Winter in Kentucky

2018-2019 Winter Schedule for Kentucky State Resort Parks

November 7, 2018 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

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

Valentine’s Events at Kentucky State Parks

February 5, 2018 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Island View Restaurant at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

While winter is a pretty slow time when it comes to Kentucky Events, Valentine’s Day is generating a little buzz. One of the things I love the most about Valentine’s Day (besides the chocolate!) is the fact that, for me, it marks the end of the long winter months. Granted, we aren’t even close to spring, officially, yet, but Valentine’s Day gets us one step closer and, by this time, I’ll settle for that!

From Kentucky State Parks:

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at a Kentucky State Park this year with your special someone! Many parks are offering events and weekend packages in February to help celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The packages include overnight stays, meals and entertainment. Kentucky State Resort Parks have lodges, restaurants and recreational opportunities.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Calvert City is offering an overnight package Feb. 10-11 that includes a cruise on the 96-foot heated yacht CQ Princess. The 2-1/2 hour cruise will include dessert tasting and eagle viewing. The package also includes dinner for two, a one-night lodge stay and breakfast for two. Call 270-362-4271 for reservations.

General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton is hosting its Perfect Harmony Dinner Theater on Feb. 10. Elvis impersonator Todd Bodenheimer from LaGrange, Ky., will bring his “Love Me Tender” show to General Butler. The package includes a lodge room for one night, dinner buffet, the Elvis show, and breakfast on Sunday morning. The package for two is $185.95 plus tax. Dinner and show tickets are available for $50, plus tax, a person. Call 502-732-4384.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup is hosting a Mystery Dinner Show on Feb. 3. Step back in time with the “Murderous Match Game” featuring the celebrities you loved back in the early 1970’s. Spend the evening dining and playing detective as you try to solve a “murder” by gathering clues and mingling with “suspects.” The park is offering overnight packages that include one night’s lodging and dinner and show for two for $140. Call 606-472-7324 for reservations.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park in Burkesville is hosting its Valentine’s Celebration Feb. 10-11. It includes a Saturday night dinner at the Island View Restaurant and a dance with music from the Starr Mountain Band. Packages are $174.96 and include dinner, dance, overnight lodging and breakfast for two. For more information, call 270-433-7431.

To find out more about other state park offerings, visit http://parks.ky.gov/valentines-weekend/

Fort Henry Anniversary Program at The Homeplace in the Land Between the Lakes

January 30, 2018 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

We were at this event last year and loved every minute of it. Few things history buffs love more than sitting and talking about history with fellow buffs!

From The Land Between the Lakes:

The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum in Land Between the Lakes remembers the 156th Anniversary of the Battle at Fort Henry with a program and walk on Saturday, February 10. Registration and full deposit for the day is required: $5/adults and $3/children. Call 270-924-2020 to make your reservation.

At 1:00pm in the Homeplace theatre, 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 156 years later.

Individuals can relive the siege with a guided walk along the Fort Henry Trails and Confederate fortifications, at 3pm. Participants will drive and meet at the Fort Henry Trail. The program and walk are weather dependent.

Interpretive Center will be open for this program; farm site will be closed. Doors open at 12:30pm.

Read more on the Land Between the Lakes Official Website by clicking here.

This Month: Christmas in 1850 at the Homeplace!

November 13, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

I’ve written so many raving posts about the Land Between the Lakes on Genuine Kentucky that I don’t even have to tell you anymore how obsessed we are with this particular region. I can just jump right into the event, review, of raves of the moment.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that tourist attractions, like the LBL, can only be enjoyed in the warm months. No, no, no, no… a million times no. I whole-heartedly recommend keeping an eye on the LBL’s Calendar of Events – this way you’ll know what’s just around the corner.

Or, you could do what we do – just go as often as possible and enjoy whatever happens to be going on at the time!

I know one thing for sure, we’ll be at the Homeplace on November 25 for Christmas in 1850. Like all Homeplace events, this one is perfect for the whole family.

The schedule of events for the day are below:

10am- 12 – Making Gingerbread Cookies

Gather in the warm Double Pen kitchen and help make gingerbread cookies to decorate the Christmas tree.

1 – 4pm – Christmas in 1850

Step back in time to the smell of pine needles and gingerbread and to stocking hung on the fire with care, to a simple 1850 Christmas. Wander around the farm and visit the homes to see how the farm family decorated for Christmas season. Learn how to make traditional Christmas decorations and collect recipes for traditional holiday treats to make at home. Then, sit back and relax to the old-time Christmas tunes and stories. Later, join in singing 1800s Christmas carols and await Santa Claus’ arrival!

Cumberland Falls Storytelling Festival Set For March 17-18, 2017

February 23, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Dupont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

An entire weekend in March will be dedicated to Appalachian stories and tales during the Cumberland Falls Storytelling Festival March 17-18.

The weekend kicks off Friday evening at 8 p.m. with a ghost story session. On Saturday, storytellers will take the stage throughout the day. The weekend will close with a Saturday evening concert at 8 p.m.

Participants will also have the opportunity to enter a liar’s competition during the lunch hour. Cost of the entire weekend is $25 per person. Tickets will be available at the door.

An overnight weekend package is available for $149 per person. Special weekend package includes two nights lodging, Friday dinner, three meals on Saturday, and admission to all sessions and concerts.

Featured speakers include:

Suzi Whaples offers a unique experience in storytelling. Her stories are her own, drawn from her heritage, her unique creations, or, occasionally a new twist on an old classic. Suzi intertwines the poignant, the encouraging, and the flat-out hilarious, whether she is taking you to the holler or to the county fair. She has performed at The National Storytelling Festival and as Teller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Stephen Hollen has been telling stories for over 35 years. He is an Appalachian storyteller, Mark Twain impersonator and full-time storytelling professional. His first experiences as a storyteller were sitting on a front porch in Clay County, Ky., listing to uncles, aunts, friends and family tell folk tales, Jack tales and all sorts of bone-chilling stories. Through the years Stephen has told stories in 28 states and Canada.
Amy Yeary Holmes began her storytelling career in the principal’s office of St. Paul High School in St. Paul, Virginia. Her knack for “telling it well” afforded her several opportunities, most notably a seminary degree. Amy now travels the Appalachian mountains and beyond presenting workshops, filling pulpits and telling stories. She specializes in spiritual stories about hope, healing and wholeness. She tells Bible stories, historical stories and personal stories sure to delight the audience.

For more information, contact Bret Smitley at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park at 606-528-4121.