If you find yourself in the Red River Gorge on a Tuesday evening looking for something to do, head down to Maytown, Kentucky for a night of bluegrass music. I describe it as one of the best east Kentucky cultural experiences you can experience.

“Carl & Normas Lil’ Opry house” has been a pick-up Bluegrass picking tradition for decades. I’m grateful to my friend Chester for introducing me to it. Chester would amaze me. We could work hard all day, and it still wouldn’t deter him from going to Maytown to play his banjo for a couple more hours, knowing he was utterly exhausted.

It is free to the public, and everyone is welcome. I always feel welcome, but I’m also entering with Chester, who receives applause whenever he walks through the door. You’ll find a tip box where you can leave a tip.

When I describe how to get there, I tell everyone you start in the middle of nowhere (aka The Red River Gorge), and you drive 40 to 45 minutes deeper into the middle of nowhere. It’s worth it!