Trina’s Travels
Lots of places to stop and smell (and taste) the goodies, see the lights, and hear the jingle…..
Dear Friends,
Here we are in the holiday season, and the race is on to find that perfect gift, gather ingredients for the fabulous family dinner, decorate the home in its finest, prepare for company, and everything else that requires our attention during this busy time of year.
With all the to-do’s during the days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the madness. Let’s not forget to slow down long enough to take in the splendor of it all. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let’s slip in a day or two of pure magical merriment!
That’s just what I did a couple weeks ago when Rambling Fever Travel took some local folks on a tour to the 19th annual Christkindlmarkt in Ferdinand, IN. This German Christmas festival continues to grow each year offering everything from tons of arts and crafts, holiday decorations, unique gifts, antique markets, entertainment, baked goods, Santa, lots of food vendors, wine tasting, and so much more. The main attraction 
however is the Monastery of Immaculate Conception. This beautiful church originated there in 1876, and through several additions and renovations, has grown into the magnificent building it is today. We took a guided tour of the monastery; seeing all the depictions of the birth and death of Christ. I think we all got a special feeling; reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.
The town is named after King Ferdinand I of Austria, as it was settled by mostly German people from Europe. At one time Ferdinand was known as the ‘wooden shoe village.’ This charming little town takes pride in its German heritage and everyone participates in the Christkindlmarkt which means ‘Christ child market,’ or ‘Christmas market,’ in English translation, and originated in 14th century Germany where they would hold open air markets in traditional festival style. This was of much interest to me as I 
am part Hungarian, and love to learn about the customs of my ancestors. We certainly had a lot of fun in Ferdinand. Check it out next year!
“Make the season bright”….in several locations near you! Following are some regional and local hot spots to experience the excitement of the season.
Southern Lights at Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
This drive through attraction is one of the finest light displays you will find anywhere. Other attractions include arts and crafts, petting zoo, Santa, entertainment, pony and camel rides, mini train ride, and more. A variety of food is available from vendors as well as the Bit & Bridle Restaurant. Prices are $25 per car on weekends, $15 Mon-Thur.
(Larger passenger 
vehicles are more). The light display is open now and runs through Dec. 31, 5:30-10:00 pm, but the other attractions are closed Dec. 24-31. My favorite display was the racehorses coming out of the starting gate! For more info, call 859-255-5727, or google southern lights.
Other favorites: the fish jumping out of the pond, and the cowboy and campfire scene. I always loved looking at all the lights as a kid. It never gets old!
Oglebay Festival of Lights, Wheeling, WV
One of the nation’s largest light shows is just four hours away in Wheeling, WV. Situated on a 300 acre resort, The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights is rated one of the top 10 Christmas light displays in the U.S. With nearby attractions such as a suspension bridge, toy and train museum, specialty shops, historical sites and much more, this place makes for a great little weekend getaway. Oglebay was even featured
on the Travel Channel as part of the Extreme Christmas segment. The Festival of Lights runs from the middle of November till Jan 1. Other things to see and do at the festival include a train ride for kids, hay ride, festival of trees, entertainment, Christmas Shop, and more. For more info, call 877-436-1797, or visit them onlineat www.oglebay-resort.com
Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill, Clifton, OH
One of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence, Clifton Mill comes alive during the Christmas season with over three million lights that cover the property which includes a miniature village, Santa Clause Museum, covered bridge, restaurant, gift shop, and more. The lights dance to holiday music, then every hour on the hour, go out completely, leaving spectators in complete darkness. All at once, all 3.5 million lights come on simultaneously, leaving those same spectators speechless; except for ooohs and awwhhs. Gates open at 5:00 pm, lights come on at
6:00 pm nightly through Jan. 1. Admission is $10. Clifton Mill has been featured in Midwest Living as well as other regional magazines, and is about a three hour drive from Louisa. For more info call 937-767-5501
6:00 pm nightly through Jan. 1. Admission is $10. Clifton Mill has been featured in Midwest Living as well as other regional magazines, and is about a three hour drive from Louisa. For more info call 937-767-5501
or visit www.cliftonmill.com.
Christmas at the Galt House, Louisville, KY
This ever popular event consists of Kaleidoscopes, an indoor light attraction, Christmas tea with snow fairy princess, castle, gingerbread village, Carolers, interactive games and exhibits, mistletoe marketplace, and much more. A dinner show and overnight packages are available. See their full schedule at christmasatthegalthouse.com
Closer to home
There’s several
events going on in our area if you don’t wish to travel very far. Check out the se fun activities…
Winter Wonderland of Lights, Central Park, Ashland, KY
Local favorite holiday lights are once again lit from now through Jan 8th at Central Park in Ashland from dusk till 11:00 pm on weekends, 10:00 pm weekdays. Train rides available on weekends for $3. On Dec. 8, there will be karaoke and pizza with Santa as well as trolley rides around the park from 6-8 pm.
Archer Park, Prestonsburg, KY
Light display in the park, refreshments, Santa, rides, and more. The fountain is lit up, Frosty, the Grinch, and reindeer are also present.
Big Band Holiday Jazz, Keith Albee Theater, Huntington, WV
Get in the spirit in a big way with big band jazz concert on Dec. 8th in Huntington, 7:30 pm.
The Nutcracker–classic ballet at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, Huntington, WV, Dec. 9-10 at 8 pm, Dec. 11 at 2:00 pm. Check Ticketmaster for prices.
Mountain Arts Center, Prestonsburg, KY
Several Christmas shows take place at the Mountain Arts Center including A Christmas Carol, KY Opry Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, and more. For more info call 606-886-2623, or visit their website.
Of course the annual Lawrence County Christmas Parade takes place in downtown Louisa on Thursday, Dec. 8, with activities also in the newly renovated Main Street Park including a prize give away, free hot chocolate, and photo ops with Santa and other characters.
Also be sure to check out area churches for Christmas plays and song festivals.
Whatever you do, just enjoy and take it all in. Christmas only comes once a year so make the most of it!
Join Rambling Fever Travel in 2017 for new and exciting trips. A schedule will be posted on the Facebook page as soon a details are available. If you would like to be put on the mailing list, call 606-624-5569.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! Until next time…..
