Some of the most memorable trips and vacations can be made even more memorable because of where we stay.   This is especially true of travel in Kentucky, where out-of-the-ordinary lodging choices beckon.

From concrete teepees to sumptuous suites, Kentucky’s variety of lodging options offers many unusual places to bed down for the night. There are many choices, but be sure to experience an unforgettable vacation or weekend getaway at Kentucky’s unique lodgings. The Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site, www. KentuckyTourism.com, offers a quick and easy way to search for just the right abode.  Click on “Places to Stay” and find the ideal place to rest on the road in Kentucky. Consider these examples:

Teepee for two, or more? Visitors to the Mammoth Cave region of south-central Kentucky can stay at Wigwam Village’s teepees that were built in the1930s and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outfitted with rustic hickory and cane furniture and private bathrooms, the 15 teepees and the 52-foot-high Wigwam Village office/gift shop are built of concrete and are painted bright white with a red zigzag.  Originally there were six Wigwam Villages from Alabama to California, but only three remain (and only Kentucky’s are in tip-top shape). So book well in advance. Check www.wigwamvillage.com or call 270-773-3381 for information and reservations. For more information about other attractions in the Cave City area, visit www.cavecity.com.

Restful respite. At Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, experience the beauty and simplicity of a 19th century utopian farming community, completely restored. Located in Kentucky’s bluegrass region, near the Kentucky River palisades, this rural village includes 30 original buildings, 15 of which provide lodging. Along with the splendid setting, the architecture and design of the furnishings provide a quiet respite to a gentler way of life—but with modern amenities.  You can spend restful nights surrounded by fascinating Shaker history, dine on delectable regional cuisine at the inn, and if so inclined, can board your horse in one of the village’s fully equipped stalls. There are miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking on the community’s 2,700 acres near Harrodsburg. For views of the village, more information and reservations, check www.shakervillageky.org or call 800-734-5611. To explore Harrodsburg on the web, visit www.harrodsburgky.com.

Medieval plush touch. For a surreal vision of a medieval-like castle overlooking the rolling hills of Bluegrass horse country, visit The CastlePost in Versailles, just west of Lexington. For decades the castle sat hollow and unfinished—begun nearly 40 years ago as a private residence.   After a recent total reconstruction, the CastlePost opened in February transformed into a luxurious inn and event location.  The CastlePost features 12 luxurious rooms and suites off of the great hall in the main building and four two-story suites in the turrets of the outer wall.   Every detail is sublimely gorgeous.  Within the castle wall are a tennis court, basketball court, swimming pool, billiard room and bar. The rooms and suites at The Castlepost provide a magical escape with modern-day lavishness. Seeing is believing. For photos, more information and reservations, check www. TheCastlePost.com or call 859-879-1000. www.versaillesky.com has more information about the community, and the CastlePost is near Keeneland Racecourse, too.

Artistic impressions. The 21C Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville features an eclectic collection of contemporary art throughout the luxury hotel’s 90 guest rooms and inviting public spaces. Housed in five renovated brick bourbon and tobacco warehouses along Main Street amidst Louisville’s buzzing museum row, 21C provides an elegant atmosphere of classy accoutrements, envelope-pushing art and changing exhibits.  Guests get an unforgettable impression of Louisville’s sophisticated sense of humor—large scale red penguins, 21C’s signature, are perched atop the boutique hotel. The hotel’s Proof on Main restaurant is popular with local and visiting sybarites and presents award-winning cuisine. Visit www.21cmuseumhotel.com or call 877-217-6400 for reservations and info. For lots to do around Louisville, visit www.gotolouisville.com. 

Scholarly mountain retreat. In the beautiful Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky, you can experience coal country history in the community of Benham in Harlan County. There you can stay at the Benham School House Inn, a restored and refitted elementary and high school building where children of coal miners were taught. The structure has been converted into a commodious hotel and takes visitors back in time while surrounded by the comforts of a modern mountain inn. Thirty guest rooms, many with gas fireplaces, reflect the best in Appalachian hospitality, while the Great Room, once the school gymnasium, can seat up to 350 guests in a banquet setting. To learn more, visit www.kingdomcome.org/inn or call 800-231-0627. www.benhamky.org has more info on area places of interest.

Other examples of Kentucky’s unique accommodations range from luxuriously equipped houseboats to places where inquisitive llamas may greet your arrival.  On Lake Cumberland, Barkley Lake, Kentucky Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Green River Lake and more, you can cruise the waters in sumptuous quarters (www.houseboat-rentals.gordonsguide.com/kentucky.cfm) or kick back on a fully-loaded home away from home that floats and tools around scenic shores.  One of many unique bed and breakfasts is Maple Hill Manor (www.maplehillmanor.com) in Springfield, where long-lashed llamas greet you upon arrival at the Greek Revival mansion, with seven guest rooms with modern amenities.  For other choices, check out www.kentuckybb.com.

For more lodging and travel ideas and to easily find unique accommodations, visit the Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site, www. KentuckyTourism.com, and click “Places to Stay.”

The Kentucky Department of Travel, an agency of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.