Sitting in the embrace of complete darkness, with only the moon casting a gentle glow on our faces, Stacy and I found ourselves sitting on her front porch immersed in deep conversation, reflecting on life’s many experiences. She had just completed a fulfilling stint providing food for the film crews of *Call of the Wild* and *Naked and Afraid*, and the satisfaction radiating from her was of accomplishment, fueled by the positive feedback she received from the crews. Our words flowed effortlessly between us; a rhythm filling in space from the months apart. I had been eagerly anticipating this visit—not just to connect with her, but to see her new cabins and her dream come to life at the Cliffview Café.

In that tranquil night, with no desire to be anywhere else, I could see the sparkle in her eyes, a reflection of her profound love for this place and the people who live here. Stacy, a passionate force at just over five feet tall, has made several journeys in the French Alps and the El Camino trails of Spain, and she’s gearing up for her next adventure in Vietnam. Yet, despite her extensive travels, the Red River Gorge holds an undeniable gravitational pull for her—a sanctuary where her heart feels at home among its rugged mountains and cherished friends. This land is steeped in memories for Stacy—reveling in the mountains’ solace, a refuge that has witnessed her family’s journey. It was here that they purchased their first house, aptly named “Nature’s Sanctuary,” and it’s where they have built cherished experiences, from the cabins they have transformed together and now, the café that has long been her dream. 

As the night faded into dawn, I woke to her little human dogs Cash and Gunner and a world bathed in sunlight shooting through the cabin windows. The serenity of the previous night replaced by the promise of adventure. With Stacy, each day is a new exciting journey, whether it involves hitting the mountain bike trails, hiking, climbing, ziplining or jumping in a jeep or side by side navigating through the picturesque terrain—one thing is certain, excitement awaits us.

“Good morning! I’m at the café. See you when you wake up!” Her text was a welcome sight, especially since I had been wrestling with her coffee maker. I hurriedly dressed, pulled my hair back, and grabbed my backpack before setting off into the brisk mountain air. The coolness of the morning wrapped around me like a comforting blanket as I hiked up Shorty Carson Drive—fog rising like steam from the mountaintops, gently brushing my skin. The history of the land whispering its story through the old barns and family cemetery. These roads, built by hands that honored the past, echoed the care and attention of generations.

As I approached the café, the enticing aroma of breakfast—eggs and sausage—beckoned me, merging with the sun’s warm rays that danced on the dew-kissed outdoor chairs. The sun played on the outside deck, glistening dew drops on their surface, a reminder that the mountain was waking up alongside us. Inside, the walls were alive with art, urging adventurers to climb and explore. The Cliffview Café’ was alive with Stacy’s presence, the relaxing music plays perfect melodies, creating an atmosphere where you can spend hours working, visiting or meeting new souls from the area. Her connection to people is as personal as a family embrace—a light shining brightly from the Café.

“Good morning to you!” Stacy’s cheerful greeting was as inviting as the café itself, her connection to everyone akin to a family hug, her presence a beacon on the cliffs, guiding all who enter.

The community thrives on these connections seen in this cafe’, much like the stories shared over coffee before embarking on the day’s escapades with “Out the Top Adventures.” Locals settling in to connect before the day starts and guests arriving on their side-by-sides and jeeps gearing up for their next adventure. Here, in the Red River Gorge, time seems to slow down, allowing for a deep sense of presence that dissolves the chaos of the outside world. Nature teaches us lessons of peace, kindness, compassion, and responsibility—lessons that unfold during conversations and heart-pounding rides through the valleys on side-by-sides. Stacy often remarks on how you can witness relationships evolve on those trails; couples start out tense and distant, but by the time they return, they’re all smiles, limbs intertwined, laughter echoing through the trees. There’s something inherently healing in these mountains, where the lush greens and rich reds nurture connections that the outside world may never fully comprehend.

This sanctuary, alive with the brilliant reds and greens of nature, mirrors the love and excitement that permeates the area. It’s the transformation from the tranquil blue of night to the bright yellows of dawn, exploding with the fresh scents of the green trees. If you have been living your life in black, white or even grey’s, this place will change you forever with the color of nature and the colorful personalities. 

“Ready to go on the side-by-sides?!” Stacy focuses on me from across the room. “Let’s go!” I excitedly answer. 

As we rush over to the Jeep and Side-by-Side tour, excitement builds. Quickly we climb into our Side-by-Side, buckled snuggly in and we are off! Stacy is an experienced driver, so we hover in the back trailing along enjoying the hues of color surrounding us from the woods. The leaves on the trees have already started to turn yellow and red here. The red sandstone rises dramatically as we navigate through rocks and tunnels. Adrenaline Red bursts forth, as the gas pedal is pushed and the ground ahead rushes toward us. Energy, excitement, the power of this machine—we are wild ladies loose in the woods, soaked with water and mud from head to toe. Discovering things about ourselves that can only be found driving fast, taking the roller coaster in stride and conquering steep mountains that would normally scare us. It is truly an experience where you throw caution to the wind and take on life full steam ahead—living life in the Red.

This sense of adventure is mirrored in the atmosphere of the Gorge, which is one of celebration—of life, love, and the deep bonds formed in this breathtaking sanctuary. It is a place where a strong handshake and a genuine hug still exist, where visitors and locals are treated as family, and a wholesome environment thrives. Here, in this divine landscape surrounding the Cliffview Café’, Stacy, along with the incredible people around her, have fostered a connection that highlights the importance of nurturing the landscape, community, and relationships. Living in the Red can’t be adequately captured by my phone or camera; it must be lived and felt with the heart, memories that will linger long after departing from this place.