Civil War
Kentucky played a unique role in the Civil War given its geographic location and its population's divided allegiances. Abraham Lincoln stressed its importance to the Union when he remarked, "I hope God is on the side of the Union, but we must have Kentucky." Visit the Nelson National Historic Landmark and learn about the role of African-Americans in the war. Look from Pinnacle Rock in Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and see why both the North and the South coveted this multi-state vantage point and key supply route. Travel through the countryside where Confederate marauders' hit and run tactics made life miserable for the Union troops. Your trip won't be complete without a visit to the historical battlefield sites of Mill Springs and Wildcat Mountain.

Pioneer
Kentucky's pioneers were hardy men and women who were determined to make a life in this beautiful, but challenging, land. Their perseverance is legendary, and the legacy they left for generations of offspring is unrivaled. You are encouraged to take this opportunity to see life as they saw it, to trace their footsteps across a newly-cleared field to the humble cabin they built with much sweat and tears, to the small grave out back where a much-loved infant was laid to rest. There are the happy times too: festivals across the region attest to these, and everyone is the merrier for the lives these intrepid individuals lived and the conquests they made.

Coal/Railroad
Kentucky is one of the nation's top coal producers, its long and proud mining history, the current status of coal mining, as well as the role mining played in shaping lives today all come to life through destinations such as the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum and Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp. Railroad likewise played a major role in shaping the culture and economy of Kentucky. Initially built to support cities without waterways, rails found such great success that tracks were expanded to more areas, eventually making railroads the workhorse for the transportation of coal and other goods.

Festivals/Events
People across Southern and Eastern Kentucky like to celebrate and have a good time - you're invited to join us. Festivals and events of all kinds fill the calendar: springtime flowers and flowering trees bring the Mountain Laurel and Redbud Festivals. Summer brings food, music, sports, county fairs, and any number of fun local events. Fall brings harvest events like the Wooly Worm and Apple Festivals. Winter offers holiday light displays and religious observances and throughout the year Kentucky's major performance centers, like The Center for Rural Development, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, and the Mountain Arts Center and our many state parks host numerous events, performances, and gatherings. There's always something to do and a reason to celebrate!

Arts/Crafts
Southern and Eastern Kentucky is full of cultural discoveries. Kentuckians are as varied and unique as their individual talents and skills - which are many. There's always something exciting to discover and you may even uncover a new talent or desire in yourself. Maybe you'll realize just what you've been searching for all these years but even if you don't, you'll be glad you took the time to experience the culture that is Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

Genealogy
Many libraries, historical societies, cemeteries and courthouses in southern and eastern Kentucky offer extensive genealogy research opportunities. 

Lakes/Rivers/Streams
The peace and quiet of a gently bubbling stream beckons visitors to wet their toes and quench their thirst for adventure. The roar of a powerful engine breaks the stillness of the dawn as early rising fishermen head out to try their luck. Children's laughter and the splash of a youngster diving off the family pontoon create summer memories. A deer watches patiently as a kayaker quietly invades his territory and then leaves with the soft swish of a paddle. The mist rising above Cumberland Falls at night produces a rare moonbow under a full moon. Water adventures are here to experience, whether you prefer those that bring a quick rush of adrenaline or those that fill the soul with peace and happiness. Water is wonderful in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

Public Lands
Modern city life offers many conveniences however, there's always the part of you that wants to get away from it all - that needs to be free - to revert to nature. Come to the parks and forests of Southern and Eastern Kentucky and do just that. A pair of gentle eyes watches you from behind a bush; they belong to a mother deer that's trying to determine if you're a threat to her spotted fawn. A bird drifts by overhead, barely moving its wings as it calls to its mate. A splash of rainbow can be seen beneath the river's surface, and a crystalline beetle marches up the side of a hickory. Southern and Eastern Kentucky is full of wildlife and you can see much of it in person without the aid of binoculars. Just bring your eyes, a sense of adventure, and the ability to sit quietly and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. We'll provide the wildlife. Let the peace and beauty of our national, state, and local parks and forests overtake your senses and bring harmony to your spirit. You'll find your second home and take tranquility and those memories of a good time with you.

Outdoor Recreation
The competitive spirit is alive and well in Southern and Eastern Kentucky with challenges of all kinds to strengthen the body and mind while soothing the soul. Compete against friends and foes or against yourself - your previous personal best, or your own fears. Come away with that feeling of satisfaction knowing that you've done your best and accomplished something that you weren't sure you could. The challenge is here; all you have to do is accept it.