The Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati Festival is an outdoor event held in downtown Cincinnati that showcases the prolific German heritage of the region. Dozens of vendors showcase off traditional German food and beer, and numerous bands and artists perform German-style music. It is North America's largest Oktoberfest.

You can find a brief history of the festival and over 40 photographs at the newest American Byways article.

On June 14, I was at the Lincoln Homestead State Park in Kentucky photographing the Bicentennial Celebration of the marriage of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks. This unique re-enactment was a day-long event. Below is a sample of the wedding re-enactment; see the link above for more!

American Byway's newest feature regards Abraham Lincoln, and is located along the Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail, a historic byway through the Bluegrass State that is in commemoration of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln Homestead State Park, located northwest of Springfield, Kentucky, features the original home of Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, as well as replicas of the Lincoln Cabin and blacksmith shop where his father, Thomas Lincoln, learned his trade. The park is also home to Mordecai Lincoln, rumored to be Abraham Lincoln's "favorite uncle," and a spectacular eighteen-hole golf course and pro shop.

Well, it is now post-Memorial Day, and as a fitting tribute, I have added additional photographs regarding Camp Nelson, with photographs from the interior of the growing museum. Several months ago, Jessamine County officials broke ground for a reproduction of a 3,000 sq. ft. Civil War barracks that will be constructed near the White House officers' quarters and interpretive center, and will feature authentic sleeping quarters for re-enactors and space for those wishing to do genealogy research for soldiers who were at Camp Nelson.

I have also added photographs from the Camp Nelson National Cemetery, one of the original forty National Cemetery burial grounds listed by Congress where 1,183 men were buried between July 28, 1863 and February 4, 1866. It has since been reopened for burials.

As a child, I was simply fascinated with model railroads. I attempted a few times to construct a model railroad set with an HO-gauge, constructing and gluing the building forms together, making plaster roadways, forming hills, landscape, and of course, lay track and install locomotives. I gave up the hobby a few years ago, but taking a step into the Kentucky Railway Museum, located in New Haven, was a step back into time. The museum features a sizable collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, a dining car exhibit, a handcar and track inspection car, steam locomotive whistles, and various photographs and sundries, housed in a replica of the original New Haven depot. Next door is a 3,000 sq. ft. model train center is next door that is operated in conjunction with Family Modular Lines that offers exhibit space and displays, showcasing layouts from the HO-scale to the G-gauge. The museum also offers excursions along the scenic Rolling Fork River valley in central Kentucky in a restored passenger train as a 22-mile train excursion rumbles by serene pastures and hardwood forests, and historic sites.

Kicking off the Kentucky Derby Festival annually in Louisville, Kentucky on April 12, Thunder Over Louisville included a day-long airshow and the largest fireworks display in North America. I personally attended some of the airshow as time permitted, and had a front row view along the riverbank in Louisville, immediately downriver from the Clark Memorial Bridge. As this was my first attendance at the festivities, I was simply amazed at the amount of coordination and effort that was involved to bring forth this event, which included the cooperation of not only the United States Military, but N.A.S.A., several cities and two states. It was well worth braving the 40F, windy and rainy weather.

In another update to the Sally Brown and Crutcher Nature Preserves in central Kentucky, I have added several photographs taken in April 2008.

Commemorating two engagements of the Civil War in Hurricane, West Virginia, the annual Civil War Weekend is held on the last weekend in March in Valley Park. The event pays tribute to the soldiers of both the Union and the Confederates who testified in a war that revolved around state's rights and slavery, and hosts two battlefield reenactments, two recreated camps, a living history lantern tour, and a military ball.

There are now six photographs and a brief history behind the Battle of Scary Creek and a skirmish along the banks of Hurricane Creek.

The second of three cultural attractions in Kentucky that American Byways is covering for March and April, Farmington was the center of a 550-acre hemp plantation owned by John and Lucy Speed. It features a Federal-styled, Thomas Jefferson-inspired residence. Inside are lavishly decorated rooms restored to reflect the life of the Speed family between 1816 and 1841, while the grounds contain a smokehouse, cabin, ice house, carriage houses, a bountiful garden, blacksmith shop and more. Take a tour of the interior of the glorious residence and watch the page for future updates -- including exterior photography and a peek into the other buildings on the grounds!

In what will be part of a three-part update regarding museums in Kentucky, American Byways begins with the Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia. What started out as a search for a few antiques to decorate the offices at the Elizabethtown, Kentucky Coca-Cola bottling plant in 1971, soon became a passion for Bill and Jan Schmidt. Today, the museum bills itself as the world's largest privately owned collection of Coca-Cola relics, and the facility is one-of-a-kind and a true Kentucky treasure. Inside are displays of over one-dozen vintage vending machines, neon-signs, three restored antique delivery vehicles and a replica of an early 19th-century bottling works. A large museum store is in the front, along with a 1950s-themed Soda Fountain that still offers up nickel Cokes and sandwiches to hungry bar-stool patrons.

The Lincoln Heritage Trail is a historic byway through the Bluegrass State that is in commemoration of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Beginning at Knob Creek where Lincoln was born in 1809, the trail winds by the Lincoln Boyhood Home, Lincoln Homestead State Park, Mordecai Lincoln House, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, Mary Todd Lincoln House and numerous other locales where Lincoln either had great influence or had direct involvement with. Along the route, there are many interpretative signs and wayfinders to sites of interest.

Over the course of 2008 and 2009, American Byways will explore the Lincoln Heritage Trail in honor of the national Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial celebration. The first museum to be reviewed is the Lincoln Museum within the Hodgenville's historic Lincoln Square. Overlooking the original bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln crafted by A. A. Weinmann, the museum is located within two long-established brick buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It depicts the life of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, spread amongst two levels that features twelve scenes of importance from his life, an art gallery and an extensive memorabilia collection.

Watch this space for further updates, where I will be releasing a new blog of my travels, and new photographs and information regarding the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and numerous other Kentucky cultural attractions.

In keeping up with the mid-winter updates of American Byways, I present some late-fall photographs of Berea College Forest just east of Berea, Kentucky. Encompassing nearly 7,800 acres in the Knobs and consisting of a chain of rounded, forested hills that make up an 80-mile fringe along the Appalachian Mountains, there are 12 miles of rather strenuous hiking trails that will provide a challenge to any who attempt it. But the efforts are well worth it, as a variety of pinnacles provide expanse views both to the west and east.

Only minutes from Berea, the Battle of Richmond was at the forefront between the Confederate south and the Union north, Kentucky played a large role during these battles, waging person against person in the hopes that there would be a victor and that one's ideas would succeed over the other's. The Battle of Richmond is one that is very unique, in that it was the most complete victory for the Confederacy, capturing many Yankees and paving the way for Confederate troops to march up through central Kentucky and head northeastward. I have added numerous battle re-enactment photographs from 2007.

January 9 and 10 was spent crisscrossing Kentucky in pursuit of love.

Love of the outdoors and travel, that is. I ventured to Williamstown and Falmouth as part of my county seat project, and visited Kincaid Lake State Park on January 9. Kincaid Lake is known for its bass fishing. They play host to a lot of tournaments in the spring. I will be going back in the spring for more photos.

One day later, I hiked with my friend Patrick to White Rocks and Sand Cave from the Virginia side of Cumberland Gap NHP. It was a strenuous 2-hour hike to the top, which featured a 3,000-foot-plus elevation change. The views are well worth the trouble, although the 40 MPH winds, coupled with 30-40F temperatures froze us up there...

White Rocks can be characterized in one word: stunning. Wind-worn limestone with white pebbles embedded glisten in the sun, the terrain more crater-filed, dotted with shrubs and thickets of rhododendron. Views can be had for many miles in both Kentucky and Virginia. Nearby, Sand Cave features a cave full of... sand, and a small waterfall. It is well worth the trip!

February 2 was a wonderful day to get out and do some hiking. After a week of wet or cloudy weather, the skies opened up for the weekend, offering perfect blue skies and temperatures that soared into the 50s. As such, I ventured out with my friend Patrick for Red River Gorge Geological Area for some day hikes. The first trail that we took, the Auxier Ridge Trail, is a pretty easy hike that offers outstanding views of Raven's Rock, Double Arch and the numerous valleys that fork from Red River, and leads directly to Courthouse Rock, and is well worth the two-mile trek. We descended into the Auxier Branch valley via the Auxier Branch Trail that leads under soaring hardwoods and meanders adjacent to a beautiful, clear stream before ascending to the Double Arch Trail.

Be sure to check out the photos and the extended write ups!

A splendid hike through a narrow valley strewn with massive boulders and imposing highwalls conceals one of Kentucky's best kept secrets. A 75-foot waterfall is shrouded in an abundance of wildflowers and native plants, and the water flow can be quite healthy after a heavy rain storm.

I have uploaded nine photographs, along with trail information, to the new Anglin Falls recreational guide at the totally redesigned American Byways web-site.

American Byways has been redesigned to provide the viewer with a streamlined interface, where items such as ratings and maps are more prominent, and where photo viewing is a one-step process -- one of the most requested features on American Byways. Slideshow capability has also been added.

I hope you enjoy the updates to the new American Byways web-site!

There is nothing better than the open road, to explore and discover new and fascinating places about your home state. To get out and enjoy the bright, sunny days, and experience it all. To start, one of my interests is in history, so why not start a trip out to the Isaac Shelby Cemetery State Historic Site just east of Junction City? Isaac Shelby, Kentucky's first and fifth governor, was a highly esteemed military, political, and educational individual whose accomplishments and influence were felt in nine states -- including Ohio, whose Shelby County was named for the governor. Upon his death in 1826, he was buried in the cemetery of his estate, known as Traveller's Rest.

A bit more local to Lexington, where I am residing at currently, is Boone Station State Historic Site. Seeking new frontiers, Daniel Boone departed from Fort Boonesborough in 1779 and established a pioneer station at what is now Boone Station, located north of the Kentucky River. It is near the present site of Athens in Fayette County, and was home to 15 to 20 families in the early 1780s.

Of course, there is nothing I like to do more than mountain bike! And what better place than Capitol View Park in Frankfort! Offering numerous mountain biking trails, basketball courts, softball and soccer fields and meandering paths, this city park in Kentucky's capital city is one that is unique!

And finally, I end near the Red River Gorge Geological Area with Natural Bridge State Resort Park, which offers a spectacular natural sandstone arch that is 78 feet long and 65 feet high. Besides the namesake arch, there are a variety of high limestone cliffs, smaller arches and other natural wonders. A sky lift is unique to this Kentucky park, along with unique water features such as Hoedown Island.

Located in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, the Paris Pike is a 12.5 mile highway between Lexington and Paris travels along some world-renowned horse farms, pasture and agricultural fields, broad tree canopies and miles of stone fences. The route dates back to 1829, when the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky incorporated the 'Maysville and Washington Turnpike Road Company.' The Maysville and Lexington Turnpike was established in 1830 as a private toll road linking the Maysville and Lexington.

Construction of the new road followed established trade routes set forth by the Native Americans or 'buffalo trace'. It soon became a major thoroughfare for stagecoach travelers and U.S. mail distribution. There were several tollgates, but the road was so poorly maintained and the tolls were so high that many revolted. Angry citizens revolted against the gatekeepers, raiding, burning, and even dynamiting tollgates. The warring began to cease by the late-1800s as counties began to purchase the tolled facilities and make them free of charge. By 1905, there were no private toll roads in the state.

In 1920, Kentucky established the Department of Highways, and seven years later, it designated the road from Maysville south to Tennessee US 68, part of the United States Highway System.

By the 1960s, the Paris Pike was becoming known as a death trap. There were many fatal accidents per year, and the route had essentially been unchanged since the 1920s, with many parts having remnants dating back to the Civil War. Narrow 10' lanes carried an increasing amount of traffic. Shoulders and turn lanes were non-existent. Civil War-era stone walls were holding up portions of the roadway. The state originally wanted to widen the road with a uniform median, thereby destroying most of the scenery that made the Paris Pike a pleasure to drive -- when there was light traffic. Historic stone walls were to be bulldozed over, along with hundreds of mature, native trees. Lawsuits and complaints from across America poured in and halted the project for over 30 years. But the end result was well worth it.

In 1998, work began to widen the Paris Pike. The highway was widened to four-lanes divided, however, due process was carried out to ensure that the surrounding beauty would be preserved and even enhanced. The opposing roadways diverge for most of the length by "land between the roads." Three new trees planted per one tree removed; a savanna was created; and stone walls were either reconstructed or left in-place. Other design elements included sweeping curves, native grass plantings, and "rustic" guardrails and railings.

The highway has won many awards since its completion. The National Trust for Historic Preservation honored the state of Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Historic Preservation Partnership was founded under Governor Patton's administration as a direct result of the Paris Pike project. It later won an environmental excellence award from the Federal Highway Administration and a Public Service to Preservation Award from the Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation, Inc. Even the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Sierra Club, not known for their praise of road construction, especially those through scenic areas, have hailed the new Paris Pike as a premier example in the nation of 'context-sensitive' design.

The Country Music Highway strays through the hills and mountains of eastern Kentucky, connecting the industrial Ohio River towns of the north to the coal mining communities of the south. Also known as U.S. Route 23, this four-lane highway extends for 144 miles, serving 14 communities, a hardy collection of museums, cultural centers, and historic Civil War sites, and an assortment of naturalized and recreational areas. The highway is part of the America's Byways network and is a designated Kentucky Scenic Byway.

The new travel guide covers the segment of U.S. Route 23 from the northernmost tip at the community of South Shore to the Boyd County seat of Catlettsburg. Throughout this two county journey, there is a copious amount of places to see and an endless amount of places to experience. South Shore and Greenup both offer the small town charm that is more reminiscent of the deep South, where its time-weathered feel provide that Mayberry town characteristic that is only exemplified in the festival "Old Fashioned Days" held around the Greenup County Courthouse every year. Railroading heritage bleeds deep in Russell, home to one of the largest rail yards in the United States, and Raceland, where the "Million Dollar Oval" horse racetrack was once located at. A "super dam" project -- the Greenup Locks and Dam -- is an engineering feat in itself in Lloyd, and was considered a model for other dams throughout the United States. Nearby Flatwoods is the home of country music star Billy Ray Cyrus, and Ashland provides the modern city guise, with its restored storefronts and restaurants that host art galleries, restaurants, and markets.

While only two counties are complete along this 144 mile journey, more will be added in the future.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park was the fifth state park in Kentucky, opening on January 25, 1927. Judge Samuel Wilson of Fayette County was chairman of the Blue Licks Battlefield Monument Commission at the time, and had presented a deed for 32 acres to the Kentucky State Park Commission on behalf of local citizens who had donated the land for the park. The reserve was to be a monument to the Battle of Blue Licks, considered one of the worst military defeats in the American Revolution.

Although the barrage occurred after Lord Cornwallis had renounced British forces at Yorktown, Virginia on October 19, 1781, resulting in a close to major hostilities that sparked the American Revolution, isolated conflicts between the Americans, British, and the American Indians still occurred, especially on the western fringes. Kentucky was one such state, a witness to many bloody conflicts and raids upon homesteads and settlements. After the surrender at Yorktown, many Kentuckians had hoped that the attacks would conclude.

A collection of fall wildflowers have been added to the Sally Brown and Crutcher Nature Preserves recreation guide. The two adjoining nature preserves, totaling 800 acres on Bowmans Bend of the Kentucky River, are owned by the Nature Conservancy and open to the public. Featuring soaring 400-ft. high limestone cliffs, more than 25 animal species, 35 reptile species, 2 endangered bats, and the highest concentration of rare plants in the region, its beauty is visually stunning.

Located just outside of the historic port city of Charleston, South Carolina, Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum offers three magnificent museum ships. The museum began in earnest in 1975 when the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown arrived at Charleston, South Carolina's harbor. Today, it is host to not only the USS Yorktown, but the USCGC Ingham, a Coast Guard cutter, the USS Laffey, a destroyer, and the USS Clamagore, a submarine. It is also home to the Medal of Honor Museum, 25 naval aircraft, patrol boats and helicopters. Nearby, a Vietnam Base Camp replica depicts the story of the River Patrol Boats and the HAL-3 Seawolves helicopter crews. Patriot's Point has become one of the largest museums of its type in the world.

The Charleston, South Carolina region boasts many great treasures. From the Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum (described below) to its many museums, art galleries, fine restaurants, and spectacular architecture and scenery, the "Holy City" boasts something for everyone. Of course, this is leading to a new community guide regarding Charleston itself, featuring a brief write up on the area's attractions that should give you a glimpse into the area's rich history.

If military history is more of your interest, Fort Moultrie is on nearby Sullivan's Island. The series of forts were constructed to protect the city of Charles Town; the first fort, constructed of palmetto logs, was the inspiration of the flag and current nickname, Palmetto State. Two lighthouses are also fairly close to Charleston; Morris Island Lighthouse was first lighthouse constructed before the American independence under the authority of King George III, this now-stranded structure stands literally in the ocean, a victim of dredging and erosion. The New Charleston Lighthouse is located on Sullivan's Island and was the second-to-last lighthouse built in the United States.

Charleston is easily accessed via Interstate 26 and US 17.

American Byways explores more of the back-roads and events in the great commonwealth of Kentucky! What better way to start out than by an early morning visit to the Kentucky Horse Park, located at Exit 120 off of Interstate 75? Located only minutes from the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, the 1,200-acre equestrian theme park is the largest museum of its type in the world, and features galleries, trail rides and dozens of events that are held throughout the year.

Elsewhere, Camp Nelson is located only minutes south of Lexington. The original camp was sprawled out over 4,000 acres and included approximately 300 structures and fortifications. Used by the Union Army as a base of operations, it was an ideal location as it was on the border of the Kentucky River Palisades -- a viable natural defense-- and eight large earthen fortifications. It was also one of the largest recruitment camps for the United States Colored Troops,hosting eight regiments at Camp Nelson and training three others fro mother locales. This designation made it the largest African-American recruitment camp in the commonwealth and the third largest in the nation.

A skirmish re-enactment is held annually in September that comes complete with authentic demonstrations, camp scenarios, period music,artisans and historical presentations."

American Byways explores the frontiers and back roads of Kentucky, starting with Fort Boonesborough, a frontier fort in Kentucke founded by Daniel Boone and his traveling party of settlers after they crossed the Kentucky River on April 1, 1775. The settlement was known as Boonesborough, and is Kentucky's second oldest American settlement. This new recreational guide has numerous photographs from a recent battle re-enactment and text relating to its history, viewable here! Nearby is Waveland State Historic Site, named for the acres of grain and hemp that once waved in the breeze, this former plantation features an 1847 Greek revival home as its centerpiece. It is part of the Kentucky State Park system and offers tours, photographs of which will be posted soon.

In historic Versailles, west of Lexington, the Bluegrass Railroad Museum includes weekend train rides, several notable events throughout the year, restored cars and locomotives and indoor displays in the museum. In addition, several photographs were added regarding the historic Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and New Union Christian Church along Old Frankfort Pike."

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park boasts some of the most prominent scenery in the Appalachian Mountains. With 70 miles of hiking trails, numerous rock outcroppings and caves nestled in thickets of rhododendron and towering forests surrounded by pristine mountain streams and rare wildflowers, there is an abundance of scenic vistas and remote back country sites that a one-day trip is certainly not enough!

The park's visitors center in Middlesboro, Kentucky provides visitors a step back in time, detailing out the Gap as an important crossing not only for buffalo and other animals that migrated from one side of the mountain range to another, but for pioneers and other explorers who charted and mapped Kentucky, and later inhabited it. One of those that would later use what was coined the Wilderness Road was Daniel Boone who went on to secure vast amounts of land in the then-wilderness from the Cherokee.

The Gap was later a vital crossing during the Civil War and defenses from both sides can still be seen. Later, the Hensley family located in a remote outcrop on the borders with Kentucky and Virginia and founded a self-sustaining settlement that included farms, a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and mills. It was all but abandoned by the 1950s, but much of it has been restored and is accessible by tour or by foot.

The park is within easy driving distance from many major metropolitan areas, and is located at the apex of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee via U.S. Route 25E and 58."

American Byways takes a step back in time with two unique museums in the heart of the Bluegrass! In a city steeped with history that dates back to the 1790s, one is bound to discover historical displays that offer a glimpse into the past. The city of Bardstown, Kentucky has been named one of the best small towns in America, and the city lies 45 miles southeast of Louisville. It offers impeccable dining options, unique boutiques and long-time shops, charming bed and breakfasts, cultural museums, bourbon heritage and an intact historic downtown and residential district that is unmatched anywhere else in the state. It is home to two wonderful museums in Spalding Hall, circa 1826, that was once part of the St. Joseph College and Seminary.

The first is the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. This unique exhibit offers a view into a personal endeavor of rare artifacts and documents by Oscar Getz, accumulated over the time frame of 50 years. With items ranging from the pre-Colonial days to the post-Prohibition years, one can step back into time and see what the old liquor stores once resembled and see collections bottles, copper stills and handcrafted barrels. Also located within a chapel that was added onto Spalding Hall later in its life is the Bardstown Historical Museum that offers a glimpse into the past of the city. From civil war documents to Stephen Foster memorabilia, the museum continues to grow and expand, recently adding a new Trappist monks' exhibit.

The museum is located along Kentucky's famed Bourbon Trail and only two blocks from the historic downtown.

American Byways also explores another town in the heart of the Bluegrass. Bloomfield, Kentucky is a small community of just under 1,000, located on the eastern front of Nelson County and positioned along the broad Simpson's Creek that diverts through the Bluegrass farms that comprise up most of the region. It's character is reminiscent of Mayberry, with traditional banks, restaurants and shops lining the restored downtown district. Modest homes line the narrow streets, and a restored Shelbyville, Bloomfield and Ohio Railroad depot serves as the city hall.""