There were a couple of standing ovations, dancing in the aisles, and an audience full of happy, twisting, singing, laughing,  clapping, and thrilled individuals who were having the time of their lives.

It wasn’t a Montgomery Gentry concert or a Johnny Depp autograph signing.  And it wasn’t even me in a Starbucks, though the description’s fitting.  It all went down in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky at Badgett Playhouse.   The Fabulous 50′s Show lived up to its name and then some.

The dance numbers were fantastic and the singing was even better.  As always, there was plenty of humor and remarkable chemistry among the cast members.  The majority of the audience (except for, maybe, 10 of us) lived through the 50′s the first time around and seemed to be totally enthralled by the lovely trip home afforded by this extremely talented group of performers.

I’ve always loved 50′s music and these singers brought it to life as beautifully as anyone could have.  Michael Inge was so powerfully moving during one of his ballads that we all gave him a standing ovation.  As you know, I’ve been to The Grand Ole Opry on a number of occassions and I can tell you, truthfully, I’ve never heard anything any better.  Ever.

I loved the entire show, as did the sold out crowd. There were a few great  films during the show as well.  One showed several commercials from the 50′s and they were beyond hilarious.  I kept thinking, “Are you kidding me?!” – You’ll have to see them to believe them!

The costumes were also incredible, as were the sets.  A very, very friendly couple who sat beside us (from Paducah) were saying how everything was “just right.” The lady said, “It was just like that.”  I think she was especially moved by the fact that, according to her, Bill Minihan’s character was “exactly” like her husband was.  She even used the word “cocky!”  I loved it.  When I was leaving, I wanted to have a chance to tell each of the performers how amazing they were but they were, literally, swarmed with ecstatic men and women who were doing just that. Ironically, the couple beside us were talking to the Minihan’s (Bill and Sara) and I didn’t want to interrupt.  So I just floated outside and watched, joyfully, as others came floating out – each a little happier than the last.

The smiles?  They lit up the little town of Grand Rivers.

You have one more opportunity to see The Fabulous 50′s Show this year – on September 4.    Please click HERE for ticket information.  If you know anyone who lived during the 50′s or anyone who wished they’d seen the fun firsthand, invite them along.  I promise you, you’ll all have the time of your life.

In fact, any time you get a chance to see a show at Grand Rivers Variety, don’t hesitate for even a second.  Get thyself to The Badgett Playhouse Theater in Grand Rivers, Kentucky every chance you get.  You’ll never be disappointed.  Their always entertaining Variety! Music, Memories & More show is currently running – it’s definitely a must-see.  Check out the full schedule on GrandRiversVariety.com and grab your tickets ahead of time.  It’ll be the smartest thing you did since you began drinking coffee.

Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina Condos (Click for a larger view!)

Happy birthday, gorgeous!  Green Turtle Bay is 25 years old this month (April, 2009). To celebrate, they are offering a 10% discount on any reservation for Condos to customers whose birthday is also in April.

They will give you a 10% discount birthday present when you show them your valid driver’s license with proof of your April birthday.  Sadly, this affects me in no way whatsoever, since my birthday is four months away, but I certainly want to wish them a heartfelt happy birthday.

If you’ve never seen Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, you really should make an effort to do so. They celebrate the water way of life with every breath they take. The area is beautiful, the staff is incredibly friendly, and I’m sure I’ve told you about Docker’s Bayside Grill once or twice.  Two words: Onion Rings.

There are over seventy town house condominiums available with gorgeous views of Green Turtle Bay and Lake Barkley.  You can rent one for a day or a week or buy one for a lifetime of weekends filled with water, fishing, boating, tennis, golf, and onion rings.   Just let me dangle my feet in the cool lake water in between trips to Docke’rs Bayside Grill and I’ll be happy.

From Green Turtle Bay’s Web Site:

Green Turtle Bay Resort offers one, two, three, and four bedroom luxury condominium units. Each unit is individually owned and tastefully appointed in a variety of styles, with each bedroom featuring its own private bath. All units have a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, and gas grill; most feature fireplaces and pull out sofas. Units are complete with linens, towels and complimentary coffee.

Click HERE for more information right away.  The most memorable summer of your life is waiting!

Whatever plans you have for Sunday night (December 21), scratch them. Paducah’s own Eric Horner will be performing at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Eric Horner (once a guitarist and backup vocalist for country superstar Lee Greenwood) is now a gospel recording artist in Nashville.

The concert he’ll be performing at Badgett Playhouse will be admission free – although a free will offering will be taken.

I’ve been reading up on Mr. Horner and he’s completely and totally “my kind of people.” He loves his Lord, he loves his family, and he loves his country. If he’d mentioned a healthy fixation on coffee and chocolate, I’d have started searching my family tree for Horners.

Below are two links that’ll introduce you to this talented Kentuckian. But, as wonderful and touching as the websites are, I know you’ll want to meet him in person.

Eric Horner Ministries

Eric Horner’s Patriotic Website

For more information, visit www.grandriversvariety.com or call 1-888-362-4223.

REMINDER: This weekend is your last chance to see the wonderful Variety! Christmas show or the hilariously entertaining It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. The opportunity to see A Tuna Christmas has passed, so those laughs have already sailed. Don’t miss the other two OR Eric Horner. You’ve been ridiculously busy – cooking, shopping, planning, etc. Take a refreshing time out and let the true meaning of Christmas wash over you.

Congratulations are, like, so in order! Grand Rivers not only made the top 10 list of Southern Living’s 2008 Survey (Category: Best Small Town) – They can be found sitting pretty on the Best Scenic View list as well.

2008 Best Small Town
1. Beaufort, South Carolina
2. Fairhope, Alabama
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
4. Blowing Rock, North Carolina
5. Franklin, Tennessee
6. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
7. Oxford, Mississippi
8. Grand Rivers, Kentucky
9. Madison, Georgia
10. Hendersonville, North Carolina

2008 Best Scenic View
1. Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. Grandfather Mountain (pictured), Linville,
North Carolina
3. Chimney Rock Park, North Carolina
4. Grand Rivers Jetty, Kentucky
5. Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain,
Georgia
6. Cades Cove, Tennessee
7. (tie) Clingman’s Dome, North Carolina/
Tennessee
7. (tie) Stone Mountain, Georgia
9. Brasstown Bald, Georgia
10. Mount Magazine, Arkansas

I think this is about 254.3 miles past awesome. Congratulations!

I was in the process of rounding up links and images for the sidebar earlier this morning. After I grabbed (gently, of course) the turtle to link to gorgeous Green Turtle Bay, I browsed around their site for a while. My finely tuned nose smelled something I needed to spend money on.

Right! As Always! Sorry honey!

Check out the drop dead gorgeous hat and tee above. Are they smart or what? The hat/shirt combo comes in several color combinations. The one I’m showing above is the blue hat/tan shirt, but apparently it’s also available in a combination with a tan hat/orange tee. If you live in Tennessee, I guess the orange would be right up your alley – or down your field. For those of us who are standing by our Kentucky Mildcats, we’ll stick with the blue. Seems kind of appropriate this season. And last. And…

Anyway, I absolutely love these hats/tees. Click HERE to take a closer look. Better yet, do whatever it takes to get to Grand Rivers and Green Turtle Bay, in person. You can’t eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill online – and, trust me, you’ll want to eat at Docker’s Bayside Grill – for breakfast AND lunch.

Visit Green Turtle Bay’s website for information on condominium rentals. The prices are so much lower than you’d expect for such a breathtaking view. And Docker’s Bayside Grill. Obsessed? Why, yes, I am.

Also, while in Grand Rivers (after all, I’ve convinced you to have an extended stay, right?) be CERTAIN you take in at least one show at Badgett Playhouse. You’ll be thanking me for two forevers…or at least until UK hits the top 10 again.

The Green Turtle Bay Gift Shop’s hours are below:

Summer Hours
Monday – Saturday
8 am – 5 pm
Sunday
10 am – 4 pm

Winter Hours
Monday – Friday
8 am – 5pm
Saturday
10 am – 2 pm

Click HERE to read my open love letter to Docker’s Bayside Grill and their remarkable onion rings.

Mark me as amazed.

Saturday night, Mr. Genuine Kentucky and I went to the Variety Christmas Show at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  Everyone involved in this extremely entertaining production should be highly commended.  The decorations were stunning (all of Grand Rivers was lit up and took my breath away) and the costumes? I have no idea where they come up with the gorgeous, adorable clothes they wear at these Variety! shows.

Every single detail smacks of perfection.

Speaking of perfection, the cast is utterly sensational. They earned the standing ovation they received and then some.  Actually, several of us gave them two standing ovations – one, of course, at the very end of the show and one at the end of a very special performance of Mary, Did You Know? Those of us who were standing were somehow managing to wipe tears and clap at the same time.

Amazing what you can do when your emotions are moved further than they’ve gone in a while.

You’re well aware, if you’ve read any of my reviews, that I have thoroughly loved each and every play and musical performance at Badgett Playhouse.  Every song, every joke, every dance, every cup of coffee… Everything.  This particular show was one of the best yet.  My husband said, “That was the best one yet” at one point. I’m not sure if it was during the first standing ovation or the second.

Personally, I love little more in life than a good laugh, so I’m going to go with a tie – I tie it with Greater Tuna and Bus Stop.  If you didn’t see Bus Stop, go ahead and give yourself a little kick.

If you didn’t see Greater Tuna, hold the kick.  You still have time to see the Tuna Christmas Show.   We’re going Thursday night and I couldn’t be more excited.

But back to Variety Christmas.  As a web publisher, I write for hours each and every day.  As a female, I talk for even more hours each and every day. Yet, I find myself at a loss to convey to you just how special, not only this particular show was, but how VERY special the singers, dancers, and musicians are.

Let me try it from another angle.  Whenever I see a Johnny Depp movie, I wonder, “Is this man even capable of a sub-par performance?”

Whenever I eat at Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky, I wonder, “Could they make bad catfish if they absolutely had to?”

Each drink of a Starbucks drink (pick one) causes me to ask, “Where have you been all my life?”

And whenever I see a performance at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, I wonder “What are these people doing in Kentucky?!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m THRILLED that we have them - I’ve gotten countless hours of amazing entertainment from them (and have even marked my calendar for upcoming entertainment!).  I’m delighted that their vehicles don’t know the way to Nashville, NYC, or Los Angeles. And, selfishly, I’m delighted that the big wigs in those big wigged towns don’t know the talent that abounds in the beautiful village of Grand Rivers Kentucky. They’d come looking for them! So, shhhhhh….

I listen to far less people on the radio every day and watch people on TV who don’t have an ounce of the charisma, spark, or talent that these lovely people have.  At one point,  beautiful Dana Poulson was singing a song and I mentally began counting the people on the radio I’d listened to that day, alone, who didn’t sound nearly as good as she did.

Casie Janet is another very lovely young lady with an absolutely amazing voice.  Like Dana, she can dance as well as sing – and for someone who can do neither, I’m blown away.  Her family and friends were in the audience and were, understandably, very proud.   They, too, gave two tearful ovations.

The young man who sang Mary, Did You Know with Casie was a new addition to the cast – and he was an instant, powerful hit.  He hails from Tennessee and his name is, hopefully, Michael Inge. (I say “hopefully” because my husband and I couldn’t totally agree on what we’d heard him introduced as. He isn’t listed in the playbill I got and he isn’t on the Variety! website yet.) After his first solo, my husband said, “He’s a great addition.”  I would have answered, but my jaw was on the ground.  This young man has an incredible voice and I hope we get to see a lot more of him. He. Sang. His. Skin. Off.

Thomas Michaels - he of the wicked guitar playing – actually sang during the Variety! Christmas show.  Wow!  I had no idea he had such a good voice.  He continues to impress me, too.  We always knew he was to a guitar what I am to a car (i.e. he dangerously drives the heck out of it) but he keeps proving himself in other areas.  In Bus Stop, he acted for the first time and came across as though he’d been doing it all of his life.  Now, what does he do?  He opens his mouth and shows off wonderful country western pipes!  Who knew?

You have to see this show if for no other reason than to see Bill Minihan coax Willie Nelson out of Thomas Michaels by holding his nose.  It wasn’t the first time in the evening I laughed so hard I had to set my coffee down.  And, no, I don’t often set my coffee down.

Speaking of Bill Minihan…  This ridiculously talented man and his ridiculously talented and lovely wife Sara beat all I ever saw.  Total Characters.  They convey so many emotions with so few facial movements that it’s really something to behold.  They pull the audience in unlike any performers I’ve ever seen.  You instantly adore them, the minute they hit the stage.  They dance beautifully and they obviously have wonderful voices.  They’re a beautiful and talented young couple – but that’s not where their magic lies.  The thing that makes them so extremely special, and the thing that would make me drive anywhere in the country to watch them perform is a unique “thing” that can’t be taught.  It’s something that can’t be coached and can’t be practiced.

For my Self Help Blog, I was once sent a book by a wonderful author. He even autographed it for me which was pretty darn cool. I loved the book so much that I raved in the review how that it was a beautiful thing to see someone doing what they were meant to do in life. This author has such talent and is so inspiring and motivating that it’s obvious: He’s doing what he’s meant to do in life. His level of talent is a perfect fit with what he does for a living.

You don’t often come across people doing what they do so well that you think, “They’re doing what they were meant to do.” There’s something magical about the rare people that do elicit such a response.

Bill and Sara Minihan are such people. And the real beauty… the real magic… lies in what they were meant to do: Bring smiles to people’s faces and make them feel good. There’s no better mission in life!

And the Minihan’s? They nail it down.

You’re well aware, by now, that one of my favoritest places on earth is Grand Rivers, Kentucky. I’ll let you in on another little secret – I love the holidays like no one else.  I swear, my level of excitement can hang with any 6 year old!  

So, I’m loving the way Grand Rivers embraces this magical time of year.  You can’t go wrong when you combine one of the most special places on earth with the most special time of year.

Click through to learn more about Grand Rivers’ Festival of Lights and the Variety! Christmas Spectacular.

Can’t you feel the excitement in the air already?!  If not, get to Grand Rivers and you’ll come face to face with it……  And, you know where you have to take your face while in Grand Rivers – The Fudge Factory!

Man oh man oh man.  I’m now officially dying for some of their peanut butter fudge.

Edit: This village looks extra gorgeous with it’s Christmas wardrobe on! You really have to see it for yourself. We tried to take pics but they didn’t turn out. We shall try again.

This Fall, Grand Rivers has Family, Fun, Festivals, Food, and Fudge on its mind. Fantastic!

The Hunter’s Moon Festival will take place October 11. Mark your calendar and get ready to get your groovy all the way on.

The Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling is something else the community is really excited about.

The following is courtesy of Grand Rivers.com:
The first Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling event will include seven professional songwriters and storytellers in two full nights of southern music and tales. Here is the lineup:

Appearing Friday Night -
A native of Covington, GA, Andy Irwin started out in comedy, but added music and storytelling because he had a lot more to say. In storytelling circles, he is known for relating the adventures of his eighty-five-year-old aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, M.D. He’s always on the go, performing at festivals, and theatres throughout the United States, including two gigs at the National Storytelling Festival.

Mary Hamilton has a straightforward “just talking” style, using her voice and her body to tell stories. Mary entertains audiences of adults, families, or children with Kentucky tales, world folk & fairy tales, plus a few myths, legends, true stories, and original fiction.

Amy and Cole Bruce have performed at the Badgett Playhouse in productions of Variety!, Always Patsy Cline, and Pumpboys and Dinettes. Amy and Cole now live in Nashville, TN where they do studio work, write and record music, and performed live for various artists and songwriters. As part of the Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling Event, Amy and Cole will perform some of their original songs.

Appearing Saturday Night –
Kaci Bolls was born and raised in the college town of Murray, Kentucky. Kaci now lives in Nashville and has become an in demand demo singer, singing the demos for songs that have been cut by artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans, and more. She can’t wait to share some of her own songs and the stories behind the songs.

Michael Reno Harrell hails from the Southern Appalachian Mountains and is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer. Michael’s recordings top the Americana Music Association charts year after year. Michael’s natural knack for storytelling has earned him praise from both the music community and the storytelling world.

Ellouise Schoettler calls herself an “old-time Southern storyteller” like those she grew up listening to in her native North Carolina. Schoettler combines personal memories with family and local history in stories that reveal and bring to life moments in the lives of ordinary people.

Join us in Grand Rivers for this celebration of southern heritage and enjoy a variety of lively talks that inspire, make you laugh and celebrate a simpler time. Show times are 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, October 10 and 11. Call the Badgett Playhouse Box Office at 888-362-4223 for tickets today. Information is online at www.grandrivers.com/storyfest.

Food-licious News!:
Sugar and Spice will feature a Oktoberfest buffet starting October 3, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing every weekend through October 26. You can look forward to traditional German favorites – sauerbraten, schnitzels, red cabbage, kraut and more. Reservations required. Call 362-2362.

And, as always, don’t even think about stepping foot in Grand Rivers without going by The Fudge Factory for the best fudge on earth.

I’ll be adding more Grand Rivers news later today. They simply have too much going on to cover in one article. Apparently autumn has the same intoxicating effect on them that it does me. Ragweed be danged, I’m having a great autumn!

The Grand Rivers Hunters Moon Festival will soon be getting its groovy on. And when it does, it’ll be a glorious thing. In addition to the Festival, be sure you attend the Grand Rivers Storytelling Event.

And just why is the Grand Rivers Chamber feeling so groovy? This will be the 30th Anniversary of their Famous Fall Festival featuring Food, Fun, Crafts, Live Music, Children’s Activities and the Big Parade! They’d like to extend an invitation for everyone to join them and celebrate 1978 – 2008…. thirty year’s of fun!

The Grand Rivers Hunters Moon Festival will take place Saturday, October 11.

Visit the website to learn more.

* The great picture of the adorable girls throwing peace signs is used courtesy of Grand Rivers.com. There are beautiful smiles, and then there are beautiful smiles!

The Hunter’s Moon Schedule Courtesy of Grand Rivers.com:
Here is the full schedule for Hunters Moon. Join us for this special “70s” themed festival and celebrate 1978 – 2008. Thirty
year’s of fun!

Thursday, October 9
Little Mister and Miss Pageant at the Community Building, 6:30 p.m. Admission is $1.00 admission. No charge for contestants. Registration 5:30 p.m. You can pick up applications at First Kentucky Bank in Grand Rivers or the Chamber office.

Friday, October 10
Dance at the Community Building featuring the Stanley Walker Band. Admission is $5.00 and the dance starts at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 11
Craft & Retail Vendors, Taste of the Lakes Food Vendors, Children’s Games and Activities in Little Lake Park, starting
at 9:00 a.m. All Day.

Chamber Silent Auction beside Chamber office from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Come bid on lodging packages, restaurant gift certificates and merchandise from our local stores.

Children’s Halloween Costume Parade 10:30 a.m. Registration. Starts in front of the Badgett Playhouse. Prizes for best costumes and floats. No pets. Free.

Grand Rivers Trolley runs from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.. Free.

The Big Street Parade, 2:00 p.m. on JH O’Bryan Street.

Cake Walk 4:15 p.m. in the street dance area in Little Lake Park. Walk to win cakes and pies. $1.00 to enter.

Final Street Dance of the year will be in the bandstand/street dance area of Little Lake Park, 7:00 PM until 10:00 p.m.. The band Southern Fry’d will entertain.

Click for a Larger View

Lighthouse Landing Marina and Resort in Grand Rivers, Kentucky is absolutely gorgeous. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, bird watching, photography, or just sight seeing, Lighthouse Landing is a dream come true. Click HERE for more pictures.

Also See:
Grand Rivers Celebrates Marina Day in Style

Marina Day was a Blast and a Half

Pictures from Beautiful Lighthouse Landing Marina and Resort in Grand Rivers, Kentucky