Fall is upon us and the chilly winds of winter can't be far ahead of us!  It's time to get out to enjoy the last of the warmer weather and explore the many unique opportunities offered in the Dale Hollow Lake and Big South Fork regions.  Gas prices have finally declined somewhat making it easier on the wallet to get away.  Motorcyling seems to be very popular around the area the last few weeks.  Hwy. 52 is known as one of the most scenic routes in Tennessee.  It's easy to see why.  There are many miles of meandering road through hardwood forests and along rolling farmland. 

This weekend offers Sgt. York Day (www.sgtyork.org) celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the WWI battle for which Sgt. Alvin C. York is acclaimed.  The 5th Annual Dale Hollow Sportsman Citgo-Harris Oil Fishing Tournament (931.243.2636) kicks off on Saturday morning.  Also this weekend are special train rides at the Big South Fork Scenic Railway (www.bsfsry.com), special activities and rides throughout the Big South Fork region, Red Maple Festival & Pig Roast (www.kyvacations.com) in McCreary Co., KY, Halloween Ghostly Gatherings at Historic Rugby (www.historicrugby.org), the Foothills Festival (www.FoothillsFestival.com) in Albany, KY, and the next to the last of the Gravedigger Tours with Darren Shell of Willow Grove Dock & Resort (this and next Friday & Saturday nights beginning at 7:00PM are the final tours for 2008 - www.dalehollowgravedigger.com or give Darren a call at 931.823.6616 for all the details). 

There are many more events and activities to come in the next few weeks to celebrate our heritage, holidays and the things that make our area unique.  Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, located at the Northern end of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, will be having a "Moonbow Trail Trek" on November 1st.  You have to pre-register before Oct. 23 to participate and it is limited to the first 100 people to register.  There is a $15.00 fee per person (which includes a t-shirt), but sure to be a wonderful experience.  This will be a daylight hike taking folks out to see the magnificient features of the park.  You may register by calling 1-800-325-0063 or e-mail: BretA.Smitley@ky.gov.  If you are wondering what a Moonbow is, visit www.parks.ky.gov and go to the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park link.  It's just another awesome and amazing aspect of our diverse regions.

It's also Leaf Peeping Time again!  (More about that below.) Fall is a great time to get out and enjoy the miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road adventures.  Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping and just plain having fun with family and friends or just some peace and quiet by yourself are welcome activities.  When was the last time you roasted marshmallows and pitched horse shoes?  Isn't it about time to enjoy the little things in life again. 

Please visit the our websites for more information on lodging and wonderful places to eat throughout the regions.  Check the events pages on www.Go2DHL.com and www.Go2BSF.com for our complete listing of the various events around the regions.  While you are in the area, please be sure to stop at some of the local roadside stands and Farmer's Markets and take advantage of the bounty of fresh produce available for sale.  Fresh produce is still the best when you can obtain it at or near the farm.

 

These pictures were taken within the last 10 days of Dale Hollow Lake (on the left) and the Big South Fork region (on the right).  The views from the many vantage points are absolutely awesome!  Color is farther along in some areas than in others, but peak season will probably be within the next week or two.  That isn't to say there won't be good color beyond that point.  It's just that it is really hard to predict a specific date with so many factors affecting the coloration and duration of the leaf color.  The picture below was taken mid-November 2007 near Dale Hollow Lake.  Most years, all the leaves would have be gone by that time, yet in 2007, it was peak leaf peeping.   

  
If you should miss the leaves at the peak, all is not lost.  The trails are still fantastic all year long.  The many wonderful country stores and small shops in and around the area offer many unique opportunities for you to enjoy your shopping experience without all the hustle and bustle that many have to deal with day in and day out at the larger retail outlets. 

It's our pleasure to share a window into our world with you.  Please, make plans to visit sometime in the near future.  Ideas on how to make the most of a Dale Hollow holiday or a Big South Fork celebration for the upcoming holidays are planned for the next issue.  Along with ideas on how to enjoy your 2009 vacation with us!  Don't forget to let our sponsors know how much you appreciate their support!

 

Sincerely,