Ideas for a Soldier's R&R in Kentucky

My husband and I are coming up on rest and relaxation, otherwise known as R&R in the military world. Even though we don't have a lot of money, and gas is sky high, we are still planning on having fun and going on some outings. Of course the first few days your spouse and you may just want to hang out around the house, and maybe even have fun in the bedroom. But once the jet lag wears off, and you've gotten your fill of sex and maybe gotten used to being around each other again, you're going to want to go and visit friends, maybe even visit family if they live close enough to your base. For me and my husband, we are going to do simple things, that are usually free or even discounted.

We've already been to quite a few places around our post prior to the deployment, such as the Louisville slugger museum, the Louisville science center, and the Frasier arms museum. I have another article about military discounts and places you can go for free in Louisville. There are a few places around Kentucky that offer military discounts, but most of them you need to look up on line, or you can go to the local MWR on post. They should have a listing of information on things you can do for free, or at a discounted price.

So, finally to my ideas for this R&R, and anyone who reads this may want to make their own "itinerary". Due too lack of money, we are mainly going to stick close to base. We love going for drives, and there are many great state parks within a twenty minute drive. There is otter creek state park, Saunders springs park, which are both free. Otter Creek is a big park, with many roads on it, some paved, some dirt. They have a star viewing area, if you want to have a romantic night, their is also a Frisbee golf course, and also a lookout onto the Ohio river at the very back of the park. You can also go for hikes around the area, they have a swing set, and also a small water park.

Saunders spring is a little park, with a nice drive that over looks a man made lake where you can go fishing, or just go for a nice walk on one of the few paved paths. There are lots of hills, and the lake itself is in a valley, with a few waterfalls, some lovely creeks, and many dirt trails for the people who feel more adventurous. The dirt trails wind up and down hills, and can be very fun to do if you are in good shape.

Another one of the things I want to do with my husband is something with our children. A three year old boy and a ten month old girl. We are considering going to the Kentucky dinosaur world. If you show your military ID at the ticket booth, you get in for free. Friendly pets are allowed in as long as they are on a leash. This is a bit further from Fort Knox, but all in all, it's something all of us will enjoy. We may even stay overnight in a nearby hotel and go and visit mammoth cave and cave city the next day, which is only ten miles from dinosaur world.

While I wish that we did have money, not having money is great as well. We get into many places for free due to my husband being active military. Gas of course is another thing. I don't want to shove so many things into one day that we are exhausted the next day, but at the same time, running back and forth will cost probably close too one hundred dollars for the activities that I have listed above. Plus there is the price of food if we decide to eat out, which with kids is going to be a sure thing.

As long as you pace yourself, and do one thing every other day, you should have enough time to have fun, spend time with your friends and family, and also get quality time with your significant other. Two weeks can go by fast, so be sure that whatever your doing your husband or wife wants to do it as well. They are taking a break from work and Iraq or Afghanistan, and they may just want to stay around the house and do nothing but play with your kids, pets or even you. Just remember to cherish all of the time you have, try not to argue, and be as strong as you can when you drop them off at the airport, because while you are in a stable safe place, he or she is going back to war. Be supportive, and if they cry, it's OK to cry as well. Just stay strong, and enjoy your time that you have together, because they need us to be there support.