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Easter Weekend Events at Kentucky State Parks

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Rough River Lake at Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Rough River Lake at Rough River Dam State Resort Park

The Kentucky State Parks are, literally, cooking up something special for the  upcoming Easter weekend and, unless you have to eat gluten free like I do, it’s a delicious proposition.

From the Kentucky State Parks:

Several Kentucky State Parks will be holding family-fun events during the Easter weekend and resort parks will be serving the annual Easter buffet on March 27.

State parks are planning egg hunts and other activities for guests. For more information, or to make lodging reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

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

In addition to the buffet, here are Easter weekend events (all times are local):

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

March 26, Nature Walk and More

Explore nature as it begins to emerge for spring with a guided Nature Walk with a member of the park’s interpretive staff at noon Saturday. You can also brighten up your wardrobe by creating your very own tie-dye tee shirt featuring spring colors (fee for shirts) at 9 a.m. Saturday. Plan to stay for the traditional Easter buffet on Sunday noon-8 p.m. Accommodations are available for overnight stays. Call 1-800-325-0057 for more information.

 

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

March 26, Children’s Egg Hunt

More than 2,000 eggs filled with candy will be hidden for girls and boys under the age of 12 to hunt. There will be four age categories for children 12 and under. Eggs for each category will be hidden in different locations surrounding the Pioneer Museum. Prizes awarded for those that find the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place eggs and “special” eggs in each category. In cooperation with the Robertson County Tourism Commission, there will be 2 different hunts. At 11 a.m., age groups 0-2 & 3-5 (Sponsored by the Robertson County Tourism Commission) will be at the public pool ball field. At 11:30 a.m. age groups 6-8 & 9-12 (Sponsored by Blue Licks & the Blue Licks Commemorative Commission) will be at the historic battlefield in front of the Pioneer Museum. Call 859-289-5507.

 

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

March 27, Easter Egg Hunt

Join Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 2:30 p.m. on the Marina Park Road.  Free to children 12 and under, divided into age area groups. The annual Easter Buffet will be served Sunday noon-4 p.m. Call 606-398-7510.

 

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

March 26-27, Easter Weekend Getaway

Carter Caves State Resort Park will have family-oriented recreation programs throughout the weekend.  This includes egg coloring, scavenger hunts and other fun recreational program opportunities.  The annual Easter buffet will be served Sunday noon to 8 p.m. and the park will host the Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Friends of Carter Caves with over 1,000 eggs for children ages 12 and under. The free egg hunt will start at 2 p.m. at the Welcome Center.  Tours of Cascade and X-cave will be on a regular schedule. Call 606-286-4411.

 

Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond

March 25-27, Eggciting Easter Fest

Fort Boonesborough State Park’s campground will host this Easter celebration with lots of activities.  Bingo, Easter crafts, an Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny, free putt-putt and tours, camper decoration contest, and a whole lot more.  There is a free continental breakfast on Sunday.  This event is for registered campers only.  For more information call 859-527-3454 or email jack.winburn@ky.gov

 

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

March 27, Easter Bunny Visits

General Butler State Resort Park will present the annual Easter Buffet from noon to 8 p.m. The Easter bunny will also be on hand for photos from noon to 4 p.m. in the lobby. Call 502-732-4384.

 

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

March 26, Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny has stopped by Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and has lots of eggs for the boys and girls!  Over 6,000 eggs will be waiting, just right for the picking in the campground, starting at 2 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to have your picture made with the Easter Bunny before he hops out of the park.  There will be three age groups (0-4 years, 5-8 years, and 9-12 years) and parents/guardians must accompany children. This event is free. Call 606-889-1790.

 

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

March 4, Little Rembrandts –“Extravagant Easter Eggs”

Cherish those creative moments with your little Rembrandts (ages 3-6) at John James Audubon Museum from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Art classes will meet once a month on Friday’s from 10:30-11:30, with a variety of themes and lots of 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. Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett, kim.mcgrew@ky.gov  (270) 827-1893. Cost: $5.

 

March 19, Eggstravaganza

Bring your little bunnies ages 3-8, to John James Audubon State Park’s museum for a good time 10:30 a.m. to noon at the annual “Eggstravagaza.” Children will enjoy art, storytelling, live bunnies and Easter snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required and the fee is $7. Call Kim McGrew-Liggett at 270-827-1893 or emailkim.mcgrew@ky.gov

 

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

March 27, Easter Fun

Kenlake State Resort Park will have an Easter Egg Hunt on March 27 at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the hotel. Prizes in different age groups (ages 12 and under) will be awarded. The Easter Bunny will be at the park. Bring your camera for photos. This event is free. There is also a breakfast buffet served 7-9 a.m. The annual Easter buffet will be served 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 270-474-2211.

 

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

March 27, Easter Egg Hunt

More than 3,000 eggs will be available for the park’s annual Easter Egg Hunt that starts at 3 p.m. The Easter Bunny arrives at the fitness center at 2:30 p.m. to help get things started. This egg hunt is sponsored by employees of Lake Barkley State Park and Friends of Lake Barkley SRP, Inc. The Easter buffet will be served noon to 8 p.m. Call 1-800-325-1708.

 

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

March 1-31, Meadows in the Bloom Exhibit

“Meadows in the Bloom,” an Easter exhibit, is coming during March! Victorian Easter traditions are on full display at My Old Kentucky Home the whole month! Come see the mansion fully decorated for the Easter holiday, and hear stories of Easter traditions dating back to the mid-19th century when the Rowan family was in residence at Federal Hill (My Old Kentucky Home). This new exhibit features a visually stunning display of Victorian Easter customs and explanations of how the tradition of Easter became one of the most important and celebrated holidays amongst 19th century Victorians. Call 502-348-3502.

 

Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg

March 26, Community Easter Egg and Candy Hunt

Old Fort Harrod State Park will again host the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Harrodsburg!  This annual event brings out hundreds of children every year to participate in the games, search for candy and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny!  Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event is sponsored by the Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club. Call 859-734-3314.

 

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

March 26, Easter Egg Hunt

The local Kiwanis Club will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26, at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The park will also be serving the annual Easter buffet on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Call 606-337-3066.

 

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

March 27, Easter “Eggcitement”

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will have the Easter Bunny on hand starting at 1:30 p.m. for pictures ($2 each) at the lodge. A free Easter Egg Hunt starts at 2:30 p.m. at the lodge. Events will go on rain or shine. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Pennyrile. The annual Easter buffet will be served noon to 8 p.m. Contact: Rebeccae.clark@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1711.

 

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

March 26-27, Easter Weekend Events

The Friends of Rough River Lake will present Easter 2016 Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 26.  The friends group will host a Giant Easter Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. with over 3,000 eggs hidden.  Registration begins at 1:30 with participants divided into four age groups: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.  Bring your camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. On Easter Sunday bring the family to Grayson’s Landing Restaurant to enjoy a delicious Easter buffet featuring all the traditional favorites.  Lunch begins at noon. Call 1-800-325-1713 for more details.

“Mining Show” at Carter Caves State Resort Park – April 2, 2016

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Carter Caves State Resort Park Creek
Carter Caves State Resort Park is absolutely beautiful and if you’ve never been, make this the year you go. Trust me, once you do, you’ll count the days until you can go back. It’s gorgeous and fun for people of all ages.

From the Kentucky State Parks

Mining Show at Carter Caves
The Eastern Mining Collectors Association will hold its fifth annual Spring Meet and Show at Carter Caves State Resort Park on April 2. Help celebrate this special event and the rich history of coal mining in Eastern Kentucky!

Vendors from across the country and as far away as Alaska will be at the show to sell, buy and trade mining artifacts used in the mining of coal, gold, silver and copper. The artifacts include lamps, mine signs, photos, posters and other items. They will also be available to give free appraisals of mining-related items that you might have hidden in your attic, basement or barn.

Visitors will have an opportunity to talk about coal mining and understand the work that it takes for a miner now, and years ago, to produce coal used for electricity.

The show is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2. The show is free. Contact Colin Gatland at cgatland29@gmail.com for more information.

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating and fishing. For more information about the park, call 1-800-325-0059.

Directions: From Interstate 64, Exit 161, take U.S. 60 east. Go approximately two miles and turn left on KY 182 north. The park entrance is three miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

See Also:

A Tale of Three Willow Pond Restaurants

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Willow Pond Restaurant in Aurora, Kentucky

Willow Pond Restaurant in Aurora, Kentucky

I’ve written A LOT about the three Willow Pond Catfish Restaurants near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Admittedly, I’ve written far more about the Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky than the other two simply because it has always been my favorite.

Unfortunately the “other two” is now the “other one” because the Willow Pond in Calvert City is no longer in business. I don’t have every single detail, only the fact that it closed down after being hit by lightning last summer, never re-opened, and that there are no plans to ever re-open.

This is REALLY bad news, for several reasons:

  • The restaurant had wonderful food. While the Aurora restaurant was always my favorite, the one in Calvert City was a close second.
  • The Willow Pond in Calvert City was perfect for diners who couldn’t get into the legendary Catfish Kitchen. The Calvert City Willow Pond was just minutes away and I’m sure, over the years, saved many people from starving when the wait was too long at Catfish Kitchen.
  • The wait at Catfish Kitchen will assuredly become longer (insert frowny face emoji).
  • The next closest Willow Pond is in Eddyville, and it’s just dreadful.

The only good news I can think of:

  • It’s not a bad drive to the Willow Pond in Aurora (near Kenlake State Resort Park). It’s a beautiful, quiet, and very friendly restaurant with delicious catfish, beans, grilled shrimp, hush puppies, and baked potatoes.
  • The Cracker Barrel in Calvert City is one of the best Cracker Barrels I’ve ever been to (and I’ve hit MANY in my time). Quite frankly, the fried catifsh at Cracker Barrel is as good as anyone’s fried catfish and the grilled catfish might be the best you’ll ever have in a restaurant. The flavor is perfection.

The Willow Pond in Aurora

I’ve written MANY reviews of the Willow Pond in Aurora, Kentucky. You can find everything you need to know about this restaurant (which happens to be one of my favorite places to eat in all of Kentucky OR any state):

The Willow Pond in Eddyville

Eddyville Willow Pond Catfish and Baked Potato

Willow Pond (Eddyville): The Butter that Wouldn’t Melt

It always pains me to have to write a negative review about a restaurant in Kentucky. I’d much rather focus on the positive. However, restaurant reviews are meant to help people and, in that vein, I feel like I have to tell you this: Until changes are made, you’d be much better off eating somewhere other than the Willow Pond in Eddyville.

If we’d read the words above before we gave this restaurant a second chance, it’d have saved us time and wasted money.  That’s why I even bother to do negative reviews, to save someone else from making the same mistake we made.  After all, time and money are both too precious to waste.

A few years ago (it could have been as much as three), we ate at the Willow Pond Restaurant in Eddyville. Nothing was as good as the food in Aurora or Calvert City’s Willow Pond restaurants.  The baked potatoes were even “nuked” as the server said, as opposed to Aurora’s Willow Pond where they arrive at your table fresh and hot from “BAKING” – as a baked potato should be.

A few nights ago, we were in Calvert City and, before learning that it’d closed down for good, planned to eat at Willow Pond.  When we saw that it was closed, we headed on toward Owensboro (home) and figured we’d eat somewhere along the way. We realized that we could stop in Eddyville and give their Willow Pond a second chance – after all, a couple of years can make a lot of difference, right?

Wrong.

The restaurant is beautiful, I will give them that, and our server was perfectly sweet. The young girl who seated us, although friendly enough, did what I call one of the cardinal restaurant sins – the restaurant was completely empty except for one single couple sitting at a booth. Did she seat us somewhere where we (and them) could enjoy a little privacy? Heck to the no.. she put us directly at the booth behind them – back to back.

In an empty restaurant.  Why can’t managers train their staff to do anything but that?  It’s as though they think they’re collecting diners… “Oooh, I’ve got a set! Better put these together…”

“If they don’t arrive together, don’t put them together.” – (apparently said no manager ever)

The menu is a little bit different from the Willow Pond in Aurora or the one that was in Calvert City, but the “mainstays” are the same.

Well, in theory.

I ordered the blackened catfish – which oddly enough was far redder than black. I immediately wondered, what’s he so embarrassed about?  I’d soon learn it was the potato. You can’t really tell from the picture above, but the “blackened” catfish was as red as could be.

Thing is, though, he was the highlight of the meal. He didn’t taste bad. As I told my husband, he kind of brought about feelings of indifference – not so bad that you’d spit it out, but not so good that you’d order it again.

The beans weren’t that great, to be honest. Watery and flavorless. Fortunately, the red pepper relish on the table saved the day. Pour enough of that onto beans and suddenly it doesn’t matter how they taste… or in this case, don’t taste.

The coleslaw was okay. Chopped to high Heaven, but at least it tasted alright.

The biggest problem, ironically, was again the baked potato. With each miserable bite, I kept wondering, “How do you mess up a baked potato?!?!?”  I bake potatoes and sweet potatoes at home all the time and I can tell you that a baked potato is as simple as turning on the oven (conventional, not microwave), piercing and oiling up the potato, salting him (my personal approach), and baking him either in or out of foil for an hour.  Take him out of the oven, let the butter melt across him and have yourself a baked potato party.

SIMPLE.

Yet, here my husband and I both sat trying to cut through cold potatoes.  We had to “cut” the butter in with our knives because neither potato was hot enough to melt the butter.  The potato tasted like it’d been cooked a day (or two… not saying three is out of the question) beforehand and had been kind of sitting around waiting for its big moment.

I’m not saying that IS what happened, I’m just saying that’s what it tasted like. Fresh was the last thing I’d have accused this potato of being. No, actually, I take that back, warm is the last thing, but fresh was right there with it.

As I’ve said in my restaurant reviews before, when people choose your restaurant, they’re trusting you. They expect their experience to be pleasant, their food to be good (and warm!), and their money to be well spent.  As things are, the Eddyville Willow Pond is simply not a good choice.  If this ever changes, I’ll let you know.

If you’re in the Kentucky Lakes area and want catfish, these are your best options:

  • Willow Pond in Aurora (grilled catfish, fried catfish, grilled shrimp..)
  • Catfish Kitchen  (fried catfish and even gluten free fried catfish!)
  • Cracker Barrel in Calvert City (fried or grilled catfish)
  • Kenlake State Resort Park (fried catfish)
  • Lake Barkley State Resort Park (fried catfish)
  • Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (fried catfish)

The Majestic Pizza & Steak House in Benton is also a great restaurant. Outstanding pizza, steak, salads, and their buffets are legendary.

When the couple we were practically seated with left, three really loud adults and a child came in and were seated… you guessed it… in the booth the couple had just vacated.

It just boggles the mind – to have that many seats and keep sitting people on top of one another. It does not hurt a server to  have to walk an extra couple of feet to take care of her diners. Her tips depend upon her diners having a great experience, after all. Set her and the diners up for success.

And, for crying out loud, bake your baked potatoes.

 

 

Beautiful Day at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

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Cumberland Falls

Beautiful Cumberland Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Last Saturday (January 30) was just too beautiful to stay inside, so we took off for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Although the weather was perfect, it was surpassed by the beauty of Cumberland Falls and the surrounding area.  This is yet another one of those times where I have to say “it”: The pictures simply do not do it justice. You have to SEE and EXPERIENCE Cumberland River, Cumberland Falls, and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park for yourself.

I can (and usually do!) take hundreds of pictures and sort through to find the best to show you, but you don’t get the full effect from pictures alone. For example, sitting behind Dupont Lodge, looking down at the Cumberland River (below) while listening to a chorus of birds and rushing water is something you have to experience for yourself.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Behind Dupont Lodge

View of Cumberland River Behind Dupont Lodge

It will take your breath away, this I promise you. I kept thinking how perfect it’d be to sit there enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea while thanking God for making me a Kentuckian.

Cumberland Falls, January 2016

Cumberland Falls

I’ll add more pictures and information tomorrow. I think we’re minutes from an epic storm here in Owensboro, so I’ve got hatches to batten down!

For information about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, click the link. You’ll find events, information, more pictures, and a great 2016 Calendar of Moonbow Dates.

"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

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