Barren River State Resort Park

I was recently sent a link to an article extolling the virtues of state parks (from someone who knew just how much my husband and I LOVE state parks).   This particular article’s stance is after my own heart – it even mentions one of Kentucky’s State Parks: E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville.

The article points out the negative effect the economy could potentially have on our country’s beautiful state parks.  None of us want to see cutbacks, layoffs, or any negative changes befalling our beloved state parks.  A state’s state parks are like crown jewels.  They allow newcomer’s to the state to get a “feel” for what that state is all about, a glimpse at it’s history, and a feel for what makes that state special.

This is why, in my opinion, it’s so important for State Parks to hire only the friendliest, warmest, and most capable individuals – they represent us!

Not only are State Parks vital for acquainting new visitors to a state, they’re vital for the natives as well.  They provide a place where we can go, relax, play, eat, take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and reconnect with what makes our state and its people so special.

Please read the article that was e-mailed to me (The National Identity of State Parks) and, more importantly, please make a point to visit state parks more regularly.   When in the vicinity of a State Resort Park, such as Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, have your meals at the resort’s restaurant, shop in the gift shop, and see all that the Resort State Park has to offer.

To further celebrate and promote Kentucky’s beautiful State Parks, we’re working on a Kentucky State Parks section of the website.  We hope to add slideshows and many more pictures.  If you have any pictures from Kentucky’s State Parks that you’d like to donate to the website, we’d be very grateful  (E-mail them to joisigers@aim.com)

The people at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, Kentucky have a passion for Kentucky Lake like none other. They’re also nature lovers which makes them more than a little okay in my book. I admire their commitment to the environment and love of nature as much as I admire the beautiful resort they’ve built on beautiful Kentucky Lake.

Lighthouse Landing is a very picturesque and relaxing resort and marina – one of the most lovely resorts Kentucky has to offer.

If you are interested in learning to sail, Lighthouse Landing can make the dream come true for you. They offer a very popular Sailing School in an unbelievably beautiful setting. The dates for the 2010 Sailing School lessons are below.

June 24-27
July 8-11, 15-18
July 29-Aug 1
Aug 12-15
Sept. 16-19
Oct. 14-17, 21-24

Visit Lighthouse Landing’s website for more information.

Such a dirty rotten job I have here at Genuine Kentucky.  I have to sit at my computer in my home – with my overweight cat Alexa and my overly-filled coffee cup nearby… one on each side.  I have to write, play with pictures and videos, chit chat people up in e-mail and on Twitter.  I have to travel to ridiculously beautiful places within our ridiculously beautiful state and I have to eat at restaurants with food so Heavenly you expect Gabriel to carry it out.

Somebody pinch me.

My husband and I returned to the scene of a culinary crime (at least it ought to be against the law for a steak to taste so good):  Main Street Java.  Click the link I’m about to drop in your lap for my original review of  Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky.

Our server this time was a beautiful young girl who was as sweet as you’d expect a southern girl to be. Her name was Jocelyn and she reminded me of a very young Jennifer Love Hewitt (one of the loveliest actresses of all time in my opinion).  We ordered the Spinach Artichoke dip for an appetizer this time.  Doing so is always a risk.  Why?  I’m a cook.  Okay, you twisted my arm, I’ll admit it – I’m a great cook.  I love cooking and have been honing my craft for many years.

Guess what one of my best dishes happens to be:  Spinach Artichoke Dip.  Which is why I have trouble reviewing Spinach Artichoke Dip – I happen to be so totally in love with my own (it’s taken a few years of tweaking, testing different cheeses, different amounts of garlic, and so on to get it to the amazing dish it is today) that other’s attempts sometimes make me go, “Blah.”

I’m thrilled to report that I loved Main Street Java’s Spinach Artichoke Dip.  I loved that it’s served with toast points too.  This dip was very creamy and the toast points make a perfect chariot.

I ordered the steak, green beans, and mashed potatoes.  I wanted to branch out and try something different, but these green beans are so ridiculously delicious I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else.  My husband, however, did mix things up.  He had the mixed vegetables and Chicken with “Swamp Sauce.”

The mixed vegetables were exceptional.  Many times, in a restaurant, you’ll get mixed vegetables that taste like you just strolled out to the garden on a hot summer day and picked a few carrots along with a couple of bites of cauliflower and broccoli.  Now, I love vegetables as much as the next person, but I don’t necessarily always want the garden harvest type of flavor.

Main Street Java’s mixed vegetables taste like you picked the vegetables in your garden then gave them to a chef off of The Food Network to prepare for you.   They’re so good, I’d even consider stepping away from my green beans on the next trip.

Maybe. (Try the green beans and you’ll understand their mojo.)

We also got the Chocolate Eruption for dessert – yes, again.  I’m not even going to apologize for it either.  I’m the world’s biggest chocoholic, what in the world do you expect?!

Instead of coffee, this time, I got another HUGE addiction of mine: Chai Tea Latte.  Yeah, baby!  Delicious. I noticed on the menu that Main Street Java uses Tazo tea.. just like my beloved Starbucks.  Great call. No wonder their iced tea is so exceptional and no wonder I was left wondering if I could fit my head into my cup of Chai Tea Latte long enough to lick the walls.

I decided that was a NO.

On this trip, we also found out that Main Street Java also serves breakfast and lunch.  Good news!

If you’re looking for a great place to eat in the Land Between the Lakes area, consider yourself armed with the answer and pointed in the direction.  Tell them the chocoholic from Genuine Kentucky sent you.

Alexa and I just put together the slide show below to pay tribute to Main Street Java.  Normally, my husband does the slide shows and handles the audio but his job has led him to spend the day in Paducah.   Hopefully, he won’t come home and find a million and one things I did wrong with this video.

The pictures for the slide show are from Main Street Java’s Website and the audio is from an MP3 I had my husband had featuring a medley of the outstanding musicians at Grand Rivers Variety (I just love them!).   You’ll have to click PLAY to make the audio play – Alexa and I can’t for the life of us figure out how to make it automatically start up.  She had a couple of ideas but they didn’t pan out.

Enjoy!

The Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky

We were in Aurora, Kentucky recently – visiting the wonderful Hitching Post and it’s remarkably friendly people and grabbing hot dogs so sensational you have to see them to believe them and taste them to truly experience a hot dog.  They’re called Dixie Dogs and you only think you’ve had a true hot dog before.

Aurora Bar-B-Que in Aurora Kentucky

While we were in town, I wish we had eaten at Aurora Bar-B-Q (delicious!), but we were anxious to try another barbecue restaurant in the Land Between the Lakes region.

Big mistake.  The service was decidedly unfriendly (as cold as ice cream) and the food wasn’t fit to write about.  Literally – since I don’t do negative food reviews on Genuine Kentucky.  If we have outstanding food and service, I write about it on Genuine Kentucky – if it’s the pits…. I pretend it never happened.  A throwback to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”

See, mom, I was paying attention.

Honestly, if you want the best bar-b-que in and around the Land Between the Lakes region, you simply have to make your way to Aurora and the home of the winking pig.  Trust me.  We’ve had bar-b-que from just about everywhere in the Lake’s region and Aurora’s home to the absolute best.  The workers are friendly, the service is wonderful, and the food is outstanding.

I’ve said it in other posts on this site before, but I’ll say it again (after all, when I’m truly impressed with people and/or food, I’ll sing their praises for the rest of my life – I’m nothing if not loyal):  You have to spend some time in Aurora, Kentucky. It’s one of my favorite places on earth.  The town is very small, quiet, and unassuming.  It’s also extremely charming, friendly, warm, and fun.

Dixie Dogs in front of the Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky

What makes Aurora Kentucky so special?

• The people couldn’t be nicer if you paid them to be.  Not once have I come across an unfriendly person Aurora.
• In my personal opinion, the Willow Pond Catfish restaurant in Aurora is the best of all the Willow Pond restaurants. They’re all outstanding, mind you, but the one in Aurora Kentucky is just a little better.  The servers are a little friendlier and the hushpuppies are a little better.  Maybe more than a little.
• The Hitching Post is one of the most outrageously cool and fun places you could hope to spend an afternoon in. The new owners have made the Hitching Post such a wonderful place to visit that it’s a wonder they don’t charge admission.  They obviously have a great passion for what they do and a great love for their guests.  The Hitching Post is, at once, the funnest and coolest gift shop you could ever conceive AND a remarkable little “Step Back in Time” museum.  They have put a great deal of time, money, and work into renovating a little country store beside the Hitching Post’s main shop.  They proudly display some truly remarkable things from the distant past – it’s simply outstanding.  I’ve seen (and paid) admission required for far less fascinating exhibits.
• Right out front of the Hitching Post is Dixie Dogs (click the link for my other review of this deliciousness)! After browsing around the Country Store and gift shop (be sure to grab a bottle of pop), you’ll want to walk out to the Dixie Dogs stand and introduce your taste buds to the most remarkable hot dog they’ve ever met.
• Another of my favorite places on earth to visit is the gorgeous nearby Elk and Bison Prairie. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world and these majestic animals just take my breath away every single time. We once had the pleasure of having our vehicle completely surrounded by peaceful bison. They’re a favorite animal of mine, so I literally had tears in my eyes.  It’s moving to be so close to such amazing animals as elk and bison.
• The nearby Nature Station and the Bison Range are also great experiences and provide wonderful photo ops along with memories for a lifetime.
• Kentucky Lake! Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes and is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a family vacation. Over 160,000 acres of water and 2,064 miles of shoreline are populated with over 100 species of fish, including catfish, crappie, bluegill, stripes any more. Talk about an outstanding fishing vacation.
• Kenlake Lodge is a quiet, charming, understated, and wonderful place to stay and/or eat.  I often call it the best kept secret in the Land Between the Lakes.  Click the link to see what makes Kenlake State Resort Park so special.

Kenlake State Resort Park

Do yourself and your family (of all ages!) a huge favor and spend a weekend or a week in Aurora Kentucky on your next vacation. While there’s something to be said for keeping our dollars in Kentucky, it wouldn’t be worth it if there weren’t extraordinary places to see, visit, and stay.  Fortunately, Kentucky is full of remarkable places and Aurora, Kentucky is one of them.

The Land Between the Lakes is an outstanding place for people of all ages and will provide fun memories that’ll last forever.  When the vacation comes to an end, your only question will be, “How soon can we come back?!?!”

This, I promise.

One of my greatest passions is gardening. When I’m in my herb bed or one of my flower gardens (working alongside my beloved cats as the birds serenade us with the most beautiful music on earth), all’s right in my colorful world.

I get most of my plants, seeds, seedlings, and so forth here in Owensboro, Kentucky. My favorite Kroger has really been on its game this season, offering some truly outstanding plants. My husband would say that I’ve rewarded them by buying every single one they put out, but I don’t know if I’d go that far.

Okay, maybe.

We were in the Lakes region a few days ago (on route from Aurora, Kentucky to Grand Rivers, Kentucky) and happened to drive past what looked like a beautiful, locally-owned florist.  We’re both all about supporting locally owned businesses and I’m all about shopping, so we stopped.  Besides, I needed some fresh chives for my herb bed and I’m always on the lookout for red salvia or geraniums to attract hummingbirds. The little guys are drawn to red like I am to chocolate.

The name of the beautiful nursery and florist was Gateway Nursery & Florist and they have an incredible selection of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and other lovelies for your garden, yard, and home.  The people were extra-friendly (especially a lady who was outside watering the plants at the time – she had that small-town Kentucky charm that makes you proud to be a Kentuckian) and the prices were uncommonly fair.

Gateway Nursery & Florist is located at 960 US Highway 68E in Benton, Kentucky, just east of the Purchase Parkway’s Exit 47 in Draffenville.  They are closed on Sundays – as their website says, “Closed Sundays – See you in church!”

I just fell in love with them a little more.

Visit their website (http://www.gatewaynursery.com) for more information and be sure to stop in to say “Hi” and grab some loveliness for your world.

It’s that time of year again, when people are beginning to talk about and plan out their summer vacations. Be sure you keep Kentucky in mind when planning your next family vacation.

Kentucky State Parks offer the perfect family vacation solution – A Kentucky State Park cottage. These cottages provide an ideal getaway for your family – peaceful, relaxing, quiet, and a lot less crowded than many other vacation destinations.

And need I point out how much money you’ll save if you stay closer to home?!

Most of the state’s 17 resort parks include cottages of all shapes and sizes. They offer fully-stocked kitchens, air conditioning, grills waiting for cookouts, play areas for the kids and porches or decks. Outside areas beckon your group to sit outside a spell and enjoy the scenery. Lakeside, woodland, and mountain settings provide a tranquil ambiance (with as much excitement as you want to enjoy). Cottages sleep as many as 12 in one, two or three bedrooms with a choice of one or two baths. Rates range from $119.95 to $304.95 per night (plus tax) depending on size and season.

Learn more at http://www.parks.ky.gov/reservations/rooms/.

With the arrival of May, the Kentucky State Parks are gearing up for a summer full of special outdoor events, entertainment, water activities and plenty of family fun.

Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional time for the opening of swimming pools and summer programming at many state parks. But there are many activities scheduled before Memorial Day, which falls on May 31 this year.

The state park calendar for May is filled with canoe trips, entertainment, historic re-enactments and athletic events. There’s a variety of things to do at the park system’s 31 campgrounds, 17 resort park restaurants, historic sites, marinas, horseback riding trails and award-winning golf courses.

To learn more about the 52 Kentucky State Parks, including special events, park details, or lodging and camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov.  Guests may want to call the park in advance to check pool opening status or events affected by weather before making travel plans.

(The state parks holding canoe trips reserve the right to cancel the trip due to unsafe water or weather conditions. Due to recent rains, the water level is under constant surveillance and participants will be updated frequently as to the trip status.)

Listed below are just some of the special events scheduled for May:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

May 15: Barren River 5K Classic
Run this challenging course that takes you through the beautiful scenery of the park. Prizes will be awarded for each division and overall male and female winners. Registration fee includes T-shirt and goodie bag. To register, call 270-646-2151 or download a registration form at www.parks.ky.gov/raceseries/.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

May 22: Licking River Canoe Adventure

This one-day trip is an all-inclusive, 20-mile excursion on the Licking River. Park will supply canoes, life jackets, box lunch, snacks, drinks, and evening buffet meal at Hidden Waters Restaurant. Cost is $69.95 plus tax. Space is limited. Contact Paul Tierney, Park Naturalist, for reservations and additional information by calling 800-443-7008.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

May 22: Cumberland Falls Beautification

Meet at the Visitors Center at 9 a.m. to help restore Cumberland Falls back to its natural beauty. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and cookout lunch. 1-800-325-0063.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville

May 15: Storytelling and S’mores
Join us around the campfire for an evening of storytelling and yummy s’mores. Our storytellers will delight you with their humorous stories as your whole family sets around the campfire roasting marshmallows. Program will be at Picnic Grove from 7-9 p.m. $5 per family. 502-429-7270.

Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond

May 29-30: 18th Century Trade Fair & Rifle Frolic
Visit a social, political and business gathering of merchants, traders, artisans, Native Americans, militia members, beggars, long hunters, scouts and other characters. Listen to period music, visit camps and shop for 18th century goods as you compare life today to life 225 years ago. See a weekend of 18th century history come to life! This event is free with a paid admission to the fort. The event is 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 859-527-3131.

Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg

May 15: Bark in the Park

Bring your leashed family pet and enjoy a dog’s day out. This will be a festival devoted to the beloved family with a dog and cat show/contest with vendors selling and displaying all sorts of animal products.  Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 859-734-3314.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

May 29: Play It Again Concert Series
Kevin Stonerock is a melding of folk, roots country and rock with straightforward honesty. His 1978 first solo album, “Day Before Tomorrow” on 700 West Records racked up respectable sales and overseas airplay. Guitar Player magazine has deemed Kevin’s guitar work “strong and inspired.” To date, Stonerock has five solo releases. His latest release is “Land of a Thousand Smiles” on Two Moon Records. This event starts at 7 p.m. at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House.  866-462-8853.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

May 15: Tractor Show

Greenup Old Tractors, Engines & Machinery (G.O.T.E.M.) will be having their annual Tractor Show at the Community Pool Parking Lot.  All tractors are welcome along with hit and miss engines.  Tractor registration is 9-11 a.m. Show hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  There will be a Tractor Parade through the park at 11a.m.  Tractor games begin at 1 p.m. with a Kiddies Tractor Pull followed by Tractor games for adults.  Fun for the entire family and this event is free.

May 30: Homegrown 2010-Songs of Zachariah

The Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre “Homegrown 2010-Songs of Zachariah” is a day-long music fest featuring Christian, country, folk, and pop music from 1-9 p.m., sponsored by WTCR and Tours Eastern Kentucky.  Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre for a day of great music. This event is free and concessions will be available. No alcohol. 1-800-325-0083.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

May 14-15: Home Grown Bluegrass and Creative Arts

Enjoy two days of pickin’ and jammin’. Local bluegrass bands will host this annual festival that is fun for all ages. A favorite is the open mic and pickin’ opportunities so bring your instrument! Friday night is music only; Saturday features music, art vendors, children’s events with magic shows, face painting, art classes, pottery, balloons, petting zoo and more. This event is held in conjunction with the Creative Arts Festival. Event admission is free; parking is $4 per car. 270-826-2247

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

May 28-30: Memorial Day Weekend

Some of the activities for this Great American Weekend at Kenlake include learning how to fold the American flag, archery, tennis, flag football, and more.  Make your own fishing pole.  On Friday evening, help us eat the BIGGEST treat ever — our Giant Banana Split! The Saturday evening program will feature the Tammy Elza animal show. The Sunday evening program will be storytelling, roasted hot dogs and some s’mores. Plus crafts, and more games, and more fun. 800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

May 29-30-Spring Craft Festival

This is an outdoor-juried craft show located on a point overlooking beautiful Kentucky Lake. The show features handcrafted items created by artists from Kentucky and neighboring states. Artist demonstrations and traditional Kentucky festival food mark this weekend “Made in Kentucky.” Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1-800-325-0146.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

May 15: Barkley Hoopfest
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The tournament will have two age groups; 13-16 and 17 and up and is open to male and female players. Tournament fee is $15 per team. Pre-registration is required. Trophies are awarded to winning team in each age group. 800-325-1708.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade

May 15, 22, 28, 29: Squaredancing at Hoedown Island

Enjoy squaredancing outside at Hoedown Island at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The island is located just behind the lodge and starts at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $3 a person; children 12 and under are free. Join us for dinner and spend the evening dancing. 800-325-1710.

Nolin Lake State Park, Bee Spring

May 22: Music Across Nolin

Once again this year the Friends of Nolin Lake will be offering music from 7-9 p.m. at the picnic shelter. The band for this evening will be The Acoustic Duo, with concessions available. 270-286-4240.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

May 15: Canoe the Tradewater

Ever see the beautiful sandstone cliffs along a river’s edge or enjoyed a backcountry river trip? This is your chance. Rebecca Clark, the park’s naturalist, will take the group to the Tradewater River for this awesome outdoor adventure. The flat water canoe trip is recommended for people ages 12 and up who have canoed before. The maximum number of participants is 18. A couple of kayaks are also available for rent. Lifejackets and paddles provided. Bring your own sunscreen and bug repellent. These trips will be half-day trips. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration fee is $20 per canoe. 1-800-325-1711.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

May 27-30: Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival

A spring mountain celebration hosted by the city of Pineville featuring an assortment of gala events including concerts, dances, fun run, golf tournament, carnival and the crowning of the Mountain Laurel Queen.  The event punctuates the arrival of spring to the mountains and the blooming of the Mountain Laurel.  The park will host the Governor’s Luncheon and Queen’s Coronation on Saturday, and the Queen’s Breakfast on Sunday.  For more information, contact the park at (606) 337-3066 or (800) 325-1712.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

May 14-16: Mint Julep Model Airplane Scale Meet

Come and see some high-flying action at Rough River Dam State Resort Airport! Radio-controlled model airplanes are built to scale and are judged on detail and precision. Planes are split up into divisions that include Best Civilian, Best Military, Fun Scale Sportsman, Fun Scale Aerobatics, and more. You can see these planes up close and personal and watch them doing unbelievable stunts high above your head! This event is hosted by the Southern Indiana R/C modelers and is free of charge for spectators. 1-800-325-1713.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

Lake Barkley – A Personal Favorite

Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Summer Family Vacation!

Summer is just around the corner, and families don’t have to look far afield for a fun-filled vacation in friendly surroundings.

“From houseboating on Lake Cumberland to exploring the many fascinating exhibits along Louisville’s Museum Row, Kentucky is a fabulous place for families to bond while enjoying new and exciting experiences this summer,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Travel & Tourism.

A great way for a family to spend quality time together is a houseboat vacation on one of Kentucky’s jewel-like lakes. From Lake Cumberland in the east to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in the west, renting a houseboat provides a relaxing getaway for thousands of families every summer. Cruise the tranquil waters and enjoy jet-skiing, tubing and swimming. Anchor near shore and go exploring or fish from the bank. Houseboats come in all sizes with a range of amenities – just pick one and set sail for family adventure.

Venture to one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks and “rough it” while camping, backpacking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Most of the parks with campgrounds are equipped with RV hookups; at the resort parks, lodge rooms and cabin rentals are available if you’d rather get back to nature with more of the comforts of home.

If reliving key moments in Kentucky history is more your family’s style, take them to Kentucky’s state historic parks for memorable encounters with the Bluegrass state’s storied past. Experience one of the largest Civil War battlegrounds in the country at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site about 15 miles west of Danville. While in central Kentucky, you can see what Kentucky’s frontier was like at Old Fort Harrod State Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park, where costumed interpreters portray life in pre-Revolutionary War days.

The place to get close to horses is the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With nearly one million visitors yearly, the Horse Park is the world’s only theme park dedicated solely to man’s relationship with the horse. Kids love to make the acquaintance of celebrated racehorses who now call the park home. And there’s always something new and interesting at the International Museum of the Horse.

New this summer is the The Hatfield McCoy River Rats in Pike County. From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boats to guided and unguided river tours, this new facility will provide adventure for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Depart for your water experience on the river at the headquarters at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.

In downtown Louisville, take a stroll along Museum Row near the riverfront. Here you’ll find the Frazier International History Museum, where the arms collection spans centuries starting with medieval England and live interpreters demonstrate sword fights.  Make time for visits to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where workers craft the bats used by major leaguers and the history of “America’s pastime” comes alive. Youngsters and their parents will also enjoy the Muhammad Ali Center, where interactive exhibits in multiple languages pay tribute to the career and values of the former world champion boxer from Louisville.

Meanwhile, take the kids to Bowling Green in south central Kentucky for Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, with 40 rides, go-carts and a water park.  Drag racing and stock car racing also provide excitement at Beech Bend Raceway. Auto enthusiasts, young and old, will also enjoy the National Corvette Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to America’s sports car. Right across the street, tour the GM Corvette Plant, the only place where Corvettes are made.

To start your family’s exploration of any of Kentucky’s summertime attractions, visit www.kytourism.com or call the Department of Travel & Tourism’s toll-free line, 1-800-225-8747.

If you’ve never listened to me before, I’m begging you to listen to me now.

There’s is a restaurant that you simply MUST visit.  I don’t care how long you have to drive to get there… get there!  Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky is waiting for you and, believe me, they’re really something extra special.

Here’s the low down.  My husband (Michael) and I were in the Land Between the Lakes area.  He was visiting an architect on business and I was along for the beautiful ride and, let’s be honest, dinner.  We’d planned on eating at The Majestic Steakhouse in Draffenville (outrageously good food), but a lady in the arhitect’s office asked my husband if we’d ever eaten at Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky.  Since Michael and I had only seen it from a distance – and always assumed it was a coffee house – he told her that we had not. She highly recommended it and off we went.

I write and publish 16 different websites and one of my favorite tasks is one I perform for Genuine Kentucky:  Restaurant reviews.  I particularly DELIGHT in visiting new restaurants, so I was completely psyched.  However, when we approached the door, I secretly wondered if my husband had heard the woman correctly.  I would have sworn (from the outside) that we were about to walk into a little coffee house.  Now, you know me, I’m the biggest coffee addict in the world but, by this time, I was starving and knew I wanted more than coffee and biscotti.

When we walked through the door, my jaw landed on the tops of my sandals.  Wow.  The restaurant is larger than you’d guess and looks like a restaurant you’d expect in downtown Louisville.  One of the friendliest servers we’ve ever had – anywhere (saying something since we eat all over the place) – came over to seat us and introduce himself.  Kyle was the sort of server I’d want if I owned a restaurant – a perfect ambassador.  Neat, friendly, helpful, happy, and knowledgeable.

My husband ordered steak and was trying to decide how he wanted it cooked. Kyle made a suggestion and, when the steak came, Michael said it was exactly as Kyle said it’d be and exactly how he wanted it.  I, personally, ordered fish (which was as perfect at what it did for a living as Kyle was at his job), mashed potatoes, and green beans.  The mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious and the green beans were sensational.  They were cooked exactly how I like – crunchy and elegant.  Yes, elegant.

Like O’Chalreys, Main Street Java keeps you supplied with a basket of bread and real butter.  Heavenly.

Back to the steak.  Michael shared a few bites with me, and I returned the favor with my excellent fish. Understand this, we travel a great deal.  Not just within our home state of Kentucky, but to plenty of other states as well.  In fact, Nashville is a frequent destination (remembering them in our prayers, incidentally).  The steak we got at Main Street Java was the best steak I’ve eaten out.  Ever.  Anyplace.

This is a big, bold statement, so I’m going to repeat it.  The steak at Main Street Java was the best steak I’ve ever gotten at any restaurant.  Any time.  Anyplace.

There was a certain special flavor and quality that set it apart – way apart.  My husband has always teased me about my fetish with steak sauce.  I don’t care if we’re in an Outback or one of the most swanky restaurants in a particularly swanky town – I always ask for a bottle of A1 or Heinz 57 – whichever one I’m in the mood for.  I always try one bite of a steak first, but I, invariably, still want my beloved sauce.

Not. This. Time.  I would not have dared to mess this steak up with a steak sauce.

I was convinced that we’d float away from there talking mainly about the veggies and steak, but then the husband shows off those skills that remind me why I love him so very much:  He ordered – - – not just dessert—— dessert with chocolate on its mind.

That’s my boy!

This dessert was called Chocolate Eruption and it was STUPID GOOD.   It proved that we weren’t just dealing with Svengalis of steak here in Benton Kentucky – they also possess some serious (SERIOUS) dessert skills.  If Chocolate Eruption were a girl, it’s theme song would be “Brick House.”

She’s a brick—-HOUSE…
Mighty mighty, just lettin’ it all hang out
She’s a brick—-HOUSE
The lady’s stacked and that’s a fact,
Ain’t holding nothing back.

She’s a brick—-HOUSE
She’s the one, the only one,
who’s built like a amazon
We’re together everybody knows,
and here’s how the story goes.

Break it down now! …

She knows she got everything
a woman needs to get a man, yeah.
How can she use, the things she use
36-24-36, what a winning hand!

The “clothes” Chocolate Eruption wears are chocolate and her “sexy ways” are cheesecake.  Her foundation is a delicious brownie.  From there, she branches out into a Chocolate Mousse (have mercy…), then she tops it all off with chocolate drizzles and Heavenly goodness.  Oh, did I mention the chunks of cheesecake throughout the entire production.  That’s just her showing off her “sexy ways.”  Shake a bom shake a bom shake a bom bom.

While we’re shaking bom boms, I have to point out that the coffee is extra exceptional too. Strong, delicious, smooth, with a bit of a sweet undercurrent. I live for sweet undercurrents, so I couldn’t have been happier. I also live in a town (Owensboro, Kentucky) with 3 Starbucks that I keep in business, so I know my java. This was extremely wonderful.

Here’s my Motto. Never Postpone…

• Happiness
• A kiss from your spouse
• A hug from your children
• A chance to rub your cat
• An opportunity to pray
• Great coffee
• Chocolate
• The best steak you’ll ever eat

Oh yeah… you know what to do next.  Here’s your map.  Tell Chocolate Eruption I’ll be seeing her again very soon.  Although Kyle mentioned that the Banana’s Foster was “on par” with Chocolate Eruption.  Hmmm, I’ll order one and Michael can order the other.  That works.

Photo Credit: Main Street Java - Please visit their website and take a gander at the pictures of the inside of their remarkable restaurant.  You’ll also want to read more about them and check out some of  their menu items!  I have to warn you, though, the pictures just don’t do the food justice.

Beautiful Lake Barkley State Resort Park is hosting a Red Hatter’s Only Pre-Derby celebration.  Lunch, tea, and an afternoon at the races.

What part of that doesn’t sound like fun?

Read the online “flyer” below for more information.  Click the image or HERE for a larger version.