It may not seem like it today (brrr!) but gorgeous weather is literally right around the corner, and as any Kentuckian can tell you, Kentucky wears nice weather as beautifully as any state ever could.  The birds, the wildlife, the lakes, the rivers, the greenest grass you’ve ever seen, the trees, and the breathtaking flowers…  What a glorious show we get to enjoy every year.  Are you thanking God for living here yet?  I know I am.

Below is a press release from the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  They’re feeling the love, too!

‘Unbridled Spring’- Make Travel Plans

For Kentucky’s Colorful Awakening

FRANKFORT, Ky. About this time of year Kentuckians are itching to trade coats and gloves for short sleeves and sneakers. Spring is when some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation sprouts in the commonwealth as a preview of hot weather to come. It’s a great time of year to get away and see an “Unbridled Spring” unfold across Kentucky as different flowers bloom from region to region. To help plan your path to the posies and where you can kick your shoes off for the night, the Kentucky Department of Travel has the perfect e-guide.

An “Unbridled Spring” web promotion begins April 7 and runs through Memorial Day at www.KyTourism.com. It’s sure to lure you on your way for a long weekend or day trip to see what’s blooming. This year, the program is longer and includes more places to spot buds and flowers, tips for events, locations and trips, photos of Kentucky wildflowers, regional videos, and other tools to plan springtime travel.

“Unbridled Spring” (previously Wildflower Watch) links to places throughout Kentucky to see spring blooms like trails, botanical gardens, state parks and nature preserves. Besides a variety of wild flowers that grow throughout the state, “Unbridled Spring” appeals to travelers to visit public areas including the approach to Kentucky’s state capitol which is paved with tulips, Owensboro’s Azalea-Dogwood Trail and jonquils that glow along major roadways in Louisville.  Information on golf, fishing, trails and children’s activities as well as other outdoor adventures, are available with the click of a mouse.

“Our spring promotion has developed a well-deserved reputation for guiding travelers to a beautiful time in Kentucky,” said Kentucky Department of Travel Commissioner Mike Cooper. “This year “Unbridled Spring” has even more information and pictures to entice native Kentuckians and visitors alike, to get out, travel the state and watch spring return to our very distinct landscapes.”

Information on specific park events at Kentucky State Parks is available at www.parks.ky.gov.   For Kentucky tourism information, go to www.kentuckytourism.com where you’ll find “Unbridled Spring” and other resources for travel in Kentucky.   Travelers are urged to grab their cameras and add to the web site by sharing their “Unbridled Spring” experiences with others by uploading digital photos and videos of their trips.

(Note: Visitors to wooded areas and trails should exercise caution when hiking due to damaged trees caused by this past winter’s ice storm.)

Make a point of seeing as much of our beautiful state this spring and summer as you can.  Hit up the locally owned stores and restaurants – you know that’s where the really good stuff is, right?!  Be safe and have a ball.