It’s almost Thanksgiving. We know you’re dreaming of having your family gathered around your table for a delicious dinner and a reflective time of giving thanks for all of life’s blessings. What happens when the leftovers are put away and the table is cleared? The grandkids are running through the house. The teens are glued to their screens and ignoring everyone. The adults are beginning to tiptoe close to conversation topics that lead to arguments. It’s time to get everyone out of the house! We have some great ideas of where to send them when you need a little break!
–Festival of the Mountain Masters– This festival at the Village Center Mall has been a tradition for 40 years! It serves as the unofficial kickoff of the Christmas season in Harlan County. Every item sold is handmade, handcrafted, or home baked. You’ll find one of a kind items that will go from boxes wrapped beneath the tree to treasured family heirlooms. While you’re there, you can check out the new and expanded businesses at the Village Center Mall! The festival is open on Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Shopping- Businesses in Harlan County are ready to check names off your Christmas list when you venture out for Black Friday or Small Business Saturday shopping! In Downtown Harlan, join the fun of Downtown Christmas Bingo! Pick up a bingo card at The Portal, Sports Cafe, the Harlan County Beer Company, or Moonbow Tipple Cafe & Books and then visit the shops on the card to gather initials. Bring your card by the Harlan Center and enter to win cash prizes! On Small Business Saturday, you can get a free tote bag while supplies last for a minimum purchase of $25 when you shop with the businesses on the Bingo card! Visiting Cumberland? Check out new boutiques like Gemini Firefly and 606 Clothing Company as well as new locations for old favorites like Hill & Holler and Riverside Greenery.
-Wonderland Mini Golf- The mountainside mini golf course at Kingdom Come State Park is shining bright under the light of thousands of Christmas lights and Christmas decorations! You can putt your way through the course or just walk through and enjoy the holly jolly feeling! The cost is $3.50 per person. Wonderland Mini Golf is open Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-Harlan County Celebrates Christmas Lights Display- The Putney Shriner Fairgrounds will be aglow with a drive through display of Christmas lights! It is free to enter but donations for the Harlan County Christian School are welcome. In addition to free admission, you’ll also be given free hot chocolate and candy canes! The display is open Friday & Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
-A Merry Benham Christmas- The historic Betty Howard Coal Miners Memorial Theater will be filled with live music as local artists Justin Taylor, Shyla Raleigh, Ann Schertz, Greg Hollins, Joe Asher, Jordan Patel, and Dakota Saylor take the stage. Your $3 donation for the performance will go to the Empty Stocking Fund to supply gifts and food to families in need this Christmas.
-Jingle Bell Ride- Send your company into the mountains with the Jingle Bell Ride at the Black Mountain Off Road Adventure Area. In support of a local toy drive, you can receive a weekend pass to ride just for bringing a minimum of 5 toys to donate! Sleigh the trails at BMORRA this weekend!
-Catch the Game- If you get excited to cheer on the Wildcats, imagine how rowdy things will get with a house full of Wildcat fans! Kentucky’s Men’s Basketball team (featuring Harlan County’s own Trent Noah) will take on Georgia State Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Wildcat football team will battle Louisville for bragging rights in the Governor’s Cup at noon. We recommend enjoying the game over drinks and appetizers at The Portal or the Harlan County Beer Company. Cheer on the Big Blue while keeping your home peaceful and quiet!
You can find all of Harlan County’s attractions and events at www.harlancountytrails.com
