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Bird Watching at Land Between the Lakes

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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

Belew’s Dairy Bar: Possibly THE Best Burger in the Land Between the Lakes Region

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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.

Filed Under: Aurora, Blog, Featured, Kentucky Lake, LBL, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: ,

Kentucky Afield: Fishing Fireworks

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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.

Filed Under: Fishing, Holidays in Kentucky, Kentucky Wildlife, Kentucky's Lakes, Lake Barkley, News

Lake Barkley State Resort Park: Fireworks on the Beach

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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?!

Filed Under: Events, Holidays in Kentucky, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP Tagged With: ,

Learn to Sail at Lighthouse Landing’s Sailing School

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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.

Filed Under: Events, Featured, Grand Rivers, Kentucky Lake Tagged With: , ,

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

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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: , , , , ,

Summer Family Vacations and Kentucky Go Hand in Hand

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Lake Barkley – A Personal Favorite

Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Summer Family Vacation!

Summer is just around the corner, and families don’t have to look far afield for a fun-filled vacation in friendly surroundings.

“From houseboating on Lake Cumberland to exploring the many fascinating exhibits along Louisville’s Museum Row, Kentucky is a fabulous place for families to bond while enjoying new and exciting experiences this summer,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Travel & Tourism.

A great way for a family to spend quality time together is a houseboat vacation on one of Kentucky’s jewel-like lakes. From Lake Cumberland in the east to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in the west, renting a houseboat provides a relaxing getaway for thousands of families every summer. Cruise the tranquil waters and enjoy jet-skiing, tubing and swimming. Anchor near shore and go exploring or fish from the bank. Houseboats come in all sizes with a range of amenities – just pick one and set sail for family adventure.

Venture to one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks and “rough it” while camping, backpacking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Most of the parks with campgrounds are equipped with RV hookups; at the resort parks, lodge rooms and cabin rentals are available if you’d rather get back to nature with more of the comforts of home.

If reliving key moments in Kentucky history is more your family’s style, take them to Kentucky’s state historic parks for memorable encounters with the Bluegrass state’s storied past. Experience one of the largest Civil War battlegrounds in the country at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site about 15 miles west of Danville. While in central Kentucky, you can see what Kentucky’s frontier was like at Old Fort Harrod State Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park, where costumed interpreters portray life in pre-Revolutionary War days.

The place to get close to horses is the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With nearly one million visitors yearly, the Horse Park is the world’s only theme park dedicated solely to man’s relationship with the horse. Kids love to make the acquaintance of celebrated racehorses who now call the park home. And there’s always something new and interesting at the International Museum of the Horse.

New this summer is the The Hatfield McCoy River Rats in Pike County. From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boats to guided and unguided river tours, this new facility will provide adventure for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Depart for your water experience on the river at the headquarters at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.

In downtown Louisville, take a stroll along Museum Row near the riverfront. Here you’ll find the Frazier International History Museum, where the arms collection spans centuries starting with medieval England and live interpreters demonstrate sword fights.  Make time for visits to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where workers craft the bats used by major leaguers and the history of “America’s pastime” comes alive. Youngsters and their parents will also enjoy the Muhammad Ali Center, where interactive exhibits in multiple languages pay tribute to the career and values of the former world champion boxer from Louisville.

Meanwhile, take the kids to Bowling Green in south central Kentucky for Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, with 40 rides, go-carts and a water park.  Drag racing and stock car racing also provide excitement at Beech Bend Raceway. Auto enthusiasts, young and old, will also enjoy the National Corvette Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to America’s sports car. Right across the street, tour the GM Corvette Plant, the only place where Corvettes are made.

To start your family’s exploration of any of Kentucky’s summertime attractions, visit www.kytourism.com or call the Department of Travel & Tourism’s toll-free line, 1-800-225-8747.

Filed Under: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Vacations, Kentucky's Lakes, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP, Louisville Tagged With: , ,

Kentucky Lake Welcomes the Ladies

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Kentucky Lake is famous for its beauty and celebrated for its fishing.  Lady bass anglers from all over the world will take their chances when Women’s Professional Bass Fishing comes to Kentucky on May 6th and 7th, 2010.

The Kentucky Lake event is open to all interested ladies with two divisions; a Professional and Co-Angler division. Local sponsors include Sportsmen’s Edge Triton Boat dealership, Necessity Jigs, Moors Resort and Marina and Ray Barga and Associates, Inc.

What a golden opportunity to take women’s professional fishing to the next level.

For additional information about the Women’s Invitational Trail Tournament on Kentucky Lake, contact Cheryl Bowden at cbowden1212@tx.rr.com.

Filed Under: Events, Fishing, Kentucky Lake, Springtime in Kentucky Tagged With: , , ,

Kenlake State Resort Park – One of Kentucky’s Loveliest Secrets

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Beautiful Kenlake State Resort Park is one of Kentucky’s loveliest little secrets.  Located in Hardin, Kentucky, the resort is 40 miles southeast of the “something for everyone” town of Paducah.

Located on Kentucky Lake, with the longest shoreline of any man-made lake in the world, Kenlake State Resort Park is a beautiful state park that I’m eager for you to get acquainted with.

Kentucky’s State Resort Parks are home to truly outstanding restaurants with food that’s above par, and  Kenlake’s Aurora Landing Restaurant is amongst the best.  Click the link for my review to see what makes it so special.  When you find yourself in this area of Kentucky, you absolutely must eat dinner at Aurora Landing.   The view is gorgeous, the food is outstanding, and the people are so friendly you’ll never want to leave.  They make you feel at home – and, come on, can a dining experience get much better than that?

Things to Do at Kenlake State Resort Park:

  • Spend the day boating on beautiful Kentucky Lake (capped off, of course, with dinner at Aurora Landing!). Rentals include fishing, pontoon, bass and ski boats, as well as jet skis. Contact the operators of the Kenlake Marina by email or by Phone: (270)-474-2245.
  • Enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole golf course.  A full-service pro shop, rental motor carts, pull carts, and clubs are available. Golf packages are offered.
    Pro Shop open March-November. Course open year-round, weather permitting.
  • Take a refreshing dip in Kenlake’s beautiful pool – surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. The swimming pool, located behind the lodge, is available for lodge and cottage guests seasonally.
  • Tennis is a favorite sport at Kenlake – and can be enjoyed year-round.  The indoor tennis center features four indoor courts, locker room facilities, and a fully equipped pro shop. Four lighted outdoor courts are adjacent to the tennis center, and one court is available near the lodge.
  • Take a hike!  Kenlake has two wonderful trails that wind through wooded terrain.  The Cherokee Trail is .7-mile and the Chickasaw Trail is 1-mile.

In addition to Paducah, Kentucky, other nearby attractions include:

  • Columbus-Belmont State Park is 63 miles west of Kenlake, in Columbus, Kentucky.  This was the site of the 1861 Battle of Belmont.  History buffs will want to mark Columbus-Belmont State Park as a MUST SEE.
  • The infamous Land Between the Lakes is mere minutes from Kenlake State Resort Park… if that long!  Land Between the Lakes is a paradise of 170,000 acres.  This National Recreation Area is something we Kentuckians are incredibly proud of.  Nature lovers will feel like they’re experiencing an early Heaven in this area of Kentucky.

I hope you’ll schedule a weekend getaway to Kenlake State Resort Park as soon as possible.  I know you’ll have the time of your life and I know you’ll return again and again.  When you go to Kenlake State Resort Park – or any of Kentucky’s State Resort Parks for dinner, know this: You cannot go wrong with the catfish OR the Kentucky Hot Brown.  The buffets are always wonderful, but ordering off the menu is even better.  The Kentucky Hot Brown will blow each and every brain cell you possess.

That’s a promise.

Want to read more about Kenlake State Resort Park?

Kenlake State Resort Park Contact Information:

Kenlake State Resort Park
542 Kenlake Road
Hardin, KY 42048-9737
Telephone: 270-474-2211
Toll Free: 800-325-0143
Kenlake@ky.gov
Park Manager –John Rittenhouse

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky Vacations, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Shutterbugs, Lake Barkley’s Calling You!

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Shutterbugs: Brush up Nature Photography at Digital Camera Workshop!

Digital photographers, here’s your chance too sharpen your skills at a nature photography workshop coming to beautiful Lake Barkley State Resort Park on April 17th. Award-winning nature photographer Curt Hart will lead the workshop which begins Saturday at 9a.m. Hart has captured more than 100 species of birds and wildlife with his camera and will share his techniques and expertise with workshop participants during the full-day workshop.

From Lake Barkley State Resort Park:
The program includes classroom instruction, time in the field, critique and editing processes. The fee is $75 and lunch is included. Class size is limited so reserve early for this popular event. Call 1-800-325-1708 to reserve a spot or for more information. This workshop is recommend for DSL camera owners.

The workshop is a perfect excuse to plan a family/friend weekend getaway at Lake Barkley in the heart of far west Kentucky. The park is the largest resort park in Kentucky’s system and the lodge affords a spectacular view of the lake through massive windows. Mid April falls in the thick of spring and is a magical time to be being surrounded by natural beauty and capture the landscape in photos.

Besides the lodge, 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.  It’s near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24. Exit at Highway 68 and go west toward Cadiz and the park.

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

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky in Pictures, Kentucky Wildlife, Lake Barkley, Lake Barkley SRP, Springtime in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,
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