Not off-the-grid remote, but definitely plan-ahead remote.

Red River Gorge is made up of small towns, cabins, winding roads, and a whole lot of beautiful space in between. Cell service can be spotty, restaurants and stores have limited hours, and the nearest thing you need may be 30 minutes away.

A little planning before you arrive will make your weekend much easier.

That’s entirely up to you!

Our first planned gathering is a Friday night pizza and trivia welcome party, and the wedding is Sunday evening. You’re welcome to join us for the whole weekend, come just for the wedding, or turn the trip into a longer Red River Gorge adventure.

There’s no required arrival or departure day. Choose the trip that works best for your schedule, budget, and appetite for time in the mountains.

Yes. We strongly recommend driving or renting a car.

There is no reliable Uber, Lyft, or taxi service in the Gorge, and lodging, restaurants, trails, and wedding activities are spread throughout the area. Having your own wheels will give you the freedom to come, go, and explore on your own schedule.

If you're flying, Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington is your best bet. From there, it's about an hour's drive to the Gorge.

Maybe. Sometimes. Don't build your weekend around it.

Cell service can be spotty throughout the Gorge, so Wi-Fi at your cabin or rental is worth prioritizing. Once connected, turn on Wi-Fi calling on your phone so you can make and receive calls when cellular service isn't cooperating.

We also strongly recommend downloading anything you may need before heading out, including maps, directions, reservations, and important addresses.

**See "How do I download maps for offline use?"

In Google Maps:

1. Open the Google Maps app on your phone while you still have a good internet connection.

2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.

3. Select Offline maps, then Select your own map.

4. Zoom out until the downloaded area includes Lexington, Stanton, Campton, Beattyville, and the Red River Gorge.

5. Tap Download.

Do this before your trip. Your future, signal-less self will thank you.

A little planning will go a long way.

Outside of the Friday welcome dinner, the wedding meal on Sunday, and any other gatherings we add to the weekend schedule, you should plan for your own meals.

There are some great local places to eat, but options are limited and hours can vary. If you’re staying in a cabin, a kitchen or mini fridge can also be handy for breakfast, snacks, drinks, coffee, or an easy meal between adventures. Whether you dine out, stop for groceries on your way in, or do a little of both, we recommend having a plan before you arrive.

If you want a full grocery run, your best bet is Kroger at 179 W. College Avenue in Stanton. Depending on where you're staying, that's roughly a 30-minute drive from Campton or 40 minutes from Beattyville.

Closer to your lodging, you'll find places like Save A Lot, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and gas stations for basics. They're useful for forgotten toothpaste or a bag of chips. We wouldn't count on them for your carefully curated weekend grocery haul.

Our advice: shop on your way in.

Wolfe County has restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales, so we recommend purchasing anything you'd like for your cabin before Sunday.

Cabins and vacation rentals are the name of the game here. Hotels are limited, so we recommend booking early.

Beyond bedrooms and bathrooms, consider checking for:

• Reliable Wi-Fi

• A kitchen or mini fridge

• Coffee maker and kitchen basics

• Hair dryer and toiletries

• Accessibility, if that's important for anyone in your group

• Road and driveway access (some recommend 4WD)

• Parking

• Pet policies, if you're bringing a four-legged travel companion

And pay attention to the location. A place that looks close on a map can still involve winding roads and a longer drive than you'd expect.

Check out our Lodging page for more details. 

There's a saying in Kentucky: If you don't like the weather, just wait a day... So, ask us again approximately five minutes before you leave.

Early April in Kentucky can bring a pretty wide range of spring weather, so check the forecast shortly before your trip and pack layers. If you're exploring the Gorge during the weekend (and we hope you will), bring appropriate shoes and layers for whatever Kentucky spring decides to do.

Whatever makes you feel good and ready to celebrate. A dress, a suit, a jumpsuit, cowboy boots, your favorite jacket... We’re much more interested in seeing you than policing a dress code.

The wedding cocktail reception is planned for outside (if weather is good; there will be heaters if it's chilly) and the ceremony, dinner, and dancing will be inside and climate controlled. But Kentucky in April likes to keep its options open... Check the forecast, bring a layer (and possibly an umbrella).

We hope you do explore! That's part of the fun of bringing everyone here.

The Gorge is beautiful, wild, and a little rugged. Cell service can be spotty, some roads are gravel or steep, and rain can quickly change driving and trail conditions. Check the route to your destination before heading out, especially if you’re staying somewhere that recommends four-wheel drive.

If you’re hiking, download your maps before leaving Wi-Fi, wear appropriate shoes, bring water, keep an eye on the weather and daylight, and let someone know where you’re headed.

A little preparation goes a long way out here.

You don't need to arrive with a full tank, but also don't push your luck.

Gas stations are available in the area, although they're less plentiful than you may be used to. If you're driving an EV, research charging options near your specific lodging and along your route before you arrive.

Absolutely. Kids are welcome at our wedding and throughout the weekend.

That's between you and your Airbnb.

Many cabins in the area are pet-friendly, but policies vary by property. Pets aren't part of the wedding festivities (due to venue restrictions), so you'll want to make sure your lodging is a good setup for them while you're celebrating with us.

And check state park listings before you set out on a hike. Some state parks do not permit pets on certain trails. 

Think of this less like packing for a city wedding and more like packing for a weekend away.

Bring your prescriptions, toiletries, chargers, comfortable shoes, layers, rain gear if it's in the forecast, snacks, and anything you would be genuinely annoyed to discover you can't easily replace.

There are stores here. There's just not necessarily your store here.