School is finally out for the Summer, and with that, what better way to start it off with a splash than right here in Harlan County? Whether you want to get in touch with your adventurous spirit through our hiking trails, or if you simply want to relax on the lake, Harlan County has something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite Summer spots:
- Spend a Day at Martin’s Fork Lake. Whether you want to relax in the water, have a cookout, or spend the day fishing, Martin’s Fork Lake surely has something for you. One of the only man-made and beach-style lakes in the state, its uniqueness and serene atmosphere add to its charm.
- Explore Kingdom Come State Park. Between mini golf, paddle boats, trails, scenic outlooks, campgrounds and playgrounds, Kingdom Come State Park has so much to offer. If you want to spend a fun day with family, or maybe even a quiet day alone or with a friend, Kingdom Come is the place for you.
- Go Shopping in Downtown Harlan. On a hot Summer day, sometimes the Harlan County heat can be too much to go outside in. What better way to spend days like these than shopping in our local stores downtown?
- Get a Drink or a Snowcone! To cool off from the heat, enjoy an ice-cold drink or snowcone. Moonbow Tipple in downtown Harlan offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks, foods, and desserts to enjoy on a hot summer day. The Frosty Flamingo also has some of the best snow cones and drinks in Harlan County, so be sure to check them out as well!
- Make a Splash in the Splash Pad! If you have kids, the splash pad at Dressen Park is a great way to have some family fun!
- Attend the 69th Annual Poke Sallet Festival. A Harlan County Summer would not be complete without its greatest tradition– the Poke Sallet Festival. If you like live music, carnival rides, vendors, food trucks, and games, then you won’t regret checking this out! This year, it is held between May 30th and June 1st.
- Dine in Downtown Harlan! Downtown Harlan has so many amazing restaurants to choose from. The Portal is a great option and has amazing pizza, pasta, and more to choose from. Harlan County Beer Company is the county’s first legal brewery and in addition to drinks, also offers an awesome dining experience and mouth-watering menu that the whole family can enjoy!
- Create Your Own Hat at Sassy Trash! In addition to locally made, vintage, or antique items, Sassy Trash offers a trucker hat bar that allows you to custom-make your very own hat, complete with charms and patches. Rock your own style this Summer and make your way downtown to Sassy Trash!
- Brave the Black Mountain Thunder Zipline! Not only is the Black Mountain Thunder Zipline the tallest in Kentucky, but it is also the fastest and the longest. Check in at the Evarts Trailhead Office & General Store before embarking on the two-hour, 2.0-mile canopy tour at speeds up to 60 mph and heights up to 500 feet off the ground.
- Adventure at The Black Mountain Offroad Park. The 7,000-acre offroad park offers endless possibilities for those wanting to get in touch with the outdoors. It includes moderate and extreme trails and is a great way to get in touch with Harlan County’s raw beauty.
