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.
The University of Kentucky men’s basketball team’s three exhibition games in Windsor, Ontario will begin on August 15th. I, for one, am more than ready to see UK Basketball back in swing!
The exhibition games will be televised in the Owensboro area on channel WTVW.
Be sure to check your local television channels for details in your area.
The Wildcats play the University of Windsor at 6 pm on August 15, the Western Mustangs at 5 pm August 16, then face a rematch with Windsor at 10 am on August 17. All games will be played at the St. Denis Center in Windsor.
The 2010-2011 Wildcats have the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class as announced by ESPN Recruiting, Rivals.com, and Scout.com. The class includes freshman Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter, Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, Stacey Poole Jr., and junior college transfer Eloy Vargas.
Lots of new faces, numbers, and names to memorize but I’m pretty sure Big Blue Nation is up for the task. I’m sure that you, like my husband and me, will have your guide ready. We’ve got the drill down in our household:
- Popcorn with M&M’s
- Coke and Diet Coke
- The player’s guide
- UK t-shirts
- Game faces on!
You can feel the excitement building around Kentucky – not only for the college basketball season, but for our guys in the NBA as well. The upcoming months will be filled with fun, excitement, drama, and blue.
And popcorn. Lots of popcorn.
Kentucky Speedway fans, buckle up and hold on. According to a story today on Bleacher Report.com, Kentucky Speedway will get a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in July, 2011.
The source apparently opted to remain anonymous because the decision wasn’t exactly official yet. The words “anonymous” and “exactly” are enough to keep me from marking my calendar in ink just yet – BUT, being a born-optimist, I’m penciling it in.
And crossing my fingers.
From Bleacher Report:
The 1.5 mile racetrack has been home to some of the best Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races over the last several years. Also housing IRL races, and even a few festivals. The track sits almost exactly halfway between Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH, on I71, and the surrounding area is ripe for expansion.
Follow Kentucky Speedway on Twitter – Best way I can think of to stay on top of the news!
Sushi Combo Giclee Print
Buy at AllPosters.com
One of my favorite places to eat in Owensboro, Kentucky also happens to be one of my ALL TIME favorite restaurants. Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant is one in a billion.
The decor is beautiful and the atmosphere is so relaxing you never want to leave. The staff at Ninki’s is one of the most friendly and helpful staffs in any restaurant I’ve ever visited. Everyone is totally and completely on their toes.
As for the food.. well, it’s just out of this world, that’s all. The edamame is something I enjoy every single time I dine at Ninki’s (which, let’s be honest, is quite often). If you’ve never tried edamame, give it a try when you visit Ninki’s. Addictive!
If the weather’s a little on the cool side, I have a bowl of their extraordinary Clear Soup (more about this VERY special soup in a minute). If the weather’s warm (and I don’t succumb to ordering the soup anyway!), I go with a salad. The dressing has this delicious, exotic flavor that you WILL NOT find anywhere else.
I’ve looked.
Another menu item I consistently order is the Kentucky Sushi Roll – my favorite of their many, many Sushi Rolls. Ninki’s has the most beautiful and delicious Sushi Rolls anywhere. What’s more, the price is a lot lower than you’d expect. Truth be told, everything at Ninki’s is lower than most Japanese restaurants. Japanese restaurants often have a reputation for flattening your wallet and making your purse tremble. Ninki’s is the exception.
I also order the fried rice whenever i go – it’s ridiculously good. They offer an exceptional, tangy “Yum Yum” sauce that simply makes time stand still.
I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve gotten at Ninki’s Japanese Restaurant in Owensboro. Even their tea is amazing!
Now. Back to the Clear Soup. It’s one of the most inexpensive things you can get in any restaurant but it’s so full of flavor that it boggles the mind.
Here’s the thing: I cook a great deal. Love cooking! I even have a food blog where I celebrate this favorite pastime. I have, over the years, achieved a great knack for tasting food served in restaurants and, then, being able to recreate the dish at home. Ninki’s Clear Soup has me stumped. I’ve tried COUNTLESS times to come up with a soup even close to their Clear Soup, but it simply can’t be done.
I’ve deduced that they have a large sack of magic in their kitchen and that magic is the secret ingredient.
Well played, Ninki’s. Well played.
My family members know that:
- If anyone is going to Ninki’s, they must, first of all, give me the opportunity to accompany them. If for some reason I can’t go (flu, ice storm, bronchitis, broken ankle..) they know the drill:
- They must bring me a large container of Clear Soup. If they fail to do so, I’ll cry for days. True story.
Ninki’s Sushi Rolls, Fried Rice, Hibachi grill, salad, steak, chicken, Clear Soup, edamame, tea, and service are all extraordinary and you MUST treat yourself to the experience. It may be your first time but I guarantee it won’t be your last.
I might just see you there.
What you need to know:
Ninki’s Japanese Steakhouse is located at 3500 Villa Pt Ste 103.
Directions: Go out Highway 54, past Walgreen’s and just past Kohl’s. Ninki’s is located next to the old Quizzno’s (miss them…sigh). Map.
Phone: (270) 685-9913
Wow! So, Do-it-yourself projects now include fishing boats. See the details come together on Kentucky Afield television this weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1.
On the upcoming episode, we’ll learn that for sculling creeks and ponds, nothing tops a flat-bottomed boat. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources craftsman John Akers shows host Tim Farmer how the vessels are built with little effort and money.
The construction of the KY AFIELD 09 was quite popular when first aired last fall. Now, the three-part series is combined into one full episode. DVR users take note – this is one for the archives.
“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.
If you love NASCAR like we do, and you’re anywhere near Owensboro, Kentucky on Sunday July 18, 2010, grab your Hermanator t-shirt and head to Windy Hollow!
Windy Hollow Speedway and the Big Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross have teamed up for a night of great racing and fund raising! This Sunday night Windy Hollow Speedway will host the very popular NASCAR driver and Speed TV personality Kenny Wallace at the Owensboro, KY race facility. Wallace will be on hand racing his Federated Auto Parts UMP DIRTcar Series open wheel modified as well as helping the Red Cross. Wallace will also step into a car he has never seen before and battle it out with some well known locals from the racing world in the Prelude to the Box Car Nationals to benefit the Big Rivers Chapter.
Wallace will step into a custom built box car replica of his Federated Auto Parts modified and run on foot against the following entries:
Richard Cunningham from www.circlesville.com (a national dirt track media source)
Malcolm West from Racing Radio Live and the Nashville Super Speedway
Angie Baird- American Classifieds/Thrifty Nickel
Alan Slaton- EZ Buy Auto Sales/EZ Graphics
Jay Velotta- Windy Hollow Speedway announcer/Radio Goes Racing
Billy Egeler- Windy Hollow Speedway announce/Radio Goes Racing
These racers will run a small race on foot inside their custom built cardboard creations in an effort to raise funds for the Red Cross. Donations will be accepted before the event, which will be held during intermission on Sunday. There will also be an autographed door from Kenny Wallace’s modified up for grabs to the highest bidder during an auction held at intermission. Wallace will be available for autographs during the evening’s intermission festivities and after the racing events.
Gates will open at 4pm with racing starting at 6pm at Windy Hollow Speedway. It will be an action packed night of stock car racing and box car racing at its best!
For more information on the Box Car Nationals presented by Circlesville.com and the Carousel Child Care Center visit www.circlesville.com .
Windy Hollow Speedway is located just 9 miles southwest of Owensboro, KY off of Kentucky Highway 81 on Windy Hollow Road.
GATES OPEN AT 3:30 PM
DRAW CLOSES AT 6 pm
RACING AROUND 6:15 pm
About Kenny Wallace
Kenny Wallace, who won the first race he ever entered, thank you very fast, was born in the hometown of my favorite baseball team – St. Louis, Missouri. Kenny is the youngest of three brothers and, and Kenny Wallace.com points out, racing was a household reality before any of the boys could wheel a car.
He currently lives in North Carolina with his High School sweetheart, wife of 25 years, Kim. The couple have three daughters (something we have in common).
One of the very best things about Kenny is that he’s as big of a St. Louis Cardinals fan as I am. I love you, man.
From Kenny Wallace.com:
After winning that first race in 1982, Kenny decided that his place in racing was in the driver’s seat. That day was a preview of things to come. In 1986, Kenny joined the ASA ranks winning Rookie of the Year honors.
Links for Kenny Wallace Fans
If at all possible, make it out to Windy Hollow Speedway Sunday night. Great Speedway. Great cause. Great driver.
Visit Windy Hollow Speedway‘s Website
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:
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Michael and I recently had the pleasure of spending the morning at the amazing Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes. For a nature lover, such as myself ,who never feels more alive than when she’s near birds, animals, plants, and flowers – this is a type of paradise on earth.
We’ve put this post together in an effort to pay tribute to the Woodlands Nature Station, its beautiful wildlife, and the wonderful people who take such wonderful care of them.
Please enjoy the beautiful pictures, taken by Michael, in the slideshow below.
Read more about the Woodlands Nature Station below the slideshow!
About the Woodlands Nature Station:
The Woodlands Nature Station is staffed by partners at “Friends of LBL.” The station serves to connect humans with nature by allowing them to experience its beauty and by educating them about its many wonders. People of all ages will benefit greatly from a visit to Woodlands Nature Station – as many visits as possible actually!
Photographers couldn’t ask for a better place to flaunt their skills. Seriously, a photographer could spend hours at the Nature Station and never run out of photo opportunities.
The Nature Station is an ideal place for parents and grandparents to take children. Not only will they enjoy the magic and wonder of these amazing birds and animals – they’ll learn a great deal… before they even realize what’s going on, they’ll gain an education while having fun!
The Nature Station, on April 16, 2010, welcomed a female red wolf from the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee. She’s a partner for the Station’s male red wolf who lost his 15 year old partner last year. The red wolf is currently on the Federal Endangered Species List and “partnerships” such as this are trying to make sure they find their way off of this list.
What I love most about the Nature Station is this: Other than the red wolves (who are part of a captive breeding program to save the species), each of the animals and birds (coyotes, turkeys, vultures, bobcat, bald eagle, snakes….) have been rescued – they would not be able to survive in the wild.
I’m also impressed with the way these amazing animals are treated and loved. There is a sign hanging near the turkeys that asks the public not to “gobble” at the turkeys because the male turkey is “very old” and they don’t want him to be stressed out. I love that! The man who was working the front desk was also extremely, extremely friendly and spoke with such love for the animals that it really touched my heart.
When he spoke of the aged turkey, he seemed to be talking about a much-loved friend.
You know what, I believe he was.
The Nature Station is located north of the Golden Pond Visitor Center and is open daily (April 1 – October 31) From November through March, the Nature Station is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm. Monday through Saturday and 10 am – 5 pm on Sunday.
Admission: $4.00 ages 13 and up, $2 ages 5-12, 4 and under free.
More Information: http://www.lbl.org/NSGate.html
Please visit the Nature Station and lend your support to these beautiful animals. I like to think there’s a special place in Heaven for people who love animals and who make it their business to appreciate and care for them.
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.
Looking for a little quality time on a Kentucky golf course? Maybe you have a score to settle with a friend or you’d like a little relaxation with a family member. Whichever the case, here’s news of interest.
Tee it up in July when Kentucky State Parks make it well worth your time by participating in the Professional Golf Association’s Play Golf America promotion.
From July 6-31, at any of the 18 park courses, players18-years of age or younger may play a free round and smack a free bucket of balls on the driving range when accompanied by a paying adult (carts not included).
“Golf is absolutely family friendly,” said Commissioner Gerry van der Meer, of the Kentucky Department of Parks. “Novice or experienced duffer, this special is a nice deal and a neat way to introduce kids to golf, build the players of tomorrow and create memories of a lifetime,” he said. “Kentucky State Parks have a time-honored relationship with golf and top-notch courses. The entire family can plan a weekend getaway, combination golf/camping trip and loads of other outdoor adventures.”
Six of the park system’s golf courses have been recognized over the past several years as “bests” by Golf Digest and Golfweek Magazine. Honors include most affordable, best place to play and best course distinction. Mineral Mound State Park near Eddyville; Hidden Cove at Grayson Lake State Park in Olive Hill; Yatesville Lake in Louisa; Dale Hollow Lake near Burkesville; Wasioto Winds at Pine Mountain State Resort Park near Pineville; and My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown all got a thumbs up from the publications.
“The recognition shows what quality play is available anywhere in the state,” van der Meer added. “Teeing off at any of them is a great golf value, convenient and in July, an even better deal.”
Additional park golf packages make play a sweet proposition other times of the year. The “Chip Shot” includes lodge accommodations and 18 holes of golf with cart for only $79. The all-inclusive Tee’s and Zzz’s package includes overnight lodging, breakfast and dinner at the lodge restaurant, 18 holes of golf with a cart, preferred tee times and a complimentary gift card redeemable at any park, pro shop or gift shop. The price starts at $109 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and are available from April 1 to Oct. 31. Reservations are subject to availability and prices do not include appropriate taxes.
For more information about any of the 51 Kentucky State Parks and historic sites, golf options including the State Parks Golf Trail, and other activities and events, go to the website at www.parks.ky.gov or call toll free 1-800-255-PARK.
****To read some of Michael’s Kentucky golfing experiences, visit his golf blog.
