We all need to take time in life to relax and take it easy, even in Kentucky. Other states may see us as laid back and relaxed all the time, but this just isn’t so. Our big cities get to hustle and bustle too, just not on the same insane level as places like New York. Small towners work even harder, especially farmers and people who live off the land. We often times have to pencil in some us time.

Here are 12 ways Kentuckians can relax and take it easy:

  1. Sipping

Airguy1988 Some prefer bourbon, some wine and some beer, but a lot of Kentuckians just like to leisurely sip a drink to relax. That drink doesn’t have to be alcoholic. It can be tea, lemonade, koolaid, or whatever your beverage of choice is. Either way, sitting and sipping is a good way to relax.

  1. Live music

Land Between the Lakes Most of us either enjoy hearing some type of music, or play an instrument. Both of which can be extremely relaxing. Bluegrass is our state music, and is actually mixed into a lot of different genres. Whether you play or listen, music can ease one’s frayed nerves.

  1. Hunting or wildlife watching

Ms Pixie Hunting is not always about the hunted, but in some cases it is about getting out, alone in the woods, and blending in with the environment. We use to go sit in deer stands and just watch the deer and animals move around in their natural habitat. It can be serene.

  1. Bowling

Morgan Kentucky is home to “The Big Lebowski Festival”, which was formed after the movie. A lot of people love to bowl here, and bowling alleys tend to be pretty booked on the weekends. Something about hurling a heavy ball down a slick wood isle and knocking over wooden pins is both exciting and relaxing.

  1. Water gazing

Laurie There are some amazing rivers, lakes and creeks in Kentucky, each providing a special type of atmosphere. It is hard not to relax when floating on a lake, or sitting on a dock listening to the water slowly splash against the bank. Serenity at its best is often found near water.

  1. Sunrise

Todd F. Niemand Yes, it is early in the morn, but a Kentucky sunrise is breathtaking. It is a fantastic way to begin the day. Some people get up early for the sunset and then lay back down for a nap.

  1. Hiking

Karen Roussel Walking has been proven to be physically healthy, but walking in the woods is mentally healthy as well. Just strolling through the woods and absorbing all the energy and beauty around us helps us feel even more a part of the land.

  1. Sunset

Alan Creech When the sun starts to set over the Kentucky hills and rivers, it can look like a master work painting. The vivid colors can seem almost surreal as the moon takes the sky.

  1. Scenic drive

Johnnine Twentyfive Taking a drive through one of our beautiful state parks or in farm country can both be a beautiful way to relax. Our state is pretty as a postcard through and through. Just taking a slow ride and absorbing all that beauty is a great way to relax.

  1. Camping

Larry Spending a night or two in nature is a great way to relax and forget the toils and troubles of everyday life. There is something about being in touch with nature that makes most of us feel at peace. Some prefer a cabin, others a tent, but both ways of camping help us get in touch with nature and relax.

  1. Fishing

Shannon Tompkins Any old timer will tell you it is important to relax while you fish. Some people enjoy sipping while they fish. Something about kicking back with the line in the water, while listening to the sound of the water and the wind.

  1. Art

David Amsler Berea is the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, but the entire state is filled with crafty people. We have painters, sculpters, whittlers, pottery makers, quilters, crotchetier, carvers, metal workers and more, each creating special works. A lot of Kentuckians slip into their workshops or studios when it is time to wind down and relax.

Some of these ways to relax likely cross over to other states. Please keep in mind, Kentuckians have our own special way of doing things. A quilt made in Maine will likely be nothing like one made in Kentucky. Just as fishing in a Michigan lake is a far different experience than being at one here. What is your favorite way to relax?

Airguy1988

Some prefer bourbon, some wine and some beer, but a lot of Kentuckians just like to leisurely sip a drink to relax. That drink doesn’t have to be alcoholic. It can be tea, lemonade, koolaid, or whatever your beverage of choice is. Either way, sitting and sipping is a good way to relax.

Land Between the Lakes

Most of us either enjoy hearing some type of music, or play an instrument. Both of which can be extremely relaxing. Bluegrass is our state music, and is actually mixed into a lot of different genres. Whether you play or listen, music can ease one’s frayed nerves.

Ms Pixie

Hunting is not always about the hunted, but in some cases it is about getting out, alone in the woods, and blending in with the environment. We use to go sit in deer stands and just watch the deer and animals move around in their natural habitat. It can be serene.

Morgan

Kentucky is home to “The Big Lebowski Festival”, which was formed after the movie. A lot of people love to bowl here, and bowling alleys tend to be pretty booked on the weekends. Something about hurling a heavy ball down a slick wood isle and knocking over wooden pins is both exciting and relaxing.

Laurie

There are some amazing rivers, lakes and creeks in Kentucky, each providing a special type of atmosphere. It is hard not to relax when floating on a lake, or sitting on a dock listening to the water slowly splash against the bank. Serenity at its best is often found near water.

Todd F. Niemand

Yes, it is early in the morn, but a Kentucky sunrise is breathtaking. It is a fantastic way to begin the day. Some people get up early for the sunset and then lay back down for a nap.

Karen Roussel

Walking has been proven to be physically healthy, but walking in the woods is mentally healthy as well. Just strolling through the woods and absorbing all the energy and beauty around us helps us feel even more a part of the land.

Alan Creech

When the sun starts to set over the Kentucky hills and rivers, it can look like a master work painting. The vivid colors can seem almost surreal as the moon takes the sky.

Johnnine Twentyfive

Taking a drive through one of our beautiful state parks or in farm country can both be a beautiful way to relax. Our state is pretty as a postcard through and through. Just taking a slow ride and absorbing all that beauty is a great way to relax.

Larry

Spending a night or two in nature is a great way to relax and forget the toils and troubles of everyday life. There is something about being in touch with nature that makes most of us feel at peace. Some prefer a cabin, others a tent, but both ways of camping help us get in touch with nature and relax.

Shannon Tompkins

Any old timer will tell you it is important to relax while you fish. Some people enjoy sipping while they fish. Something about kicking back with the line in the water, while listening to the sound of the water and the wind.

David Amsler

Berea is the arts and crafts capital of Kentucky, but the entire state is filled with crafty people. We have painters, sculpters, whittlers, pottery makers, quilters, crotchetier, carvers, metal workers and more, each creating special works. A lot of Kentuckians slip into their workshops or studios when it is time to wind down and relax.

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