FRANKFORT, Ky. – October 24, 2012 – Eight unique attractions throughout Kentucky have been added to the list of “There’s Only One” places and events that form the basis of the state’s successful tourism marketing campaign. Selected from applications submitted to the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism, the eight new attractions join the original 31 announced last year at the kickoff of the “There’s Only One Kentucky” campaign. Thirteen more were added in May.
“There’s Only One” differentiates Kentucky from other destinations by emphasizing attractions and events within the Commonwealth that cannot be replicated anywhere else. “These choices prove that you can travel great distances and not see and experience what you can discover in Kentucky,” said Mike Mangeot, commissioner of the Travel and Tourism Department.
Selected by a committee of tourism specialists and announced today in conjunction with the Kentucky Tourism Industry Association conference, the new designees include, in alphabetical order:
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site – This National Natural Landmark is the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology. Fossilized bones and artifacts from the last 20,000 years have been recovered by researchers and are displayed in museums worldwide. The discovery trail behind the visitor’s center gives visitors a glimpse of the drama that unfolded at the springs during the Pleistocene epoch, commonly called the most recent Ice Age. For more information, please visit www.parks.ky.gov or call 859-384-3522.
Duncan Hines Festival – Sweet treats and family fun are the ingredients of this free culinary festival honoring Bowling Green native and household name, Duncan Hines. For more information please visit www.duncanhinesfestival.com or call Edgar Cayce at 270-782-0800.
The Sleeping Prophet – Hopkinsville's Edgar Cayce was born in Hopkinsville and was one of the most prominent psychics of the 20th century. Each year Hopkinsville’s Pennyroyal Museum hosts an Edgar Cayce Hometown Seminar. He is buried in Hopkinsville’s Riverside Cemetery. For more information please visit www.edgarcayce.info or call 270-885-9096.
GM Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant – All Corvettes, “America’s Sports Car,” are manufactured at this plant located near the National Corvette Museum. Take a tour and watch the parts come together. Call ahead to confirm tour availability. For more information please visit www.bowlinggreenassemblyplant.com or call 270-745-8486.
Hidden River Cave Trails – Horse Cave The pathway of Hidden River Cave is outlined in the streets and sidewalks and is interpreted by large signs which tell the story through pictures and quick facts. For more information please visit http://www.horsecavestories.com or call 270-218-0386.
Kentucky Derby Festival – Louisville The Derby Festival is a two-week-plus celebration of the world’s most famous horse race. The oldest festival event, the Pegasus Parade, was first held in 1956. Today, nearly 70 events make up the festival. For more information please visit http://www.kdf.org or call 502-572-3822.
National Corvette Homecoming – Since 1981, the National Corvette Homecoming has attracted Corvette owners from all over the U.S. and Canada. It is the annual gathering and celebration for Corvettes of all years to return home to Bowling Green. Corvette owners can network, learn, trade and join in friendly competition and other exciting activities. For more information please visit www.corvettehomecoming.com or call 270-791-2117.
Newport Aquarium – Shark Ray Breeding Program – The Newport Aquarium boasts the only formal shark ray breeding program in the world. Visitors may see the shark rays as they swim with sharks and other aquatic life in the large tanks. For more information please visit www.newportaquarium.com or call 859-815-1432
The concept of “There’s Only One” is drawing visitors to Kentucky and encouraging them to explore all the state has to offer. Television, radio and print ads are combining with continuing social media and online campaigns to raise awareness of these one-of-a-kind attractions. The full list also includes such icons as Mammoth Cave, the Kentucky Derby, and My Old Kentucky Home.
Find more information about “There’s Only One” at http://www.kentuckytourism.com
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Information provided by The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism, an agency within the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of nearly $11.7 billion, supports about 170,000 jobs and generates more than $1.2 billion in taxes.
Contact: Bob Adams, 502-564-4930, bob.adams@ky.gov