As you know, we absolutely love Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Grand Rivers, Aurora, the Willow Pond restaurants and all things that fall under the heading Land Between the Lakes. (Especially when they fall under the heading and answer to the name catfish.)
A while back, I wrote a review about the Aurora Landing Restaurant at Kenlake Lodge. Everything about it was beyond spectacular and I couldn’t wait to share the experience with our readers.
Not long ago, we found ourselves in the area again. When it came time to eat, we nearly drove to Aurora Landing without even discussing it. However, we hadn’t eaten in the beautiful restaurant in the Lake Barkley Lodge – very appropriately named Windows on the Water Restaurant - in a while and we were anxious to visit Lake Barkley Lodge. Besides, variety is the spice of life, right? The windows in this gorgeous restaurant afford you a breathtaking view of Lake Barkley with an endless parade of sailboats and beautiful birds. The restaurant is a real beauty, itself. Windows on the Water is always decorated spectacularly, celebrating whatever season or holiday the calendar shows.
Naturally, if the food or service didn’t back up the beautiful surroundings, this would be a short review… something to the tune of, “Go, take a look around, then go eat somewhere else.” Fortunately, I won’t have to say anything like that because the food was out of this world and the server couldn’t have treated us any better if we were her family.
I actually ventured away from my beloved catfish to try something new: a Kentucky Hot Brown. Here’s how it was described in the menu: Toast points with baked country ham, roasted turkey, smothered in cheese sauce, topped with tomato, bacon and cheddar cheese. Baked until steaming hot…
Here’s how I personally describe this Kentucky Hot Brown: Good, gracious God in Heaven, when’s the soonest I can have a Kentucky Hot Brown from the Windows on the Water Restaurant again?!?! My dear reader friend, I am at a loss for words here. This was one of the most remarkable dishes I’ve ever enjoyed – it was spectacular. When I took my first bite, I was stupified. My husband saw the stupification and simply (without saying a word) visited my plate with his fork…. His and Her stupification!
I’d tell you what Michael ordered, but I can’t for the life of me recall. All I remember is the delicious bread, the perfect sweet tea, the outstanding onion rings and the Kentucky Hot Brown that I’ve been fantasizing about since.
The next time you’re around the Land Between the Lakes, promise me you’ll eat at the Windows on the Water Restaurant. Oh, scratch that… don’t wait for the next time you’re in the area – just go! Kentucky State Parks.gov has all the information you’ll need about the Lake Barkley Lodge and I have all the information you’ll need about the Windows on the Water Restaurant… 20 stupifying stars out of 10.
Lake Barkley is, without a doubt, one of Kentucky’s crown jewels. If you want to see a Kentuckian sit a little taller, just mention Lake Barkley. Like UK Basketball, Mammoth Cave, and Kentucky Lake – we’re understandably proud.
Below are some bits and pieces of Lake Barkley trivia that you might not have known.
- Lake Barkley has 57,900 acres of water and 1,004 miles of shoreline.
- Lake Barkley was named for the 35th Vice-President, Alben Barkley.
Prior to the Vice Presidency, Barkley served in the U. S. Senate from Kentucky for over twenty years. Alben Barkley was born in a log cabin near Lowes, Graves County, Kentucky. He worked his way through college as a janitor. After passing the bar, he practiced law in Paducah, Kentucky. - Alben Barkley coined the term “Give ‘em hell, Harry” as President Truman was leaving Washington on his “whistle-stop” train across the country. Barkley was popularly known as “the Veep” thanks to his young grandson, Stephen M. Truitt. Stephen preferred the shortened name to “Mr. Vice President.” When Alben Barkley told the press about his grandson’s phrasing, the newspapers printed it, and the title stuck. Alben Barkley’s successor as vice president, Richard Nixon, declined the nickname, saying that it had been bestowed on Barkley affectionately and, therefore, belonged to him. However, the term didn’t die, and it’s used to this day.
- Construction of Barkley Dam began in 1959 on the Cumberland River.
- Lake Barkley’s Maximum depth is 68 feet.
- Lake Barkley’s Minimum depth is 12 feet.
- Lake Barkley is known for its Stripers as well as its Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Other fish in Lake Barkley include Crappie (Black and White), Redear Sunfish, Sauger, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass.
For more information about Lake Barkley:
Download Lake Barkley Vacation Guide (PDF)
The Village Between the Lakes (Grand Rivers)
Green Turtle Bay (Resort and Marina on Lake Barkley)
When I think of Aurora, Kentucky I think of The Hitching Post and great food: Hot Dogs (only the best in the world, guys), Catfish, hush puppies, BBQ from the Winking Pig (also known as Aurora BBQ!), and fudge that is now being sold in The Hitching Post.
I also think of the Elk and Bison Prairie and the 1850’s Homeplace, which are just minutes away.
If you haven’t visited Aurora, Kentucky lately – take your camera, your family, and an empty stomach.
The first elk calf of the season was found Sunday afternoon in the Elk & Bison Prairie in the gorgeous Land Between the Lakes region.
She’s a real beauty, and like all proud “parents,” there is a picture of the baby that’s proudly being shown! Click the link below and feast your eyes on the little cutie.
Elk Calf at the Elk and Bison Prairie in Land Between the Lakes
You already know that I LOVE the Hitching Post Old Country Store in Aurora, Kentucky. The owner and workers couldn’t be any friendlier, the store’s a complete delight to look around, I always return home with great finds – such as jewelry, candles (there’s a Hershey’s chocolate candle that’ll drop you to your knees), t-shirts, hats, toys, cookbooks, figurines, and so on and on.
I’ve also told you how much I love the jams, jellies, and sauces they sell in their store. Deliciousness just looking for a mouth to happen in. Now, get this: They’ve stepped up their already yummy game and they’re nothing short of irresistible now.
My husband, our youngest daughter, and her boyfriend spent Saturday in the Land Between the Lakes region and…. OF COURSE… paid a visit to the Hitching Post Old Country Store. The kids had even more fun looking around that we did. Okay, well almost. Things looked better than ever. The porch is so pretty and decorated so charmingly that you almost hate to leave it. However, you know full well that spectacular shopping awaits you inside, so through the doors you go!
They’ve added quite a bit to the store, so the whole experience was even sweeter than before. Speaking of sweet – they now have homemade fudge available (pictured below). That fact, alone, had me smiling ear to ear all day – with a mouthful of happy sweet teeth. The fudge is remarkable, and I consider myself something of an expert.
We had the Tiger Butter Fudge this particular trip, but I have a date with the Peanut Butter fudge on my next trip. Peanut Butter Fudge has always been my favorite, but the Tiger Butter fudge is putting up an admirable battle for that top spot.
I’m thrilled that we can now enjoy homemade fudge in Aurora. Both ends of the Land Between the Lakes are now deliciously covered with fudge (The Fudge Factory in Grand Rivers is the other, of course.).
As you can see from the picture above, as well as the ones below, there are countless goodies for kids of all ages. Every single member of your family will have a ball and a half and the ridiculously warm and friendly owner and workers will treat you like a member of the family. Kentucky style.
I fell head over head in love with some Red Pepper Jelly they gave out as samples. Loved it so much, I bought a jar to bring home with us. It’s from Spring Valley Farms in Holland, Kentucky – and they know their stuff. Their sample had the Red Pepper Jelly mixed in with cream cheese. Oh. My. Gentle. God. Delicious! We promptly bought a jar of the Red Pepper Jelly and stopped by Kroger on the way home for some Cream Cheese and crackers.
It was so delicious I don’t even want to talk about it.
There are plans for the historically delightful general store next to The Hitching Post’s Country Store. Apparently they’ll soon feature work from local artists. I can’t wait to see the art and crafts that’ll be included. Can you even imagine how fantastic it’ll all be?!
Big Bear Marina – Benton, Kentucky
I won’t even lie, I can’t remember ever being this anxious and excited for warm weather to get here. Per chance it has something to do with a long cold winter that included the ice storm that rocked us all to our core?! I just can’t wait for long walks in the park and the zoo, grilling out, and hours in the yard with my beloved cats and flowers.
I’ve been rounding up a little “fishing” information for the site and it appears that fishermen and women are just as anxious as I am. My favorite fishing spots are Cracker Barrel and the Willow Pond Restaurants. I know, that’s not very sporting of me but my way comes with hush puppies and I get to keep my hands clean. Usually.
Below are a few links you may find useful, if your idea of fishing differs from mine:
- Buy your Fishing License online at the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
- Read about the 2009 BassFishin.com Member Event at the Big Bear Resort in Benton.
- Click HERE for the online version of the 2009 Big Bear Resort Brochure and/or visit their website.
- Big Bear Resort’s Website is a wealth of information for fishing fans. You can find angling information, articles, guide information, size limits, and so on in their fishing section.
For my kindred spirits:
Something pretty cool on the Cracker Barrel website is something they call “Front Porch News.” It’s a newsletter you sign up for that’ll keep you updated on new stores, new menu items, new products in the store (woot woot!) and so on. Click HERE to sign up.
I could honestly listen to this music all day. If they make a cd, I’ll buy two I’ll have my husband buy me two. I’ll even let him have one.
The Big Band Show will play at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers from April 3rd to May 30th. Visit their colorful and fun website for the exact dates.
Congratulations are, like, so in order! Grand Rivers not only made the top 10 list of Southern Living’s 2008 Survey (Category: Best Small Town) – They can be found sitting pretty on the Best Scenic View list as well.
2008 Best Small Town
1. Beaufort, South Carolina
2. Fairhope, Alabama
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
4. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
5. Franklin, Tennessee
6. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
7. Oxford, Mississippi
8. Grand Rivers, Kentucky
9. Madison, Georgia
10. Hendersonville, North Carolina
2008 Best Scenic View
1. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Grandfather Mountain (pictured), Linville,
North Carolina
3. Chimney Rock Park, North Carolina
4. Grand Rivers Jetty, Kentucky
5. Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain,
Georgia
6. Cades Cove, Tennessee
7. (tie) Clingman’s Dome, North Carolina/
Tennessee
7. (tie) Stone Mountain, Georgia
9. Brasstown Bald, Georgia
10. Mount Magazine, Arkansas
I think this is about 254.3 miles past awesome. Congratulations!
December arrived here in Kentucky flaunting his typical showmanship. It’s sleeting and toe-freezingly cold here in Owensboro which means one thing to my family: Hot Chocolate! (Click the link for my favorite hot chocolate recipe.)
It also means we run around less, so we can enjoy one another more. And people wonder why I love winter so much. Holidays, hot chocolate, snow, family time – what’s not to love?
Be sure you keep an eye both eyes on the Variety! Music, Memories, and More Schedule. I don’t want you to miss the Variety! Christmas show, Tuna Christmas (I’m still laughing…), or the It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
If you want to make some very special, even magical Christmas memories for yourself and your family – as soon as you leave this site, I want you to head over to the Grand Rivers Variety Website and order your tickets.
You’ll have the time of your life and after each show, you’ll be saying, “Wow. That caffeinated, chocolate addicted, chitty chatty, animal obsessed, snow loving gal from Genuine Kentucky knows her stuff.”
Yes. Yes, she does. And now she’s off to make more hot chocolate.
Click the audio below (the black triangle – for those who are about as technologically inclined as I am) as Bill Minihan describes Tuna Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
You’re well aware, by now, that one of my favoritest places on earth is Grand Rivers, Kentucky. I’ll let you in on another little secret – I love the holidays like no one else. I swear, my level of excitement can hang with any 6 year old!
So, I’m loving the way Grand Rivers embraces this magical time of year. You can’t go wrong when you combine one of the most special places on earth with the most special time of year.
Click through to learn more about Grand Rivers’ Festival of Lights and the Variety! Christmas Spectacular.
Can’t you feel the excitement in the air already?! If not, get to Grand Rivers and you’ll come face to face with it…… And, you know where you have to take your face while in Grand Rivers – The Fudge Factory!
Man oh man oh man. I’m now officially dying for some of their peanut butter fudge.
Edit: This village looks extra gorgeous with it’s Christmas wardrobe on! You really have to see it for yourself. We tried to take pics but they didn’t turn out. We shall try again.
