Take a Detour This Spring
Let’s talk about detourism. Detourism is a chance to veer a little (or a lot) off the beaten path to experience destinations like the locals do. We’ve created this guide because we think it would be a missed opportunity to not take a detour in Hart County in the springtime. This is a list of four locations to get you started, but we encourage you to blaze your own trail while visiting and see what you find. Let’s get into it!
Dennison’s Roadside Market
Dennison’s Roadside Market is largely loved by the locals in this region of Kentucky. They reopen each spring after being closed for winter prepping. You should expect an overflowing greenhouse, garden goods, farm fresh meat and produce, local dairy, handmade crafts, pantry must-haves, welcoming smiles, and the sound of roosters crowing. The locals love to grab a local beverage from their cooler and enjoy it on the porch swing. When food trucks visit, there are picnic tables you can enjoy the grub at and even a large playground to let the kiddos run free on. Even more, they are the halfway point between Mammoth Cave National Park and the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site. They reopen for the season on April 1st. Follow them for updates!
Dutch Country Safari Park
Make your way to Dutch Country Safari Park as the animals return for the spring. After a cold winter, the love and fun of the animals at the Safari Park is just what the soul needs. Take the safari ride to encounter and feed camels, ostriches, wildebeasts, and more! There are several animal encounter zones throughout the park. There is an area with miniature goats, alpacas, sheep, and so many smaller animals that can be fed by hand. There is also an indoor encounter area where Tino the Capuchin Monkey resides, as well as lorikeet, reptiles, and other small animals. They come out of hibernation on March 27th. Follow them for updates!
Detweiler’s Country Store
Head into the country to discover Detweiler’s Country Store for a springtime shopping experience. Outdoor furniture? They’ve got it. Handcrafted outdoor decor? They’ve got it. Large greenhouses with lovely plants to add vibrancy to your space? They’ve got it. The locals call Detweiler’s the Amish Walmart because they have everything! We haven’t even mentioned their handcrafted furniture, amazing selection of board and yard games, unique toys, and large variety of pantry staples. Oh, and they’ll make you a sandwich and hand dip you some ice cream, too! On their campus, you will also find Crazy Bear Trading Post, a fisherman’s paradise! Follow them both on socials!
Green River Hill Grocery
Over the river and through the woods you will find Green River Hill Grocery, an authentic country restaurant and grocer. Small-batch, home cooking is served up here Wednesday through Saturday. As many local ingredients go into the meals as possible and many of those ingredients are sold in the store. The recent owner, road-tripper Tony Wright, had his first job here back in the ’80s. The locals are loving visiting Tony and his wife, fellow road-tripper Rachelle, for a bite to eat and a good conversation. Each week they release their daily specials, which have included items such as turkey and dressing, salmon patties, and cottage pie. They always have pinto beans and cornbread available, as well as fresh baked treats and sweet tea. Follow them for weekly specials!
All of these spots are worth the detour! There are so many gems in the area, you never know what you will come across. You can find more in Hart County in our Hart County Journal, including Hidden River Cave, Kentucky Down Under, and more! Happy travels!