Tourism

Why doesn't Irvine-Ravenna have a Department of Tourism that promotes our tourist attractions? Why not advertise the Fitchburg/Cottage Furnaces, Pryse oil fields, etc.

When I visit a rest area or welcome center along I 64,71,24 or I 75, I should be able to see a fancy brochure that brags about tourist attractions in Estill County Kentucky. The welcome centers at Florence, Williamsburg, Paduccah, Hopkinsville etc. are stuffed full of travel brochures of communities that have much less to offer the traveler. It is a shame that Estill County remains so hidden and obscure to tourists.

How about a lookout tower at the top of Sweet Lick Knob or Rockhouse Mountain? Why be so shy and reserved about our local scenery?

Lexingtonians spend tourism dollars in the Red River Gorge every summer and we don't do enough advertising about our attractions.

How about our local officials lobbying for a campground at Fitchburg Furnace? How about an ATV park somewhere in southern or eastern Estill County?

How about river boats that offer rided from lock 11 to lock 12? Or from the new park to the resturant under the Irvine bridge?

As a community, we have lost our vision...lost our focus. We are content to lose ground. We need to awaken ourselves to work hard toward growth and progress.

Estill County hasn't got its fair share of tourism and this isn't right. Think of the "economic exiles" in OH, IN, and central KY who would love to visit kin folks in Estill County. Yet we offer these potential visitors NOTHING. No campgrounds, museums, few picnic areas, and refuse to advertise and develop our vast resources. Southern and Eastern Estill counties have scenic landscape yet we won't develop and market this beauty.