Carter Caves State Resort Park

When I think of “hidden gems” in the Kentucky State Park System, a few parks come to mind. Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hills is one of the first.  While it is certainly a popular and well-loved park, somehow I think it deserves even more attention than it already receives.

It’s such a beautiful, special, and relaxing place! If you’ve never been (or have and simply looking for a great reason to return), here’s the perfect opportunity.

Press Release from the Kentucky State Parks:

Carter Caves will host the annual Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’ from Sept. 5-8, 2018.

The festival that began as a family reunion honors old-time music and eastern Kentucky traditions as well as the late master fiddler J.P. Fraley. Musicians will be jamming in parking lots and sharing music around the campfires of Carter Caves State Resort Park. Musical instruments such as dulcimer, fiddle and guitar are used to tell stories about life long ago in the eastern Kentucky foothills.

The music at the Fraley Festival has not been confined to any one type. Folk, old-time, western, western swing, early country, and others are played on a regular basis at the festival. There are all sorts of musical configurations, from family bands or husband and wife duets, to people playing on stage who just met each other a few minutes ago in the parking lot.

Wednesday night is a free “jamming in the round” session at the Recreation Shelter House in the campground.  Concerts will be held in the Park Amphitheatre on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and evening, and Saturday afternoon and evening.  Concert fees range from $4-$10.  A $25 weekend pass is available which admits you to all the concerts and jam sessions.

For more information visit the event website at www.fraleyfestival.com

Carter Caves State Resort Park features a lodge, vacation cottages, RV campsites and primitive campsites. The lodge restaurant offers a variety of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There’s also hiking, mini-golf, fishing, horseback riding and swimming. The park is located in northeastern Kentucky, 4 miles off Interstate 64 between Grayson and Olive Hill (exit 161).

Bottom Photo Credit: Kentucky State Parks