Panther Creek Park, which offers 30 acres of wooded wetlands, is one of many cool places to spend a day in Owensboro, Kentucky. The pictures, below, were taken by a few of my favorite people in the world – my daughter Emily and her boyfriend Dill. It was a cool spring day when they last visited the park – judging from the look on Dill’s face, it may have been a little too cool for him (the boy hates cold weather about as much as I hate decaf). Click each thumbnail for the larger image.
Thanks Em and Dill!
Panther Creek Park is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road, Owensboro Kentucky. Click HERE for directions.
Shutterbugs: Brush up Nature Photography at Digital Camera Workshop!
Digital photographers, here’s your chance too sharpen your skills at a nature photography workshop coming to beautiful Lake Barkley State Resort Park on April 17th. Award-winning nature photographer Curt Hart will lead the workshop which begins Saturday at 9a.m. Hart has captured more than 100 species of birds and wildlife with his camera and will share his techniques and expertise with workshop participants during the full-day workshop.
From Lake Barkley State Resort Park:
The program includes classroom instruction, time in the field, critique and editing processes. The fee is $75 and lunch is included. Class size is limited so reserve early for this popular event. Call 1-800-325-1708 to reserve a spot or for more information. This workshop is recommend for DSL camera owners.
The workshop is a perfect excuse to plan a family/friend weekend getaway at Lake Barkley in the heart of far west Kentucky. The park is the largest resort park in Kentucky’s system and the lodge affords a spectacular view of the lake through massive windows. Mid April falls in the thick of spring and is a magical time to be being surrounded by natural beauty and capture the landscape in photos.
Besides the lodge, 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. It’s near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24. Exit at Highway 68 and go west toward Cadiz and the park.
For more information contact Nick Edmonds at nick.edmonds@ky.gov or call the lodge at call 1-800-325-1708.
One of the things we Kentuckians are most proud of is celebrated in the slideshow above – our beautiful horses. Enjoy the beauty of an adorable colt at the beginning of the slideshow, followed by horses grazing on beautiful horse farms from Frankfort Pike and Paris, Kentucky. Then the slideshow moves on to the greatest horse race in the world, The Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs! Finally, we appropriately end on a statue of the legendary Man O’ War, born at the Nursery Stud in Lexington, Kentucky, shortly before midnight on March 29, 1917.
Maybe the little beauty at the start of the slideshow is dreaming of becoming the next great legend!
The gorgeous, gorgeous pictures used in this slideshow are courtesy of Kentucky Tourism.com.
Michael (aka husband) and I went to Barren River Lake State Resort Park Saturday. It was the first time either one of us had visited this gorgeous state park, but it certainly won’t be the last. As a matter of fact, he and some of his friends are going this Thursday to take their chances with Barren’s 18 hole golf course.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park was a pretty short drive from Owensboro. It’s located in Kentucky’s world-famous cave area
We ate dinner in the Driftwood Restaurant inside the Louie B. Nunn Lodge. The beautiful lodge overlooks the even more beautiful 10,000-acre Barren River Lake. Our server (Taylor) was exceptional. You know how great it is when you have a server who never lets your sweet tea (or whatever your favorite drink may be) run out? Well, this young lady never even let our glasses get half empty. She was on her toes and was also very warm and friendly. Come to think of it, so was the adorable young lady who showed us to our table. Her smile lit up the room.
And the food? Holy cats, I’m not sure where to begin. Driftwood Restaurant serves three meals a day (click HERE for their breakfast menu and HERE for the lunch/dinner menu). The majority of the diners when we were there were eating off of the impressive looking buffet, but the husband and I ate off the menu. You know me, I had to try out their catfish. I also had pinto beans, onion rings, and hush puppies. Michael, uncharacteristically, ordered a meatless meal with fried potatoes, coleslaw, pinto beans, and cornbread. We also had fried green tomatoes and a spicy dip as an appetizer.
For dessert, he vetoed my choice (Chocolate Fudge Pie – what can I say, 
chocolate’s an obsession) and said that he’d really like to try the chess pie, so we shared a slice of chess. At least it was drizzled with chocolate.
The pinto beans, the catfish, and his fried potatoes were, in my opinion, the stars of the show. The beans were extremely flavorful and seasoned just right. The catfish was fantastic and the fried potatoes were scrumptious. They were thinner than most fried potatoes and there was just something extra delicious about them. Whatever oil they’re fried in was ideal for potatoes. If I had to guess, I’d guess it was peanut oil – but I really can’t say for certain.
Have you ever heard the country song, “She’s Got Whatever IT is?” These potatoes most definitely had whatever IT is, and I’d climb the tallest tree in town right now, at 9:30 at night no less, if I were promised a bowl of them when I came back down.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park has 22 very handsome cottages with remarkable views. Each cottage has two baths and two bedrooms. Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided, with fresh linen available daily. The cottages are available year round and I can’t think of a single season when the view wouldn’t take your breath away – as quickly as Driftwood Restaurant’s food will take your willpower away. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for activity, so you can burn the calories you’ll greatly enjoy consuming.
This State Resort Park offers:
- Camping
- Cottages
- Meeting Rooms
- Louie B. Nudd Lodge with 56 rooms
- High Speed Wireless Internet Service in the Lodge
- Boating
- Fishing
- Golf (18 holes)
- Nature Trails
- Horse Trails
- Horse Stables
- Swimming
- Playgrounds
- Beach Area
- Picnic Shelters
- Driftwood Restaurant (!!!)
From the Brochure:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park is a water-lover’s paradise, surrounded 
by forested, folling hills. The resort is located near Kentucky’s famous cave area, which includes Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world!
Interesting Places to Visit:
- Mammoth Cave National Park, with the longest recorded cave system in the world, is located 27 miles northwest of Barren River.
- Old Mulkey Meeting House State History Site, the oldest log meeting home in Kentucky, is located in Tompkinsville, 44 miles southeast of Barren River.
- Dale Hollow State Resort Park, which offers a conference center, is 70 miles southeast of Barren River.
Getting There: The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Louie B. Nunn Parkway east, to US 31E south.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
1149 State Park Road
Lucas, Kentucky 42156
Phone: 270.646.2151
Lodge Reservations: 1.800.325.0057
The images in this post are clickable and will lead you to larger images. Photo Credit goes to Michael, the King of Chess Pies… but we’re getting Chocolate Fudge next time.
Be sure to check out our Barren River Lake State Resort Park Video. I was thrilled that Michael caught an adorable little squirrel with his camera. While we were sitting on a balcony oohing and ahhing over the scenery, the little guy hopped right up on a heating (cooling?) unit and entertained us.
As an established part of southern culture but with regional flare and famous hospitality, Kentucky has more than its share of renowned eateries and accomplished chefs. For starters, several long-established restaurants have a history for great Kentucky dishes that have visitors and natives alike scrambling for more.
Here, to whet your appetite, are thumbnail sketches of seven well-known dining spots that are part of the Bluegrass State’s culinary traditions.
Boone Tavern
100 Main St. N
Berea, KY 40403
800-366-9358
www.boonetavernhotel.com/
The Tavern, naturally named for Daniel, celebrated its 100th anniversary in March and continues to provide guests with traditional and creative southern cuisine. Their signature “Chicken Flakes in a Bird’s Nest”— a rich, creamy dish served in a nest of crispy potatoes — and the much-loved, melt-in-your-mouth spoon bread served piping hot, maintain prominent positions on the menu. The restaurant is part of the hotel that was originally built to accommodate visitors to internationally famous Berea College. Berea students have always played a big role in Boone Tavern, which was constructed from bricks made by students and built by the college’s Woodwork Department. Nowadays don’t be surprised if you are served by friendly and courteous students in the dining room. The college provides a tuition-free education in exchange for student’s work at the Tavern and other venues. For more information about the charming Appalachian foothills town of Berea, visit www.berea.com/.
Doe Run Inn – Brandenburg, Kentucky
Doe Run Inn
500 Doe Run Hotel Rd.
Brandenburg, KY 40108
270-422-2982
www.doeruninn.com/
Doe Run Inn’s menu includes lots of Southern fare like fried chicken, pulled pork, smoked brisket, and country ham balls with lots of sides from which to choose. Sundays feature an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes a wide range of “comfort food”. Constructed around 1780 as a mill near Doe Run Creek, Thomas Lincoln, father of our 16th President, is recorded as a stone mason for the structure. Over the years, the inn has been a family resort, and when the restaurant was begun in the late 1940’s the name was changed to Doe Run Hotel. About a decade later, owners dubbed it Doe Run Inn. It’s now owned by Jim and Opal Greer. Find out more about Brandenburg at www.visitmeadecounty.org/. (Click HERE for a downloadable menu.)
English Grill
The Brown Hotel
335 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
502-583-1234
www.brownhotel.com/dining
The English Grill is a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant in the heart of downtown Louisville that features an eclectic menu ranging from grilled to perfection beef rib eye steak to curry marinated seared tofu —all grounded in Kentucky-based cuisine.
Hailed as the best restaurant in Louisville by a member of the food press, this is where the famous “Hot Brown” open-faced sandwich of turkey, bacon, and tomatoes smothered with a béchamel cheese sauce originated decades ago.
An extensive wine list includes more than 200 selections. Business casual attire is highly encouraged in a historic setting that is warmed by wooden pillars and stained glass windows. Cell phones are not permitted.
For more information about Louisville, visit www.gotolouisville.com/.
Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum
1002 W. Dixie Hwy.
Corbin, KY
606-528-2163
www.corbinkentucky.us/sanderscafe.htm
Order up your favorites at the site where Kentucky Fried Chicken icon Colonel Harland Sanders began perfecting his 
recipe and preparation technique for his world famous chicken in 1930.
By 1937, the Colonel had built Sanders’ Café in Corbin after discovering that the fried chicken on his menu, coated with his secret eleven herbs and spices, was the most popular selection. His franchise business soared to 200 restaurants in the 1950’s when the finger lickin’ good chicken began its journey to becoming an American icon.
While in Corbin, visit the museum that tells the history of the chain, and inspect the original kitchen and a recreation of a lodging room that was part of the early business.
Check www.corbinkytourism.com/ for more information.
Oakroom
The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
500 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202-2518
502-585-3200
www.seelbachhilton.com/
The Oakroom at the historic Seelbach Hilton Hotel takes a New American approach to innovative cuisine that is presented with excellent service.
Classic ethnic cuisine gets a modern interpretation with ingredients that are naturally grown or raised and then infused with Mediterranean, Asian and European influences.
Kentucky’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant for 11 consecutive years, the Oakroom supports local farmers and preserves the best of the region’s food traditions. Guests experience world class dining as a keystone to enjoyment, culture and community.
Presidents, celebrities and even gangster Al Capone frequented the Oakroom over the years since the Seelbach opened in 1905. See www.gotolouisville.com/ for more information about Louisville attractions and events.
Old Stone Inn
6905 Shelbyville Road
Simpsonville, KY 40067
502-722-8200
www.old-stone-inn.com
At Old Stone Inn between Shelbyville and Louisville, pore over an extensive and taste-tempting menu with choices that range from bourbon barrel pork chops to pasta with pesto. Dine in a beautiful historic setting where attentive service is combined with polished, traditional Southern preparation. Construction of the inn is thought to have been completed in 1817, and since that time the inn has served as a stagecoach stop, tavern, residence and since the 1920s, a restaurant. Said to be one of Shelby County’s oldest continuously occupied buildings, Old Stone Inn is listed as a national historic landmark and has a long list of famous visitors including former President Andrew Jackson. www.shelbyvilleky.com/ has more information about the area.
Old Talbott Tavern
107 West Stephen Foster
Bardstown, KY 40004
502-348-3494
www.talbotts.com/
Favorites like savory burgoo, fried-to-perfection catfish and slow-simmered pot roast are consistent choices at Old Talbott Tavern, said to be the oldest western stagecoach stop in America. Since the late 1700s the Old Talbott Tavern has served travelers with food, beverage and shelter. Filled with legend and lore, the tavern is located downtown on Bardstown’s old courthouse circle. Special lunch and dinner menus are available for large groups and parties including tour groups. Stay overnight at the bed and breakfast. Information about Bardstown’s other attractions is available at www.visitbardstown.com/.
Other Kentucky historic restaurants operating since the 19th century include Wolf’s Restaurant & Tavern in Henderson and Bianke’s Restaurant in Cynthiana.
The Kentucky Department of Travel’s web site lists scores of dining establishments throughout the state at www.kytourism.com/thingstodo/dininginterests.htm. Make a point to stop for taste-tempting selections at signature restaurants throughout the Bluegrass State. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, the experience of dining at any of these historic and flavorful locations will leave you wanting more.
Abbey of Gethsemani, Photo Credit: Steve Shaffer/KET
KET’s new special, Our Kentucky, reveals the natural splendor, manmade masterpieces and diverse wildlife of the Commonwealth in vivid high-definition. Narrated by Nick Clooney, the program premieres Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8/7 p.m. CT on KET1 and KET HD and Sunday, March 1 at 7/6 p.m. CT on KET1 as part of TeleFund 2009, KET’s major annual on-air fundraising event.
Our Kentucky begins in the east, with the vibrant colors and soaring heights of Red River Gorge and Cumberland Gap, the powerful whitewater rapids of Breaks Interstate Park and the pristine scenery of Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve.
Then, it’s up to Northern Kentucky, where the City of Augusta reveals why Dr. Thomas Clark included it on his list of 11 places every Kentuckian should visit; the Newport Aquarium brings the splendor of the deep seas to the Commonwealth; and St . Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and Mother of God Church, both in Covington, inspire and amaze.
Next, the program moves to Central Kentucky, presenting the picturesque horse farms of the Bluegrass region, historic Shakertown, the peaceful Lexington Cemetery and other notable sites in and around Lexington, Louisville and Frankfort.
Big South Fork River Photo Credit: Steve Shaffer/KET
In Southern Kentucky, viewers take in the fascinating scenery of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area; plunge into Kentucky’s “Little Niagara,” Cumberland Falls; and explore the depths of Mammoth Cave.
Finally, Our Kentucky completes its journey in the west, capturing the diverse animal life at the Land Between the Lakes and Ballard Wildlife Management Area and taking in the view at John James Audubon State Park, where the famous ornithologist studied Henderson’s birds.
“What’s so exciting about this program is that it is the first time many of these incredible Kentucky landmarks have been captured in high-definition,” said KET producer Paul Smith. “KET has spent many years capturing the beauty of Kentucky, but never quite like this.”
Our Kentucky is a KET production, produced by Rob Elliott, Erin Lowry and Smith. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.
Credit: Steve Shaffer/KET
More places featured in Our Kentucky:
Eastern Kentucky Highlights
Bell County — Chained Rock
Floyd County — Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Johnson County — Mountain HomePlace
Letcher County — High Rock, Kingdom Come State Park
Powell County — Natural Bridge
Northern Kentucky Highlights
Kenton County — Covington, MainStrasse Village, Devou Park
Mason County — Maysville
Central Kentucky Highlights
Boyle County — Danville
Fayette County — Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
Franklin County — Frankfort Cemetery, Capitol building
Jefferson County — Locust Grove, Wolf Pen Branch Mill, Iroquois Park, Churchill Downs
Jessamine County — Arch Bridge
Mercer County — Harrodsburg
Nelson County — My Old Kentucky Home, Abbey of Gethsemani
Oldham County — Yew Dell Gardens
Woodford County — Woodford Reserve
Southern Kentucky Highlights
Christian County — Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Western Kentucky Highlights
Livingston County — Lighthouse Landing
McCracken County — Paducah
Happy Birthday, you living doll! The gorgeous western lowland gorilla pictured in this post is the oldest male gorilla in North America. His name is Timmy and I’m beyond mad about him. He’s the pride and joy of The Louisville Zoo and he’s having a birthday – He’ll turn 50 on January 17th. Is that a milestone or what?!
From The Louisville Zoo:
Timmy, a western lowland gorilla, will be celebrating his special milestone indoors at Louisville Zoo’s Gorilla Forest on Saturday, January 17.
The party begins at 11 a.m. when Timmy will be given a custom-made ice sculpture “cake” created and donated by Galt House Hotel and Suites Executive Chef Brian Riddle. Other gorillas will also be celebrating the momentous occasion with special piñata enrichment, and gorilla keepers will be available throughout the day to interact and take questions from guests.
In celebration of Timmy’s milestone and the Zoo’s recent announcement as the No. 1 zoo in North America for cell phone recycling efforts in 2008, visitors and families who bring and donate an old cell phone to the Zoo during the month of January and February get a special discounted admission rate of $5 per person. Zoo members as well as children 2 and under enter free.
“We hope people will come out and celebrate with us,” Gorilla Forest Supervisor Roby Elsner said. “Timmy is definitely special, and this day is an important testament to the wonderful care our animals receive at the Zoo.”
Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Gorilla Forest is on the forefront of gorilla management and meets the demographic trends of current gorilla populations like geriatric gorillas.
“With the extraordinary care our animals receive, the Zoo has an important role to play in caring for an increasing number of aging gorillas,” Elsner said. “Gorilla Forest is a great home for Timmy because this unique facility allows close keeper contact with him all day long and the freedom for him to make choices about his environment that can increase his comfort, like staying inside or going outside.”
Born in 1959, Timmy is a laid-back silverback adored by female gorillas in his group which currently includes Paki, Mia Moja and Kweli. Before arriving at Louisville Zoo in 2004, Timmy lived at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Bronx Zoo.
The Louisville Zoo has a total of 11 gorillas including Helen, 51, who is the third oldest gorilla in North America (there is a tie for first at age 53), and Timmy who ties for the fourth oldest gorilla overall in North America. There are a total of 355 gorillas currently housed in 52 Zoos in North America (168 males and 187 females).
Click the pictures below (as well as the one at the top) for larger versions. When cropped, they make gorgeous wallpapers for your computer’s desktop. I love having Timmy look over my work – but my cat Alexa isn’t too sure what to make of him.
The bottom picture might be my favorite – he looks so sweet and lovable!
Happy birthday, Timmy and congratulations to the Louisville Zoo for having such a fine looking son! Sigh, I do love him ever so much.
I’ve lived a lot of places…
Madisonville, Kentucky (born/raised)
Rantoul, Illinois
Wichita, Kansas
Earlington, Kentucky
Hanson, Kentucky,
Washingon, Indiana
New Albany, Indiana
Charlestown, Indiana
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Owensboro, Kentucky (Home Sweet Home)
…..and I’ve visited even more. But one thing I can say without the slightest hesitation is this – there’s no place quite as warm, vibrant, beautiful, and spirited as Kentucky in Autumn. I think our state is beautiful and wonderfully charming year-round – don’t get me wrong. But, when it comes to fall – she just flat-out shows off. Click the appropriate link below to access the picture that can be used for a desktop wallpaper.
Then, even if you spend the better part of your day in a home office or not-so-home office – you can feel like you’re in the beautiful outdoors with just one glance.
Wallpaper for Smaller Monitors
.jpg)
“Soon after, I returned home to my family, with a determination to bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.” – Daniel Boone
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Photo Credit: The pictures in this post are of the beautiful Bison and Elk at the Elk and Bison Prairie in Land Between the Lakes. I can’t even tell you how much I love this prairie. Each time we leave, I want to turn right around and go back.
Michael took the pictures as I sat in the seat beside him “Oooooh-ing and Ahhhhh-ing.” Ooooh-ing and Ahhhh-ing used to be an Olympic sport, you know. Until, that is, my expertise made a mockery out of the competition. Just as well, I was running out of places for the medals.
True story.
Here’s another beautiful picture that makes a great wallpaper for your desktop. It, too, is courtesy of Michael. It’s a gorgeous sunset he captured in Lyon County, Kentucky.
Click the smaller image above to access the larger one, then set as your background.
Enjoy!
