Visit Hills and Dales Jefferson Kentucky and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the beautiful scenery of Hills and Dales, Kentucky! Experience the evening at Oakland House Resort and enjoy the magnificent views over the hills. Stroll through the flowering gardens or explore the old wooden bridges along the river.
What makes Hills and Dale's sights so special is the unique mix of rural charm and sublime history that surprises me every time I walk along the dusty land roads of Jefferson Township in Jefferson County. The settlement was founded at the beginning of the 19th century. Centuries, when brave pioneers colonized the gentle hills and deep valleys – a name that sounds almost too cheesy today, but then he was pure advertising for fertile soils. During the civil war, the village served as a small junction for troops, and today you can see the faded markings of old camps in the forest when you turn off Highway 64 and take Highway 150. I have to admit, I don’t understand the hype about the “rustic authenticity” completely, but the honest hospitality of the old farmer families who still grow their own apples and corn is really great. The local bus that arrives twice a day from Louisville is a bit slanted, but it takes you to the village where you get a coffee in a tiny diner that is stronger than most city lard. And yes, if you're wondering where you can hear some live-country music in the evening – the small community centre is your place, because the Hills and Dales sights are not just stone, but people.
The history of Hills and Dales begins long before Highway 68, which I forget every time I come here because I am too busy with the few, but fine Hills and Dales Attractions to explore this tiny spot in the Louisville microcosmos.
First of all, City Museum – yes, there is actually a mini museum located in the old city administration. I have seen an exhibition on the foundation of the city, which consists more of dusty file folders than of shiny artifacts. Nevertheless, if you have a flaw for yellowed basic book leaves, it's a must. Parking? Mostly there are a few free places on the edge of the parking lot, but on the first Saturday a month, when the city celebrates the “Historical Day”, this becomes a small battlefield.
A short walk (or a short sprint, depending on the mood) leads you to Hills and Dales Community Center. The building is a modern box of glass and concrete that looks more like a gym for seniors than a cultural hotspot. I took a yoga-hour exercise there – no joke, the instructor was so relaxed that I almost forgot that I was here because of the air conditioning. The center has a small café that serves surprisingly good coffee; ideal if you need a bit of energy after yoga for the next stop.
If you prefer to sniff books, then this is Hills and Dales Library That's right. The library is part of the Louisville Free Public Library and looks like a cozy retreat for those who spend too much time in the car. I found a book about the local flora that made me walk through the neighboring Hills and Dales Park to make – a tiny but well-kept green strip that has more squirrels than visitors. The park has a small playground stand that I loved as a child, and a few benches that are perfect to watch the occasional bird whip, which is almost too loud here because the city is so small.
A little away from the city centre Hills and Dales Golf Course. I have to admit, I don't quite understand the hype about golf, but the 9-hole place here has a charm you can only find in a city that has hardly enough space for a supermarket. Fairways are more sandy than perfectly mowed, and the clubhouse serves a sandwich that tastes better than it looks. Parking is a children's game because the terrain is almost exclusively made up of the golf course itself.
Another highlight that is often overlooked is that Hills and Dales Fire Station. Yes, you have read correctly – the fire station is a popular photo motif for Instagrammers looking for “authentic” urban images. I kept a short chat with the guard's boss, who proudly told me about the annual fire protection exercises that look more like a small village festival. The building is a red brick house with a large, flashing sign that almost looks like a lighthouse at night.
Last but not least a short trip to Hills and Dales Cemetery. Sounds morbide, but the cemetery complex is surprisingly well maintained and offers a quiet place to think about life – or simply to escape the urban noise. I found an old tomb that reminds of a former mayor who allegedly installed the first street sign of the city. This is the perfect place to enjoy a few quiet minutes before you get back to the getaway.
The first place I have to put to each visitor of Hills and Dales is that Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest – a forest that has more trees than most people's friends. I came there on a rainy Saturday because I thought the weather would stop me from it, but the wet paths only made the leaves appear greener. Parking is usually a children's game, as long as you don't get to the high season in the weekends, then the field becomes a small battlefield from SUVs and campers. The way to the “Mushroom” artwork is a bit like a labyrinth, but that’s exactly what I love in such places: a bit of confusion before you find the perfect photo motif.
A short trip after Woodford Reserve Distillery in the heart of the Bourbon Trail is a must if you really want to understand the taste of Kentucky. I don't understand the hype about “Bourbon-Snob” completely, but what I drank there was a real eye opener – not a cheap mix, but a velvety sip that gives you the feeling you had a piece of history in the glass. The tour is easy, the staff likes to talk about the barrel ripening, and parking is right in front of the building where you could almost see your car as part of the exhibition.
A bit further south lies the charming little town of Bardstown, which is often referred to as “Bourbon capital”, but for me it is rather a living museum. The My Old Kentucky Home State Park is a pretty place where you can see the house from the famous song – I did a picnic there, while an older gentleman told me that he knew “only the house” here as a child, not the whole song. Parking is a bit tight, but this is part of the charm, and you can still find a good place when you bring a little patience.
If you have enough of city life and whiskey, the path leads to the nature of Red River Gorge. I was there in the autumn when the foliage lit in all conceivable red tones – a sight that is almost too beautiful to be true. The trails are well marked, but the real adventure begins when you try to reach the famous Natural Bridge without using the GPS. I almost ran until a friendly leader showed me the way; that was the first time I felt grateful for a stranger who points the way to me instead of ignoring me.
Another highlight I can't leave is that Mammoth Cave National Park. The underground corridors are not only the longest cave system in the world, but also a perfect place to test your own fear of darkness. I did the “Domes and Dripstones” tour, and that was, to say, a bit like a film by Spielberg – just without popcorn. The visitor centre has enough parking space, but it can be done on weekends, so it's better to get early if you don't want to be in traffic.
A bit further east, almost like a time jump, this is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. I was there on a sunny Tuesday because I thought that was a quiet day, and was surprised with a group of schoolchildren who spoke loudly about the story of the Shaker. The village is an amazingly well-preserved example of a simple way of life, and the museum offers an insight that provides more than just dusty facts. Parking is right at the entrance, and the terrain is so big that you can easily lose a few hours without notice.
Last but not least a short trip to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville. I made a picnic there on the small hill while I thought about how a simple peasant boy became one of the largest presidents. The place is small, but the atmosphere is surprising, and parking is practically right next to the visitor center – no stress, no crowd.
When you explore the surroundings of Hills and Dales, you can quickly see that the region has more to offer than just the famous city attractions. From deep forests to historical distilleries to spectacular caves – each station has its own charm and makes the heart of a traveler beat faster. And that's exactly what makes Hills and Dales Attractions to an incomparable experience for those who appreciate a bit of adventure, history and a good glass of Bourbon.
Find more vacation destinations near Hills and Dales Jefferson Kentucky using our map.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
