This month marks the beginning of summer, a time many Kentuckians look forward to spending with their family and friends. During these tough economic times, planning summer vacations can often be difficult. However, you need not look further than Kentucky’s First Congressional District to plan an affordable and enjoyable trip. The First District offers a diverse landscape with a wide variety of sights and attractions to please vacationers of every age.

Historical landmarks, museums, and architecture can be found all across the First District. Many towns, such as Henderson, even offer walking tours of their more historic areas. There are also many historical homes that open up for tours such as the Adsmore House in Princeton, the Barlow House in Barlow and the Giles House in Columbia. You can also find unique boutiques, antique stores and restaurants all across the District. Kentucky offers no shortage of small, historic towns full of charm and perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and dining.

In addition, the First District is home to numerous lakes and streams including Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Cumberland Lake and Dale Hallow Lake. Many of the towns surrounding these lakes are ideal vacation destinations. With restaurants, shops, marinas, golf courses and parks everyone can plan their perfect vacation. State parks can be found on all of these lakes and offer countless activities as well as camping and lodging opportunities. Details about each individual park can be found by visiting http://parks.ky.gov.

Land between the Lakes and the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County are just two of the many parks and nature reserves in the first district that conserve and showcase the true beauty of our region. Spending a day at one of these destinations will help you to experience the wildlife and natural wonders of Kentucky first hand.

The First District is also home to many one-of-a-kind attractions such as the National Quilt Museum in Paducah and the Kentucky Opry in Draffenville. Fort Campbell, home of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, also houses the Don F. Pratt Museum. This museum offers free admission to visitors and includes exhibits about the history of Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne.

Don’t forget about all the wonderful festivals that take place across our region during the summer. County fairs are entertaining for the whole family and we have several Independence Day celebrations such as the Freedom Fest in Murray and the Thunder Over Eddy Bay. In addition, many Kentucky Main Street communities offer ongoing events during the summer months such as Friday Night Live in Madisonville and the Summer Night Concert Series in Franklin.

If you want to plan a fantastic summer vacation, but are on a tight budget, consider vacationing right here in Kentucky. Whatever you are looking for this summer the First District is sure to have it. Not only are you certain to have a great time, but you will also save money and support our local economies. To learn more about vacationing in the First District, please visit www.kentuckytourism.com and use the region finder on the discover Kentucky map.

— Ed Whitfield is the U.S. Representative for Kentucky’s first district, which includes Logan County.