KENTUCKY, USA -- It's hard to hit the road in Kentucky without coming across great music. In fact so many popular entertainers grew up here, a section f US highway 23 has become known as "Country Music Highway. Travel this road and you'll pass the places where Billy Ray Cyrus, the Judds, Ricky Skaggs, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn Dwight Yoakum, Patty Loveless and others grew up.

While the state may be best known for giving birth to Bluegrass, Kentucky's musical heritage is actually as diverse as her landscape, spawning musical legends as varied as country superstar Dwight Yoakum and jazz great Lionel Hampton. All of Kentucky's musical genres -- folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz, pop, jazz, opera and country come together at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Renfro Valley.

Highlighting Kentucky music heritage and honoring the contributions of Kentucky artists to American music, the state-of-the-art interactive museum also seeks to educate and entertain its visitors. A visit here engages all the senses. Begin in the instrument room, where you can view, touch, hear and play various instruments or learn from the professional musicians regularly in residence. Trace the careers and histories of favorite Kentucky musicians as well as the history of music in this part of the country.

Twelve Pioneers of Kentucky music were inducted into the Hall of Fame in its 2001 inaugural year: Rosemary Clooney, The Everly Brothers, Red Foley, Tom T. Hall, Grandpa Jones, Bradley Kincaid, John Lair, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers, Jean Ritchie and Merle Travis.

Next door to the Hall of Fame you'll find the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, an important hotbed of Kentucky and Country music for well over 60 years now -- and still going strong. In addition to hosting special concerts by headliners like Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, the Statler Brothers and others, Renfro Valley plays home to a stable of spirited and talented local musicians who regularly entertain guests shows that engage the audience in charm of country music and humor.

Folks motor in to Renfro Valley in a variety of ways. RVers love to come here because of the fabulous RV park, featuring full hookups and located in easy walking distance of all the shows and attractions. Bus tours love to stop here because the folks at Renfro Valley hotels, restaurants theatres and attractions are used to catering to the needs of large crowds. Individual motorists can also find plenty of food and lodging options -- both onsite and nearby. Especially charming, nostalgic and romantic are the small cabins for rent at the Renfro Valley complex itself (see photo below left).

No matter how they get here, everyone loves the scenic views of the nearby foothills, bordering the Daniel Boone National Forest. Plan your visit to Renfro Valley at the right time of year and you can attend a fun filled old fashioned festival like the All Night Gospel Sing, Appalachian Harvest Festival, the Fiddler's Festival, the Old Joe Clark Bluegrass Festival or the Christmas in the Valley festival. Check the schedule before visiting for special shows and concerts, in addition to Renfro Valley's regularly weekly scheduled shows like the Barn Dance and Gospel shows. And if you can't make it to Renfro Valley, The Renfro Valley Gatherin,' a gospel music show, is broadcast weekly on radio stations throughout the United States and Canada.

When you're not listening to music, you can wander the streets and shops of the quaint Renfro Village. The music shop has one of the most comprehensive collections of Kentucky and country music anywhere, so look for those hard to find artists here. Be sure to take some time to show down on some good old country home cooking like fried chicken, mashed potatoes with country gravy and ham.

A visit to Renfro Valley will appeal to the music lover in everyone, and as all the entertainment is wholesome family fare, be sure to bring the whole gang.

Getting There

To get to Renfro Valley, take exit 62 (US 25) off Interstate 75. For more information on shows, lodging, restaurants or campgrounds, call 800-765-7464 or visit www.RenfroValley.com.

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum is located right next door to the Renfro Valley Entertainment Complex. For more information, visit www.kentuckymusicmuseum.com.

If you don't plan to stay at the Renfro Valley complex itself, the Country Hearth Inn, located next door, makes a convenient base. This modern hotel has all the modern amenities any traveler, including business people, could want. Located at 877 Richmond St. in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, call them at 877-256-8600 or visit their website at www.countryhearth.com for more information or reservations.

The Southern and Eastern Kentucky Tourism Development Association (SEKTDA) is your one stop source for everything this region has to offer. Contact them by calling toll-free 877-TOUR-SEKY or visit their website at www.tourseky.com.

In the Nearby Area

• Doing the Derby & Then Some!
• Tickling Tastebuds at Frances BBQ
• Kentucky Travel Bargains
  

  Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here.