Gorgeous Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a PARADISE for hikers and a dream come true for photographers. They’re hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4 and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

The 10 a.m. trek will be a guided, interpretive hike on the Blue Bend Trail, a 4.5-mile loop. The first 3 miles of trail follow the Cumberland River along a hemlock grove and then ascend the hill leading to a “surprise” at the top.

Participants should bring a lunch and drinking water and should dress appropriately for the weather. This event is free. Participants should meet in the Great Room of Dupont Lodge at 10 a.m.

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.

Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information.

Learn more about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park on Kentucky’s State Parks’ beautiful website!

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Art Prints:

Cumberland Falls,…
Diane Johnson
Buy This at Allposters.com

Cumberland Falls,… 
Panoramic Images…
Buy This at Allposters.com

Dogslaughter…
Adam Jones
Buy This at Allposters.com

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As I’ve said (and said, and said, and said…) there’s always something going on in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes.  Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or blisteringly cold winter – it’s always the right time to take a trip to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Below is information, from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes.  They’d also like you to know that the welcome mat never rolls up in the LBL region. It’s always out and you’re always treated like a long lost family member.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is presenting Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour on Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9am-12pm. Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service in Stewart County, TN, provides one of the area’s best wildlife viewing hotspots.

The tour is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Registration is limited. Reservations and full deposits are required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Meet at South Welcome Station. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

“Come join us as we explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, eagles, and thousands of migrating ducks,” said Sharon Waltrip, LBL’s Program Manager for Environmental Education and Interpretation. “Morning will be our best shot at catching some great wildlife viewing opportunities!”

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Kentucky’s beautiful Land Between the Lakes is a nature lover’s dream come true and a photographer’s Heaven on earth, year round. It’s just as beautiful in the fall and winter as it is in the spring and summer. The colors are different, and, of course, some birds have packed their bags and headed off for their vacation down south, but the nature-viewing (and photographing) are most definitely abundant.

As someone who is, admittedly, OBSESSED with watching birds and other wildlife, I have a little secret for you – you can often see more birds in the winter. Once the leafy green curtains on the trees have fallen, you can see the birds more clearly.  In our own yard, I always marvel at how many more birds I’m able to watch in the winter.

From Land Between the Lakes:

Got the winter blues? Embrace the season by joining us for one of the many wildlife-viewing van tours offered at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. During January, February, and March, there are multiple guided tours offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to witness some of nature’s greatest moments. Registration is required for all tours, and space is limited. Please call 270-924-2020, weekdays from 8am-4:30pm, to learn more about each tour and make your reservation.

Our ongoing Nature Watch tour series highlights many birds that call this area home during the winter. During these tours, you may see everything from pelicans to pintails!

An all-day Nature Watch tour on January 14, will take you in search of eagles and some of the 25+ species of ducks that call LBL home in the winter. We’ll also cover the fascinating story of local bald eagle recovery by visiting several unique landmarks in LBL. The cost is $40/person and includes lunch at a local restaurant.

LBL continues to offer Eagle Viewing Van Tours from 1-4:30pm on Sundays, Jan. 22, 29, and February 5. Winter is the peak season for seeing bald eagles in LBL; both our resident eagles and visiting “snowbirds” are out looking for fish around the lakes. We’ll take you to the best spots in LBL for spotting these magnificent creatures. Cost is $7/adult and $5/child.

On February 11, we will offer a special Nature Watch tour that brings you to Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, just south of LBL. We will explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, and thousands of migrant ducks. The cost is $10/adult and $7/child and runs from 9am-12pm.

The month of March offers a chance to see hundreds of pelicans as they migrate through the area, as well as our resident eagles on their giant nests, incubating eggs or sheltering their chicks. Join us on either March 18 or 24, for a Nature Watch tour that highlights these two amazing species. This two-hour tour costs $7/adult and $5/child.

Winter doesn’t have to be spent inside! Join us for any of these fun wildlife-viewing tours:

January 22, 29, and February 5 – “Everything Eagles” Van Tours, 1-4:30pm
January 14 – Winter Wanderers: Eagles and Waterfowl Migration, 9am-5pm
February 11 – Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour, 9am-12pm
March 18 & 24 – Pelicans and Eagles, times vary

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, 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. We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

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Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset in Kentucky

People in Kentucky (and most places, for that matter) make the mistake of thinking that winter is JUST for sitting inside, eating, and watching college basketball.  I don’t have anything against sitting or eating and I love college basketball (how could you NOT when you live in the state of Kentucky – home to two of the most exciting programs in the country?!?!). However, humans don’t need to hibernate with the bears. Doing so just leads to extra pounds.. for us and them!

There’s still plenty of beauty to get out and see, and plenty of places to visit. In fact, you’ll find the crowds smaller and traffic much more agreeable. Plan a trip to a Kentucky State Park this weekend – and don’t forget your camera. If you visit one of the Kentucky State Resort Parks, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious hot meal in the dining room.  Most offer gorgeous views, buffet bars as well as menus, friendly staff, and some of the best coffee you’ve ever had.

Below are some of the winter events you can take advantage of at Kentucky’s State Parks.

If you’re looking for some winter adventure, the Kentucky State Parks have numerous outdoor events planned in January and February to get you outdoors and moving.

They include elk viewing tours, hikes, looking for eagles at the Land Between the Lakes and watching sandhill cranes as they migrate through Kentucky.

One of the most popular events is the Winter Adventure Weekend Jan. 27-29 at Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill. The weekend includes hiking, canoeing, recreational tree climbing, cave tours, winter survival, rappelling and other adventures. Guests will be able to select from a list of trips they want to take – for beginners and advanced winter adventurers alike. All of the trips and events are led by guides. The list of the trips, along with registration information and other details for the 2012 event are available at www.winteradventureweekend.com. All participants must register online at this site. The nonrefundable fee for adults (age 13 and older) is $25, and the nonrefundable fee for children ages 6-12 is $20. (All participants must be at least 6 years old. Some trips have additional age requirements.). For more information, call Carter Caves at 1-800-325-0059.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville is hosting the Hike the Highlands Winter Getaway Jan. 13-15. Join the expedition to hike 8 miles on three guided hikes in one weekend. Gaze out across the Cumberland Mountains from Knobby Rock in the midst of the celebrated Blanton Forest. Stand on the mountain peak where Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia adjoin and feel the weight of history in the saddle of the Cumberland Gap Pass. Investigate a Native American camp in a sandstone rockhouse, relive the folk history of the legendary Chained Rock and examine a natural arch on the vaulted south slope of Pine Mountain. Registration is required. The park is offering a lodging package for $170 for two. Call 1-800-325-1712 for information.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin is hosting its Arches and Waterfall Weekend Jan. 13-15. Enjoy a weekend of guided hikes to explore some of Kentucky’s natural treasures: natural arches and waterfalls. There will be a daily morning hike and a daily afternoon hike to different natural features. Relax in the lodge and enjoy evening programs. Call the park at 1-800-325-0063.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park at Prestonsburg and Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park at Buckhorn resume elk viewing tours in January. This is one of several excellent wildlife viewing tours offered by the Kentucky State Parks. Call the parks for details and reservations or visit www.parks.ky.gov (Jenny Wiley is 1-800-325-0142; Buckhorn Lake is 1-800-325-0058.)

Three parks in western Kentucky will offer Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February. The parks and dates are: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park at Gilbertsville, Jan. 20-22; Lake Barkley State Resort Park near Cadiz, Jan. 27-29; and Kenlake State Resort Park near Aurora, Feb. 3-5. Tours are conducted by van and by boat with wildlife guides. Call the parks or visit www.parks.ky.gov for more information and reservations.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park will offer its Nature Watch Weekends for sandhill cranes, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18. Participants can register for morning or afternoon trips led by naturalists. Registration is $30 per person and includes an evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal and a T-shirt. Call the park at 1-800-325-0057 for information and reservations.

John James Audubon State Park at Henderson will host several Owl Prowls during January and February. These free trips begin at 3:30 or 4 p.m. Guests should bring cameras or binoculars to see avian predators like short-eared owls, great horned owls, prairie merlins, rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. The hikes are scheduled for Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19. Meet at the main boat ramp at Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area in Warrick County, Ind. Call 1-270-826-2247 for information.

For more information about these events and Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Photo Credit: The gorgeous Photographic Print at the top of the page is available from Allposters.com.  More Kentucky Posters and Prints

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Photographers, you’ll want to mark your calendars now. As I’ve said a gazillion times (okay, a galillion and two, but who’s counting?), Kentucky’s State Resort Parks offer AMAZING photo opportunities for amateur and professional photographers. Even if you aren’t necessarily into photography, grab a camera and head to the nearest Kentucky State Park. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with photography soon enough.

I love that our State Parks often offer photo weekends and special events for photographers. Beautiful Pine Mountain State Resort Park has a Winter Photo Weekend set for the last of January. Read on for the details!

Cold Weather Adventure and Winter Photo Weekend

Pine Mountain State Resort Park will again provide cold-weather adventure with Winter Photo Weekend set for Jan. 27-29.

The event features a digital photography competition with divisions for both amateur and accomplished photographers, impressive evening picture shows, and the exceptional photographic work and instruction of Richard Bernabe, an acclaimed outdoor and nature photographer and writer from South Carolina. Clients such as the National Geographic Society, Audubon, and Backpacker Magazine have published his images worldwide in books, calendars, and magazines.

The weekend event is a quest that leads you on a discovery trek to out-of-the-way places where raw nature resides. Woodlands, waters, weather and wildlife are all part of the experience, and it all takes place at one of the park system’s finest natural resorts. The evenings feature spectacular picture shows offered by our guest professional, and the wonderful dining and cozy accommodations on hand at the rustic lodge round out the experience.

The weekend’s agenda focuses on nature and offers up four competition categories in two divisions. There’s both an amateur and accomplished class of competition, so participants are competing only against photographers of similar skill. Participants always enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that permeates the mountaintop resort in winter.

If you’re looking to get out in the frosty air to stretch mind and body, Pine Mountain’s Winter Photo Weekend just may be the adventure you’re looking for. Don’t worry about the snow; the park has its own snow plow/salt truck and life goes on, regardless of the weather and conditions. Besides, you just might be lucky enough to be on hand when the snow comes. An ample snowfall not only enhances the picture-taking prospects, but the brooding evergreens covered in snow on the vaulted slopes and craggy cliffs of Pine Mountain are a truly splendorous sight!

A special package will be offered for this year’s event that includes two nights’ accommodations, two evening meals and admission to all shows as well as the competition. The event package for one person is $139 (plus tax); the package for two persons is $189 (plus tax). The fee for the photo program only is $30 a person. Registration is required. To register or to make a reservation, phone the park’s Guest Services Desk at 800-325-1712 and mention the Winter Photo Weekend.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, Mountain View Restaurant, an award-winning golf course, an interpretive center and hiking trails.

Photo Credit: The Digital Camera pictured at the top of the post is the amazing Nikon COOLPIX L120 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 21x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Black)

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We’ve lived in several states (in addition to our home state of Kentucky) during the holidays, so I’m more than qualified to say, “There’s no place like Kentucky for the holidays!“  As a Kentucky girl, I think Thanksgiving SHOULD be surrounded by fallen leaves and crisp, cool weather – just as Christmas should bring with it the hopes of a White Christmas.  If you ask me, Kentucky is the best place in the world and it’s never more obvious than during the holiday season.

Our beautiful Kentucky State Parks are embracing the holiday season in Kentucky as much as I am. Read on for beautiful events planned around Kentucky this month.

The Kentucky State Parks will be ready for the winter holidays this year with special meals, decorations, candlelight tours, entertainment and other special events planned.

State parks are a great place for holiday gatherings in December. All 17 resort parks have restaurants, meeting areas and gift shops that offer unique gift ideas. That includes Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift cards that are valid at Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Many state resort parks will also be holding New Year’s Eve parties and dinners on Dec. 31. For more information about these and other events, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Here is a listing of holiday events at Kentucky State Parks:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Dec. 3 and 10

Santa’s House and Breakfast with the Grinch

Have you ever wondered what Santa’s house looked like? Here is your chance to take a tour of this magical villa decorated for the holiday season at Barren River Lake State Resort Park on Dec. 3 and 10, from 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. CST. During your tour, visit with Santa to give him your wish list. Don’t forget to bring your camera if you would like to have your picture made with him. Have green eggs and ham with the Grinch on Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. CST. Don’t worry, this Grinch won’t try to ruin your holiday, and he’s brought his favorite story for us to read to you, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” After breakfast, make a holiday craft to remember your visit. Registration fee is $5 per person. Contact Jamie Avery at jamie.avery@ky.gov or 1-800-325-0057 or 270-646-2151.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Dec. 16-17

Golden Girls Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Laugh in the holidays with the players from Fantastical Theatricals as they perform a holiday whodunit. As Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia are planning a holiday party, Dorothy is making plans of her own to announce her engagement to smooth-talker Arthur Walters, but poor Arthur is murdered. All are invited to celebrate the holiday with us and solve the mystery with Lt. Caramba. Overnight packages are available for $129 per couple, which include two tickets for the show, one night’s lodge room and meals. The show is $34.95 per person for the show and dinner the night of the play. For more information call 800-443-7008.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Dec. 3

Holiday in the Park

Bring your children for holiday-themed crafts at 1 p.m. CST. Adults can make holiday-themed crafts at 3 p.m. Santa will arrive with reindeer at 4 p.m. From 5-8 p.m. in the lodge dining room, the park will have its annual holiday dinner buffet. Entrees include ham, catfish, fried chicken, and turkey and dressing with sides of buttered corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole and green beans. On the dessert bar, there will be banana pudding, fruit cobbler and cheesecake. All of this will be offered for $12.99 for adults, not including tax and gratuity. (Children 5 and under eat free.) Another opportunity to see Santa will occur during the buffet. Gather around our cozy fireplace in the lodge lobby as we share a reading of the famous “The Night Before Christmas” at 8 p.m. Call 1-800-325-0058 or 1-606-398-7510 for information.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Dec. 3, 10, 17

Holiday Hayride

Bring the family to enjoy a holiday hayride through the park to visit Santa Claus. The cost is $3 per person, and hayrides are available 6-9 p.m. EST. Come early and enjoy dinner at the Riverview Restaurant inside Dupont Lodge. Call 1-800-325-0063.

Fort Boonesborough State Resort Park, Richmond

Dec. 9-10

Christmas on the Frontier

The fort will be lit with candle lanterns and bonfires, and decorated with natural materials from the Cantuckee wilderness from 6-8 p.m. EST. Learn how some of our present-day customs originated and how some have been lost to our past. See how cultures blended on the frontier and different traditions were observed. Enjoy the music, sample the tastes of holiday fare and experience a frontier Christmas. Tickets for adults are $5; children ages 6-12 are $3; under 5 are free. Call 859-527-3131.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Dec. 3

Festival of Trees & Winter Wonderfest Day

Christmas trees decorated by local schools, churches, organizations and businesses will adorn the Butler Lodge to help ring in the holiday season. Winter Wonderfest Day is full of surprises for the young and young at heart! Santa will be featured for breakfast on Saturday morning, along with morning activities in the Lodge lounge and an evening holiday concert. Call 1-866-462-8853.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Dec. 3-4

Holiday Open House

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and the Greenup County Homemakers present “Country Christmas Memories.” This marks the 26th year that the Greenup County Homemakers have decorated The Jesse Stuart Lodge. There will be plenty of holiday decorations and treats to view and sample. Join the park for a festive time and joyous occasion for the entire family. Call the park at 606-473-7324 for more information.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Dec. 17, 18

Breakfast with Santa and Frosty

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park invites you to come celebrate the Christmas season with a breakfast buffet to remember. While you enjoy your breakfast, you and your children can visit with Santa Claus and Frosty as they have made a special trip from the North Pole to visit everyone at Jenny Wiley. Have your picture made with both of our wintertime friends. Santa will have a special treat for each child. Adult buffet is $7.49 plus tax and children ages 6–12 are $5.49; children age 5 and under eat free. Contact Park Naturalist Trinity Shepherd at 1-800-325-0142 or email at tshepherd@suddenlinkmail.com for more information.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Dec. 10 10:30-noon

Santa’s at the Park

Come join the elves at the annual “Santa’s at the Park,” Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10:30-noon CST, for children ages 3-7 and their families. Share the holiday activities: art, storytelling and treats with Santa. Class fee will be $7. Photos with Santa will be optional for an extra fee. Pre-registration required. Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett, Audubon Museum, 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Dec. 11

Christmas in the Park

Stop by the park from 2-4 p.m. CST and let the children spend some time with Santa and make a great Christmas craft. Refreshments will be provided. Please bring a canned food item to donate. Help someone else along the way! Lunch will be available beginning at noon. For more information call 1-800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Dec. 10

Breakfast with Santa and Frosty

Come visit Santa as he stops by for breakfast with all the boys and girls in the Harbor Lights Restaurant from 8-11 a.m. CST. Frosty will join us in all the fun! You can have your picture made with Santa and Frosty and let Santa know what you would like under the tree on Christmas morning. All children will receive a small gift from Santa and a Christmas sugar cookie to decorate. Adult breakfast is $6.99 and children ages 6-12 are $4.99. Under 6 are free. Call 1-800-325-0146.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

Nov. 25-26; Dec. 2-3; Dec. 9-10

Christmas Candlelight Tours

Sample the elegant past during “My Old Kentucky Home” annual Christmas candlelight tours 5:30-8:30 p.m. EST. The glow of candlelight will adorn the mansion in splendid 1800’s fashion. Elaborate period holiday costumes, music and traditional refreshments nightly. The park’s gift shop offers unique Kentucky handmade crafts, foods and holiday gifts. Adults are $5.50, seniors are $5 and children ages 6-12 are $3.50. Children under 6 are free. Call 502-348-3502.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Dec. 3

Visit Santa and Enjoy a Buffet Dinner

The park is decorated beautifully for the holiday season. Come enjoy the festive atmosphere inside and out. You may take your own photos or have us email you a copy of photos we take of your family with Santa from 5-7 p.m. CST in the lodge lobby. A buffet dinner will be served from 5-8 p.m. at Clifty Creek Restaurant. For information, call 1-800-325-1711.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

Dec. 3 Supper With Santa

Dec. 14 and 16 Holiday Buffet

Supper with Santa will include children’s activities, holiday crafts and a visit from the big guy himself. Grayson’s Landing Restaurant will host a special buffet from 4:30 to 8 p.m. CST with adults at $7.99 and children at $4.99 (plus tax). The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m.

Grayson’s Landing also will host a Holiday Luncheon Buffet on Dec. 14 and a Holiday Dinner Buffet on Dec. 16. Small businesses and the general public are invited to attend and enjoy the special holiday menu. Pricing is $7.99 for lunch and $12.99 for dinner (plus drink and tax). Call 1-800-325-1713.

Waveland State Historic Site, Lexington

Dec. 10-11

Christmas Candlelight Tour

Waveland State Historic Site will host its Christmas Candlelight Tour on Dec. 10-11 from 6-9 p.m. EST. The tour is a beloved holiday tradition. Waveland mansion will be decorated in the style of the 1840s, along with period entertainment. Refreshments will be served in the plantation’s 200-year-old log cabin. The cost is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and $4 for students of any age. Children under 6 are given free admission. Call 859-272-3611.

White Hall State Historic Site, Richmond

Dec. 2-3, 9-10

Victorian Christmas

Visit White Hall to learn about holiday practices from the past and how they are still used today. The historic home will feature holiday lights and other seasonal decorations, open 6-8 p.m. EST. Tickets for adults are $7 and children ages 6-12 are $4. Group rates for 10 or more. Bring a canned item for a food drive. Call 859-623-9178 for information.

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Fellow Civil War buffs and Land Between the Lake fans, grab your calendar and take notes. The Civil War is coming to The Homeplace!

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be adding a new Civil War themed program in honor of the sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. The new program, “Civil War Comes to The Homeplace” will be held at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, December 3, from 10am-4pm.

My family and I LOVE The Homeplace, so any opportunity to go is met with broad smiles and enthusiasm!

From LBL:

Come visit The Homeplace as the farm goes forward in time to 1861. People on family farms, especially women and children, faced many challenges to keep the family fed and clothed and the farm operating without the help of their men folk. Learn about 1861 from the Yeoman farm family’s point of view–the secession from the United States, building of Forts Henry and Donelson in their back yard, and Federal Gunboats patrolling the rivers. Then, visit a Confederate encampment and learn how civilian soldiers coped with their new role.

“We are very excited to be offering more Civil War themed programs at LBL,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “To have programs at The Homeplace featuring the civilian civil war experience, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

Visit The Homeplace for a glimpse of daily life in antebellum middle Tennessee. Enjoy a self-guided tour of a working second generation family farmstead and learn just how important rivers were to families in this area during the 1850s. Program available with paid admission; $4 adults, $2 ages 5-12, and free ages 4 and under.

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Bill Hamrick Memorial Golf Course, Kenlake State Resort Park

Don’t put those golf clubs up just yet!  The weather’s cooled off, but don’t let your golf game do the same. Keep your skills sharp by playing as far into autumn and winter as possible.  Thanks to Kentucky State Parks, it’ll cost you less money, in addition to less sweat.

Beginning Nov. 1, Kentucky State Park golf courses put their winter rates into effect, for daily play as well as overnight golf packages.

The “Chip Shot” golf package, which includes overnight lodging and 18 holes of golf with a golf cart, starts at $59 plus tax per person based on double occupancy. The rate is effective through March 31, 2012.

The park system’s popular, all- inclusive “Tee’s and Zzz’s” package includes lodging, breakfast and dinner, 18 holes with a golf cart, gift card, and preferred tee times. The winter rates for this package start at $89 plus tax per person based on double occupancy through March 31, 2012.

Daily winter rate greens fees range from $11 to $17 weekdays and $11 to $22 weekends (golf cart not included) through March 31, 2012. For more information on daily rates and golf packages, visit www.parks.ky.gov/golf

There are 18 state park courses. The courses at Grayson Lake, General Burnside, Dale Hollow, Mineral Mounds, My Old Kentucky Home, Pine Mountain and Yatesville Lake – all have received national and statewide recognition in recent years.

Kentucky State Resort Parks feature full-service lodges and restaurants, along with other recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, tennis courts and picnic areas.

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If you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint, this is the weekend event for you!

Learn the wet-on-wet method of oil painting by creating your very own 16×20 landscape painting. The fees are as follows: $65 for one painting class or $120 for two painting classes and the Friday night program. This year’s class is being taught by Bonita Mallory.

The classes will be painting scenes from Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park using the Bob Ross method. Classes last approximately six hours, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Two different paintings will be painted during the weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. There is a maximum of 20 participants per class, so sign-up early. Participants must pay 50 percent of the cost to guarantee their spot will be held. A 10 percent lodging discount will be offered to participants.

For more information contact Naturalist Rebecca Clark at 1-800-325-1711 or rebeccae.clark@ky.gov.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, Clifty Creek Restaurant, golf, mini-golf, gift shop, fishing and hiking trails. The resort is 20 miles northwest of Hopkinsville, on KY 109 N. From the Western Kentucky Parkway, exit at Dawson Springs and take KY 109 south.

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The 17 Kentucky State Park restaurants will be offering a buffet lunch on Sunday, Feb. 13, to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking for a quiet setting and excellent food to help celebrate this special day with a loved one, consider a Kentucky State Park. The buffet will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include salad and desserts, along with plenty of vegetables and entrees.

The cost is $12.99 plus tax.

Kentucky State Parks offer great scenery and views as well as hiking trails, lodges and cottages.

One of our favorite Kentucky State Parks restaurants is found at Kenlake State Resort Park. It’s the Aurora Landing Restaurant.  If the people were any friendlier, I’d leave them in my will.  And the food?  Have mercy!  Everything we’ve eaten at the Aurora Landing Restaurant has been outstanding.

• Breakfast entrees include fruit, muffins, omelets and guests favorite, Nona’s French toast.
• Lunch includes a variety of outstanding sandwiches.
• The dinner menu features, among other things, three of my personal favorites: catfish, fried chicken and delicious Kentucky Hot Brown.  The Kentucky Hot Brown you’ll find at Kentucky State Parks is outrageously delicious.

All 17 resort parks will also be offering special Valentine Weekend packages beginning Feb. 11. For more information about the parks, packages and reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

For a full run-down of Valentine’s Day and Valentine’s Weekend activities as individual Kentucky State Parks, you’ll want to visit Kentucky State Parks Sweetheart Weekends.

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