A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes!

Ox from The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized residents.  If I do say so myself, my husband takes amazing pictures! This one’s a favorite.

There’s nothing about the Land Between the Lakes that I don’t love (except maybe for the fact that there are no Starbucks). An animal lover since before I was born – don’t ask how I know, I just do – I love the Nature Station, the Bison and Elk Prairie, and the endless opportunities to see birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Another favorite destination in the wonderful Land Between the Lakes region is the Homeplace. Once again, there are plenty of animals for me to ooooh and ahhhh over. I’m all about the oooohs and the ahhhhs.

The Homeplace

The Homeplace is, essentially, a step back in time. Located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace is as educational as it is entertaining.  There’s also an outstanding gift shop that has just about everything you could hope for from a gift shop.  To read more about The Homeplace and its history, please click the link.

A Pickin’ Party on the Horizon!

Anytime The Homeplace hosts a party, it’s one for the books and, trust me, when there’s food involved, you’ll want to invite everyone you know.  The food is always positively mind-boggling – as delicious as food can possibly be.  As you’ll notice in the blurb below, food will be available for purchase (insert a BOO-YAH right about here). The Pickin’ Party will be in full swing (literally) on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

From LBL.org: Born of the heartland, raised in the river valleys, old-time country music this weekend will once again echo in the hills and hollows of LBL. For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850s farm family as they go about their daily chores. 1850s children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend.Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Click HERE for performer’s descriptions and schedule.

May Events In Land Between the Lakes

Beautiful deer at the Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes

Below are a list of family-oriented and fun events to enjoy in Kentucky’s beautiful  Land Between the Lakes.  The deer in the photo above are just a few of the gorgeous (and incredibly well cared for!) residents of the Nature Station. The Nature Station is a favorite spot for children of all ages.  As someone who could spend the entire day there, trust me on this one!

Friday, May 27
6-8:30 pm – Sunset Canoe Trip, Nature Station
Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. $25 per canoe. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

7 pm – Pink Floyd Dark Side & 8:30 pm Pink Floyd The Wall Laser Lights Shows, Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29
Saturday, 10am–7pm
Sunday, 11am–6pm
The Pickin’ Party: The Homeplace Old-Time Music Festival, at The Homeplace
For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30
River Days 2011 at the Nature Station: Dive in at the Nature Station as we have fun learning about our river’s heritage. Activities will include Smokey Bear appearances, live animal programs, kids’ crafts, and canoe trips.

Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30
Ongoing throughout the weekend CSI: Critter Scene Investi-“gators” Scavenger Hunt at the Nature Station

Saturday, May 28
10:45, 12:45, 3:15 & 4:15 – Smokey Bear Appearances at the Nature Station

11 am – King of the Fishermen: The Bald Eagle at the Nature Station

1-3 pm – Crazy Quacker Kids’ Craft at the Nature Station
Ducks are an important part of our rivers. Make your own floating duck craft. Program free with NS admission.

3:30 pm – Meet the Monster: The Alligator Snapper at the Nature Station

6-8:30 pm – Sunset Canoe Trip at the Nature Station
Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle on Lake Barkley. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

7 pm – Laser Spirit & 8:30 pm, Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Shows at the Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, May 29
11 am – River Owl: The Barred Owl at the Nature Station

Sunday, May 29
1:30pm Riverbank Puppet Show at the Nature Station

3:30 pm – A Serious Case of the Uglies: Strange Animals of LBL at the Nature Station

6-8:30 pm Family-Oriented Sunset Canoe Trip at the Nature Station
The focus is on kid-friendly activities to get families into canoeing and wildlife viewing. $25 per canoe. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve a space. Children must be 5 years or older.

Monday, May 30
11:30 am – Let the Turtle Race Begin at Nature Station

1-3:30 pm – Pond Prowl at the Nature Station
We’ll explore below the water’s surface in search of tadpoles, crawdads, and baby dragonflies. Program free with NS admission. Limited to 30 people. Register at the NS front desk that day. Weather permitting.

Kentucky State Park Historic Sites and Museums Offer Free Admission Coupon For Children

Special Rates for Kids at Select Kentucky State Parks

There are countless wonderful things to do and beautiful things to see in Kentucky’s State Parks. Kentucky’s State Historic Sites are particularly fascinating, and a wonderful way to teach your children a little about history… without them even realizing they’re learning!

Children can get a good look at Kentucky history with a special offer from Kentucky State Parks. Children receive free admission to state park museums and historic sites with every adult admission purchased through Oct. 31, 2011.

The Kentucky State Park museums and historic sites cover topics such as Native Americans, pioneers, the Civil War, natural history, historic homes and other topics from the state’s fascinating history.

The coupon for the free admission for children age 12 and under is available by going to www.parks.ky.gov and clicking on the “discounts” heading. Here is a listing of the historic sites and a phone number. Guests should check in advance for hours of operation:

  • Blue Licks Battlefield Museum, 800-443-7008
  • Butler-Turpin State Historic House, 866-462-8853
  • Columbus Belmont State Park, 270-677-2327
  • Ft. Boonesborough State Park, 859-527-3131
  • Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, 270-889-6100
  • John James Audubon State Park, 270-826-2247
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park, 502-348-3502
  • Levi Jackson State Park, 606-330-2130
  • Lincoln Homestead State Park, 859-336-7461
  • Old Ft. Harrod State Park, 859-734-3314
  • Old Mulkey Meeting House, 270-487-8481
  • Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, 859-332-8631
  • Waveland State Historic Site, 859-272-3611
  • White Hall State Historic Site, 859-623-9178
  • Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, 270-335-3681
  • William Whitely State Historic Site, 606-355-2881

Enjoy with no admission fees:

  • Big Bone Lick State Park, 859-384-3522
  • Boone Station State Historic Site
  • Constitution Square State Historic Site, 859-239-7089
  • Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, 606-546-4400

Pennyrile Forest Offers Canoe Trips on the Tradewater

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

A series of canoe trips sponsored by Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park begin May 21 on the Tradewater River.

Guests will be able to view a beautiful sandstone cliff during the backcountry river trip. Park Naturalist Rebecca Clark will take the group down the Tradewater River for this awesome outdoor adventure.

The trips are planned for May 21, June 18 and Aug. 13.

The flat water canoe trip is recommended for people ages 12 and up who have previously canoed. The maximum number of participants is 14. Lifejackets and paddles will be provided. Bring your own sunscreen and bug repellent. These trips will last approximately two hours on the water. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration fee is $20 per canoe. Trips fill up fast so register early. Participants must register one week before the canoe trip.

Trips may be rescheduled or canceled due to heavy rain, thunderstorms or inadequate registrations. Call 1-800-325-1711 for reservations and information.

Pennyrile Forest is located 20 miles northwest of Hopkinsville and approximately 8 miles South of Dawson Springs. From the West Kentucky Parkway, take exit 24, follow Highway 109 through Dawson Springs to the park entrance. From the Pennyrile Parkway South, take exit 12 (Hwy 1682), follow 1682 to Hwy 109, go north on Hwy 109 to the park entrance. The park also offers an 18-hole golf course, lodge, cottages, restaurant, lake with boat rentals, recreation/naturalist programming and gift shop.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is hosting its Nature Photography Weekend April 29-May 1.

Photography: Butterfly on a Bright Flower

Nature photography buffs will enjoy this weekend that features a 24-hour digital competition. Photographers with all skill levels can pick up helpful tips from guest speakers. There will be amateur and accomplished classes. Plaques will be given in several categories. The cost is $ 35 per person.

This year’s speakers are Kendal Chiles and Don McGowan, two very accomplished nature photographers who have taught numerous workshops focusing on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. Don and Kendal are eager to share their expertise with you.

Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information, registration and overnight accommodations. Email Bret A. Smitley@ky.gov for a brochure.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has a lodge, Riverview Restaurant, cottages, campground, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, other recreational activities and a great view of Cumberland Falls.

John James Audubon State Park: Wildflower Extravaganza April 2

Black-Eyed Susans

If you love flowers, trees, and birds as much as we do in our home (I guess “in our yard” would be more appropriate), here’s something you’ll be very interested in.

John James Audubon State Park’s Annual Wildflower Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, April 2 , from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CT).

Throughout the day, visitors to the park in Henderson will have the opportunity to stretch their legs, expand their minds and create botanical landscaping masterpieces. This annual event features programs for all ages including three wildflower walks, informative presentations and a children’s scavenger hunt.

Visitors will learn about the area’s incredible spring flowers and their historical uses. “Long before pharmacies, people looked to nature to cure their ills,” said Audubon Park Naturalist Julie McDonald. “Some of those medical uses were valid while others were just plain dangerous, however, since then we’ve lost touch with nature, and the stories that connect us to it.”

Evansville Courier and Press writer Sharon Sorenson will introduce visitors the art of birdscaping or landscaping to attract birds and wildlife. With all of the wonderful landscaping plants available, one would think that there’s plenty of food available.

“Not so,” said McDonald. “The toughest time to find food is toward the end of winter when natural food sources such as grasses and berry plants are depleted and the insects haven’t come back in large enough numbers to feed hungry mouths. If we plant the right plants to sustain birds through the winter and provide a frost-free water source, we’ll have a better chance of creating the best habitat for our feathered friends while reducing lawn mowing time throughout the summer.”

Saturday, April 2 activities include:

  • 9 a.m.: Wildflower Walk (1.5 hour)—We’ll identify as many flowers as we can on this challenging one-mile trail ranging from ridge to river. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
  • 11 a.m.: Wildflower Walk—Learn about the traditional uses of native wildflower plants on this moderately easy trail. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
  • Noon: Kids Wildflower Scavenger Hunt (30-minute program for children ages 3-5 and their parents)—Learn about shapes, colors and our local flowers on this easy, paved trail. Audubon Museum Back Porch.
  • 1 p.m.: Wildflower Walk (one hour)—Stroll along on this guided moderately easy walk of less than a mile. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
  • 2 p.m.: Birdscaping: Landscaping for Birds (one hour)—Irrevocably tied to the plants around them, birds turn to plants for food, shelter, nest sites and nest-making materials. Which flowers, trees, shrubs and vines grow in your yard determine which birds visit there. Presented by Sharon Sorenson. Audubon Meeting Room.

For more information contact Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov.

John James Audubon State Park also has a museum, gift shop, campground, cottages, hiking trails and a nine-hole golf course!

Wildflower Weekend Is April 29-May 1 at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Kentucky State Parks: Natural Bridge State Resort Park

The Kentucky Native Plant Society’s Wildflower Weekend, April 29-May 1, 2011, is a chance for botanists, gardeners and nature lovers to enjoy the hundreds of species of native plants at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

The Kentucky Native Plant Society will be celebrating its 25th anniversary at the event! Field trips and walks will be offered at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday; 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday; and at 9 a.m. on Sunday. All field trips leave from the Hemlock Lodge lobby.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening in the Woodland Center, Alice Mandt, hemlock woolly adelgid coordinator for the Kentucky Division of Forestry, will speak about the status of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in Kentucky. Afterward, Tyler Smith, assistant professor of biology at Eastern Kentucky University, will give a presentation titled “Subtle Beauty: the Natural History of Sedges.”

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Woodland Center, the Kentucky Native Plant Society (KNPS) will have its general meeting followed at 7 p.m. with a social time to celebrate 25 years of promoting education, preservation, and protection of Kentucky native plants and ecological systems. Cake and refreshments will be served and a photo collage wall will be available for participants to view and post their photos of past KNPS outings and events.

At 7:30 p.m. special guest speaker Michael Gaige, natural areas manager for 21st Century Parks, will give a presentation titled “Reading the Forested Landscape of Floyd’s Fork in Jefferson County, Kentucky.”

On-site registration is $10 per adult and $3 per child. Registration is open 30 minutes before all fieldtrips and presentations. A detailed agenda will be available upon registration.

For more information about Wildflower Weekend, contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1710.

For more information about the Kentucky Native Plant Society visit www.knps.org.   Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the larger natural arches in the state and is surrounded by Daniel Boone National Forest. Natural Bridge offers lodging, cottages and campground accommodations. Hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available. For more information call 1-800-325-1710 or visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb. Natural Bridge State Resort Park is 52 miles southeast of Lexington and 2 miles off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, exit 33.

Flowers and Feathers Weekend at Pine Mountain State Resort Park April 29 – 30, 2011

Owl

Kentucky is on the brink of getting all dressed up for spring. Kentucky is always a beautiful state but when she dresses herself in Spring, it’s a breathtaking sight.

Make that many sights!

One such place you can see Kentucky showing off her spring wardrobe is Pine Mountain.

Glorious spring adorns the vaulted slopes of Kentucky’s Pine Mountain in a cloak of green and the lush forest enters an enchanting period of flowerings. By late April, the blooming of wildflowers is nearing its peak, and an assortment of warblers can be observed migrating through Kentucky. Now, there’s an adventurous weekend opportunity to celebrate the occurrence of both!

Pine Mountain State Resort Park

will host its Flowers and Feathers Weekend April 29-30.

Guests will enjoy guided outings that will include seek-n-find wildflower hikes, a misty morning bird walk and a how-to wildflower photography field trip. Enjoy Breakfast with the Birds by the dining room windows as the park’s naturalist directs observation and build your own take-home bluebird box in a hands-on workshop session. Feature evening programs will showcase spectacular wildflower photography, lovely native wildflowers and shrubs, and an up-close live birds of prey show featuring barn owl, great horned owl, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk and others. Don’t miss this outdoor celebration of the arrival of spring to the mountains.

The registration fee for participation is $10 for adults, $3 for youths 13-17, and children 12 and under are free. Pre-registration is encouraged; combined packages that include lodging, select meals and all event programs are also available. Registration fees are waived for those purchasing packages. To request additional program information e-mail Dean.Henson@ky.gov. To book a combined package, phone the Guest Services Desk at (800) 325-1712.

Pine Mountain State Resort is located 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, then travel south on 25E, approximately 34 miles to Pineville, Ky. Continuing on 25E south, to the park entrances are located about 1.5 miles south of Pineville. Buses and larger vehicles should use the south entrance, just past Wasioto Winds Golf Course. The Herndon J. Evans lodge is located 4.5 miles from the park entrance; park signs mark the route.

Are You Ready to Pick and Grin in Grand Rivers?

Pickin' and Grinnin' at Grand Rivers Variety

It’s always the right time to…

  • Eat chocolate
  • Tell someone you love them
  • Drink coffee
  • Laugh
  • Yell, “GO CATS!!!” (Except perhaps in downtown Nashville)
  • Play with your pet
  • Watch baseball
  • Grab life by the lapels and say, “Let’s have a little fun!”

There you have it.   Joi’s words to live by.  There are more, but we’ll save those for another time.  We’re here, right now, to focus on having fun with laughter and laughing at having fun – so get ready to grab life by the lapels and maybe even ask it out onto the dance floor.

In a world where we’re faced DAILY with drama, catastrophes, and heart-breaking stories in the news,  I’m certain we’d all be in therapy if we stopped making time for laughter.  When we “escape” into a world of music and humor, we basically tell the nasty side of life, “We’re stronger than you are!”  Make no mistake about it, laughter is stronger than anything in the world.  It’s also good for you. Seriously!  One of my other websites is an online Self Help magazine (Self Help Daily).  I  review a lot of  books for this website and self improvement authors (as well as those in the fields of happiness, mental fitness, and health) all agree: Laughter truly is the best medicine.

That’s right, it’s time for a little Pickin’ and Grinnin’ in Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse! Time to tap your toes, do a little seat dancing, sing along, and laugh so hard that funny noises come out of your nose. LOVE when that happens.

From Grand Rivers Variety.com:
Join us for a tribute to all those great country-themed variety shows! Featuring classic country hits, comedy sketches, a five-piece band and three singers performing the hits of such artists as Buck Owens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Pride, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Floyd Cramer.

Classic comedy sketches and corny jokes help to recreate the feel of the by-gone era of the variety show format.

“We are going to have a lot of fun with this show,” said Bill Minihan who co-produces the show with his wife Sara. “The band is one of the best we have ever put together for a show. These guys have been playing this music all of their life and it shows. I think our audience will really appreciate their musical talent,” he added. Minihan concluded by saying, “When you combine all of the hilarious skits and all of the great music, you create a great way for people to bring back some nostalgic memories of the golden age of television.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office toll free at 1-888-362-4223. Box office hours are 12-5 Tuesday through Thursday and 12-7 Friday through Saturday. Click HERE for showtimes and dates.

Show times for 2010 are as follows: Evening performances start at 7:00 PM CST and matinees are 2:00 PM CST. Doors open thirty minutes before each performance.

Do yourself a colossal favor and call the box office right now. Grab tickets for yourself and everyone else you think could use a laugh or twenty. Just remember, you’ve been warned. The nose thing isn’t just a possibility, it will happen.

To read more about the other wonderful shows at Grand Rivers Variety, visit the website today. It’s the perfect “escape button” for a life that can sometimes overwhelm you with its drama (speaking of which, please keep the beautiful Japanese people in your prayers).

Things to Do in Kentucky in the Spring

The Nature Station in the Land Between the LakesThe Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

Spring is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for a spring break trip to shake winter’s doldrums. In Kentucky, spring breakers will find plentiful opportunities to experience world-class golf, fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, off-roading, and many other fun things to do.

In Kentucky, you don’t have to venture far to have an exciting vacation that will create great memories for kids, college students, family and friends for years to come. These activities are easily accessible to visitors from throughout the Midwest and other surrounding states, allowing an escape that doesn’t require a long drive or expensive airline flight.

Starting March 15, you can plan your spring trip to Kentucky by visiting “Kentucky’s Unbridled Spring” on the Department of Travel and Tourism website, www.kytourism.com. There you’ll find lists of springtime events at attractions around the Bluegrass State. Look for reports on which wildflowers are blooming and where to find the best birding opportunities at parks across the state. Upload your own photos of spring scenes to share with the site’s many visitors.

Attractions throughout the state are gearing up for spring visitors with refurbished facilities and new offerings. For example, the Louisville Zoo’s $25 million Glacier Run attraction will debut its new polar bear and grizzly bear exhibit on April 26. Meanwhile, Newport Aquarium will open a high-energy penguin exhibit in late March. Also, join in the celebration of Sweet Pea the Shark Ray’s birthday April 23 – May 1 with special dive shows.

Kentucky State Parks’ 17 resorts are open seven days a week and are the perfect place for a spring getaway. Special discounts on lodge rooms — $99 for any two consecutive nights – apply until the end of March. Stay Monday nights in March for just $29.

The park system’s 30+ campgrounds open April 1 with a 20 percent discount offer through April 28. During Camper Appreciation Weekend, April 29-May 1, camp two nights for the price of one and take advantage of many special events for campers.

Golfers will find attractive packages at state parks. Eighteen state park golf courses in every region of the state offer championship play amid pastoral beauty. Economical packages start at $79 per person for one night lodge accommodations and 18 holes of golf with a cart. More information is available at www.parks.ky.gov.

“Spring is a great time to get outside in Kentucky and enjoy our beautiful scenery and wildlife,” said Travel and Tourism Commissioner Mike Cooper. “You can also have fun indoors with living history programs, art and crafts shows, theatrical productions and museums. It doesn’t matter what you do, just as long as you get out and enjoy Kentucky.”

A comprehensive source of information on attractions in Kentucky is the 2011 Official Visitor’s Guide. Get a copy at eight Welcome Centers located on interstate highways, or order one at www.kytourism.com or by calling 800-225-8747.

Talk to a travel adviser at 800-225-8747 and get your spring break rolling in Kentucky!