Kentucky’s Wackiest Hidden Gem Is Hiding in Plain Sight in Calvert City

If you head down to the western part of Kentucky this summer (I bet you will at least once), you already know you carve out enough time to get everything in. Land Between the Lakes, Grand Rivers, the Purchase, and Venture River Water Park are four popular destinations right off the top of my head.

Kentucky Hidden Gem

But there's also one that might not be anywhere near the top of your head, but it should be. Do not leave  Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland off of your western Kentucky itinerary. If it isn't Kentucky's most unusual attraction, it's certainly unique and an absolute blast.

Dave Spencer

Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden & Toyland

It all began in 1928 with the purchase an apple orchard by one Oral Wallace. There was also a two-room house on the property. Wallace then started selling his homemade cider at a produce stand he acquired. Not much later, an underground still began churning out HARD cider.

Leftover wood from a house built for the purpose of renting rooms was used to construct Apple Valley, Wallace's country store.

Fast forward to 2005 and the return of Keith Holt to his grandparents old homestead in Calvert City. Holt had been in Hollywood working as an actor, a clown, a comic, and a puppeteer. By all means, bend his ear when you visit; he loves to tell stories, and they're all fascinating.

Dave Spencer

Couches in trees, more toys than you can shake a stick at, and a lawn mower ranch. Oh, and let's not forget about "Thronehenge." This is place is priceless.

Dave Spencer

Before you go, check out this KET profile...

Keith Holt--loving life and entertaining tourists from 8 AM to dusk every single day. Hopefully, he'll see me sooner rather than later.