One of the great things about living in Kentucky is you don't have to travel far for a good vacation. And heaven knows the cost of travel now has become a concern to many of us when even thinking about going somewhere. So as the season for planning a getaway nears, look no further than what's just around the corner from you.

Over the years coastal towns have become synonymous with vacations, but with just a bit of tweaking perhaps you can still enjoy the water, albeit the water right here in Kentucky.

As the weather begins to warm so do water temperatures. That's why Kentucky is such an attractive “stay in the state” vacation option.

Whether it's boating, rafting, fishing, swimming or any thing else water-related, none of us have to travel far to find water, and yes fun. Our state has some 170 public lakes and reservoirs, 34,000 miles of streams, and 114 miles of waterways designated as wild rivers. Indeed, the choices are numerous.

Whitewater rafting, although somewhat more adventuresome, is available in Kentucky at several sites. One of those sites is on The Cumberland River in southeastern Kentucky near Whitley City.

Dania Egedi, general manager of Sheltowee Trace Outfitters located there, points out that “it's an excellent way to get away, spend some time with family and friends, see some beautiful scenery and have a lot of fun.”

Sheltowee offers guided rafting every day during the summer season beginning in mid-May as well as canoe trips.

For more information about other rafting and canoe outfitters and their location in the state go to www.kyrafting.com.

Kentucky's state parks have 15 marinas where pontoon and fishing boats can be rented by the hour or day. The marinas are pretty much full service in that they offer fuel, fishing licenses, non-alcoholic drinks, ice and slip space. In addition several of the parks offer canoes and paddle boats.

Canoe trips, including overnights, are being offered this summer at several of the state parks. Those included are Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.

With all of this said, let's not minimize the fishing opportunities available among all of Kentucky's lakes and streams.

For more information about canoe trips, marinas and other state park events on the water go to www.parks.ky.gov.

Of course some people might enjoy a water experience from a river boat. In Louisville it's the Belle of Louisville or the Star. Further north in Newport, B & B Riverboats offers excursions on the Ohio River ranging from one hour to day long trips.

It might be a little bit of a stretch but a boat ride into Lost River Cave definitely qualifies as a water adventure. The guided boat tour departs from one of the largest cave openings east of the Mississippi River and slowly travels through the scenic underground wonders of Bowling Green.

Sometimes a vacation involving water can be fun from the shoreline. That, too, can happen in Kentucky. Rough River Dam State Resort Park, near Leitchfield will host a national wakeboarding tournament on June 7.

But what would talking about water and vacations be without mentioning water parks. There's enough to go around in Kentucky and probably one near you. They are: Kentucky Splash Water Park in Williamsburg; Somersplash Waterpark in Somerset; Splashwater Kingdom at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville; Splash Lagoon at Beech Bend in Bowling Green; and Venture River in Eddyville.

Surely with these water related suggestions for a Kentucky vacation, something will appeal to those wanting to do something different. Be creative. Perhaps a combination of several of the ideas can be molded into a really fun, educational getaway that's just around the corner from you.

So get up, get out and get going!

- Gary P. West can be reached at west1488@bellsouth.net or visit his website at www.garypwest.com.