The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge
Looking For Adventure? Looking Adventure?
We Can Help With That We Can Help That
We realize now that you are here and settled in, it’s gonna be hard to lure you out of that cozy, comfortable cabin. However we do believe we can. How about breathtaking views and lungs full of fresh, naturally scented air? What more could you want?
Well, I’ll tell ya, we have a few ideas. There is a bit of family fun to be had at every level. From lounging in a porch swing to fishing to hiking to off road mud slingin’.
Want to slow down? You can simply enjoy the quiet comfort of any of the many varieties of accommodations from tents to B n B style lodges. The Gorge offers that and much more. It’s hard to beat the view from a mountain top, but we can do that! You can take your fun to new heights, elevate the adventure. You can revel in the pulse pounding excitement of flying 350 feet above a beautiful gorge at 50 mph.
A Zipline tour is one of the most exciting hands-on adventures you’ll ever experience. Zipping from one platform to another and another above and through the lush forests is the closest to flying you can get without growing a set of wings!
Winter Zipping? You betcha. We zip all year ‘round rain or shine, hot or cold. Only lightening and high winds keep us on the ground. As a matter of fact, you may even fly faster when it’s cold since the steel cables are harder and the droop is less.
Zipaway!!
N NN Nature Deficit Disorder ature Deficit Disorder ature Disorder ature Disorder
We have the sure We have the sure We have the We have the sure--fire cure fire cure fire fire
Don’t commute, commune - with Nature!
Yes sir there’s more nature per mile in the Gorge than there are Medicare commercials on TV!
You may think that with December there comes a bleakness that is winter when all the leaves have fallen and the trees are just gray stick figures. Well, let me help you out there. Here in the protection of the Gorge things aren’t quite as drab as sometimes occurs in flatter, less sheltered areas. Because of its unique landscape, winters are not as harsh as they might be outside the Gorge. That protection could also be the reason there are so many varieties of animal, vegetable and mineral examples.
If Natural beauty and diversity could be weighed, the Red River Gorge Area would be listed as a heavyweight. Heck a Sumo!
V VV Vacation Planning Tips? acation Planning Tips? acation
We have the only one you need
We have the only
We receive and read many emails and website suggestions every day for vacation destinations and trips, cruises, etc. Many of those sites offer tips and suggestions designed to help you get the most enjoyment and eliminate hassle when vacationing. That’s what every venue and every person working those venues here in the Gorge Area wants. The only things on our guests’ minds should be where to sleep, eat, commune and play.
Not worrying about details nor being inconvenienced at any time while vacationing frees you to enjoy your precious time spent here.
Some of those tips, maybe most, are good and do work. However, and now that you are here, you know this to be true we have only one tip. Come back next year. And years after that. Simple. Why return? Beside knowing what a great time you had the first time? That too is simple, there’s so much to do in the Red River Gorge area, no matter how much you did, there’s still much more waiting for you to discover.
If you want to sleep in, cool, but you can do that at home. Get out there and experience the Gorge. Hike? We got you covered there times 100+! Trails that is. Excitement? Okay, that’s where the Gorge excels. Miniature golf; underground water borne tours, horseback riding, off road ATV’s, canoe and kayak rentals and the adrenalin rush of Ziplining up there with the eagles. Pull out the To Do page and carry it with you and it will help you find just the perfect activities for you and your family. Welcome to the Gorge. We are truly glad you came.
Publisher Jenny Ison
Editor Jerry Ison
Contributors
Jerry Ison
Miranda Fallen
Nancy Hamann
Sally Cox
Graphics
Ingrid Miller
State, County & City Facilities
Natural Bridge State Resort Park General Information 606.663-2214 or 1-800-325-1710 (reservations) 2135 Natural Bridge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Trail map & descriptions, park laws and regulations, lodging, camping, group meeting facilities, group programs "Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, reflection, and making memories." www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb
Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission www.naturepreserves.ky.gov
Red River Gorge National Geological Area 606) 663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center 606.663-8100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml
Red River Gorge Trail Crew (Volunteers) www.RRGTC.com Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics www.lnt.org
Kentucky State Parks - Create your own Experience. www.parks.ky.gov Become a KYSP fan at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Parks/152588316577
Lee County Tourism Commision Dedra Brandenburg Director 606.464.5038 www.visitleecountyky.com
Private Facilities
Cliffview Resort & Cliffview Retreat 606.668.6222 www.cliffviewresort.com 455 Cliff View Road, Campton, KY 41031
The Lodge, The Retreat and Lakeside Lodges are available for groups, weddings and retreats. Also available is the 8,000 sq foot Reception Hall Red River Gorge Zip Lines 855.ZIP.TOUR 855.947.8687 606.668.6222 www.redrivergorgezipline.com
Scenic Cabin Rentals 606.663.0000 www.sceniccabin.com
Black Bear Lodge Motel 606.663.0061
Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 844.692.2246 www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com The Gorge Underground 844.254.6244 Thrillsville.org The Red River Inn On Parkway, Campton
The Gorge Gazette Jenny or Jerry Ison 865.674.6740 Email stories, ideas, suggestions, news to: jerrywrison@gmail.com
T TT Things To Do, Places To Visit, hings To Do, Places To Visit, hings Do, Places hings Do, Places Where To Eat In
The Red River Gorge Where The River Gorge
• Red River Gorge Earth Shop Local Art gallery & Gift Shop 606.668.5228 Nat Bridge Rd. Slade
• Red River Climbing Guides where “Your Adventure Awaits!” Catering to all ages and experience levels. Visit: RedRiverClimbingGuides.com or call 629.207.0697
• HillTop Pizza: Pizza, Salads, Subs, Spaghetti, Lasagna. Delivery to Cliffview available. 606.464.9990 2034 Hwy 11N Beattyville.
• Daniel Boone Coffee Shoppe & Deli: Gourmet Coffees, Deli Foods, Camping Supplies 606-663-2549 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) near Slade Exit 33
• Gorge Underground: A Unique Waterborne Family Adventure On The Water, Underground! Kayak and Pontoon Boat Tours 844-254-6244 Thegorgeunderground.com
• Natural Bridge State Park, Lodge & Sky Lift: Camping, Hiking, Rooms, Fine Dining parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm
• Mill Creek Lake: Kayak & SUP Rentals 859.300.1330
• Red River General Store: Hand Dipped Ice Cream, Hoodies, Gifts, Camping Supplies, T-Shirts Fudge, Local Artisan Crafts 1321 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) Slade, KY 606.663.885
• Daniel Boone Liquor: 606-663-2549; Natural Bridge Rd (KY Rt 11)
• Red River Gorge Hiking, Rock Climbing: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
• Red River Adventure: Kayaking and Canoeing redriveradventure.net 606-663-1012
• Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Park: Great for beginners 606-668-6441 torrentfalls.com
• Mr. Ed’s Hot Dogs Great Hot Dogs smothered with Famous Chili Sauce 209 N. Main Stanton, KY 606.569.8170 Check us on Facebook
• The Well Beattyville’s only liquor store selling Liquor, Beer & Wine Come down and sip a glass sitting on the patio watching the Kentucky River flow. On rte 52 Beattyville 606.208.8017 tony@theboneyardwell.com
• Beech Fork Golf Club: In Clay City - 606-663-9479
• Sag Hollow Golf Course: In Booneville 606-593-4653
• Beattyville Public Golf Course: Off Rt. 52 in Beattyville, KY 606.356.4199
If a Holiday Party, any Party, Family Reunion, Corporate Meeting, Church Retreat or Wedding is on your to-do list, go ahead and check it off. We have the perfect solution to party planning from catering to lodging to activities. The Lodge at Cliffview will sleep 64. The 7000 square foot Reception/Activity Center seats up to 250 and has a fully equipped commercial grade kitchen. Our newest Lodges, the Retreat and Lakeside will each sleep up to 50. Both have double appliances kitchens and technically compatible theater style media rooms Call: 606.668.6222 for details.
J JJ Jenny Ison’s recipe for enny Ison’s recipe for enny
Wild Turkey Turkey withWildTurkey withWildTurkey! !
(Plus Glaze and Gravy)
This is a recipe for all you successful turkey hunters. However, a store-bought turkey will work, it just won’t have the more intense, the more savory lipsmackin’ flavor only wild game has.
Ingredients:
1 Wild Turkey (10 to 12 lbs.)
1 medium onion, halved
1 orange, halved
ground black pepper to taste
½ pound thickly sliced bacon
Glaze:
1 cup cranberries
¼ cup fresh orange juice
⅓ cup apricot jam
3 T of one of Kentucky’s Finest Bourbons, Wild Turkey (81 proof) (+ two fingers for the chef!)
Make Glaze:
Combine the cranberries, orange juice, jam, and bourbon in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place the onion and orange in the cavity of the turkey and dust the outside with black pepper. Cover the turkey breast and legs with the bacon, truss the turkey, and place on a V-shaped rack in a greased roasting pan.
Cook for 15 minutes and immediately reduce the heat to 375°F. Cover with aluminum foil and baste occasionally with the pan drippings. Cook 15 to 20 minutes to the pound, or until a leg feels very loose when wiggled. Brush with glaze during the last 1 hour of cooking.
Remove the turkey form the oven and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.
Prep & Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours Serves 8-10
Giblet & Egg Gravy
Ingredients:
Finely chopped neck and giblets from that turkey or substitute
1/4 cup each chicken livers and gizzards.
1 Large Hard Boiled (Turkey?) Egg sliced
3 Cups Chicken Broth
3 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
3 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Dry Sherry Or better yet a shot of Wild Turkey!
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Preparation:
Over medium heat, melt butter in a small sauce pan. Add flour, and rest of ingredients except sherry and egg. Cook while constantly stirring for two minutes. Slowly stir in the broth.
Reduce heat and simmer until meat is cooked and the gravy thickened.
Stir in the sherry and egg slices before serving. Serve with usual sides including the rest of that bottle of Wild Turkey!
Now sit down, make sure you have ample elbow room so’s to not hurt anybody and Gobble it up!
Let's Talk Turkey
By Sally Cox
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is a top-notch bourbon aged between 8.5 and 9.5 years with a precise measure of limestonefiltered water to attain the ideal 101 proof. A full bodied "turkey" with rich flavors of vanilla, almond, and honey to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a blended cocktail. Oops! My editor just clarified that his request for an article on turkey was the other "turkey". I convinced him that information on the Turkey libation is in keeping with the spirit of our beloved grassroots Gorge Gazette.
After all we’re in the heart of bourbon country, along with fast horses, Blue Grass and beautiful scenery, bourbon is Kentucky’s very own.
There is another "wild turkey". the ancestor of that delicious domestic turkey which most of us enjoy of on Thanksgiving.
Turkeys can see 5 times better and hear 4 times better than humans. Their shrewd instincts (Yes, they're pretty darn smart!) allow them to be an elusive challenge to hunters.
Domestic turkeys can't fly like their wild cousins due to selective breeding. The wild turkey can sprint faster than a horse and fly upwards of 55 mph. But, here's a really fun fact to share with your relations at the holiday table. Did you know that you can tell the sex of a turkey by their droppings! Male droppings are j-shaped and female droppings are spiral shaped. That will surely elicit oohs and aahs amongst diners partaking in a juicy turkey leg with stuffing. Don't be surprised if the subject of poultry poop is added to the taboo list of conversation along with politics and religion.
The ideal Thanksgiving gathering should aim for a Norman Rockwell-esque warm and fuzzy decorum.
However, in lieu of traditional side dishes like green bean casserole and sweet potatoes, I recommend that a guest bring an unconventional lasagna or meat perogies. The risk of duplicating another mundane dish is at a minimum and your brazen break from tradition will be "the talk" at Thanksgivings yet to come. Also, please refrain from bringing a pumpkin pie. Although a delightful dessert, most likely 6 other guests will also bring a pumpkin pie. Ugh. Did you ever notice that those same unimaginative guests don't even like pumpkin pie and go onto demolish the ONE apple pie to be shared with 8 other pumpkin loathing attendees? Tragically, all that remains at the dessert table are the slimy gelatin jigglers that the kids have pawed and coughed over looking for their favorite color.
So, for all of you slow grazers out there, I suggest making a beeline to Grandma's crystal candy dishes and loading your purse or pockets with Hershey's kisses, pastel buttermints or - last resort - Grandpa's personal stash of Mary Janes!
Hit me up for more tips next November. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Which Came First
When the subject of the turkey comes up, one must wonder, "Which came first, the bird's name or the country?" Since no one really has a definitive answer as to how the bird came to be called a turkey, it is just possible it was indeed named for the country of Turkey.
The Native American name for the bird was "firkee". Sounds enough like turkey to be confused or mis pronounced.
And the last possible origin may be the bird itself. When frightened or alarmed, turkeys make a noise that sounds like "turk, turk, turk."
“To provide basic and emergency care to all those in need.”
P.O. Box 51824
Knoxville, TN 37950
Phone: 865-584-7571
www.MissionofHope.org
Wolfe CountyTourism Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Mi Finca- 318 Main St, Campton, ~ Kel's Patriot Pizza- 133 KY-15, Campton Dixie Freeze II-194 Main St, Campton ~ Shebrews Coffee Shop-569 KY-15, Campton 145 Roadhouse- 148 Main St, Campton ~ Sky Bridge Station- 8 KY-715, Pine Ridge Hop's- 2613 KY-11, Campton ~ The Wicked Wolfe- 301 Mtn Pkway Spur, Campton Subway- 30 KY-15, Campton ~ Sweet Art by Stephanie- 110 Main St, Campton Dairy Queen- 690 KY-15, Campton ~ Red River Rockhouse- 4000 KY-11, Campton Bites & Bargains- 658 KY-205N, Campton ~ Spanks Franks- 1008 KY-191, Campton The Brick- 5412 KY-15 N, Pine Ridge ~ RedPoint Barbeque- 356 Smith Rd, Campton
