Did you know that the Mammoth Cave system is the largest cave system in the world? Well, I sure didn’t, at least not until this weekend. My youngest son turned two on April 20th (how is that even possible?) and as we do for both kids' birthdays, my husband and I set out on a solo trip with him to celebrate and love on him one on one. Justin wanted something out of the ordinary, so I did my favorite thing: finding close(ish) destinations to our home in Tennessee. That’s how we landed in Cave City, Kentucky, home of the Mammoth Cave system. I was pleasantly surprised by this trip, probably more than any trip I have ever been on. I didn’t even know Cave City existed or any of the cave locations in Kentucky! This unique destination is one and a half hours north of Nashville and 30 minutes outside of Bowling Green. One perfect, family-friendly weekend getaway adventure awaits you!
Who will enjoy this specific Cave City itinerary the most? Families, especially if you have young boys. But this itinerary is perfect for boys and girls alike!
Friday Arrival:
We typically leave Friday after work so we do not have to take vacation days
from work.
Dinner & Dessert
I recommend stopping in Bowling Green if coming from Nashville area at
Hotel Check-In
Rest up for a fun-filled weekend!
Saturday:
Select a breakfast spot from one of the locations below!
Afternoon Adventures
Dinosaur World is a rare find, it is highly educational and inexpensive! Prepare to be here for about two hours! Be sure to add the fossil dig experience for your little ones!
Make time for shopping at the General Store and The Market KY. The Market KY is just down the road from The General Store and has a great gift shop.
Grab a bite to eat from one of the lists below.
Next head over to the Lost River Cave, another educational and inexpensive. The Lost River cave offers a tour, butterfly exhibit, walking trails, mining and more.
Ice Cream and Dinner
A weekend getaway isn't complete without ice cream! You can check out Farmwald’s but the Hey Lo recommendation is Cave City Creamery
Sunday:
Select a breakfast spot from one of the locations below!
Trail Ride at Jesse James Stable
Enjoy an hour long trail ride Outlaw Caves for ages 12 and up and mini golf all on site. Take home a Jesse James Stable professionally shot photo on your horse for a small fee.
Mammoth Cave
Be prepared to spend the majority of the afternoon here. Head over to the visitor center at Mammoth Cave for tours. You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing. Mammoth Cave offers rangle led programs like Trail Walks, Ranger Talks, Nature Tracks for Kids and more. Learn more here. Be sure to capture some memories along the trails and caves.
Finally, head home after your Sunday Funday but plan to come back again soon for more!
Restaurant Choices:
Watermill Restaurant
Down home southern cooking with a breakfast options too!
Hey Lo Recommendation
This spot has yummy drinks for the adults, too!
Home cooking with a splash of Texas! This spot has more breakfast meals too!
Deli and Bakery
Staying Longer? Consider these stops:
Crystal Onyx Cave
Kentucky Stonehenge
Kentucky Action Park
Beech Bend Amusement Park (Bowling Green)
Green River Canoeing
JB’s Haunted Mansion
Adventures of Mammoth Cave
Ziplining, mountain coasters, and more
Stay connected
Be sure to follow Hey Lo, Let’s Go on Instagram at @heyloletsgo and TikTok at @heyloletsgolauren.
Travel without the hassle
Request your personalized travel itinerary here!
Comments