Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, which includes not only the infamous Mammoth Cave, but the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a section of south central Kentucky as well.Within Mammoth Cave National Park lies the longest, and most remarkable cave systems on earth, with over 350 miles of passageway mapped and surveyed.  Little wonder it was named Mammoth!

Even after 4,000, plus, years of eager exploration, this water-formed labyrinth still remains a mystery. It’s this fact, of course, that adds to its beauty and excitement.

A trip to the Mammoth Cave National Park could include:

•  Cave tours
• Surface hikes
• Canoeing on the Green River 
• A cruise on Miss Green River II
• Picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more.

 What You Need to Know:

• Visitor Center Hours - Daily: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
• Click HERE for the Summer Cave Tours Schedule.
• All cave tours and nature walks are pretty strenuous, so be sure you’re up to a particular tour before setting off.  Ask questions, the rangers can let you know exactly what will be involved. 
• Trails can be slick, so be certain to wear appropriate shoes.  All tours have a strict policy requiring the visitors to wear shirts and shoes.
• Camera tripods and monopods, child strollers and infant backpack carriers are prohibited in the cave for visitor safety.
• For further safety advice and tips, be sure to read the literature available at the park.  Most of it’s common sense, but read it all to be on the “safe side,” literally.
• For all the information you could possibly ask for about Mammoth Cave National Park, Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/

Did You Know?

• Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a “grand, gloomy and peculiar place.“
• Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave. As for the competition, if the second and third longest caves in the world were joined together, Mammoth Cave would still be the planet’s longest cave.  But that’s not all, there’d be over 100 miles left over!

The Frankfort Home of George Graham Vest

As a Kentuckian (as they say, Born and Raised), I’m always fascinated when I hear of other Kentuckians leaving a mark on the world.  From Abraham Lincoln to Johnny Depp, I keep a mental list of famous Kentuckians.  Whether they were born here, raised here, or Born and Raised like me, I love to see the impact they make.  I’m sure everyone is the same, no matter what state they call home. 

I came across an interesting addition recently when I read about George Graham Vest.  While you may not know the name, I’m certain you’ll recognize his quote.  George Graham Vest was a US Senator who was raised in Kentucky.  Apparently he was quite a dog lover.  He’s the person who coined the phrase, “Dog is man’s best friend.”

If you find yourself in Frankfort (one of my favorite cities), be sure to tour his house at 401 Wapping Street.

Call (502)564-6980 for more information.

Great Kentucky Atlas

When you think of buying an Atlas, you think immediately of Rand McNally, right?  Anyone who’s serious about travelling around this beautiful country has at least one Rand McNally Atlas in their vehicle.  If you do a lot of travelling, it’s probably worn and tattered, but still serving its purpose, thank you very much!

I was looking at the newest Atlases a few days ago and I noticed the one pictured here, specifically for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  It’s a must have for Kentuckians and for those who plan on honoring us with a visit.

From Rand McNally:

With an incredible wealth of detail, DeLorme’s Atlas & Gazetteer® is the perfect companion for exploring the Kentucky outdoors. Extensively indexed, full-color topographic maps provide information on everything from cities and towns to historic sites, scenic drives, trailheads, boat ramps and even prime fishing spots.

A latitude/longitude overlay grid for each map allows you to navigate with GPS, and there are maps provided for major cities as well as all state lands.

With a total of 49 map pages, the Atlas & Gazetteer® is your most comprehensive navigational guide to Kentucky’s backcountry.

64 pages

The online Rand McNally Store features maps, atlases (such as this one) and navigational accessories for all your travel needs.  Visit to see for yourself!

The Top 10 Trails in Kentucky

According to Trails.com, the following are the Top 10 Most Popular Trails in Kentucky:

1. Courthouse Rock and Double Arch
   Stanton, KY
2. Bernheim Forest
   Louisville, KY
3. Mammoth Cave Park Long Loop
   Bowling Green, KY
4. Mammoth Cave Tours
   Mammoth Cave, KY
5. Gray’s Arch
   Stanton, KY
6. Koomer Ridge
   Stanton, KY
7. Berea Forest
   Berea, KY
8. Jefferson County Forest
   Louisville, KY
9. North - South Trail
   Calvert City, KY
10. Yahoo Falls
    Whitley City, KY

Land Between the Lakes Activity Calendar for June

The Land Between the Lakes is THE place to be for lovers of nature and wildlife. This is never more true than in the month of June.  In addition to ongoing activities and year-round splendor, the Land Between the Lakes region offers the following special events for the month of June: 

June 1-3  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (10 am-5 pm).  Drag Boat Races at Pisgah Bay.  Blown alcohol, hydros, jets, and flat bottom boats go in excess of 150 miles per hour! Test and tune on Friday, with time trials on Saturday and racing on Sunday. For more information, contact George or Chris Onnybecker. Kentucky Drag Boat Association at 1-800-732-0088 or www.kdba.net.  Pre-registration and medical release require for racers.

June 2 Saturday (9 am-4 pm).  National Trails Day.   All across the country, people will celebrate the great outdoors on National Trails Day, America’s largest annual single-day trails and outdoor celebration.  At LBL, celebrating the great outdoors takes on a whole new meaning!  Contact Kristy Jobe at 270-924-2007 for more information.

In honor of National Trails Day, The Nature Station will offer a staff-led, 1-mile hike on one of the park’s favorite nature trails. Program free to all LBL visitors. Meet at Nature Station.

June 2  Saturday (10 am-12 pm; 1-4 pm).  The Blacksmith visits the Farm at The Homeplace.   Invited Artist: Layne Hendrickson - Blacksmith.   From the LBL website:  At a time when most things were made from iron, blacksmiths were one of the most important tradesmen in the community. In the 1850s, blacksmiths made everything from fireplace tools to plow shares to horseshoes, many specializing in specific products. Although iron is rarely used in modern products, the art of blacksmithing is kept alive by modern blacksmiths like Layne Hendrickson. Visit with Mr. Hendrickson as he demonstrates age-old blacksmithing techniques. Mr. Hendrickson’s handmade iron creations will be available for purchase.  Program free with Homeplace admission.

June 9 - 10  Saturday, Sunday (9:30 am -5 pm).  Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace!  A weekend that all music lovers will want to circle on the calendar, the Pickin’ Party offers workshops, pickin’ sessions, and performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Musicians can even bring their own banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during open mic sessions. Everyone will enjoy the weekend performances of Mark Dvorak, specializing in banjo, guitar and timeless folk songs, and The Dixie Volunteers, a traditional string band.

On Saturday, enjoy the bluegrass band Carefree Highway and the always exciting and entertaining Dan Knowles. Sunday’s line up features bluegrass band, The McKendrees and Celtic band, Red River Breeze. The weekend includes demonstrations of handmade hammered and mountain dulcimers and psalteries by Amsden Handcrafted Instruments. These handcrafted instruments will be available for purchase. You can realize a life-long dream by learning to play a traditional instrument during one of the mini workshops: Saturday, Banjo and Sunday, the mountain dulcimer.

Join in the fun and we’ll all make beautiful (mountain) music together!

Of course, during the hours when music isn’t being made, you can stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850 farm family as they go about their daily chores.  We’ve learned so much about this particular time in history simply by talking to the actors/actresses playing these roles.  1850-themed children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend, meaning they’ll learn while thinking they’re just having a great time!  Amazing Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase.   $4/$5.50. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Pack your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and come make some beautiful memories….all set to music!

June 9  Saturday (7:30 - 9:30 pm).  A Night to “Hoot” About  at the Nature Station.   Get up close and personal with one of the Nature Station’s most mysterious residents, a gorgeous owl.  Discover the secret night world of owls and go for a guided night walk to listen for owls and other nocturnal wildlife. Bring a flashlight!  $2/$3. Evening program only. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

June 12  Tuesday (2 pm).  Creature Feature:  Deer at the Nature Station.   Get to know the two types of deer found in Land Between the Lakes.  Discover how the exotic fallow deer came to live in LBL and why hardly any whitetails lived here when the fallows first arrived.  Program free with NS admission.

June 16  Saturday (1:30 pm).  Slithery Snakes at the Nature Station!  Even people  who are scared senseless of snakes can’t help being fascinated with them.  Take it from me, I should know! 

On June 16th, you can get to know these mysterious creatures much better by meeting a few of LBL’s resident slippery sliders.  Program free with Nature Station admission.

June 19  Saturday (10:00 - 11:30 am).  Shoreline Birding Walk at the Nature Station.  How does a morning walk along the water’s edge as you watch for birds sound?  It sounds like a Bird Lover’s paradise, right?!  Visit a beautiful scenic shoreline area that offers countless opportunities to see an amazing variety of birds.  Dress for getting off the beaten path and, by all means, bring your binoculars. $3 per person. Program only. Reservations requested because space is limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

June 23  Saturday (6:00 - 8:00 pm).   Hundreds of Herons Canoe Trip at Kuttawa Landing.  You’ll never forget the sights and sounds of  the night herons and cattle egrets. You’ll see these birds as well as other wildlife as you paddle down beautiful Lake Barkley. Bring binoculars, cameras, and drinking water!  Needless to say, this activity goes under the heading, Weather permitting.  $25 per canoe. Includes same day Nature Station admission. (Fortunately, this day also happens to be Nature Arts Day at the Nature Station.  See Below.) Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Meet at Kuttawa Landing Lake Access Area.

June 23  Saturday (10:00 am - 4:00 pm).   Nature Arts Day at the Nature Station.  Come join in the backyard fun at this very popular annual event, Nature Arts Day. You’ll see how local artists and craftspeople use nature as inspiration for their unique creations. Visit with local artists and craftspeople as they display, demonstrate, and discuss their work. Art and crafts will be available for purchase.  Program free with Nature Station admission.

June 24  Sunday (11:00 am - 2:00 pm).   Puttin’ by the Garden at The Homeplace.  Visit The Homeplace as we “put-by” summer’s harvest.   You’ll see fruits and vegetables you won’t believe!  Program free with Homeplace admission.

June 24  Sunday (4:00 pm).   Busy as Bees at The Nature Station.  Learn all about bees, their life cycle, and how a hive works through activities and games. Also check out an impressive honey bee colony and see if you can find the Queen.  Program free with Nature Station admission.  

June 26  Tuesday (10:30 am).   Woodland Walk at The Nature Station.  Enjoy a 1-mile guided hike as you take in the breathtaking beauty of this part of Kentucky.  Program free to all Land Between the Lake’s visitors. Meet at Nature Station.

June 26  Tuesday (2:00 pm).   Creature Feature:  Red Wolf at The Nature Station.   The beautiful red wolf - an endagered animal that we all hope is on its way to recovery.  This viewing opportunity will allow you to get a good look at these elusive animals.  Learn how these animals are fighting back from the brink of extinction!   Program free with Nature Station admission.

  Useful Links:

Land Between the Lakes - http://www.lbl.org

Kentucky Drag Boat Association - www.kdba.net

Layne Hendrickson, Blacksmith - http://oaklevelforge.com/

The Dixie Volunteers - http://turtleservices.com/The%20Dixie%20Volunteers.htm

Carefree Highway Bluegrass Band - http://www.carefreehighwayband.net/

Mark Dvorak - http://www.markdvorak.com/

Dan Knowles - http://www.danknowles.net/

The McKendrees - http://www.themckendrees.com/

Red River Breeze - http://www.redriverbreeze.com/

Trails and Hiking - http://www.trails.com/

The Kentucky Black Bear Festival

Hello, gorgeous!

The Fourth Annual Kentucky Black Bear Festival at Kingdom Come State Park will be held on May 11 & 12, 2007.

Some of this year’s events will include:

• Mayberry Memories with Barney and Gomer and the original police car
• Bearfest Car and Truck Show
• Carnival Rides
• Sugar and Spice Cloggers
• Bluegrass Music with Kentucky Rain, East Kentucky Tyme, Pine Mountain Grass, and Jason Scott
• Food and Craft Booths
• Fishing and Archery
• Music in the Park
• Passport to Black Bear Safety game

For more information, call 606-589-5812 or e-mail c tourism @ alltel .net (without the spaces)

Benham School House Bed and Breakfast

 In 1926, the Wisconsin Steel Corporation built a school house for coal camp children.  The last high school class graduated in 1961, but the building was used, until 1992, as an elementary school.

Today, the building is retired from the field of education and can be found living the good life as a charming Bed & Breakfast!  Although it’s now elegant and peacefully comfortable, the Benham School House Bed & Breakfast has never forgotten it’s proud historical and educational roots.  Some of the rooms have the same wood floors on which children once learned their ABC’s and 123’s.

Across the street from the Benham School House Bed & Breakfast stands the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum.  The museum is housed in a Commissary (company store) built in the 1920’s.

Spanning 4 floors, the Kentucky Coal Mining Museum has a diverse collection of artifacts from the early years of industrial coal mining in Kentucky, the history of the towns of Benham and Lynch, and hte families who came to support the mining options.  Featured exhibits include the Loretta Lynn Exhibit and the Mock Mine Exhibit.

Benham Shool House Bed and Breakfast

• 30 Guest Rooms
• Banquet hall that seats up to 350 guests.  (The hall once served as the school gymnasium!)
• Conference rooms available
• Tour buses welcome!  Call ahead for times of operation.

Camping

• 10 sites with electric and sewer hook ups
• Suitable for self contained RVs
• No Bath Houses available

Dining

• The Apple Room Restaurant features fine mountain dining in a warm and intimate setting.

For More Information:

Contact

Benham School House Bed & Breakfast

100 Central Avenue

Benham, KY 40807

Phone: (606) 848-30000

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Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky

One of Kentucky’s greatest culinary treasures lies at the Northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes.  What we know fondly as Patti’s 1880’s Settlement actually started as “Hamburger Patti’s Ice Cream Parlor.” It opened in 1977 with a seating capacity of 20 people.  Today, the restaurant is known throughout Kentucky as Patti’s 1880’s Settlement and warmly welcomes and seats over 225 people! 

Why are they so famous?  Maybe it has something to do with their 2″ thick pork chops, their mile-high meringue pies, or their unforgettable flower pot bread!  These are just three of the reasons they’veve won awards from Southern Living magazine, the State of Kentucky, and the National Small Business Administration.

Patti’s was voted #1 by Southern Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Town Restaurant in Southeast Untied States.

The next time you’re in the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region, stop into Patti’s.  The restaurant is open every day from 10:30 a.m - 8:00 p.m. (January - March) or 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (April - December). 

 Also worth Noting:

• In addition to eating, Patti’s has plenty to offer, such as: a large collection of live animals, full miniature golf course, an arcade, many gift shops, a playground,  and beautiful gardens and fountains. 
• The Restaurant is closed three to four days at Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the first Sunday in January.
• Groups and Bus Tours warmly welcomed.
• Gift Shops are open from 11:00 a.m. to close.
• Patti’s exclusive sauces and spices can be ordered on their website (see below).
• Patti’s offers full service catering.  Call toll free: 888-736-2515 (Local) 270-362-8844 or 270-362-7446. 
• Patti’s provide Courtesy transportation to and from the Kentucky Dam State Park Airport, Kentucky Dam State Park Lodge, Kentucky Dam State Park Marina, and Green Turtle Bay Marina.
• Patti’s Iron Kettle Restaurant opened in 1998.  It boasts a Sunday brunch that has become a huge hit, featuring made-to-order Omeletes and Belgium waffles.
• Features a Kids Menu.
• Credit cards accepted.

Directions:

Patti’s is located in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, at the Northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes.  Take I-24 to Exit 31.  Go South for three miles on 453.  Then take the first left, go a 1/4 mile to the stop sign.  Patti’s 1880’s Settlement will be on your left, The Iron Kettle on your right.

For More Information:

Contact

Contact Information

www.pattis-settlement.com
(270) 362-8844
(888) 736-2515

e-mail:  pattis 1880s @ ccol.net (without spaces)

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Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Simply put, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, and its surrounding region, is Kentucky showing off.  The longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave, is located just 27 miles northwest of beautiful Barren River.

Barren River Lake Resort Park is a water-lover’s paradise and, with an abundance of largemouth, white and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, it’s a fisherman’s (or woman’s!) dream come true.

Love boating?  The beautiful 10,000 acre Barren River Lake features 100 open slips, a launching ramp, rental fishing boats, pontoons, deck boats, and john boats. 

A swimming pool is provided for exclusive use of lodge and cottage guests, and there is even a public beach and bathhouse.

Barrren River Lake State Resort Park Cottages

22 stylish and contemporary cottages each include two bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Each boasts a clear view of the beautiful lake and come with tableware, cooking utensils, and linens.  Fresh linens are available daily.  Cottages are available by late afternoon, check out by 11 am.

The Louie B. Nunn Lodge

The lodge is surrounded by rolling, tree covered hills and overlooks Barren River Lake.  The lodge includes 51 rooms and offers full amenities.  A gift shop features a large selection of Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs.

Rooms are available by late afternoon, check out by noon,  Central Time.

Meeting Rooms

A variety of meeting facilities are available.  For small group dining, there are two private dining rooms that seat 32 and 20.  The Thistle Room seats 33 guests, the Tartan Room seats 75, and the Highland Room accomodates up to 400 guests.

Camping

The beautiful campgrounds are available for use from April 1 - October 31.  The 99-site campground features utility hookups, a dump station, and two central service buildings wiht showers and rest rooms.

Check out by 1 pm. 

Restaurant

Kentucky’s infamous cuisine can be enjoyed in the 146-seat dining room.  Breakfast, lunch, and supper are all served by a courteous staff who embody the phrase Southern Hospitality.

Golf

Barren River Lake State Resort Park includes an 18 hole regulation golf course with pro shop, riding carts, and rental clubs.

Horse Stables

Guided trail rides through the park.  Open Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Nature Trails

4 miles of beautiful wooded trails, 1-1/2 mile paved trail - easy to moderate level.

Swimming

Swimming pool for exclusive use of lodge and cottage guests, plus a public beach and bathhouse.

Boating

100 open slips, 149 covered slips, launching ramp, rental fishing boats, pontoons, deck boats, and john boats.

Special Events

February:  Buffalo Night

June:  Glasgow Highland Games

October:  Spookout Weekend!

 Nearby Cities

Glasgow - 11.28 miles SE

Bowling Green - 40.79 miles SE

Louisville - 106.05 miles S

Nashville, TN - 102.69 miles N

 For More Information:

Contact

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

1149 State Park Road

Lucas, KY 42156-9709

Phone:  (270)646-2151

Lodge Reservations: 1-800-325-0057

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Go Fly a Kite at Barren River Lake

May 12, 2007 is Go Fly a Kite Day at Barren River Lake State Resort Park.  There will be  sessions on building kites and a variety of other activities.  Call 1.800.325.0057 for more information.

To learn more about Barren River Lake State Resort Park, click the link.