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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

Valentine’s Events at Kentucky State Parks

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Island View Restaurant at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

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

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Fort Henry

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.

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