Ur Smoke On barbecue restaurant. The slowcooked pulled pork, baby back ribs, and juicy brisket with the eatery’s signature sauces are a meat
lover’s dream come true. Sample the smoked deviled eggs for an unexpected twist on the usual picnic staple. Whether you arrive by boat or car, you’ll love the view from the Harbor Restaurant and Tavern at Lee’s Ford Marina. The cozy establishment offers steaks and seafood entrées as well as sandwiches, salads and a full bar menu. The restaurant sits uphill from the lake and boasts large windows as well as a comfy deck, where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the water. Visitors to the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument in Nancy can enjoy an afternoon coffee break at the newly opened Battlefield Coffee Co., located near the battlefield park.
Since 1965, the Alton Blakley Family of Dealerships have been providing exceptional service to our loyal customers in South Central Kentucky and beyond. We are committed to providing our customers with a great selection of quality new Ford, Lincoln and Honda vehicles as well as a great selection of quality pre-owned vehicles that are priced for any budget. And for the first time ever, all three Alton Blakley dealerships are on ONE convenient campus providing our great customers a ONE STOP SHOPPING experience for Sales, Service, Parts and Collision Repair! We love our community and are committed to giving back to it. This commitment can be seen on the campus of Somerset Community College as well as in our local school systems and many of the area's charitable organizations. Consider yourself, as a customer of Alton Blakley, a partner in helping us make a difference in this great community that we call home.
Alton Blakley Ford-Lincoln 2130 South Highway 27 606-678-5181 altonblakley.com
Alton Blakley Honda 2190 South Highway 27 606-678-0160 abhonda.com
Auto Outlet From Alton Blakley 2070 South Highway 27 606-678-5181 a ba utooutlet.com