Last week on Adventures in Kentucky, I took us along for an interesting round of golf. Tonight, I head off to explore an underwater world that may be closer than you think.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dive with great white sharks or swim with tropical fish? Luckily, this is only a simulation shark cage and part of Newport Aquarium’s Shark Fest.

I asked about really getting in the water with sharks, but that won’t happen any time soon. I have, however, been given the opportunity to see marine life that you wouldn’t expect to see in Kentucky.

“We’ve got about 30 species of sharks on display here at the Newport Aquarium. We’ve got one of the most diverse collections of sharks anywhere in the North American vicinity. The Newport Aquarium was also the first aquarium to display our pair of Shark Rays, Scooter and Sweet Pea,”

Walking through the aquarium and shark attractions is an unreal experience. The design of the tunnels makes it feel as if you are actually in the water.

In addition to the exotic fish, they also have displays for aquatic life closer to home in the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. A few short steps from there you can see alligators and snapping turtles in the swamps and bayous of the deep south. From there, you can visit the south pole and its amazing penguins. Near the penguin habitat, they have a collection of very colorful and loud birds. It’s amazing how such small animals can be so intimidating.

With such a large collection of animals it’s tough to see them all, but there’s one attraction that I certainly wouldn’t miss. At Shark Central you are given the opportunity to pet a few of the sharks, but not to worry, these are small ones.

The Newport Aquarium is an exciting and exotic adventure that is certainly worth the drive.

If you’d like more information on the Newport Aquarium you can log on to www.newportaquariam.com, or call 1-800-406-3474 and as always, you can e-mail adventure ideas to me at brandon.lokits@wbko.com.