The main reason – the only reason, actually – we put so much work into publishing Genuine Kentucky is to showcase, spotlight, and promote the beautiful place we’re proud to call home and the amazing people we’re proud to call neighbors. My husband and I are Kentuckian through and through and you’ll never find two people prouder of their “home” than we are.

As you may know, I was born and raised in Madisonville, Kentucky (except for 2 years in Lexington, Kentucky). For many years, now, my family and I have been thrilled to call Owensboro home. Birthplace of Johnny Depp and NASCAR’s Darryl and Michael Waltrip (sorry, I just like to brag on occasion).

Suffice to say, if It’s KENTUCKY, I embrace it. The funny thing is that Kentucky and Kentuckians never cease to amaze me. My jaw still drops when I look out over Kentucky Lake, I still get goosebumps when I see Kentucky horse farms, and I still swell up with pride when Elvis sings Kentucky Rain while I’m riding in my vehicle, windshield wipers keeping time.

It never, ever gets old and I never, ever want to live anywhere else.

Something else never gets old and never fails to amaze me – the genius of Kentuckians. I plan to periodically spotlight such artists, authors, craftsmen (and women!), athletes, performers, and so on. I’m honored to kick things off with a photographer from Winchester, Kentucky – Ed Newel.  I only heard about Ed Newel’s photography this morning, but I have no idea how such beauty could have been a secret!   I found myself looking at every picture on his website and blog until one, in particular, stopped me in my tracks.  If you read this blog, or any of my blogs, you know that one of the most obvious things about me is my love for animals – so it’ll come as no surprise to know that the picture that stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away involved gorgeous horses.  The name of the picture is Bluegrass Morning and I hope you’ll go pay your respects. Such beauty!

Please visit Ed Newel’s Scenes of Kentucky website, as well as his photography blog to learn more about his photography and products.  I only wish I’d known about this website sooner… what stunning Christmas gifts these prints (very, very, very affordable) would have made!

Photo Credit: Ed Newel

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My husband, Michael, and I frequently make trips to Kentucky Lake.  You can’t help but fall in love with the area. The beautiful lake, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, friendly people, fun shopping, antiques, a gazillion and one photo opportunities, and wonderful food.

What’s not to love?!

A favorite spot, and one we joyfully hit each time, is The Hitching Post and Old Country Store in Aurora.  It has been a favorite destination for years – even before the new owners.  However, with the re-opening of the wonderful old country store, this is a not-to-be-missed step back in time.  An extra treat is the hot dot vendor in the front parking lot. These fresh and unique Chicago-style hot dogs make you think you’re in Heaven while you’re eating them – then you spend all day thinking about them… wanting to go back!  They’re THAT good.

• High quality hot dogs (too good to even be called hot dogs actually)
• High quality buns (too good to be called buns)
• Extremely friendly owners (artisans of the American classic!)

The Hitching Post has been a favorite with tourists, frequent quests, and Kentucky locals since 1941. It’s a beautiful Kentucky Lake tradition, you simply can’t have one without the other. Many years have passed and millions of feet have walked through the front doors but it’s still THE best place for Kentucky souvenirs, novelties, Kentucky food specialties, toys, T-Shirts, jewelry, crafts, fudge, honey, jams, jellies, bar-b-que sauces, soap, cookbooks, hats, home decor, garden decor, old fashioned candy, and on and on and on.  The past few Christmases I’ve gotten a few wonderful, completely unexpected and original gifts for family members at The Hitching Post.  Of course, I also buy just-because treats for my daughters frequently – something they absolutely love.

My favorite section of The Hitching Post (besides the front counter where I could stay and visit with the owner and workers for days) is the Kentucky food specialties wall.  I think we’ve tried just about all of the sauces, jams, and jellies and have loved each greatly.  The unique flavors positively cannot be found in stores and they take homemade buttermilk biscuits and cornbread to a whole new level.

A favorite appetizer in our home is simple and involves one of these jellies.  I place a block of cream cheese on a platter and smother it with Red Pepper Jelly (the kind from The Hitching Post tastes just like the Red Pepper Jelly my mom used to make up and give as gifts every Christmas).  I serve it with Ritz crackers and watch as it magically disappears.

On this particular trip, we got the excellent Yoder’s Homestyle  Blueberry Jam – from Crab Orchard, Kentucky.  It has an appointment with buttermilk biscuits.

You can find some of their food items on The Hitching Post’s website, including Pappy’s outstanding Bar-b-que sauce.  Pappy can dish it out, as hot as you want it!  Click HERE to browse the selection of Pappy’s BBQ sauces as well as an EXCELLENT Hot & Spicy Mustard that was made to be served with pretzel sticks.  It makes an ideal game-day snack.  

After eating our amazing hot dogs and drinking our cans of soda (normally my husband drinks ice cold sarsaparilla from inside The Hitching Post but he branched out today), we sat on the front porch and played a classic “boxing” game my husband remembered from his childhood.  The boxers looked like crosses between Howie Long and Transformers.  My Howie Transformer cleaned my husband’s clock!

You can also play checkers on the big,  shady, beautiful front porch, or just sit, relax and take in the ambiance – which is golden by the way.

You’ll want to stroll around the property – which is such a delicious step-back-in-time.  It’s also a photographer’s dream come true!  There’s an authentic moonshine still, antique buggies, old blacksmith and wagon shop, antiques, and a life-size paper mache horse that has long been a favorite site for photographs.  He’s incredibly life-like and has, literally, stood the test of time.

The Country Store

A new favorite spot is the renovated, overhauled Country Store.  It blows my mind straight out of my head.  It’s a store, make no mistake about it, and antique lovers will get weak in the knees.  However, it’s like an adorable, charming, amazing museum – again, a step back in time, to a simpler time.

• Before grocery carts
• Before intercoms
• Before dvds
• Before technology took over the world

You walk in and you’re instantly transported back to “the good old days.”  The beauty is, you can take some of the good old days home with you.  My husband and I collect old books.  I specialize in old cookbooks (many of you know I have a food blog and cooking and recipes are an obsession with me).  I also LOVE old antique kitchen gadgets, dishes, and cooking tools.  I’m just in Paradise in the Country Store!

Another obsession of mine is coffee.  How I keep from smelling like coffee is beyond me (I guess my Avon perfumes cover it up).  My eyes popped out of my head and my pulse began to race when I saw their coffee beans near the front.  They even have a Hitching Post Blend.  I love it!

Su (the wonderfully friendly owner) has put an unbelievable amount of time, money and effort (and even more love) into renovating The Old Country Store. Honestly, it’s mind-boggling. If you could see BEFORE and AFTER pictures, you’d wonder where this woman hides her Wonder Woman cape. I stopped looking for it after a few visits, I figure if she wants her cape to be found, it’ll be found.

You know me well enough to know that I get around my beloved Kentucky. My daughter and I were looking through Kentucky brochures a few days ago, because she and her boyfriend were wanting to see something new, and I was amazed at the number of places she and I had already seen. She kept saying, “We’ve been there, but he hasn’t..” Something else struck me – why would anyone ever leave Kentucky for a vacation?!?!

Before I climb up on my stump and begin preaching about Kentucky, let me just say, I’ve seen a lot of Kentucky! I can honestly say that, not counting home (of course), there’s no place I’d rather be than in Aurora, Kentucky enjoying a step back in time at The Hitching Post & Old Country Store. There’s no place quite like it and I know you’ll feel it’s magic just as surely as we do.

The Hitching Post & Old Country Store
16474 US Hwy 68 East
Aurora, Kentucky 42028
www.hitchingpost.us

Hours:
Summer hours (Memorial day – Labor day):
Closed Mondays
Tuesday – Saturday  9:00 – 6:00
Sunday 10:00 – 4:00

Find more pictures of The Hitching Post & Old Country Store in our Aurora, Kentucky Photo Album

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Nature photography buffs will enjoy this weekend that features a 24-hour digital competition. Photographers with all skill levels can pick up helpful tips from guest speakers. There will be amateur and accomplished classes. Plaques will be given in several categories. The cost is $ 35 per person.

This year’s speakers are Kendal Chiles and Don McGowan, two very accomplished nature photographers who have taught numerous workshops focusing on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. Don and Kendal are eager to share their expertise with you.

Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information, registration and overnight accommodations. Email Bret A. Smitley@ky.gov for a brochure.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has a lodge, Riverview Restaurant, cottages, campground, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, other recreational activities and a great view of Cumberland Falls.

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Thanks Em and Dill!

Panther Creek Park is located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road, Owensboro Kentucky.  Click HERE for directions.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 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.

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