Whether you are home for the summer, here year round, or maybe just visiting, Harlan County is the perfect place to spend your time. Between our beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and overall culture, there is no shortage of things to do this summer! Here are some of our top picks that will make your summer unforgettable.
- Martins Fork Lake: If you’re looking to make a splash this summer, look no further than Martin’s Fork Lake! From the beautiful beach area, countless shelters, and of course fishing and boating opportunities, Martin’s Fork truly has it all. This is the perfect place to spend time with your family, friends, or maybe even have a quiet moment to yourself.
- Attend the 70th Poke Sallet Festival: There is no better way to immerse yourself in Harlan County history than to attend the famous Poke Sallet Festival. For 70 years, Harlan County has put on one of Kentucky’s biggest and most beloved festivals. Between the incredible food, countless rides, live music, and more, the Poke Sallet Festival is a MUST visit.
- Kingdom Come State Park: Between the beautiful overlooks, paddle boats, hikes, and more, you can’t go wrong when you visit Kingdom Come State Park. This is a great choice if you are looking to reconnect with the serene nature that makes Harlan County so special!
- Show off your red, white, and blue at Fourth Fest: Join us at our most patriotic event of the year at the annual Fourth Fest in Downtown Harlan. From live music to incredible food and games, Fourth Fest is truly one of our most thrilling events of the year. And while you’re there, don’t forget to catch the firework show!
- Grab a bite to eat at one of our Downtown Businesses: From carefully brewed coffee to freshly baked pizza, our downtown restaurants have something to fill everyone’s cravings! Moonbow Tipple, Harlan County Beer Company, and the Portal are downtown and ready to serve you!
- Attend the third annual Dog Days of Kentucky Festival: What screams summer more than a good hotdog on a hot summer’s day? At the festival you can do everything from participate in a hotdog eating contest, to dress up your dog in a dog show.
- Grab a sweet treat: From snowcones at the Frosty Flamingo to ice cream at Moonbow Tipple there are so many different ways to satisfy your sweet tooth in Harlan. See if you can try them all out in one summer.
- Go Camping: The night sky is beautiful here in Harlan County. Spend a night under the stars either by camping out or by renting a cabin. There are countless locations here in Harlan County that allow camping or cabin rentals!
- Gears & Beers Cruise In: Tune in on the fourth Thursday every month this summer (and afterwards) to check out this awesome event. Cars, trucks, hot rods, classic cars, rat rods and more are there for your viewing pleasure. Don’t forget to stop by the Beer Company after for a great dinner too!
- Grab a Souvenir at Henry’s: Henry’s in downtown Harlan has an incredible assortment of souvenirs and gifts for you to remember your time in Harlan by. You will not regret your trip to Henry’s; their products are pure Harlan County!
