With rising temperatures and longer days, summer is quickly approaching. Soon enough we will be packing our belongings and going back home for three long months. If you're lucky enough to call Kentucky home, or find yourself in Kentucky at some point this summer, make sure to take advantage of all the great sites and attractions Kentucky has to offer. Summers at home can be boring, but with Kentucky's unique blend of beautiful landscapes and lively cities, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. For those who feel they have completely finished their list of "Things to do in Kentucky", or for those who just don't know the area well, here is a list of Kentucky attractions, including some well-known favorites and a few that are off the beaten path.

Big Mike's Mystery House, Cave City, KY

Along the old highway to Mammoth Cave National Park, you can find the quirky gem that is Big Mike's Mystery House. You will see neon illusions and solar system displays, water-running up-hill, and even "Big Mo," the "T-Rex of the Sea" on the guided tour of Big Mike's. Big Mike's specializes in rocks as well, and is loaded with geodes, crystals, arrowheads, and a variety of others. This attraction was originally created to attract tourists on their way to Mammoth Cave, and it stills serves to entertain and excite its visitors to this day.

To learn more, visit: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3145

Cumberland Falls Moonbow, Corbin, KY

The Cumberland Falls are a very famous attraction in the bluegrass state. There are so many things that the Cumberland Falls park offers, including hiking, fishing, camping, horse back riding, rafting, and even gem mining! But it is the naturally occurring moon-bow that keeps visitors of Cumberland Falls truly amazed. This rare natural phenomenon only occurs for about five nights a month, spanning from two days before to two days after the full moon, if weather permits. The moonlight is refracted through the mists that rise from the falls, creating the"moonbow" across the base of the falls.

To learn more, visit: http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/cumberland-f...
http://www.2geton.net/martin/moonbow/moonbowschedu...

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky is home to one of the most notoriously haunted places on earth — Waverly Hills Sanatorium. Created and expanded to treat more than 400 patients during the tuberculosis outbreak of the 1920's until it's doors were closed in 1981. While it was once considered "one of the most modern and well-equipped facilities of it's time," there is also a darker side to Waverly Hills which you can learn about on one of their ghost tours. With many different tour styles, and the notoriety this location has received internationally, Waverly Hills is a must see for any brave souls of Kentucky.

To learn more, visit: http://www.therealwaverlyhills.com/

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour, KY

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is something all Kentuckians should experience. Bourbon is such an important part of Kentucky's history and make-up, and even those who do not drink can enjoy learning about the bourbon industry. This tour spans three days and nine distilleries, where you will learn all there is to known about bourbon. With tastings, of course!

To learn more, visit: http://kybourbontrail.com/

Hummel Planetarium, Richmond, KY

The Hummel Planetarium is a great Kentucky attraction on a rainy summer day. The Arnim D. Planetarium offers many programs and the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Kentucky sky.

For more information, visit: http://planetarium.eku.edu/

Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge, Slade, KY

Many people know about Kentucky's natural stone bridge and the Red River gorge, but many don't know about all that these attractions offer. There are great restaurants around the area, like Miguel's pizza. You can spend the day hiking the various trails, fishing, rafting or kayak, or even ziplining! This is definitely an attraction for those who want to appreciate the natural beauty of Kentucky.

To learn more, visit: http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/natural-brid...