First of all, I apologize for being absent for nearly a week. The outrageous storms here in Kentucky left us without internet service for nearly a week. The storms have left their mark on many parts of Kentucky, including the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region.

Tennessee Valley Authority and the Corps of Engineers are predicting the lake level for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake to rapidly rise to 372 feet by May 2nd (13 feet over summer pool). The current lake level is 363.5 feet and is predicted to rise to 368 feet by Saturday. This will greatly impact LBL’s boat ramps, campsites (campgrounds, backcountry areas, and self-service areas), trails, and roads. Efforts are underway to barricade and close all impacted areas.

Visitors to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) are encouraged to check the Alerts & Notices page on our website at www.lbl.org or to “Call Before You Haul,” 270-924-2000, for current information, closure lists, and details due to the recent storm damage and the predicted rise in lake levels.
Use caution on all roads and lakeside areas in LBL due to possible flooding from rising lake levels and overly saturated soil conditions. LBL staff warns visitors who use the trails, roads, camping areas, and boat ramps to be extremely cautious and observe all closures for your safety.

In addition, everyone is urged to use caution when crossing creeks, streams, or any areas with standing or flowing water. All low lying areas should be avoided whenever possible. Gravel roads have the potential to washout during these heavy rain events. Please use extreme caution when traveling on LBL’s gravel roads.

Wranglers Campground and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area will remain closed until further notice due to this week’s storm damage.

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This sounds awfully fun! If the Murder and a Meal at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater is even half as entertaining as the Comedy Dinner with Marty Pollio at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, we’re all in for a night to remember!

Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s Dinner Theater series presents a murder mystery where the audience tries to figure out whodunit!

“Check-out Time,” a murder mystery about a troubled innkeeper and her staff, will be performed by Laughing Corpse Production Company out of Nashville, Tenn., with lots of audience participation.  So grab your magnifying glass and mystery solving skills and head out to Lake Barkley State Resort Park on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

While piecing the clues together, guests will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, including salad bar, parmesan crusted chicken and beef tips, dessert and more.  Tickets are on sale now for $40 a person until Sept. 15 after which prices will increase to $45 a person.  Limited seating is available, so get your tickets now!  For tickets or additional information call the lodge at 1-800-325-1708 or email Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov

Besides the  lodge with a spectacular view of the lake, the park includes cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, fitness center with indoor pool, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, gift shop and recreational and nature programming.  The park is near Cadiz and the Land Between the Lakes at 3500 State Park Road just off I-24.  Exit at Highway 68.  From the exit go west toward Cadiz and the park.

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Ice cream? Fireworks? Now where are you going to beat that?!

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Kentucky Is the Perfect Place for a Summer Family Vacation!

Summer is just around the corner, and families don’t have to look far afield for a fun-filled vacation in friendly surroundings.

“From houseboating on Lake Cumberland to exploring the many fascinating exhibits along Louisville’s Museum Row, Kentucky is a fabulous place for families to bond while enjoying new and exciting experiences this summer,” said Mike Cooper, commissioner of Kentucky’s Department of Travel & Tourism.

A great way for a family to spend quality time together is a houseboat vacation on one of Kentucky’s jewel-like lakes. From Lake Cumberland in the east to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake in the west, renting a houseboat provides a relaxing getaway for thousands of families every summer. Cruise the tranquil waters and enjoy jet-skiing, tubing and swimming. Anchor near shore and go exploring or fish from the bank. Houseboats come in all sizes with a range of amenities – just pick one and set sail for family adventure.

Venture to one of Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks and “rough it” while camping, backpacking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Most of the parks with campgrounds are equipped with RV hookups; at the resort parks, lodge rooms and cabin rentals are available if you’d rather get back to nature with more of the comforts of home.

If reliving key moments in Kentucky history is more your family’s style, take them to Kentucky’s state historic parks for memorable encounters with the Bluegrass state’s storied past. Experience one of the largest Civil War battlegrounds in the country at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site about 15 miles west of Danville. While in central Kentucky, you can see what Kentucky’s frontier was like at Old Fort Harrod State Park and Fort Boonesborough State Park, where costumed interpreters portray life in pre-Revolutionary War days.

The place to get close to horses is the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. With nearly one million visitors yearly, the Horse Park is the world’s only theme park dedicated solely to man’s relationship with the horse. Kids love to make the acquaintance of celebrated racehorses who now call the park home. And there’s always something new and interesting at the International Museum of the Horse.

New this summer is the The Hatfield McCoy River Rats in Pike County. From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and paddle boats to guided and unguided river tours, this new facility will provide adventure for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Depart for your water experience on the river at the headquarters at the Bob Amos Park in Pikeville.

In downtown Louisville, take a stroll along Museum Row near the riverfront. Here you’ll find the Frazier International History Museum, where the arms collection spans centuries starting with medieval England and live interpreters demonstrate sword fights.  Make time for visits to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where workers craft the bats used by major leaguers and the history of “America’s pastime” comes alive. Youngsters and their parents will also enjoy the Muhammad Ali Center, where interactive exhibits in multiple languages pay tribute to the career and values of the former world champion boxer from Louisville.

Meanwhile, take the kids to Bowling Green in south central Kentucky for Beech Bend Park & Splash Lagoon, with 40 rides, go-carts and a water park.  Drag racing and stock car racing also provide excitement at Beech Bend Raceway. Auto enthusiasts, young and old, will also enjoy the National Corvette Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to America’s sports car. Right across the street, tour the GM Corvette Plant, the only place where Corvettes are made.

To start your family’s exploration of any of Kentucky’s summertime attractions, visit www.kytourism.com or call the Department of Travel & Tourism’s toll-free line, 1-800-225-8747.

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What part of that doesn’t sound like fun?

Read the online “flyer” below for more information.  Click the image or HERE for a larger version.

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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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Lake Barkley State Resort Park is geared up and ready for Spring.  After Old Man Winter’s especially cantankerous mood, aren’t we all?!

Lake Barkely SRP is throwing out the welcome mat to welcome spring’s arrival in southwestern Kentucky with a celebration of nature and nurture for every member of the family on March 19-21.

This celebration is an ideal time for a weekend getaway to enjoy and celebrate one of the most beautiful spectacles in the world: Springtime in Kentucky.

The celebration begins Friday evening (March 19, 2010) at 6:30 with the “owl prowl.” A guide will lead you to prime owl habitats, allowing participants to listen and learn more about these beautiful birds.  The hike is $1 per person but children 5 years and younger prowl free.

Saturday marks the official beginning of a full day of spring.  Lake Barkley SRP will continue the spring celebration with an 8 a.m. lap swim at the park’s fitness center. At 9 a.m. the park naturalist will lead a leisurely hike in search of the first signs of spring along the ground, in the trees and other surroundings.

The archery range is open from 1 – 2:30 p.m. with an instructor available for beginners.

Learn tips on attracting birds to your own backyard beginning at 3 p.m. and you’ll even learn how to construct your own recycled hummingbird feeder. Birdwatching and recycling are two things near and dear to my own heart – so kudos to Lake Barkley State Resort Park for this activity.

On Sunday morning, you can join the naturalist for a migratory bird hike.

More About Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest state resort park in Kentucky and visitors will find that there is something for everyone to do and enjoy. The park features a lodge, cottages, the Windows on the Water Restaurant (an exceptional restaurant – click the link for my own review), 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. See?  Everything you could hope for!

The park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz.  From I-24, take the Highway 68 exit west toward Cadiz.

For more information about the Spring weekend celebration of other amenities at the park, contact Mary at mary.schmidt@ky.gov  or Nick at nick.edmonds@ky.gov.

You can call the lodge at call 1-800-325-1708.

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 http://www.parks.ky.gov/

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Act now for a chance to see Lake Barkley State Resort Park Presents Comedy Dinner Theater Saturday night, February 27.  Over 100 tickets have been sold already, so time is of the essence.

Beautiful Lake Barkley State Resort Park will host a dinner theater Saturday night that’ll provide many laughs, great food, and fun memories. The laughs will be courtesy of television and film star Marty Pollio. The comedian has performed on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Jay Leno and has appeared on Jerry Lewis Telethons. He has also performed part of his act in the movie “Punchline” with Tom Hanks and Sally Field.  Marty had a recurring role on “Night Court” and guest starred on “Empty Nest” and “Blossom”.

The dinner and show is $25 a person for advance reservation until Feb 24. The ticket price will be $30 a person after that date. There is limited seating for this dinner and show, so call now!

Call for more information: 1-800-325-1708

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As you know, we absolutely love Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Grand Rivers, Aurora, the Willow Pond restaurants and all things that fall under the heading Land Between the Lakes. (Especially when they fall under the heading and answer to the name catfish.)

A while back, I wrote a review about the Aurora Landing Restaurant at Kenlake Lodge.  Everything about it was beyond spectacular and I couldn’t wait to share the experience with our readers.

Not long ago, we found ourselves in the area again.  When it came time to eat, we nearly drove to Aurora Landing without even discussing it.  However, we hadn’t eaten in the beautiful restaurant in the Lake Barkley Lodge – very appropriately named Windows on the Water Restaurant - in a while and we were anxious to visit Lake Barkley Lodge.  Besides, variety is the spice of life, right?  The windows in this gorgeous restaurant afford you a breathtaking view of Lake Barkley with an endless parade of sailboats and beautiful birds.  The restaurant is a real beauty, itself. Windows on the Water is always decorated spectacularly, celebrating whatever season or holiday the calendar shows.

Naturally, if the food or service didn’t back up the beautiful surroundings, this would be a short review… something to the tune of, “Go, take a look around, then go eat somewhere else.”  Fortunately, I won’t have to say anything like that because the food was out of this world and the server couldn’t have treated us any better if we were her family.

I actually ventured away from my beloved catfish to try something new:  a Kentucky Hot Brown.  Here’s how it was described in the menu:  Toast points with baked country ham, roasted turkey, smothered in cheese sauce, topped with tomato, bacon and cheddar cheese. Baked until steaming hot…

Here’s how I personally describe this Kentucky Hot Brown:  Good, gracious God in Heaven, when’s the soonest I can have a Kentucky Hot Brown from the Windows on the Water Restaurant again?!?!  My dear reader friend, I am at a loss for words here.  This was one of the most remarkable dishes I’ve ever enjoyed – it was spectacular.  When I took my first bite, I was stupified.  My husband saw the stupification and simply (without saying a word) visited my plate with his fork….   His and Her stupification!

I’d tell you what Michael ordered, but I can’t for the life of me recall.  All I remember is the delicious bread, the perfect sweet tea, the outstanding onion rings and the Kentucky Hot Brown that I’ve been fantasizing about since.

The next time you’re around the Land Between the Lakes, promise me you’ll eat at the Windows on the Water Restaurant.  Oh, scratch that… don’t wait for the next time you’re in the area – just go!   Kentucky State Parks.gov has all the information you’ll need about the Lake Barkley Lodge and I have all the information you’ll need about the Windows on the Water Restaurant… 20 stupifying stars out of 10.

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Lake Barkley is, without a doubt, one of Kentucky’s crown jewels. If you want to see a Kentuckian sit a little taller, just mention Lake Barkley.  Like UK Basketball, Mammoth Cave, and Kentucky Lake – we’re understandably proud.

Below are some bits and pieces of Lake Barkley trivia that you might not have known.

• Lake Barkley has 57,900 acres of water and 1,004 miles of shoreline.
• Lake Barkley was named for the 35^th Vice-President, Alben Barkley. Prior to the Vice Presidency, Barkley served in the U. S. Senate from Kentucky for over twenty years. Alben Barkley was born in a log cabin near Lowes, Graves County, Kentucky.  He worked his way through college as a janitor.  After passing the bar, he practiced law in Paducah, Kentucky.
• Alben Barkley coined the term “Give ‘em hell, Harry” as President Truman was leaving Washington on his “whistle-stop” train across the country.  Barkley was popularly known as “the Veep” thanks to his young grandson, Stephen M. Truitt.  Stephen preferred the shortened name to “Mr. Vice President.”  When Alben Barkley told the press about his grandson’s phrasing, the newspapers printed it, and the title stuck. Alben Barkley’s successor as vice president, Richard Nixon, declined the nickname, saying that it had been bestowed on Barkley affectionately and, therefore, belonged to him. However, the term didn’t die, and it’s used to this day.
• Construction of Barkley Dam began in 1959 on the Cumberland River.
• Lake Barkley’s Maximum depth is 68 feet.
• Lake Barkley’s Minimum depth is 12 feet.
• Lake Barkley is known for its Stripers as well as its Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.  Other fish in Lake Barkley include Crappie (Black and White), Redear Sunfish, Sauger, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Striped Bass, and White Bass.

For more information about Lake Barkley:

Download Lake Barkley Vacation Guide (PDF)

The Village Between the Lakes (Grand Rivers)

Green Turtle Bay (Resort and Marina on Lake Barkley)

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