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Berea, Ky., is the official crafts capital of Kentucky. Whether you purchase high-end artwork at individual shops, the historic Berea College or the new state-of-the-art Kentucky Artisan Center, you will come away with quality merchandise produced by true artisans.
But Berea offers much more. Here you can be a vital part of an ongoing tradition if you stay at historic Boone Tavern Inn, operated by the students of Berea College, dedicated to the equal education of all, including women and blacks, since 1855. Today, Berea College carries on the tradition, offering a free education to needy and deserving people from around the world. For visitors, it's a chance to step into another world and see that such a utopian society can really exist (800/598-5263; berea.com).
The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. A surprising number of musicians hail from Kentucky. While many are bluegrass and country celebrities, other musical heavyweights include Rosemary Clooney and Lionel Hampton. With inductees' memorabilia, lively interactive displays, induction ceremonies and other musical events, it keeps Kentucky's rich musical tradition alive (Renfro Valley, less than one mile off Interstate 75 at Exit 62, 40 miles south of Lexington; 877/356-3263; KyMusicHallofFame.com).
The Marble Super Dome. This is actually a quaint shack where grown men not only play marbles, but are extremely serious about them; they even make their own flint shooters. After 4 p.m (after all, there's work to be done), it's fun to watch these international champions hunker down in the dirt and play a unique game called Rolley Hole. Who says you can't be a kid again? (Highway Armory Road, Tompkinsville; 270/487-1314; monroe county.virtual ave.net).
Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site. This 1804 log structure, the oldest wooden building in the state, was originally known as Mill Creek Baptist Church. It was later renamed for fiery pioneer preacher John Mulkey during the South's "Great Awakening," religious restoration movement, where camp revival meetings were very popular. Hannah Boone, sister of Daniel Boone, was a member of the Old Mulkey congregation and is buried here, as well (38 Old Mulkey Park Road, Tompkins-ville; 270/487-8481; parks.ky.gov/state historicsites/om/details.htm).
Frances' BBQ. If you would like to taste down-home Kentucky cooking, check out Frances' BBQ, where the locals dine. Come hungry because these family feasts are as filling as they are delicious. The specialty of the house is Miss Frances' very own shredded pork. Side dishes such as vinegar coleslaw, mayonnaise coleslaw, tater tots and baked beans are a must. Hours are limited to Thursday through Sunday (Tompkinsville; 270/487-8550; frances bbq.com).
Burnside Marina. For a typical Kentucky experience, try houseboating on Lake Cumberland. It's an ideal way to be right there on the water--in your own private cove if you wish. These houseboats come in various sizes, including some that can accommodate a couple of families. For added luxury, you can even have a hot tub on the upper deck of your houseboat, as well as personal water-
Amon's Sugar Shack. This authentic mom-and-pop bakery and restaurant lets you travel back to the 1950s. Stop by this homey landmark and savor such treats as chocolate Bavarian, Southern pecan and old-fashioned blueberry doughnuts; English toffee, maple walnut and snickerdoodle cookies; and house specialties such as cheese crowns, gobblers and chocolate Bavarian strudels, as well as cherry and apple turnovers (523 South Highway 27 at light No. 7; 606/678-4392).
The next three attractions go together to let you really experience what it was like to live and work in this famous coal-mining region.
The McCreary County Museum, located in the 1907 Stearns Coal & Lumber Co. office building, highlights the area's history from the Indian and pioneer era through the "boom" times of the coal and lumber industries. The exhibits cover many aspects of Appalachian life in McCreary County.
Definitely plan to visit beautiful downtown Stearns, just one block long, but still fun with old buildings that house gift shops, an antiques mall, a barbershop and a restaurant (101 Henderson St., Stearns, about 45 minutes from the Cumberland Falls State Park; 606/376-5730; bsfsry.com).
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway lets you travel back in time as you enjoy this scenic ride through Kentucky's Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Half the fun is waiting for the train because you can visit the gift shop, view historic exhibits and tap your feet to old-timey music by local performers (who also operate the train). As you ride the train, you'll pass through scenic countryside and learn about the history of the area from an on-board narrator. (800/462-5664; bsfsry.com).
The Blue Heron Historic Outdoor Museum gives visitors an excellent opportunity to learn about the hardships--and homemade social life--of the coal miners and their families. Visiting the camp today is another foot-stomping experience because the live musical entertainment from the train station continues. Definitely plan to purchase a Miner's Lunch, complete with a red souvenir engineer's scarf. During the layover at the camp, you'll be able to wander through a variety of outdoor exhibits to learn what it was like to live in a coal mining camp (U.S. 27 to Stearns. West on Route 92, left on Route 1651, right on Route 742; 606/376-3787).
For details about these and other attractions in southeastern Kentucky, visit tourseky.com or ky.511.gov, or call 800/225-8747.
EVE CARR, a freelance writer and photographer, lives in Stafford County. Send e-mail to her attention to gwoolf@freelance star.com.