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Hummingbird Festival at Land Between the lakes Woodlands Nature Station

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Hummingbirds at the Woodlands Nature Center, Land Between the Lakes

One of my favorite places in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes is the Woodlands Nature Station. Given the fact that I love animals, birds, butterflies, trees, and flowers to complete and utter distraction, how could it not be?! Woodlands Nature Station is a beautiful and incredibly peaceful place where you’ll lose yourself in the aforementioned lovelies.

If you’re as wild about hummingbirds as I am, the following press release from Land Between the Lakes will be of great interest.

Annual Hummingbird Festival Returns to LBL’s Woodlands Nature Station

Come out to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area and witness the migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird during the annual Hummingbird Festival Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, August 5-7, at Woodlands Nature Station (NS).

“Hummingbird migration in this area is at its peak in August,” said NS Interpreter Carrie Szwed. “A large number of hummingbirds stop here on their journey south to Mexico and Central America. During this time, up to 200 hummingbirds visit our feeders in a single day. The festival is an opportunity to be a part of this awesome event.”

The main Hummingbird Festival events take place at the NS Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to Hummingbird Festival 2011 is $5 ages 13 and up and $3 ages 5-12. Visit with NS staff and guest exhibitors to learn more about these amazing little birds and how you can help them survive their long migration. Highlights of the weekend include hummingbird banding demonstrations, a nature photography program, a native plant sale, a honeybee observation hive, activities and games for children, and live animal programs. Take-home information will be available about gardening, bird feeding, nature-friendly cleaning products, and more. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stars of the weekend, the Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. and Mark Monroe, local hummingbird banders, will give up close demonstrations throughout the day on the technique of bird banding. Banding is a way of identifying and tracking individual birds. If a hummingbird is recaptured at another study site along its migration route, the leg band number is recorded and added to a database. Biologists can then look at all the data collected over the years for clues about the habits of these tiny birds and how best to meet their habitat needs. Visitors can attend ongoing demonstrations and visit other information stations Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Other weekend activities include Dinner with the Hummingbirds on Friday, August 5, that requires reservations and full deposits due to limited space. For complete information or reservations, contact 270-924-2020. The following is a list of NS programs for the weekend:
Friday, August 5
6-8pm Dinner with the Hummingbirds
$20 per person (includes dinner and evening admission)
Saturday, August 6
9am-4pm Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations
10:30am Hummingbirds 101
11:30am Migration Miracles
12:30pm Hummingbirds for Kids
1:30pm Hummingbirds 101
2:30pm Nature Photography: Composition
3:30pm The Power of Pollinators
Sunday, August 7
10am-4pm Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations
11:30am Hummingbirds 101
12:30pm Hummingbird Folklore
1:30pm Nature Photography: Composition
2:30pm Hummingbirds 101
3:30pm Gardening for Hummingbirds and Butterflies

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. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

If you love hummingbirds, read how to attract hummingbirds to your yard!

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area Events During July

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Oxen at The HomesteadOxen at The Homeplace. I love this picture! @MikeSigers  took the picture at just the right time.

I’ve said it millions of times and, no doubt, I’ll say it again twice as much: There is no place on earth quite like the Land Between the Lakes.  No two trips to Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes are exactly the same and no one trip is less than a complete blast.  If you’ve never been, do yourself (and your family) a huge favor and plan your Land Between the Lakes vacation today. If you’ve been to Land Between the Lakes and even if (like us), you’ve been there far too many times to count – go again! As I said, no two trips are the same and you’ll inevitably see things that are different since you saw them last.

Whether it’s a week in paradise or just an overnight stay, you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime.  Get yourself to Land Between the Lakes and EXPLORE your options for fun!

This is one of Kentucky’s extra special regions.  The food is outstanding, the sights (and photo opportunities!) breathtaking, the fun is outrageous, and the people are the warmest, friendliest, and most colorful people you’ll ever meet.  They’re genuinely delighted to see guests and treat them like long lost family members.

Below you’ll find a list of events going on in the Land Between the Lakes region during July. As you’ll see, there’s a lot of fun and excitement waiting for you, your family, and your camera. Don’t make the fun wait any longer… if you do, it’ll find someone else!

July 1-31

  • Planetarium Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium Daytime shows: Ages 13 & up $4; Ages 5-12: $2
  • Far Out Space Places – Mon.-Fri. at 10am and Sat. & Sun. at 4pm
  • Laser- Legends of the Night Sky – Daily at 11am
  • Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather – Sat. & Sun. at 11am
  • Two Small Pieces of Glass – Daily at 3pm
  • The Skies Above – Daily at 1pm
  • Journey to the Edge of Space & Time – Daily at 2pm

Tuesday, July 5

  • 11am Bald Is Beautiful: The Bald Eagle – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm Goodies for Groundhog – Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Ipop & 8:30pm, Laser Country Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 6

  • 1pm Flower Pounding – Homeplace

Thursday, July 7

  • 2:15pm Truly Talon-ted – Nature Station

Friday, July 8

  • 7pm Laseropolis & 8:30pm, Laser U2 Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday & Sunday, July 9-10

  • 10am-5pm Drag Boat Races – Pisgah Bay For more info, contact 800-732-0088 or www.kdba.net

Owl at the Nature Station, Land Between the LakesAdorable Owl at The Nature Station. The animals at the Nature Station are incredibly well-cared for and loved!  These are birds and animals with injuries that could not live on their own in the wild – they’d become prey or die of starvation.  The Nature Station allows them to live their lives as pampered pets who get attention and adoration 24/7. It’s a very, very special place that no animal lover will want to miss. It’s also a wealth of education for children… of all ages!

Saturday, July 9

  • 10am – 4pm Women’s Handwork Day – The Homeplace
  • Roaming the Nights in Shining Armor: Armadillos – Nature Station
  • 1pm, 3pm Crafty Stepping Stones – Nature Station

Cost per person is NS admission + $3 per stepping stone. Reservations are required since materials are limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Kids are invited to make their own stepping stones.

  • 7pm Summer Cooler Night Fright Light & 8:30pm, Summer Cooler Night Laser Holiday Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, July 10

  • 1pm Hug a White Oak – Homeplace *International Year of Forests Program*
  • 2:15pm Insect Hike – Nature Station

Tuesday, July 12

  • 11am A Real “Hoot”-enanny – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm What in the World is a Whistle-Pig? – The Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Retro & 8:30pm, Laser Zeppelin Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 13

  • 10am Field Work – Homeplace

Thursday, July 14

  • 2:15pm Gentle Giants: Alligator Snapping Turtles – Nature Station

Friday & Saturday, July 15-16

  • 8pm (Rodeo) LBL Primitive Rodeo and Wranglers Grand Jubilee Wranglers Campground

For more info, call 270-924-2200 or 2201.

Friday, July 15

  • Ongoing from 11am-3pm Radical Reptile Booth – Golden Pond Visitor Center

Free to all LBL visitors. Stop by our booth at the Visitor Center to meet some live snakes and turtles.

  • 7pm Laser Beatles & 8:30pm, Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, July 16

  • 10am-4pm COOL & CRAWLY CRITTERS DAY!* – Nature Station

$3 children/$4 adults. Includes NS admission.
Hey kids! If bugs, snakes, turtles, frogs, and other slimy, slithery, and crawly critters fascinate you, then the Nature Station is the place for you today. Many special guests will be joining us to show off the critters they study. Check out all sorts of cool and crawly critters up close and personal, and meet scientists who study them!

Saturday, July 16

  • 1pm Old-Time Music Concert – Homeplace

Come on out today, rain or shine, for an old-time mountain music concert. Be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes.

  • 7pm Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Music Show 8:30pm, The Skies Above Astronomy Program 9:30pm Summer Nights– Golden Pond Planetarium

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes!

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Ox from The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized residents.  If I do say so myself, my husband takes amazing pictures! This one’s a favorite.

There’s nothing about the Land Between the Lakes that I don’t love (except maybe for the fact that there are no Starbucks). An animal lover since before I was born – don’t ask how I know, I just do – I love the Nature Station, the Bison and Elk Prairie, and the endless opportunities to see birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Another favorite destination in the wonderful Land Between the Lakes region is the Homeplace. Once again, there are plenty of animals for me to ooooh and ahhhh over. I’m all about the oooohs and the ahhhhs.

The Homeplace

The Homeplace is, essentially, a step back in time. Located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace is as educational as it is entertaining.  There’s also an outstanding gift shop that has just about everything you could hope for from a gift shop.  To read more about The Homeplace and its history, please click the link.

A Pickin’ Party on the Horizon!

Anytime The Homeplace hosts a party, it’s one for the books and, trust me, when there’s food involved, you’ll want to invite everyone you know.  The food is always positively mind-boggling – as delicious as food can possibly be.  As you’ll notice in the blurb below, food will be available for purchase (insert a BOO-YAH right about here). The Pickin’ Party will be in full swing (literally) on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

From LBL.org: Born of the heartland, raised in the river valleys, old-time country music this weekend will once again echo in the hills and hollows of LBL. For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850s farm family as they go about their daily chores. 1850s children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend.Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Click HERE for performer’s descriptions and schedule.

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Country Music, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace Tagged With: , , , ,

Land Between the Lakes Campgrounds Opening as Flood Waters Recede

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Kentucky Lake

This is welcomed news for campers in the Kentucky area. One of the most attractive areas for camping in this region is wringing out the welcome mat and anxiously awaits your return!
A recent press release informs us that Land Between the Lakes is close to returning to normal after devastating rainfalls throughout Kentucky.

Camping and Lake Access opportunities are returning as flood waters recede at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Lake levels for Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake are currently at 366.4 feet and dropping.

The majority of campsites are open at Energy Lake Campground; all sites will open by May 20. Hillman Ferry Campground expects to open reservations sites on May 20, and have all seasonal sites open by May 28; walk-in sites may not be available until after May 28. Piney Campground expects to open to seasonal campers May 19, and have reservation sites open by May 20. On May 20, visitors may begin making camping reservations for Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds by visiting www.lbl.org or calling 1-800-525-7077.

Friday, May 13, Wranglers Campground will have limited camping available and the Riding Stables will open. Due to storm damage and downed trees, camping space is limited. Camping will be first-come, first-served; call 270-924-2001 for availability. Wranglers will begin taking camping reservations by phone and on-line beginning May 17. A significant portion of trails are open at Wranglers, and day-use riding is currently available.

These additional LBL boat ramps, campgrounds, and lakeside campsites, trails, and day-use areas are currently open:

  • Center Furnace Trail
  • Cravens Bay Boat Ramp
  • Devil’s Elbow Boat Ramp; use caution
  • Fenton Boat Ramp; open by 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 13
  • Fenton Campground; sites 17-27 open
  • Fort Henry Trails System; except Pickett Loop
  • Gatlin Point Campground
  • Ginger Bay Backcountry Area
  • Hematite Trail; via Center Furnace Trail
  • Neville Bay Backcountry Area
  • Nickell Branch Backcountry Area; use boat ramp with caution
  • North/South Trail; southern portion only
  • Pisgah Point Backcountry Area
  • Redd Hollow Backcountry Area
  • Shaw Branch Backcountry Area; very limited parking
  • Star Camp–temporarily open to camping (Backcountry Camping Permit Required)
  • Sugar Bay Backcountry Area
  • Taylor Bay Backcountry Area
  • Twin Lakes Backcountry Area; use boat ramp with caution

Open LBL day-use facilities include North Welcome Station, Nature Station via Silver Trail Road, Elk & Bison Prairie, Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium, Golden Pond Target Range, The Homeplace, South Bison Range, and South Welcome Station. Activities such as picnicking and hiking will be available in limited areas.

Due to flooded roads, access may temporarily be restricted to cemeteries. Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area is closed due to saturated soil conditions and current flooding.

Some areas remain barricaded and closed for visitor safety. Observe all closures for your safety. Citations will be issued to anyone found beyond barricaded areas. Please check the Alerts & Notices page at www.lbl.org for current information, open/closed lists, and details before coming to LBL.

Filed Under: LBL, News Tagged With: ,

Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake: Rising Levels Affect Land Between the Lakes

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Kentucky Lake

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.

Filed Under: Blog, Featured, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, LBL, News Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes: Civil War Programs at The Homeplace

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Battle of Fort Henry - Civil War Panoramic Map
Battle of Fort Henry – Civil War Panoramic Map
Buy This Allposters.com

Look alive, history buffs! For those of us who just can’t get our fill of history, February is the month to venture to the Land Between the Lakes area.

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be hosting Civil War themed programs at The Homeplace, a living history farm on the Tennessee portion of LBL, Saturday, February 12 and 19 from 10am-3pm. These programs will be offered in addition to the popular Fort Henry Anniversary Walk to be held again on Saturday, February 5, from 2:30-4pm.

In February of 1862, “Between the Rivers” was bracing for war. Confederate forces occupied Fort Henry with Federal forces moving up the Tennessee River. Relive the events before and during the siege of Fort Henry on this free guided walk around the remnants of Fort Henry’s outer fortifications. Meet at Fort Henry Hiking Trail Parking Lot at 2:30pm on February 5, dress for the weather, waterproof footgear recommended, and moderate walking required. Prior to the walk, The Homeplace will be hosting a free Fort Henry Anniversary Program from 12:30-2pm.

On February 12 and 19, learn more about what life was like in this area during the years before war came to “Between the Rivers.” Visit The Homeplace for a glimpse of daily life in antebellum middle Tennessee. Enjoy a self-guided tour of a working second generation family farmstead and learn just how important rivers were to families in this area during the 1850s. Program available with paid admission; $4 adults, $2 ages 5-12, and free ages 4 and under. “We are very excited to be offering more Civil War themed programs at LBL,” said Cindy Earls, Special Events Coordinator. “To have programs at The Homeplace featuring what life was like before the war and offering a guided walk at Fort Henry during the anniversary of the battle, truly allows visitors a chance to see history come to life.”

All programs will take place weather permitting, as February weather can be very unpredictable. For more information on these programs or cancellation due to weather, call 270-924-2020.

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. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, maps, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Filed Under: Blog, Kentucky's History, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

How Does a River Cruise While Searching for Bald Eagles Sound?!

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Got the winter blues?  Then cast off on a river cruise with Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) staff to search the shores of Kentucky Lake for bald eagles while enjoying the comforts of the CQ Princess luxury yacht.

The first two cruises of the year are full, but space is still available on Monday, January 17.  Enjoy a delicious meal and relaxing cruise on Kentucky Lake for a unique experience on the CQ Princess.  On this three hour cruise, LBL interpreters will tell the story of our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle, as well as help you spot these majestic birds in the wild.

“Eagle river cruises are a wonderful experience,” said Carrie Szwed, Nature Station Public Programs Coordinator.  “You’ll enjoy great views of bald eagles and other wildlife while taking in the beautiful sights of Kentucky Lake and its forested shoreline.”

The CQ Princess is a 96-foot long vessel offering great visibility from inside its heated cabin or outside on the deck.  The CQ Princess departs from Kenlake State Resort Park Marina.  Restrooms and hot beverages are available on board.  For a view of the ship, visit .cqriverside.com.  The eagle lunch cruises are from 11am-2pm.  All tours cost $60 per person and include meals.

If you are interested in additional eagle tours, LBL also offers Eagle Viewing Van Trips from 1-4:30pm on Saturday, January 23, 30, and February 6.  LBL guides will take you to the best wildlife viewing hot spots on the 170,000-acre recreation area.  Tours require moderate walking.  Dress for the weather.  Meet and depart from the Golden Pond Visitor Center.  ($5 ages 12 & under, $7 ages 13 & up.)

Reservations & full deposits are required for all trips.  For more information or to reserve your space, call 270-924-2020 weekdays, 8am-4:30pm.
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.  We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, maps, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures.

 Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available on the www.lbl.org website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: , , , ,

New Fudge at The Hitching Post for Pumpkin Pie Lovers

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My husband (Michael) and a buddy of his recently played golf in the Land Between the Lakes area.   Since I didn’t marry a fool, the wandering golfers ate dinner at The Willow Pond in Aurora and paid a visit to the Hitching Post Country Store.

Sigh. I love a man with a brain.

I also love great catfish, so I love all of the Willow Pond restaurants.  But the Willow Pond in Aurora is extra-special.  Their hush puppies, for one thing, are simply the best.  The staff is extra-friendly, the food exceptional and…

…. it’s just down the road from one of my favorite spots in the entire state:  The Hitching Post Country Store. While there, Michael sampled the fudge.  I would have been beside myself except for one thing – he brought me a piece back.

My favorite varieties of fudge are peanut butter, Tiger Butter, and chocolate. H-O-W-E-V-E-R, the piece of fudge he brought back has thrown itself firmly into my list of favorites.  Pumpkin!  When I opened the paper, my dessert ninja nose knew instantly that this piece of fudge had pumpkin pie on its mind.

It was outstanding – far better than mere words can describe.  So, you know what that means, right?  You must take yourself, and every sweet tooth in your head, to Aurora, Kentucky asap and let the exceptionally friendly and warm people at the Hitching Post hook you up with this autumn-ly, Heavenly fudge.

While there, you’ll also wax brilliant if you buy a jar or two or twenty of Red Pepper Jelly.  Then, when you get home, take said jelly and pour it over a block of cream cheese.  Served with Ritz crackers, it’s a snack you’ll never forget.

Filed Under: Aurora, Food, LBL, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Land Between the Lakes Autumn Nature Celebration

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Is there anything more beautiful than autumn in Kentucky?! Our state is beautiful throughout the year, of course, but when fall rolls around, she really shows off.

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area will be offering a fall festival, Autumn Nature Celebration, on Saturday & Sunday, October 2 & 3. Come out to enjoy programs, craft activities, hikes, fall gardening tips, apple cider pressing, an evening campfire, and more at Woodlands Nature Station (NS) and The Homeplace (HP).

The weekend is filled with fun activities to welcome the coming of autumn. Saturday, the NS will feature Basket Maker, Janice Milligan, who will demonstrate the art of basket making throughout the day. Saturday also includes the popular evening program, Campfire Tales, from 6-8pm at the NS. Gather around the campfire for an evening of marshmallow roasting and storytelling! Bob Valentine, a local storyteller from Murray, KY, will present lively tales to entertain both children and adults. Arrive by 6pm to see the NS’s backyard animals on your way down to the campfire. Check-in begins at 5:45pm and stories begin at 6:30pm. Admission to Campfire Tales is $4.50 ages 13 and up, $3 ages 5-12. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and dress for a cool fall night. Reservations are requested.

On Sunday, the HP features demonstrations on putting up fruit during An Apple a Day, and getting the best yield out of your garden by using compost during Garbage in the Garden. At the NS, enjoy an early fall “Nature’s Bounty” hike.

“Autumn is such a beautiful time and there is so much going on in LBL–elk bugling, leaves changing colors, fruits ripening, songbirds and monarch butterflies flying south for winter,” said Dia Westfall, naturalist at the NS. “It is a wonderful season to get out and enjoy the outdoors!”

The following is a complete program schedule for the weekend. Some programs may require reservations or an additional fee. For more information, please call 270-924-2020. Smokey Bear will make appearances on Saturday at NS.

Saturday, October 2
10am-12pm: Nature Necklaces Craft -NS
10am-12pm & 1-4pm: Organic Gardening (w/Charles Berryhill) – HP
11am: In a Rut -NS
11am-3pm: Apple Cider Pressing – HP
12pm: Winter Weather Lore – NS
1:30pm: Critter Sing-along – NS
3pm: Natural Reflections: Nature Journaling – NS
6-8pm: Campfire Tales (w/Storyteller Bob Valentine) – NS
Sunday, October 3
11:30am: Truly Talon-ted – NS
1-3pm: An Apple a Day – HP
2-4pm: Garbage in the Garden – HP
2:15pm: Nature’s Bounty Hike – NS

Admission to the NS and HP is $4 ages 13 and up, $2 ages 5-12, and free for 4 and under. Entry cards to drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie may be purchased at all LBL facilities for $5 per car.
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 encouraged to review www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for their Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available on their website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, Blog, Events, LBL Tagged With: ,

Main Street Java: Where to Have Lunch in Benton, Kentucky

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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!

Filed Under: Benton, Food, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, LBL, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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