My husband and I were in the Land Between the Lakes region around lunchtime recently and we knew exactly where we wanted to eat: Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky. We’ve been there for supper numerous times but had never had the opportunity to have lunch with them.
Opportunity knocked and we answered with fork in hand.
When our server asked what we’d like to order, my husband told her that we we’re thinking about ordering a little bit of everything.
And then we did.
First of all, we hadn’t had lunch at Main Street Java before, so we wanted to find out what several different menu items were like. Second of all, we were starving!
I ordered the California Pizza and it was love at first sight, even before I took my first bite. Fresh, premium ingredients (olive oil, spinach, artichoke, roasted red pepper, red onion, black olive, Italian seasoning, cheese) on flat bread pizza? Words can’t even describe how fresh, healthy, outstanding, and delicious this pizza is. You honestly have to make a point of driving to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky just for the California Pizza alone.
It’s unbelievable and it has been on my mind ever since.
My husband ordered chili and a panini. I couldn’t pull myself away from the California pizza to become very familiar with the panini but it looked amazing. The chili and I did get acquainted. In fact, I pulled it away from my husband with one swift ninja move.
The chili was super special – it had large meat chunks in it that were mind-blowingly delicious.
We also tried some of their outstanding Macaroni and Cheese with jalapeno peppers in it – their Macaroni and cheese isn’t just good, it’s beyond good.
It’s so good, in fact, that it comes with its own menu. You can add any of the following to the original Macaroni and cheese for just a tiny bit more:
- Bacon
- Asiago Cheese
- Tomato
- Red Onion
- Black Olives
- Bread Crumbs
- Red Pepper
- Chili Pepper
- Jalapeno Pepper
Click the following link for Main Street Java’s menu. Better yet, GO! You won’t regret a single bite.
For other Genuine Kentucky reviews of Main Street Java, see:
Main Street Java In Benton, Kentucky Home to the Best Steak in Kentucky – Possibly the World
Returning to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky!
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.
Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, which includes not only the infamous Mammoth Cave, but the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a section of south central Kentucky as well.Within Mammoth Cave National Park lies the longest, and most remarkable cave systems on earth, with over 350 miles of passageway mapped and surveyed. Little wonder it was named Mammoth.
Did You Know?
Stalactites grow downward – they hang “tight” to the ceiling – while stalagmites grow upward – they “might” reach the ceiling someday. Mammoth Cave’s formations include many types of calcite formations.
Even after 4,000+ years of eager exploration, this water-formed labyrinth still remains a mystery. It’s this fact, of course, that adds to its beauty and excitement. Mammoth Cave National Park should be on everyone’s MUST SEE list – and maybe it’s because I’m a Kentuckian, but I think it should be at the top.
This is one extra, extra special place. The type of place you have to see to believe. The photography opportunities, alone, make a family trip to Mammoth Cave National Park more than worth it.
Mammoth Cave National Park: Cave Tour!
The National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. Many of the most famous features of the cave, such as Grand Avenue, Frozen Niagara, and Fat Man’s Misery, can be seen on lighted tours ranging from one to six hours in length. Two tours, lit only by visitor-carried paraffin lamps, are popular alternatives to the electric-lit routes. Several “wild” tours venture away from the developed parts of the cave into muddy crawls and dusty tunnels.
The park’s tours are notable for the quality of the interpretive program, with occasional graphics accompanying artifacts on display at certain points in the cave. The lectures delivered by the National Park Service cave guides are varied by tour, so that in taking several tours the visitor learns about different facets of the cave’s formation, or of the cave’s human history and prehistory.
The Echo River Tour, one of the cave’s most famous attractions, used to take visitors on a boat ride along an underground river. The tour was discontinued for logistic and environmental reasons in the early 1990s. - Wikipedia
A trip to the Mammoth Cave National Park could include:
- Cave tours
- Surface hikes
- Canoeing on the Green River
- A cruise on Miss Green River II
- Picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more.
If You’re Planning to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park:
- Visitor Center Hours – Daily: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
- Click HERE for the Summer Cave Tours Schedule.
- All cave tours and nature walks are pretty strenuous, so be sure you’re up to a particular tour before setting off. Ask questions, the rangers can let you know exactly what will be involved.
- Trails can be slick, so be certain to wear appropriate shoes. All tours have a strict policy requiring the visitors to wear shirts and shoes.
- Camera tripods and monopods, child strollers and infant backpack carriers are prohibited in the cave for visitor safety.
- For further safety advice and tips, be sure to read the literature available at the park. Most of it’s common sense, but read it all to be on the “safe side,” literally.
- For all the information you could possibly ask for about Mammoth Cave National Park, Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/
Did You Know?
- Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a “grand, gloomy and peculiar place.“
Mammoth Cave National Park, 1887
Many believe that the best way to experience Mammoth Cave National Park is to camp out amongst the beauty. The park offers camping in three developed campgrounds and in more than a dozen primitive sites in the backcountry and along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm for more information regarding the different campgrounds.
Did You Know?
- The Green and Nolin Rivers course more than 30 miles through Mammoth Cave National Park, offering hours of boating, canoeing, fishing, and floodplain camping.
- 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
- 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
Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave. As for the competition, if the second and third longest caves in the world were joined together, Mammoth Cave would still be the planet’s longest cave. But that’s not all, there’d be over 100 miles left over. Now tell me that’s not something you want to see close up and personal?
If you’re thinking about getting a little boating in before summer ends, Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a great deal for you.
Rent a pontoon boat for all day for $175 plus tax and the park will throw in a lodge room for free. The lodging offer is good for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the boat use for the following day. The park is also offering a two-night package with the use of the boat for two days for an additional $150 plus tax.
The park also has overnight packages that include a john-boat for fishing or ski-boats.
The offer is good through Oct. 15, 2010 and does not include holidays. Gas is not included. The offer is based on availability. To view the coupon, visit http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/br/ and click on “Summer Boating Offer.”
Barren River Lake State Resort Park near Glasgow has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.
For more information and to make reservations. Call 1-800-325-0057.
There’s still plenty of summer left and the Kentucky State Parks would like to invite you to visit before it ends.
Several parks are offering special rates during July, August and September 2010. With the kids out of school, this would be a perfect time for a few days to get away to a park for some swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or just some relaxing.
Kentucky State Resort Parks offer recreational programming in the summer months and many have marinas. All have restaurants open daily.
For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Here are the parks and the discount offers: (Note-Please call the specific parks for these discount offers unless otherwise noted)
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill: Carter Caves is offering special rates to allow its neighbors a chance to visit and spend a few days exploring caves, walking trails and enjoy some planned recreation activities. Call the park at 1-800-325-0059 and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. This features a lodge room in Lewis Caveland Lodge for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability. Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night good through Aug. 15. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability. Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. 800-325-1713
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville: Call the park and ask for the “Neighbor Special” Sunday through Thursday night. Get a lodge room for $64.95 a night plus tax. If available, you can get a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95 a night plus tax. Rates are subject to availability. Offer is good for a Sunday through Thursday night stay only and cannot be used with any other discount. Call 800-325-0146.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin: Is offering lodge rooms at $64.95 Sunday through Thursday during July and August as well as offering Woodland rooms at $79.95 during August. Moonbow nights are excluded from this “Neighbor Special.” Call (800) 325-0063 for reservations.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton: The park is offering special rates in August on Sunday through Thursday nights. You can reserve a lodge room for $59.95; a one-bedroom cottage for $79.95; a two-bedroom cottage for $99.95; and a three-bedroom cottage for $119.95 a night. This “Neighbor Special” is available if you call 1-866-462-8853.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown: During August, the park is offering rooms in the Lure Lodge for $64.95 a night Sunday through Thursday. This “Neighbor Special” also includes two-bedroom cottages for $139.95 on those same days. To get this special, call 800-325-1709
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville: On Sunday through Thursday during August, you can reserve a lodge room in the picturesque Oaken Lodge for $64.95 a night. Call for your “Neighbor Special” at (800) 325-2282
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet: The park is offering $10 off accommodations when a guest presents a ticket stub from the Maysville Balloon Race July 30th and 31st. The offer is good on those dates only. Blue Licks Battlefield is also offering a “Neighbor Special” from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30 Sunday through Thursday with a $59 a night lodge room. Call 800-443-7008.
Discount starting in August. The Kentucky State Parks have an online coupon good for a $59.95 lodge room Sunday through Thursdays from Aug. 15-Sept. 30 at selected parks. Get the coupon by visiting www.parks.ky.gov The parks where this coupon is good include: Blue Licks Battlefield, Greenbo Lake, Pennyrile Forest, Buckhorn Lake, Jenny Wiley, Rough River, Carter Caves and Kenlake. Call the park or make the reservation online and use the code “BACKYARD.” Holidays are excluded. There are a limited number of rooms for this offer at each park.
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”
I’d add the following Birding Opportunistic sites in the Land Between the Lakes Region:
For more information on any of these areas (including maps), visit the links below:
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
If you’ve been in business since 1951, you must be doing something right. In the case of Belew’s Dairy Bar in Aurora, Kentucky, they’re doing at least one thing deliciously right – burgers! My husband, Michael, and I stopped at Belews for lunch on a recent trip to Kentucky Lake. We had hamburgers and onion rings, but the burgers were so outstanding that we nearly forgot about the onion rings.
There are few things quite as impressive as a remarkable hamburger. If you echo this mouth-watering sentiment, you MUST stop by Belew’s Dairy Bar on your next trip to Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, or anywhere in the Land Between the Lakes area. It’s located on US Highway 62 East, just a little past Aurora BBQ – Home of the Winking Pig (Outstanding BBQ!).
I truthfully loved everything about Belew’s Dairy Bar and can’t wait to visit again and try their other sandwiches, sides, and dairy treats. It will be, however, hard not to order their hamburger though – sheer perfection. I also loved the “feel” of Belew’s – it’s a throwback to a simpler time: Carhops, milkshakes, Coke with crushed ice, and hamburgers so big and delicious you’re certain you’re in Burger Heaven.
I’ll see you there – I’ll be the smiling brunette with a melting ice cream cone in one hand and a half-eaten burger in the other.
Fireworks Of Fishing This Weekend On “Kentucky Afield” TV
In honor of the Fourth of July weekend, Kentucky Afield is having their own kind of fireworks. They’ll feature a retrospective of the most exciting fishing trips in recent years on “Kentucky Afield” television this weekend, July 3 and 4.
The fun begins in eastern Kentucky on the Little Sandy River. There, one fish whose bite says ka-boom is muskellunge. As showcased on the “Best of Kentucky Afield Fishing” DVD, host Tim Farmer tags along with local expert Bob Elliott.
On the opposite end of the state, viewers will visit Kentucky Lake for bluegill with Roy Kenady. The Christian County resident puts Farmer on an excellent catch, as the fish are ready to spawn.
At Lake Barkley, one species anglers circle in red is the redear sunfish. Some call them shellcrackers, but today, they are like firecrackers. Farmer takes notes from Jack Devor on his homemade jigs and baits that sweeten the catch.
“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on Sunday, July 4th at the beach. The fireworks are sponsored by the Friends of Lake Barkley State Resort Park and the generous support of the Lake Barkley community. There will be activities all afternoon at the beach, food and ice cream vendors, live music starting at 7p.m. and fireworks start about 9p.m.
Ice cream? Fireworks? Now where are you going to beat that?!
The people at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, Kentucky have a passion for Kentucky Lake like none other. They’re also nature lovers which makes them more than a little okay in my book. I admire their commitment to the environment and love of nature as much as I admire the beautiful resort they’ve built on beautiful Kentucky Lake.
Lighthouse Landing is a very picturesque and relaxing resort and marina – one of the most lovely resorts Kentucky has to offer.
If you are interested in learning to sail, Lighthouse Landing can make the dream come true for you. They offer a very popular Sailing School in an unbelievably beautiful setting. The dates for the 2010 Sailing School lessons are below.
June 24-27
July 8-11, 15-18
July 29-Aug 1
Aug 12-15
Sept. 16-19
Oct. 14-17, 21-24
Visit Lighthouse Landing’s website for more information.
