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:

• Willow Pond (best catfish in the world)
• The Brass Lantern
• Belew’s Dairy Bar (open seasonally)
• Aurora Bar-B-Que

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.

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Tree Silhouetted During Winter Sunset in Kentucky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

 January 1 First Day Hikes at Kentucky State Parks:

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.

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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.

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?!?!

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!

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Beautiful Lake Barkley Lodge

A lot of times when I see the phrase, “Back by Popular Demand,” I kind of give a skeptical smirk – but if there’s ever been a time when I believe it body, mind, and soul it’s now.  One of the funnest shows I’ve ever seen was the last Murder and a Meal at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater (you can read the review here).  Every single person there had the time of their lives, including my own family.

This is the sort of entertainment that the entire family will enjoy.  And the food?  You won’t find better food in any restaurant.  It’s outstanding.

From Lake Barkley State Resort Park Dinner Theater:

Back by popular demand, Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater series presents another murder mystery where you, the audience, try to figure out who done it! “Silence of the Hams,” a murder mystery about a serial pig killer troubling the town’s annual pig festival, will be performed by Laughing Corpse Production Company out of Nashville with lots of audience participation. So grab your magnifying glass and mystery solving skills and head out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. While piecing the clues together you will also enjoy a themed, all-you-can-eat buffet.

Enjoy the feasting and the fun, but keep your eyes peeled as we see who ends up a pork chop and who’ll be bringing home the bacon. Tickets are on sale now for $45 a person and that includes dinner and entertainment. Limited seating is available so get your tickets now! For tickets or additional information call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708 or email mary.schmidt@ky.gov.

Besides the lodge and a spectacular view of the lake, the park includes 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 near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24. Exit at Highway 68. From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

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Born Louis Marshall Jones in Henderson County, Ky., to sharecroppers, Jones was a singer, banjo picker, song writer and later in life television star on “Hee Haw.” Grandpa Jones was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1978. He never retired and died in 1998.

David Hurt portrays Grandpa Jones for Kentucky Chautauqua, a program sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council. Hurt has played the guitar and banjo across the state and has acted at Stage One in Louisville and in Lexington theaters.

The June 18 appearance at Lake Barkley will begin at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call the park at 1-800-325-1708.

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 I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

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The next Comedy Dinner Theater will be March 19th and I absolutely cannot wait!

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is hosting a dinner theater March 19 that should bring joy and a lot of laughs for guests.

Bil Lepp is a nationally renowned storyteller and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest. His outrageous, humorous tall tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.

The dinner and show are $40 a person. There will be limited seating for this event so call early. 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 I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

For more information, contact Nick Edmonds at nick.edmonds@ky.gov or call the lodge at call 1-800-325-1708.



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My husband, our youngest daughter (Stephany) and I went to Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater for Murder and a Meal and we flat out had the time of our lives.  None of us had ever been to a mystery dinner before so we had no idea what to expect.  However, any expectations we did have were surpassed with ninja speed.

The food was exceptional – as food at the Lake Barkley State Resort Park always is.  When we’re in the Land Between the Lakes region, we will honestly drive out of our way to eat at Lake Barkley State Resort Park.  If you’ve visited Genuine Kentucky regularly, you know that we visit and eat at many (many, many, many, many) of Kentucky’s state parks.  Another Kentucky State Resort Park may, at some point, stand up and compete for the title – but at this moment in time, Lake Barkley State Resort Park has the Genuine Kentucky badge of honor for The Best Food at Kentucky State Resort Parks.

You can taste the difference in every bite.  And, given the fact that most of the Parks have similar menus – this is really saying something!

Lake Barkley is also right up there (tied for first with Kenlake State Resort Park) for having the friendliest people in their lodge’s restaurant.  We’ve never walked away from either place without genuinely feeling like we were a very, very, very welcomed guest.

Excellent food, too!

Laughing Corpse Productions

The mystery dinner was performed by Laughing Corpse Productions and I can’t say enough good things about them.  Unfortunately, I don’t have the performer’s names or any pictures (sorry, we were too busy eating, laughing, and sleuthing to take pictures) but I can tell you this: These people love what they do – which is entertain the socks off of people.

The “Sheriff” – Sheriff Marshal Law was a complete ham who should have his own stand up routine. The man was priceless.  Truth be told, they were all deliciously entertaining.

The name of this particular performance was “Check Out Time” and I only wish you had been there.  The audience (who REALLY got into it!) became a part of the entertainment as we scrambled for clues to figure out who “murdered” one of the hams.

You’re given play money at the beginning of the meal that you can use to “bribe” the suspects for clues.  Each table is a team and you work together to figure out the guilty character.  It was pretty tough because each one seemed guilty to me.

I kept my seat and minded my P’s and Q’s but a lot of people were going around to other tables – stealing “clues” and sometimes even play money.  A few women tried to use their charms on “Manny Jer” but he wasn’t having any of it.  My husband and I tried to get under the jumpsuit of “Hoss Kepping” – we thought he was literally covering something up and offered to pay him to strip.  Dang his morals.  I’m proud to say that one of the women at our own table had some of the stickiest fingers in the whole place.  She paced, she looted, she eavesdropped, she came back with money and clues.

Sigh. I want to be her when I grow up.

If you are ever able to attend a performance at  Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater, please do yourself a huge favor and buy tickets.  Buy them and ask questions later.  Be sure to buy enough for several of your favorite people to go along with you.   Each time I’ve thought of other people who I wished could’ve gone as well.

Outrageously fun.

When you do go, I know you’ll see us there.  I’ll be the curly-haired brunette with a pink purse – the one hooked up to coffee like it’s my life source.  Well… because it is.

My husband will also be easy to spot.  He’s the guy flirting with the chef.  Darn him… he beat me to her.

For more information about the Laughing Corpse Productions, visit their website by clicking here.  If you ever have a chance to see anything performed by Laughing Corpse Productions – grab a few people in need of a great time and have at it.

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This sounds awfully fun! If the Murder and a Meal at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater is even half as entertaining as the Comedy Dinner with Marty Pollio at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, we’re all in for a night to remember!

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater series presents a murder mystery where the audience tries to figure out whodunit!

“Check-out Time,” a murder mystery about a troubled innkeeper and her staff, will be performed by Laughing Corpse Production Company out of Nashville, Tenn., with lots of audience participation.  So grab your magnifying glass and mystery solving skills and head out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

While piecing the clues together, guests will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, including salad bar, parmesan crusted chicken and beef tips, dessert and more.  Tickets are on sale now for $40 a person until Sept. 15 after which prices will increase to $45 a person.  Limited seating is available, so get your tickets now!  For tickets or additional information call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708 or email Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov

Besides the  lodge with a spectacular view of the lake, the park includes 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 near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24.  Exit at Highway 68.  From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

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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

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