I live in kentucky and I can tell you first hand, mammoth is worth the drive from anywhere! Also, another really cool spot for a vaction destination is Red River Gorge. Clifty Wilderness Area to be exact, it's a geological reserve that is pure, and untouched wilderness. It's also only a a short drive from The Kentucky reptile zoo ( TONS of hot snakes! mambas, rattlers etc..) I spent a few days hiking in clifty and lemme tell ya, HERP CENTRAL! I highly recommend a kentucky vacation!!