It’s shaping up to be a rainy fall day in the bluegrass region of Kentucky as I prepare to head south on a road trip to Berea. This happens to be my favorite weather and I’m looking forward to stunning scenery along the way. There’s something about the orange, yellow and reds of fall combined with a gray day that suits me.

The main reason for my trip to Berea is to hear author Barbara Kingsolver, a native Kentuckian, in a conversation with Silas House at Berea College. This is a rare appearance by Kingsolver, as she feels her time is better spent writing.

I’m looking forward to visiting Berea College, a work-study college much like my alma mater, The College of the Ozarks in Missouri. Berea College was founded in 1855 as the first interracial and coeducational college in the South.

I’m leaving plenty of time to have lunch in Berea, either at the Boone Tavern or the Kentucky Artisan Center. I haven’t tried Kentucky specialties burgoo or spoonbread yet, so those would be a treat. I’ve already been introduced to Kentucky hot brown, but I wouldn’t mind sampling that again

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I may do the driving tour of the Battle of Richmond, which is on the way to Berea. The Battle of Richmond is described as the “most complete victory for the Confederacy during the entire war.”

I wish I had more than just an afternoon to explore this area because there is much more to see and do, but this is a start.

November, 2014