Looking for a fun day trip or laid-back weekend getaway? The 400 Mile Sale offers South Central Kentuckians a chance to explore the neighboring Lakes Region and the Bluegrass Region while discovering fabulous finds at rummage sales, antique stores and boutiques; eating at the many hidden gems along the route; and making lasting memories with the rich hospitality of Bed and Breakfasts, quality hotels, or campgrounds. Groups of girlfriends, couples, families and even tour buses have made this a yearly tradition for the last 18 years. The 20th anniversary is coming in 2024, and the 400 Mile Sale has a renewed vision and focus with plans over the next two years to make even more adventure and delight for participants.
The event’s newest director has deep ties to our region! Tara Hall and her husband served as pastors in Hart, Barren and Metcalfe counties from 2008-2011 and John is an alumnus of WKU. “We cherished our time in Southern Kentucky and loved exploring the caves, attending festivals and spending hours driving and hiking through the beautiful countryside. Most of all we loved the people! When the opportunity to join the 400 Mile Sale came about in March, I saw it as a way to bless a region I had loved to call home while inviting old friends and neighbors to discover some new communities.” The new tag line, Discover Hwy 68 Treasures, is meant to focus exploration not just on the sales but on the attractions, businesses, eateries, landmarks, hospitality and festivals that make each Hwy 68 community unique.
Hall is currently working with ten agencies along the Hwy 68 route, whose priorities set her agenda. The goal is not only to organize and publicize the 400 miles of shopping, food experiences and accommodations, but to invite travelers to circle around to these communities in a “Ya’ll Come Back Now” campaign on social media and through 400mile.com’s regional and county pages. “Many folks travel 100, 200 and even the full 400 miles enjoying outdoor sales, antique shops and junk stores. Along the way, they notice the forts, parks, attractions and upcoming events and briefly consider coming back. We want to reinforce their curiosity and make it easy to plan a trip!” Supporting organizations include Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cadiz-Trigg County Tourism, Visit Hopkinsville, City of Elkton, Logan County Tourism and Chamber of Commerce, Edmonton-Metcalfe Chamber of Commerce, Visit Lebanon, Main Street Perryville, and Harrodsburg-Mercer County Tourism.
Of course, Hwy 68 runs through our region as well. If you are not the traveling type, clean out the attic and host a sale along the route. “Many unique items will be unearthed at the plethora of roadside yard sales, barn sales and estate sales. These folks are what makes it a 400 Mile Sale! Anyone is free to set up and join in the fun!” stated Hall. By having a sale, you are sure to meet all people who travel annually from other states – as far away as Wisconsin, California, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Be sure to check out 400 Mile Sale on both Facebook and Instagram and bookmark 400mile.com. The website will continue to be improved with both sellers and explorers in mind. Anyone with questions regarding planning a trip, accommodations, registration of sales or sponsorships should contact Tara Hall at 400milesale68@gmail.com.
-submitted by 400 Mile Sale
