re: Weekend trip

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I've been thinking about going to a weekend retreat at Furnace Mountain, down in Clay Co., Kentucky. There's a Zen Buddhist monastery there. Always thought that'd be a cool place to just go and unwind.

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I didn't realize there was a Buddhist Monastery in Clay Co. I've always thought the Cumberlands were one of the most underrated mountain chains in the US - the area never gets the credit it deserves as it can be absolutely breathtaking there but at the same time that does sort of suit me as I'm between both the Cumberlands and the Smokies and when I want to go to a big park and avoid the tourists I just head up the Cumberland Gap or I go another way and enjoy Clinch Mtn. (ok I'm near 3 mtn chains).

I knew there was a Trappist Monastery a lot further up associated with Thomas Merton and where they in Kentucky make fantastic cheese, bourbon fudge, and bourbon fruitcake but I had no idea there was Buddhist Monastery in Clay Co. That would make a great stay, especially if you leave yourself time to head to Bell Co. and check out the parks there (Daniel Boone State Park/Cumberland Gap National Historical Park + check out the Pinnacle) too. It would make for a very calming/get back to nature and yourself kinda trip.

I'll have to put the Buddhist monastery on my visit list since it's so close to me. I bet it's incredible in fall. Thanks for mentioning it!