Kentucky Blog | Genuine Kentucky
Kentucky Vacations | Kentucky Lake
A while back I told you about an exciting program for 2012: The Kentucky State Park’s Family Adventure Quest. Consider this your reminder! Click through the following link for more information and to download a registration form: 2012 Family Adventure Quest
Kentucky fishing is popular, and for good reason. We have plenty of lakes and rivers where a variety of fish are just waiting (with baited breath… sorry, I couldn’t resist) to be caught, photographed, and either released or eaten. The fish prefer the release option, but the fish fanatic in me is partial to the eating!
Water temperatures in Kentucky rivers hovering in the high 30s to low 40s do not inspire confidence that it is a great time to go fishing.
However, for Kentucky sauger anglers, right now is glory time.
“I fished below Lock and Dam 6 on the Kentucky River last Saturday and I caught 12 sauger,” said Ryan Oster, federal aid coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The fish are there. The better fish I caught farther downstream from the dam.”
A five year stocking program commenced in 2006 placed hundreds of thousands of fingerling sauger in the Kentucky River from Lock and Dam 4 upstream to the headwaters. Excellent sauger fishing is now found throughout the river.
The next few weeks bring sauger below locks and dams not only on the Kentucky River, but the Ohio River, the Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland, the Tennessee River below Kentucky Lake and the Cumberland River below Lake Barkley. These areas offer anglers bank fishing opportunity as well as fishing from a boat.
Sauger hit orange, chartreuse, lime-green, white or pink curly-tailed grubs and soft plastic minnow imitators fished on the bottom just below these dams. Depending on current, you’ll need anywhere from a 1/4-ounce leadhead up to an ounce or more. If your lure isn’t regularly contacting bottom, then you likely aren’t catching sauger.
In addition to soft plastic lures rigged on leadheads, walleye fishing tactics using a spinner rig work for late winter sauger in the deep holes below dams.
The combination of bright plastic beads, a rotating blade, and a lively minnow is hard for sauger to resist. In turbid waters fish orange, yellow, white, chartreuse, pink or other bright-colored bead and blade combinations for added visibility.
Spinner rigs are easy to tie and inexpensive to make.
Start with a three-to-four-foot piece of 10-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
Tie on a single #4 walleye hook to the end of the leader with a clinch knot.
Thread two or three 5mm beads on the leader and slide them down to the hook. Sometimes anglers thread a small foam float (5/16 wide by 11/16 inches long) on the leader to make the rig more buoyant, so the hook is less likely to snag on the bottom.
Next, slip a stainless steel clevis through the eye of a blade and thread the leader through the small openings on both ends of the clevis. Slide the spinner blade assembly down the line so that it comes to rest against the beads or float.
The final step is to cut the leader to the desired length and tie a loop knot on the free end of the leader. Experiment with color, blade size and style, either Colorado or Indiana, to find out which rig is most effective on a given day.
Attach the rig to the snap at the top of the bottom bouncer. When fishing in rivers in the spring about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2ounces of lead is heavy enough to keep your rig on the bottom in moderate current.
Fishing success is all about presentation. Motor upstream to the dam, then let the boat drift through the area you want to fish. By keeping the weight in contact with the bottom, the baited rig will drift just a few inches off the bottom, the depth needed to entice a bite from bottom-hugging sauger.
Over the next few years, Kentuckians may catch sauger in the Green River downstream of Green River Lake, in the Salt River below Taylorsville Lake and in the middle stretch of the Barren River. The fisheries division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife stocked 188,000 fingerling sauger in the Green River, 32,000 in the Salt River and 50,000 in the Barren River over the past two years.
“We hope to establish a viable reproducing population of sauger in these rivers,” said Gerry Buynak, assistant director of fisheries for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We hope to have sauger fishing right in downtown Bowling Green.”
Remember the current license year expires Feb. 29. If you plan to fish after March 1, you’ll need to buy a new fishing license, available in the sporting goods section of department stores and tackle shops. You may buy one by visiting the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife homepage at fw.ky.gov or by calling 1-877-598-2401.
You may be interested in: See Bill Dance Tips on Sauger Fishing!
Johnny Cash music combined with the ridiculously delicious food and beautiful setting of Lake Barkley State Resort Park? Talk about a can’t miss evening.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park will be host to another edition of its popular dinner theater series on March 10 with “A Tribute to Johnny Cash.”
Ralph Curtis & The Tennessee Three will perform 6:30-9 p.m. while guests enjoy the buffet… and anyone who has ever eaten at Lake Barkley State Resort Park knows it’s definitely an enjoyable experience.
Curtis & The Tennessee Three have been entertaining crowds across the county, performing Cash’s greatest hits including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “A Boy Named Sue.” Tickets are $35 per person and include dinner and entertainment. Call 1-800-325-1708 for reservations.
Families and individuals can enjoy this event and the other entertainment and lodging opportunities at the park. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming. The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz. From Interstate 24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.
For more information, call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708.
When it comes to freak accidents, few are any freakier than the one that befell the Eggner Ferry Bridge at the western entrance to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The bridge at US 68 and Kentucky 80 remains indefinitely closed after a Delta Mariner crashed into the bridge Thursday night, knocking out a 322-foot span.
Hopefully, people will rise up to the challenge, as they normally do when catastrophes and “freak accidents” happen. People generally pull together to support their neighbors and the people in the communities around them. Kenlake and Lake Barkle State Resort Parks are open and eagerly await your visit. Whether you go for a weekend (or week long if you need it!) retreat or just dinner in one of their excellent lodge restaurants, know that you’ll be doing your part to support fellow Kentuckians and Kentucky State Parks when they really need you the most.
I hope you’ll visit them this month…. and each month thereafter. I know you’ll fall in love with the area as much as I have. I’ll probably even see you there! I love each of these state resort parks as well as every single restaurant in Aurora:
During the winter months, Willow Pond isn’t open every night of the week. You’ll want to check before planning your trip. Call (270) 474-2202 for information. Believe me, Willow Pond’s catfish, hush puppies, beans, and desserts are worth the drive!
What You Need to Know:
Guests traveling to Lake Barkley and Kenlake State Resort Parks should be aware that the U.S. 68/KY 80 bridge over Kentucky Lake is closed to traffic. It was struck Thursday night (Jan. 26) by a cargo ship, destroying a main truss.
Both parks are open. Guests should use alternative routes, such as Interstate 24 on the northern end of the Land Between the Lakes.
For more information, guests can call the parks. The number for Lake Barkley is 1-800-325-1708. The number for Kenlake is 1-800-325-0143.
Hiking in Kentucky doesn’t get any better than this! Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is qualifies as a MUST for hikers and photographers.
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
The Lodge at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. You should see inside!
Valentine’s Day in Kentucky is always especially sweet. Now our Kentucky State Parks are sweetening the deal even more.
You’ve read enough of my raves about Kentucky State Resort Parks ( from their restaurants to their cottages and lodges) to know I how I feel about them. We can all be very proud of our beautiful state parks and should visit them as often as possible.
Even if you just go for a meal, you’ll walk away happy. And full! The Kentucky Hot Browns, the catfish, the hush puppies, onion rings, beans, and rolls. The chicken, buffet bar, iced tea, and desserts. And the coffee! I’m as big a Starbucks fan as anyone, but the coffee served at Kentucky State Resort Parks is even better than Starbucks coffee.
Now I have your attention, right?!
Kentucky’s State Resort Parks are offering special events and packages during the month of February to help celebrate Valentine’s Day. How love-ly!
State parks provide a great place for a getaway weekend along with excellent food, entertainment, natural beauty and scenery. Listed below are the parks with Valentine’s packages and programs, and the park phone number. For more information about each park, as well as other state park events, visit www.parks.ky.gov
Here is a listing of special events:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Honeymooners’ Weekend Feb. 10-12
Honeymooners’ weekend is a tradition at Barren River, so bring your sweetheart for a weekend of fun and romance. Friday night, become part of an interactive murder mystery and help solve the “crime.” Whoever solves it wins a free night’s lodging at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. It will be “An Evening To Die For!” On Saturday, hold your special someone close and dance to the music provided by DJ Cindy Cossey. Or, participate in couples activities including the “Not So Newlywed Game.” Enjoy all this for a two-night lodging package at $279.95 plus tax per couple (includes lodge room, dinners, breakfasts, mystery theater tickets and dance tickets for two). Ask about our one-night lodge room, two-night cottage, and dinner and show packages. For more information, contact Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-0057 or jamie.avery@ky.gov
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Valentine Dinner Theater Feb. 11
This year’s performance at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park will be a return of Fantastical Theatricals for a cabaret performance featuring a selection of love songs to warm the heart. The dinner theater will be one night only, Feb. 11, with seating starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 plus tax per person for dinner and entertainment. Packages are available for $129 plus tax that include an overnight stay in the lodge room of your choice, two dinner theater tickets and breakfast for two the following morning. Call 800-443-7008 for reservations.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Sweetheart’s Weekend Feb. 10-12
Enjoy the tranquil setting and mountain vista with a special discounted room rate of $50 per couple on each night. There will be a special buffet Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering entrees of rib-eye steaks, fried catfish, fried chicken, herb roasted pork lion, mixed medley vegetables, green beans, corn, baked potatoes, garden vegetables, and various desserts. Adults are $13.99 (plus beverage, tax and gratuity). Call 1-800-325-0058.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Valentines Dinner Theater Feb. 10-11
Spend a romantic evening in the natural beauty of the Eastern Kentucky foothills at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Romance that special someone in your life with dinner followed by special performance by the duet Heath Eric & Molly G. Heath and Molly present a high-energy, passionate show filled with authentic originals and unique twists on cover songs. For more info on the performers, check out their website at www.heatheric.com Show times are Friday and Saturday evening at 6:45 p.m. Admission fee of $29.95 plus tax per person includes dinner and show. The park is also offering a package that includes the dinner, show and an overnight stay in Lewis Caveland Lodge for just $120.95 plus tax for two people. Call 1-800-325-0059.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Valentine Getaway Weekend Feb. 10-12
Cumberland Falls has been considered one of Kentucky’s most romantic attractions for decades. Your weekend begins with a dance and DJ on Friday evening, with music provided by Radioactive Sounds. Saturday evening features a mystery dinner theater where you will help figure out “who done it?” The weekend package is $299 plus tax per couple, which includes two night’s lodging, Friday evening dance and dinner and show on Saturday. Single person price is $239. Call 1-800-325-0063.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
Valentine’s Celebration Feb. 10-12
Dale Hollow will host several events during the weekend of Feb. 10-12 in honor of Valentine’s Day. The Friday night package for two will include one night’s lodging, dinner and breakfast, and a Chautauqua program at 7:30 p.m. featuring Kelly O’Connell Brengelman as Lucy Audubon. The Friday package is $124.95 per couple. On Saturday, the package includes one night’s lodging, dinner and breakfast and a dance featuring Klassyc Times. The package is $169.95 per couple. The dinner and dance only is $74.95 per couple and the dance only is $20 per person. Call 1-800-325-2282.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Perfect Harmony Dinner Theater Feb. 11
General Butler State Resort Park presents “Blues Brothers Tribute Act: The Soul Men.” From their knuckle tattoos to their signature hats and sunglasses, the Soul Men impersonate Jake and Elwood to perfection. The Soul Men’s performance is a fast-paced, high energy, audience participating routine that includes all of your favorite Blue Brothers’ songs and gets the audience moving and dancing. The Butler Lodge package for $165.95 plus tax per couple includes one night’s lodging on Feb. 11, Saturday dinner theater and a Sunday breakfast buffet. Individual tickets for the dinner show are $35 plus tax and are on sale through noon Feb. 11. Call 1-866-462-8853.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Valentine Getaway Package Feb. 11-12
Treat that special someone to a Valentine Getaway Package as Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and the Paramount Arts Center present an evening of dinner theater with a comedy production of “The Kentucky Marriage Proposal.” One night’s lodging, dinner and show for two is $130 plus tax; dinner and show only is $28 per person plus tax, tip and drink or $56 for two plus tax, tip and drink. The Sweetheart Buffet is $17.95 per person plus tax, tip and drink. A ticket for the show only is $10. Call 1-800-325-0083.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Valentine’s Day Getaway Feb. 14
Enjoy an evening of romantic music while enjoying your candlelight dinner at the Music Highway Grill with Jody Conley. As a professional musician for over 20 years, he played with local groups, Full House Band, Breakaway, was a founding member of the Kentucky Opry, and was a member of Exile. Serving time is 4-8 p.m. Cost is $25 per couple, plus tax and drink. Lodging package available for $100 plus tax per couple, which includes a lodge room, dinner and entertainment. Call 1-800-325-0142.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Couples Month in February
For $125, receive a one-night stay in Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s comfortable lodge, with dinner and breakfast. Upon arrival, you will be greeted in your room with a special gift, which includes a bottle of sparkling cider. Dinner at Harbor Lights Restaurant includes a choice of special entree and desert from our Couples’ Menu. The next morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast for two again at Harbor Lights with a later check-out time. This package is based on availability thru Feb. 29. Call 1-800-325-0146.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Sweetheart Weekend Feb. 10-11
Come celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lake Barkley State Resort Park with your sweetheart. On Friday night and Saturday afternoon, enjoy planned recreation activities, and on Saturday night enjoy dinner and the annual Sweetheart Dance with live music, sweet treats and cash bar. Two-night packages are $215 per couple and include Friday and Saturday night lodging in a lake view room, activities, Saturday dinner buffet, Sweetheart Dance and Sunday breakfast. One-night packages are $165 per couple and include lodge room Saturday night, activities, dinner, dance and breakfast. Call 1-800-325-1708 for reservations or additional information.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
Sweetie Pie Valentine Dinner Feb. 14
Show your love for your sweetheart with a special romantic dinner at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Sit by a window of the park’s beautiful dining room overlooking Lake Cumberland while enjoying your choice of several special entrees such as beef filet mignon, grilled chicken with cherries jubilee sauce, port-roasted pork tenderloin with apple chutney, or coconut-dusted jumbo shrimp. You’re bound to impress the one you love! Reservations are suggested but not required. Call 1-800-325-1709.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Valentine’s Square Dance Feb. 11
Bring your sweetheart out to Natural Bridge for some easy-to-learn Appalachian square dancing, clogging, line dancing, two-stepping, polkas, waltzes, and many other couples and individual dances. The warm-up begins at 6:30 p.m., and the official start time is 7:30 p.m. The dance will be held in the Woodland Center and typically lasts until 10 p.m. Admission is $3 per adult, and children under 12 are free. Contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or (606) 663-2214 for more information.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Sweetheart Month during February
February is sweetheart month! Come stay at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park – lodge rooms are $44.95 per night during February. On Friday and Saturday night, stay in a lodge room and add a dinner for $80 a couple. If a cottage is more your style, get a one bedroom cottage for $74.95, or a two bedroom cottage for $84.95. The price for a one bedroom cottage and dinner for two is $105. Call 1-800-325-1711.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Sweethearts Dinner and Dance Feb. 11
Enjoy a dinner and dance at Pine Mountain State Resort Park whether you’re in a new romance, newlyweds or longtime sweethearts. Celebrate your relationship at this event featuring a night of dancing, with a live music duo and a special sweetheart’s dinner. The park’s $110 (plus tax) package for two includes sweetheart’s dinner, dance admission, and one night’s accommodations. Dinner and dance only tickets are available for $70 plus tax. For information, call 1-800-325-1712.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
That’s Amore Dinner Feb. 14
A romantic, Italian-themed dinner to celebrate your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day will be featured on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 5-9 p.m at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The special evening of fine dining featuring authentic Italian cuisine will include lasagna, spaghetti, and a saute station where the park’s chef will prepare shrimp, chicken, and vegetables to your personal preference. Rounding out the evening’s special menu will be a variety of pastas and sauces, Italian-style vegetables, rolls, garlic bread, various pasta salads on the bar, and an assortment of all-time favorite desserts. The cost is $30 plus tax per couple. For more information, call 606-337-3066 or 800-325-1712.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
Sweetheart Weekend Feb. 17-19
Bring your special someone to Rough River Dam State Resort Park for a romantic weekend getaway! Festivities begin on Friday evening with professional ballroom dance lessons, and Saturday is filled with activities and games including the “Not-So-Newlywed Game.” A romantic prime rib dinner buffet and Sweetheart Dance highlight the night. Overnight package starts at $250 plus tax per couple and includes two nights’ accommodations, Saturday breakfast, activities, prime rib dinner buffet and dance and Sunday breakfast. Dinner and dance only packages are also available for $85 plus tax per couple and include prime rib dinner buffet and dance on Saturday. Call 1-800-325-1713.
If you need a last minute gift, here’s the most delicious idea possible: A beautiful gift basket from the Great Harvest Bread Company! I got the one above this year and have been THOROUGHLY enjoying everything about it.
You’re able to pick out the components of the gift basket, and I must say (as always) my husband did an exceptional job. This is my second Great Harvest Bread Co gift basket and I’m hoping and praying it’ll be an annual tradition.
Every single thing the Great Harvest Bread Co. sells is outstanding – the bread, cookies, Kentucky tea (you HAVE to try this amazing tea!), ham spread (uncommonly delicious), etc. The Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread and Pumpkin Pie Butter are so delicious it isn’t even funny. Every single thing in the basket is, for that matter!
If you live near Owensboro, Kentucky – our Great Harvest Bread Company is at 3211 Frederica St, across from Kentucky Wesleyan. The friendliest people in the world work there and the food’s to die for. Even if you don’t need a gift basket to GIVE, buy one for yourself! That’s what my oldest daughter intends to do. Smart girl.
You’ll find a lot of great breads, snacks, and desserts to have on hand during the holidays as well. Perfect for family get-togethers and delicious for the bowl games and UK basketball games! You pick out the food you want in the basket, but trust me, you’d do well to pick out the exact things my husband did. I’ve trained him so well.
Click HERE to find the Great Harvest near you.
A couple admiring the beauty at Natural Bridge State Park while getting fresh air and activity. Well played, couple, well played.
Kentuckians, it’s time to hit the Kentucky State Parks running… or at the very least walking and hiking! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common risk factor for heart disease isn’t smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, or even high blood pressure. It’s inactivity! Certainly, all of the others add to a person’s risk, but I was really blown away by the fact that inactivity leads the way.
There’s a national effort gearing up for January 1, 2012 aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles throughout the year at America’s State Parks. Four Kentucky State Parks will be participating in this highly commendable effort.
The movement is called First Day Hikes and it’s sponsored by America’s State Parks. It will involve all 50 state park systems, and will allow participants to enjoy the scenery and wildlife at each park as they start the new year.
Kentucky State Parks have more than 250 miles of hiking trails that are open year-round. The parks also offer many other outdoor recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, camping, golf, fishing, boating, playgrounds, sports and more. Resort parks also have lodges, cottages and restaurants. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Pam Gibson, trails maintenance supervisor at Cumberland Falls, will lead a hike on Trail 2 from the picnic area to the Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, then back to the lodge by way of Trail 11. The hike will start at 10 a.m. (meet in the lodge) and will be completed by early afternoon. Pam will be providing interpretation along the way. Bring camera, water and a snack. For information, call 1-800-325-0063.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville
The First Day hike at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park will take place on the Goose Creek Trail, which is 1.25 miles long and is moderate enough for most to hike. The hike will be from 2-4 p.m. and is free. Hot chocolate will be provided at the beginning of the hike. All participants should meet at the picnic grove area across from the archery range. Call 502-429-7270 for information.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Lake Barkley State Resort Park would like to encourage everyone to kick off the New Year with a healthy start. On Jan. 1, Lake Barkley’s Fitness Center will be offering free admission, and guests can enjoy its indoor pool, nautilus equipment and free weights. Guests can also tour the fitness center and sign up for discounted individual, family or business memberships. At 10 a.m., the park naturalist will lead a First Day Hike. The naturalist will guide participants on a 2-mile hike past scenic views and in search of bald eagles, wild turkey, deer and other winter wildlife. Those who plan to hike should meet at the fitness center and dress warmly, wear layers of clothing and sturdy, warm hiking boots or shoes, as well as hats and gloves, and bring water. For more information, contact the fitness center at 270-924-1131, ext. 593.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Douglas Wilder, trails maintenance supervisor at Natural Bridge, will lead a hike on the Original Trail to Natural Bridge and back. The hike will start at approximately 9 a.m. from the lodge and finish at approximately 11-11:30 a.m. Hot chocolate and cider will be served at the end of the hike. Wilder will provide interpretation of history, geology and trees along the way. Call 1-800-325-1710.
Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse in Harrodsburg, Kentucky has to be seen to be believed. The place is gorgeous and the food is just as impressive. Whatever you do, you HAVE to order the Fried Green Tomatoes. Read on for something extra special about this appetizer.
As I mentioned in my last post (an open love letter to Double Dogs in Bowling Green, Kentucky!), Saturday, my husband and I actually ate out twice. As a food blogger who cooks often (and loves every second of it), this was kind of a departure from the norm. But, hey, when someone else has to do the dishes and other people take care of the clean up, you won’t find this gal complaining – especially when the food is as extraordinary as it was in each of the places we visited.
I’ve already told you all about Double Dogs, now I’m anxious to tell you all about our supper at Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. First of all, I have to point out that I am the biggest Montgomery Gentry fan in the world. I have all of their cds, I know all of the songs by heart, and I was in the front row (waving my arms, swaying, and singing out loud) when Eddie and Troy were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. What a night!
Needless to say, I was beyond excited at the thought of eating in Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse. He’s half of the greatest Country Music duo (or group or anything) of all time, he’s a fellow Kentuckian AND he’s a UK fan. He’s what we call a “sure thing” in these parts.
I have no idea what I was expecting, but what I experienced surpassed my every expectation. As we turned onto Lucky Man Way (don’t you love it?), my jaw completely dropped. The restaurant is absolutely stunning. And so big! My jaw just continued to stay on the ground as we walked into the gorgeous restaurant – it’s even more impressive inside, and that’s really saying something. Country music and UK fans will think they’ve died and gone to Heaven. If you happen to be like us (crazy fanatics for Country Music and UK), you’ll pinch yourself a couple thousand times.
Before I get to the food (and what food it was!), let me urge you to give yourself plenty of time to look around the restaurant and gift shop. Take in the entire experience, look at the gorgeous architecture inside and out, and.. by all means… check out all of the wonderful pictures on the walls! Eddie Montgomery’s colorful, outrageous personality comes through in every nook and corner and you’ll want to have time to soak it all in.
Now, onto the food!
We ordered Fried Green Tomatoes as an appetizer and they were brought out almost immediately. I was terribly preoccupied with the UK game on one of the many (many, many) television screens, as well as with my gorgeous surroundings – so, oddly enough, I didn’t catch the name of our server. She was, however, extremely friendly and had a colorful personality, like Eddie Montgomery, himself. The woman was on her game and I even told my husband at one point, “I’ll bet she knows as much about the food as the chef does!“ She was able to make outstanding suggestions and even gave us extra information about dishes we were considering. It’s a pet peeve when you ask a server a question and they look as lost as Judas. Then they back away, stammering, “I dunno… I’ll go check…”
That certainly didn’t happen with this lady. I was blown away by her expertise.
The Fried Green Tomatoes and Eddie’s outstanding dip. I took the picture after I’d already eaten one. I never claimed to have any self control.
I was even more blown away by the food! The fried green tomatoes were absolutely perfect – and they were served with an AMAZING dip that our server said was one of Eddie’s own recipes. I could have put that dip on one of my shoes and eaten it. It was Heavenly.
A bread basket (with real butter blended with honey, thank you very much) was brought to our table and refilled as necessary. LOVE that. The bread was out of this world delicious. Our server said that if diners preferred, they could have regular butter instead of the honey butter – but I can’t imagine why anyone would do such a thing. The honey butter was creamy perfection and a perfect accompaniment to the delicious rolls.
I ordered a steak, baked potato, and grilled asparagus. I assume my husband ordered something, but, quite frankly, I was in an “Oh My God, This Is All SO Amazing” zone, so I can’t say for certain what went on across the table. I found myself so deep in elation that the sound of Dick Vitale’s voice seemed angelic. Until the plate was empty, then it was business as usual.
The star of the show: An exceptional steak in an exceptional restaurant. Note the creamy, pale real butter served with the baked potato. No yellow margarine here.
The steak was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. It, alone, would have been worth the trip. Fortunately, it was accompanied by a flawless baked potato (served with sour cream and real butter – I’m a stickler for special details like butter, I can be in an amazing restaurant but somehow think a little less of the entire situation if I’m served canary-yellow margarine). The asparagus was also very flavorful and just crunchy enough. I HATE when asparagus wilts like a weakling. This grilled asparagus was perfect… like everything else.
The Bread Pudding! SO rich, so delicious, so perfect.
For dessert, we ordered Bread Pudding. YUM! Apparently the flavor of bread pudding changes, depending upon the day or night you’re there. We lucked out big time because we were served bread pudding with chocolate chips and caramel drizzled on top. Can you say rich deliciousness?!?!
The whole experience was perfection and have told everyone I know (and even those I don’t know) that Eddie Montgomery’s Steakhouse is a MUST SEE restaurant and the food is something you’re going to fall head over boots in love with. There’s nothing about the place I didn’t love and can’t wait to go back soon.
I urge you to check out the website, plan out your trip, and see what happens when a good ole Kentucky Boy makes a lifelong dream come true.
The main reason – the only reason, actually – we put so much work into publishing Genuine Kentucky is to showcase, spotlight, and promote the beautiful place we’re proud to call home and the amazing people we’re proud to call neighbors. My husband and I are Kentuckian through and through and you’ll never find two people prouder of their “home” than we are.
As you may know, I was born and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky (except for 2 years in Lexington, Kentucky). For many years, now, my family and I have been thrilled to call Owensboro home. Birthplace of Johnny Depp and NASCAR’s Darryl and Michael Waltrip (sorry, I just like to brag on occasion).
Suffice to say, if It’s KENTUCKY, I embrace it. The funny thing is that Kentucky and Kentuckians never cease to amaze me. My jaw still drops when I look out over Kentucky Lake, I still get goosebumps when I see Kentucky horse farms, and I still swell up with pride when Elvis sings Kentucky Rain while I’m riding in my vehicle, windshield wipers keeping time.
It never, ever gets old and I never, ever want to live anywhere else.
Something else never gets old and never fails to amaze me – the genius of Kentuckians. I plan to periodically spotlight such artists, authors, craftsmen (and women!), athletes, performers, and so on. I’m honored to kick things off with a photographer from Winchester, Kentucky – Ed Newel. I only heard about Ed Newel’s photography this morning, but I have no idea how such beauty could have been a secret! I found myself looking at every picture on his website and blog until one, in particular, stopped me in my tracks. If you read this blog, or any of my blogs, you know that one of the most obvious things about me is my love for animals – so it’ll come as no surprise to know that the picture that stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away involved gorgeous horses. The name of the picture is Bluegrass Morning and I hope you’ll go pay your respects. Such beauty!
Please visit Ed Newel’s Scenes of Kentucky website, as well as his photography blog to learn more about his photography and products. I only wish I’d known about this website sooner… what stunning Christmas gifts these prints (very, very, very affordable) would have made!
Photo Credit: Ed Newel
