A Short Drive, A World Away
In the heart of Kentucky's rolling hills, where the landscape ebbs and flows in gentle waves, lies a place that calls families seeking solace from the daily grind. EarthJOY Village, a retreat nestled just an hour from our home, offers a rare combination of convenience and seclusion—a gateway to both adventure and the quietude of nature.
Our journey to EarthJOY was born from a desire to experience the wildness of the woods, not just for us but for our two daughters, aged 4 and 2, and our two beloved pitties, Doug and Dempsey. The allure of EarthJOY wasn't just in its proximity; it was in the promise of a place where our family could engage with nature in ways both familiar and novel.
The Hickory Treehouse was our haven for the weekend. This treehouse, with its playful design, catered perfectly to our needs. Hammocks swayed lazily beneath the branches, and a slide that descended from the canopy provided endless amusement for our daughters. The space, imbued with the earthy scent of the woods, offered a simple yet enchanting retreat, where the line between indoors and outdoors seemed to blur.
EarthJOY’s themed trails were more than just paths through the woods—they were portals into a world of imagination. The Hobbit Trail, with its hidden hobbit houses perched in the trees, captivated our girls, their imaginations running wild as they searched for the tiny doorways and windows nestled among the leaves. We hiked to the Rainbow Swing, where the view opened up to reveal the verdant hills rolling out before us, and then on to the net bridge, a thrilling crossing that even our youngest enjoyed.
The old water slide, a relic of days gone by, became a source of exhilaration for our 4-year-old, her laughter echoing through the trees as she slid down into the soft embrace of the forest floor. Creek play, dog chases, and the timeless ritual of making hot dogs and s'mores around the campfire rounded out our days, each activity a thread in the fabric of our weekend together.
When rain clouds gathered, we found solace in the treehouse, where simple games and well-loved books awaited. The patter of rain on leaves created a soothing backdrop, as we curled up together, waiting for the sun to break through once more. These moments, suspended in time, reminded us of the value of disconnecting—to be present, to listen to the heartbeat of the forest, and to share in the quiet joys of each other’s company.
EarthJOY is more than just a collection of treehouses; it’s a place where the land and its stewards work in harmony to create an experience that is both personal and profound. When we found ourselves short on matches for our campfire, help was swift and gracious, a small gesture that spoke volumes about the care that goes into every aspect of the EarthJOY experience.
As the weekend drew to a close, we found ourselves reluctant to leave this haven. EarthJOY Village had given us more than just a place to stay; it had provided a canvas on which we painted memories of a weekend well spent. It’s a place where the simple pleasures of life are brought to the fore, where the distractions of the world fall away, and where families can find connection in the embrace of nature. For those seeking a getaway that feels like both an adventure and a homecoming, EarthJOY is a place to return to again and again.