Bernheim Forest was founded by Isaac W. Bernheim in 1929 with a goal of connecting people with nature. He hired the NY Central Park landscape designer Olmsted to design the 16,000 acres of land. Trees and gardens were planted, 40 miles of trails now exist and it is unbelievable in realizing this area was once clear-cut of all trees. The place runs on grants, donations and volunteer effort. When you enter, a $15 per vehicle donation is requested, but if you cannot pay you are still welcome to come in. By the same token, if you can pay more, that is appreciated. Bernheim truly wanted to make the place accessible for all.

The “Giants of the Forest” are structures made totally of wood. Initially it was thought they would decompose within a 3 year period of time. Now it has been 5 years! With some minor repairs, I thought the structures were amazing!

My friend and I were enjoying the walk along ponds with fish and bullfrogs in the sunshine, although it looked like rain would be later in the day. Many people were out hiking, fishing, shopping at the huge gift shop and eating at the cafe. It would be easy to make it a day’s activity here.

Here’s a close-up so you can see the wood pieces:

Off we went to James B. Beam Distillery. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Kitchen Table … best smoked brisket, grits and corn relish I ever had! Then the whiskey tasting. My friend was our designated driver so she had just a sip from each of my tastings. Of the 5 I tasted, some had no taste, one very sweet and maybe one was okay. Bottomline, I am not a whiskey drinker unless you’re poring it into maybe some minty beverage.

It was a fun way to catch up with a friend and so happy the weather cooperated. She lives in a beautiful area of Kentucky.