MountAIns, Music, & Moonshine

Join Rustad Tours on a historical and cultural journey through the Appalachian region, a land defined by rugged mountains and a distinctive mountain culture and an enduring sense of community that forms the foundation of life in the broader Appalachian South. Heading east through the rolling hills of Wisconsin, we’ll stop for an included luncheon in Black River Falls, WI. Getting acquainted with your traveling companions makes the miles fly by. Before you know it, we’ll be checking into our hotel on the outskirts of Chicago.  (L)

This morning, our driver will guide us through the bustling city of Chicago and into Indiana, with a noon lunch included in Columbus, IN. Next, we arrive at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour and visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, showcasing the rich history of Churchill Downs and the legendary Kentucky Derby. The iconic Twin Spires atop the grandstands are the most recognizable features of Churchill Downs and serve as a symbol of the Kentucky Derby. Held on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is America’s oldest continuously held sporting event. Often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” it earns this nickname from the approximate time it takes the winner to race from the starting gate to the finish line. After our tour at Churchill Downs, we continue our journey to Georgetown, KY, where we’ll settle into our hotel for a one-night stay.  (B) (L)

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore a region renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant local culture. A local Step-on-Guide joins us for the next four days, sharing vibrant stories on all sorts of topics. We’ll also be enjoying the rich and varied music that is at the very heart of Appalachia.  Our journey begins as we travel the scenic US 23 – The Country Music Highway, a National Scenic Byway that winds its way along Kentucky’s eastern border.  Our route takes us to the heart of eastern Kentucky, arriving in Van Lear, the hometown of Loretta Lynn.  Here, we trace Loretta’s beginnings, visiting places that shaped her into a beloved American music icon.  The adventure continues as we travel a narrow, winding two-mile road leading to Loretta Lynn’s Childhood Home.  To reach the home, itself, we transfer to smaller minibuses, navigating the tight curves.  Once there, we hear stories about Loretta and her sister, Crystal, gaining insight into their childhood and family life in this remote setting.  Before leaving Van Lear, we stop at Webb’s Grocery Store, a family-owned business dating back to 1910. We are greeted by (Mack-Loretta’s cousin), who will share what life was like in the early 1900’s and the coal industry.  The store sells sodas, snacks and offers a variety of souvenirs for visitors to take home.  Our next destination is the Van Lear Coal Mining Museum, where we enjoy a guided tour and a hearty “Lunch Bucket” meal. The museum preserves the history of the coal mining era, which saw Van Lear’s population swell to nearly 30,000 during its peak in the 1930s and 1940s.  Inside, we see relics, period furniture, photographs, and a detailed model of the coal mining community, providing a glimpse into the area’s industrious past. Following lunch, we travel in a southeastern direction to Breaks Interstate Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the South.”  Later in the afternoon, we check into the park’s Lodge, settling in for a three-night stay.  This unique accommodation invites us to unwind and soak in the serene beauty and solitude of the park’s surroundings.  This evening, we take a short walk to their Convention Center, where we savor a delicious meal accompanied by lively, southern style music, and an authentic taste of local entertainment.  After a day filled with scenic drives, musical history, and engaging experiences, we retire for the night, looking forward to more adventures ahead.  (B) (L) (D)

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our local guide accompanies us to the legendary Hatfield & McCoy Country, a region steeped in history and folklore.  Upon arrival at the McCoy Well site, we begin a day of exploration along the Hatfield & McCoy Trail.  This immersive experience allows us to relive the infamous feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families-a violent, decade long conflict that involved shootings, arson, and ultimately multiple fatalities, capturing national attention at the time.  The origins of the feud were rooted in longstanding grudges, economic competition, and even a dispute over a stolen hog.  The conflict reaches a dramatic turning point with the New Year’s Massacre of 1889, resulting in the prosecution and imprisonment of several Hatfields and their associates.  As we tour the area, we gain insight into these pivotal events and their lasting impact on local history.  Continuing our exploration, we tour the replica of a Train Depot that now serves as a museum.  Inside, we discover local history, art, and train memorabilia, along with artifacts from the Hatfield & McCoy Feud, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.  Our next stop is the Mine Wars Museum, where we learn about the violent struggles between coal miners and company operators from 1912 to 1921.  Thousands of miners in southern West Virginia fought to secure their right to unionize and to abolish the oppressive mine guard system.  The museum serves as a reminder of these past struggles and their relevance to ongoing efforts to preserve hard-won rights.  We pause for a lunch break at Wingo’s Restaurant - (Owned by descendants of Hatfield & McCoy Families) which features décor themed around the Hatfield & McCoy Feud.  The menu highlights local favorites, including pulled pork, offering an authentic taste of the region.  A short drive from Matewan brings us to Williamson, West Virginia, where we seize photo opportunities at the famous Coal House, a remarkable structure built in 1965 using 65 tons of local coal.  Adjacent to the Coal House, Indian Fountain, dedicated to Chief Logan, honors the area’s indigenous heritage.  After an eventful day, we return to Breaks Interstate Park, where a park ranger greets us with an evening Elk Tour. We enjoy a boxed dinner in the park’s covered pavilion on top of the mountain, surrounded by astonishing landscape views.  The park provides shuttle service in smaller buses to Elk Preserve, allowing us to explore rolling hills, valleys and observe the majestic elk in their natural habitat.  There are ample opportunities for photography amid the stunning scenery. We return to the lodge after a day of amazing experiences.  (B) (L) (D)

Rise and Shine! We’ve got a big day ahead of us.  Today’s itinerary takes us westward, traversing the picturesque landscapes that define this region of the country.  By mid-morning, we arrive in Clintwood, Virginia, where we are greeted by a knowledgeable local guide.  Our guide introduces us to the highlights of Clintwood and provides insights into the area’s unique character and history.  One of the main attractions is the renowned Ralph Stanley Museum.  Our tour of the museum includes educational components and ear sets that help you to navigate around the museum.  Internationally celebrated for his innovative singing and banjo playing, Stanley was born and raised in Virginia.  Despite having limited musical influences in his youth, he learned to play the banjo as a teenager.  His musical journey began after serving in the US Army in 1945, when he joined his older brother to form the Clinch Mountain Boys.  Their music incorporated elements of mountain bluegrass, the harmonies of the Carter family, and the singing styles of the Baptist church.  Following the passing of his brother, Ralph Stanley made the difficult decision to continue performing, encouraged by family and fans.  His career flourished for decades, earning him an honorary Doctorate of Music from Lincoln Memorial University in 1976, which led to the affectionate title, “Dr. Ralph Stanley.”  He was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Grand Ole Opry in 2000.  Dr. Stanley passed away in 2016, but his legacy endures, continuing to inspire generations of musicians through his enduring body of work.  By midday, we are treated to a delicious lunch accompanied by the added pleasure of live entertainment.  This experience allows us to further immerse ourselves in the region’s rich musical traditions while enjoying local cuisine.  In the afternoon, our journey continues westward as we cross into Whitesburg, Kentucky.  Our destination is the Kentucky Mist Distillery, where we participate in a guided tour and tasting.  This craft distillery has its roots in the bootlegging era of prohibition and the days of Al Capone.  The distillery takes pride in crafting every drop of alcohol in-house, producing flavored moonshine with whole fruit for the most authentic taste.  After the tour, our guide shares stories and points out notable sights along the drive, including actual sites where the Coal Miner’s Daughter movie was filmed.  We pause at Pine Mountain Overlook, where we are treated to panoramic views stretching over 60 miles.  This vantage point offers a unique experience, with scenery unparalleled elsewhere in Kentucky.  As evening falls, we gather at the Pine Mountain Restaurant for a private dinner buffet, complemented by live Appalachian music.  Afterward, we return to the lodge along winding mountain roads, ready for a well-deserved rest and eager for the adventures that await us tomorrow before our journey home.  (B) (L) (D)

After three unforgettable days immersed in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Breaks Interstate Park, we pack our bags and prepare to continue our journey.  Departing from the lodge, we travel along North Highway 23, anticipating our next adventure: a guided tour at the Portal 31 Museum located in Lynch, Kentucky.  The Portal 31 Underground Mine Tour offers a unique and powerful experience, taking us deep into a former coal mine to discover the rich history of coal mining in Kentucky.  Lynch, established in 1917, was once recognized as the world’s largest coal camp.  As we board the mine car and descend into the historic mine, we are captivated by immersive storytelling and detailed exhibits that shed light on the diverse workforce that powered this thriving industry.  The tour brings Kentucky’s coal mining legacy to life in a vivid and memorable way.  Following our time at Portal 31 Mine, we enjoy a relaxing lunch break at an “Old Fashioned School House”, reflecting on the morning’s fascinating discoveries.  Our day continues as we journey northward to Berea, Kentucky. We take an afternoon shopping stop at the Kentucky Artisan Center along the way. By late afternoon, we check into our hotel accommodations.  After a brief rest and opportunity to refresh, we gather for an included dinner at Cracker Barrel - a fitting conclusion to a day filled with exploration and learning.  We return to our hotel, ending another memorable day on our tour.  (B) (L) (D)

We begin our journey home with meal stops along the way. We’ll travel a short distance to Patriots Landing, a rural faith-based veteran’s complex whose mission is to promote healing and to enhance the lives of veterans and their families.  Their showroom is like no other!  When you arrive, you’ll immediately feel a sense of patriotism and will be immersed in a room full of “products with a purpose.”  Pride and honor go into crafting each wooden product. At Patriots Landing, patriotism and faith in God are celebrated.  As we depart, we remember that all of the freedoms we enjoy come at a cost.  Our travels take us across Indiana, through the Chicago area, to our accommodations in Schaumburg.  (B) (L)

On the final day of our tour, we continue to savor the stunning and diverse landscapes of Wisconsin. After enjoying an included meal and our customary stops, we return to familiar surroundings at the Rustad bus garage. This marks the conclusion of a tour that highlighted the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the cultural significance of Appalachian Moonshine, and the rich musical heritage at the heart of Appalachia. Rustad Tours hopes this journey has been an engaging, enlightening, and memorable experience that you will cherish for years to come. (B) (L)