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.
Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, which includes not only the infamous Mammoth Cave, but the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a section of south central Kentucky as well.Within Mammoth Cave National Park lies the longest, and most remarkable cave systems on earth, with over 350 miles of passageway mapped and surveyed. Little wonder it was named Mammoth.
Did You Know?
Stalactites grow downward – they hang “tight” to the ceiling – while stalagmites grow upward – they “might” reach the ceiling someday. Mammoth Cave’s formations include many types of calcite formations.
Even after 4,000+ years of eager exploration, this water-formed labyrinth still remains a mystery. It’s this fact, of course, that adds to its beauty and excitement. Mammoth Cave National Park should be on everyone’s MUST SEE list – and maybe it’s because I’m a Kentuckian, but I think it should be at the top.
This is one extra, extra special place. The type of place you have to see to believe. The photography opportunities, alone, make a family trip to Mammoth Cave National Park more than worth it.
Mammoth Cave National Park: Cave Tour!
The National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. Many of the most famous features of the cave, such as Grand Avenue, Frozen Niagara, and Fat Man’s Misery, can be seen on lighted tours ranging from one to six hours in length. Two tours, lit only by visitor-carried paraffin lamps, are popular alternatives to the electric-lit routes. Several “wild” tours venture away from the developed parts of the cave into muddy crawls and dusty tunnels.
The park’s tours are notable for the quality of the interpretive program, with occasional graphics accompanying artifacts on display at certain points in the cave. The lectures delivered by the National Park Service cave guides are varied by tour, so that in taking several tours the visitor learns about different facets of the cave’s formation, or of the cave’s human history and prehistory.
The Echo River Tour, one of the cave’s most famous attractions, used to take visitors on a boat ride along an underground river. The tour was discontinued for logistic and environmental reasons in the early 1990s. - Wikipedia
A trip to the Mammoth Cave National Park could include:
- Cave tours
- Surface hikes
- Canoeing on the Green River
- A cruise on Miss Green River II
- Picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more.
If You’re Planning to Visit Mammoth Cave National Park:
- Visitor Center Hours – Daily: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
- Click HERE for the Summer Cave Tours Schedule.
- All cave tours and nature walks are pretty strenuous, so be sure you’re up to a particular tour before setting off. Ask questions, the rangers can let you know exactly what will be involved.
- Trails can be slick, so be certain to wear appropriate shoes. All tours have a strict policy requiring the visitors to wear shirts and shoes.
- Camera tripods and monopods, child strollers and infant backpack carriers are prohibited in the cave for visitor safety.
- For further safety advice and tips, be sure to read the literature available at the park. Most of it’s common sense, but read it all to be on the “safe side,” literally.
- For all the information you could possibly ask for about Mammoth Cave National Park, Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/
Did You Know?
- Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a “grand, gloomy and peculiar place.“
Mammoth Cave National Park, 1887
Many believe that the best way to experience Mammoth Cave National Park is to camp out amongst the beauty. The park offers camping in three developed campgrounds and in more than a dozen primitive sites in the backcountry and along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Visit http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm for more information regarding the different campgrounds.
Did You Know?
- The Green and Nolin Rivers course more than 30 miles through Mammoth Cave National Park, offering hours of boating, canoeing, fishing, and floodplain camping.
Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave. As for the competition, if the second and third longest caves in the world were joined together, Mammoth Cave would still be the planet’s longest cave. But that’s not all, there’d be over 100 miles left over. Now tell me that’s not something you want to see close up and personal?
The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.
All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park system’s 17 resort parks – all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities – will be open.
The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.
Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.
For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Sept. 3
Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum
While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park “expert” for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Sept. 4
Labor Day Blood Drive
You can be someone’s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Sept. 4
Goldenrod Gala
The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, Farmer’s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Sept. 4
CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview
Sept. 4
Civil War Flag Exhibit
Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Sept. 3-4
Plein-Air & Studio Workshop
Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. Don’t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9–noon. 270-826-2247.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Sept. 2-6
Labor Day Weekend
John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6. There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend. The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice
Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Sept. 3-5
Labor Day Weekend Activities
Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun. The park will be ending the “summer season” with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors. There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4. Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011. Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Sept. 3-5
Labor Day Getaway
Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Don’t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Sept. 3 – 5
Labor Day “Fun in the Sun”
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities. Come build your own “Pine Derby Car” on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening. The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a “heel-clicking” good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing. Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
Sept. 3-5
Labor Day Weekend Activities
The end of summer is near so let’s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland. The park’s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family. The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell. For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Sept. 3-6
End of the Summer Celebration
Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and s’mores and much more. 800-325-0058.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more. The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 800-325-0063.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville
Sept. 3-6
NBL/BMX Grand Nationals
Join E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org. 502-429-7270.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
Kenlake State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the back lobby. Scott Shupe, an old friend of the park, will bring many of his animals for his live animal presentation. Other activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. End the summer with a live band Sunday night on the front lawn. 800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend – Say Goodbye to Summer
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Say farewell to Summer and all the heat and enjoy the last weekend of scheduled daily recreation activities for the year. Activities include tie-dye, an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Social, Ping Pong Tournaments, Nintendo Wii Tournaments, arts and crafts. Heath Eric will perform to close out the weekend on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the campground! Fees for some events. For details contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Celebration
Lake Barkley State Resort Park says farewell to summer with a Labor Day weekend celebration. Activities will start on Friday evening at the campground and continue through Monday afternoon at the lodge. The recreation staff has packed this last weekend of summer with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities include a snake presentation, tie-dye shirts, corn-hole games, trap shooting and an owl prowl. And don’t forget to stop by the beach on the last few days it will be open for the summer. For more information contact Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1708
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss Music in the Park on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. with local artist Heath Eric. 800-325-1711.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Sept. 6
Pickin’ at the Caves
Bring your instruments out to Carter Caves State Resort Park to gather and play music with other local musicians. Don’t play? No problem! Come and enjoy the tunes that local talent has to offer. The pickin’ will be in and around the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 7-9 p.m. Visit early and enjoy a country meal in the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. This event is held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 800-325-0059.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov
My oldest daughter, Emily, and I ate lunch at Olive Garden this afternoon. That’s actually pretty much a given. Owensboro’s Olive Garden is one of our favorite places to have lunch. Sometimes one or both of my other daughters (Brittany or Stephany) will join us. Their dad (aka the husband) always has to work… poor guy…. so he never partakes of the Lunch at the Garden.
Emily and I, like clockwork, order the Soup and Salad lunch. It’s so good, I can’t even describe it. First of all, Olive Garden’s salad is super special – fresh, crisp, light, delicious. The bread sticks? Forget about it – nothing should be that wonderful. I always, always, always get the Chicken & Gnocchi soup (A creamy soup with roasted chicken, Italian dumplings and spinach.) – it’s just the most wonderful soup. It’s stupid good. Emily loves the Zuppa Toscana (Spicy sausage, russet potatoes and cavolo greens in a creamy broth). I think she just likes showing off the way the name rolls off her tongue.
Needless to say, Olive Garden is freaking amazing for dinner as well as lunch – what with beef, seafood, spaghetti, lasagna, and a whole arsenal of other delectable meals. Maybe if we ate lunch somewhere else we’d have enough room left for dinner.
Just a thought.
Our servers at Olive Garden – as well as the hosts and hostesses – are always extremely professional and friendly. The manager of this particular Olive Garden is completely on their game. The restaurant is always impeccably clean and beautiful and the staff can’t be beaten.
However. Our server today just raised the bar. Alex was his name and he was simply outstanding. On the drive home, I put my finger on what made him extra-special. He made you feel like you were a guest at a relative’s house rather than a customer in a restaurant. He was very warm and friendly. What’s more, he brought us everything we needed before we even asked. Our drink refills came before our first ones ran out (it feels like 150 degrees outside, Alex must’ve known we were parched), he brought our soup along with our salad (sometimes we have to request the soup), and he even brought us a second bowl of soup without our having to ask for it.
We loved this guy.
He was so on his game that I wasn’t surprised he passed the final “server’s test” with flying colors. As a gal with an incredible sweet tooth, I HATE when servers bring your check without even asking if you’d like dessert. It’s a small thing, but I can’t tell you how many times I was planning on getting dessert but didn’t because I didn’t want them to have to add it to the bill after they’d already rang it up.
Alex asked before even thinking about bringing the bill. Bonus points!
The next time you’re looking for a remarkable place to eat – promise me you’ll go to Olive Garden in Owensboro, Kentucky. It’s gorgeous, the food can’t be beaten, and everyone who works there seems to love their job. They’re special people in a special place. What’s not to love?
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.
I’ve launched a section here on Genuine Kentucky dedicated entirely to a great, great, great passion of mine…… no, not chocolate, coffee, and catfish – I have a food blog where I deal with these addictions….. birds and bird watching. I’ll be adding many more pictures, articles, and what not – but the articles that ARE up are listed below:
Birds, Birding, and Bird Watching
The Benefits of Bird Watching and Birding
How to Create a Backyard Bird Watching Haven
Another huge love of ours’ is gardening – flowers, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, fruit trees… you name it, we’ll give a shot at growing it (well, not anything). A section for gardening is also in the works. I should have the first pages up within a few days – it all depends on how long I can stay out of the yard! When the weather’s this nice and the birds are spending so much time at the bird baths and feeders, it’s tough to stay indoors! Even at night, I like to sit outside with my cats and watch for owls. We live out in the sticks, so to speak, so we have lots of owls around us. Talk about gorgeous birds. Wow.
Barren River State Resort Park
I was recently sent a link to an article extolling the virtues of state parks (from someone who knew just how much my husband and I LOVE state parks). This particular article’s stance is after my own heart – it even mentions one of Kentucky’s State Parks: E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville.
The article points out the negative effect the economy could potentially have on our country’s beautiful state parks. None of us want to see cutbacks, layoffs, or any negative changes befalling our beloved state parks. A state’s state parks are like crown jewels. They allow newcomer’s to the state to get a “feel” for what that state is all about, a glimpse at it’s history, and a feel for what makes that state special.
This is why, in my opinion, it’s so important for State Parks to hire only the friendliest, warmest, and most capable individuals – they represent us!
Not only are State Parks vital for acquainting new visitors to a state, they’re vital for the natives as well. They provide a place where we can go, relax, play, eat, take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and reconnect with what makes our state and its people so special.
Please read the article that was e-mailed to me (The National Identity of State Parks) and, more importantly, please make a point to visit state parks more regularly. When in the vicinity of a State Resort Park, such as Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, have your meals at the resort’s restaurant, shop in the gift shop, and see all that the Resort State Park has to offer.
To further celebrate and promote Kentucky’s beautiful State Parks, we’re working on a Kentucky State Parks section of the website. We hope to add slideshows and many more pictures. If you have any pictures from Kentucky’s State Parks that you’d like to donate to the website, we’d be very grateful (E-mail them to joisigers@aim.com)
The people at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, Kentucky have a passion for Kentucky Lake like none other. They’re also nature lovers which makes them more than a little okay in my book. I admire their commitment to the environment and love of nature as much as I admire the beautiful resort they’ve built on beautiful Kentucky Lake.
Lighthouse Landing is a very picturesque and relaxing resort and marina – one of the most lovely resorts Kentucky has to offer.
If you are interested in learning to sail, Lighthouse Landing can make the dream come true for you. They offer a very popular Sailing School in an unbelievably beautiful setting. The dates for the 2010 Sailing School lessons are below.
June 24-27
July 8-11, 15-18
July 29-Aug 1
Aug 12-15
Sept. 16-19
Oct. 14-17, 21-24
Visit Lighthouse Landing’s website for more information.
So, what are you looking for when you sit down to plan your family’s vacation? Fun for the kids, fun for the adults, adventure, beautiful scenery, great food, a time you’ll remember forever… all at a price that your budget deems fair?
Look no further than Kentucky when planning a family vacation described above. Spring rains and warm weather have set the stage for you and your family here in Kentucky. Everything seems even greener and more lush than normal. The flowers are blooming with an eagerness that takes your breath away and our wildlife and birds are loving every second of it.
Kentucky is more than just a beautiful face, though. From caving to kayaking, a wide choice of challenges and adventuresome fun await you and your family in the Bluegrass State. Rushing whitewater rivers, mysterious caverns, craggy rock faces, rugged ATV trails…. and that’s just the beginning.
“For several years, Kentucky has been building its reputation as an easily accessible outdoor sports destination. Adventure travelers are one of the fastest growing tourism segments in the country. Kentucky is well-positioned to provide adventure tourists with the excitement they crave.” – Mike Cooper, commissioner of the Department of Travel and Tourism
A section of the Bluegrass State’s tourism web site is devoted especially to adventure travelers. You’ll find all you need to know to take a walk on Kentucky’s wild side.
Kentucky’s Rivers
Nine of Kentucky’s rivers are designated as Kentucky Wild Rivers, which protects their right-of-ways from construction, mining, or any other man-made intrusions. The Wild Rivers corridors comprise a total of more than 100 miles of water where canoeists, rafters, and kayakers can enjoy their sports amid pristine surroundings. The Rockcastle, Russell Fork and Big South Fork Rivers in southeastern Kentucky feature some of the most challenging whitewater sections in the eastern United States. River outfitters offer guided excursions of varying lengths.
With miles of trails through breathtaking wilderness landscapes to choose from, ATV enthusiasts can ride over nearly any kind of terrain. From flat lands and bogs to steep mountainsides, you’ll find a challenge in Kentucky.
Rock Climbing in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to many rock climbing opportunities, including the world-renowned Red River Gorge. With approximately 26,000 acres nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Gorge offers thousands of climbs for all skill levels.
Hiking in Kentucky
Great hiking trails can be found from Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Gap National Park in the east to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in the west. Trails of every length and level of difficulty are available, and backpackers will find many backcountry trails through unspoiled wilderness great for camping. With more than 300 miles of trails, many of Kentucky’s 52 state parks also are well-known as hikers’ heaven. At 17 of these state parks, you’ll find resort lodges where you can rest your head in comfort overnight and hit the trail refreshed again in the morning.
Horseback Riding in Kentucky
Horse trail rides are also exciting adventures to be found in Kentucky’s unspoiled regions. In Land Between the Lakes, you can ride horses on 70 miles of trails that lead through forests teeming with waterfowl, deer, wild turkey, hawks and other wildlife. At trail’s end lies Wranglers’ Campground, the Southeast’s premier horse camp. Stalls, hitching posts, hot showers and other amenities make it a great place for horse and rider. You can make arrangements for a horse to ride at Wranglers Stables, open daily from April 1 through Oct. 31.
Spelunking in Kentucky!
Kentucky is a spelunker’s paradise. Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest cave system, with 365 miles of passages displaying underground wonders to be explored. South central Kentucky is also home to Diamond Caverns in Park City, Kentucky Caverns at Horse Cave and others with fascinating formations for viewing. Carter Caves State Resort Park in northeastern Kentucky is another mecca for cavers. With underground temperatures hovering in the low 50-degrees year round, caving is a great way to cool down when temperatures soar outdoors.
“Everyone has a different definition of adventure. For some, it’s climbing a rock wall. For others, it’s watching the elk herds graze in our mountainous terrain. We’ve got a full range of possible adventure activities in Kentucky, and now we’re getting the word out about all the things we have to offer.” – Mike Cooper, commissioner of the Department of Travel and Tourism
When you add in fishing, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, tennis, and sight-seeing – you’ll soon realize just how perfect a Kentucky vacation can be for your family. You’ll never run out of things to do or see in Kentucky – you’ll run out of time long before that happens!
Have fun, be safe, and take lots of pictures. LOTS of pictures.
For more information on your next Kentucky adventure, visit www.getoutky.com or call 1-800-225-8747.
