May 6, 2012 -- Corbin and Lexington, Kentucky

Thankfully there were no ants in our room on Sunday, but I still didn't trust the in-room coffee maker. We took a last look at our view from our room and headed north to Berea for brunch at the Boone Tavern. It had seemed with the traffic Friday night that graduation was either that night or Saturday, but no, it was Sunday at 2:00. The universe was still on our side and we were able to once again get a free street space after going around the block and apparently most of the graduates and their families had already left the Tavern, so we were easily able to get a table. Typically I'm not a buffet person, not being much of a meat eater and being very picky, but I can highly recommend Boone Tavern. Once again I should have documented the meal, but after only a cereal bar that morning I was starved. The creamy mashed new potatoes were fabulous and I finally got to try spoon bread (an eggy version of cornbread). By the time we shared a piece of carrot cake and apple crisp I was beyond full.

On our way back we stopped at the Arboretum in Lexington, near the University of Kentucky (which thankfully wasn't having graduation ceremonies). It's a lovely, and free, park with ample parking. The paved footpaths were just what we needed to walk off some of buffet calories and take in some more nature. There was an interesting sculpture near the rose garden and a very large reminder that you're in Wildcat country.

May 5. 2012 - Corbin, Kentucky

We had the unpleasant experience of discovering ants in our room the next morning, but, after playing good cop/bad cop with the front desk, we were moved to an upstairs room with a better view. The falls were beckoning to us, so we drove down (not quite feeling up for the full hike over) and walked to the viewing area. They were quite glorious and deafening. Supposedly in the evening during this time of year you can often see a moonbow, but I was content with the rainbow (Kent went out to try to see this but experienced heavy traffic and crowds, and no moonbow). After getting our fill of the falls we tried going to the Moonbow Cafe in town, but sadly it was closed, so instead went to Basil's. I can't even begin to explain just how good the Sicilian pizza was with its imported cheeses. I wished I would have filmed it, but was too hungry and it was too good. Chef Richard came out and visited us, which was cool. My only recommendation for next time is to get a to-go box at the beginning of the meal to save some slices for later. Otherwise you'll be wishing you had more even though you'll still be so stuffed.

After lunch we drove the short distance to the Sanders Cafe, supposedly the original location of Colonel Sanders' Kentucky Fried Chicken. When I saw the brochure I thought it was nice of the Colonel to offer free admission to the museum at the Cafe and have such long hours until we went in and I realized it was a fully functioning KFC, albeit with much nicer furnishings (hardwood floors and wood tables). Everyone enjoyed sitting a spell with the Colonel.

Getting back to the lodge, I spent the evening reading my thriller and enjoying the view.

May 4, 2012 - Berea and Cumberland (Corbin, KY)

Kent and I took advantage of a Groupon last weekend and visited Cumberland Falls. I've heard of the Cumberlands for years and never went, being far more into city activities, but a weekend away in the quiet after all the construction noise and traffic headaches seemed like a good idea. Leaving late afternoon, we decided to stop in Berea for dinner before making it to the state park lodge, but, even though a friend of mine had been talking with me earlier that day about her daughter graduating from Northern Kentucky University on Saturday, it didn't occur to me Berea may be in the midst of graduation. We were greeted to far more traffic than usual when we got off the highway. Then, as we approached the university, we saw the graduation signs and wondered if we made a mistake. Luckily we were still able to achieve a free street parking spot. Being too late for lunch and too early for dinner (and no one being at the seating podium by the dining room), we decided to wait and stop at the Boone Tavern for Sunday brunch, and walked down the strand to the Main Street Cafe. The sweet waitress was quite accomodating of my allergies and food aversions, and the food was quite good. Sadly the fudge shop that also sold Blue Bell ice cream, that I've wanted to try, was closed.

The drive to the state resort park in Corbin, Kentucky was an hour further, but the last 20-30 minutes was an insanely winding road that made me a bit nauseous. We arrived safely, although tired, but after checking out the funky lounge with very cool mid-century modern chairs, we went out to the patio area to admire the glowing moon. I'm not sure if this was the "Super Moon," but it was quite beautiful.