For Release: January 31st, 2000
Unique roadside attractions come alive in a special edition of Kentucky Life that explores the eastern branch of the "mythical" Dixie Highway. Hosted by Dave Shuffett, the half-hour special airs on KET at 8:30/7:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Feb. 19.
The main north-south artery that bisects the United States from the Canadian border to Miami Beach, Dixie Highway was the route Americans on vacation traveled in the days before the interstate highway system. In this special, Kentucky Life travels the eastern branch of Kentucky's portion of the route in a nostalgic trip beginning at the Roebling Bridge in Northern Kentucky and ending in Middlesboro at the Cumberland Gap. Shuffett explores road "art," out-of-the-way diners, tourist traps, neon motels, scenic overlooks and period cars.
Stops include Fisher's Tourist Camp in Corinth, for many years the "only" place to stop between Northern Kentucky and Lexington. The motel, restaurant and lake resort, which was popular from the 1930s through the '50s, was a destination in itself for some travelers.
Another highlight is the Dogpatch Trading post, a true lure for tourists, located in London. Attractions here include concrete yard ornaments, knick-knacks and souvenirs from states from Michigan to Florida. Viewers see how travelers were attracted by publicity stunts ranging from alligator wrestlers to a man "buried alive" in snakes.
The special ends in Middlesboro, the southern Kentucky terminus of the highway. Here, a visitor can still see portions of the original roadbed, which overlays the old Wilderness Road.
Kentucky Life is produced and directed by Joy Flynn. Series writer is Ellen Ballard. This special was produced by Ernie Lee Martin. Craig Cornwell is executive producer. The program is closed-captioned for the deaf and heard-of-hearing. Viewers can find out more about programming on KET by visiting the KET Web site at http://www.ket.org, a Kentucky.com affiliate.
Contact: Ellen Ballard
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