Archives for February 2015

Fun 2015 Kentucky State Park Easter Events

February 28, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Flowers by the lodge at Pennyrile Forest State Park

Flowers in Front of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Beautiful Lodge

This event has passed, but you can find up-to-the-minute Kentucky Events on our Events Page. Also, check out some of the best things to do in Kentucky… most importantly, just get out there and enjoy our beautiful state!

Spring is so close you can almost feel it.

Almost….

Sure we still have snow on the ground in most parts of Kentucky and I’m not convinced we’ve seen the last snowflake fall, BUT we know spring is just around the corner. If I didn’t already know it, I’d certainly know it from the press releases I’ve been getting about spring and Easter events around Kentucky!

The following is from the Kentucky State Parks and, as you’ll see, the Parks have a lot going on during Easter weekend. Grab your camera, grab your family, and take off for as many state parks as you can humanly reach!

I have to tell you, I absolutely CANNOT wait to get outside at my favorite Kentucky at the State Parks and enjoy beautiful Kentucky!

Kentucky State Parks will be serving their annual Easter buffets April 5, and several parks are planning other special events.

The menu includes beef carved on the line, baked country ham, golden fried catfish and hush-puppies. The meal will also include fresh fruit, a cheese bar, garden vegetables, salad and desserts.

Several parks are planning egg hunts and other activities for guests. For more information, or to make lodging reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Here are Easter weekend events (all times are local):

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Children’s Egg Hunt, April 4

Over 2,000 eggs filled with candy will be hidden for girls and boys under the age of 12 to hunt. There will be four different age categories for children: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Eggs for each category will be hidden in different locations surrounding the Pioneer Museum. Prizes awarded for those who find the first-, second- and third-place eggs and eggs in each category. In cooperation with the Robertson County Tourism Commission, there will be two different hunts on the morning of April 4. At 11 a.m., age groups 0-2 and 3-5 (Sponsored by the Robertson County Tourism Commission). This hunt will be at the public pool ball field. At 11:30 a.m., age groups 6-8 and 9-12 (Sponsored by Blue Licks and the Blue Licks Commemorative Commission). This hunt will be at the historic battlefield in front of the Pioneer Museum. Call 859-289-5507.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Easter Egg Hunt, April 5

The Easter Bunny will be present at Buckhorn Lake as several hundred eggs filled with candy will be hidden for girls and boys the age of 12 and under. There will be different age categories and eggs will be hidden in different areas on the Marina Road. Easter bags with toys in them will be given out as well. The hunt will start at 2:30 p.m. Call 1-606-398-7510 for more information.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

Easter Weekend Getaway, April 3-5

Carter Caves will have family-oriented programs throughout the weekend. Events include egg coloring, scavenger hunting, a wildflower walk and other fun activities. On Easter Sunday, the park is serving the Easter buffet. The annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Carter Caves Homemakers with over 1,000 eggs for children 12 and under starts at 2 p.m. at the welcome center. Tours of Cascade and X-cave will be on a regular schedule. Call 1-606-286-4411.

Grayson Lake State Park, Grayson

Easter Crafts, Contest and Eggs, April 3-4

Campers at Grayson Lake begin decorating their campsite April 3 for the campsite decorating contest. Easter crafts at the campground shelter will be 3-4 p.m. The Easter egg hunt is Saturday, April 4, starting at noon. Age groups are 2 and under, 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12. Campsite decorating contest winners will be announced. Call 606-474-2553.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Easter Egg Hunt, April 4

It is a hopping good time at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park campground! Children age 12 and under are invited to come look for all the eggs hidden throughout the campground.We will have three age groups and 6,000 eggs along with prize eggs! You will have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and have your photo with him. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and there will be separate areas for different age groups. This event is free. Call 606-889-1790.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Eggstravaganza, March 28

Bring kids ages 3-7 for a hopping good time at the annual Eggstravaganza, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Audubon Museum. Children will enjoy Funny Bunnies Art, storytelling, live bunnies and Easter snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. The fee is $7. Contact Kim McGrew-Liggett 270-827-1893 orkim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Little Rembrandts – Funny Bunnies Art, April 3

Cherish those creative moments with your little Rembrandts at John James Audubon Museum. Art classes will meet once a month on Fridays from 10:30-11:30 a.m., with a variety of themes and art materials. Dress for a mess and discover the world of Art with Miss Kim. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. The fee is $5. Contact Kim McGrew-Liggett, kim.mcgrew@ky.gov or 270-827-1893.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Egg Hunt, April 5

Kenlake State Resort Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt on the front lawn of the Kenlake Hotel, April 5 at 2 p.m. Eggs will be stuffed with prizes for girls and boys in age categories 2 and under, 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance during the festivities. Enjoy breakfast in the Aurora Landing Restaurant from 7-10 a.m. and the Easter buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 270-474-2211.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt, April 5

Lake Barkley’s Windows on the Water Restaurant will offer its annual Easter buffet from noon-8 p.m. April 5. That afternoon, more than 3,000 eggs will be part of the park’s Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt! The Easter Bunny arrives at the fitness center at 2:30 p.m., and the egg hunt starts at 3 p.m., also at the fitness center. From toddlers to teenagers, bring your baskets and gather some goodies. The egg hunt is sponsored by employees of Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Friends of Lake Barkley SRP Inc. Call 270-924-1131.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Easter Egg Hunt, April 4

Several thousand eggs filled with candy or toys will be hidden for girls and boys under the age of 13. There will be different age categories, and eggs will be hidden in different areas for each category in the disc golf course area. Prizes will be awarded. The hunt will start at 1 p.m. at the disc golf course’s first hole. Call 1-270-343-3111.

Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg

Community Egg Hunt, April 4

The entire community is invited to the park at noon to take part in a long-running Harrodsburg tradition! Children up to 12 years old can search for eggs and candies hidden in the grass and compete in great fun and games. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Harrodsburg. Kids can have pictures made with the Easter Bunny. Call 859-734-3314.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Easter Eggcitement, April 5

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park invites you to enjoy the Easter buffet served noon to 8 p.m. Get pictures with the kids and the Easter Bunny at 1:30 p.m. ($2 per photo) and then take part in the free Easter egg hunt at 2:30 p.m. at the lodge. Events will be held rain or shine. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Pennyrile. Call 270-797-3421.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

Kiwanis Egg Hunt, April 4

The Pineville Kiwanis Club will be hosting its annual Easter egg hunt at Pine Mountain State Resort Park on Saturday, April 4, from noon-2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Some 1,500 eggs will be filled with candy and hidden in the cove. There will also be prizes for kids. Grilled hot dogs, chips, drink and dessert will be served. The Easter buffet will be served Sunday. Call 606-337-3066.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

Easter Eggstravaganza, April 4

Make plans to attend Rough River Dam State Resort Park’s giant egg hunt on April 4 starting at 2 p.m. Registration starts at 1:30 p.m. More than 5,000 eggs for children in age groups 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 will be hidden. Bring a camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny. Easter buffet on Sunday. Call 270-257-2311.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 49 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 website at http://www.parks.ky.gov

Kentucky Pictures of the Day: Fun in the Sun, Kentucky Style

February 20, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Golf Course

As I look out the window by my computer desk, all I see is white. Lots and lots and lots and lots of white. While it’s beautiful, the birds, squirrels, cats, and I want our green world back in the worst way.

Warmer days aren’t that far away and, before you know it, all the white will be replaced by beautiful lush green.

In the meantime, I thought a little reminder of warmer weather might do us all a bit of good.

Kentucky Lake

Golfing, boating, hiking, bird-watching… they’re all around the corner – even if the corner is covered in snow and ice at the moment.

Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina (Grand Rivers, KY)

Stay safe, stay warm, take extra precautions with outside pets, and keep thinking warm, green thoughts!

Black Eyed Susans, Rough River Dam State Resort Park

You May Be Able to Take the Kentuckian Out of Kentucky…

February 20, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Hancock County, Kentucky

Although I was born and raised in Kentucky (Madisonville, Ky to be exact) and have lived here most of my life, including now (Owensboro) – I have lived in a few other states over the years. I realized, right off the bat, that “outsiders” just don’t get it.

They don’t get a lot of things.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried to order “sweet tea” in Illinois. Hearing the accent, the server smiled and said she’d bring me an unsweet tea and a package of sugar.

I knew then that you were risking everything you held dear when you left the safe confines of the Bluegrass State.

At least the server in Illinois had a (weak as it was) solution. In Kansas, they’d never heard of fried green tomatoes or fried okra, so a solution was out of the question.

Don’t even think of ordering grits in some states. They’ll look at you like you have three heads – and not one of the three speaks their language.

They don’t “grill out” in a lot of other states either, they “barbecue.”

Barbecue. DO NOT tell a Kentuckian your “barbecuing” unless BBQ is actually involved. You’ll just break their heart.

Oh! Speaking of “hearts,” they don’t bestow as many blessings on hearts elsewhere in the country. As Kentuckians we freely give out these blessings…

“Well, bless your heart…”
“Awww, bless her heart…”
“Oh! Bless his heart!”

I got an e-mail a few days ago telling me about an article published online called 30 Things No One Tells You About Leaving Kentucky. They said I might want to share it with my readers.

Bless their hearts.

(Continued below the picture…)

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

I got a big kick out of the list and identified with quite a few – especially these:

The Wildcats will always be your home team. Absolutely! We’ve worn UK tees and sweatshirts in Indiana (that was especially fun), Illinois, Iowa, Florida, and Kansas. They’re always your team and you’re always proud to let the whole world know it.
You’ll long for lazy days at a Bluegrass Festival. Diet Coke in one hand while the other taps out a beat on your knee… good times!
You’ll be asked to repeat things. Yep. Although, to be honest, I’m certain they understand us, they just want to hear it again. If I had a dime for every time I’ve had to repeat “y’all” I’d be one rich Kentuckian.
There’s not a more beautiful place to explore the outdoors. TRUTH. If you travel much outside of the state, you’ll be struck (each time you return) by the vivid colors. The GREENs and BLUEs in Kentucky are simply more pronounced than just about anywhere else. We have trees, hills, horse farms, and such beautiful wildlife and birds here. Truth be told, we’re pretty spoiled.
There’s no nice like “Kentucky nice.” This is another one that you have to experience for yourself to realize just how true it is. Sure, there are pleasant and friendly people everywhere, but there’s just something different about a nice Kentuckian. After experiencing the difference a few times, I nailed it… an especially nice Floridian, Iowan, Hoosier, Tennessean (insert any of the 49 others) will treat you like a friend. The average Kentuckian treats you like you’re family. That’s why we wave at strangers… they’re cousins, aunts, uncles…
You never get used to unsweet tea. No. Way. In. Heck.

I hope you’ll click through and see which of the 30 you identify with. It’s a really funny article and you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement more than once: 30 Things No One Tells You About Leaving Kentucky.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a tall glass of sweet tea with my name on it…

Pictures of the Day: Looking for the Beauty in a Snowstorm?

February 18, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Cardinals with a winter-y fog as their backdrop.

Few things give me greater joy than birds and animals. I spend a great deal of time on these joys – loading bird feeders, squirrel feeders, cat dishes, and (of course) dishes left out for our resident raccoons, skunks, and possums.

My oldest daughter (who is, if we’re being honest here, as bad as I am!) calls me “Snow White” because I’m always caring for all things with fur, feathers, and (if it came down to it) scales.

And all without the help of 7 height challenged bearded men with varying personalities.

Suffice to say, this snow storm is making things pretty tough for Snow White.

The Casualties:

One bird feeder pole snapped in two and is lying in a heap, barely visible poking out of the ground.
A squirrel corn “chair” has fallen and can’t get back up.
A hanging bird feeder no longer hangs from its tree – it too is in a heap on the ground.
Other bird feeders are swinging so much in the wind that seed scatters almost as soon as I fill them up.
I’m wearing out the tread on my boots with frequent trips to dump out ice in water dishes and replace it with water… which doesn’t take long to solidify. But before doing so, it seems that every bird in the county comes for a fast drink.

Hurry up, spring!

While it’s making things a challenge, you can’t help but marvel at the beauty. Birds look as beautiful as ever against the white backdrop. With the way they pose for the camera, I’m pretty sure cardinals know just what a gorgeous sight they make.

That’s one of the secrets to happiness, I think. Knowing where to look to find the UPside to anything – and caring enough to look.

Sure there are dead car batteries, frozen water bowls (and ears and fingers and noses…), stalled cars, and a million and one inconveniences, but there’s also a lot of beauty.

You just have to look.

Kentucky Cardinals in Winter February 2015

Kentucky cardinal winter storm February 2015

Foggy, Snowy Winter Mornings in Kentucky

February 17, 2015 by Joi Sigers 2 Comments

Winter morning in Kentucky February 2015

Within 24 hours in Kentucky, February made up for a lack of snow and winter-y drama in December and January. What these months lacked, February flaunted in grand fashion.

If you’re like me and happen to love snow, you’re pretty amused. If not, amused may be the last thing to describe you.

Whichever side of the fence you’re on, you have to admit snow is beautiful – even if you’re one who has to admit it begrudgingly.

The pictures here were taken here in Owensboro yesterday morning and this morning (Monday and Tuesday – 16th and 17th).

There’s more snow in the forecast, so I’m sure there’ll be more Kentucky winter pictures in the near forecast as well!