Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky [My Weekend Getaway]

I love to travel. It's one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. If I could, I'd be on the road everyday. So, when I'm able - I jump in the truck and hit the road. I believe we have this amazing world all around us that we tend to miss out on because we're going so fast. I challenge you to slow down, take a minute and dive in!

This "My Weekend" feature is about Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky.

The bridge itself is a 100 percent natural occurrence, nothing man-made here... it's a sandstone arch, built by the weather over A LOT of years. It's found in the Eastern part of the State of Kentucky, about an hour or so east of Lexington. Right smack dab in the middle of Daniel Boone National Forest.

It's unique really, the arch itself sits high up on a "mountain," not a huge one, but I'll tell you what, I'm in decent shape, and the hike up was some work. At the base of the park is a really nice lodge - The Hemlock Lodge has 35 Rooms and there are also 11 Cottages on property. Directly behind the lodge are the trails to the top. There is also a Chairlift you can ride up, but we're adventuring people!

The Original Trail was the shortest and easiest. 1/2 Mile, no problem. As I hiked, I almost felt the woodland critters snickering... I don't care how far you're hiking, when it's straight up, it's not "easy" and it doesn't feel "short." But, I digress. The hike is a beautiful experience, and I wasn't even there during the Spring or Summer, but I will be going back just to see the difference the seasons will make!

A gentleman on the trail with me stopped as I took that picture with the sun shining through and said: "That's going to come out great!" I think he was right.

While it's a neat feeling to see something as cool as the arch, after climbing up from below it....

The view from on top is totally breath taking.

Worth the drive, worth the climb, and I would strongly recommend you add a trip to the Natural Bridge State Resort Park to your bucket list.

Also needed on your list - a Big Billy.

Back to the burger in a second... On the My Weekend adventures, I'm always going to promise you these 4 things:

#1 - Family Friendly Activities

#2 - Affordable Experiences

#3 - Doable in a Weekend

#4 - Yummy Food

I love burgers, so a lot of the time it's going to be burgers I share with you. But I refuse to go on an adventure and then feed myself something I can have at home. That's why I will ALWAYS try Local. Like Billy's Place!

I kid you not... I passed this place, did a double take. Stopped in the middle of the road and backed up to pull in. (Traffic was light...)

I walked in and was greeted with a "You aren't from around here are you?" I laughed and said why do you say that? She answered with a smile - "Because I know everyone from around here and I don't know you!"

Service with a smile and a sense of humor? Take my money!

Speaking of money... a stay at the Lodge runs around or under $100 a night, the burger combo cost me $9 and some change, and I spent about $40 in gas. A good time for under $150!

Whatever you do this weekend, do it with an open mind and with the heart of an explorer. Go outside your box a little, drive a little farther, take a turn you didn't plan on, or stop somewhere that catches your eye. I promise you won't be disappointed.