Nothing quite compares to a country drive through Central Kentucky.

Where some regions are dependent upon the seasons to accent the natural beauty, it really doesn’t even make a difference when winding along the rural roads of the Bluegrass State.

Whether it is the rich forest greens we see now in summer, the kaleidoscopic reds, yellows and oranges of the fall or the blossoms of spring, the natural beauty here is something to truly behold.

Even Old Man Winter can’t suppress the charm of rural Kentucky.

Although the trees may be bare and the ground frozen, there is still much to see. From the wooden-plank horse fences to the intricate stone walls to the rustic farmhouses and barns, many of these scenes are as picturesque as a Bob Ross painting. Remember him? He was the “happy trees” artist who could create a breathtaking landscape work of art in a 30-minute public access television show.

This natural beauty is also something that many native Kentuckians sometimes take for granted.

I know I sure did.

Leave for awhile or bring visitors from the north or south here for the first time. You will probably walk away with a new appreciation for the natural resources right here at home.

This message was driven home to me during a recent drive. It made me remember to stop and smell the proverbial roses, or whichever flower that may be in bloom at the time. It is easy to get caught up in work and family, and life in general, but actually miss fully appreciating those things and how important Mother Nature can be to that enjoyment.

With gas prices hovering around $2 a gallon, it is pretty affordable to be a tourist right here at home.

As we head down the last furlong of summer, I am going to hop into the car with the family to make sure we don’t miss it and continue to appreciate the Bluegrass State for all it has to offer.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. He can be reached at (859) 759-0095 or by email at mike.caldwell@winchestersun.com.