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Kentucky State Parks Offer Camping Discount In April

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Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park

If you’re planning a camping trip in April at a Kentucky State Park, you’re in luck. You can save 20 percent on your camping reservations.

Kentucky State Parks are offering a 20 percent discount on camping reservations made for April 1-26.

To get the discount, campers need to make online reservations at www.parks.ky.gov (look for the “reservations” tab at the top of the page). Use the promotion code APR12.

The Kentucky State Parks will also be offering two nights’ camping for the price of one during Camper Appreciation Weekend, April 27-28. Many parks will be holding special events for campers that weekend.

The Kentucky State Parks have 31 campgrounds across the state.

Campsites for horse camping are available at Carter Caves, Pennyrile Forest, Dale Hollow and Taylorsville Lake. About a dozen campgrounds offer Wi-Fi service for a fee.

All state park campgrounds have sites with water and electric hookups.

Reservations can be made by visiting the website. Guests reserving online can view pictures of the individual campsites available, allowing them to better select a site to suit their individual needs. Guests may also call 1-888-4KYPARK for reservations.

Filed Under: Carter Caves State Resort Park, Featured, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Tagged With: , , , ,

Pennyrile Forest Offers Canoe Trips on the Tradewater

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

A series of canoe trips sponsored by Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park begin May 21 on the Tradewater River.

Guests will be able to view a beautiful sandstone cliff during the backcountry river trip. Park Naturalist Rebecca Clark will take the group down the Tradewater River for this awesome outdoor adventure.

The trips are planned for May 21, June 18 and Aug. 13.

The flat water canoe trip is recommended for people ages 12 and up who have previously canoed. The maximum number of participants is 14. Lifejackets and paddles will be provided. Bring your own sunscreen and bug repellent. These trips will last approximately two hours on the water. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration fee is $20 per canoe. Trips fill up fast so register early. Participants must register one week before the canoe trip.

Trips may be rescheduled or canceled due to heavy rain, thunderstorms or inadequate registrations. Call 1-800-325-1711 for reservations and information.

Pennyrile Forest is located 20 miles northwest of Hopkinsville and approximately 8 miles South of Dawson Springs. From the West Kentucky Parkway, take exit 24, follow Highway 109 through Dawson Springs to the park entrance. From the Pennyrile Parkway South, take exit 12 (Hwy 1682), follow 1682 to Hwy 109, go north on Hwy 109 to the park entrance. The park also offers an 18-hole golf course, lodge, cottages, restaurant, lake with boat rentals, recreation/naturalist programming and gift shop.

Filed Under: Events, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Springtime in Kentucky Tagged With:

Pennyrile Forest Oil Painting Weekend Set For Feb. 25-27

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Beautiful Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has rescheduled its Oil Painting Weekend to Feb. 25-27.

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: Events, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park: Your Jaw Will Drop

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Michael and I recently ate at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.  We dined in the lodge’s dining room, the Clifty Creek Restaurant.  The name, alone, should prepare you for the incredible view afforded by the many large windows!  But more about the view in a minute.   Let’s eat first.

My catfish (Yes, in fact I do order catfish just about everywhere I go!) sandwich was out of this world. I also had onion rings which were pretty darn good too.  The catfish was the star of the show, however – it was so big it spilled out the sides of my bread.  I SO love it when that happens.

The tarter sauce was excellent as well.  Tarter sauce is like coleslaw – when you eat out, you have to approach with caution.  It seems like it’s either spectacular or down right disgusting (little shout out to those restaurants with yellow coleslaw – knock it off, you’re making me ill!).

The tarter sauce served with my mammoth catfish was perfect – that’s all, just perfect.  However, the catfish was seasoned so well that I only put tarter sauce on half of the sandwich.  We catfish lovers know that that’s the true sign of great catfish – if it needs no tarter sauce.

As delicious as the food was, I have to say that the view from the restaurant is what will stick with me the most.  As a web publisher/writer, I work with words all day, everyday.  They’re my co-workers, my livelihood, and my constant companions.  However, there are times when they simply abandon me.

This was one of those times.  The view is so breathtaking that words simply won’t show up – they aren’t sure what to say.  They know that nothing they say could make the experience any better…. so why even try?

The water was shiny and rippling with the breeze.  The many (many, many, many, many) trees were breathtakingly symbolic of what makes Kentucky Kentucky.  A native Kentuckian (which I am) simply takes in a view like this and thinks, “THIS is why it’s so hard to be humble when you’re from Kentucky.”

The view would be spectacular any time of the year, but on this particular autumn day, it was extra colorful as the trees were dressed in their colorful attire.

Every now and then a leaf would ride down to the ground courtesy of a gentle breeze and I forgot all about my meal.  Yes, even the catfish.

Many times, when I’m admiring nature, I’ll “picture” what it must look like during the other seasons.  I can only imagine how incredible a snowy, wintry day must look from this view!   No doubt summer and spring would leave me searching for words as well.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is one of the most beautiful State Parks we have here in Kentucky.  It isn’t one you hear the MOST about, but it is one you should go the MOST out of your way to see.  If you are a parent or grandparent and you want to instill a love of and wonder for our beautiful state in the younger generation, please take them to Kentucky State Parks.  Eat in the dining rooms, shop in the gift shops, chat with the workers (most are exceptionally friendly and warm), take lots of pictures, and simply bask in the beauty that is Kentucky.

When words fail to show up, just enjoy the silence.

By all means, make your way to Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park as soon as possible.  It’s “genuinely Kentucky” and breathtakingly so.

Pennyrile State Resort Park
20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road
Dawson Springs, KY 42408-9212
Telephone: 270-797-3421
Toll Free: 800-325-1711
Park Manager:  Peter Bowles

Filed Under: Blog, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park: Fun in October

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a lot of fun in mind for October 2010!

The state park at Dawson Springs has several special weekends scheduled that range from trail rides to geocaching.

Here’s a listing of the October special events at Pennyrile Forest:

Fall Trail Ride

Oct. 2

Explore the beauty of Pennyrile State Forest from the back of your own horse. Enjoy a guided ride across stony creeks, through wooded ravines and along rocky bluffs. Trail ride will be conducted by Gerald and Janie Igleheart who have ridden in the region for many years. The ride will last approximately three hours and is recommended for riders of all ages and experience levels. Bring your own water and snacks. Primitive camping is available on the State Forest and showers are offered at the park campground. Guests must bring their own horse. All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be available after the ride. Fee: $5 per person/ $10 per family.

Geocaching Weekend
Oct. 8-10

Geocaching is a fun new sport where people use their GPS units to find hidden treasures. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has been hosting this event since 2005. There will be a night cache, find the most micro-caches contest, first-to-find cache and traditional caches. The park guarantees at least 30 caches to find. Fees are as follows: $15 per geocacher, $10 if you register two weeks before the event or $20/family. Event participants are eligible for a 10 percent discount on lodging. Reserve your room/cabin early to take advantage of the lowest rates.
Halloween Campout

Oct. 15-17

During this spooky campout, all registered campers will receive two nights camping for the price of one. A full schedule of Halloween programs will be available for the weekend.

Fall Photography Weekend

Oct. 22-24

This weekend consists of a digital photography contest with point and shoot, intermediate and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony. Bring your own camera. Registration is $35. Register by Oct. 9 and receive a $5 discount. Children 16 and under can compete in the competition for a reduced fee of $10. A 10 percent discount on lodging available.

For more information about any of these special events, contact Rebecca Clark at: rebeccae.clark@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1711.

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

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, Events, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Tagged With: , , , ,

Kentucky State Parks: Labor Day Weekend Events!

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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

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:
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