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Things to Do in Kentucky!

On the following pages you'll find many fun things to do in Kentucky. Whether it's fishing on one of Kentucky's many lakes, exploring caves, visiting a Kentucky State Park, hiking, or golfing a great Kentucky golf course, there are plenty of fun things to do in Kentucky. Just remember to bring your camera! If you're unsure of a date for an event, please leave a comment, e-mail me, or contact me on Twitter (@GenuineKentucky).

Homeplace Pickin’ Party at Land Between the Lakes 2019

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There’s going to be a Pickin’ Party at the Homeplace and you’re invited!

Philip Steinmetz, great nephew of Grandpa Jones, is among the artists scheduled to perform at this year’s Pickin’ Party. Given his musical roots, he’s ideal for this annual musical celebration of Old Time Music!

Did you know that Louis Marshall “Grandpa” Jones was born in Niagra, Kentucky?

The Pickin’ Party will take place at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm (4512 The Trace in the Land Between the Lakes) on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2019 from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Special admission price for the day is $7 for ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 5-12. Admission includes entry to the farm and doors open at 9 am.

From the Land Between the Lakes:

Enjoy the best in Old Time Music as it echoes through the hills, hollows and the river valleys of the Homeplace. Old Time Music represents the oral traditions of our ancestors brought with them from the old world, then changed to reflect experiences in their new homeland. Today Old Time Music is our connection to the past; we can hear their voices telling stories of hardships, sorrows and celebrations of good times.

Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle or harmonica and join in on the fun during open mic and the jamming sessions. Take a stroll around the farm and visit with the farm family and the farm animals about their daily work and enjoy daily programs throughout the farm. Festival food will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Artists scheduled to perform include:

  • Phillip Steinmetz, great nephew of Grandpa Jones
  • Fret-less banjo picker and blues guitar performer Mark Dvorak
  • Paducah’s own Wheelhouse Rousters
  • 21st anniversary Pickin Party performance of Dixie Volunteers String Band
  • Common Thread, talented women who perform old time favorites
  • Nathan Blake Lynn and Josh Coffey return as masters of ceremonies

Sponsors for the event are Kentucky Machine & Engineering, Inc. Cadiz, Kentucky; Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz, Kentucky; and WKMS, Murray, Kentucky.

Other programming includes:

  • Saturday, June 8
    1-3 pm – Strong as an Ox
    1 -3 pm – Get Your Homeplace “Driver’s” License
    3:30 pm – Piggin’ Party
  • Sunday, June 9
    1– 3 pm – Sweet Jamming at the Single Pen
    1– 3 pm – Game of Graces

Fourth grade students can go to https://everykidinapark.gov/ to receive a free Every Kid in a Park pass, and get their family in for free. For more information, call the Homeplace at 931.232.6457 .

Woodlands Nature Station will celebrate Harry Potter Appreciation Day on March 30, 2019

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Gorgeous owl at the Nature Station

I can remember (years and years ago) when the first Harry Potter book came out. I had ran into Kroger to grab something (story of my life) and saw the books on display. Figuring it was a big deal, I grabbed a copy to take home to my girls. Their reaction let me know it was a very big deal, indeed, and I could do no wrong in their eyes for weeks on end!

The Nature Station is having an especially fun event for the Harry Potter fans in your life… heck, you may even be one, yourself! They’re calling it Harry Potter Appreciation Day and it sounds like a lot of fun. After enjoying the fun at Woodlands Nature Station, head over to the 1850 Homeplace for a special night of storytelling!

There are two special story-based events coming up this month. Harry Potter Appreciation Day will include multiple events at the Woodlands Nature Station and the 1850 Homeplace will host a special night of storytelling, both on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Programming for Harry Potter Appreciation Day at the Woodlands Nature Station includes:

10am-4pm – Seeker of the Snitch
The Golden Snitch is flitting around somewhere in the backyard! Brush-up on your seeker skills and see if you can find it! When you find it, snap a photo and report back to the Quidditch Referee for a prize!

10am-4pm – The Triwizard Tournament Training Course
Think you have what it takes to compete in the Triwizard Tournament? Test your skills in this rigorous training course, available one day only! Test your magical ability, intelligence and courage to see if you could handle the real deal!

11am-4pm –Make Your Own Wand
Expelliarmus! Let’s have some fun and create our own magic wands using native wood and natural materials! Turn an ordinary stick into a wand with a little crafty magic!

11am-4pm – Potions
Turn to page 394! Attend this year’s Potions demonstration and take home a “potion” sample of your very own! Which will you make? Felix Felicis for luck? Amortentia for love? Polyjuice potion for trickery? You decide!

11am-12:30pm – Fantastic Beasts of LBL and Where to Find Them Hike
Join guest instructor “Mudpuppy Scamander” (distant relative of the famous Newt) in learning how to find the fantastic beasts that live deep in the woods and waters in Land Between the Lakes. Go on a ½ mile hike to check out a variety of habitats and see if you can locate any fantastic beasts’ homes!

12pm-2pm – Herbology
Plants are truly magical! Using just sunlight, water and soil they create energy, grow and make beautiful flowers! Join Professor Gillyweed to learn what plants need to grow and plant your own niffler-attracting mariGOLD!

12:30-1:15pm – Outstanding O.W.L.s
It’s time to earn your O.W.L. (Ordinary Wizarding Level) in owls! Test your owlish knowledge with a fun game and see if you earn an Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations or Troll!

1:30-2:15pm – Defense Against the Dark Arts
Aspiring wizards need to know practical techniques of defending themselves against dark charms, creatures, and spells. We will study how some of the fantastic beasts of Land Between the Lakes defend themselves using tricks such as camouflage, poison and mimicry, and how we can use their methods in our magical adventures!

2:30-3:15pm – Care of Magical Creatures
How do you care for an owl? What do bowtruckles eat? These topics and more will be covered in your very first Care of Magical Creatures class! In this course, we will learn about magical creatures from the world of Harry Potter and also how to care for creatures from our world. Hippogriffs not included (advanced classes only).

All activities are included in Nature Station admission fees, which are $5, ages 13 and up; $3 ages 5-12; and free for ages 4 and under.

Evening Storytelling at the Homeplace is scheduled for March 30, 2019.

Want to hear tall tales from years ago? Don’t miss the Evening Storytelling at the Homeplace, 5:30-7:30pm. Cost is $5 per person, a separate fee from Homeplace admission. Be sure to note that this fee for the storytelling is in addition to the admission fee.

Reservations are required and space is limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Pre-registered participants will meet at The Homeplace Interpretive Center at 5:30pm, storytelling begins at 6pm;

Traditional refreshments will be served during the break. Be prepared to laugh and have a great time as you enjoy this rare evening experience in 1850.

Fireside Chats During February at Fort Boonesborough

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Kevin Hardesty as Daniel Boone4-Week Series Features Kentucky Historical Figures!

From Kentucky State Parks: Featuring famous characters from Kentucky history, a series of “Fireside Chats” sponsored by Fort Boonesborough State Park and the Fort Boonesborough Foundation will start at the Richmond park beginning Feb. 2, 2019.

The fireside chats will be offered every Saturday during February, starting at 6:45 p.m. each day in the museum blockhouse. A “Taste of Frontier Fare” will be offered each Saturday from 5:30-6:15 p.m., and the 18th Century Tavern blockhouse will be open from 5-6:30 p.m. with free cider, treats and games.

Below is the schedule of portrayals of Kentucky historical figures:

  • Feb. 2: Daniel Boone, Kentucky explorer and pioneer, portrayed by Kevin Hardesty.
  • Feb. 9: Jemima Boone, daughter of Daniel, portrayed by Betsy B. Smith
  • Feb. 16: George Rogers Clark, Revolutionary War hero and founder of Louisville, portrayed by Mel Hankla
  • Feb. 23: Maggie Delaney, indentured servant, portrayed by Carol Jarboe.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and children under 12 are $5 each. Reservations are required due to limited seating. All proceeds benefit the Fort Boonesborough Foundation.

The gift shop will also be open.  Guests interested in browsing are encouraged to make time to come a few minutes early.  Call 859-527-3131 or visit fortboonesboroughlivinghistory.org for more information.

In addition to a reconstructed fort, the park also has a campground, hiking trails, mini-golf, picnic shelters and a gift shop. Fort Boonesborough is located near Richmond. From Interstate 75, take Exit 95 to KY 627. On I-64, exit at Winchester to KY 627.

Photo Credit: The picture of Kevin Hardesty as Daniel Boone is from the Kentucky State Parks.

Sandhill Crane Tours Jan. 23-27, 2019 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

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Sandhill Cranes at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Fellow bird lovers, here’s something I know you’ll be interested in! Beautiful Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas, KY) is hosting its Nature Watch Weekend from January 23 to January 27 (2019).

Each year, thousands of Sandhill Cranes make Barren River Lake a stop on their journey back home.  Join fellow bird enthusiasts as you get up close to these beautiful cranes as they migrate through the area.  Just imagine the photography opportunities.

Participants can register for one of two trips. The morning sunrise trip takes guests to the roosting site before sunrise to experience the beauty of the cranes leaving the roost as they journey to nearby cornfields to spend the day. The sunset trip begins by viewing the birds in the cornfields and ends at the roosting site so you may view the magnificence of thousands of cranes circling overhead as they get ready to settle down for the night.

Each of these trips will be lead by naturalists from the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Please note that the dates selected are based on historical records under normal weather conditions in January and past trends of the cranes’ arrival in this area.  This narrow window of opportunity can vary by several days based on weather and the cranes’ migration schedule.

Registration is $45 per adult, $40 for seniors, and $30 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The registration fee includes all educational sessions, a box lunch, a long sleeve t-shirt, and your choice of a morning or afternoon tour by van.

Call the park at 270-646-2151 for information and reservations.  Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a lodge, cottages and restaurant.

Photo Credit: The beautiful picture is from the Kentucky State Parks. Visit the Kentucky State Park website for more information about Barren River Lake State Resort Park as well as the other parks.

2018-2019 Winter Schedule for Kentucky State Resort Parks

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Kenlake State Resort Park's Lodge

Kenlake State Resort Park’s Lodge

Spring and Summer aren’t the only times you’ll enjoy a visit to the Kentucky State Parks – they’re just as warm, welcoming, and fun during the fall and winter. In fact, maybe even more so because they’re quieter and less crowded!

The resort parks have different hours during the colder months, so always double check before leaving home. Below is their recently announced schedule for the winter months.

Each of the Kentucky State Park Resort Parks will be open on weekends through the winter months in 2018-2019.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be open seven days a week; the other 15 resort parks will have different schedules, with many of them closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Restaurant schedules will also be based on the resort schedules during the winter.

All resort parks have lodges and food services; 15 parks also have cottages. Cottages will be open daily at these parks through the winter.

There will be no changes for full-time staff within the Parks – all will be working their normal hours during the winter. On days the resort parks are not open to the public, staff will be cleaning and repairing park facilities.

Below are the winter dates and schedules for the 17 resort parks. The first day listed is the day of the week available to check in a lodge room, the second day is the check-out day.

Barren River Lake, Dec. 3, 2018-March 2, 2019, open Wednesday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Blue Licks Battlefield, Nov. 12-April 1, open Thursday (check in) through Sunday (check out)

Buckhorn Lake, Nov. 1-March 31, open Friday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Carter Caves, Dec. 27-March 3, open Wednesday (check in) through Monday (check out).

Cumberland Falls, Dec. 16-March 3, open Tuesday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Dale Hollow Lake, Nov. 11-March 1, open Thursday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

General Butler, Dec. 23-March 31, open Wednesday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Greenbo Lake, Nov. 1-March 30, open Thursday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Jenny Wiley, open daily.

Kenlake, Dec. 9-March 10, open Thursday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Kentucky Dam Village, Nov. 12-March 1, open Thursday (check in) through Monday (check out).

Lake Barkley, Nov. 25-Feb. 27, open Wednesday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Lake Cumberland, Dec. 1-Feb. 28, open Wednesday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Natural Bridge, open daily.

Pennyrile Forest, Dec. 14-March 3, open Friday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Pine Mountain, Jan. 1-Jan. 31, open Wednesday (check in) through Monday (check out).

Rough River Dam, Nov. 4-April 30, open Thursday (check in) through Sunday (check out).

Many resort parks will host seasonal events such as Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas programs and New Year’s Eve parties.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks or to make reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov

"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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