1. Hike to Chained Rock- Pineville, KY

This is something I discovered on a road trip about a year ago and I have wanted to visit ever since. Located in the Pine Mountain State Resort Park, this is…wait for it…a giant rock overlooking Pineville that has literally been chained to the side of Pine Mountain. The chains were installed in the 1930's after years of folk-lore and fear that the rock would come tumbling down. The hike is approximately 0.3 miles one way and moderately difficult. The views are fantastic and where else are you going to find an ominously perched rock chained to the side of a mountain!?

2. Sail/Fish/Sightsee at the Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina at Kentucky Lake- Grand Rivers, KY

While it may not be on the ocean, the lighthouse at Kentucky Lake is a beautiful waterfront escape for Kentuckians. This lighthouse landing is located in Grand Rivers, Kentucky near the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The Lighthouse Landing website calls itself “Kentucky's most picturesque resort and marina". Whether you want to walk along the water, sail, or fish the Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina at Kentucky Lake has something for everyone. You can visit for an afternoon of playing in the water or stay longer in one of the quaint cottages available for rent.

3. Stay in a treehouse along the Lake Cumberland shores- Parkers Lake, KY

Treehouses are awesome no matter how old you are and this treehouse along Lake Cumberland is something you have to see to believe. The circular abode is suspended 40 feet in the front and 12 feet in the back, high in the trees of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The rate starts at $148/night for two people to stay in the fully furnished treehouse. Between the scenic views and proximity to many other Kentucky activities, a weekend ~staycation~ here is sure to satisfy your summer adventure desires. Check out the listing on glampinghub.com to learn about the details of booking this destination.

4. Take an underground boat tour at Lost River Cave- Bowling Green, KY

That is correct, folks…an underground boat tour. How cool is that!? While many people are familiar with Mammoth Cave or Carter Caves, not as many know about the only place in Kentucky that offers underground boat tours. Lost River Cave sounds like an experience unlike any other and a great way to escape the heat during those sweltering Kentucky summers.

5. Ride a train on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway- Stearns, KY

Forget cramped planes and exhausting summer road trips! Travel in leisure on the Kentucky and Tennessee Railway this summer. With the "K&T Special" at the Big South Fork Scenic Railway ($25.00 adult ticket and $15.50 child's ticket) you can travel through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area to the Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp. This 14-mile round-trip train ride takes three hours so you can sit back and relax, enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the state of Kentucky. You stop at the McCreary County Museum in Stearns, to which you get free admission with your train ticket purchase. If you want to travel even more luxuriously, there are different seating options and a lunches available for purchase on the trip. Foodies and night owls, mark your calendars for the Strawberry Moon excursion on June 18th! This excursion is a part of the Moonshine Limited Series, which ends with a moonlit night-ride accompanied by the telling of “local moonshiner lore".

6. Learn how to tree climb at Earthjoy Adventures Tree Climbing- Northern KY Area

You could use this summer to binge watch your latest Netflix obsession…or…you can get some heart-pounding excitement learning how to climb trees (safely, duh). The Earthjoy Academy has five different levels of training that they offer for tree climbing and the cost of these classes varies. Earthjoy even has group programs for team building and birthday parties.

7. Zip line/canopy tour at the Creation Museum- Petersburg, KY

Now most people in Kentucky have heard of the Creation Museum and it is fairly well known for its unique exhibits (see its sister attraction, a life-sized Noah's Ark). What you may not know is that you can actually zipline/canopy tour there. They have a variety of zipline packages available online and their cheapest course called the “Ptero-Soar" ($39) takes about one hour and includes five zip lines that zip participants across a three-acre lake.

8. Travel back in time at the 2016 Highland Renaissance Fair- Eminence, KY

You don't need a Dolorean to see live jousting and sword swallowing! Just head on over to the Highland Renaissance Fair, running from June 4th to July 10th on Saturdays and Sundays only. They even have discounted ticket prices for their opening weekend: $25 for two adult tickets or $35 for a family of four. If you're an avid Renaissance fair-goer or just looking for something new to shake up your summer, the Highland Renaissance Fair may be something to look into.

p.s. Keep an eye out for themed weekends like the masquerade-themed Father's Day weekend!