My husband and I have been making the rounds, visiting different Kentucky State Parks and their restaurants. The ones we’ve been to have featured basically the same menu – but our experiences have been greatly varied.
Last night, we ate at the Aurora Landing Restaurant in Kenlake Lodge. It was our first time eating at Kenlake Lodge, but it certainly won’t be our last. Our excellent server (Renai) and extremely warm hostess (Kathy) were, by far, the friendliest we’ve encountered at any state park. Ever. Each lady seemed to genuinely love her job and the resort she worked for. Furthermore, they treated us the way I would treat company that visited my home. Renai (beautiful name, right?) never allowed our tea to anywhere near half empty and even offered to give us more ice. This tea, by the way, was amongst the best I’ve ever gotten out. When we left, she asked if we wanted some tea for the road, in a “to go” cup. I’ve never experienced that outside of an Applebee’s. How’s that for service?!
My husband and I never tell a hostess, server, or any worker that we publish a website or that I write reviews. I want to see how workers generally are – for better or worse…. when they don’t know anyone’s planning to write about them! Like I said, for better or worse, you see how people generally are and you get an idea for the way a restaurant is managed.
Words just can’t express how amazing and friendly these ladies were. I will say this, as a proud Kentuckian, I wish each of our state parks were filled with workers JUST like these two ladies. Can you imagine the wonderful impression the rest of the world would get of Kentuckian hospitality and warmth?
Given the lovely dispositions of the workers, I was SO hoping that the food would measure up and be deserving of their presence. In another first from any of the State Park restaurants we’ve visited, Renai brought delicious rolls and butter to our table to enjoy while we waited for our meals. These rolls were beyond spectacular – they had a light sprinkling of herbs on top and, frankly, tasted unlike any bread I’ve ever had. I could have eaten 100.
I ordered chicken breast with onions and mushrooms, a baked potato, and pinto beans. I’d never tried the chicken before, because I’m such a catfish addict that I usually go that fishy route. I certainly picked the right time to venture out!
The chicken, mushrooms, and onions were so amazing that my mouth is watering from the memories. The chicken had a delicious grilled, mesquite flavor and was cooked perfectly. It honestly couldn’t have been any better and the mushrooms and onions were just as perfect – not overdone, not underdone. Perfectly perfect and delicious beyond belief.
For dessert, we got the Kenlake Brownie with Ice Cream, cherries, and whipped topping. Oh, sweet goodness, it was amazing! I’m a total chocohaulic, so I know my chocolate stuff – this dessert was spectacular.
We were delighted to discover that the people in the kitchen were as wonderfully skilled as those in the dining room. The Kentucky State Park system can certainly be proud of beautiful Kenlake State Park and, even more so, of the workers in its restaurant.
The next time you visit Land Between the Lakes, I promise you that you won’t find a better place to eat than the lovely restaurant at Kenlake Lodge. With the delicious food, friendly workers, and gorgeous view of the flower gardens and lake – you might not want to leave.
When I think of Aurora, Kentucky I think of The Hitching Post and great food: Hot Dogs (only the best in the world, guys), Catfish, hush puppies, BBQ from the Winking Pig (also known as Aurora BBQ!), and fudge that is now being sold in The Hitching Post.
I also think of the Elk and Bison Prairie and the 1850’s Homeplace, which are just minutes away.
If you haven’t visited Aurora, Kentucky lately – take your camera, your family, and an empty stomach.
You already know that I LOVE the Hitching Post Old Country Store in Aurora, Kentucky. The owner and workers couldn’t be any friendlier, the store’s a complete delight to look around, I always return home with great finds – such as jewelry, candles (there’s a Hershey’s chocolate candle that’ll drop you to your knees), t-shirts, hats, toys, cookbooks, figurines, and so on and on.
I’ve also told you how much I love the jams, jellies, and sauces they sell in their store. Deliciousness just looking for a mouth to happen in. Now, get this: They’ve stepped up their already yummy game and they’re nothing short of irresistible now.
My husband, our youngest daughter, and her boyfriend spent Saturday in the Land Between the Lakes region and…. OF COURSE… paid a visit to the Hitching Post Old Country Store. The kids had even more fun looking around that we did. Okay, well almost. Things looked better than ever. The porch is so pretty and decorated so charmingly that you almost hate to leave it. However, you know full well that spectacular shopping awaits you inside, so through the doors you go!
They’ve added quite a bit to the store, so the whole experience was even sweeter than before. Speaking of sweet – they now have homemade fudge available (pictured below). That fact, alone, had me smiling ear to ear all day – with a mouthful of happy sweet teeth. The fudge is remarkable, and I consider myself something of an expert.
We had the Tiger Butter Fudge this particular trip, but I have a date with the Peanut Butter fudge on my next trip. Peanut Butter Fudge has always been my favorite, but the Tiger Butter fudge is putting up an admirable battle for that top spot.
I’m thrilled that we can now enjoy homemade fudge in Aurora. Both ends of the Land Between the Lakes are now deliciously covered with fudge (The Fudge Factory in Grand Rivers is the other, of course.).
As you can see from the picture above, as well as the ones below, there are countless goodies for kids of all ages. Every single member of your family will have a ball and a half and the ridiculously warm and friendly owner and workers will treat you like a member of the family. Kentucky style.
I fell head over head in love with some Red Pepper Jelly they gave out as samples. Loved it so much, I bought a jar to bring home with us. It’s from Spring Valley Farms in Holland, Kentucky – and they know their stuff. Their sample had the Red Pepper Jelly mixed in with cream cheese. Oh. My. Gentle. God. Delicious! We promptly bought a jar of the Red Pepper Jelly and stopped by Kroger on the way home for some Cream Cheese and crackers.
It was so delicious I don’t even want to talk about it.
There are plans for the historically delightful general store next to The Hitching Post’s Country Store. Apparently they’ll soon feature work from local artists. I can’t wait to see the art and crafts that’ll be included. Can you even imagine how fantastic it’ll all be?!
