Barren River Lake SRP | Genuine Kentucky

Ghosts, Rebel Rousers, Fried Potatoes, and the Hot August Blues

August 22, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

White Hall, at White Hall State Historic Site (Richmond) was the home of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 19th century emancipationist, diplomat, politician, newspaper publisher, ambassador to Russia, and friend (and ally) to Abraham Lincoln. He was Henry Clay’s cousin and was, apparently, quite the rebel rouser (literally).Ã?Â He is said to have participated in more than 200 fights and duels!
One of the most famous Halloween events in Kentucky happens at White Hall State Historic Site (Richmond): Ghost Walk runs from October 25 – October 27.Ã?Â From Kentucky State Parks’ Website:Ã?Â “Spirit Guides” lead guests from room to room and introduce the spirits of the past, who come out of the dimness to tell the tender and incredible stories of the illustrious Clay family. Each tour is limited to 20 people. First performance is at 7:00 PM with twelve tours a night. Tickets are $10.00 per person, by pre-paid reservation only. See Ghost Walk at White Hall State Historic Site for more information!
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park (Gilbertsville) will host the Western KY State Parks Race Series – Stars and Stripes 5K on November 10, 2012.Ã?Â Click here for time, registration forms, and details.
Kingdom Come State Park (Cumberland) is a movie star. Well… kind of.Ã?Â The gorgeous park stars in a film on dvd, Above the Clouds: Kingdom Come State Park, which includes interviews with local residents and park officials and songs by local musicians who are devoted to the park.
Driftwood Restaurant at Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas) is a lovely restaurant with a very friendly staff. All of their food is great, but their fried potatoes are simply out of this world. They are, without a doubt, the best fried potatoes we’ve ever ordered in a restaurant.Ã?Â I’m not 100 percent sure what the chef does to achieve the remarkable flavor, but he or she has my undying appreciation.
Each of the Kentucky State Resort Parks, of course, has its own restaurant and each one has its own personal dish or dishes that they’re known for.Ã?Â Grayson’s Landing Restaurant at Rough River Dam State Resort Park (Falls of Rough) has several: (1) Banana Pudding (2) Coconut Cream Cake (3) They’re famous for their buffets (4) Breakfast!Ã?Â I’ve told everyone I know that they simply MUST get up early some morning and drive to Rough River for breakfast in the lodge. Eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, pancakes.. and that’s just half of it. Eating breakfast while looking out on the lake is really something special.
Don’t forget that the Hot August Blues Festival is this weekend ( Aug 24 – Aug 25, 2012 ) at Kenlake State Resort Park (Hardin).Ã?Â Click HERE for more information about this wildly, wildly, wildly popular festival.
A little over 9 miles from Fishtrap Lake State Park (Shelbiana) you’ll find the Elkhorn City Railroad Museum. Click the link for more information.
With it’s 50,250 acre lake, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (Jamestown) is Heaven on earth for fishermen.Ã?Â Lake Cumberland has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, rockfish, and walley.Ã?Â The fish stocked in this (as well as other Kentucky lakes) are raised at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown, minutes from the park.Ã?Â The hatchery has a wonderfully entertaining and educational center with exhibits that relate to Kentucky’s ecosystems, lakes, and ,of course, fish. Large aquariums are filled with fish found in Kentucky’s beautiful lakes. It’s a perfect opportunity for kids of all ages to learn more about fish.Ã?Â See Kentucky Tourism for more information about the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
Smokey Valley Lake at Carter Caves State Resort Park (Olive Hill), is KentuckyÃ¢â?¬â?¢s first trophy bass lake. In addition to largemouth bass, Smokey Valley Lake is lauded for its bluegill, catfish, and crappie.Ã?Â If you don’t have fishing equipment with you, you can borrow some from the lodge… for free! Now that’s Southern hospitality.

Spring Into Fun at Kentucky State Parks!

April 3, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Udderly Delicious Dairy Desserts, Kenlake Marina on Kentucky Lake

Udderly Delicious Dairy Desserts – Kenlake State Resort Park’s Marina. You’ve never tasted better ice cream. And the view? Breathtaking!

This event has passed, but there’s always something going on at Kentucky’s State Parks! Check our Kentucky Events page for up to the minute events and news. Also, check out our ever-growing Things to Do in Kentucky page!

Spring has sprung, lovely readers, and I couldn’t be more excited. The amazing Kentucky Wildcats won the National Championship, Murray State had a remarkable season, and the University of Louisville caught everyone by surprise with their tenacity. Even better, Coach Pitino showed the world what graciousness in defeat looks like. Frankly, I thought he wore it beautifully and I became an even bigger fan than I was before. Tomorrow, baseball (another addiction of mine!) returns and all seems right with the world.

I’m also excited about all of the opportunities for fun in the sun at our beautiful Kentucky State Parks.

The Kentucky State Park resorts have lodges, cottages and restaurants, as well as recreational opportunities for families. These include trails, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, fishing and wildlife viewing. Spring break is a great time to get outside and explore some of the natural beauty at these parks. All state park campgrounds will open in April.

Listed below are some of the special offers and programs in March and April. (Offers based on availability, for individual travel only. Not to be combined with any other discounts or offers. Applicable taxes apply.) For more information or to make a reservation, call the park or visit www.parks.ky.gov

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is offering spring break packages for two to eight people. The Bed and Breakfast Package for an adult and one child includes one night’s lodge room and breakfast for $49.99. The Family Package for four people includes one night’s lodge room, a pizza, drinks and cookies for $69. There are also packages for cottages starting at $69.95 a night. Prices good through May 24. The park has biking and hiking trails, tennis and basketball courts, free fishing gear and is just 25 miles from Mammoth Cave. Call 1-800-325-0057.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is offering overnight lodging packages for families starting at $49.95 a night. This includes a lodge room, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, mini golf, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, a playground and more. A cottage package is available for $89.95. Offer good through May 24. Call 1-800-325-0058.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Cumberland Falls is offering its Spring Break Adventure, April 1-4. Activities include canoeing, whitewater rafting, a rock climbing wall, archery, wildflower walks, astronomy and hikes to waterfalls and natural arches. Activities may be changed due to weather conditions. There is a fee for rafting and canoe trips; other programs are free to guests. Some activities are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park for schedule details. Lodge room rates start at $69 a night. Call 1-800-325-0063.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

Kenlake State Resort Park is offering packages through March 24 that combine overnight lodging with court time at the park’s tennis center. The packages include one night’s lodging, continental breakfast and two hours of court time for $69.95 plus tax. (Available for one or two adults and up to three children). Packages with one- and two-bedroom cottages are also available starting at $89.95 plus tax per night. Kenlake sits along Kentucky Lake and also has hiking trails, fishing, golf, playgrounds and more. Call 1-800-325-0143.

See pictures of Kenlake State Resort Park in our gallery.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

Rough River Dam State Resort Park is offering a lodge package starting at $69.95 that includes one night’s lodging and breakfast for the family. Also available is a cottage package for $139.95 for a family of four (two adults and two children 12 and under) that features one night in a cottage, dinner and breakfast. The park has many outdoor recreational opportunities such as tennis, basketball, trails, fishing, golf and a playground. Package good through May 8. Call 1-800-325-1713.

Beautiful Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake State Resort Park Offers Sandhill Crane Weekends

December 13, 2011 by Joi Sigers

There’s always something fun going on at Barren River Lake State Resort Park !

Beautiful Barren River Lake State Resort Park never fails to impress. Maybe you’re a photographer looking for incredible photo ops or a diner looking for great catfish in the lodge’s restaurant. Maybe you’re a boater, fisherman (or woman), or golfer looking for their next great challenge.

Or maybe you’re simply looking for rest and relaxation surrounded by Kentucky’s awe-inspiring beauty. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it.. and more… at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. They have something special in store for bird lovers in January and February.

Each year thousands of sandhill cranes make Barren River Lake a stop on their journey back home. Join Barren River Lake State Resort Park during its Nature Watch Weekends to get up close to these beautiful cranes as they migrate through the area.

The weekends, Jan. 20-21 and Feb. 17-18, 2012, will consist of educational sessions conducted by Wayne Tamminga, a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. CST.

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 led by naturalists from the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Registration is $30 per person and includes the evening session, a sunrise or sunset field trip, boxed meal, and a T-shirt. Registration forms are available online at http://parks.ky.gov/calendar/details/nature-watch-weekend–sandhill-cranes/16254/ or by contacting Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-0057.

Please note that the dates selected are based on historical records under normal weather conditions in January and at the end of February, and past trends of the cranes’ arrival in this area. Please be aware that this narrow window of opportunity can vary by several days based on weather and the cranes’ migration schedule.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, near Glasgow, has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant (amazing catfish!), golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green and 15 miles south of Glasgow. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park Embraces Autumn Beautifully

November 1, 2011 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

My husband and I ate at Barren River Lake State Resort Park this past weekend. Whenever we’re in the vicinity of a Kentucky State Resort Park around mealtime, we seldom even discuss where we’re eating. Our state parks meals are that good.

Since I LOVE photography, I snapped a few pictures. Places as gorgeous as Barren River Lake State Resort Park provide photographers (amateur, like me, or professional) with a gazillion and one photo opportunities.

I added the pictures to a new gallery, Barren River Lake State Resort Park Pictures, so be sure and check them out. I’ll add more pictures to the gallery tomorrow. Believe me, we have plenty!

Supper at The Driftwood Restaurant (in the beautiful lodge) was exceptional as usual. Our hostess, Katie, was unusually sweet and helpful. That always warrants a shout out on Genuine Kentucky. I LOVE to come across people, like Katie, who represent our state just as we’d want it represented. Happy, sweet, and uncommonly friendly.

Kentucky State Parks: Labor Day Weekend Events!

August 14, 2010 by Joi Sigers 1 Comment

The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.

All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park systemÃ¢â?¬â?¢s 17 resort parks Ã¢â?¬â?? all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities Ã¢â?¬â?? will be open.

The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.

Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.

For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 3

Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum

While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park Ã¢â?¬Å?expertÃ¢â?¬Â for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Sept. 4

Labor Day Blood Drive

You can be someoneÃ¢â?¬â?¢s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Sept. 4

Goldenrod Gala

The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, FarmerÃ¢â?¬â?¢s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.

Fort Boonesborough State Park

Sept. 4

CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview

Sept. 4

Civil War Flag Exhibit

Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 3-4

Plein-Air & Studio Workshop

Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. DonÃ¢â?¬â?¢t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9Ã¢â?¬â??noon. 270-826-2247.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Sept. 2-6

Labor Day Weekend

John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6. Ã?Â There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend.Ã?Â The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice

Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun.Ã?Â The park will be ending the Ã¢â?¬Å?summer seasonÃ¢â?¬Â with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors.Ã?Â There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.Ã?Â Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011.Ã?Â Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Getaway

Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.Ã?Â There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy.Ã?Â DonÃ¢â?¬â?¢t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Sept. 3 Ã¢â?¬â?? 5

Labor Day Ã¢â?¬Å?Fun in the SunÃ¢â?¬Â

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities.Ã?Â Come build your own Ã¢â?¬Å?Pine Derby CarÃ¢â?¬Â on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening.Ã?Â The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m.Ã?Â DonÃ¢â?¬â?¢t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a Ã¢â?¬Å?heel-clickingÃ¢â?¬Â good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing.Ã?Â Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Sept. 3-5

Labor Day Weekend Activities

The end of summer is near so letÃ¢â?¬â?¢s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland.Ã?Â The parkÃ¢â?¬â?¢s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family.Ã?Â The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell.Ã?Â For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Sept. 3-6

End of the Summer Celebration

Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and sÃ¢â?¬â?¢mores and much more. 800-325-0058.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Sept. 3-6

Labor Day Weekend

Cumberland Falls State Resort ParkÃ¢â?¬â?¢s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more.Ã?Â The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m.Ã?Â 800-325-0063.

E.P. Ã¢â?¬Å?TomÃ¢â?¬Â Sawyer State Park, Louisville

Sept. 3-6
NBL/BMX Grand Nationals

Join E.P. Ã¢â?¬Å?TomÃ¢â?¬Â Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org. Ã?Â 502-429-7270.