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You are here: Home / Archives for News / Entertainment / Holidays in Kentucky / Christmas in Kentucky

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

10 Christmas Gift Ideas at The Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky

September 11, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

RC Cola and Moon Pies
I have a confession to make. I think about Christmas year round. In fact, before Christmas day is over, I’m already thinking about what I want to bake, cook, and buy for the next Christmas. Mind you, I’m not saying I’m normal (that’s something I’d never even think about saying) – it just is what it is.

Since we have a large family, it’s actually a good thing that I have Christmas on the brain every day of the year. After all, if I waited until November and December to do all of my Christmas shopping, I’d never make it.

Neither would our bank account.

Right after Christmas, I begin buying Christmas gifts and hiding them away. You know how people are always saying they wish the Christmas Spirit could last all year long?  I’m here to tell you, it CAN.

On a recent trip to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, we (as we always do) stopped by The Hitching Post in Aurora. We always take the opportunity to browse around and stock up on jams, Kentucky food, homemade fudge, and bottles of vintage soda pop.

I kept seeing perfect Christmas gifts for my husband, our daughters & sons-in-law, and grandbaby (our first… he’s due in January!). Literally everywhere I turned I saw something that “so and so” just “has to have” and things that “such and such” would “absolutely flip sideways for.”

That’s when the idea for this post came about. I figured if my such and suchs and so and sos would flip sideways, yours will too. Below are just some of the gift ideas I spied on this trip. Trust me, we’ll be going back again soon and I’ll find more.

In other words, there’ll be future posts just like this one…. Christmas on the brain, you know.

The first gift idea of the 10 is the RC and Moon Pies gift set at the top. The “Redneck Six Pack” has 2 RC Colas and 4 Moon Pies. This would, obviously, be a perfect idea for anyone, whether their neck is red or not.  I mean, everyone loves delicious RC and Moon Pies.

Gift ideas number 2-10 are below.

Gift Idea for Teachers

Christmas Gift Idea for Teachers, Principals & Childcare Workers

The adorable Colored Pencil Frame (above) would be ideal for teachers, principals, or anyone who works with children for that matter.

It’s even cuter in person – very well made and affordable.

Grandparent's Sign at the Hitching Post

Gift Idea for Grandparents

As I said, above, we are expecting our first grandbaby in January and we couldn’t be more excited. I cannot wait to get my hands on him and spoil him like any self-respecting grandmother should! The sign, above, would make a wonderful (and downright honest) gift for any grandparent.

 

Gift Idea for Pet Lovers

Gift Idea for Pet Lovers

Whether the pet lovers in your life are owned by cats (like me) or are owned by dogs, the pet lovers sign, above, would make them nod in agreement and maybe even give a few, “AMEN”s – I know I did when I read it.

Happiness is a Kentucky State of Mind

Gift Idea for Proud Kentuckians

Okay, this one probably applies to all of us. This beautiful “Happiness is a State of Mind” (with our beloved Kentucky in the middle) sign would make a wonderful gift for all Kentuckians. Whether they are still blessed to live here in the Bluegrass OR they’re Kentuckians who now have to call somewhere else “home.” Then again, even when we Kentuckians have to live in another state, only one comes to mind when we hear the word “home.” When we temporarily lived in Florida, whenever I’d hear the word “home” – I didn’t think of the beaches, dolphins, and pelicans, I thought of the hills, horses, and cardinals.

There really is NO place like home.

Gift Ideas for Kentucky Fishermen and Women

Gift Ideas for Fishermen and Women

The picture above is just a fraction of the great gift ideas for people who love fishing (or hunting, for that matter). There are countless books, trinkets, signs, and fun gifts for people who spend a lot of time fishing and even more time thinking about fishing.

 

Elmwood Inn Tea

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas for Tea Lovers

A few Christmases ago, my husband gave me a glorious gift basket that included a container of Elmwood Inn Fine Tea bags (like the ones pictured above). I’ve been obsessed with this beautiful tea since. People who aren’t tea lovers (what do you people even drink??) might not believe it, but there is a HUGE difference in different teas. You can taste the quality in really special tea and Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is a perfect, perfect, perfect example. A container or two of this wonderful tea in a bag with a lovely teacup would be a gift any tea drinker would love.

If that wasn’t a sufficient enough hint for my family, I’m losing my touch.

Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt

Gift Ideas for Cooks

It takes a cook to know what cooks want… what they really, really want… so you’re in good hands with me. I cook, therefore I am. Does that sum it up enough? I am as passionate about cooking as Garfield the cat is about napping and I always find SO many wonderful foods, spices, seasonings at The Hitching Post as well as the Old Country Store right beside it. Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt and Pepper are absolutely delicious on and in just about anything.  The flavor and aroma is out of this world and I know they also make Bourbon Smoked Sugar but honestly can’t remember if I saw it at The Hitching Post or not.

Another favorite that I have trouble living without is something called Taste Elevated Sweet and Tangy Mustard Seeds (badly pictured below… my old phone sucked at taking pictures). I cannot even tell you how delicious it is. Why I’ve never taken a better picture of it is beyond me, but it is phenomenal – we love it on hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, in egg salad sandwiches, on deviled eggs, on crackers…. one of the best ways to enjoy it, however, is with pretzels. This delicious spread/dip is one of those things you have to try to believe how delicious it is.

It’d make a great gift idea for any foodie or cook, but be sure to grab yourself a jar while you’re at it.

Trust me.

 

Taste Elevated Sweet and Tangy Mustard Seeds

The Hitching Post also has a lot of Christmas ornaments and decorations throughout the store as well. I’d imagine that they’ll even have more as we get closer to Christmas. I mean, even I realize it’s still a few months away.

Journals

Writers, Students, Note-Takers, and Planners

The adorable journals pictured above are extra, extra special. I wanted just about every single one – except for the retirement journal… I mean, retire from what? You could find a perfect journal for just about anyone on your list. Seriously, these are super cute.

Funny Sign at the Hitching Post

Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Laugh!

Last… but far from least… you’ll find endless gifts for people who love to laugh. If you ask me, it’s downright dangerous to take life too seriously and the people at The Hitching Post seem to really get that. I mean they seem to really, really, really get that!

The sign above and the “Mug Shots” below are just a few of the hilarious gift ideas. You will, literally, find yourself surrounded with hundreds of great gift ideas.

Mug Shots

Until the next 10, I have supper to cook and Christmas to think about…

~ Joi (“Joy”)

P.S. Did I mention we’re expecting a grandbaby???

 

Filed Under: 2017 Christmas Gift Guide, Christmas in Kentucky, Kentucky Food, Kentucky Lake, The Hitching Post Tagged With: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas in Kentucky, Hitching Post Aurora

Christmas Events at Kentucky State Parks (LOVE This Time of Year!)

November 17, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Kentucky Dam Village Christmas Wreath

Christmas Wreath at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

The weather hasn’t gotten the memo yet, but we’re getting closer and closer to Christmas! The Kentucky State Resort Parks do almost everything* perfectly and decorating for Christmas is no exception. I love visiting as many as possible around Christmas just to see the beautiful decorations.

The Parks are prepared for the winter holidays with decorations, candlelight tours, special meals, entertainment and other unique events planned.

The historic homes, Waveland, White Hall, My Old Kentucky Home and the Butler-Turpin House, all have special Christmas tours planned. Resort parks are planning special meals and events for the children. See a list of events at: http://parks.ky.gov/holiday-events/

State parks are a great place for Christmas and holiday gatherings, in addition to get-togethers throughout the year. The resort parks have restaurants, meeting areas and gift shops that offer unique gift ideas. That includes Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift cards, which are valid at Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

All resort parks will be open for lodging seven days a week this winter and make for a wonderful weekend getaway or a holiday party.

Many state resort parks will also hold New Year’s Eve parties and dinners Dec. 31. To get more information, buy a gift card or to make a reservation, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

* The only thing they don’t do perfectly is they don’t have “gluten-free” meal options yet. Since I had to give up wheat and gluten (for health reasons), I can’t eat at the resort parks any more and I miss them a lot! I have a feeling they’ll come up with gluten free options sooner rather than later and when they do, you’ll see tons of food here on Genuine Kentucky as I write about each one.

Filed Under: Christmas in Kentucky, Kentucky State Parks, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Christmas events at Kentucky State Parks, Christmas in Kentucky

Candles at The Hitching Post: Kentucky’s Iconic Country Store

May 27, 2016 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Beautiful Candles at The Hitching Post

You Won’t Believe How Great These Candles Smell!

Two of of my three daughters (Emily and Stephany) and I have a tradition that kind of allows us to make Christmas last all year long. Beginning in January, we start “rounding up” Christmas gifts for loved ones and we stash them away in hidden totes until the day after Thanksgiving… then the wrapping begins.  My other daughter (Brittany) is like my husband/their father, Christmas officially begins in December and they will not consider any other approach!

Many of these candles, at The Hitching Post (Aurora, KY, near Kentucky Lake) are destined for my hidden Christmas totes.  Let’s make no mistake about it, though, they’re also destined for my kitchen, dining room, den, bathrooms… They are Heavenly.

Each one smelled out of this world – Lilac & Wildflowers, Cabin Fever, Lemon Cheesecake, Honeysuckle Pear, French Thyme… and my personal favorite, Eucalyptus Lavender.

Candles like this make excellent gift ideas because it’s one thing people always want and need. These beauties are extra special because you can clean them out after the candle has been used up and use the beautiful little jar as a vase or to hold anything from Q-Tips to kitchen gadgets.

Whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or Christmas, these are ideal gift ideas. You’ll actually find endless gift ideas in The Hitching Post & Old Country Store – vintage games, antiques, Kentucky Food, books, toys, souvenirs…

Each time I go, I tell myself the same thing, “I could, literally do ALL of my Christmas shopping here!”

Just don’t tell my husband or Brittany. They get migraines when I talk about Christmas before the 4th of July.

But still….

Candles at The Hitching Post
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Filed Under: Christmas in Kentucky, Kentucky Lake, Shop, The Hitching Post Tagged With: Kentucky Gift Ideas, Kentucky Souvenirs, shopping at Kentucky Lake, The Hitching Post

Special Holiday Schedules at Land Between the Lakes

December 3, 2015 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Golden Pond Planetarium, Land Between the Lakes

Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory

So we meet again, December. The trees are settling in for their winter’s slumber, the air is crisp, UK basketball is shaking things up, Christmas is around the corner, and I’m never without a Chai Tea Latte by my side.

Sigh, I love this time of year.

With cooler weather, however, comes changes in hours and days a lot of places are open for business. When it comes to locally owned businesses (especially the smaller ones), it’s always best to call first. Never assume anyone is open every day of the week in the winter.  You might find yourself scrambling for a place to eat supper at 4:30 pm – been there, done that!

The Land Between the Lakes has released the Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day hours for the Golden Pond Visitor Center and the Administrative Office.

The Elk & Bison Prairie (one of my favorite places on earth) will remain open through the holidays. The prairie, like the region itself, remains beautiful throughout the winter. I hope you won’t allow cold weather to keep you from enjoying the beautiful LBL.  Photographers will always find a million and one opportunities for the “shot of a lifetime.”  There’s a lot to be said for bare trees and fewer crowds, after all. You can see the birds, nests, and wildlife much easier.

The Golden Pond Visitor Center and the Administrative Office at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area will have special hours during the 2015 holiday season.

Golden Pond Visitor Center:

  • Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, Open 9am-3pm
  • Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, Closed
  • New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, Open 9am-3pm
  • New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2016, Closed

Administrative Office:

  • Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, Closed
  • New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, 2016, Closed

The Elk & Bison Prairie Wranglers Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area and Trails remain open during the holidays.

“Call Before You Haul” 270-924-2000 or visit www.LandBetweenTheLakes.us and click on Alerts to check for any trail closures due to excessive wet weather conditions.

Filed Under: Christmas in Kentucky, Golden Pond Planetarium, Holidays in Kentucky, LBL, Winter in Kentucky Tagged With: Land Between the Lakes holiday hours, LBL

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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.

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Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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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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