The Gorge Gazette - Sept 2024

The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge

Transforming what used to be Ye Ole Country Peddler, an amazing fudge and gift shop, into a beautiful bar and restaurant was no easy task. With much help and hard work from Red River Gorge employees and associates, we are proud to present the new Red River Gorge Distilled Spirits, featuring Cincinnati-style Empress Chili! This is our debut as an official stop on the Kentucky Moonshine Trail, making this the perfect stop to complete your Red River Gorge experience.

If you’re looking for something fun to do while visiting the Red River Gorge, this is the place to be! Indulge in delicious food, drinks, and a great time with friends and family! We have a large bar, offering locally-made moonshine tastings in three tantalizing flavors: Clear, Cinnamon, and Apple Pie. Try all three then purchase a bottle of your favorite! Welcoming all ages to come eat in our self-seating dining area for our chili parlor. Pets are also welcome to join you on the patio with outdoor seating. Now open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm and Friday Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm.

Located at 1255 Natural Bridge Rd in Slade, Kentucky, in between La Cabana Mexican Restaurant and Natural Bridge Cabin Company. Come see us today!

Hello and Welcome to Kentucky’s Favorite Family Vacation Destination.

I’m

Talkin’

‘Bout

The Red River Gorge Area!

“Where hospitality abounds and happiness is spoken.”

Welcome and thanks for stopping by y’all!

Here you’re gonna find an abundance of nature at her finest, comfortable accommodations, outdoor adventures galore, good food, good folks. You’ll find jaw-dropping majestic vistas filled with natural beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see in every direction.

All that and the comfort and serenity of quiet country nights.

Yes, your next greatest adventure begins now. There is always something new, something exciting and fun just waiting to be discovered. You can start on your own Voyage of Discovery! After all, you’ve already found the perfect destination for long weekend escapes, girlfriend getaways and our many other venues designed and created to be the perfect Family Vacation. There’s something for every age. The entire family will find something bold, exciting and remarkable to enjoy.

Here in the Gorge, you can experience the unrivaled thrill of zipping, almost flying, along at 50 miles per hour 300 feet above a beautiful lush wooded gorge. Then maybe take a soothing waterborne tour across a placid, crystal clear underground lake.

There is miniature golf, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, even a gem mine where everyone can mine for real gems!

The Gorge Area has hundreds of miles of trails though the unspoiled forests where myriad varieties of wild life and plants abound. Those trails range from easy-peasy to rough and tough. You will find difficult paths lead to beautiful destinations. All you need is a good pair of shoes and a heart full of wonder.

Or you can sit out on the porch, poor yourself an ice cold glass of sweet tea, prop your feet up and stay awhile.

The Red River Gorge is enduring and endearing; you are in the perfect place to relax and unwind.

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.

A Gorge-ous Tale

by Sally Cox

The Red River Gorge Geological area is immense at 29,000 acres! It has been designated as a National Natural Landmark and Archeological District as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are more than 100 natural sandstone arches, limestone cliffs, and an intricate system of jaw-dropping rock structures. Anyone who has experienced it considers it a National treasure as well!

The Gorge is affectionately nicknamed "The Red" by the multitudes of serious and amateur rock climbers who visit it each year from around the world.

The heated, unresolved conflict continued for 2 more decades until on Dec. 3, 1993 President Bill Clinton signed a law declaring federal protection for 19.4 miles of the Red River. It was officially categorized as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System.

Through serendipity, forty-six miles of the road through the Gorge are now rightfully honored as part of the Red River Gorge National Scenic Byway.

The Nada Tunnel aka "Gateway to the Red River Gorge" is a true feat of engineering which provides a captivating shortcut for travelers exploring the Gorge. This famous underground passage is a 900 ft. long, 12 ft. wide, and 13 ft. high railway tunnel that was built during 1910 and 1911. It was a dangerous, harrowing project which through the use of handheld tools, steampowered drills and dynamite cleared an opening for rail cars to transport logs from the gorge to a sawmill 15 miles away. Sadly, one man was killed during the construction when he attempted to thaw the frozen dynamite which exploded while warming by the fire. In 1971, Kentuckian Wendell Berry authored an influential book titled, "The Unforeseen Wilderness", advocating the preservation of the Gorge in its natural state.

The Byway begins in Stanton and travels along the picturesque Red River. Route 11 lures you into the Daniel Boone Forest to marvel at the grandeur of nature. The turn onto Rt. 77 takes you through the historic Nada Tunnel( Watch out for ghosts! That's a story for another day!) via the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Clifty Wilderness. Be sure to visit the wonderful Gladie Visitor Center for information and trail maps which will guide you to all the awesome rock formations, waterfalls, and arches.

SONG

By Jenny Ison

Yep, it's September again. Already. We've just let another summer slip by without visiting the Grand Canyon. Without getting the yard in shape or spending that weekend at the beach Lots of folks think of September in just that way; the month when we realize summer is over.

Not me! I like to think of September as sort of a pregame show. The lead-in to Autumn.

Sure, there are still some days to come when the temperature and humidity will be high enough to keep us indoors with the AC on full-tilt. The saving factor will be the nights with their end-of-summer "freezing" temperatures of 45-50 degrees.

These are the days of feasting on fresh, home grown tomatoes and green beans. Cantaloupes, bell peppers and corn on the cob. Those poor souls in the produce section this time of year are the unfortunate ones. Those without the means for a garden or unlucky enough to be without friends who garden.

Now is the time for getting the gear ready for the hunting season to start. For planning the tailgate parties; opening day kick-off is imminent. County fair time. Back to school and year-end close-out sales time. High school football games.

There is still time for that last-summer visit to the Lake. For deciding if you are going to split firewood this year or buy it.

And choosing new sweaters for that sprint across the mall parking lot in late November with all those Christmas packages.

There's enough coolness in the late evening breeze to make you want to get out those fall tour brochures and map of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But still not enough to cause worry about the coolant level in the family car.

Here in Eastern Kentucky, we have the great fortune to experience this wonderful, slow transition period. A time for re-adjustment without the sudden change from warm to cold less fortunate areas must suffer. We get to appreciate the alternating warm days and cool nights all the way through October.

Oh, we'll have a real live, gen-u-wine, painted on the trees, leaf-droppin' autumn, but that's still down the road a ways. There's still plenty of time left for us to take advantage of one of those sales. Time enough to get the best deal on a bright plaid flannel shirt to wear on the Halloween hayride.

Weather Makes a Difference

Fall color is highly dependent on the weather conditions before and during the change.

Red Colors: Warm, sunny days followed by cool nights (not freezing) are thought to bring about brilliant red colors. Sunny days promote the production of sugars within leaves, and cool nights prevent sugars from moving out of leaves. High levels of sugars and sunlight produce anthocyanins, which are responsible for reds and purples.

Yellow Colors: Because carotene, responsible for yellow hues, is found in leaves year round, yellow colors tend to be relatively constant year-to-year.

Delays: A late spring or prolonged summer drought can delay the appearance of fall colors. An unusually warm period during the fall season can result in less intense colors.

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