Tucked away here and there in Kentucky are remarkable monuments to the unique history and culture of the Commonwealth. Host Dave Shuffett and Kentucky Life explore a few of them in the premiere of the long-running series' new season, airing Saturday, Jan. 5 at 8:30/7:30 p.m. CT on KET.

Drifting back to a simpler time, Shuffett pays a visit to the Alpine Motel. This nostalgic inn, opened nearly 50 years ago, overlooks the quaint town of Burkesville, lending a European air to the community and offering a view beyond compare. For many years, the Alpine was the destination of choice for area honeymooners. Today, it's still a choice spot for a weekend getaway or special dinner. Visitors will even find a small testament to history--a soldier's grave in an unexpected location.

Next on the program, Kentucky Life embarks on a unique architectural tour of Eastern Kentucky to uncover the legacy of Italian stonemasons. These skilled artisans brought Old World techniques to America and made an indelible mark on many a small mountain town.

Finally, viewers travel to Glasgow, which, for one weekend, is more Scottish than Scotland, as it hosts the International Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans. In this last segment, viewers meet the Kentucky bagpiper who led the 2001 Gathering's parade.

Kentucky Life is produced and directed by Joy Flynn. Series writer is Ellen Ballard. Segment producers for this program are Dave Shuffett, Marsha Hellard and Ernie Lee Martin. Craig Cornwell is executive producer. The program is closed-captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.