Welcome to our conversation with Seth Wheat, Director of Interpretation & Engagement for Kentucky State Parks.

We discussed Kentucky State Park offerings, mission, and the many reasons they make fun roadtrip destinations - especially in the fall.

Seth shared several unique events happening at the Parks - including opportunities to hear live music, and the Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick! 

And the ​⁠‪Kentucky State Parks event page is here

We’re wishing you a fabulous fall! ​⁠ ​⁠‪ 

This episode was created in partnership with the Kentucky State Parks. 

Find out more about our trips to the parks here. 

Kentucky State Fair 2025: History, Highlights & Insider Tips

Step right up! 🎡 In this episode of the Roadtripzee Podcast, we explore the fascinating history of the Kentucky State Fair and share insider tips to help you make the most of this year’s event. From the first fairgrounds to today’s can’t-miss attractions, we’ve got you covered with what to see, eat, and do.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The agcentric origins of the Kentucky State Fair

• Can’t-miss events, shows, and exhibits for 2025

• Pro tips on navigating the crowds and planning your visit - did you know there's an app for that??

📍 Whether you’re a lifelong Kentucky State Fair goer or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you enjoy the fair like a pro.

📲 Connect with Roadtripzee Website: roadtripzee.com Instagram: instagram.com/roadtripzee Facebook: facebook.com/roadtripzee

It’s not a new concept.

It’s a simple concept.

But it is an often overlooked one.

Here’s a little back story on why Roadtripzee exists and the many reasons we think you should take a roadtrip! For us, it’s all about the unfolding of an organic experience - something that will never happen again.

Why should you roadtrip? Where do you start? And who are you taking with you? Answers to all of these questions and more in this episode! 

#roadtrips #automobile #travel #roadtrip #why #roadtripping #vacation #daytrip

Dutch Country Safari Park

📍 Location: Horse Cave, Kentucky 🎧 Episode Length: ~29 min

In this episode of the Roadtripzee Podcast, we take you on an unforgettable stop in Horse Cave, Kentucky—just down the road from Mammoth Cave—to explore the Dutch Country Safari Park, an Amish-owned animal safari and petting zoo that’s quickly becoming a family favorite in south-central Kentucky.

🐪 You’ll hear what it’s like to ride through the park on wagon, providing snacks to zebras, camels, and highland cattle, while soaking in the scenic countryside. We’ll also step into the smaller animal encounter areas, where hedgehogs, goats, alpacas, porcupines, monkeys, tropical birds and even kangaroos wait to meet you up close.

🦓 Whether you’re planning a Kentucky road trip with kids, looking for a unique stop near Mammoth Cave, or just love discovering local gems, this episode has you covered. We'll also give you the scoop on operating hours, season passes, and nearby spots to make the most of your day in Horse Cave.

🗺️ As always, our Roadtripzee take is from real-life experience—so expect honest tips, favorite moments, and why this safari stop might just be worth the drive.

✨ Links mentioned in the episode:

• Full writeup on Roadtripzee.com

• Dutch Country Safari Park Instagram

• Read more about Hart County here

• Itinerary building for the area: kygetaway.com

For nearly 50 years, the Shelby County Community Theatre has delighted and entertained patrons while becoming the anchor of the local arts scene. Listen in as we discuss all things stage with Mason Warren, SCCT Board Member, and Jennifer Starr, director of a recent hit comedy.

The Theatre's 2025-2026 season is packed with hits, including Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, The Lion in Winter, and The Man Who Came to Dinner. Plus, the Upstairs at 801 Season (second stage) will feature Murder by Poe, John Lennon and Me, and Uncle Vanya. Tickets can be purchased at shelbytheatre.org

For more information on the area and itinerary building, visit visitshelbyky.com

Read more about our experiences in Shelby County here.

Join us for a talk with Ranger Kolkmeyer. We discussed both Big Bone Lick State Historic Site's history and current offerings. 

Big Bone Lick is distinct:

• A Natural National Landmark 

• A recently designated National Historic Landmark as well - making them one of only thirteen locations in the United States to hold both designations. 

• The birthplace of vertebrate paleontology

This state treasure is also a prehistoric gathering spot that continues to be a peaceful and inspiring location to gather your crew.

This park has free admission to their grounds and museum, playgrounds and picnic areas.  They also maintain 62 full hook up sites in their campground, which features a small pool (currently closed), new playground - with accessible swing - and a miniature golf course. 

Big Bone Lick also has a ten check point orienteering course, almost five miles of trails and a bison herd to observe - mornings and late afternoons are the best time for this.

Read more about our state park adventures at roadtripzee.com

Paul Tierney, Park Manager at Carter Caves State Resort Park, sat down with us to discuss all they offer for summer and throughout the year. Cave tours, miles of nature trails with many natural geographic features - including arches, limestone cliffs and many examples of their karst topography. They even have a weekend where rappeling is taught. 

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located in Olive Hill, which is also one of Kentucky's designated Trail Towns. 

This episode was produced in partnership with Kentucky State Parks.

Additional links you might like:

• Read more about our time at Carter Caves here. 
• Your Guide to a Kentucky State Summer
• Kentucky State Parks event page

Welcome to our conversation with Seth Wheat, Director of Interpretation & Engagement for Kentucky State Parks.

We discussed Kentucky State Park offerings, mission, and the many reasons they make fun roadtrip destinations - especially in the summer.

Seth shared several unique events happening at the Parks - including opportunities to hear live music, and an underground pool party! 💦

Your Guide to a Kentucky Park Summer lives here

And the ​⁠‪Kentucky State Parks event page is here

We’re wishing you the best summer! ​⁠ ​⁠‪ 

This episode was created in partnership with the Kentucky State Parks. 

Join us as we learn more about ‪Kentucky State Park's Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, the history of the Native People of the Mississippian Culture and this area of Kentucky. This fascinating park is located along the convergence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, includes a landscape of existing mounds, a forested area and a museum over an fully excavated mound.

The park staff is fabulous and several activities are available upon request at the visitors center. 

Ready to travel?  Check out Your Guide to a Kentucky State Park Summer

Join us as we sit down with Louisville Tourism’s Chris Bumann and Marriott East’s Shannon Follette to discuss LouGrass Sessions. This series of live, free Bluegrass Music Concerts take place all over the city from April-October and they have just begun their second season. 

Find out more about LouGrass here

Read more about our Louisville experience here

Featured musicians in video, Whiskey Bent Valley Boys

Filmed on location at ‪Marriot Louisville East

​⁠Special thanks to ‪Louisville Tourism