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

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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
More of The Hitching Post on Genuine Kentucky (Newest Listed First):

Always a Great Time: 18th Annual Pickin’ Party Old-Time Music Festival Returns to the Homeplace

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Annual Homeplace Pickin Party
Pickin’ Party Old-Time Music Festival
Make no mistake about it, it’s always the right time to visit the Land Between the Lakes. There’s always so much to see and do – fun for the whole family. Next month, The Homeplace will be THE place to be on June 11th and 12th, especially if you love great music.

The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm hosts the Pickin’ Party Old-time Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs, ground blankets, to relax under the cool shade trees while enjoying old-time music. The festival offers open mic opportunities for local musicians and attendees. Festival food is available for purchase at the farm. Visitors may bring their instruments for jamming sessions on both days at Land Between the Lakes.

“Hear some of the best old-time, string band, and bluegrass musicians in the south,” says Cindy Earls, Lead Interpreter at the Homeplace 1850s Farm. “We have local performer, songwriter, and folklorist, Nathan Blake Lynn, and fiddler, Josh Coffey, to MC this festival in the hollow. We also ask that everyone thank our sponsors–Kentucky Machine and Engineering in Cadiz, KY, and Murray State’s WKMS, who help make this event possible.”

This year’s lineup includes crowd favorites as well as newcomers:

Mandolin builder, Mike Holmes, also works his craft all weekend and offers his handmade mandolins for sale. In the event of rain, the Pickin’ Party moves to the indoor theater.

Festival and farm admission is $7 ages 13 and up, $5 ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and under.

If you choose to stay overnight in the beautiful Land Between the Lakes region, be sure to consider the local Kentucky Resort State Parks:

Golden Pond Planetarium Ramps up Shows for Summer

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The Golden Pond Planetarium at Land Between The Lakes has a lot in store for the 2016 summer season. Laser and evening planetarium showings, and Star Parties, offer activities after 5pm starting in May, and lasting all summer.

The planetarium dazzles visitors with multi-colored laser light shows synchronized to popular music across the 40-foot dome. Seasoned astronomers guide and educate children and adults. They use telescopes to observe the dark night sky.

Evening Planetarium Shows and Star Parties:  Members of the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers host Star Parties, weather permitting. Free telescope viewings follow the 8pm show beginning in June.

  • May 28; 6:30pm planetarium show; 8pm Star Party
  • June 4 and 18
  • July 2 and 16
  • Aug 6 and 20

Laser Lights Music Shows:  The Planetarium projector beams intense and colorful laser light designs and animations on the dome. Featured artists include Metallica, U2, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Strait, The Beach Boys, Shania Twain, The Beatles, and many more. Doors open 30 minutes before show times.

  • 5pm and 6:30pm on Saturday nights beginning Saturday, May 7
  • 5:30pm and 7pm on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights beginning Friday, June 3
  • 8pm bonus laser shows June 11 and 25; July 9, 23, and 30; August 13 and 27

Enhance your laser lights show experience with special 3D laser viewing glasses available in the gift shop.

Due to safety concerns, doors close after shows begin. Discount and Fun Cards are not accepted for laser shows. For a complete schedule of evening laser shows, visit the Planetarium page on the Land Between the Lake’s Official website.

You can also learn more by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

 

Easter Weekend Events at Kentucky State Parks

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Rough River Lake at Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Rough River Lake at Rough River Dam State Resort Park

The Kentucky State Parks are, literally, cooking up something special for the  upcoming Easter weekend and, unless you have to eat gluten free like I do, it’s a delicious proposition.

From the Kentucky State Parks:

Several Kentucky State Parks will be holding family-fun events during the Easter weekend and resort parks will be serving the annual Easter buffet on March 27.

State parks are planning egg hunts and other activities for guests. For more information, or to make lodging reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

The resort park buffet menu includes beef carved on the line, baked country ham, golden fried catfish and hushpuppies. The meal will also include fresh fruit, a cheese bar, garden vegetables, salad and desserts.

In addition to the buffet, here are Easter weekend events (all times are local):

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

March 26, Nature Walk and More

Explore nature as it begins to emerge for spring with a guided Nature Walk with a member of the park’s interpretive staff at noon Saturday. You can also brighten up your wardrobe by creating your very own tie-dye tee shirt featuring spring colors (fee for shirts) at 9 a.m. Saturday. Plan to stay for the traditional Easter buffet on Sunday noon-8 p.m. Accommodations are available for overnight stays. Call 1-800-325-0057 for more information.

 

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

March 26, Children’s Egg Hunt

More than 2,000 eggs filled with candy will be hidden for girls and boys under the age of 12 to hunt. There will be four age categories for children 12 and under. Eggs for each category will be hidden in different locations surrounding the Pioneer Museum. Prizes awarded for those that find the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place eggs and “special” eggs in each category. In cooperation with the Robertson County Tourism Commission, there will be 2 different hunts. At 11 a.m., age groups 0-2 & 3-5 (Sponsored by the Robertson County Tourism Commission) will be at the public pool ball field. At 11:30 a.m. age groups 6-8 & 9-12 (Sponsored by Blue Licks & the Blue Licks Commemorative Commission) will be at the historic battlefield in front of the Pioneer Museum. Call 859-289-5507.

 

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

March 27, Easter Egg Hunt

Join Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 2:30 p.m. on the Marina Park Road.  Free to children 12 and under, divided into age area groups. The annual Easter Buffet will be served Sunday noon-4 p.m. Call 606-398-7510.

 

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

March 26-27, Easter Weekend Getaway

Carter Caves State Resort Park will have family-oriented recreation programs throughout the weekend.  This includes egg coloring, scavenger hunts and other fun recreational program opportunities.  The annual Easter buffet will be served Sunday noon to 8 p.m. and the park will host the Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Friends of Carter Caves with over 1,000 eggs for children ages 12 and under. The free egg hunt will start at 2 p.m. at the Welcome Center.  Tours of Cascade and X-cave will be on a regular schedule. Call 606-286-4411.

 

Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond

March 25-27, Eggciting Easter Fest

Fort Boonesborough State Park’s campground will host this Easter celebration with lots of activities.  Bingo, Easter crafts, an Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny, free putt-putt and tours, camper decoration contest, and a whole lot more.  There is a free continental breakfast on Sunday.  This event is for registered campers only.  For more information call 859-527-3454 or email jack.winburn@ky.gov

 

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

March 27, Easter Bunny Visits

General Butler State Resort Park will present the annual Easter Buffet from noon to 8 p.m. The Easter bunny will also be on hand for photos from noon to 4 p.m. in the lobby. Call 502-732-4384.

 

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

March 26, Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny has stopped by Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and has lots of eggs for the boys and girls!  Over 6,000 eggs will be waiting, just right for the picking in the campground, starting at 2 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to have your picture made with the Easter Bunny before he hops out of the park.  There will be three age groups (0-4 years, 5-8 years, and 9-12 years) and parents/guardians must accompany children. This event is free. Call 606-889-1790.

 

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

March 4, Little Rembrandts –“Extravagant Easter Eggs”

Cherish those creative moments with your little Rembrandts (ages 3-6) at John James Audubon Museum from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Art classes will meet once a month on Friday’s from 10:30-11:30, with a variety of themes and lots of art materials. Dress for a mess and discover the world of art with Miss Kim. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett, kim.mcgrew@ky.gov  (270) 827-1893. Cost: $5.

 

March 19, Eggstravaganza

Bring your little bunnies ages 3-8, to John James Audubon State Park’s museum for a good time 10:30 a.m. to noon at the annual “Eggstravagaza.” Children will enjoy art, storytelling, live bunnies and Easter snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required and the fee is $7. Call Kim McGrew-Liggett at 270-827-1893 or emailkim.mcgrew@ky.gov

 

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

March 27, Easter Fun

Kenlake State Resort Park will have an Easter Egg Hunt on March 27 at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the hotel. Prizes in different age groups (ages 12 and under) will be awarded. The Easter Bunny will be at the park. Bring your camera for photos. This event is free. There is also a breakfast buffet served 7-9 a.m. The annual Easter buffet will be served 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 270-474-2211.

 

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

March 27, Easter Egg Hunt

More than 3,000 eggs will be available for the park’s annual Easter Egg Hunt that starts at 3 p.m. The Easter Bunny arrives at the fitness center at 2:30 p.m. to help get things started. This egg hunt is sponsored by employees of Lake Barkley State Park and Friends of Lake Barkley SRP, Inc. The Easter buffet will be served noon to 8 p.m. Call 1-800-325-1708.

 

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

March 1-31, Meadows in the Bloom Exhibit

“Meadows in the Bloom,” an Easter exhibit, is coming during March! Victorian Easter traditions are on full display at My Old Kentucky Home the whole month! Come see the mansion fully decorated for the Easter holiday, and hear stories of Easter traditions dating back to the mid-19th century when the Rowan family was in residence at Federal Hill (My Old Kentucky Home). This new exhibit features a visually stunning display of Victorian Easter customs and explanations of how the tradition of Easter became one of the most important and celebrated holidays amongst 19th century Victorians. Call 502-348-3502.

 

Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg

March 26, Community Easter Egg and Candy Hunt

Old Fort Harrod State Park will again host the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Harrodsburg!  This annual event brings out hundreds of children every year to participate in the games, search for candy and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny!  Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event is sponsored by the Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club. Call 859-734-3314.

 

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

March 26, Easter Egg Hunt

The local Kiwanis Club will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26, at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The park will also be serving the annual Easter buffet on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Call 606-337-3066.

 

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

March 27, Easter “Eggcitement”

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will have the Easter Bunny on hand starting at 1:30 p.m. for pictures ($2 each) at the lodge. A free Easter Egg Hunt starts at 2:30 p.m. at the lodge. Events will go on rain or shine. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Pennyrile. The annual Easter buffet will be served noon to 8 p.m. Contact: Rebeccae.clark@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1711.

 

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

March 26-27, Easter Weekend Events

The Friends of Rough River Lake will present Easter 2016 Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 26.  The friends group will host a Giant Easter Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. with over 3,000 eggs hidden.  Registration begins at 1:30 with participants divided into four age groups: 0-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.  Bring your camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. On Easter Sunday bring the family to Grayson’s Landing Restaurant to enjoy a delicious Easter buffet featuring all the traditional favorites.  Lunch begins at noon. Call 1-800-325-1713 for more details.

Kentucky State Parks: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

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Coffee at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park's Harbor Lights

Coffee at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Hard to believe we’re at the end of 2015, isn’t it?  As far as that goes,  how did we ever get this far removed from the 80’s???

Whether your idea of ringing in the New Year is good food and good football (our family wouldn’t have it any other way) or good food and good dancing, I hope you have a fun, safe, and very memorable New Year’s Eve.

Below are some events (with fees listed) the Kentucky State Parks have lined up. If you go to one of these New Year’s events, be sure to try the coffee. Somehow or another, the coffee served at the Kentucky State Parks is always fantastic.

Besides, it’ll help you stay awake!

From the Kentucky State Parks:

The Kentucky State Parks are gearing up for 2016 with several New Year’s Eve parties and events planned at resort parks across the state.

A dinner buffet, entertainment, dancing and theater are among the options at the parks on Dec. 31. Many parks are offering lodging packages that include entertainment and meals.

Below is a listing of parks hosting New Year’s Eve events Dec. 31. For more details and park information, visit www.parks.ky.gov. All events are Dec. 31 unless otherwise noted and all times are local time.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas 

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Barren River Lake State Resort Park! Dance the night away as you ring in 2016 with your favorite music by DJ Scooter Davis.  The dance will be 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. CST.  Appetizers, refreshments, and party favors provided at dance. Watch the ball drop on the big screen at midnight Eastern and Central time. Make reservations now by choosing one of the following packages: Lodge package for $174.95 plus tax, tip and resort fee. This includes a lodge room for two for one night, dinner for two, two dance tickets, and breakfast for two. The Cottage package is $294.95 plus tax, tip, and resort fee and includes cottage one night, dinner for two, two dance tickets, and breakfast for two; or the Dinner & Dance package for $90 per couple plus tax and tip. Call 270-646-2151.

 

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Comedy in the Parks

Enjoy a comedy show from Brad Lanning, a veteran of Comedy Caravan, Cincinnati’s Go Bananas, Morty’s Comedy Joint in Indianapolis and Zanies in Nashville. After his performance, stay for music from everyone’s favorite duo, the “Piano Doctor” Dave Stahl and saxophonist Freddie Helm. We’ll have the dance floor in place and the large projection TV showing you what’s going on around the country when the clock strikes midnight. The overnight package includes a lodge room for one night, dinner, show, and entertainment for $126.08 plus tax. Dinner, show and entertainment only for one is $37.04 plus tax. For more information, call 859-289-5507.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

New Year’s Eve Specials

Need to relax from the holidays?  Experience serenity and peace as you bring in the New Year in this tranquil mountain vista setting. On New Year’s Eve a special lodge rate of $44.96 (based on double occupancy in a lodge room) is being offered. Special dinners will be offered from 5-8 p.m. Choose from mixed grill (tender chicken breast with a petite rib-eye), tossed salad, side and dessert for $25 or a seafood platter, sides, and dessert for $14.  Dinner prices do not include tax or gratuity. Start your 2016 resolutions off right with a first-day walk or hike around the park at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1 as one of several activities that will be offered. Call 1-800-325-0058 for more information.

 

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

New Year’s Eve Bash

Bring your special someone to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park for a night of entertainment and relaxation.  The annual New Year’s Eve Bash is from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Dance music will be played by our local favorite DJ, Jeff Petrey of Radio Active Sounds. The overnight package for two includes a lodge room, dinner and dance, and breakfast for $164.95 plus tax. The dinner and dance only is $65.95 for two. Call 606-528-4121 for reservations.

Celebration Package—$164.95

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville

New Year’s Eve Dance

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park will have a New Year’s Eve package that includes a dance with the band Conch Republic, pig roast, lodging for two, breakfast buffet and a complimentary gift for $199.96 per couple. For reservations please call 800-325-2282.

 

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

New Year’s Eve Dinner Theater

The Friends of Butler will present a New Year’s Eve dinner theatre program called “The Bad Habit Club” at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton. Not only will the night include a slapstick comedy sketch play, but will highlight “The Rigbys,” a Beatles tribute band.  An overnight package for two includes a lodge room for one night, dinner theater and dance, and breakfast on Jan. 1 for $199 plus tax. Dinner theater only tickets are $60 per person and $110 per couple. Call 502-732-4384.

 

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Get ready for 2016 at Kenlake’s New Year’s Eve party! The Stronghold Band will be playing blues and old time rock ’n’ roll from 8 p.m.-midnight. An overnight package includes a lodge room, dinner buffet, a dance and breakfast buffet. The lodge package is $174.95 per couple plus tax, and a cottage package is $194.95 per couple plus tax. An overnight stay is required to attend the dance. The dinner is open to the public. Call 270-474-2211.

 

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Barkley Bash

Dance the night away while ringing in the New Year with friends and family at beautiful Lake Barkley State Resort Park. The package includes overnight lodging in a lake view room, dinner buffet for two, tickets to the Big City Nights Dance Party featuring live music from the Positive Movement Band, and a breakfast buffet for two on Jan. 1. The overnight package is $199.95 per couple. Dinner and dance tickets only are $120 per couple. Dance only tickets are also available for $75 per couple. Please note that this event is for ages 21 and older, and no outside alcohol is permitted. A cash bar will be available.  For reservations, call 1-800-325-1708, or for more information, email nick.edmonds@ky.gov

 

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

New Year’s Eve Party and Dance

Enjoy music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s with the band Joe Cowens & Co. A package for $104.95 per couple includes one night’s lodging and the dance (9 p.m.-1 a.m.) The park is also serving a dinner buffet, 5-8 p.m., for $26.99 (plus drink and tax) a person that includes carved roasted beef tenderloin, chicken Normandy with apple dressing, catfish with crab stuffing, and shrimp and cheese grits. Reservations are required for packages. Guests must be 21 and older to attend. Call 270-343-3111.

 

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dance in the New Year with Barry Russell and the Southern Bullets at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. Dinner and dance tickets only are $70 per couple. Start the year off right with a hike on Jan. 1! Call 1-800-325-1711.

 

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

New Year’s Eve Mountain Bash

Pine Mountain State Resort Park is hosting the annual New Year’s Eve Mountain Bash on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The event will have a cash bar, party favors, snacks, and a midnight balloon drop. Music will be provided by DJ Brian O’Brien, and dancing will be provided by you! Cost of admission is $10 per person. Guests must be 21 or older to enter the dance, and no outside food or beverage permitted. Special lodge room rates are available for $49.95 plus tax and the Mountain View Restaurant will be open for dinner from 5-9 p.m. To make reservations call 606-337-3066. For more information emailbeth.byrnes@ky.gov

 

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Enjoy the sound of all the music, horns and laughter as you ring in the New Year at Rough River Dam State Resort Park. The park is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31.  Help us ring in 2016 by enjoying one of our overnight packages that include a cozy lodge room, prime rib dinner buffet, New Year’s Eve celebration party with champagne toast and breakfast on New Year’s Day for two. The packages start at $189 plus applicable taxes. Live close by?  Choose our dinner and dance package option which includes the prime rib dinner buffet and dance tickets for two starting at just $109 plus tax. Either way, don’t miss out on all the fun; call us to book your package today, limited packages available! Call 270-257-2311.

"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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