Looking for your next weekend getaway? There's no shortage of incredible places to explore right here in our state, so every Friday this month, we’re highlighting one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary. This week, we're taking the one and half hour drive to Red River Gorge.

🥾 What to do

Hiking | The Gorge is known for its 60+ hiking trails. You can start simple by hiking Gray’s Arch — an easy, 4-mile trip. Kick it up a notch to the moderate Auxier Ridge & Courthouse Rock loop, and if you’re an expert, tempt the 3.5-mile Indian Staircase and Indian Arch.

Zip lining | Get a canopy tour of the Daniel Boone National Forest from 300 feet above the ground as you zoom along five different lines.

Nada tunnel | Pronounced “nay-dah,” this passageway is known as “The Gateway to The Red River Gorge,” and was built by Dana Lumber Company in the early 1900s. The tunnel is only 12-ft wide + 13-ft tall, which means only one car at a time can go through, so put on your headlights and drive with caution. It's one of the coolest things ever.

🍕 What to eat

Miguels Pizza | A must, near the highway exit, with indoor and outdoor seating. We may have driven to the gorge, looked around, eaten Miguels and still called it an amazing day. They also offer breakfast.

Daniel Boone Coffee Shop, 769 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY | Pair your coffee with a selection of breakfast and lunch items (we're partial to the breakfast burrito), or skip the caffeine and get a milkshake, smoothie, or indulge in a cocktail. This destination also doubles as a gift shop

Red River Rockhouse, 4000 KY-11, Campton, KY | This farm-to-table restaurant is recognized as a Bon Appetite Appalachia destination and utilizes ingredients from 10+ local artisans and farmers. The menu offers burgers, tacos, salads, a kid’s meal + desserts.

Cabinet of pirate ship in the forest. — The pirate ship cliff house is an extraordinary splurge + worth it. | LEXtoday

🏕️ Where to stay

Lago Linda Hideaway, 950 Blacks Ridge Rd., Beattyville, KY | Owned by the Fredrickson family, this 410-acre property offers cabins + traditional and RV camping.

Scenic Cabin Rentals, 769 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY | Located in the heart of Natural Bridge State Park, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the multitude of lodging options here — from pet-friendly digs to cabins that can sleep up to 16 people.

Natural Bridge State Resort, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd., Slade, KY | Adjacent to Red River Gorge, this resort is anchored by the 35-room Hemlock Lodge, where each room has its own private balcony. The resort is also home to 11 cottages + 86 campsites.

Pirate Ship Cliff House | The name says it all. With two side-by-side cabins that can be booked separately or apart, you'll also enjoy access to a giant hanging net to lounge in and two upper bedroom retreats hanging from the cliff. Truly one of the most magical places we've ever been, if not for the acrophobic.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Bluegrass Bound.