My husband and I were in the Land Between the Lakes region around lunchtime recently and we knew exactly where we wanted to eat: Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky. We’ve been there for supper numerous times but had never had the opportunity to have lunch with them.

Opportunity knocked and we answered with fork in hand.

When our server asked what we’d like to order, my husband told her that we we’re thinking about ordering a little bit of everything.

And then we did.

First of all, we hadn’t had lunch at Main Street Java before, so we wanted to find out what several different menu items were like. Second of all, we were starving!

I ordered the California Pizza and it was love at first sight, even before I took my first bite. Fresh, premium ingredients (olive oil, spinach, artichoke, roasted red pepper, red onion, black olive, Italian seasoning, cheese) on flat bread pizza? Words can’t even describe how fresh, healthy, outstanding, and delicious this pizza is. You honestly have to make a point of driving to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky just for the California Pizza alone.

It’s unbelievable and it has been on my mind ever since.

My husband ordered chili and a panini. I couldn’t pull myself away from the California pizza to become very familiar with the panini but it looked amazing. The chili and I did get acquainted. In fact, I pulled it away from my husband with one swift ninja move.

The chili was super special – it had large meat chunks in it that were mind-blowingly delicious.

We also tried some of their outstanding Macaroni and Cheese with jalapeno peppers in it – their Macaroni and cheese isn’t just good, it’s beyond good.

It’s so good, in fact, that it comes with its own menu. You can add any of the following to the original Macaroni and cheese for just a tiny bit more:

• Bacon
• Asiago Cheese
• Tomato
• Red Onion
• Black Olives
• Bread Crumbs
• Red Pepper
• Chili Pepper
• Jalapeno Pepper

Click the following link for Main Street Java’s menu.  Better yet, GO! You won’t regret a single bite.

For other Genuine Kentucky reviews of Main Street Java, see:

Main Street Java In Benton, Kentucky Home to the Best Steak in Kentucky – Possibly the World

Returning to Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky!

Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, is offering training for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders to help them learn the skills necessary to ride safe while having fun.  Users will learn valuable lessons about protecting themselves and respecting the outdoors while riding.

Professionals from the ATV Safety Institute have returned this year to host several ATV safety training courses at LBL throughout 2010.  “This training provides a good foundation for people wanting to learn proper riding techniques, build riding confidence, and gain an increased sense of awareness out on the trails,” stated Kyle Varel, Assistant Manager at Turkey Bay.  “Topics include correct riding posture, turning safely, and even how to properly tackle obstacles.”  Varel said all ATV riders, or members of the household who are the original owners of their ATVs, are invited to attend the training courses.

The next two courses offered are scheduled for Saturday, August 28, at 8am and 12pm.  Participants must arrive one-half hour early (7:30 and 11:30am) to prepare for the course.  Each course should last approximately four hours.  The final class being offered in 2010 is scheduled for October 23.  All participants are required to wear boots, long sleeve shirt and pants, and a helmet.  In the event of inclement weather, training may be canceled; therefore, we recommend participants “Call Before You Haul” at 270-924-2000, or visit our website at www.lbl.org, then clicking on “Alerts & Notices” or “Plan Your Visit” for up-to-date information. Pre-scheduling is encouraged; however, walk-ins, as well as guests of scheduled students, are encouraged to take part.  To pre-schedule, or if you have additional ATV Safety Course questions contact Connie Hathorn at 270-753-1902.  You may also visit www.atvsafety.org for more information.

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. Visitors are invited to  www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for the Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures.  Additional LBL information is also available on the website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.  You can find out more about “Friends of LBL” at www.friendsoflbl.org

Michael and I recently had the pleasure of spending the morning at the amazing Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes.  For a nature lover, such as myself ,who never feels more alive than when she’s near birds, animals, plants, and flowers – this is a type of paradise on earth.

We’ve put this post together in an effort to pay tribute to the Woodlands Nature Station, its beautiful wildlife, and the wonderful people who take such wonderful care of them.

Please enjoy the beautiful pictures, taken by Michael, in the slideshow below.

Read more about the Woodlands Nature Station below the slideshow!

About the Woodlands Nature Station:

The Woodlands Nature Station is staffed by partners at “Friends of LBL.” The station serves to connect humans with nature by allowing them to experience its beauty and by educating them about its many wonders.  People of all ages will benefit greatly from a visit to Woodlands Nature Station – as many visits as possible actually!

Photographers couldn’t ask for a better place to flaunt their skills.  Seriously, a photographer could spend hours at the Nature Station and never run out of photo opportunities.

The Nature Station is an ideal place for parents and grandparents to take children.  Not only will they enjoy the magic and wonder of these amazing birds and animals – they’ll learn a great deal… before they even realize what’s going on, they’ll gain an education while having fun!

The Nature Station, on April 16, 2010, welcomed a female red wolf from the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee.  She’s a partner for the Station’s male red wolf who lost his 15 year old partner last year.  The red wolf is currently on the Federal Endangered Species List and “partnerships” such as this are trying to make sure they find their way off of this list.

What I love most about the Nature Station is this:  Other than the red wolves (who are part of a captive breeding program to save the species), each of the animals and birds (coyotes, turkeys, vultures, bobcat, bald eagle, snakes….) have been rescued – they would not be able to survive in the wild.

I’m also impressed with the way these amazing animals are treated and loved.  There is a sign hanging near the turkeys that asks the public not to “gobble” at the turkeys because the male turkey is “very old” and they don’t want him to be stressed out.  I love that!  The man who was working the front desk was also extremely, extremely friendly and spoke with such love for the animals that it really touched my heart.

When he spoke of the aged turkey, he seemed to be talking about a much-loved friend.

You know what, I believe he was.

The Nature Station is located north of the Golden Pond Visitor Center and is open daily (April 1 – October 31) From November through March, the Nature Station is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Hours:  9 am – 5 pm. Monday through Saturday and 10 am – 5 pm on Sunday.

Admission:  $4.00 ages 13 and up, $2 ages 5-12, 4 and under free.

More Information: http://www.lbl.org/NSGate.html

Please visit the Nature Station and lend your support to these beautiful animals. I like to think there’s a special place in Heaven for people who love animals and who make it their business to appreciate and care for them.

Such a dirty rotten job I have here at Genuine Kentucky.  I have to sit at my computer in my home – with my overweight cat Alexa and my overly-filled coffee cup nearby… one on each side.  I have to write, play with pictures and videos, chit chat people up in e-mail and on Twitter.  I have to travel to ridiculously beautiful places within our ridiculously beautiful state and I have to eat at restaurants with food so Heavenly you expect Gabriel to carry it out.

Somebody pinch me.

My husband and I returned to the scene of a culinary crime (at least it ought to be against the law for a steak to taste so good):  Main Street Java.  Click the link I’m about to drop in your lap for my original review of  Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky.

Our server this time was a beautiful young girl who was as sweet as you’d expect a southern girl to be. Her name was Jocelyn and she reminded me of a very young Jennifer Love Hewitt (one of the loveliest actresses of all time in my opinion).  We ordered the Spinach Artichoke dip for an appetizer this time.  Doing so is always a risk.  Why?  I’m a cook.  Okay, you twisted my arm, I’ll admit it – I’m a great cook.  I love cooking and have been honing my craft for many years.

Guess what one of my best dishes happens to be:  Spinach Artichoke Dip.  Which is why I have trouble reviewing Spinach Artichoke Dip – I happen to be so totally in love with my own (it’s taken a few years of tweaking, testing different cheeses, different amounts of garlic, and so on to get it to the amazing dish it is today) that other’s attempts sometimes make me go, “Blah.”

I’m thrilled to report that I loved Main Street Java’s Spinach Artichoke Dip.  I loved that it’s served with toast points too.  This dip was very creamy and the toast points make a perfect chariot.

I ordered the steak, green beans, and mashed potatoes.  I wanted to branch out and try something different, but these green beans are so ridiculously delicious I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else.  My husband, however, did mix things up.  He had the mixed vegetables and Chicken with “Swamp Sauce.”

The mixed vegetables were exceptional.  Many times, in a restaurant, you’ll get mixed vegetables that taste like you just strolled out to the garden on a hot summer day and picked a few carrots along with a couple of bites of cauliflower and broccoli.  Now, I love vegetables as much as the next person, but I don’t necessarily always want the garden harvest type of flavor.

Main Street Java’s mixed vegetables taste like you picked the vegetables in your garden then gave them to a chef off of The Food Network to prepare for you.   They’re so good, I’d even consider stepping away from my green beans on the next trip.

Maybe. (Try the green beans and you’ll understand their mojo.)

We also got the Chocolate Eruption for dessert – yes, again.  I’m not even going to apologize for it either.  I’m the world’s biggest chocoholic, what in the world do you expect?!

Instead of coffee, this time, I got another HUGE addiction of mine: Chai Tea Latte.  Yeah, baby!  Delicious. I noticed on the menu that Main Street Java uses Tazo tea.. just like my beloved Starbucks.  Great call. No wonder their iced tea is so exceptional and no wonder I was left wondering if I could fit my head into my cup of Chai Tea Latte long enough to lick the walls.

I decided that was a NO.

On this trip, we also found out that Main Street Java also serves breakfast and lunch.  Good news!

If you’re looking for a great place to eat in the Land Between the Lakes area, consider yourself armed with the answer and pointed in the direction.  Tell them the chocoholic from Genuine Kentucky sent you.

Alexa and I just put together the slide show below to pay tribute to Main Street Java.  Normally, my husband does the slide shows and handles the audio but his job has led him to spend the day in Paducah.   Hopefully, he won’t come home and find a million and one things I did wrong with this video.

The pictures for the slide show are from Main Street Java’s Website and the audio is from an MP3 I had my husband had featuring a medley of the outstanding musicians at Grand Rivers Variety (I just love them!).   You’ll have to click PLAY to make the audio play – Alexa and I can’t for the life of us figure out how to make it automatically start up.  She had a couple of ideas but they didn’t pan out.

Enjoy!

If you’ve never listened to me before, I’m begging you to listen to me now.

There’s is a restaurant that you simply MUST visit.  I don’t care how long you have to drive to get there… get there!  Main Street Java in Benton Kentucky is waiting for you and, believe me, they’re really something extra special.

Here’s the low down.  My husband (Michael) and I were in the Land Between the Lakes area.  He was visiting an architect on business and I was along for the beautiful ride and, let’s be honest, dinner.  We’d planned on eating at The Majestic Steakhouse in Draffenville (outrageously good food), but a lady in the arhitect’s office asked my husband if we’d ever eaten at Main Street Java in Benton, Kentucky.  Since Michael and I had only seen it from a distance – and always assumed it was a coffee house – he told her that we had not. She highly recommended it and off we went.

I write and publish 16 different websites and one of my favorite tasks is one I perform for Genuine Kentucky:  Restaurant reviews.  I particularly DELIGHT in visiting new restaurants, so I was completely psyched.  However, when we approached the door, I secretly wondered if my husband had heard the woman correctly.  I would have sworn (from the outside) that we were about to walk into a little coffee house.  Now, you know me, I’m the biggest coffee addict in the world but, by this time, I was starving and knew I wanted more than coffee and biscotti.

When we walked through the door, my jaw landed on the tops of my sandals.  Wow.  The restaurant is larger than you’d guess and looks like a restaurant you’d expect in downtown Louisville.  One of the friendliest servers we’ve ever had – anywhere (saying something since we eat all over the place) – came over to seat us and introduce himself.  Kyle was the sort of server I’d want if I owned a restaurant – a perfect ambassador.  Neat, friendly, helpful, happy, and knowledgeable.

My husband ordered steak and was trying to decide how he wanted it cooked. Kyle made a suggestion and, when the steak came, Michael said it was exactly as Kyle said it’d be and exactly how he wanted it.  I, personally, ordered fish (which was as perfect at what it did for a living as Kyle was at his job), mashed potatoes, and green beans.  The mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious and the green beans were sensational.  They were cooked exactly how I like – crunchy and elegant.  Yes, elegant.

Like O’Chalreys, Main Street Java keeps you supplied with a basket of bread and real butter.  Heavenly.

Back to the steak.  Michael shared a few bites with me, and I returned the favor with my excellent fish. Understand this, we travel a great deal.  Not just within our home state of Kentucky, but to plenty of other states as well.  In fact, Nashville is a frequent destination (remembering them in our prayers, incidentally).  The steak we got at Main Street Java was the best steak I’ve eaten out.  Ever.  Anyplace.

This is a big, bold statement, so I’m going to repeat it.  The steak at Main Street Java was the best steak I’ve ever gotten at any restaurant.  Any time.  Anyplace.

There was a certain special flavor and quality that set it apart – way apart.  My husband has always teased me about my fetish with steak sauce.  I don’t care if we’re in an Outback or one of the most swanky restaurants in a particularly swanky town – I always ask for a bottle of A1 or Heinz 57 – whichever one I’m in the mood for.  I always try one bite of a steak first, but I, invariably, still want my beloved sauce.

Not. This. Time.  I would not have dared to mess this steak up with a steak sauce.

I was convinced that we’d float away from there talking mainly about the veggies and steak, but then the husband shows off those skills that remind me why I love him so very much:  He ordered – - – not just dessert—— dessert with chocolate on its mind.

That’s my boy!

This dessert was called Chocolate Eruption and it was STUPID GOOD.   It proved that we weren’t just dealing with Svengalis of steak here in Benton Kentucky – they also possess some serious (SERIOUS) dessert skills.  If Chocolate Eruption were a girl, it’s theme song would be “Brick House.”

She’s a brick—-HOUSE…
Mighty mighty, just lettin’ it all hang out
She’s a brick—-HOUSE
The lady’s stacked and that’s a fact,
Ain’t holding nothing back.

She’s a brick—-HOUSE
She’s the one, the only one,
who’s built like a amazon
We’re together everybody knows,
and here’s how the story goes.

Break it down now! …

She knows she got everything
a woman needs to get a man, yeah.
How can she use, the things she use
36-24-36, what a winning hand!

The “clothes” Chocolate Eruption wears are chocolate and her “sexy ways” are cheesecake.  Her foundation is a delicious brownie.  From there, she branches out into a Chocolate Mousse (have mercy…), then she tops it all off with chocolate drizzles and Heavenly goodness.  Oh, did I mention the chunks of cheesecake throughout the entire production.  That’s just her showing off her “sexy ways.”  Shake a bom shake a bom shake a bom bom.

While we’re shaking bom boms, I have to point out that the coffee is extra exceptional too. Strong, delicious, smooth, with a bit of a sweet undercurrent. I live for sweet undercurrents, so I couldn’t have been happier. I also live in a town (Owensboro, Kentucky) with 3 Starbucks that I keep in business, so I know my java. This was extremely wonderful.

Here’s my Motto. Never Postpone…

• Happiness
• A kiss from your spouse
• A hug from your children
• A chance to rub your cat
• An opportunity to pray
• Great coffee
• Chocolate
• The best steak you’ll ever eat

Oh yeah… you know what to do next.  Here’s your map.  Tell Chocolate Eruption I’ll be seeing her again very soon.  Although Kyle mentioned that the Banana’s Foster was “on par” with Chocolate Eruption.  Hmmm, I’ll order one and Michael can order the other.  That works.

Photo Credit: Main Street Java - Please visit their website and take a gander at the pictures of the inside of their remarkable restaurant.  You’ll also want to read more about them and check out some of  their menu items!  I have to warn you, though, the pictures just don’t do the food justice.

Beautiful Kenlake State Resort Park is one of Kentucky’s loveliest little secrets.  Located in Hardin, Kentucky, the resort is 40 miles southeast of the “something for everyone” town of Paducah.

Located on Kentucky Lake, with the longest shoreline of any man-made lake in the world, Kenlake State Resort Park is a beautiful state park that I’m eager for you to get acquainted with.

Kentucky’s State Resort Parks are home to truly outstanding restaurants with food that’s above par, and  Kenlake’s Aurora Landing Restaurant is amongst the best.  Click the link for my review to see what makes it so special.  When you find yourself in this area of Kentucky, you absolutely must eat dinner at Aurora Landing.   The view is gorgeous, the food is outstanding, and the people are so friendly you’ll never want to leave.  They make you feel at home – and, come on, can a dining experience get much better than that?

Things to Do at Kenlake State Resort Park:

• Spend the day boating on beautiful Kentucky Lake (capped off, of course, with dinner at Aurora Landing!). Rentals include fishing, pontoon, bass and ski boats, as well as jet skis. Contact the operators of the Kenlake Marina by email or by Phone: (270)-474-2245.
• Enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole golf course.  A full-service pro shop, rental motor carts, pull carts, and clubs are available. Golf packages are offered.
  Pro Shop open March-November. Course open year-round, weather permitting.
• Take a refreshing dip in Kenlake’s beautiful pool – surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. The swimming pool, located behind the lodge, is available for lodge and cottage guests seasonally.
• Tennis is a favorite sport at Kenlake – and can be enjoyed year-round.  The indoor tennis center features four indoor courts, locker room facilities, and a fully equipped pro shop. Four lighted outdoor courts are adjacent to the tennis center, and one court is available near the lodge.
• Take a hike!  Kenlake has two wonderful trails that wind through wooded terrain.  The Cherokee Trail is .7-mile and the Chickasaw Trail is 1-mile.

In addition to Paducah, Kentucky, other nearby attractions include:

• Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is just 27 miles northwest of Kenlake on US 641.

• Columbus-Belmont State Park is 63 miles west of Kenlake, in Columbus, Kentucky.  This was the site of the 1861 Battle of Belmont.  History buffs will want to mark Columbus-Belmont State Park as a MUST SEE.
• The infamous Land Between the Lakes is mere minutes from Kenlake State Resort Park… if that long!  Land Between the Lakes is a paradise of 170,000 acres.  This National Recreation Area is something we Kentuckians are incredibly proud of.  Nature lovers will feel like they’re experiencing an early Heaven in this area of Kentucky.

I hope you’ll schedule a weekend getaway to Kenlake State Resort Park as soon as possible.  I know you’ll have the time of your life and I know you’ll return again and again.  When you go to Kenlake State Resort Park – or any of Kentucky’s State Resort Parks for dinner, know this: You cannot go wrong with the catfish OR the Kentucky Hot Brown.  The buffets are always wonderful, but ordering off the menu is even better.  The Kentucky Hot Brown will blow each and every brain cell you possess.

That’s a promise.

Want to read more about Kenlake State Resort Park?

Kenlake State Resort Park Contact Information:

Kenlake State Resort Park
542 Kenlake Road
Hardin, KY 42048-9737
Telephone: 270-474-2211
Toll Free: 800-325-0143
Kenlake@ky.gov
Park Manager –John Rittenhouse

The first elk calf of the season was found Sunday afternoon in the Elk & Bison Prairie in the gorgeous Land Between the Lakes region.

She’s a real beauty, and like all proud “parents,” there is a picture of the baby that’s proudly being shown!  Click the link below and feast your eyes on the little cutie.

Elk Calf at the Elk and Bison Prairie in Land Between the Lakes

I’m literally obsessed with animals – with a particularly strong love for cats (large and small), bison, polar bears, elk, raccoons, and possums.   I just can’t get enough of any of them.  I have 4 cats as well as quite a few raccoons, possums, and rabbits that I feed regularly.  We don’t let the last three groups inside.  Raccoons don’t clean up well after themselves and possums never wipe their feet.

Deer can be seen pretty regularly around most of Kentucky as well – but when it comes to bison and elk, I rely on one place:  The Elk and Bison Prairie in Land Between the Lakes. It’s a place like none other.

I applaud the effort and care LBL gives to their wildlife.  The Friends of LBL is a non-profit organization that assists with the education, improvement, and conservation of the USDA Forest Service’s Land Between the Lakes.

Get this – this is fun!  The Friends of LBL has a new program where you can adopt a symbolic bison or elk. The cost is $30, plus a shipping charge if the package is mailed, for each animal adopted.  

With the adoption you receive:

• An adorable plush elk or bison tagged for the year you adopted it.
• An adoption certificate.
• Information about elk or bison, depending on which you adopted.
• A collage picture of elk or bison.
• An Elk-Bison prairie brochure and a token for a free admission to the prairie.

The proceeds from the adoption support environmental education, conservation activities, and programs in the Elk-bison prairie of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

The adopt a bison or elk program is brand new. They will be in Friends of LBL gift shops before Thanksgiving or you can order them through the Friends Administrative offices. For more information or to order, contact jrufli@friendsoflbl.org . For more information on Friends of LBL, visit their website at http://www.friendsoflbl.org/

I’m so on board for this one – I want one of each. Geez, Louise, how could you choose?

“Soon after, I returned home to my family, with a determination to bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucky, which I esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.” – Daniel Boone

Photo Credit: The pictures in this post are of the beautiful Bison and Elk at the Elk and Bison Prairie in Land Between the Lakes. I can’t even tell you how much I love this prairie. Each time we leave, I want to turn right around and go back.

Michael took the pictures as I sat in the seat beside him “Oooooh-ing and Ahhhhh-ing.” Ooooh-ing and Ahhhh-ing used to be an Olympic sport, you know. Until, that is, my expertise made a mockery out of the competition. Just as well, I was running out of places for the medals.

True story.

Two of my favorite towns to visit when we’re down around Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Land Between the Lakes are Aurora and Grand Rivers. Grand Rivers offers a great deal wit it’s Badgett Playhouse, Grand Rivers Fudge Factory, Patty’s, Lighthouse Landing, and Green Turtle Bay. It’s a beautiful little village with a lot going for it.

Aurora has a different “vibe,” yet I enjoy it every bit as much as I do Grand Rivers.  Aurora, Kentucky seems to delight in being very laid back. This community is home to my favorite Willow Pond Restaurant, one of my all-time favorite BBQ Restaurants (Aurora BBQ – Home of the Winking Pig!), the Dinner Bell, and one of my favorite spots to unload cash that’s weighing down my purse – The Hitching Post Gifts and Country Store. I’ve never…never… gone into this charmingly fun store without exiting with loot that I can’t wait to take home.

In addition to an endless display of Kentucky memorabilia – from t-shirts, jewelery, and hats to candles, figurines, ornaments, and cookbooks – they carry a remarkable variety of Yoder’s Homestyle jams, jellies, etc. They also have BBQ sauces that’ll send you over the proverbial moon.

On our most recent trip, I got a jar of Yoder’s Homestyle Sweet Potato Butter. Have you ever had Sweet Potato Pie? Well, this Sweet Potato Butter pretty much lives in that delicious neighborhood. So, whether you put it on buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or toast, you get that same amazing flavor. Frankly, I can’t say enough great things about it. Their Apple Butter is also ridiculously good.  It’s great on toast, served alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.

The next time you’re in the Land Between the Lakes region, make a point of visiting the “down home” friendly people at the Hitching Post Gifts and Country Store in Aurora. If you time your day just right, you can work up an appetite at the Hitching Post, have lunch with the winking pig, explore the beautiful Kentucky Lake area, and then make an appointment with the best hush puppies on earth at the Aurora Willow Pond that evening.

It’ll be a day you won’t forget.  Just be sure to remember the apple butter!