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You are here: Home / 2016 / Archives for January 2016

Archives for January 2016

2016 Kentucky State Parks Family Adventure Quest

January 26, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Time does nothing but flat out fly! 2016 actually marks the 11th year for the Kentucky State Parks Family Adventure Quest – the digital photo scavenger hunt for families or friends – and it seems like the first one was just last year.

The following is a great description of the Family Adventure Quest, straight from the Kentucky State Parks:

Kentucky State Parks Adventure Quest 2015

Team Avengers, 2015

Learn park history and search for the perfect photo op as you explore Kentucky State Parks at your own pace throughout 2016!  Teams will choose an east or a west booklet when registering.  This means that about one-third of the quests which are park-specific, will be in the eastern or western half of the state.

The remaining two-thirds are not tied to any particular park and can be completed wherever the team chooses to visit based on the challenge. You may be seeking an historic building, hunting for critter tracks, or exploring a golf course!  Let your quest booklet serve as a guide to a year’s worth of adventures with your friends or family.

Teams have until Dec. 2, 2016, to complete as many quests as they like in an effort to have fun and win prizes. It’s a great goal-oriented way to explore the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the nation’s finest park system.

A digital camera is necessary to capture your team’s fun along your journey, and your photos just might show up on the park website or Facebook page. In fact, you can earn a point just for sharing a picture of your team on a quest to the Kentucky State Park’s Facebook page.

Participants from 2 months old to 73 years young enjoyed the quest in 2015, and once they start, many teams repeat year after year. Thirty-four teams of the 142 that signed up in 2015 were repeat participants. One team has participated for 10 years now!

Team Avengers from Louisville completed their second year in 2015.

“Our family enjoyed exploring parts of our beautiful state that we may not have ever made time for. Thanks!” said team captain Kriston Glasnovic.

The Avengers completed 11 quests, which earned them a lodging certificate and three passes to the park fort, house tour, or museum of their choice.

By correctly completing just 10 or more quests, a team will receive a certificate for a one-night stay at the park lodge of its choice (Sunday through Thursday) and free passes to park museums or forts. Complete 20 quests and receive the lodge stay and passes, plus a $25 Kentucky State Parks gift card. Complete 25 quests and get the lodge stay, passes and a $50 gift card.

There are actually four bonus opportunities, so if there is a quest you don’t want to do, you can choose one of the bonus quests to take its place.

“Loved the bonuses. It was great to have options and be able to get 25 quests completed,” said Ivy Jones, captain of Team Wild Jones,’ from Elizabethtown, who also finished their second year of participation in 2015 and won the top prize!

Teams have until Dec. 2, 2016 to submit their quest booklet and CD of photos. If planned out properly, the first prize level can be attained by visiting as few as four different parks.

A $15 registration fee gets you the quest booklet, a commemorative bandanna map, a compass (yes, to be used for a quest), bonus coupons for some of the destinations involved, and informational materials to help you along your way.

More details and registration forms can be downloaded at www.parks.ky.gov (look for the “Family Adventure Quest” button), where you can peruse the photo gallery of past participants.  You can also pick up a registration form at any Kentucky State Park starting in February.

Photo Credit: Kentucky State Parks

Filed Under: Events, Kentucky State Parks, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: 2016 Kentucky State Parks Family Adventure Quest, events at Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky family events, Kentucky State Parks

Wasabi Express in Owensboro, Kentucky

January 20, 2016 by Joi Sigers 2 Comments

Sushi at Wasabi Express in Owensboro, Ky

Sushi at Wasabi Express, Owensboro

Before Wasabi Express, I had never even considered ordering sushi. I’m not sure why but I never thought I’d like it. Fast forward to today… I could, honestly, eat sushi every single day of my life – IF it came from Wasabi Express.

There are actually two Wasabi Express restaurants in Owensboro now. The one I always go to is on Southtown (636 Southtown Blvd, right off of Frederica, near Wal-Mart). The new one is on Highway 54. I haven’t been to the new one, yet, but I hear that it’s just as excellent as the original.

This restaurant review was written BEFORE I had to start eating gluten-free. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to eat at Wasabi Express because I have no idea what (if anything) on the menu would be gluten-free. If you have to eat gluten-free, I would not recommend this restaurant. Many dishes include soy sauce which is not gluten-free – Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce, but few restaurants use it.

I’m not sure how we got lucky enough to have two wonderful sushi restaurants in Owensboro, but I’m not going to question it, I’m just going to enjoy it. Often.

Wasabi Express also has great rice, and both their chicken soup and house salad are absolute legends. The menu also includes hibachi, appetizers, edamame, LOTS of sushi, and more.

It’s just a perfect, serene, and delicious place for lunch or dinner.

Sushi at Wasabi Express in Owensboro, Ky

More Wasabi Express on Genuine Kentucky:

  • Pictures from Wasabi Express
  • Great White Shark Sushi Roll from Wasabi Express
  • Wasabi Express in Owensboro (Review)

Filed Under: Owensboro, Owensboro Gluten Free Dining, Owensboro Restaurants, Restaurant Reviews, Where to Eat Lunch Tagged With: best restaurants in Owensboro, Owensboro Restaurants, Sushi in Owensboro, where to eat in Owensboro

2016 Job Fair at Beautiful Green Turtle Bay

January 18, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Green Turtle Bay Job Fair 2016
 

Beautiful Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky is hosting it first annual Job Fair on February 19, 2016 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm in the Green Turtle Bay Conference Center.

Whether you’re interested in a part-time, full-time, or seasonal job, mark your calendar today. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful “office.”

See their PDF by clicking here for more information (the PDF will open in a new window).

Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina

Click through the gallery below for more pictures of Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina!

Condos at Green Turtle Bay
Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina
Green Turtle Bay
Geese at Green Turtle Bay
Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina Behind Dockers

See the official Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina website for more information.

Filed Under: Events, Grand Rivers, Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, News Tagged With: Grand Rivers, Green Turtle Bay, Kentucky Job Fairs 2016, Kentucky Jobs, News

Fort Henry: 154th Anniversary in the Land Between The Lakes

January 15, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Fort Henry
 

If, like us, you’re both a History Buff and fan of the Land Between the Lakes, the following news from the LBL will be of particular interest.

From the Land Between the Lakes:
The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum in Land Between The Lakes and Fort Donelson National Battlefield are partnering to remember the 154th Anniversary of the Battle at Fort Henry with a program and walk on Saturday, February 6.

A program about local Civil War history will be presented from 1-2:30pm at the Homeplace. A guided ¼ mile walk follows the program from 3-4pm at the Fort Henry Trail parking area. Participants will drive and meet at the Fort Henry Trail. The walk is weather dependent. Registration and full deposit for the day is required:  $5/adults and $3/children. Call 270-924-2020 to make your reservation. Interpretive Center and gift shop will be open for this program; farm site will be closed. Doors open at 12:30pm.

Invited historian, Susan “Ski” Witzofsky, sets the stage for war “Between the Rivers.” In February of 1862, Confederate forces occupied Fort Henry as federal forces moved up the Tennessee River. The program will cover Fort Henry’s construction, battle, and legacy 154 years later. Individuals can relive the siege with a guided walk along the Fort Henry Trails and Confederate fortifications.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield will also host a Walk at Fort Heiman the same day from 10-11am. Meet park staff and volunteers for a brief walk around the historic features at Fort Heiman. For more information, contact 931-232-5706 x110 or visitwww.nps.gov/fodo. Program is weather dependent.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area manages more than 170,000 acres in western Kentucky and Tennessee as part of the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture’s public lands program. Land Between The Lakes offers outdoor recreation, lake access, land management, and environmental education to over 1.4 million visitors annually. The Friends of Land Between The Lakes works in partnership with the Forest Service providing program services, funds development, and volunteer support.

To find more information about Land Between The Lakes, log on to the official website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call toll-free at 1-800-LBL-7077 or local at 270-924-2000. For more information on the Friends of Land Between The Lakes, log on to www.friendsoflbl.org.

Filed Under: Kentucky History, LBL, News, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Fort Henry, Kentucky Civil War events, Kentucky events, News

Columbia, Kentucky Becomes the 12th Official Trail Town

January 11, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Columbia, Kentucky has become the 12th official “Trail Town” thanks to its bicycle routes and paddling opportunities.

“We’re proud to add Columbia to the growing list of Trail Towns.  The presence of Lindsey Wilson College will help support and attract people to outdoor recreation in the area.” –   Bob Stewart (Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary)

The Kentucky Trail Town Program is designed to help connect communities to trail systems and develop them as tourist destinations. It will guide travelers to trails, food, lodging, campgrounds, museums, entertainment and other services. The designation will help communities improve their tourism economy, add more jobs and create more tourism opportunities for the entire state.

“Congratulations to all of the people in Columbia who have worked on the Trail Town certification,” First Lady Jane Beshear said. “Certification as a Trail Town will help Columbia develop its tourism businesses and will benefit the entire area.”

More than 30 communities have started the application process to become a Trail Town and are working with the Office of Adventure Tourism in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

Columbia joins Dawson Springs, Livingston, Morehead, Olive Hill, London, Stearns, Elkhorn City, Jamestown, Manchester, Royalton, and Berea as official Kentucky Trail Towns.

Some of the outdoor attractions that are offered in the Columbia area include 25 miles of paddling on Russell Creek, which flows into the Green River; Green River Lake; a new local outfitter, Longhunter Outfitters; and Lindsey Wilson College, which has supported award-winning cycling teams.

The Office of Adventure Tourism will provide guidance to interested communities on issues such as trail development and signage, information and resources from other state agencies and how other communities have been successful by linking trails and services.

Once a community receives the Trail Town certification, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Department of Travel and Tourism and Office of Adventure Tourism will help promote and market these communities and the services being offered. They will be highlighted on maps, websites, visitors’ guides and other state promotional material.

For more information about Trail Towns and adventure tourism in Kentucky, visit www.kentuckytourism.com

Kentucky Trail Towns

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Columbia Ky, Kentucky Trail Towns

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Genuine Kentucky is a Kentucky Blog and online magazine celebrating the beautiful Bluegrass State. We shine the spotlight on Kentucky with pictures, restaurant reviews, news, tourism, Things to Do in Kentucky, and more.

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Kentucky Blog Updates

Kevin Hardesty as Daniel Boone

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Kenlake State Resort Park's Lodge Spring and Summer aren't the only times you'll enjoy a visit to the Kentucky State Parks - … [Read More...] about 2018-2019 Winter Schedule for Kentucky State Resort Parks

The wonderful video and song below are from Kentucky's own Chad Hoard. This is the title track from Chad's debut album "Old … [Read More...] about Old Things New (Official Music Video) by Chad Hoard

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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year! The crispness in the air, football on tv, the UK Wildcats starting to hit the court, … [Read More...] about Snap Apple Night 2018 at The Homeplace Tomorrow Night!

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Carter Caves State Resort Park When I think of "hidden gems" in the Kentucky State Park System, a few parks come to mind. … [Read More...] about Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’ Sept. 5-8 at Carter Caves State Resort Park

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Saturday, August 11 9:30am-12pm | Hummingbird Photography Workshop Hands-on workshop with instructors who'll show photos … [Read More...] about Upcoming August Events at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes

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Kentucky News and Events

  • Fireside Chats During February at Fort Boonesborough
  • Sandhill Crane Tours Jan. 23-27, 2019 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park
  • 2018-2019 Winter Schedule for Kentucky State Resort Parks
  • Old Things New (Official Music Video) by Chad Hoard
  • Snap Apple Night 2018 at The Homeplace Tomorrow Night!
  • Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin’ Sept. 5-8 at Carter Caves State Resort Park
  • Upcoming August Events at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes
  • The Front Porch: Deliciously Off the Beaten Path Restaurant in Marion, KY

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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If you have a Kentucky Blog - or you're simply a Kentuckian who blogs! - you might want to consider adding your blog to a new KY Blogs Database. It's run by "one of us," as in a fellow Kentuckian! Click the link to check it out. I've added Genuine Kentucky and will be adding my other blogs as well.

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