Greenbo Lake State Resort Park will hold its annual weekend honoring Kentucky writer Jesse Stuart on Sept. 24-25.
The weekend is dedicated to the works and memory of the former Kentucky poet laureate, who was born in Greenup County, worked as an educator and became known for his poems, short stories and novels. He often used education and his Greenup County surroundings for themes in his stories.
The weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 24, with an afternoon hike to the Jesse Stuart Nature Preserve. There will also be talks about Stuart and on Saturday a tour of the Jesse Stuart Foundation in Ashland, a visit to W Hollow, Stuart’s home, and book appraisals.
The weekend will also feature “The Needles Eye,” a dramatic production with music taken from Stuart’s book about his experience as an educator “The Thread That Runs So True.” Show times are Saturday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, at 2:30 p.m. Both shows will be at the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Preschoolers are free. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets with you.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park is on KY 1, 18 miles north of I-64 from Grayson exit or 8 miles south of U.S. 23, the Country Music Highway on KY 1. Greenbo Lake features the Jesse Stuart Lodge with 36 rooms, convention center, and Anglers’ Cove Restaurant. The park has a 225-acre lake for boating and fishing, tennis courts, 25 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The campground is open April 1 through Oct. 31. Greenbo Amphitheatre features musical concerts and plays during the summer and fall.
Call 1-800-325-0083 for information and reservations.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 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 website at http://www.parks.ky.gov
* Greenbo Lake State Resort Park appears in a recent issue of Bridges Magazine. Angler’s Cove restaurant at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park is featured, highlighting an all you can eat seafood buffet.
The Kentucky State Parks Foundation and the Kentucky State Parks are hosting a gala and silent auction on Aug. 28 at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton.
The event serves as a fund-raiser for the foundation, which helps support the Kentucky State Park system. Dr. and Mrs. Pearse Lyons, presenting sponsors of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park, are serving as honorary chairs of the event.
The gala and auction will be from 6 to 8 p.m. There will also be a Sunday brunch on Aug. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.
To make reservations and purchase tickets, call 502-716-7286, ext. 2 or register online at http://kentuckystateparksfoundation.org Tickets for the gala are $50 a person and $20 a person for the brunch. Tickets will be available at the door.
General Butler State Resort Park includes a lodge, cottages, restaurant, conference center, the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, hiking trails and more. To make lodging reservations, call the park at 866-462-8853.
The resort is located 44 miles northeast of Louisville. From Louisville, take I-71 to Carrollton, exit 44.
General Butler State Resort Park
Like all of Kentucky’s State Resort Parks, General Butler State Resort Park offers something for everyone – beautifully.
Located in Carrollton, Kentucky – 44 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky, General Butler Resort Park provides a Kentucky Vacation (or Kentucky Staycation!) that your entire family will enjoy.
General Butler State Resort Park is a tribute to one of Kentucky’s foremost military families. Named for General William Orlando Butler, the military fame of the family spans from colonial time, through the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War.
Enjoy Butler’s unique setting at the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers from the scenic overlook. One of the highest points in Carroll County, the lookout was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.
Like all of Kentucky’s beautiful state parks, General Butler State Resort Park feels like Heaven on earth to photographers – there are photo ops everywhere you point your camera. Continue Reading About General Butler State Resort Park…..
“John James Audubon: Before His Birds” will be presented on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 19 and 20, at 7 p.m. in the museum garden of John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Ky. The play was written by A.J. Casey and is co-directed by Casey and Steve McCarty, technical director at Henderson Fine Arts Center.
“John James Audubon: Before His Birds” focuses on Audubon’s life and his influences as the creator of the masterpiece “Birds of America.” His intense love affair with his wife Lucy, as well as his many years spent gathering inspiration and material in Henderson, Ky., played heavily into Audubon’s life and success and are chronicled in Casey’s original play.
The gorgeous outdoor setting of the play’s presentation is in keeping with Audubon’s love of the natural world, and is a fitting tribute to Audubon’s many treks into the wilderness surrounding Henderson, Ky., during his time there. The museum itself will lend a dramatic backdrop to the production.
A.J. Casey holds a theatre degree from Murray State University and currently teaches at RiverBend Academy arts school. “John James Audubon: Before His Birds” is Casey’s first full-length script and was written as a thesis project. He created the script in cooperation with the Audubon Bicentennial Committee as part of Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010.
The local cast includes: John (Chris Reaves); Lucy (Megan Mortis); Capt. Jean Audubon and Artistic Admirer (Frank Furbush); Anne Moynet (Megan Nantz); William B. and Thomas B. (Rick Chandler); Woman and Lady Artistic Admirer (Brianna Barron); Dacosta, Attendant and Mr. Bowen (Kurt Denton); Assistant (Isaac Vaughn); Thomas Bakewell (Adam Casey).
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Tickets may be purchased at Matt’s News & Gifts in downtown Henderson and at the Audubon State Park museum.
The play will be preceded on Thursday, Aug. 19 by the opening reception and awards presentation of Views of Audubon, an exhibit of paintings inspired by landscapes and wildlife of the park, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 20, a drawing for a 2010 Jeep Wrangler will be held prior to the play at 6 p.m. in front of the Tea House; $25/ticket entries. The proceeds will help support the Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010. For more information on bicentennial events, visit: www.audubon2010.com
About Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010:
John James Audubon arrived in the river town of Henderson, Ky. in 1810 with his wife and infant son. Audubon loved the frontier spirit in Henderson, and as he worked to support his family through business he also spent much time roaming the woods, observing and painting the many species of birds abundant in the area. Audubon’s skills as an artist grew during his years in Kentucky, and after nine years in Kentucky, he went on to publish his ornithological works in the masterpiece, “The Birds of America.” In celebration of the bicentennial of Audubon’s 1810 arrival in Henderson County, the Friends of Audubon, Ohio Valley Art League and the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources have come together to celebrate with a wide variety of events. For more information, visit www.audubon2010.com. For more information about Audubon State Park and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov
Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, is offering training for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders to help them learn the skills necessary to ride safe while having fun. Users will learn valuable lessons about protecting themselves and respecting the outdoors while riding.
Professionals from the ATV Safety Institute have returned this year to host several ATV safety training courses at LBL throughout 2010. “This training provides a good foundation for people wanting to learn proper riding techniques, build riding confidence, and gain an increased sense of awareness out on the trails,” stated Kyle Varel, Assistant Manager at Turkey Bay. “Topics include correct riding posture, turning safely, and even how to properly tackle obstacles.” Varel said all ATV riders, or members of the household who are the original owners of their ATVs, are invited to attend the training courses.
The next two courses offered are scheduled for Saturday, August 28, at 8am and 12pm. Participants must arrive one-half hour early (7:30 and 11:30am) to prepare for the course. Each course should last approximately four hours. The final class being offered in 2010 is scheduled for October 23. All participants are required to wear boots, long sleeve shirt and pants, and a helmet. In the event of inclement weather, training may be canceled; therefore, we recommend participants “Call Before You Haul” at 270-924-2000, or visit our website at www.lbl.org, then clicking on “Alerts & Notices” or “Plan Your Visit” for up-to-date information. Pre-scheduling is encouraged; however, walk-ins, as well as guests of scheduled students, are encouraged to take part. To pre-schedule, or if you have additional ATV Safety Course questions contact Connie Hathorn at 270-753-1902. You may also visit www.atvsafety.org for more information.
Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. Visitors are invited to www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for the Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL information is also available on the website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. You can find out more about “Friends of LBL” at www.friendsoflbl.org
The annual sale of native Kentucky wildflowers will be held at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.
During this public sale, shoppers can choose from numerous species of native plants including favorites like the cardinal flower, purple coneflower, passion flower and many more. All native plants are priced at $5 to $6 each. This sale is only held once a year.
Native shrubs, wildflowers and grasses are the preferred shelter and food source for Kentucky’s wildlife. These low-maintenance plants thrive in the state’s climate and soil conditions. They also require less water than exotic species. Plant experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice on creating beautiful wildflower gardens. In addition, visitors can tour the Salato Center and see wildflowers in full bloom.
The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, an eagle, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, snakes and fish. The center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.
For more information, call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is located at the department’s headquarters at #1 Sportsman’s Lane (formerly #1 Game Farm Road), off U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Kentucky
Carter Caves State Resort Park is celebrating the 40th anniversary of a musical tradition with the, Sept. 8-11, 2010.
The festival that began as a family reunion honors old-time music and eastern Kentucky traditions as well as master fiddler J.P. Fraley. He’ll be performing with professional and beginning musicians on stage, jamming in parking lots and sharing music around the campfires of Carter Caves. Musical instruments such as dulcimer, fiddle and guitar are used to tell stories about life long ago along the foothills of eastern Kentucky.
On Wednesday evening there will be a free “Jamming in the Round” get together in the campground starting at 8 p.m. On Thursday starting at 7 p.m., enjoy an open stage concert in the park’s amphitheater.
On Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., the amphitheater will come to life with an open stage, a banjo gatherin’ and a dulcimer gatherin’. Friday’s activities will be capped with an evening concert in the amphitheater at 7 p.m.
Starting Saturday morning, the amphitheater will resound with sessions devoted to ballads, storytelling, and Carter Family songs, and conclude with a fiddle gatherin’ and guitar gatherin’. Saturday night’s concert in the amphitheater begins at 7 p.m
Paid admission is required for concert and jam sessions Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Fees range from $4 to $10. A festival pass for all programs costs just $25 per person.
For more information, including a list of invited musicians, contact Coy Ainsley at 606-286-4411 x2543 or email festival organizer Barb Kuhns at bkuhnsfiddle@yahoo.com. Visit the festival web site at www.fraleyfestival.com The schedule of events can be found at: http://www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cc/naturalist/
Carter Caves State Resort Park features a lodge, vacation cottages, RV campsites and primitive campsites. The lodge restaurant offers a variety of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There’s also hiking, golf, mini-golf, fishing, horseback riding and swimming. The park is located in northeastern Kentucky, 4 miles off of I-64 between Grayson and Olive Hill (exit 161).
Owensboro, Kentucky is gearing up for one of its favorite festivals. The 2010 Big O Music Fest will be held on Friday August 13th and Saturday August 14th. Check out the 2010 Artist Lineup page on the Big O Music Festival’s website – complete with pics and bios.
Friday’s Lineup:
- Randy Houser
- Mark Wills
- Josh Gracin
- Mountain Heart
Saturday’s Lineup:
- Gary Allan
- Jamey Johnson
- Phil Vassar
- Colt Ford
- Brian Davis
- Jaclyn Graves
NEW: Camping Offered for 2010!
Space is limited, so get your request in early to reserve your tent camping spot. You can come out and camp Friday night, or Saturday night after the show. Or, you can stay and camp both nights. Click Here for more information and camping rules or Click Here to reserve your Tent or RV camp site now!
The Big O Music Fest Will Be Held At:
Reid’s Orchard (Directions)
4812 State Route 144
Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro Lodging:
Hampton Inn – Owensboro
Comfort Suites – Owensboro
Fairfield Inn-Owensboro
Days Inn – Owensboro
Ramada Inn – Owensboro
Holiday Inn Express – Owensboro
Super 8 Motel – Owensboro
Motel 6 – Owensboro
Henderson Lodging:
Holiday Inn Express Henderson Hotel
Sleep Inn Henderson
Comfort Inn Henderson
Ramada Henderson
Ramada Inn Henderson
Super 8 Henderson / Evansville In Area
Bowling Green Lodging:
Holiday Inn University Plaza-Bowling Green Hotel
Courtyard Bowling Green Convention Center
Red Roof Inn Discount Hotel
Days Inn Hotels: Bowling Green
Days Inn Hotels: Bowling Green
Sleep Inn Bowling Green
Ramada Bowling Green-Scottsville Rd
Drury Inn – Bowling Green
If you’re thinking about getting a little boating in before summer ends, Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a great deal for you.
Rent a pontoon boat for all day for $175 plus tax and the park will throw in a lodge room for free. The lodging offer is good for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the boat use for the following day. The park is also offering a two-night package with the use of the boat for two days for an additional $150 plus tax.
The park also has overnight packages that include a john-boat for fishing or ski-boats.
The offer is good through Oct. 15, 2010 and does not include holidays. Gas is not included. The offer is based on availability. To view the coupon, visit http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/br/ and click on “Summer Boating Offer.”
Barren River Lake State Resort Park near Glasgow has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.
For more information and to make reservations. Call 1-800-325-0057.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Kentucky
Pine Mountain State Resort Park is offering a great weekend opportunity for anyone interested in fall colors and wildlife viewing with its Hawktoberfest Oct. 1-3.
The weekend is co-sponsored by Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Guests can immerse themselves in the changing array of fall foliage and watchable wildlife during the peak of autumn raptor migration. The weekend features a wide variety of family activities, programs and presentations offered concurrently at both Pine Mountain State Resort Park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, just 10 miles south of Pine Mountain. Participation in all activities and programs at both parks is free.
Offerings will include observation techniques, raptor identification, morning birding walks, live birds of prey shows, a guided hawk watch from atop lofty Pinnacle Overlook, children’s activities and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity for fall fun in the mountains!
Pine Mountain State Resort Park encompasses more than 1,500 acres with more than half dedicated as a state nature preserve. The park features scenic landscapes, old growth forest and generous wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy a panoramic mountain view while dining in the First Frontier Restaurant. Lodging is also available in the Herndon J. Evans Lodge, contemporary cottages or rustic log cabins. Pine Mountain was established as the state’s first state park in 1924 and is regarded as one of Kentucky’s last great natural places.
Pine Mountain State Resort is located one mile south of Pineville, Ky. on US 25E and 10 miles north of Middlesboro, Ky. From I-75 South or North, take exit 29 at Corbin onto US 25E. 25E is a four-lane road to Pineville.
For more information or to make reservations, call 1-800-325-1712.
Click HERE for the Hawktoberfest agenda (pdf). For more information about Pine Mountain State Resort Park (as well as Kentucky’s other outstanding stat parks), see the Pine Mountain State Resort Page section on Kentucky State Parks’ website.
Carter Caves State Resort Park is once again hosting the Bil Lepp “Liar” Comedy Dinner Theater on Aug. 27 and 28.
This will be a night full of good food and comedy from the “Side Splitting Funny Man.” Bil Lepp, a preacher and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest, will be on stage to entertain. He tells original, hilarious tales that will bring a smile to the face of anyone within earshot.
The cost for the buffet dinner and show is $34.95 plus tax per person and $29 plus tax per child 12 years and under. Call 1-800-325-0059 to make your reservations.
The dinner menu includes barbecue ribs, frog legs, catfish and hush puppies, fried chicken, roast beef, assortment of vegetables dishes, salad and desserts.
A lodging package is being offered that includes a one night stay, dinner and the show for two for $148.90 plus tax.
Carter Caves offers cave tours, golf, hiking, golf, mini-golf, fishing, camping, horseback riding and swimming. Carter Caves also has a lodge and restaurant. For more information, call the park at 1-800-325-0059 or 1-606-286-4411.
Directions to Carter Caves State Resort Park: From Interstate 64 East, take exit 161 (Olive Hill exit). Turn left off the exit onto U.S. 60 east. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left on KY 182 north. Park entrance is 3 miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.
