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Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Preparing to Open March 13

February 29, 2020 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Playground at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

I recently told one of my daughters, “I have never been THIS ready for spring and summer in my life!” I am, undoubtedly, one of the biggest fans of winter in the world. I love the cold, brisk air, I love the extra excuses to indulge in hot chocolate, coffee, and chai tea lattes and I love the sweaters, hoodies, and scarves.

I watch excitedly for snow even when it isn’t in the forecast, I love college and pro football, and I delight in making more soup and chili than my family can possibly eat.

Having said all of that…. bring on the sunshine! Baseball, car trips, fresh produce, trees in bloom, flowers, birds filling the trees, and visits to Kentucky State Parks and the Land Between the Lakes always make me eager for spring and summer – more so this year than ever, for some reason.

When I saw the following press release in my e-mail, I let out an audible, “Whoop!” I always get excited when Kentucky Events start dropping into the inbox because it’s as though Kentucky… and my very world… come back to life after a long nap!

If you frequently camp or are beginning the tradition, look alive… Camping season is about to open at Kentucky State Parks!

Continued Below….


Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

From the Kentucky State Parks:

“Our state parks are treasured by thousands of Kentucky families, including mine,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I hope to see Team Kentucky outside and having fun this year – stay safe and keep exploring!”

The camping season officially opens March 13, 2020, at all 30 Kentucky State Park campgrounds that feature about 2,300 campsites across the state.

“One of the most popular recreational activities at Kentucky State Parks every year is camping,” said Parks Commissioner Robert Conway. “We’re making some improvements at several campgrounds that our guests will like.”

During the month of April, all Kentucky State Park campgrounds are offering buy one night, get one free, Sunday through Thursday. (Use the promotion code “Spring2020” for online reservations.)

The weekend of April 24-26 is the annual Camper Appreciation Weekend when campers get two nights for the price of one. State park campgrounds are offering a variety of activities during Camper Appreciation Weekend, including entertainment, arts and crafts, putt-putt golf, bonfires, movies, cookouts and nature programs.

Several campgrounds will see upgrades during 2020. Electric upgrades are planned at Carr Creek State Park and General Burnside Island State Park is getting electric and sewer upgrades. Some sites at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park’s campground are being re-designed to better accommodate campers.

All state park campgrounds have water and electric services with dump stations or sewer hookups, along with picnic tables and fire rings at each improved site, and bathhouses. Primitive sites are also available.

Park sites will remain open through mid-November and a few remain open during winter months.

The campground at John James Audubon State Park remains closed in 2020 due to work on a nearby dam.

To make camping reservations at a Kentucky State Park or for more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Filed Under: Kentucky State Parks, News, Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Rough River Lake, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: camping in Kentucky, Kentucky events, Kentucky State Park camping

1850 Christmas at the Homeplace: Are You Ready to Meet Santa?!

November 22, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Christmas at the Homeplace (Land Between the Lakes)

As we often say on this Kentucky blog, the end of summer in NO WAY means the end of things to do and see in Kentucky. So grab your coat, gloves, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful Bluegrass all winter long!

The Homeplace will celebrate Christmas in 1850 on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 1 to 4 pm, inside the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area.

The Friends of Land Between the Lakes invite you to step back in time to the smell of pine needles and gingerbread and to stockings hung by the fire with care, to a simple 1850 Christmas at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum at Land Between the Lakes from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

Admission is $5 for ages 12 and above; $3 for those 5 to 12; and free for 4 and under.

Wander around the farm and visit the homes to see how the farm family decorated for the Christmas season. Learn how to make traditional Christmas decorations and collect recipes for holiday treats to make at home. Join in singing 1800s carols as we usher in Santa Claus’ arrival.

This special event is sponsored by Bristol Broadcasting Company, which operates nine full power radio stations in the Paducah, Kentucky, market, including 93.3 WKYQ, Today’s 24 Carrot Country and Willie 102.1, Country’s All Time Greatest Hits.

Fourth grade students can go to https://everykidinapark.gov, get their free Every Kid in a Park pass, and get their family in for free! For more information, call the Homeplace at 931.298.3133.

The Homeplace is located in the Land Between the Lakes at 4512 on The Trace

Photo Credit: The Land Between the Lakes

Filed Under: Christmas in Kentucky, The Homeplace, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Christmas events in Kentucky, The Homeplace Christmas 2019

Kentucky State Parks Offering Discounts to Current Military, Retirees, Veterans

November 10, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Lodge

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Lodge (Facing Kentucky Lake)

From the Kentucky State Parks:

Current and former members of the nation’s armed forces can receive lodging discounts at Kentucky State Parks with the “USA Military Discount” program from Nov. 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020.

Those on active military duty, retired members of the military, veterans, members of the National Guard and reservists, are eligible for the program.

With the USA Military Discount, lodge rooms are available starting at $59.95 a night; one-bedroom cottages for $79.95 a night; two-bedroom cottages for $89.95 a night and three-bedroom cottages for $99.95 a night. Tax is not included in these rates. These rates are good at resort parks and the cottages at John James Audubon State Park.

The rate is $5 more per night at these parks: Barren River, Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland and Natural Bridge.

The Kentucky State Parks have 17 resorts that offer golf, fishing, hiking on scenic trails, beautiful scenery and restaurants. Many resorts are near or include historic sites and museums and offer programs during the fall and winter, such as elk tours, eagle watching tours and entertainment.

This offer may not be used in conjunction with other special discounts or packages. The discount is based on availability, for leisure travel only, and may exclude special events and holidays. Proof of military service is required at check-in.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks and to make reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. For online reservations, look for the promotion code under special codes and enter “USA” to receive the discount for November-March.

During the months of April through October, current and former members of the military can get a 15 percent lodging discount. When making online reservations, use the code “MILI” to get the April-October discount.

Filed Under: Kentucky State Parks, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Kentucky State Parks, Military Discount at Kentucky State Parks

Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site October 18-20, 2019

October 13, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Salt Festival.Big Bone Lick State Historic Site wants to take you back in time during the 37th annual Salt Festival next weekend (Oct. 18-20, 2019).

The festival features live demonstrations of pioneer lifeways and frontier skills. Enjoy folk and Bluegrass music, listen to a storyteller, view prehistoric Ice Age artifacts, and observe a blacksmith working red-hot iron. See how salt was extracted from the waters of Big Bone, watch a flintknapper make a stone point, and discover how bison hair was spun into yarn. Browse the crafters corner to see the many local, handcrafted items for sale, and take advantage of the good eats at the food court.

This year’s festival entertainment will feature “The Journey of York,” the story of William Clark’s slave along the transcontinental expedition of the Corps of Discovery. Big Bone Lick was recently added to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Also returning to the festival field is All Nation’s Drum, an Intertribal Native American group showcasing traditional song and dance.

While visiting the park, be sure to drop by the park’s museum and visitors center to see some of the “big bones.” A shuttle van will transport event-goers to and from the festival field, museum, and campground at regular intervals.

Don’t miss seeing the bison herd, the park’s living link to Kentucky’s early history.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the park will host school groups. Schools interested in bringing classes to the festival should call the park at 859-384-3522 as pre-registration is required to receive the discounted school admission rate. Deadline to register is October 9. Regular festival admission is $5 per person; children 5 and under are free. Admission is open to the public all three days of the festival. The festival is cash only.

For information about the park, visit http://parks.ky.gov/parks/historicsites/big-bone-lick/. ; Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is recognized as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology for its significant role in the development of scientific thought regarding extinction and the relationship between geology and paleontology the world over. The park is located 22 miles southwest of Covington on KY 338, off US 42/127 and I-71 & I-75.  From I-75 north or south, take exit 175 to KY 338.  From I-71 north or south, take exit 62 to 127N/42E to KY 338.

Photo Credit: Kentucky State Parks

Filed Under: Autumn Fun, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Kentucky State Parks Tagged With: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Kentucky events, Salt Festival 2019

Wolf Week at Woodlands Nature Station October 5 -11!

September 29, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment


Red Wolf at Woodlands Nature Station

Woodlands Nature Station, in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, will celebrate Wolf Week October 5 – 11, 2019.

The Friends of Land Between the Lakes would love for your family to join them at Woodlands Nature Station during fall break for Wolf Week! The fun will run from 10 am – 5 pm, October 5 – 11, 2019 at the Nature Station.  Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, $3 for ages 5 – 12 and free for ages 4 and under.

You’ll see the beautiful endangered red wolves who call the Nature Station home.  Special wolf programs are offered each day, including feeding time (daily at 2:30 pm). You can even become a werewolf! Discover what makes this beautiful animal so very special.

As an animal lover, I LOVE opportunities like this, for several reasons:

  • Any time spent with animals makes my heart soar.
  • Learning more about animals helps us to be able to help them more – to keep species alive and thriving.
  • Aside from my family (including cats who are like family), animals and birds are my favorite things to photograph – so opportunities like this make me AND my camera extra happy.
  • The Nature Station is exceptional at putting on programs that help teach children to respect (and to help in any way they can) wildlife. We need more children growing up to be men and women who appreciate, love, respect, and want to preserve animals and birds who are counting on us. Their future depends on us as well as those who come after us.

Woodlands Nature Station will also be naming the resident female red wolf to go along with the male wolf that is already named, and you get to help! Join them during Wolf Week or on Facebook @woodlandsnaturestation to provide appropriate and educational name suggestions from September 30 – October 6, 2019, and then again to vote on the final names from October 7-12, 2019, with the winning name being announced during the Nature Station’s Woolly Bear Festival on October 13, 2019.

Programming includes:

Saturday, October 5
11 am – 1 pm – Wolf Origami
11:30 am – 12 pm – Club Tooth and Claw
12:30 – 2 pm – The True Story of the Three Little Pigs: A Puppet Show
1 – 3 pm – DIY Canine Track Books
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time
3:30 – 4 pm – Bites for Bobcat

Sunday, October 6
11 am – 1 pm – Playdough Puppies
11:30 am – 12 pm – Eat, Prey, Love
1 – 3 pm – DIY Canine Track Books
2:30 – 3:15 pm – Happy Wolf Day Party
3:30 – 4 pm – Sunday Funday – Crafty Coyotes

Monday, October 7
1:30 – 2 pm – The Rare Red: A Look Ahead
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time
3:30 – 4 pm – The Awesome Opossum

Tuesday, October 8
1:30 – 2 pm – I Wish I Were a Werewolf
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time
3:30 – 4 pm – Dinner Time for Bald Eagle

Wednesday, October 9
1:30 – 2:30 pm – Crafty Coyotes
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time
3:30 – 4 pm – For Goodness Snakes

Thursday, October 10
1:30 – 3 pm – The Art of the Wolf Paint by Number Workshop – $15 fee, registration required, call 270.924.2020
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time
3:30 – 4 pm – Vulture Culture

Friday, October 11
1:30 – 2 pm – Back With the Pack
2:30 – 2:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time
3:30 – 3:50 pm – Red Wolf Treat Time, Second Helpings!

For more information, please call 270.924.2299 or visit www.landbetweenthelakes.us.

Red Wolf at Woodlands Nature Station LBL

Filed Under: Autumn Fun Tagged With: Kentucky events, LBL, Woodlands Nature Station

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Welcome to Genuine Kentucky!

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.

We’re proud Kentuckians and the non-profit effort you see before you is a labor of love.

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Kentucky Blog Updates

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground

Playground at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park Campground I recently told one of my daughters, "I have never been THIS … [Read More...] about Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Preparing to Open March 13

Christmas at the Homeplace (Land Between the Lakes)

As we often say on this Kentucky blog, the end of summer in NO WAY means the end of things to do and see in Kentucky. So grab … [Read More...] about 1850 Christmas at the Homeplace: Are You Ready to Meet Santa?!

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park's Lodge (Facing Kentucky Lake) From the Kentucky State Parks: Current and former … [Read More...] about Kentucky State Parks Offering Discounts to Current Military, Retirees, Veterans

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Salt Festival.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site wants to take you back in time during the 37th annual Salt Festival next weekend (Oct. … [Read More...] about Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site October 18-20, 2019

Red Wolf at Woodlands Nature Station Woodlands Nature Station, in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, will … [Read More...] about Wolf Week at Woodlands Nature Station October 5 -11!

Civil War Days

If you're a Civil War buff, you'll want to be at Columbus-Belmont State Park during the weekend of October 11-13! The … [Read More...] about Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park (Oct. 11-13)

There's going to be a Pickin' Party at the Homeplace and you're invited! Philip Steinmetz, great nephew of Grandpa Jones, … [Read More...] about Homeplace Pickin’ Party at Land Between the Lakes 2019

Pulled BBQ Pork takeout from Moonlite

The Kentucky 100 (a new, twice-monthly publication that delivers 100-word stories and short videos to subscribers) asked … [Read More...] about Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Kentucky (Picked by Kentucky 100)

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"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")

Fraley Music Festival
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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail Through the Forest

Kentucky News and Events

  • Kentucky State Park Campgrounds Preparing to Open March 13
  • 1850 Christmas at the Homeplace: Are You Ready to Meet Santa?!
  • Kentucky State Parks Offering Discounts to Current Military, Retirees, Veterans
  • Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site October 18-20, 2019
  • Wolf Week at Woodlands Nature Station October 5 -11!
  • Civil War Days Weekend at Columbus-Belmont State Park (Oct. 11-13)
  • Homeplace Pickin’ Party at Land Between the Lakes 2019
  • Top 10 BBQ Restaurants in Kentucky (Picked by Kentucky 100)

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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