Review: Hidden Cave Ranch Bed & Breakfast—Burkesville, KY
Hidden Cave Ranch is a working American Curly horse farm in Cumberland County, KY, just minutes from Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland. American Curlies are a hypoallergenic breed known for being mild-mannered. Jaro and Marion, who are originally from the Netherlands, moved here to raise Curlies and share their equestrian love with those who come to stay at the ranch. Their rustic-styled house is set up as a bed-and-breakfast.
Jaro and Marion are motorcyclists, too. They both had motorcycles when in the Netherlands, and hope in the near future to get small dual-purpose bikes to help them get around the farm quicker. We spent quite some time talking with them about their motorcycling adventures in the Netherlands, where Marion rode a Harley-Davidson V-Rod.
As you may have guessed, the property also has a hidden cave on site. We began our hike to the cave, but found ourselves unable to remember the directions describing which trees we needed to turn at to stay on course. Fortunately, we’re accompanied by a sweet pup named Chance, who waits at each turn for us before romping off to the next split in the trail. We arrive at the cave just as it’s getting dark, but we have barely enough daylight left to see how special it is! We sit quietly and listen to the small brook that runs out of the cave as Chance takes a drink and then sits down between us.
Jaro and Marion live on the main floor of the timber-framed house, where the kitchen and main gathering room are. The guest rooms are downstairs, connected via a large game room complete with a pool table and darts board. The downstairs has its own entrance so guests can come and go as they please. We stayed in the Quilt Room, where beautifully sewn quilts showcasing the Kentucky countryside hang on the walls.
The rooms are spacious, with plenty of room to spread out our riding gear after a long hot day in the saddle. Snacks are at the ready in the game room, and a fridge of cold drinks helps quench our thirst after our hike. The handcrafted cedar beds are extremely comfortable.
On the morning of our departure, we have blueberry poffertjes (a Dutch mini pancake topped with powdered sugar) for breakfast. Poffertjes are a popular street food snack in the Netherlands. As we ate our poffertjes, paired with fresh cut pineapple on the side, Jaro and Marion told us stories, reflecting on their childhood and how this dish was served as a “special” breakfast for birthdays and holidays at home.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Hidden Cave Ranch and wish we could have stayed longer. This bed and breakfast is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend getaway, an overnight motorcycle ride, or even a stopover on a long riding trip.
Facts & Information
Overview
The ranch and the American Curly horses are beautiful, and definitely worth a visit if you are traveling through southcentral Kentucky. There is plenty to explore on the ranch if you enjoy the outdoors, and the guest rooms are cozy and inviting.
Amenities
- Room to spread out
- Secured parking - only guests are allowed on the property
- Snacks and drinks available any time of the day
- Game room with pool table, darts, and board games
- Breakfast is included
Nearby Attractions
Burkesville is a rural town in southeastern Kentucky. The nature and wildlife in the area are abundant. Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland are nearby and are the perfect place for a little rest and relaxation.
Nearby Roads
Alpine Rd is one you don’t want to miss. It’s short, but there are plenty of curves that spit you out at the top of the hill with a beautiful view overlooking Burkesville. Any of the country roads nearby are fun to ride and offer spectacular views of farmlands and wooded areas.
Price
Rooms start at $150 per night
Location
Find them at 877 Thrasher Rd, Burkesville, KY, (270) 209-0907