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Pickin’ Party Old Time Music Festival at The Homeplace

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The Land Between the Lakes Comes Alive with Music on Memorial Day Weekend: May 26 & 27

The Homeplace Pickin Party Old Time Music Festival Memorial Day Weekend!The Homeplace, in the beautiful Land Between the Lakes Region, is always a lot of fun to visit. The step back in time is as educational and enlightening as it is entertaining. When they provide a soundtrack for the journey, it’s really something else!

Musicians and music lovers from all over the mid-South are tuning up for the annual Pickin’ Party Old-Time Music Festival, taking place Memorial Day weekend at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Come experience this annual tradition which won The Judge’s Recognition Award for Top 10 Festivals & Events for Spring 2012 from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.

“The Pickin’ Party has made a name for itself throughout the region as an event that promotes and keeps Kentucky and Tennessee music traditions alive,” said Homeplace Special Events Coordinator, Cindy Earls. “It’s exciting to see the level of talent displayed during this weekend, especially the young musicians who are so dedicated to preserving the traditions of their ancestors. It’s a wonderful way to experience and learn about the region’s musical heritage.”

Favorite local Storytellers, Robert Valentine and Jamie Futrell, will emcee the event. The two-day event, May 26 and 27, includes music workshops, jamming sessions, energized performances of old-time fiddle and banjo, singing, and bluegrass music, all for visitors to enjoy. Join us as we welcome back old favorites like folk musician Mark Dvorak and old-time string band the Dixie Volunteers. Other musicians include Dan Knowles–renowned claw hammer banjo player, Bawn in the Mash, Common Thread, Big Auger, Red River Breeze, and Nathan Blake Lynn. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open-mic sessions, or sit and play beneath the shade trees among fellow pickers and visitors.

See how traditional musical instruments are made. At the Double Pen House, visit Kelly and Susan Amsden who are keeping the traditional sound of the hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery, and other hand-crafted instruments alive for future generations. At the Tool Barn, Mike Holmes, who learned furniture making from his grandfather, creates hand-carved mandolins. Enjoy mini-workshops throughout the weekend. Susan and Kelly Amsden will teach a beginner’s Mountain Dulcimer workshop at 1:30pm and Hammered Dulcimer at 3pm, both Saturday and Sunday. Dan Knowles will teach a beginner’s Claw Hammer Banjo workshop at 3pm on Saturday.

Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850 farm family as they go about their daily chores. The Homeplace includes 16 historic log structures furnished in the style of the mid-19th century. Children’s activities of the 1850s will take place at 1pm and 3pm throughout the weekend. Interpreters in period clothing will help bring the site to life.

The event is scheduled from 10am to 7pm, Saturday, May 26, and 11am to 6pm, Sunday, May 27. Saturday’s admission is $6 ages 13 and up, $4 ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under. Sunday’s admission is $5 ages 13 and up, $3 ages 5-12, and free for 4 and under. Admission includes same day admission to The Homeplace. Festival foods and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase In the event of rain, bring lawn chairs, ground blankets, picnic baskets, and umbrellas. There are several options for overnight accommodations. Camping is available at LBL and at private campgrounds in the area, and lodging is available at state resort parks and motels in the surrounding area.

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Events, Featured, The Homeplace Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes Gears Up for 2012: That’s Always Welcome News!

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Oxen at The Homeplace

Beautiful Oxen at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love winter as much as anyone. I’m one of those nuts that just stands at the window staring, without even blinking, at snow. I’m also ALL ABOUT UK basketball, so this time of year is always exciting. And how much fun has Murray State been?!?! Hopefully UK, Murray State, and U of L will all go far in the NCAA Tournament.

Having said all of that, I am SO READY for spring and summer! Baseball, grilling out, gardening, hummingbirds and robins returning… and lots and lots of trips to Land Between the Lakes. How could I not be ready?

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is also SO READY for warm weather. LBL begins its 2012 operations on Thursday March 1, when they’ll open several wildly popular visitor attractions.

The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, Golden Pond Planetarium, and North & South Welcome Stations open their doors March 1, along with Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds. The Homeplace, Nature Station, and North & South Welcome Stations will be open Wednesday through Sunday during March, and then open seven days a week beginning April 1.

One of my favorite places in the world, The Elk & Bison Prairie, remains open from dawn until dusk every day, year-round. The Golden Pond Visitor Center, Wranglers Campground, Energy Lake Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area remain open year-round as well.

“At LBL, the spring season brings fresh opportunities for environmental education. We are excited about the programs we have planned for 2012, such as the Spring Break Programs at Nature Station,” stated Sharon Waltrip, Program Manager for environmental education. “Our facilities provide opportunities for hands-on learning and encourage visitors to get outdoors to experience nature and history for themselves.”

The Golden Pond Planetarium, open daily beginning March 1, provides a full dome viewing experience complete with brand new digital multimedia equipment. Visit www.lbl.org or call 270-924-2020 for show schedule. Come join us for an exciting glimpse of the night skies filled with celestial objects, constellations, and more!

LBL’s spring calendar is full of a variety of fun programs for visitors of all ages and interests. The popular Discount Package, which offers a 25% discount on admission to multiple attractions, will be available again this year, as well as the LBL Fun Card, a discount opportunity that primarily benefits area residents and others who frequent LBL. The LBL Fun Card provides your choice of 10 admissions to The Homeplace, Nature Station, Planetarium, or a combination of all three. With no expiration date, the LBL Fun Card is good until all 10 visits have been used.

LBL honors the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access and Senior Passes along with the Golden Age and Access Passports. In addition to the 50% discount offered for the basic campsites, the Passes and Passports will also be honored at The Homeplace, Nature Station, and Golden Pond Planetarium for 50% off general admission for the card holder.

Visitors are reminded that due to the partial collapse of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge resulting from the Delta Mariner cargo ship collision on January 26, motorist will need to take alternate routes to LBL if traveling from the west on US68/KY80. Visit our website at www.lbl.org and click on Alerts & Notices for alternate routes

Pigs at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

A few more of my friends at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

Photography Credit:  Michael (aka, the husband!)

Filed Under: Featured, Golden Pond Planetarium, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , , ,

The Civil War Comes to The Homeplace on December 3

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The Homeplace Civil War Program

Fellow Civil War buffs and Land Between the Lake fans, grab your calendar and take notes. The Civil War is coming to The Homeplace!

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be adding a new Civil War themed program in honor of the sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. The new program, “Civil War Comes to The Homeplace” will be held at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, December 3, from 10am-4pm.

My family and I LOVE The Homeplace, so any opportunity to go is met with broad smiles and enthusiasm!

From LBL:

Come visit The Homeplace as the farm goes forward in time to 1861. People on family farms, especially women and children, faced many challenges to keep the family fed and clothed and the farm operating without the help of their men folk. Learn about 1861 from the Yeoman farm family’s point of view–the secession from the United States, building of Forts Henry and Donelson in their back yard, and Federal Gunboats patrolling the rivers. Then, visit a Confederate encampment and learn how civilian soldiers coped with their new role.

“We are very excited to be offering more Civil War themed programs at LBL,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “To have programs at The Homeplace featuring the civilian civil war experience, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

Visit The Homeplace for a glimpse of daily life in antebellum middle Tennessee. Enjoy a self-guided tour of a working second generation family farmstead and learn just how important rivers were to families in this area during the 1850s. Program available with paid admission; $4 adults, $2 ages 5-12, and free ages 4 and under.

 

Filed Under: Events, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

September Events in The Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

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Land Between the Lakes - Kenlake Marina at Kenlake State Resort Park Whenever you’re in the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, you’ll want to visit Kenlake State Resort Park!

There’s always something going on in the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region, and September is no exception.

Saturday, September 24, Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be waiving fees at participating day-use facilities in honor of National Public Lands Day (NPLD).

Description: 2010PublicLandsDay.JPGGeneral admission to The Homeplace (HP), Woodlands Nature Station (NS), Elk & Bison Prairie, and the Golden Pond Planetarium (GPP) show at 1pm will be free. Wranglers Campground will also be waiving day-use riding fees.

NPLD, a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, supports the goals of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside initiative by offering activities at sites around the country to reconnect Americans to the outdoors and encourage family recreation. LBL will join other National Forests and National Parks across the United States in participating in our nation’s largest one-day volunteer event for public lands. There will be opportunities for volunteers to participate in a shoreline clean-up or a trail maintenance project.

It is recommended, but not necessary, to call to register for volunteer work early. Registrations should be made by September 23, especially larger groups. There will be two events taking place that day. The first event is from 8:30am-3:30pm: a trail project on the Fort Henry Trail, meeting at South Welcome. The second event is from 8am-12pm: a hike/canoe/kayak shoreline cleanup at Honker Dam. Volunteers should bring lunch, a water bottle, and dress for outdoor work. For more information on these projects, check out www.friendsoflbl.org or call 270-924-2007.

“Helping Hands for America’s Lands is the 2011 theme for National Public Lands, this is an inspiring way to celebrate public lands and give back to your favorite places,” said Emily Schmadeke, Volunteer Coordinator for “Friends of LBL.” “We appreciate our awesome volunteers who donate their time throughout the year to make LBL a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable place for everyone.”

“This is a great opportunity for families, and especially groups, who want to demonstrate their appreciation for the environment,” said John Rufli, “Friends of LBL” Executive Director. “It’s a great tradition to start for families or groups that gives you the satisfaction of making a contribution to your community.”

 

38th Annual Camper’s Fair Returns to LBL’s Piney Campground

This is no ordinary weekend camping trip! Set up your campsite at Piney Campground’s 38th Annual Camper’s Fair, Sept. 21-25, and enjoy a variety of activities including arts, crafts, and evening entertainment. Piney is located in Tennessee on the south end of Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

Piney is open to the public at no admission fee, Saturday, Sept. 24, from 8am-4pm and Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10am-2pm, for the open house. Displays of camping equipment, RVs, and boats will be provided by area dealers. Piney campers are invited to bring arts and crafts to display at the flea market. Campers wishing to participate in the displays need to notify Piney Campground gatehouse staff upon entering the campground.

“The Camper’s Fair is a great way to celebrate the end of summer,” says Derrick Washington, Piney Campground Manager. “Campers can come out and have a good time with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If you are considering getting into camping, it’s the perfect event to check out the different types of gear available.”

Piney Campground offers scenic lakefront and wooded sites, which accommodate tents and large motor homes; sites range from primitive to full hook-up. Rustic camping shelters are available as well. Campers can enjoy Piney’s hiking and biking trails, ball courts and fields, playground, and pavilion. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided. The campground also has two boat ramps, a fishing pier, a swimming beach, and bike and camping equipment rentals.

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping shelters and a limited number of campsites are available by reservation. Reservations are available 24 hours online at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-525-7077 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm CST.

 

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, LBL, The Homeplace Tagged With: ,

1850′s County Fair and Storytelling Festival, Labor Day Weekend

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Oxen at the 1850's Homeplace

Summer’s gearing up for its grand finale as Labor Day Weekend approaches. With record-breaking temperatures, I think most of us are practically counting the days to autumn!

As always, there are plenty of things for your family to do in the Land Between the Lakes region.

From The Friends of Land Between the Lakes:
Spend your Labor Day Weekend enjoying a variety of outdoor activities to celebrate the end of summer at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.
Join us Sept 3-5, as we celebrate LBL’s Summer Finale at Woodlands Nature Station (NS). Activities include appearances by Smokey Bear, canoe trips, nature hikes, a campfire, a watermelon feast, and much more. Visitors to the NS can also enjoy live animal programs, nature exhibits, backyard bird-watching, and nature trails.

Last year The Homeplace (HP) debuted the 1850’s County Fair and Storytelling Festival, enjoy this popular event again on Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4, 10am to 4pm each day. Step back in time and visit with historic trades’ people as they demonstrate and sell their wares, learn about heirloom vegetables, 1850 children’s activities and games, and enjoy homemade goodies at the farmers’ market and country store. Learn how to play cricket, a popular 1800’s game, from cricket historian Tom Melville. Enjoy the old-fashioned tradition of storytelling with some of the best storytellers in our region, Jamie Futrell, Ann Roseberry, Gerry Gutfreund, and Brother Don Bailey. An added twist to the traditional storytelling festival will be stories through music, thanks to the talented Red River Breeze, Civil War Singers, and Charles Berryhill.

“LBL’s Summer Finale and the 1850’s County Fair and Storytelling Festival are great ways to celebrate the end of summer,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “These Labor Day Weekend events, from canoe trips to pie eating contests, provide educational fun that the whole family will enjoy!”

Below is a complete list of Summer Finale and 1850’s County Fair and Storytelling Festival activities. Some events, such as the Sunset Canoe Trip, require advance reservations or an additional fee. For complete details or to reserve your spot, contact LBL at 270-924-2020.

Saturday, Sept. 3
10am-12pm Beaver Trek (Meet at Hematite Lake Trailhead)
10am-4pm Heirloom Vegetable Display, Storytelling Festival, All-American Cricket, Farmers’ Market, Country Store, 1850 Children’s Games & Activities, & Historic Trades (HP)
1pm Story Time with Smokey Bear (NS)
2:30pm Pie Eating Contest (HP)
3pm Watermelon Feast (NS)
7-9pm Kids’ Campfire (NS-call for reservations)

Sunday, Sept. 4
11am, 1 & 3:30pmVisit with Smokey Bear! (NS)
10am-4pm Heirloom Vegetable Display, Storytelling Festival, All-American Cricket, Farmers’ Market, Country Store, 1850′s Children’s Games & Activities, & Historic Trades (HP)
11:30am Creature Feature: Red Wolves (NS)
2:15pm All Fired Up! (NS)
2:30pm Pie Eating Contest (HP)
5:30-8pm Sunset Canoe Trip (NS-call for reservations)

Monday, Sept. 5
10:30am-12:30pm“Scales n’ Trails” Hike (NS)
2:15pm Creature Feature: Bobcat (NS)

NS – Nature Station

HP – 1850′s Homeplace

Filed Under: LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , , ,

Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area Events During July

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Oxen at The HomesteadOxen at The Homeplace. I love this picture! @MikeSigers  took the picture at just the right time.

I’ve said it millions of times and, no doubt, I’ll say it again twice as much: There is no place on earth quite like the Land Between the Lakes.  No two trips to Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes are exactly the same and no one trip is less than a complete blast.  If you’ve never been, do yourself (and your family) a huge favor and plan your Land Between the Lakes vacation today. If you’ve been to Land Between the Lakes and even if (like us), you’ve been there far too many times to count – go again! As I said, no two trips are the same and you’ll inevitably see things that are different since you saw them last.

Whether it’s a week in paradise or just an overnight stay, you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime.  Get yourself to Land Between the Lakes and EXPLORE your options for fun!

This is one of Kentucky’s extra special regions.  The food is outstanding, the sights (and photo opportunities!) breathtaking, the fun is outrageous, and the people are the warmest, friendliest, and most colorful people you’ll ever meet.  They’re genuinely delighted to see guests and treat them like long lost family members.

Below you’ll find a list of events going on in the Land Between the Lakes region during July. As you’ll see, there’s a lot of fun and excitement waiting for you, your family, and your camera. Don’t make the fun wait any longer… if you do, it’ll find someone else!

July 1-31

  • Planetarium Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium Daytime shows: Ages 13 & up $4; Ages 5-12: $2
  • Far Out Space Places – Mon.-Fri. at 10am and Sat. & Sun. at 4pm
  • Laser- Legends of the Night Sky – Daily at 11am
  • Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather – Sat. & Sun. at 11am
  • Two Small Pieces of Glass – Daily at 3pm
  • The Skies Above – Daily at 1pm
  • Journey to the Edge of Space & Time – Daily at 2pm

Tuesday, July 5

  • 11am Bald Is Beautiful: The Bald Eagle – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm Goodies for Groundhog – Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Ipop & 8:30pm, Laser Country Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 6

  • 1pm Flower Pounding – Homeplace

Thursday, July 7

  • 2:15pm Truly Talon-ted – Nature Station

Friday, July 8

  • 7pm Laseropolis & 8:30pm, Laser U2 Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday & Sunday, July 9-10

  • 10am-5pm Drag Boat Races – Pisgah Bay For more info, contact 800-732-0088 or www.kdba.net

Owl at the Nature Station, Land Between the LakesAdorable Owl at The Nature Station. The animals at the Nature Station are incredibly well-cared for and loved!  These are birds and animals with injuries that could not live on their own in the wild – they’d become prey or die of starvation.  The Nature Station allows them to live their lives as pampered pets who get attention and adoration 24/7. It’s a very, very special place that no animal lover will want to miss. It’s also a wealth of education for children… of all ages!

Saturday, July 9

  • 10am – 4pm Women’s Handwork Day – The Homeplace
  • Roaming the Nights in Shining Armor: Armadillos – Nature Station
  • 1pm, 3pm Crafty Stepping Stones – Nature Station

Cost per person is NS admission + $3 per stepping stone. Reservations are required since materials are limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Kids are invited to make their own stepping stones.

  • 7pm Summer Cooler Night Fright Light & 8:30pm, Summer Cooler Night Laser Holiday Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, July 10

  • 1pm Hug a White Oak – Homeplace *International Year of Forests Program*
  • 2:15pm Insect Hike – Nature Station

Tuesday, July 12

  • 11am A Real “Hoot”-enanny – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm What in the World is a Whistle-Pig? – The Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Retro & 8:30pm, Laser Zeppelin Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 13

  • 10am Field Work – Homeplace

Thursday, July 14

  • 2:15pm Gentle Giants: Alligator Snapping Turtles – Nature Station

Friday & Saturday, July 15-16

  • 8pm (Rodeo) LBL Primitive Rodeo and Wranglers Grand Jubilee Wranglers Campground

For more info, call 270-924-2200 or 2201.

Friday, July 15

  • Ongoing from 11am-3pm Radical Reptile Booth – Golden Pond Visitor Center

Free to all LBL visitors. Stop by our booth at the Visitor Center to meet some live snakes and turtles.

  • 7pm Laser Beatles & 8:30pm, Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, July 16

  • 10am-4pm COOL & CRAWLY CRITTERS DAY!* – Nature Station

$3 children/$4 adults. Includes NS admission.
Hey kids! If bugs, snakes, turtles, frogs, and other slimy, slithery, and crawly critters fascinate you, then the Nature Station is the place for you today. Many special guests will be joining us to show off the critters they study. Check out all sorts of cool and crawly critters up close and personal, and meet scientists who study them!

Saturday, July 16

  • 1pm Old-Time Music Concert – Homeplace

Come on out today, rain or shine, for an old-time mountain music concert. Be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes.

  • 7pm Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Music Show 8:30pm, The Skies Above Astronomy Program 9:30pm Summer Nights– Golden Pond Planetarium

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes!

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Ox from The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized residents.  If I do say so myself, my husband takes amazing pictures! This one’s a favorite.

There’s nothing about the Land Between the Lakes that I don’t love (except maybe for the fact that there are no Starbucks). An animal lover since before I was born – don’t ask how I know, I just do – I love the Nature Station, the Bison and Elk Prairie, and the endless opportunities to see birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Another favorite destination in the wonderful Land Between the Lakes region is the Homeplace. Once again, there are plenty of animals for me to ooooh and ahhhh over. I’m all about the oooohs and the ahhhhs.

The Homeplace

The Homeplace is, essentially, a step back in time. Located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace is as educational as it is entertaining.  There’s also an outstanding gift shop that has just about everything you could hope for from a gift shop.  To read more about The Homeplace and its history, please click the link.

A Pickin’ Party on the Horizon!

Anytime The Homeplace hosts a party, it’s one for the books and, trust me, when there’s food involved, you’ll want to invite everyone you know.  The food is always positively mind-boggling – as delicious as food can possibly be.  As you’ll notice in the blurb below, food will be available for purchase (insert a BOO-YAH right about here). The Pickin’ Party will be in full swing (literally) on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

From LBL.org: Born of the heartland, raised in the river valleys, old-time country music this weekend will once again echo in the hills and hollows of LBL. For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850s farm family as they go about their daily chores. 1850s children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend.Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Click HERE for performer’s descriptions and schedule.

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Country Music, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace Tagged With: , , , ,

May Events In Land Between the Lakes

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Beautiful deer at the Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes

Below are a list of family-oriented and fun events to enjoy in Kentucky’s beautiful  Land Between the Lakes.  The deer in the photo above are just a few of the gorgeous (and incredibly well cared for!) residents of the Nature Station. The Nature Station is a favorite spot for children of all ages.  As someone who could spend the entire day there, trust me on this one!

Friday, May 27
6-8:30 pm – Sunset Canoe Trip, Nature Station
Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle the waters of Lake Barkley. $25 per canoe. Registration limited. Reservations and full deposits required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

7 pm – Pink Floyd Dark Side & 8:30 pm Pink Floyd The Wall Laser Lights Shows, Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29
Saturday, 10am–7pm
Sunday, 11am–6pm
The Pickin’ Party: The Homeplace Old-Time Music Festival, at The Homeplace
For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30
River Days 2011 at the Nature Station: Dive in at the Nature Station as we have fun learning about our river’s heritage. Activities will include Smokey Bear appearances, live animal programs, kids’ crafts, and canoe trips.

Saturday, May 28 – Monday, May 30
Ongoing throughout the weekend CSI: Critter Scene Investi-“gators” Scavenger Hunt at the Nature Station

Saturday, May 28
10:45, 12:45, 3:15 & 4:15 – Smokey Bear Appearances at the Nature Station

11 am – King of the Fishermen: The Bald Eagle at the Nature Station

1-3 pm – Crazy Quacker Kids’ Craft at the Nature Station
Ducks are an important part of our rivers. Make your own floating duck craft. Program free with NS admission.

3:30 pm – Meet the Monster: The Alligator Snapper at the Nature Station

6-8:30 pm – Sunset Canoe Trip at the Nature Station
Enjoy the beauty of an LBL sunset as we paddle on Lake Barkley. $25 per canoe. Includes same day NS admission. Registration limited. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

7 pm – Laser Spirit & 8:30 pm, Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Shows at the Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, May 29
11 am – River Owl: The Barred Owl at the Nature Station

Sunday, May 29
1:30pm Riverbank Puppet Show at the Nature Station

3:30 pm – A Serious Case of the Uglies: Strange Animals of LBL at the Nature Station

6-8:30 pm Family-Oriented Sunset Canoe Trip at the Nature Station
The focus is on kid-friendly activities to get families into canoeing and wildlife viewing. $25 per canoe. Reservation and full deposit required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve a space. Children must be 5 years or older.

Monday, May 30
11:30 am – Let the Turtle Race Begin at Nature Station

1-3:30 pm – Pond Prowl at the Nature Station
We’ll explore below the water’s surface in search of tadpoles, crawdads, and baby dragonflies. Program free with NS admission. Limited to 30 people. Register at the NS front desk that day. Weather permitting.

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station

Land Between the Lakes: Civil War Programs at The Homeplace

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Battle of Fort Henry - Civil War Panoramic Map
Battle of Fort Henry – Civil War Panoramic Map
Buy This Allposters.com

Look alive, history buffs! For those of us who just can’t get our fill of history, February is the month to venture to the Land Between the Lakes area.

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be hosting Civil War themed programs at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, February 12 and 19 from 10am-3pm. These programs will be offered in addition to the popular Fort Henry Anniversary Walk to be held again on Saturday, February 5, from 2:30-4pm.

In February of 1862, “Between the Rivers” was bracing for war. Confederate forces occupied Fort Henry with Federal forces moving up the Tennessee River. Relive the events before and during the siege of Fort Henry on this free guided walk around the remnants of Fort Henry’s outer fortifications. Meet at Fort Henry Hiking Trail Parking Lot at 2:30pm on February 5, dress for the weather, waterproof footgear recommended, and moderate walking required. Prior to the walk, The Homeplace will be hosting a free Fort Henry Anniversary Program from 12:30-2pm.

On February 12 and 19, learn more about what life was like in this area during the years before war came to “Between the Rivers.” Visit The Homeplace for a glimpse of daily life in antebellum middle Tennessee. Enjoy a self-guided tour of a working second generation family farmstead and learn just how important rivers were to families in this area during the 1850s. Program available with paid admission; $4 adults, $2 ages 5-12, and free ages 4 and under. “We are very excited to be offering more Civil War themed programs at LBL,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “To have programs at The Homeplace featuring what life was like before the war and offering a guided walk at Fort Henry during the anniversary of the battle, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

All programs will take place weather permitting, as February weather can be very unpredictable. For more information on these programs or cancellation due to weather, call 270-924-2020.

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, maps, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Filed Under: Blog, Kentucky's History, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

The Homeplace in Land Between The Lakes is Puttin’ By and The Snakes are Slithering In!

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The Homeplace is one of my favorite places in the Land Between the Lakes region. It’s a beautiful, peaceful setting and I always look forward to my visits with the cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. PLUS it’s close to a bison range and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE bison. They amaze me. I also love The Homeplace’s gift shop because shopping is something else that amazes me. (My poor husband can attest to that.)

On Sunday, August 24th, The Homeplace will have their annual “Puttin’ By the Garden” program.

From Leisure Scene: A Publication of the Marshall County Tribune Courier:
Summer fruits and vegetables had to be preserved for the winter months; however, before home canning became popular, preserving was a slow, tricky job. Visit the ladies of The Homeplace as they “put by” the garden and orchard harvest. Program free with HP admission.

The program is at 1 pm at the Homeplace. If it’s like it has been in past years, there’ll be amazing fruit and vegetables out on display. I swear, theres always produce that blows your mind.

If you like for your mind to be blown in another (slippery) direction – at 1:30 pm, at the Nature’s Station, there’ll be a Snake-y program. You get to meet some of the Nature Station’s resident snakes up close (AYYYYEEE!) and learn more about them. Rumor has it that these reptiles have a rotten reputation that they really don’t deserve and that people like me (with a little thing we like to call phobic fear) needn’t be so terrified. Yeah. Right.

Seriously, the program would be very educational and maybe (just maybe) if I’d ever made friends with these things I wouldn’t be so frightened of them now.

The program is free with Nature Station admission.

It’s actually a real shame that these programs overlap. Most people, I believe, would really enjoy BOTH, but they have to make a choice.

Also, if you’ve never been to The Homeplace before, don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s a place children wouldn’t enjoy. Not only have our girls always love it, I’ve never seen an unhappy, non-laughing, non-playing kid there. Ever.

Filed Under: Events, LBL, The Homeplace Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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