Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a lot of fun in mind for October 2010!
The state park at Dawson Springs has several special weekends scheduled that range from trail rides to geocaching.
Here’s a listing of the October special events at Pennyrile Forest:
Fall Trail Ride
Oct. 2
Explore the beauty of Pennyrile State Forest from the back of your own horse. Enjoy a guided ride across stony creeks, through wooded ravines and along rocky bluffs. Trail ride will be conducted by Gerald and Janie Igleheart who have ridden in the region for many years. The ride will last approximately three hours and is recommended for riders of all ages and experience levels. Bring your own water and snacks. Primitive camping is available on the State Forest and showers are offered at the park campground. Guests must bring their own horse. All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be available after the ride. Fee: $5 per person/ $10 per family.
Geocaching Weekend
Oct. 8-10
Geocaching is a fun new sport where people use their GPS units to find hidden treasures. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has been hosting this event since 2005. There will be a night cache, find the most micro-caches contest, first-to-find cache and traditional caches. The park guarantees at least 30 caches to find. Fees are as follows: $15 per geocacher, $10 if you register two weeks before the event or $20/family. Event participants are eligible for a 10 percent discount on lodging. Reserve your room/cabin early to take advantage of the lowest rates.
Halloween Campout
Oct. 15-17
During this spooky campout, all registered campers will receive two nights camping for the price of one. A full schedule of Halloween programs will be available for the weekend.
Fall Photography Weekend
Oct. 22-24
This weekend consists of a digital photography contest with point and shoot, intermediate and masters divisions, evening programs, critique and award ceremony. Bring your own camera. Registration is $35. Register by Oct. 9 and receive a $5 discount. Children 16 and under can compete in the competition for a reduced fee of $10. A 10 percent discount on lodging available.
For more information about any of these special events, contact Rebecca Clark at: rebeccae.clark@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1711.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages, Clifty Creek Restaurant, golf, mini-golf, gift shop, fishing and hiking trails. The resort is 20 miles northwest of Hopkinsville, on KY 109 N. From the Western Kentucky Parkway, exit at Dawson Springs and take KY 109 south.
Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that the state’s Web portal, Kentucky.gov (http://www.kentucky.gov), has been recognized by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) as one of the top five sites in the nation for 2010. The nonprofit agency ranked the site fifth among state Web portal entries in this year’s Best of the Web contest based upon innovation, functionality and efficiency. Louisville’s website, Louisvilleky.gov, placed second in the nation for city websites.
“My administration’s firm commitment to keeping government accessible and open to the public has once again earned Kentucky national recognition for its online resources,” said Gov. Beshear. “We work very hard to maintain and improve the site as new technology and resources evolve. This ensures Kentucky.gov is a reliable resource for our citizens to gain information in a timely and accurate manner.”
This award completes a trifecta of national recognition for the state’s websites. The Open Door e-transparency site was recently named best in the nation and the state’s stimulus reporting website, Kentucky at Work, garnered a national second-place award for excellence in accountability for citizens.
Site Offers Services, Accountability for Citizens
CDG is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government.
According to Cathilea Robinett, executive director of CDG, Kentucky.gov successfully provides government leaders with a way to effectively communicate with citizens while increasing public trust.
“Kentucky.gov, with its increased focus on transparency, is achieving the essence of what it means to be a more open and accountable government,” said Robinett. “The portal gives Kentucky constituents a view into the government’s budget and allows them to see that their tax dollars are put to good use. The site’s increased usability features ensure citizens can conduct their business with the state quickly, efficiently and hassle-free by taking advantage of the multitude of services and transaction options the site offers.”
The site offers multiple services for users. Citizens can use the site to renew driver licenses, register vehicles, find voter information, buy hunting and fishing licenses, register businesses and review the state’s budget.
“Kentucky’s continued commitment to improve service to the businesses and citizens it serves through improved and streamlined technology methods is reflected in this improvement to number five in the nation for this year’s Best of the Web award,” Kentucky Chief Information Officer Phil Baughn said. “Kentucky.gov offers a variety of government-related services and information around the clock.”
History of Excellence for State Websites
Kentucky.gov is the official website of the Commonwealth. The site is managed and operated using no tax dollars through a public-private partnership between the Commonwealth and Kentucky Interactive, the Frankfort-based official eGovernment partner for the state. Kentucky Interactive helps state government entities Web-enable their information services, and is part of eGovernment firm NIC’s family of companies. (NASDAQ: EGOV)
In April 2010, Kentucky was the only state in the nation to receive an ‘A’ rating for openness in government spending for its Open Door website, online at http://opendoor.ky.gov, based upon a report issued by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The site was also named one of the best of its kind nationally by the Center for Study of Responsive Law, a nonprofit organization that researches government and corporate accountability. The Commonwealth was recognized as a national leader for transparency in state contracts for publishing the full text of state contracts.
Similar to Open Door, the Commonwealth’s stimulus spending site, Kentucky at Work, online at http://kentuckyatwork.ky.gov, received national attention in January 2009. In a report issued by Good Jobs First, a national policy resource center, Kentucky was recognized for receiving the second highest rating nationally for accountability to taxpayers.
“This most recent reward for a Kentucky government website continues to highlight Gov. Beshear’s persistence for transparency and openness in government,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. “A critical element for providing that transparency is making our internet presence as user friendly and comprehensive as possible and that’s what this award indicates.”
Kentucky at Work and Open Door are both maintained by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
Congratulations to each of these Kentucky websites for the honors they’ve received… may the recognition continue to roll in!
One new location, two expansions lead to new and retained jobs
Gov. Steve Beshear visited Henderson, Kentucky today to announce three economic development projects that will create as many as 30 new jobs, as well as retain an additional 32 jobs in the community. Accompanied by company and community leaders, Gov. Beshear revealed Legacy Plastics will relocate its manufacturing facility from Evansville, Ind. to Henderson, Ky. to accommodate the company’s growth. Additionally, Henderson-based Matrix Composites and Sunrise Tool and Die will expand their operations.
“The location of Legacy Plastics and the expansion of Matrix Composites and Sunrise Tool and Die reflect the hard work of Henderson County officials and demonstrate the confidence these companies have in the area’s workforce,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky looks forward to a long and successful partnership with each of these exceptional companies.”
Legacy is a leading custom thermoplastic profile extrusion company that produces parts for GE refrigerators and display materials. The company is moving into a 25,000 square-foot facility located at 1116 5th Street in Henderson. The relocation represents a nearly $1 million investment and 20 new and relocated jobs.
Matrix Composites, a locally owned manufacturer of woven and knitted fiberglass reinforcements, has been in operation since 1993. The company’s products are used in a number of applications, including ballistic panels, marine applications, automotive, as well as construction, recreational and energy products. Matrix is currently located in a 25,000 square-foot facility in the Henderson Corporate Park, but has purchased the former 157,000 square-foot AMI Building, allowing the company to initially add 10 new jobs with a significant opportunity for more in the future. The expansion will also result in a $3.1 million capital investment.
Founded in 1989, Sunrise Tool and Die manufactures and repairs plastic molds weighing up to 10,000 pounds. The Henderson plant is currently operating at capacity, limiting the company’s ability to expand into larger markets. The company plans to invest $2.5 million in its facility, allowing it to seek additional business opportunities and maintain its existing 32 employees. The investment project will consist of increasing crane capacities from five to 15 tons, ceiling heights from 20 to 26 feet and increase floor space to meet the demand for larger capacity molds and more profitable business opportunities.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Sunrise Tool and Die for tax incentives up to $250,000 through the Kentucky Reinvestment Act, a program that was expanded in the Governor’s Incentives for a New Kentucky bill last summer to assist companies that need to make significant capital investment in Kentucky facilities in order to remain competitive. Without the renewed investment and state assistance, Sunrise Tool and Die would likely see a decrease in sales and would be forced to consider alternative locations.
“The mere fact that Sunrise Tool, Matrix Composites and Legacy Plastics will produce more jobs in the area is an excellent boost to our citizens,” said Sandy Lee Watkins, Henderson County Judge Executive. “Expanding businesses also play a crucial role in the business community. We must not overlook the worth of having these three companies in our region and the impact they have on the economy.”
“As part of our continued strategy to further expand businesses in the Northwest Kentucky region, our economic development efforts are focused on retaining and growing jobs, which these three companies display and are being rewarded for,” said Henderson, Kentucky Mayor Tom Davis.
A detailed community profile for Henderson (Henderson County) can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=031. Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.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.
The Hitching Post in Aurora Kentucky
We were in Aurora, Kentucky recently – visiting the wonderful Hitching Post and it’s remarkably friendly people and grabbing hot dogs so sensational you have to see them to believe them and taste them to truly experience a hot dog. They’re called Dixie Dogs and you only think you’ve had a true hot dog before.
Aurora Bar-B-Que in Aurora Kentucky
While we were in town, I wish we had eaten at Aurora Bar-B-Q (delicious!), but we were anxious to try another barbecue restaurant in the Land Between the Lakes region.
Big mistake. The service was decidedly unfriendly (as cold as ice cream) and the food wasn’t fit to write about. Literally – since I don’t do negative food reviews on Genuine Kentucky. If we have outstanding food and service, I write about it on Genuine Kentucky – if it’s the pits…. I pretend it never happened. A throwback to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”
See, mom, I was paying attention.
Honestly, if you want the best bar-b-que in and around the Land Between the Lakes region, you simply have to make your way to Aurora and the home of the winking pig. Trust me. We’ve had bar-b-que from just about everywhere in the Lake’s region and Aurora’s home to the absolute best. The workers are friendly, the service is wonderful, and the food is outstanding.
I’ve said it in other posts on this site before, but I’ll say it again (after all, when I’m truly impressed with people and/or food, I’ll sing their praises for the rest of my life – I’m nothing if not loyal): You have to spend some time in Aurora, Kentucky. It’s one of my favorite places on earth. The town is very small, quiet, and unassuming. It’s also extremely charming, friendly, warm, and fun.
Dixie Dogs in front of the Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky
What makes Aurora Kentucky so special?
- The people couldn’t be nicer if you paid them to be. Not once have I come across an unfriendly person Aurora.
- In my personal opinion, the Willow Pond Catfish restaurant in Aurora is the best of all the Willow Pond restaurants. They’re all outstanding, mind you, but the one in Aurora Kentucky is just a little better. The servers are a little friendlier and the hushpuppies are a little better. Maybe more than a little.
- The Hitching Post is one of the most outrageously cool and fun places you could hope to spend an afternoon in. The new owners have made the Hitching Post such a wonderful place to visit that it’s a wonder they don’t charge admission. They obviously have a great passion for what they do and a great love for their guests. The Hitching Post is, at once, the funnest and coolest gift shop you could ever conceive AND a remarkable little “Step Back in Time” museum. They have put a great deal of time, money, and work into renovating a little country store beside the Hitching Post’s main shop. They proudly display some truly remarkable things from the distant past – it’s simply outstanding. I’ve seen (and paid) admission required for far less fascinating exhibits.
- Right out front of the Hitching Post is Dixie Dogs (click the link for my other review of this deliciousness)! After browsing around the Country Store and gift shop (be sure to grab a bottle of pop), you’ll want to walk out to the Dixie Dogs stand and introduce your taste buds to the most remarkable hot dog they’ve ever met.
- Another of my favorite places on earth to visit is the gorgeous nearby Elk and Bison Prairie. I’m the biggest animal lover in the world and these majestic animals just take my breath away every single time. We once had the pleasure of having our vehicle completely surrounded by peaceful bison. They’re a favorite animal of mine, so I literally had tears in my eyes. It’s moving to be so close to such amazing animals as elk and bison.
- The nearby Nature Station and the Bison Range are also great experiences and provide wonderful photo ops along with memories for a lifetime.
- Kentucky Lake! Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes and is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a family vacation. Over 160,000 acres of water and 2,064 miles of shoreline are populated with over 100 species of fish, including catfish, crappie, bluegill, stripes any more. Talk about an outstanding fishing vacation.
- Kenlake Lodge is a quiet, charming, understated, and wonderful place to stay and/or eat. I often call it the best kept secret in the Land Between the Lakes. Click the link to see what makes Kenlake State Resort Park so special.
Kenlake State Resort Park
Do yourself and your family (of all ages!) a huge favor and spend a weekend or a week in Aurora Kentucky on your next vacation. While there’s something to be said for keeping our dollars in Kentucky, it wouldn’t be worth it if there weren’t extraordinary places to see, visit, and stay. Fortunately, Kentucky is full of remarkable places and Aurora, Kentucky is one of them.
The Land Between the Lakes is an outstanding place for people of all ages and will provide fun memories that’ll last forever. When the vacation comes to an end, your only question will be, “How soon can we come back?!?!”
This, I promise.
One of my greatest passions is gardening. When I’m in my herb bed or one of my flower gardens (working alongside my beloved cats as the birds serenade us with the most beautiful music on earth), all’s right in my colorful world.
I get most of my plants, seeds, seedlings, and so forth here in Owensboro, Kentucky. My favorite Kroger has really been on its game this season, offering some truly outstanding plants. My husband would say that I’ve rewarded them by buying every single one they put out, but I don’t know if I’d go that far.
Okay, maybe.
We were in the Lakes region a few days ago (on route from Aurora, Kentucky to Grand Rivers, Kentucky) and happened to drive past what looked like a beautiful, locally-owned florist. We’re both all about supporting locally owned businesses and I’m all about shopping, so we stopped. Besides, I needed some fresh chives for my herb bed and I’m always on the lookout for red salvia or geraniums to attract hummingbirds. The little guys are drawn to red like I am to chocolate.
The name of the beautiful nursery and florist was Gateway Nursery & Florist and they have an incredible selection of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and other lovelies for your garden, yard, and home. The people were extra-friendly (especially a lady who was outside watering the plants at the time – she had that small-town Kentucky charm that makes you proud to be a Kentuckian) and the prices were uncommonly fair.
Gateway Nursery & Florist is located at 960 US Highway 68E in Benton, Kentucky, just east of the Purchase Parkway’s Exit 47 in Draffenville. They are closed on Sundays – as their website says, “Closed Sundays – See you in church!”
I just fell in love with them a little more.
Visit their website (http://www.gatewaynursery.com) for more information and be sure to stop in to say “Hi” and grab some loveliness for your world.
With the arrival of May, the Kentucky State Parks are gearing up for a summer full of special outdoor events, entertainment, water activities and plenty of family fun.
Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional time for the opening of swimming pools and summer programming at many state parks. But there are many activities scheduled before Memorial Day, which falls on May 31 this year.
The state park calendar for May is filled with canoe trips, entertainment, historic re-enactments and athletic events. There’s a variety of things to do at the park system’s 31 campgrounds, 17 resort park restaurants, historic sites, marinas, horseback riding trails and award-winning golf courses.
To learn more about the 52 Kentucky State Parks, including special events, park details, or lodging and camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Guests may want to call the park in advance to check pool opening status or events affected by weather before making travel plans.
(The state parks holding canoe trips reserve the right to cancel the trip due to unsafe water or weather conditions. Due to recent rains, the water level is under constant surveillance and participants will be updated frequently as to the trip status.)
Listed below are just some of the special events scheduled for May:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
May 15: Barren River 5K Classic
Run this challenging course that takes you through the beautiful scenery of the park. Prizes will be awarded for each division and overall male and female winners. Registration fee includes T-shirt and goodie bag. To register, call 270-646-2151 or download a registration form at www.parks.ky.gov/raceseries/.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
May 22: Licking River Canoe Adventure
This one-day trip is an all-inclusive, 20-mile excursion on the Licking River. Park will supply canoes, life jackets, box lunch, snacks, drinks, and evening buffet meal at Hidden Waters Restaurant. Cost is $69.95 plus tax. Space is limited. Contact Paul Tierney, Park Naturalist, for reservations and additional information by calling 800-443-7008.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
May 22: Cumberland Falls Beautification
Meet at the Visitors Center at 9 a.m. to help restore Cumberland Falls back to its natural beauty. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and cookout lunch. 1-800-325-0063.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville
May 15: Storytelling and S’mores
Join us around the campfire for an evening of storytelling and yummy s’mores. Our storytellers will delight you with their humorous stories as your whole family sets around the campfire roasting marshmallows. Program will be at Picnic Grove from 7-9 p.m. $5 per family. 502-429-7270.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond
May 29-30: 18th Century Trade Fair & Rifle Frolic
Visit a social, political and business gathering of merchants, traders, artisans, Native Americans, militia members, beggars, long hunters, scouts and other characters. Listen to period music, visit camps and shop for 18th century goods as you compare life today to life 225 years ago. See a weekend of 18th century history come to life! This event is free with a paid admission to the fort. The event is 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 859-527-3131.
Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg
May 15: Bark in the Park
Bring your leashed family pet and enjoy a dog’s day out. This will be a festival devoted to the beloved family with a dog and cat show/contest with vendors selling and displaying all sorts of animal products. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 859-734-3314.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
May 29: Play It Again Concert Series
Kevin Stonerock is a melding of folk, roots country and rock with straightforward honesty. His 1978 first solo album, “Day Before Tomorrow” on 700 West Records racked up respectable sales and overseas airplay. Guitar Player magazine has deemed Kevin’s guitar work “strong and inspired.” To date, Stonerock has five solo releases. His latest release is “Land of a Thousand Smiles” on Two Moon Records. This event starts at 7 p.m. at the Butler-Turpin State Historic House. 866-462-8853.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
May 15: Tractor Show
Greenup Old Tractors, Engines & Machinery (G.O.T.E.M.) will be having their annual Tractor Show at the Community Pool Parking Lot. All tractors are welcome along with hit and miss engines. Tractor registration is 9-11 a.m. Show hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be a Tractor Parade through the park at 11a.m. Tractor games begin at 1 p.m. with a Kiddies Tractor Pull followed by Tractor games for adults. Fun for the entire family and this event is free.
May 30: Homegrown 2010-Songs of Zachariah
The Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre “Homegrown 2010-Songs of Zachariah” is a day-long music fest featuring Christian, country, folk, and pop music from 1-9 p.m., sponsored by WTCR and Tours Eastern Kentucky. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre for a day of great music. This event is free and concessions will be available. No alcohol. 1-800-325-0083.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
May 14-15: Home Grown Bluegrass and Creative Arts
Enjoy two days of pickin’ and jammin’. Local bluegrass bands will host this annual festival that is fun for all ages. A favorite is the open mic and pickin’ opportunities so bring your instrument! Friday night is music only; Saturday features music, art vendors, children’s events with magic shows, face painting, art classes, pottery, balloons, petting zoo and more. This event is held in conjunction with the Creative Arts Festival. Event admission is free; parking is $4 per car. 270-826-2247
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
May 28-30: Memorial Day Weekend
Some of the activities for this Great American Weekend at Kenlake include learning how to fold the American flag, archery, tennis, flag football, and more. Make your own fishing pole. On Friday evening, help us eat the BIGGEST treat ever — our Giant Banana Split! The Saturday evening program will feature the Tammy Elza animal show. The Sunday evening program will be storytelling, roasted hot dogs and some s’mores. Plus crafts, and more games, and more fun. 800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
May 29-30-Spring Craft Festival
This is an outdoor-juried craft show located on a point overlooking beautiful Kentucky Lake. The show features handcrafted items created by artists from Kentucky and neighboring states. Artist demonstrations and traditional Kentucky festival food mark this weekend “Made in Kentucky.” Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1-800-325-0146.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
May 15: Barkley Hoopfest
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The tournament will have two age groups; 13-16 and 17 and up and is open to male and female players. Tournament fee is $15 per team. Pre-registration is required. Trophies are awarded to winning team in each age group. 800-325-1708.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
May 15, 22, 28, 29: Squaredancing at Hoedown Island
Enjoy squaredancing outside at Hoedown Island at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The island is located just behind the lodge and starts at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $3 a person; children 12 and under are free. Join us for dinner and spend the evening dancing. 800-325-1710.
Nolin Lake State Park, Bee Spring
May 22: Music Across Nolin
Once again this year the Friends of Nolin Lake will be offering music from 7-9 p.m. at the picnic shelter. The band for this evening will be The Acoustic Duo, with concessions available. 270-286-4240.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
May 15: Canoe the Tradewater
Ever see the beautiful sandstone cliffs along a river’s edge or enjoyed a backcountry river trip? This is your chance. Rebecca Clark, the park’s naturalist, will take the group to the Tradewater River for this awesome outdoor adventure. The flat water canoe trip is recommended for people ages 12 and up who have canoed before. The maximum number of participants is 18. A couple of kayaks are also available for rent. Lifejackets and paddles provided. Bring your own sunscreen and bug repellent. These trips will be half-day trips. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration fee is $20 per canoe. 1-800-325-1711.
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
May 27-30: Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival
A spring mountain celebration hosted by the city of Pineville featuring an assortment of gala events including concerts, dances, fun run, golf tournament, carnival and the crowning of the Mountain Laurel Queen. The event punctuates the arrival of spring to the mountains and the blooming of the Mountain Laurel. The park will host the Governor’s Luncheon and Queen’s Coronation on Saturday, and the Queen’s Breakfast on Sunday. For more information, contact the park at (606) 337-3066 or (800) 325-1712.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
May 14-16: Mint Julep Model Airplane Scale Meet
Come and see some high-flying action at Rough River Dam State Resort Airport! Radio-controlled model airplanes are built to scale and are judged on detail and precision. Planes are split up into divisions that include Best Civilian, Best Military, Fun Scale Sportsman, Fun Scale Aerobatics, and more. You can see these planes up close and personal and watch them doing unbelievable stunts high above your head! This event is hosted by the Southern Indiana R/C modelers and is free of charge for spectators. 1-800-325-1713.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 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
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.
In between football games yesterday I read the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. There was a story that especially caught my eye (and stomach). A retro ’50s diner is coming to downtown Owensboro and plans to open in time for Barbecue Fest (May 7-8). Is anything cooler than ’50s decor or the type of delicious food served in these types of diners?!
There’s a real buzz of excitement about our downtown area here in Owensboro, Kentucky. While we’re all still emotionally smarting over the Executive Inn, we have plenty to look forward to on our beautiful waterfront and downtown area. Bee Bops is the latest in a string of promising good times headed our way.
According to the story, Bee Bops will have a 32-foot counter with stools and counter service in addition to booths and table service. You can expect to see a lot of the colors and decor of the ’50s including walls decorated with James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley (for an example of how much I love these stars and others of their time, check out my Hollywood Yesterday blog). The floors will apparently be like something right out of Happy Days – black and white.
As for the main event… the food…. Bee Bops will serve old fashioned milk shakes, malts, root beer floats, limeade, and burgers.
I love the quote from the director of downtown development, Fred Reeves: “The downtown restaurants are anxious to have more places to eat down here. A rising tide lifts all boats.” The tide of anticipation is certainly rising in downtown Owensboro and the residents can’t wait to see it all play out.
Bee Bops will be located at 122 W. Second Street and I’ll be there drinking chocolate milkshakes as fast as they can make them.
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky
The original Waverly Hills Sanatorium was a two-story wooden structure which was opened in 1910.
The larger brick and concrete structure you see today was built in 1926. The hospital has always been dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis patients, a disease that was fairly common in the early 20th Century.
Reports estimate that as many as 63,000 people have died in this sanatorium. Furthermore, there have been many reports or patients being horribly mistreated. Oh, it gets worse… there were (again reportedly) highly questionable experiments and procedures conducted.
If these occurences don’t set the stage for a haunted location, nothing does!
Get this: Ghost and paranormal experts and investigators who have ventured into Waverly have reported a host of strange paranormal phenomena, including voices of unknown origin, isolated cold spots and unexplained shadows. Screams have been heard echoing in its now abandoned hallways, and fleeting apparitions have been encountered.
Screams, isolated cold spots (indicating a paranormal being….oh, Lord, I’m sleeping with the lights on tonight…), voices of unknown origin, shadows!?!? I could not be more creeped out right now.
Click HERE for more information… if you dare.
