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Kentucky’s Year of Food: Keep the Catfish Coming

Featuring more miles of shoreline than the entire state of Florida, south-central Kentucky’s Southern Shorelines region covers several of the state’s most outstanding lake systems where groups can escape the crowds of larger cities to lounge by the water, play a round of golf or visit a local winery. Some of the most prominent aquatic destinations include Green River Lake, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Kayaking, fishing, tubing and water-skiing are just a few of the outdoor activities available. The region also serves as Kentucky’s premier golf destination, encompassing 12 distinct courses that wind across rolling Bluegrass countryside, from the scenic Brian Ault Signature Series course on General Burnside Island to The Pines at Lindsey Wilson in Columbia.

Signature Flavors: Hook-to-plate fried fish is the staple dish of Kentucky’s Southern Shorelines. Some restaurants in the region serve between 500 and 800 pounds of catfish per week. To complete the meal, visitors can add a side of pinto beans, cornbread, mashed potatoes or collard greens, which are traditionally cooked with smoked ham, salt and pepper. For dessert, groups can stop by Haney Appledale Farm near Somerset to sample the fresh apple pies.

Great Group Restaurants: Groups can head over to Coe’s Steakhouse in Russellville to sample some of its famous fried catfish. Mammy Frog’s Diner offers great local dishes like pinto beans and cornbread, taco salad and deep-fried greens. Larger groups can take advantage of Ruckel’s Restaurant in Eubank, Rowena Landing Restaurant in Lake Cumberland State Resort Park and Island View Restaurant in Dale Hollow Lake Resort Park.

Must-See Attractions: The Big South Fork Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Stearns that takes passengers through spectacular scenery along the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. In the surrounding communities, groups can tour local wineries, breweries and farms such as Heavenly Haven Farm or the Lake Cumberland Winery.