Department of Travel and Tourism
There’s No Place Like Home – When You Live in Kentucky

There’s No Place Like Home – When You Live in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – When Dorothy and her ruby slippers got back from the Land of Oz, she knew that what she’d looked for all along was right in her own backyard.  In case you’re thinking that the economy has sent your family travel or getaway right over the rainbow, the Kentucky Department of Travel has lots of travel and relaxation ideas right in your Kentucky backyard. 

For all budgets and tastes, Kentucky has travel adventures and bang for the buck for any size wallet, family and interest.  Whether the goal is to de-stress over the weekend, find outdoor thrills or take in events and attractions, inspiration and affordable deals are just a mouse click away at www.MyKentuckyBackyard.com – part of the “Discover Your Own Backyard” program that invites Kentuckians to travel in Kentucky.  

“We know people are sticking closer to home when they travel and looking for good value for their dollar. More than ever, we all need to take a break,” said Mike Cooper,  Kentucky’s travel commissioner.  “There’s no need to look any farther than right here in Kentucky.” 

Spring heats up the Kentucky travel season with school breaks and the onset of summer vacations.  The new version of the Web site provides a virtual encyclopedia for things to do and places to visit. 

Ideas for family fun, romantic getaways, girl friend jaunts and more—all with an eye toward finding great deals—will be updated on the site as warm weather progresses and on into fall. 

The Web site invites feedback by asking travelers to add their recommendations about places to visit and find great food.  Digital photos and videos from trips can also be emailed to the site.     “Kentuckians are some of our best travel consultants, whether they tell us about a day trip, golf outing, long weekend or two weeks at one of our wonderful state parks,” Cooper added. “We know that great suggestions and good deals will come from first-hand experiences.”

The site links to the department’s calendar of events that can be searched by region of the state and type of event.  For other travel information or to receive a free copy of the department’s Official Vacation Guide, go to www.KyTourism.com or call toll-free, 1-800-225-8747 or 502-564-4930.  For state parks--resort parks, camping, and historic sites—and scheduled events, check out parks.ky.gov.

Created last spring as a response to high gas prices, the new “Backyard” site can be just as helpful to Kentuckians who are planning well-deserved R & R and family trips--but want to keep costs in check by traveling closer to home. 

What Dorothy discovered she needed to add value to her life was as close as her own backyard.  Over the next several months, when deciding family and other getaway plans, take her advice:  check possibilities at MyKentuckyBackyard.com.   Discover what’s right in your Kentucky backyard, save time and money in the process, and create the travel of your dreams, right in your own backyard.  

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The Kentucky Department of Travel, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, exists to promote the Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy. The “Discover Your Own Back Yard” travel column is produced by the Department of Travel to help promote Kentucky events and travel destinations. For more information about these and other tourism opportunities, visit www.kentuckytourism.com