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Troubled Bridge Over Waters: Alternate Routes for Lake Barkley and Kenlake State Resort Parks

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Eggner Ferry Bridge

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.

I hope (against common sense) that this doesn’t negatively affect tourism to Kenlake State Resort Park, Lake Barkley and Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Aurora, and the surrounding areas. However, the much-traveled bridge was an essential route for a lot of people. An already irritable economy didn’t need another blow.

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.

Filed Under: Aurora, Featured, Kenlake State Resort Park, Lake Barkley SRP, News Tagged With: , ,

Winter Events in January and February at Kentucky State Parks

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset, Kentucky, USA

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

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, John James Audubon State Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Lake Barkley SRP, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Kenlake and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Celebrate Autumn’s Colors

October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Autumn at Kenlake State Resort Park

The husband (also known as Michael) and I visited Kenlake State Resort Park yesterday.  Aurora was busier than I’ve ever seen it, thanks to the Fall Festival. It was a real rush to see tons of people enjoying Aurora BBQ, The Hitching Post & Old Country Store, The Brass Lantern, and Willow Pond – 4 of Kentucky’s best-kept secrets… all within walking distance of one another!!!

We ate at Kenlake – I had the catfish, of course.  LOVE their catfish. Their onion rings are and rolls are also out of this world.   My only problem was the little dark brown hush puppies. I love the Kentucky State Parks dearly and we throw our support to them at every possible opportunity but, their hush puppies have become a bit of a personal challenge.

I keep looking for the State Resort Park restaurant that has really good hush puppies!  Just about every restaurant (even the great ones) has at least one thing you wish was a little better, don’t they?  I just have a personal aversion to anything that’s overdone in the kitchen.  Some people might not realize that food continues to kind of “cook,” even after it’s taken out of the oven or off of the stove. So if you let it get really brown, it’s going to be darn near black when it’s brought to the table.

At a Cracker Barrel, once, the manager strolled by our table, took one look at the overdone onion rings, and her eyes popped out.  She took them, apologized, and said, “These should never have been brought out!” I loved her for that.  We hadn’t even complained (and we weren’t going to). SHE caught it.  Yay, her.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it on this site before, as well as my food blog, but I am hush puppy picky. Willow Pond in Aurora has the best hush puppies in the entire world, which makes it hard for everyone else because I’m always comparing their hush puppies to the Willow Pond’s big fat yummy golden delicacies.  The other Willow Ponds also have good hush puppies, but they aren’t quite as good as the ones you’ll find in Aurora.  I don’t hate Cracker Barrel’s hush puppies either.  Truth be told, I’m kind of enjoying my pursuit for hush puppies equal to Aurora’s Willow Pond. I’m not convinced they exist, but if they do, I’ll find them!

Oh well, when catfish is on my plate, hush puppies aren’t the star of the show anyway, and the Kentucky State Parks restaurants know precisely how to fix catfish. It’s always breaded and seasoned to perfection.  The rolls are worth writing home about as well. SO tasty!

We also stopped by Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (pictured above) and got a kick out of their beautiful Autumn decorations. Both of these very special state resort parks looked as lovely as ever.  I hope you never make the mistake of thinking that Kentucky State Parks are only for warm weather enjoyment because nothing could be further from the truth. They’re always decorated and festive, ready to celebrate the season and/or holiday at hand.

Make a point to visit more Kentucky State Parks and Kentucky State Resort Parks. I’d LOVE to see more Kentuckians keeping their money in the state by taking more in-state trips, vacations, and mini-vacations.  I’d also LOVE to see more people support state parks.  They’re something we should all be proud of and should want to support in any way we can.  Most of us are within reach of at least one Kentucky State Resort Park, certainly close enough to visit for lunch or supper.   The food really is excellent (the Kentucky Hot Brown, Catfish, Catfish sandwich, and Country Ham are as good as you’ll in other restaurants) and the prices are outstanding.  If you’d rather go “buffet style,” that’s certainly a viable option. The salad bars, vegetables, and meats always look (and smell) extraordinary.  I can’t say that I do the buffet often…. have I ever?…. but that’s just because the fried catfish and I have an understanding.

I’ve added more pictures of Kenlake State Resort Park and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park to the photo albums, so be sure to take a look.

Filed Under: Aurora, Autumn Fun, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Tagged With: , ,

Ham and Red-Eye Gravy With a View of Kentucky Lake on the Side!

September 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Ham, Baked Potato, and Red Eye Gravy at Kenlake State Resort Park

Kenlake State Resort Park’s Aurora Landing Restaurant recently knocked our socks off… yet again.

I’m always on my soap box telling everyone to eat at Kentucky State Resort Parks.  If someone tells me they go once a month, I tell them to go more.  If they tell me they’ve never eaten at one of Kentucky’s State Resort Parks, I tell them to come back when they have.. then I’ll talk to them.

Okay, just kidding, I don’t actually do that. I’m not saying I don’t think about it though.

In the vein of practicing what you preach (but more importantly in the vein of loving good food), my husband Michael and I ate at TWO Kentucky State Resort Park restaurants Saturday. Yay, us! We had lunch at the gorgeous Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s restaurant, Windows on the Water.  As I told the adorable hostess who seated us, the view never, ever gets old.  Just beautiful.  You know me…. of course I had the fried catfish sandwich and onion rings.  Delicious!!!

Even the iced tea is perfection in Kentucky State Parks.

Kenlake State Resort Park's Aurora Landing Restaurant Pinto Beans

After lunch, we went to Kenlake State Resort Park where my husband played a round of golf while I caddied… if, that is, caddying means riding along, sipping Diet Coke, taking pictures, and ahhhing every bird and squirrel in site. If that’s the definition of being a caddie I might just be the greatest one of all time. The golf course was beautiful – I’ll add the pictures to the Kentucky Pictures album soon.

We ate supper at Kenlake State Resort Park’s restaurant, Aurora Landing.  I ordered the Fried Ham with Red Eye Gravy and a baked potato and pinto beans.  While we waited, the server (an absolute doll who looked like she should be starring in movies with a Hollywood hottie – beautiful face, but I didn’t catch the name that went with it) brought us a basket of HEAVENLY rolls and butter. Man, were they good.

The ham was beyond great – very, very, very flavorful. I normally love red eye gravy, but I didn’t want to intrude upon the flavor the ham had going on all by itself! The baked potato and pinto beans were also excellent.

Michael also had a baked potato and pinto beans but he ordered grilled chicken. It must have been outstanding, it disappeared awfully fast.

We always order a dessert to share at Kentucky State Resort Park restaurants and I order a cup of coffee…. which I don’t share. They use John Conti coffee beans and you can smell and taste the distinction. It’s one of the best cups of coffee you can get out, anywhere. It’s about 5 times better than coffee you get in coffeehouses.

We ordered cheesecake this time and it was great. My husband asked the lovely server if she could put some strawberries on top for us, and of course she did.

Having an outstanding meal while looking out at the gorgeous lake is always a special treat. For butterfly and bird lovers, like us, it’s an even bigger treat at Kenlake because, right outside the windows, they have bird feeders, beautiful trees, and gardens filled with flowers that draw these beautiful lovelies.

I work with words all day long but they fail me when I’m trying to convey just how special it is to enjoy a great view, great food, great company, and great coffee all at the same time.  I’m always struck by how friendly the staff is at Aurora Landing Restaurant, too.

Please make a point to start supporting our Kentucky State Parks and Kentucky State Resort Parks more often. You’ll be surprised just how great the restaurants are.  Avoid the lines, avoid the hassle, avoid the noise, and avoid views that look out into parking lots.  Kind of sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?!?!

Kenlake State Resort Park Aurora Landing Restaurant Chicken Dinner

Don’t forget to follow Genuine Kentucky on Twitter! We’ll keep you up to date with Kentucky news, events, opinions (!!!), and more.  When UK, U of L, or Western Kentucky are playing… let’s just say we get WAY into it!

Filed Under: Kenlake State Resort Park, Lake Barkley SRP, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Kenlake State Resort Park and The Willow Pond in Aurora: My Kind of Saturday!

August 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Kenlake State Resort Park Marina

Michael and I took a quick trip to Kenlake State Resort Park this past Saturday. We sat and ate ice cream from Udderly Delicious Frozen Treats on the Marina and listened to the relaxing music the water made.  A family was on one of the boats, fixing to head back out on beautiful Kentucky Lake. I’m not sure which of them was enjoying their day more, the humans or the gorgeous black lab in their party.  Even the dog seemed to be taking everything in – enjoying the sights and sounds of Kenlake Marina.

Take it from me and the Lab, it’s really something else.

We also visited (as always) the beautiful flower gardens near the lodge.  The picture below if one I took of a gorgeous butterfly. She posed for the longest time, seemingly loving the camera as much as a 13 year old girl.  If, like me, you love photography, Kenlake State Resort Park, as well as the entire Land Between the Lakes region, is a dream come true. You’ll wear your camera’s button out!

Kenlake State Resort Park Butterfly August 2011

We ate at The Willow Pond in Aurora (if I only had a dime for each time we’ve walked through those doors!) and, I have to tell you, the catfish was EVEN better than usual. The beans were delicious, the coleslaw delicious, and the catfish blew my mind, again, even more than before.  The hush puppies played tricks with my mind, though.

Here’s the thing – I’m SUPREMELY hush puppy picky.  The pickiest hush puppy eater in all of the world.  My family knows me for always insisting on eating Catfish at one place in particular over any other… and that’s The Willow Pond in Aurora. Their hush puppies are better than the other Willow Pond restaurants, in my own humble, hush puppy picky opinion.  In fact, their hush puppies are better than any restaurant. They’re bigger, full of flavor, sweet but not too sweet, and they’re more golden than they are brown.

You could put a tray of 100 hush puppies in front of me and I could pick out the one from Willow Pond in Aurora.  However, as I said, Saturday night they played tricks with me! In the first basket the server brought out, about half of them were the hush puppies I’ve grown to love and crave.  The other half were imposters that looked like they were from __________ (insert the name of another restaurant).  They were smaller, much darker, and I can’t account for the flavor because I didn’t eat one.  I stuck with my beloveds.

The second batch was the same way. Half were the excellent “regulars” and half were “imposters.”  I even asked my husband, “Who do you think snuck in some of the ____________’s (insert same name) hush puppies in here?“  It was actually kind of funny because, as I said before, I’m KNOWN for always harping on the excellence of The Willow Pond in Aurora’s hush puppies.  I can’t tell you how many times we’re eating out and I say, “These hush puppies are okay, but they’re not as good as Aurora’s Willow Pond.” If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 3,464 times.

So, I was amused at the “imposters” sneaking in.  If they’d been the only ones in the basket, I’d have walked outside and double-checked which Willow Pond we were at!

Anyhoo, we’ll end on a huge, fat positive: The catfish is the best catfish in the world and it’s worth the drive, I don’t care how long it takes you, how far you have to drive, or what time of the year it is.

To read more about Kenlake State Resort Park and the area, visit our new Kenlake page on Genuine Kentucky.

To see more pictures of Kenlake State Resort Park, see the photo album!

Tree at Kenlake State Resort Park, Summer 2011

Filed Under: Aurora, Kenlake State Resort Park Tagged With: , ,

The Brass Lantern in Aurora Will Light Up Your World

June 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Brass Lantern in Aurora, Kentucky

Why are there not 7,000,000 cars lined up in The Brass Lantern’s parking lot each evening – with anxious passengers awaiting each Heavenly bite?  Why have there not been books and movies made about the excellent food and friendly service?  When people mention the state of Kentucky, why do other’s not instantly ask, “Oh, Kentucky! Home of The Brass Lantern!”?  Why did Oprah never film one of her shows from the front porch?  I don’t have the answer to any of these questions but I do have the answer to this one, “Where can you get food so delicious that it makes you dance in your seat?”  Well, The Brass Lantern in Aurora, Kentucky, of course.

I feel like a nitwit. If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky long, you know that I write a lot of restaurant reviews.  I’m ALL ABOUT Kentuckians keeping Kentucky dollars in Kentucky, so my husband and I scour the entire state finding the best of the best.  We’re frequent visitors to the Land Between the Lakes region and Aurora is a personal favorite town.  The people are so friendly, as I’ve said before, you’re certain they’re mistaking you for a long-lost relative.

Sometimes you find yourself wondering, “Am I a long-lost relative? These people feel like family…. I’ve got to talk to my mother…”

We always visit The Hitching Post and Kenlake State Resort Park – and depending upon what time of day it is, we eat at The Willow Pond, Kenlake, Aurora Barbecue, or Belew’s Drive In.   Because we’re always in the area between the hours of noon and 4:00 pm, I guess I just assumed that the beautiful restaurant “The Brass Lantern” was a victim of the economy. It was never open, as far as I could see.  That’s where the nitwit feeling enters.  The Brass Lantern, in all of its magnificence, opens at 5:00 pm.

Saturday, Michael and I were in the area (visiting, taking pictures, shopping) and as it started getting close to suppertime, we began weighing our options.  The nit wit had recently learned that this beautiful restaurant was very much in business, so when my husband asked where I wanted to eat supper, I told him The Brass Lantern.

It’ll go down as one of the best decisions I ever made.

The Brass Lantern in Aurora, Kentucky

You know how you just KNOW a place is special when you walk through the doors? That was very much the case at The Brass Lantern.  The decor is gorgeous and just screams Southern Charm.  The lovely hostess couldn’t have been any warmer or friendlier (as it turned out she was an owner) and our server (Royce) was a total sweetheart.  He was everything you’d want a server to be – knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and dead on about the Blackberry Cobbler!  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a billion times, a server sets the tone for the whole dining experience and Royce did so beautifully.

We decided on one of the specials Royce told us about and chose Coconut Shrimp with an Orange Marmalade Dipping Sauce.  Shockingly delicious doesn’t even seem to cover it. It was the most amazing coconut shrimp I’ve personally ever had and this is something this seafood addict is completely familiar with.  The orange marmalade could have been eaten by itself, but I wouldn’t have slighted the shrimp for anything on earth.

In addition to servers, hosts, and hostesses, a few other things I look closely at when doing restaurant reviews are:

  • Tea
  • Coffee (when applicable)
  • Salad
  • Salad dressing
  • Sides

Too many restaurants rely on the meat and throw sides to the side.  Big mistake.  Rarely do you find a restaurant where everything is above par and beyond excellent:  The appetizer, the tea, the service, the meat or fish, the vegetables, the salad, and the salad dressing.  Even in the best of restaurants, at least one falls short.

Apparently they haven’t heard about this rule at The Brass Lantern.  Not one area, not even one smidgen of an area was less than stellar.  The decor was beautiful, the service exceptional, the tea fresh, and the food was so incredible I didn’t want to leave.  Unfortunately, if I’d eaten another bite, I wouldn’t have been able to stand, though – so we eventually did have to leave.  For now.

The Brass Lantern in Aurora, Kentucky

To make certain I don’t leave one area uncovered, I’ll take the menu items one at a time, because each truly was deserving of its own moment in the spotlight.

  • The tea was perfectly fresh, and spot on perfect.
  • The coconut shrimp was the best I’ve ever eaten and I’ve enjoyed coconut shrimp from here to the Keys and back.
  • The grilled asparagus was crisp and so flavorful that I can’t stop thinking about it.
  • The grilled fish was absolute perfection. Perfectly seasoned and delicious.
  • The rice was wonderful. I normally avoid rice unless it’s fried rice in an authentic Asian restaurant. Rice has never done anything to be, it just doesn’t dazzle me.  Let me say, it usually doesn’t dazzle me.  This amazing wild rice blend was Heavenly and, yes, I was definitely dazzled.
  • There was a magical dipping sauce on our plates that I used for dipping my asparagus in.  It reminded me of the delicious Yum Yum sauce in Japanese restaurants, except it was white.  It was so amazing!
  • Remember how I listed salads and salad dressings amongst the things I always, always pay special attention to?  The way I see it, you can tell a lot about a restaurant and the pride they take in their food, as well as the appreciation they have for their patrons in a very unexpected place: The Salad.  If the salad is obviously straight out of a bag you buy in a grocery store or if the salad is simply iceberg lettuce and tomatoes that are too cold.. that tells me the pride and appreciation levels aren’t as high as the water in a pot hole.  If the salad dressing tastes like they opened a bottle of cheap salad dressing, it’s even worse.  When I looked at and then took a bite of the beautiful little salad at The Brass Lantern, the word that popped into my mind was EXCEPTIONAL.  You get a mixture of iceberg lettuce with spinach leaves, tomatoes that (thankfully) don’t freeze your teeth, carrots, and fresh sliced mushrooms.   I always order my favorite dressing, French, when I eat out and inevitably keep my fingers crossed that it’s not the color of a Sesame Street character – never a good sign.  I knew upon sight that this dressing was homemade even before I tasted it.  Then, after one bite, I knew it was the best French dressing I’ve ever had. Again, EXCEPTIONAL.  My husband ordered his favorite, Blue Cheese – which, while good, wasn’t as good as mine.  I was like, (deep voice) “Look at your dressing. Now look at mine.  Back at yours. Now at mine. Sadly, it’s not mine.“  As it turned out, the owner makes it her brilliant self. Outrageously delicious.
  • The dessert. Royce gave us the choices for dessert and happened to mention that the Blackberry Cobbler was his favorite.  I was tempted (as I always am) by the desserts with chocolate on their minds, but I went with Royce and, let me tell you, that young man knows his desserts!  The blackberry cobbler was breathtakingly good – after just one bite, there was a party going on in my mouth.  Some people make Blackberry cobbler too sweet and I’m left thinking, “I guess there were blackberries in there with the sugar…”  With this blackberry cobbler, there was no doubt about it – blackberries were the star of the show and the sweetness was in the background, in a supporting role. Just like it should be.  Even the ice cream was especially delicious!  Around this time, I wondered if  The Brass Lantern could make a bad dish if they were paid to.

My husband and I agreed, we have NEVER had a better meal out anywhere. Anytime.  Every bite was mind-numbingly delicious and a few times, we were both speechless.  Suffice to say that never happens.

Don’t wait for the next time you’re in the Kentucky Lake area to eat at The Brass Lantern – make a special trip!  You’ll soon find yourself visiting Kentucky Lake when you’re in The Brass Lantern’s area.  The Brass Lantern is exquisite dining in a very charming, beautiful, and relaxed environment.  It’s also one of Kentucky’s best kept secrets, but with the number of people we’re raving to that won’t last long!

Filed Under: Aurora, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Enjoy A Kentucky State Park Buffet Lunch for Valentine’s Weekend Feb. 13

February 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hamster with Heart CookieCredit:  I Can has Cheezburger

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.

Filed Under: Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Restaurant Reviews, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With:

Kentucky State Parks: Labor Day Weekend Events!

August 14, 2010 By 1 Comment

The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.

All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park system’s 17 resort parks – all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities – will be open.

The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.

Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.

For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 3

Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum

While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park “expert” for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 4

Labor Day Blood Drive

You can be someone’s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Sept. 4

Goldenrod Gala

The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, Farmer’s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.

Fort Boonesborough State Park

Sept. 4

CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview

Sept. 4

Civil War Flag Exhibit

Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 3-4

Plein-Air & Studio Workshop

Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. Don’t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9–noon. 270-826-2247.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 2-6

Labor Day Weekend

John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6.  There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend. The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice

Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun.  The park will be ending the “summer season” with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors.  There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.  Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011.  Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Getaway

Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy.  Don’t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Sept. 3 – 5

Labor Day “Fun in the Sun”

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities.  Come build your own “Pine Derby Car” on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening.  The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m.  Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a “heel-clicking” good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing.  Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

The end of summer is near so let’s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland. The park’s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family.  The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell.  For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Sept. 3-6

End of the Summer Celebration

Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and s’mores and much more. 800-325-0058.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more.  The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m.  800-325-0063.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville

Sept. 3-6
NBL/BMX Grand Nationals

Join E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org.  502-429-7270.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend Celebration

Kenlake State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the back lobby. Scott Shupe, an old friend of the park, will bring many of his animals for his live animal presentation.  Other activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. End the summer with a live band Sunday night on the front lawn. 800-325-0143.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend – Say Goodbye to Summer

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Say farewell to Summer and all the heat and enjoy the last weekend of scheduled daily recreation activities for the year. Activities include tie-dye, an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Social, Ping Pong Tournaments, Nintendo Wii Tournaments, arts and crafts. Heath Eric will perform to close out the weekend on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the campground! Fees for some events. For details contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Celebration

Lake Barkley State Resort Park says farewell to summer with a Labor Day weekend celebration.  Activities will start on Friday evening at the campground and continue through Monday afternoon at the lodge.  The recreation staff has packed this last weekend of summer with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities include a snake presentation, tie-dye shirts, corn-hole games, trap shooting and an owl prowl. And don’t forget to stop by the beach on the last few days it will be open for the summer.  For more information contact Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1708

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss Music in the Park on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. with local artist Heath Eric. 800-325-1711.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

Sept. 6

Pickin’ at the Caves
Bring your instruments out to Carter Caves State Resort Park to gather and play music with other local musicians. Don’t play? No problem! Come and enjoy the tunes that local talent has to offer. The pickin’ will be in and around the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 7-9 p.m. Visit early and enjoy a country meal in the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. This event is held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 800-325-0059.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov

Filed Under: Barren River Lake SRP, John James Audubon State Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky State Parks, Lake Barkley SRP, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Tagged With:

Bird Watching at Land Between the Lakes

July 14, 2010 By 1 Comment

As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with wildlife, birds, and butterflies at Genuine Kentucky.  Truth be told, I’m becoming more than a little intrigued with insects as well -dragonflies, lady bugs, stick bugs, lightning bugs… such cool little guys.  Even more reason to love living in Kentucky.  We have such a beautiful variety of these fascinating animals.

One of my favorite things to do when in the Land Between the Lakes area (in addition to eating catfish  – another obsession) is to look for and observe wildlife.  Whether we’re at the outstanding Woodland’s Nature Center, the equally outstanding Elk & Bison Prairie or hanging out at one of the beautiful state parks – my eyes are always peeled for extra-special locals.

When you’re in the Land Between the Lakes area, I hope you’ll take in all the beauty around you – including the amazing array of birds.  At many of the travel brochure stands in the area, you’ll find a pamphlet titled “LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES AREA BIRD CHECKLIST.”  This extremely handy little guide lists the different birds you could potentially see while at Land Between the Lakes.

If you’d like to print out your own guide, you can do that too!  LBL.org has thought of everything and has an online version of the Land Between the Lakes Bird Checklist.

The pamphlet lists the places below as “Recommended Birding Spots”

  • Kentucky Dam
  • Hematite Lake and Trail
  • Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
  • Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
  • North/South Trail – Sugar Bay to Rhodes Bay
  • Shaw Branch Road – (153/134) from Hwy 68/80 to Energy Lake
  • Elk & Bison Prairie
  • South Oak Grassland Demonstration Area
  • The Homeplace
  • Fort Henry Trails
  • South Welcome Station and Bear Creek

I’d add the following Birding Opportunistic sites in the Land Between the Lakes Region:

  • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
  • Kentucky Dam Village
  • Kenlake Lodge
  • Grand Rivers Jetty at Sunset – At Lighthouse Landing on Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers, Kentucky
  • Little Lake Park (Grand Rivers) – Located on Commerce Street behind the Badgett Playhouse

For more information on any of these areas (including maps), visit the links below:

Grand Rivers Attractions

Land Between the Lakes

Kenlake State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Filed Under: Blog, Grand Rivers, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Wildlife, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP, LBL

Why Aurora, Kentucky is One of My Favorite Places in Kentucky

June 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky

We were in Aurora, Kentucky recently – visiting the wonderful Hitching Post and it’s remarkably friendly people and grabbing hot dogs so sensational you have to see them to believe them and taste them to truly experience a hot dog.  They’re called Dixie Dogs and you only think you’ve had a true hot dog before.

Aurora Bar-B-Que in Aurora Kentucky

While we were in town, I wish we had eaten at Aurora Bar-B-Q (delicious!), but we were anxious to try another barbecue restaurant in the Land Between the Lakes region.

Big mistake.  The service was decidedly unfriendly (as cold as ice cream) and the food wasn’t fit to write about.  Literally – since I don’t do negative food reviews on Genuine Kentucky.  If we have outstanding food and service, I write about it on Genuine Kentucky – if it’s the pits…. I pretend it never happened.  A throwback to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”

See, mom, I was paying attention.

Honestly, if you want the best bar-b-que in and around the Land Between the Lakes region, you simply have to make your way to Aurora and the home of the winking pig.  Trust me.  We’ve had bar-b-que from just about everywhere in the Lake’s region and Aurora’s home to the absolute best.  The workers are friendly, the service is wonderful, and the food is outstanding.

I’ve said it in other posts on this site before, but I’ll say it again (after all, when I’m truly impressed with people and/or food, I’ll sing their praises for the rest of my life – I’m nothing if not loyal):  You have to spend some time in Aurora, Kentucky. It’s one of my favorite places on earth.  The town is very small, quiet, and unassuming.  It’s also extremely charming, friendly, warm, and fun.

Dixie Dogs in front of the Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky

What makes Aurora Kentucky so special?

  • The people couldn’t be nicer if you paid them to be.  Not once have I come across an unfriendly person Aurora.
  • In my personal opinion, the Willow Pond Catfish restaurant in Aurora is the best of all the Willow Pond restaurants. They’re all outstanding, mind you, but the one in Aurora Kentucky is just a little better.  The servers are a little friendlier and the hushpuppies are a little better.  Maybe more than a little.
  • The Hitching Post is one of the most outrageously cool and fun places you could hope to spend an afternoon in. The new owners have made the Hitching Post such a wonderful place to visit that it’s a wonder they don’t charge admission.  They obviously have a great passion for what they do and a great love for their guests.  The Hitching Post is, at once, the funnest and coolest gift shop you could ever conceive AND a remarkable little “Step Back in Time” museum.  They have put a great deal of time, money, and work into renovating a little country store beside the Hitching Post’s main shop.  They proudly display some truly remarkable things from the distant past – it’s simply outstanding.  I’ve seen (and paid) admission required for far less fascinating exhibits.
  • Right out front of the Hitching Post is Dixie Dogs (click the link for my other review of this deliciousness)! After browsing around the Country Store and gift shop (be sure to grab a bottle of pop), you’ll want to walk out to the Dixie Dogs stand and introduce your taste buds to the most remarkable hot dog they’ve ever met.
  • Another of my favorite places on earth to visit is the gorgeous nearby Elk and Bison Prairie. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world and these majestic animals just take my breath away every single time. We once had the pleasure of having our vehicle completely surrounded by peaceful bison. They’re a favorite animal of mine, so I literally had tears in my eyes.  It’s moving to be so close to such amazing animals as elk and bison.
  • The nearby Nature Station and the Bison Range are also great experiences and provide wonderful photo ops along with memories for a lifetime.
  • Kentucky Lake! Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes and is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a family vacation. Over 160,000 acres of water and 2,064 miles of shoreline are populated with over 100 species of fish, including catfish, crappie, bluegill, stripes any more. Talk about an outstanding fishing vacation.
  • Kenlake Lodge is a quiet, charming, understated, and wonderful place to stay and/or eat.  I often call it the best kept secret in the Land Between the Lakes.  Click the link to see what makes Kenlake State Resort Park so special.

Kenlake State Resort Park

Do yourself and your family (of all ages!) a huge favor and spend a weekend or a week in Aurora Kentucky on your next vacation. While there’s something to be said for keeping our dollars in Kentucky, it wouldn’t be worth it if there weren’t extraordinary places to see, visit, and stay.  Fortunately, Kentucky is full of remarkable places and Aurora, Kentucky is one of them.

The Land Between the Lakes is an outstanding place for people of all ages and will provide fun memories that’ll last forever.  When the vacation comes to an end, your only question will be, “How soon can we come back?!?!”

This, I promise.

EDIT:

Since writing this particular article, I’ve found something else to strengthen my Aurora obsession:   The Brass Lantern!  I’m in the process of writing an entire article about this outstanding (seriously OUTSTANDING) restaurant – I’ll link to it as soon as the article is published.  I’ll just sort of whet your appetite by saying this: I’ve never eaten anything better in any restaurant, anywhere, at any time.  This beautiful Kentucky restaurant is just exceptional and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. – Joi


 

Filed Under: Aurora, Blog, Featured, Food, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Vacations, LBL, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews, Shop Tagged With: , , , , ,
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