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Flowers and Feathers Weekend at Pine Mountain State Resort Park April 29 – 30, 2011

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Owl

Kentucky is on the brink of getting all dressed up for spring. Kentucky is always a beautiful state but when she dresses herself in Spring, it’s a breathtaking sight.

Make that many sights!

One such place you can see Kentucky showing off her spring wardrobe is Pine Mountain.

Glorious spring adorns the vaulted slopes of Kentucky’s Pine Mountain in a cloak of green and the lush forest enters an enchanting period of flowerings. By late April, the blooming of wildflowers is nearing its peak, and an assortment of warblers can be observed migrating through Kentucky. Now, there’s an adventurous weekend opportunity to celebrate the occurrence of both!

Pine Mountain State Resort Park

will host its Flowers and Feathers Weekend April 29-30.

Guests will enjoy guided outings that will include seek-n-find wildflower hikes, a misty morning bird walk and a how-to wildflower photography field trip. Enjoy Breakfast with the Birds by the dining room windows as the park’s naturalist directs observation and build your own take-home bluebird box in a hands-on workshop session. Feature evening programs will showcase spectacular wildflower photography, lovely native wildflowers and shrubs, and an up-close live birds of prey show featuring barn owl, great horned owl, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk and others. Don’t miss this outdoor celebration of the arrival of spring to the mountains.

The registration fee for participation is $10 for adults, $3 for youths 13-17, and children 12 and under are free. Pre-registration is encouraged; combined packages that include lodging, select meals and all event programs are also available. Registration fees are waived for those purchasing packages. To request additional program information e-mail Dean.Henson@ky.gov. To book a combined package, phone the Guest Services Desk at (800) 325-1712.

Pine Mountain State Resort is located south of Pineville, Ky. on US 25E and 10 miles north of Middlesboro, Ky. From I-75 South or North, take exit 29 at Corbin onto US 25E, then travel south on 25E, approximately 34 miles to Pineville, Ky. Continuing on 25E south, to the park entrances are located about 1.5 miles south of Pineville. Buses and larger vehicles should use the south entrance, just past Wasioto Winds Golf Course. The Herndon J. Evans lodge is located 4.5 miles from the park entrance; park signs mark the route.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Kentucky Birds, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Springtime in Kentucky Tagged With: , , ,

Are You Ready to Pick and Grin in Grand Rivers?

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Pickin' and Grinnin' at Grand Rivers Variety

It’s always the right time to…

  • Eat chocolate
  • Tell someone you love them
  • Drink coffee
  • Laugh
  • Yell, “GO CATS!!!” (Except perhaps in downtown Nashville)
  • Play with your pet
  • Watch baseball
  • Grab life by the lapels and say, “Let’s have a little fun!”

There you have it.   Joi’s words to live by.  There are more, but we’ll save those for another time.  We’re here, right now, to focus on having fun with laughter and laughing at having fun – so get ready to grab life by the lapels and maybe even ask it out onto the dance floor.

In a world where we’re faced DAILY with drama, catastrophes, and heart-breaking stories in the news,  I’m certain we’d all be in therapy if we stopped making time for laughter.  When we “escape” into a world of music and humor, we basically tell the nasty side of life, “We’re stronger than you are!”  Make no mistake about it, laughter is stronger than anything in the world.  It’s also good for you. Seriously!  One of my other websites is an online Self Help magazine (Self Help Daily).  I  review a lot of  books for this website and self improvement authors (as well as those in the fields of happiness, mental fitness, and health) all agree: Laughter truly is the best medicine.

That’s right, it’s time for a little Pickin’ and Grinnin’ in Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse! Time to tap your toes, do a little seat dancing, sing along, and laugh so hard that funny noises come out of your nose. LOVE when that happens.

From Grand Rivers Variety.com:
Join us for a tribute to all those great country-themed variety shows! Featuring classic country hits, comedy sketches, a five-piece band and three singers performing the hits of such artists as Buck Owens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Pride, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Floyd Cramer.

Classic comedy sketches and corny jokes help to recreate the feel of the by-gone era of the variety show format.

“We are going to have a lot of fun with this show,” said Bill Minihan who co-produces the show with his wife Sara. “The band is one of the best we have ever put together for a show. These guys have been playing this music all of their life and it shows. I think our audience will really appreciate their musical talent,” he added. Minihan concluded by saying, “When you combine all of the hilarious skits and all of the great music, you create a great way for people to bring back some nostalgic memories of the golden age of television.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office toll free at 1-888-362-4223. Box office hours are 12-5 Tuesday through Thursday and 12-7 Friday through Saturday. Click HERE for showtimes and dates.

Show times for 2010 are as follows: Evening performances start at 7:00 PM CST and matinees are 2:00 PM CST. Doors open thirty minutes before each performance.

Do yourself a colossal favor and call the box office right now. Grab tickets for yourself and everyone else you think could use a laugh or twenty. Just remember, you’ve been warned. The nose thing isn’t just a possibility, it will happen.

To read more about the other wonderful shows at Grand Rivers Variety, visit the website today. It’s the perfect “escape button” for a life that can sometimes overwhelm you with its drama (speaking of which, please keep the beautiful Japanese people in your prayers).

Filed Under: Blog, Bluegrass Music, Country Music, Entertainment, Featured, Grand Rivers Variety, Springtime in Kentucky, Videos Tagged With: , ,

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show at Grand Rivers Variety

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Johnny Cash Ring of Fire at Grand Rivers Variety

Saturday night, my husband and I took a couple of friends to see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse.  If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for any length of time, you know that we frequently see shows at the Badgett Playhouse.  They’re always a lot of fun and this show was no exception.

Before I launch into Ring of Fire, I just want to rave a little bit about Badgett Playhouse, Grand Rivers, and the Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows and cast. My husband (Michael) and I also frequently go to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. We see shows at the Opry as well as the Ryman. We always have a great time – Nashville restaurants, combined with the great talent keep us coming back.

I’d love for more Kentuckians (as well as people in other states) to realize that we have a “baby Nashville” in our own backyard. No, Grand Rivers doesn’t have as many restaurants as Nashville (Thank goodness! Who needs the traffic?!) – but many would say that the infamous Patti’s Settlement more than makes up for it.

A few quick facts about Patti’s Settlement (from Grand Rivers.org)

  • VOTED #1 Restaurant for Tourism by the State of Kentucky
  • Blue Chip Award given by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Pork Producers Award
  • General Manager was voted Manager of the Year by Kentucky Restaurant Association
  • Voted #1 by Southern Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Town Restaurant in Southeast United States

Other outstanding restaurants in the area include Willow Pond (Calvert City and Eddyville), Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge’s restaurant, Catfish Kitchen (Draffenville),  and Majestic Pizza and Steakhouse (Draffenville – some of the best pizza anywhere!).

Trust me, I can vouch for each of these restaurants – they’re excellent.  If you’re lodging in the area, and time isn’t a problem, you can find even more restaurants in Paducah, Benton, Murray, and Aurora.  If you ever get a chance to eat at Aurora’s Willow Pond, do so. The hush puppies will blow your very mind.

The Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows are as entertaining as the shows we see in Nashville.  Each time I leave, I wonder, “Why aren’t these singers, comedians, musicians, and dancers in Nashville?”  I don’t say it out loud, of course, because I don’t want Nashville to know they’re here.  Why spoil a great thing?!

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show

Have you ever raved about something (a restaurant, movie, tv show…) to someone, then when they watch it – held your breath, hoping they liked it as much?  With most things in life, it sort of plays out like that.  However, whenever we take friends or family to a Variety! Music, Memories, & More show, I’ve never held my breath once. I KNOW, beyond a hint of doubt, that the people involved will never let us down.

Never have. Never will.

The friends we took were from Nashville, so they’ve seen, and heard, some great entertainment.  It was wonderful to know that they’d see great entertainment on this night as well.  One minute into the show, they were laughing, tapping hands on their legs, and having a great time.  Honestly, there was never any doubt in my mind that the rock would roll just like that.

The show was one that every Johnny Cash fan will want to see.  Not only do the ridiculously talented singers and musicians do the songs GREAT justice, you’re treated to precious footage and memories of Johnny Cash, his life, and his childhood.  It all blends together perfectly to celebrate the life and music of the Man in Black. It’s a 2 hour tribute that you wish would last a couple of more hours.

The show included “regulars” that we know and love: Sara Minihan, Scot Durham, Eddie Holland, Thomas Michael, and Stephanie Jo Newton. I was reminded, again, of how much Stephanie Jo Newton’s voice reminds me of one of my favorite country star’s, Lee Ann Womack. Thomas Michael, who is consistently a crowd favorite, was featured heavily in this show and it was a stroke of genius. His rich, beautiful voice was ideal for Johnny Cash songs. The musicians were, as always, outstanding. Unfortunately, the website (Grand Rivers Variety) doesn’t have the Cast list featured for this particular show, so I can’t give the name of the drummer – but he was really something special!

Fortunately, my husband and I were so impressed with two new faces that he took my notebook and asked Bill Minihan for their names! Barry Jobe and Chad Mullins blew us away. Suffice to say, they were two more performers who had me wondering, “Now… just why aren’t they on stage at The Grand Ole Opry or in Nashville making country music?!” Of course, this was wondered silently. Many times over. Shhh, we don’t want Nashville taking them away just yet.

Barry Jobe did quite a few vocals and did so beautifully. Chad Mullins also did vocals, in addition to playing the banjo unlike I’ve ever heard it played before. I was mesmerized. If either is ever in concert, I’m so there.

Front row.

The whole night was memorable, fun, and very entertaining. One of my favorite moments was the song Jackson by Thomas Michael and Stephanie Jo Newton.  Their voices were wonderful together and each did their parts perfectly.  Stephanie Jo, at a young age,  is outstanding at something that many performers (even veterans) don’t quite get: You don’t have to “oversell” great songs, great writing, and great talent.  You just let it flow.   It’s something I’d noticed before about her and, when I realized that she’d be singing Jackson with Thomas, I thought, “This will be a true test..” After all, the song is so spirited and fun, it would have been really easy to go overboard with facial expressions and try to FORCE the audience to have a good time.

Stephanie Jo and Thomas each realized that the song, the lyrics, and the story they told were the real stars, and they gave them center stage.  By doing so, they showed their own star power.

I hope you’ll make your way to beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky and see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show.  The show will play through mid-May.

Filed Under: Blog, Country Music, Entertainment, Featured, Grand Rivers, Grand Rivers Variety, Reviews Tagged With: ,

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site Hosts Meet the Flock

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Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site will host the “Meet the Flock” birding event on March 26 to kick off its 2011 season.

Guests may see wild turkeys, woodpeckers, cardinals, owls and other avian species that call the park home with the day’s program that starts at 9 a.m. Learn about the park’s enhancements to date and future plans as it pursues the designation of “Birding Capital of South Central Kentucky.”

Go on “location” with Bob and Judy Peak during their presentation of “Bluebirds Over Western Kentucky.” Hear Stephen Stedman’s “Birdlife of the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee and Kentucky.” Participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” and more!

Dress for the weather and bring your favorite bird watching equipment. Register by March 22 to ensure sufficient materials. Bring your own lunch or enjoy world-famous Monroe County barbeque by pre-paying $7 per plate. Checks for barbeque should be made payable to “The Friends of Old Mulkey.”

In conjunction with the March 26 event, Old Mulkey is partnering with the Monroe County School District Community Education Department to host the “Meet the Flock Art Contest.” Entries in the contest will be displayed in the Meetinghouse and viewer’s choice awards will be selected by participants of Meet the Flock. Artists within the following criteria are invited to participate:

Adult Division — any individual 18 years of age as of March 25, 2011. Painting: oil, acrylic or watercolors. Drawing: ink, graphite, pastel or colored pencil.

Middle & High School Divisions — Students in middle or high school who reside in Monroe County and are under 18 as of March 25, 2011. Painting: oil, acrylic or watercolors. Drawing: ink, graphite, pastel or colored pencil.

SPECIFICATIONS: All entries must have a bird or birds as the main focus. Entries without birds will not be permitted. Additional rules apply. For a complete set of rules or other information on the day’s events contact Sheila Rush at sheila.rush@ky.gov or 270-487-8481.

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Featured, Kentucky Birds, Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site Tagged With: , , ,

Encore Performance Nifty 50s Weekend at Rough River Dam State Resort Park

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Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Rough River Dam State Resort Park and Pine Knob Theater will present an encore presentation of the “Nifty 50s Weekend” during the weekend of March 18-19.

The event will include a dinner theater on Friday night with Pine Knob Theater presenting “Daddy Took the T-Bird Away,” a musical featuring great 50’s-era music and fun for all. On Saturday, bring your poodle skirts and bobby socks for the Saturday Night Sock Hop with “cool music” provided by The Countdowns.

Weekend couples packages include two nights stay in the lodge, the dinner theater, Saturday breakfast, Saturday night dinner and dance admission all for $195 plus tax.

Individual packages for Friday night dinner theater only or Saturday night dance only are available for $45 plus tax per couple.

Dinner on Friday begins at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night dance starts at 8 p.m.

Call 270-257-2311 for information and reservations or e-mail the Park at roughriver@ky.gov.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, campground, Grayson’s Landing Restaurant, fishing, boating, mini-golf and gift shop. For more information about Rough River and other state parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

Rough River is on KY 79 near Leitchfield. From the Western Kentucky Parkway, exit on KY 79 north from Caneyville or exit on KY 259 N at Leitchfield and travel to the park via KY 54 from Leitchfield. Driving south, take KY 79 south from Hardinsburg and U.S. 60.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park

To learn more about beautiful Rough River Dam State Resort Park, click the link.

Filed Under: Blog, Entertainment, Events, News, Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Carter Caves Hosts Woods Lore and Tracking Weekend March 4-6

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Carter Caves State Resort Park

There is almost ALWAYS something wonderful going on at the beautiful Kentucky State Parks and Kentucky State Resort Parks.  One of Kentucky’s most popular State Parks, Carter Caves State Resort Park has something historical up their sleeves!

Step back in time to the 18th century, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature.

Carter Caves State Resort Park at Olive Hill invites you to its Woods Lore and Tracking Weekend March 4-6. Learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life, and of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer.

Guests will enjoy nature, tracking, culture and history in outdoor and indoor settings.  Tracking and Woods Lore is for everyone interested in 18th century lifestyles, culture, wildlife and our natural environment.  To learn more about our instructors visit www.trailsinclivinghistory.com Overnight packages are available.

The admission price is $30 for adults (ages 16 and older) or $50 per couple. Admission is $15 for guests age 15 and younger. Overnight packages for two adults are $114.95 plus tax for two nights. The price is $94.95 plus tax for one adult.

Preregistration is required. Call the park at 1-800-325-0059 for more information and to make reservations.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill, Ky. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, swimming, boating and fishing.

The park is located off Interstate 64 at exit 161. Take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is 3 miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

Agenda for March 4-6 Woods Lore & Tracking Weekend

FRIDAY EVENING

7-8:45 p.m. – Grayson Room in Lewis Caveland Lodge

Welcome to the Park

Discussion on cultural sharing in the 18th century

Storytelling:  “EASTERN WOODLAND INDIANS”

Demonstration of hunting techniques of the Eastern Woodland Indians

“DEM BONES GONNA RISE AGAIN” – Mental Skill with Skulls (Available all Weekend)

8:45-9 p.m. Break – Overview of activities

9-9:30 p.m.  TRACKING WALK:  “LISTEN TO THE DARK”—Attune your senses to nocturnal life

SATURDAY MORNING

8:30-9:15 a.m.  INTRO TO TRACKING, Grayson Room in Lewis Caveland Lodge

9:15-10 a.m. WORKSHOP: PAW PRINT IDENTIFICATION

10-12 p.m.  TRACKING WALK: “NOSE TO THE BREEZE & EAR TO THE GROUND” (location to be determined).

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

12-2 p.m. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

2-4 p.m. TRACKING WALK (EASY TRAIL WALK) -Outside Activity

OR

2-4 p.m. TRACKING WALK (MODERATE TRAIL WALK) – Outside Activity

5-7 p.m.  DINNER ON YOUR OWN

7 p.m. SLIDE SHOW:  IT’S ONLY NATURAL – EARLY NATURALIST AND NATIVE PLANTS USED IN APPALACHIAN CULTURE TODAY

SUNDAY MORNING

9-11 a.m. Choose one of the following activities.

Option #1:  TRACKING WALK (MODERATE TRAIL WALK) – Outside Activity:  EMPHASIS ON ANIMAL SIGNS & ANIMAL CALLING

Option #2:  NATURALIST ACTIVITY – Inside Activity: SCIENTIFIC COLORING, TRACK MAKING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

11:30 a.m. REVIEW DEM BONES AND RECAP

Filed Under: Blog, Carter Caves State Resort Park, Events, Kentucky State Parks Tagged With: , ,

Louisville Native Jennifer Lawrence, aka Oscar Nominee!

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Jennifer Lawrence

Louisville, Kentucky native Jennifer Lawrence is causing quite a stir in Hollywood. The beautiful young actress has been nominated for an Oscar (Best Actress) for her role in Winter’s Bone. She reminds me a little of Renee Zellweger. If she goes on to have a career similar to Zellweger’s, she’ll soon have more movie offers than she can keep up with!

Winter’s Bone Synopsis: An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl named Ree (Jennifer Lawrence) hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact.

Winter’s Bone, which was released in early 2010, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and earned Jennifer Lawrence several awards including Best Newcomer Actress at October’s Hollywood Awards.

Winter’s Bone was listed on IMDB as one of the 10 best films of 2010.

The talented 20 year old actress has several exciting upcoming movies:

  • The Beaver, directed by the amazing Jodie Foster.  Co-stars include Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson and Anton Yelchin (2011).
  • X-Men: First Class (2011).
  • House at the End of the Street (2012). Co-stars include Elizabeth Shue and Max Thieriot

Jennifer Lawrence is the second youngest Oscar nominee for best actress in a leading role. The Oscars will air February 27, 2011 on ABC and I know every Kentuckian in the world will join me in pulling for this amazing young actress. Win or lose, being nominated is an incredible honor. An honor, I have a feeling, that she should get used to.

Winter’s Bone Trailer:

X Men First Class Trailer:

Filed Under: Blog, Entertainment, Famous Kentuckians, Louisville Tagged With:

Grand Rivers Variety Has Love, Laughs, and Legends in Store for 2011

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Johnny Cash Ring of Fire at Grand Rivers Variety

If you’ve read many of my articles on Genuine Kentucky, you already know that I love, love, love Grand Rivers Variety.  We’ve seen just about every show put on at the Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky and never leave without a smile on our face, song in our heart, and coffee on our breath.  Okay, I have coffee breath – my husband, not so much.

In the video below, the ridiculously talented couple behind Grand Rivers Variety (Bill and Sara Minihan) will tell you all about the wonderful shows coming up this year.  I’m especially excited about the “Legends.”  There will be two new shows which pay tribute to a couple of music’s biggest legends… giants, actually: Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.   The Johnny Cash tribute is called Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show. It’ll run during the months of March and April as well as the first few weeks of May.

The Hank Williams Tribute is called Hank Williams: Lost Highway and will run through May and the first week of June.

I’m a HUGE fan of Johnny Cash (as well as June Carter Cash), so I’m really looking forward to this one.  My husband and I will be at one of the first Ring of Fire shows – and we’re bringing friends!

As I was looking over the schedule, I nearly chocked on my coffee (…and, no, as a matter of fact I don’t drink coffee all the time. I have to sleep sometimes you know.).   The third part of the Tuna Trilogy is coming to Grand Rivers.  I’d try to tell you how much I enjoy the Tuna shows, but we’d be here seven and a half days.  Since that’s even longer than it took God to create the world, I’ll just sum it up by saying this:  I love myself some Tuna shows like my cat loves herself some tuna fish.

From Grand Rivers Variety:  The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!

From Joi:  Booyah!

Red, White, and Tuna will run during July and August and y’all know I’ll be reminding you a million times between now and then.  That’s how I roll. With a drift toward the obsessive.

Vacation, Eat, Stay, and Play in Kentucky This Year!

As I sit looking out the window beside my computer, I see patches of snow on the ground trying to hold on for dear life as the bright sun (and my willpower) tries to wipe it off the earth. The weather will soon be beautiful again – and, come on, there’s nothing quite like spring and summer in Kentucky.  I can’t wait to start traveling around our beautiful state again, hitting different Kentucky State Parks, historical landmarks, museums, restaurants, Land Between the Lakes, stores, etc.  You always meet the warmest and most colorful people when you travel around Kentucky.  We all share a special bond:  This is our home and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our oldest daughter Emily heard me boasting about Chili’s Restaurant a few days ago. She told us that there’s a Chili’s in Evansville, Indiana.  My husband half-kiddingly told her that we keep our money in the south.  I’m even worse than him – I try my darnedest to keep my money in the state of Kentucky.  That’s not always possible, of course, but it’s more possible than you might imagine.

I hope you’ll take advantage of Kentucky’s beautiful scenery, wildlife, and very special places this year.  Grand Rivers Variety – and the entire Land Between the Lakes region – proves that you can have the time of your life without ever leaving home.  You keep your money in the state and support your neighbors in the process.

Now, what part of that isn’t beautiful?

I’ll remind you frequently about the Grand Rivers Variety shows.  I hope you’ll round up a group of family and friends and see as many shows as you possibly can.  It would make an outstanding trip for a church group, or any group for that matter.

Red White and Tuna at Grand Rivers Variety

Filed Under: Blog, Country Music, Entertainment, Events, Featured, Grand Rivers, Grand Rivers Variety

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: , ,

2011 Kentucky Visitor’s Guide Now Available

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Each year, I anxiously look forward to the new Kentucky Visitor’s Guide.  I love to see the events as well as the highlighted destinations.  I get an extra kick out of the artwork and images – always beautiful.  As for the cover, it always blows me away!  Genuine Kentucky LOVES horses to distraction (come on, what Kentuckians don’t?), so this year’s guide is a real favorite.  I’m happy to say that the 2011 Kentucky Visitor’s Guide is now available.

From Kentucky Tourism.com:

If you are looking for something to do this weekend or already planning your summer vacation, check out the 2011 Kentucky Official Visitor’s Guide for a wealth of ideas for getaways in the Bluegrass State.

With feature articles about lakes, horse country, dining, crafts, music and more, the free visitor’s guide is much more than just a compilation of listings. Four regional sections use color and design to make travel planning fun and easy.

The 2011 Visitor’s Guide includes a region-by-region guide to accommodations, attractions and state parks. Each regional section also includes several suggested itineraries for visiting highlights of the Commonwealth’s diverse areas.

“Kentucky is one of America’s best leisure travel destinations and every region offers so much to experience and explore,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “This year is a great time to visit Kentucky as 2011 marks the beginning of the Civil War sesquicentennial and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass music.”

Printed copies of the Guide are available at eight staffed welcome centers on Interstate highways throughout the state or can be mailed right to your home or office by calling 800-225-8747. An online version is available at www.kytourism.com.

Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism Mike Cooper said, “The guide is a fantastic way to introduce the state to the many people considering a visit to Kentucky as it hosts its inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta in July and the Breeders’ Cup, thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious competition, at Churchill Downs in November.”

The guide was produced in partnership between the Department of Travel and Tourism and publishing company Miles Media.

###

The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, which promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of nearly $11 billion, employs more than 176,000 people and generates $1 billion in taxes.

Head over to Kentucky Tourism to view the gorgeous guide online.

Filed Under: Blog, Events, Featured, News Tagged With:
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