No Title 2292
Supplement to “Guy Getaways”
According to Fred James, director for tourism in Prestonsburg, a brochure is in the works that will include old gyms, not only in eastern Kentucky, but throughout the state.
“It would be nice to have information that can be given to those interested in these old historic gyms that can show where they are located in each region of Kentucky,” says James.
An effort is under way to identify the small communities where these gymnasiums often were the center for many of the town’s socializing and activities.
The state promotes a Bourbon Trail, Winery Trail, and a Country Music Highway, and James says there is no reason not to have an “Old Gym Tour.”
“Kentucky is a basketball-crazy state,” he says. “The younger generations need to see where the golden era of high school basketball was played. They’ll be surprised to see it wasn’t in the modern, fancy places we play in today.”
Back in the days before school consolidation, it was common for a single county to have six or seven high schools with each having their own gym.
“Many are gone,” says James. “But those that are remaining need to be seen and preserved.”
Prestonsburg Tourism
(800) 844-4704
Wayland Historical Society
(606) 358-9471
BATTER UP
Professional baseball is alive in Kentucky. No longer do guys have to travel to Cincinnati, Atlanta, or St. Louis to see baseball. Although it may not be the big leagues, pro baseball has arrived on the scene in a big way in Louisville, Lexington, and last spring in Bowling Green. Why not be creative and catch a game in each city on one trip? It might be fun to see the future stars of tomorrow. The Louisville Bats are affiliated with the Reds, the Lexington Legends with the Astros, and the Bowling Green Hot Rods with the Rays. Make a game of it. Who has the best ballpark food, mascot, and between-inning entertainment?
Louisville Bats
www.batsbaseball.com
(502) 212-2287
Lexington Legends
www.lexingtonlegends.com
(859) 252-4487
Bowling Green Hot Rods
www.bghotrods.com
(270) 901-2121
AUTO RACING
What guy doesn’t like auto racing? The Kentucky Speedway in Gallatin County is a perfect weekend getaway during racing season, May-September. Travel trailers and motor homes, for some, are the ultimate way to be a part of the time trials, race, and driving school. Of course, there is plenty of lodging available in the area.
Kentucky Speedway
www.kentuckyspeedway.com
(859) 567-3400
CAR SHOWS
Car shows in Kentucky are big! Not just any cars, but eye-popping cars from one end of the state to the other, and, granted, some shows are bigger than others. These “show ’n shine” events are fun things that guys can do without breaking the bank. Here are just a few but you can search online for shows in your area.
Somernites Cruise, Somerset
April-October, every 4th Saturday of the month
Ohio Valley Cruisers, Henderson
April-October, every 4th Saturday of the month
Good Time Cruisers, Hodgenville
April-October, every 3rd Saturday of the month
To read the Kentucky Living April 2010 feature that goes along with this supplement, go to Guy Getaways.
