Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge
Laura and Robin are a motherdaughter team that would like to share their love for Eastern Kentucky with you. Laura retired in 2019 and moved to Frenchburg, Kentucky where her husband Cazzie, grew up. Robin, originally born and raised in Florida fell in love with the area as a child and now she can finally call Kentucky home. They had a shared passion to showcase cabins and eventually started Perfect Escape Cabin Rentals in May of 2023.
The Kentuckian duo started out managing only 3 cabins and now the business has flourished and grown to 8 cabins and counting. Both Laura and Robin are familiar with the Red River Gorge area and have a vision to provide a memorable vacation experience with exceptional cabin rentals that exceed their guests' expectations. There is a diverse range of properties to choose from, including rustic and/or luxury cabins and a large modern farmhouse. All vacation rentals are located in the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest where they both reside. Each rental is carefully selected to ensure that it meets our high standards of quality and comfort for the perfect escape.
The Calm The Calm of the of the Wild Wild Wild Wild
Congratulations. You have certainly made the right vacation choice.
You are now in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge Area where you can experience and enjoy a unique family respite.
The perfect escape from the day to day rush and stresses of modern living. Here you can find adventure, glorious natural beauty and revel in the quiet comfort and serenity of country life.
There are lyrics to the song “Red River Valley” that ask the listener to ... ”just remember the Red River Valley.” I can say without any doubt, that when you visit the Red River Gorge, unlike the Red River Valley, you’ll never forget it. It is arguably Kentucky’s most beautiful area. I’m certain there are those who will disagree that it is the most beautiful, but even they will have to agree it is indeed beautiful.
This destination is truly unlike any other in America; maybe the world! With lush woodlands and sheer sandstone cliffs by the hundreds. Mountains rising majestically into the clear blue sky. Green forests and clear mountain streams.
The Red River then completes this spectacular vista making this place as appealing and beckoning as any place on earth.
To really appreciate the abundant and varied natural world that is the Gorge, one needs to get up close. Hiking is the perfect excursion into Nature’s world. It’s absolutely the ultimate non-polluting renewable energy method of travelself power. Hiking any of the hundreds of miles of trails puts you right in the very essence of the many wonders of the special characteristics of the Gorge. There are thousands of species of plants and wildflowers abound.
Several species are found no place else on earth, only here.
If more active adventure is your cup of tea, it can be found in and around the immediate area. Zipping along at 55 miles per hour 300 feet above lush forests, sedately enjoying a waterborne boat ride in a clear water-filled underground cavern to tearing over miles and miles of off road trails and ATV courses.
Here in the Red River Gorge, you’ll find adventure, simple to luxurious accommodations, great food, friendly people and pleasant memories the family will carry throughout a lifetime.
Vol. 6 No. 1 Adventure ~ Relaxation
Jerry Ison Jerry
The official Red River Gorge Newsletter
Publisher
Jenny Ison
Editor
Jerry Ison
Contributors
Sally Cox
Jerry Ison
Nancy Hamann
Graphics
Ingrid Miller
Red River Gorge Earth Shop
We gratefully acknowledge the information and assistance by the State of Kentucky Parks Department and the staff of the Natural Bridge State Park. The Gorge Gazette is published monthly except January and February for entertainment of Red River Gorge Guests, Owners, Visitors, Staff, Tourists and Friends.
All contents including ads are copyrighted by Jerry Ison/Jay Eye Communications Talbott, TN 37877 Distributed free of charge courtesy of our advertisers!
State, County & City Facilities
Natural Bridge State Resort Park General Information 606.663-2214 or 1-800-325-1710 (reservations) 2135 Natural Bridge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Trail map & descriptions, park laws and regulations, lodging, camping, group meeting facilities, group programs "Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, reflection, and making memories." www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb
Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission www.naturepreserves.ky.gov
Red River Gorge National Geological Area 606) 663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center 606.663-8100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml
Red River Gorge Trail Crew (Volunteers) www.RRGTC.com Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics www.lnt.org
Kentucky State Parks - Create your own Experience. www.parks.ky.gov Become a KYSP fan at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Parks/152588316577
Lee County Tourism Commision Dedra Brandenburg Director 606.464.5038 www.visitleecountyky.com
Private Facilities
Cliffview Resort & Cliffview Retreat 606.668.6222
www.cliffviewresort.com 455 Cliff View Road, Campton, KY 41031
The Lodge, The Retreat and Lakeside Lodges are available for groups, weddings and retreats. Also available is the 8,000 sq foot Reception Hall
Red River Gorge Zip Lines 855.ZIP.TOUR 855.947.8687
606.668.6222 www.redrivergorgezipline.com
Scenic Cabin Rentals 606.663.0000 www.sceniccabin.com
Black Bear Lodge Motel 606.663.0061
Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 844.692.2246 www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com The Gorge Underground 844.254.6244 Thrillsville.org The Red River Inn On Parkway, Campton
The Gorge Gazette Jenny or Jerry Ison 865.674.6740 Email stories, ideas, suggestions, news to: jerrywrison@gmail.com
T TT Things To Do, Places To Visit, hings To Do, Places To Visit, hings Do, Places hings Do, Places Where To Eat In
The Red River Gorge Where The River Gorge
• Red River Gorge Earth Shop Local Art gallery & Gift Shop 606.668.5228 Nat Bridge Rd. Slade
• Red River Climbing Guides where “Your Adventure Awaits!” Catering to all ages and experience levels. Visit: RedRiverClimbingGuides.com or call 629.207.0697
• HillTop Pizza: Pizza, Salads, Subs, Spaghetti, Lasagna. Delivery to Cliffview available. 606.464.9990 2034 Hwy 11N Beattyville.
• Daniel Boone Coffee Shoppe & Deli: Gourmet Coffees, Deli Foods, Camping Supplies 606-663-2549 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) near Slade Exit 33
• Gorge Underground: A Unique Waterborne Family Adventure On The Water, Underground! Kayak and Pontoon Boat Tours 844-254-6244 Thegorgeunderground.com
• Natural Bridge State Park, Lodge & Sky Lift: Camping, Hiking, Rooms, Fine Dining parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm
• Mill Creek Lake: Kayak & SUP Rentals 859.300.1330
• Red River General Store: Hand Dipped Ice Cream, Hoodies, Gifts, Camping Supplies, T-Shirts Fudge, Local Artisan Crafts 1321 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) Slade, KY 606.663.885
• Daniel Boone Liquor: 606-663-2549; Natural Bridge Rd (KY Rt 11)
• Red River Gorge Hiking, Rock Climbing: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
• Red River Adventure: Kayaking and Canoeing redriveradventure.net 606-663-1012
• Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Park: Great for beginners 606-668-6441 torrentfalls.com
• Mr. Ed’s Hot Dogs Great Hot Dogs smothered with Famous Chili Sauce 209 N. Main Stanton, KY 606.569.8170 Check us on Facebook
• The Well Beattyville’s only liquor store selling Liquor, Beer & Wine Come down and sip a glass sitting on the patio watching the Kentucky River flow. On rte 52 Beattyville 606.208.8017 tony@theboneyardwell.com
• Beech Fork Golf Club: In Clay City - 606-663-9479
• Sag Hollow Golf Course: In Booneville 606-593-4653
• Beattyville Public Golf Course: Off Rt. 52 in Beattyville, KY 606.356.4199
If a Holiday Party, any Party, Family Reunion, Corporate Meeting, Church Retreat or Wedding is on your to-do list, go ahead and check it off. We have the perfect solution to party planning from catering to lodging to activities. The Lodge at Cliffview will sleep 64. The 7000 square foot Reception/Activity Center seats up to 250 and has a fully equipped commercial grade kitchen. Our newest Lodges, the Retreat and Lakeside will each sleep up to 50. Both have double appliances kitchens and technically compatible theater style media rooms Call: 606.668.6222 for details.
Beattyville/Lee County Oral History Pod cast on Spotify
Lee County Tourism has been working to recover audio files from an old tourism website and give them a permanent home by uploading them to Spotify for safekeeping and easy listening. These recordings date back to 2017, when a group of local residents gathered weekly at the Lee County Public Library for a series of informal “fireside chats” focused on the history of Lee County. Conversations covered topics such as education, farming, town life, industry, government, religion, and technology. These recordings are available to the public for genealogy research, classroom use, and listening enjoyment. These sessions began as a grant funded project through the City Stories Project, in collaboration with the Kentucky League of Cities and the University of Kentucky, with Beattyville selected as one of the grant recipients. Thank you to Beattyville Main Street for initiating and supporting this project.
You can now listen to these recordings on the Beattyville/Lee County Kentucky Oral History on Spotify. Follow the podcast for updates as new episodes are added. There are roughly 50 files to review and upload, so more stories are on the way.
Listeners may recognize familiar voices, some of which are no longer with us, including Edith Little, Reva Crabtree, Bob Smith, and JD Sipple. Hope you find listening to these stories, especially from the storytellers who have passed away, as heartwarming and entertaining as we do.
The Beattyville Appalachian Memories Festival coming this May! For more info ontact: Teresa Mays - tmays@beattyville.org | 606-567-7703 or Dedra Brandenburg at: visitleecountyky@gmail.com 606-464-5038
River Trails in the Headwaters of the Kentucky River
All Trails Lead to Beattyville, Kentucky.
Tucked into the hills of eastern Kentucky, Beattyville holds a distinction that surprises a lot of people. it is the birthplace of the Kentucky River.
This is the exact spot where the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork come together, forming the official beginning of the Kentucky River’s 255-mile journey across the state. Before the river winds past cliffs, farms, cities, and eventually toward the Ohio River, it starts right here in Beattyville.
Standing at the confluence in Beattyville, it becomes clear why this place matters. Three rivers meet. A major Kentucky waterway begins. A new chapter continues to unfold, one centered on recreation, conservation, and connection to the outdoors.
Whether you come to fish, paddle, float, or simply watch the water come together, Beattyville offers something rare. If you are planning a trip to eastern Kentucky, do not just cross the river. Start here. Historically, the Kentucky River was a lifeline. Timber and coal were transported downstream by boat, supporting industries and communities throughout the region. The river powered commerce and connected Appalachian towns to the rest of the state.
Today, the river still works, just in a different way. Check out this description on the local historical marker "Kentucky River Forms Here"!
Now it supports outdoor recreation, tourism, and quality of life. Anglers, paddlers, and boaters come for quiet water, abundant wildlife, and scenery that remains largely untouched. This stretch of river offers authentic Kentucky experiences rooted in the land and its history. For more info - visitleecountyky.com
“Ye Knowe
then
howling Marche Comes As
if
a Lione And goeth as does The gentle Lambe”
Jacob Wigget-Rice Isham
Ah, March! You can almost feel nature stretch as she shakes off winter's sloth. Time to start again. March is a month of awakening. Hibernating animals are leaving their winter sleeping quarters. Wild ducks and geese begin their long journeys north to the summer breeding grounds. The sap begins to "rise" in the trees and the first buds appear. Pussy willows "fuzz up" and wildflowers can be found poking through the forest litter.
Days are longer and occasionally warm enough to go out with only a sweater maybe warm shirt. The warming earth and changing air currents give rise to the notorious March winds. There's movement everywhere. It's as if good ole Mother Nature is trying to get her circulation going. The seed catalogs are pouring in. It's time to get serious about garden planning. You remember, that big garden you were going to put in last Spring. That's right - Spring! It's back! Just when we were starting to think winter would never end - boom! here it is.
Spring, Spring, Spring! As you may have guessed, Spring is my favorite time of the year. It's like redemption. Reincarnation. All those trees and plants that appeared so drab and lifeless only a few days ago are now bursting with energy. Energy so powerful, it explodes into leaves, flowers and eventually, fruit. If one ever had any doubts about the extent of God's handiwork, they are dispelled by the blessings of March.
After witnessing the amazing rebirth and seeing all the transformations that takes place in the natural world in March, causes me to believe anything is possible.
Another reason to like March is it's place in the calendar. It serves to separate and allow a gradual transition from ugly, drab, gray, cold, hateful February and beautiful, colorful, soft, fresh April.
I think March should be named something else, though. March got its name from the Roman god of war, Mars. That connection just doesn't do March justice. Maybe it should be called "Aphros" after the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Or maybe Verta in honor of Vertumnus, the god of the changing seasons and of flowers and fruit. How about Verd from the Latin or early French for green?
There is one connection to Mars that makes it kinda ok. In the early Roman times, Mars was also the god of greenery. In those days, March was the first month of the year and was called Martius.
I feel that March would be a better time to signal the new year than January. There's really nothing getting started in January except new calendars and journals. March is when the natural world begins it's new year. It is the time when most new growth begins. Too bad Pope Gregory XIII didn't think so. He decided, in 1582, that the world needed a new calendar and changed the order and length of some months. That sudden shift of when the new year begins had many profound ramifications.
One of them lead to the French inventing April Fool's Day.
But, that is a story for another time.
P.O. Box 51824
Knoxville, TN 37950
Phone: 865-584-7571
www.MissionofHope.org
Mi Finca- 318 Main St, Campton, ~ Kel's Patriot Pizza- 133 KY-15, Campton
Dixie Freeze II-194 Main St, Campton ~ Shebrews Coffee Shop-569 KY-15, Campton 145 Roadhouse- 148 Main St, Campton ~ Sky Bridge Station- 8 KY-715, Pine Ridge Hop's- 2613 KY-11, Campton ~ The Wicked Wolfe- 301 Mtn Pkway Spur, Campton Subway- 30 KY-15, Campton ~ Sweet Art by Stephanie- 110 Main St, Campton Dairy Queen- 690 KY-15, Campton ~ Red River Rockhouse- 4000 KY-11, Campton Bites & Bargains- 658 KY-205N, Campton ~ Spanks Franks- 1008 KY-191, Campton The Brick- 5412 KY-15 N, Pine Ridge ~ RedPoint Barbeque- 356 Smith Rd, Campton
