Luke’s Bachelor Party: Lexington, KY & the Red River Gorge

5 minute read

Day 1

Luke’s getting married!

This past Fourth of July weekend, some of his closest friends gathered for a bachelor party at the most central location he could think of; Kentucky.

Down a long gravel driveway, nestled beside a small creek, and tucked away behind some overhanging trees lies our Airbnb. There’s a small trail connected to the property, so Friday morning we go hiking, not really sure what we’re in for – a view, we hope!

We march up steep hills, scramble over massive boulders, and spy familiar Appalachian flora. An hour later we overlook eastern Kentucky from atop some rocks, where the choppy hills and sprawling topography bring fresh memories of West Virginia to mind.

Tonight, we have plans at The Burl. We show up to check out their arcade games and watch party for the World Cup game, but we’re really here for live music in the barn-looking building across the parking lot.

With stamped hands we walk in, the music just starting. I walk past the merch table and see actor Steve Martin’s face on an album – he’s a member of the band we’re seeing! We’re here to see the Steep Canyon Rangers but unfortunately, Steve isn’t here tonight.

There are 6 guys on stage, and right off the rip they work themselves up into a bluegrass jig; the fast-paced, high-energy instruments carry each other along, the medley of music driving the crowd on a runaway train. Evening light shines through a stained-glass tree behind the musicians – a reminder that branches can only reach as far as their roots run deep.

I find an appreciation for bluegrass here – the cohesive sound and amazing musicianship paint a picture of what it’s like to belong to the Appalachian Mountains.

Day 2

I’m newly in love with…

Floating down a river! What’s better than a hot summer day, sailing through greenery, maneuvering through eddies, and not giving a dam(n)?

This realization comes shortly after our Red River Adventure river float; we glaze over the safety video, swipe a life vest and paddle, then hop on the shuttle with kayaks hitched to the trailer in the back. Right before we pull out, we hear, “Don’t actually put the life vest on – it makes a great back cushion!" 

We start off literally floating – the meandering water is barely hip-deep, and other times we’re beached on the shallow riverbed. Diverse trees and shrubs line both shorelines, an occasional micro beach found here and there. The sunlight speckles through the thick canopy, dancing in soft shapes and colors amidst the chortling streams.

It’s slow going on one of eastern Kentucky’s greatest secrets, and we couldn’t care less – it’s the boys, brews, and the splendor of the Red River Gorge – Luke even catches a fish! But eventually the shuttle bus honks at us from the road up above – the “float” now turns into a “paddle”!

At long last we reach the highlight of the river float – before we even turn the corner we hear screaming, whooping, and hollering. A minute later we stumble upon an old-fashioned, Kentucky-style Fourth of July get-together; kids splash around in horseplay, parents patrol them from lazy warm water, and adventurers throw themselves off “jump rock.” We land our kayaks onto the rocky shore, eager to join the party. 

From twenty-five feet up, people of all ages and sizes leap out and into the deep water below. Standing at the top of the boulder, I find a strange inner comfort throwing my body into open space. One jump isn’t enough – we climb back up, this time jumping off together for the fun of it.

We’re late to return the kayaks – but if you ask me, everything happens according to His plan.

Luke’s action-packed bachelor party was bursting with jokes and memories, old and new, and I’m excited to celebrate the next stage of life with him!