Mammouth Cave may be Kentucky’s biggest tourist attraction, but Cumberland Falls is tops when it comes to visitors who are looking for a “romantic getaway.”
In a poll of readers of Kentucky Living Magazine and visitors to kentuckyliving.com to determine the “Best in Kentucky,” Cumberland Falls State Resort Park edged out Red River Gorge and Louisville in the romantic getaway category.
Officials with Kentucky Living said the winners in multiple categories including: “Best Milkshake,” Best Bar-B-Q,” “Restaurant,” “Flea Market” “Distillery Tour”, “Antique Store,” “Fried Chicken,” and “Recording Artist.”
Cumberland Falls finished second in the tourist attraction category to Mammouth Cave. In addition, Cumberland Falls was enshrined into the “Best in Kentucky Hall of Fame,” as it had earned first place in the category of “Best Scenic View” for three consecutive years.
Corbin Tourism Director Maggy Kriebel said Cumberland Falls is the lynchpin in the effort to draw more visitors to the area.
“It gives me something to sell,” Kriebel said. “It makes it easy to have lots of positivity, enthusiasm and excitement.”
Kriebel added that when she is at a tradeshow, it doesn’t take long for visitors to be overwhelmed with the sights and sounds emanating from multiple booths.
“When I mention the Moonbow and that it is the only place you can see it in the Western Hemisphere, it gets people’s attention,” Kriebel said.
Williamsburg Tourism Director Alvin Sharp said Cumberland Falls fits right in the middle of the effort to sell the natural beauty of the area.
“It is the biggest drawing card that we have here,” Sharp said. “You have to utilize it.”
Contest officials said readers submitted their favorites in each category in an open competition held in April.
“We are thrilled to present hard-working Kentucky businesses and individuals with the ‘Best in Kentucky’ awards as they enrich our lives and are such important assets to the Commonwealth,” KAEC Vice President of Communications Joe Arnold said.
Other winners from Whitley County included:
- The Rootbeer Stand, which tied for third place in the category of “Best Hamburger.”
- County Wide Band finished second in the category of “Best Recording Artist.”
