At Hickory Grove picnic grounds in California, Kentucky, you are truly in “God’s country.” City folk might imagine these rolling green hills are in the middle of nowhere, but you’re a mere 24.4 miles from Fountain Square. The church has been holding events here since 1902. The dinner and the visiting are the main attraction, for good reason. Behold, a country-cookin’ smorgasbord. Choose from half a chicken, chicken livers, gizzards, or roast beef, then add your sides: mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, bread, hot slaw, cucumber salad, sauerkraut and sausage, cole slaw, peppers and tomatoes, dessert, and a drink. If you can even lift your tray, maneuver it out to one of the green picnic tables lined up on the lawn (we couldn’t find a seat inside the dining hall, but we didn’t mind). Make friends with your neighbors, coo over a cute baby, and share your dessert with that nice lady sitting next to you. Maybe she’ll invite you to play a round of Bingo in the dance hall. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping a beer, listening to a country band play, and making plans to come back for the Homecoming in August. We’ll save you a seat. 2780 Wagoner Rd., California, Kentucky, parish.stspp.com
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