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You are here: Home / Archives for Events / Winter in Kentucky

Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…

December 28, 2022 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

The Pond Grilled Shrimp and Baked Potato.

Delicious Grilled Shrimp at The Pond in Aurora, Kentucky

If you’re anything like me, you LOVE to get out in all the hustle and bustle around the holidays – whether it’s Christmas shopping, hitting up all the after Christmas sales, or shopping for things that’ll help you with your ambitious New Year’s resolutions and goals.

Not to mention hitting up Starbucks for a Chai Tea Latte as often as possible.

The fact that we’re smack in the middle of a vicious cold and flu season (on top of ever-lurking COVID) is keeping a lot of people at home. I may be in the minority on this opinion – but I think that’s a bit sad. Unless you fall in a particularly vulnerable category (with pre-existing medical conditions), living your life in fear or allowing what “could” happen to dictate your life is, let’s just say, less than you deserve.

It’s a big, beautiful, endlessly fun and exciting world out there and we only get one chance to live this life. Always make the most of it! Having said that, naturally common sense has to (and should!) prevail.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, be EXTRA cautious. Flu, COVID, and even a cold can be more nasty for those of us with conditions than others. Me? I have bronchial asthma and Celiac, so I am cautious when I go out, as you should be whether you have conditions or not.

I’m so notorious for having hand sanitizers with me that I receive them in gift bags and in my Christmas stocking. I’m very happy to say I’ve gotten my family hooked on them as well. Even my two oldest grandbabies (ages 5 and 3) know to use them anytime we’ve been in a store or restaurant. I’ve taught them to use them effectively and they are more diligent than some adults!

In addition to hand sanitizers (seriously, you should always have a great supply… are you ready for it… on hand. Sorry I could not resist.), here are a few other ideas to stay active and involved but also stay well:

  • Get plenty of rest. The more rested you are, the healthy your immune system will be.
  • Eat right and drink green tea. Eating a healthy diet and drinking green tea also help keep your immune system in top working order. If you don’t like green tea, drink regular tea – it’s also very good for you.
  • Have your vitamin levels checked and talk to your doctor about vitamins and supplements. As I am not a professional, I won’t make any recommendations here but there’s a wealth of information online about zinc, vitamin c, and vitamin d. Each are frightfully important. Please talk to your doctor about what vitamins could help keep you well.
  • Airborne viruses can be nasty (more about just how WELL I know below). If it makes you feel better to wear a facial mask, wear it when you go out. Combined with safe-distancing and frequent use of a good hand gel, this will help put the odds in your favor.
  • Wash grocery carts with the provided towelettes.
  • When it’s cold outside, wear your gloves and continue to wear them in stores. When you come home, throw them in the wash and they’ll be ready to go next time!

I don’t want to, in any way, make light of seasonal illnesses. They’re nasty! Last year, around Halloween I got a cold and didn’t think much about it. Colds happen! But it held on and held on and kept getting worse until it went into all out bronchitis – the worst I’ve ever had. Bronchitis is hideous for anyone but for someone with chronic bronchial asthma, it’s next level and quite frightening. You feel like you’re breathing through a coffee stirring straw and have a nonstop cough, fever, and aches on top of it. Due to the fact a family member was going through an illness and surgery at the time, I didn’t go to the doctor nearly soon enough (I was the last thing on my mind at the time…. silly, I know) and it got really bad. When I did go to the doctor, he was CONVINCED it was pneumonia because of how bad my lungs and cough sounded (plus the high fever). X-rays showed it wasn’t anything that dramatic and a quick test proved it wasn’t COVID – I simply had the worst bronchitis known to man and was thisclose to the hospital.  So when I say I know how scary cold and flu season can be, trust me… I know. With that hideous bout of bronchitis, I even started sleeping with my asthma rescue inhaler under my pillow because I’d often wake up at night unable to get a good breath.

When cold and flu season hit this year, I’d be lying if I didn’t say the memories of that illness weren’t in the back of my mind. Something about coughing for over a month, being short of breath, unable to sleep, aching, and running a temperature for days doesn’t appeal to me. However, I realized that living in fear of what MIGHT happen or what COULD happen rob you of so much – spending time with family, making memories, and enjoying all the beautiful world has to offer.

You just have to be smart, that’s all. So, in conclusion, get out there and see the world, support local businesses, State Parks, restaurants, and stores. Spend time with your family and friends and make memories you’ll be proud and overjoyed to spend the rest of your life with.

Just be sure to keep your hand sanitizers on standby!

~ Joi (“Joy”)

Island View Restaurant at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

Island View Restaurant at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

 

Filed Under: Winter in Kentucky

Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty

December 26, 2022 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Cardinal 2014

Cardinal Riding Out the 2014 Ice Storm

Can you believe it’s been 8 years since the famous 2014 ice storm (well, it was famous here in Kentucky anyway!). While contending with the sub-zero cold, I’ve reminded myself several times that it could be worse. The ice storm knocked out power for so many for days and damaged so many trees and homes.

So, we may be freezing right now and navigating around in snow, but at least it doesn’t look like Elsa from Frozen just toured the state!

Stay safe, stay well, and stay warm everyone… Spring will be here before you know it.

~ Joi (“Joy”)

Spring at Green Turtle Bay

Spring at Green Turtle Bay

Filed Under: Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Cardinal in Winter, Kentucky Ice Storm pictures

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

Fireside Chats During February at Fort Boonesborough

January 16, 2019 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Fort Boonesborough State Park, Kentucky History, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Fort Boonesborough Events 2019, Kentucky events, Kentucky historical events

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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")

Flowering Tree in Bowling Green
Fraley Music Festival
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Kentucky News and Events

  • Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…
  • Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty
  • The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine
  • Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!
  • Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

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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Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

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