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Kentucky’s Wonderful State Parks: Four Honored in Kentucky Living 2023 Best in Kentucky

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Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Lodge

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Lodge

While we haven’t, recently, visited as many Kentucky State Parks as we used to, we still have a great, great deal of love for them as well as a great sense of pride that our much loved home state has such phenomenal parks.

If you’re a regular reader of Genuine Kentucky (we very much appreciate you!), you know that we used to blog about the Kentucky State Parks regularly. The past few years, what with the pandemic and the fact that I have to follow a very strict diet for my health (dairy free, gluten free, and red meat free.. I eat a lot of catfish and potatoes, y’all), we haven’t been able to enjoy the Kentucky State Resort Parks and their amazing restaurants like we used to.

If only they offered grilled catfish and dairy and egg-free sides! I’d love to dine in their beautiful restaurants again.

We do visit Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Lake Barkley, John James Audubon State Park, and Pennyrile State Park regularly. They’re scenic, beautiful, and always so relaxing and peaceful to visit.

We absolutely love them!

Boat on Rough River Lake

Rough River Dam State Resort Park: Gorgeous Lake for Boating!

Four of Kentucky State Parks were recognized as part of this year’s Kentucky Living 2023 Best in Kentucky awards. I always love reading these and greatly appreciate the spotlight they shine on these beautiful parks.

“We are blessed to have so many incredible state parks across Kentucky for our families and visitors to enjoy, and I am thrilled to see four recognized by Kentucky Living Magazine. These four parks offer outdoor adventure, history and more – but most importantly, they offer a fun escape for families to create memories. As a dad who takes my own kids to our Kentucky State Parks, I recognize just how special these places are and I am glad to see others do too.” ~ Gov. Andy Beshear

Green River Lake State Park in Campbellsville claimed a first place showing in the category of the best camping or RV spot in this year’s Best of Kentucky awards.

In addition to winning first place, Green River Lake State Park also received second place rankings for best public hunting/fishing and water tourism spots! It’s a gorgeous state park and well worth the drive from anywhere to visit!

 

Beautiful Lodge at Kenlake State Resort Park

The Beautiful and Historic Lodge at Kenlake State Resort Park

My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown also received the second-place award for best historic attraction. This is one of my personal favorite parks – I absolutely love visiting it any chance we get.

Two Kentucky State Parks claimed a third place showing in the categories for best road trip and water tourism spot:

  • Cumberland Falls at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin Third Place, Best Road Trip
  • Rough River Dam State Park, Falls of Rough Third Place, Best Water Tourism Spot

While I can’t argue with the inclusion of these wonderful parks, I do have to say I’m surprised that Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Kenlake State Resort Park aren’t on the list. Both sit on one of Kentucky’s crown jewels, the extraordinary Kentucky Lake.

I hope you’ll visit as many of the Kentucky State Parks as possible soon – they’re as lovely and beautiful in the fall and winter as they are other times of the year. In fact, there are extra qualities that come out during the colder months…

  • They’re even more cozy… imagine escaping to a beautiful Kentucky State Resort Park lodge with dinner followed by sitting by the fire.
  • They’re less crowded in the colder months. I love people as much as anyone, but sometimes the key to “getting away” is as few humans as possible!
  • The coffee in the Kentucky State Resort Parks is always outstanding.
  • Photo opportunities! You can light social media up but good with pictures you can take at any and all of our Kentucky State Parks.
  • They’re especially festive during the holidays! I always love seeing the Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations – the parks really get into the spirit and make it extra fun for kids of all ages.
  • Very often, the lodge, itself, is the most spectacular draw of all! Take for example the stunning lodge at Lake Barkley’s State Resort Park. It has to be seen to be believed.

Lake Barkley Lodge

Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge: An Absolute Work of ART

Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.


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Trail of Tears Weekend Planned at Pennyrile Forest May 12-13, 2017

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail Through the Forest

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is one of the friendliest parks in the Kentucky State Park System. From one year to the next (to the next, to the next), it just proves itself to BE as charming as it LOOKS.

The restaurant (Clifty Creek) in the lodge is also one of the best in the system. Seems friendly people make the best cooks.

There’s an upcoming historical event at this beautiful park that will interest my fellow history buffs.

Learn about the route of the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears in western Kentucky during Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Trail of Tears Weekend May 12-13.

The event, co-sponsored by the Friends of Pennyrile, will feature a bus tour of the trail in Caldwell, Crittenden and Livingston counties. The bus will take participants to Mantle Rock Nature Preserve, which is an important point on Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

The Trail of Tears was a series of forced removals of the Cherokee living east of the Mississippi to what is now Oklahoma.

Guests can attend an introductory program on Friday evening and a historical and musical program on Saturday evening by Laura Hunt Angel.

Space is limited to 50 people.

The fee is $45 and includes the bus tour, a boxed lunch, evening programs and a tour guide. The park is also offering a 10 percent lodging discount. Call 800-325-1711.

The rustic wood and stone Pennyrile Lodge, with 24 rooms, sits serenely on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. Open year-round, the park has 12 cottages in the wooded lodge area and on the lake’s shores. The restaurant seats 200, including a private dining room for up to 80. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing, basketball, tennis, camping and horse campsites that are available year-round.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Hiking at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park (Hiking Series)

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

While I do love this time of year (Thanksgiving? Christmas? Snow? UK Basketball? What’s not to love?!), when it comes to blogging about Kentucky Traveling and Tourism, I find that DAYS often pass by before I have anything to write or post about.  To make matters worse, I haven’t been going anywhere – so there are no new pictures to share or restaurants to review.

Oh well, every year (and human being… for which I usually qualify) needs a little rest now and then.

At least there are upcoming Kentucky events – in spite of the cold. One of our favorite Kentucky State Parks (Pennyrile) has hiking on its mind…

From The Kentucky State Parks:

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host a series of free monthly hikes throughout 2017, starting with a First Day hike on Jan. 1 at noon.

The remainder of the hikes starting Feb. 4 will be on the first Saturday of the month at different times. They will all be guided 2-hour hikes and will start from the lodge lobby at the park. The trails will vary by month.

Hikers are asked to dress for the weather and bring water, snacks and a hiking stick. These hikes are not recommended for children ages under 5. Leashed dogs are welcomed.  Hikes may be cancelled due to weather conditions.

For more information, call park naturalist Rebecca Clark at 1-800-325-1711.

The rustic wood and stone Pennyrile Lodge, with 24 rooms, sits serenely on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. Open year-round, the park has 12 cottages in the wooded lodge area and on the lake’s shores. The restaurant seats 200, including a private dining room for up to 80. The park also has an 18-hole golf course with a pro shop, riding carts, pull carts and rental clubs. The course is open year-round, weather permitting. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing, basketball, tennis and horse campsites that are available year-round.

For more information about Pennyrile Forest and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park's Lodge

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s VERY Charming Lodge


Kentucky State Parks Announce the Getaway to Golf Package, Available at 10 Parks

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Kentucky Dam Village State Park Golf Course
Beautiful Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Golf Course
If you live in or near Kentucky and love golf, look no further than the Kentucky State Parks for beautiful and challenging golf courses.  You should also be on the lookout for various “golf packages” they announce throughout the year.

Kentucky State Parks has launched a new golf package at 10 resort parks across the state: The “Getaway to Golf” package is available now and includes overnight lodging and 18 holes of golf with a golf cart and breakfast beginning at $89 a person. The package price is per person, per night, based on double occupancy, plus tax and is subject to availability.

For more information about golf at Kentucky State Parks, please visit http://www.parks.ky.gov/golftrail/

{Kentucky State Parks Participating in the Getaway to Golf Package are listed below!}

Dale Hollow State Resort Park Golf Course

Dale Hollow is a Favorite with Kentucky Golfers: Challenging, Fun, and Always Immaculate

The Getaway to Golf package will be offered at the following parks. Please call to make reservations:

Barren River State Resort Park: 800-325-0057

Dale Hollow State Resort Park: 800-325-2282

General Burnside State Park (lodging at Cumberland Falls): 800-325-0063

Grayson Lake State Park:  lodging at Carter Caves 800-325-0059

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park: 800-325-0146

Lake Barkley State Resort Park: 800-325-1708

Mineral Mound State Park (lodging at Kentucky Dam Village): 800-325-0146

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park: 800-325-1711

Pine Mountain State Resort Park: 800-325-1712

Yatesville Lake State Park: lodging at Jenny Wiley 800-325-0142; Carter Caves 800-325-0059

The Kentucky State Parks offer excellent championship play at its 16 golf courses. Resort parks also have restaurants, hiking trails and many other recreational activities. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

General Burnside State Park's Golf Course

General Burnside State Park’s Picture Perfect Golf Course

Fall Photography Weekend at Pennyrile Forest Oct. 16-18, 2015

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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Tree

Tree I Photographed at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Earlier This Year

One of the most beautiful parks in the state, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, will host its Fall Photography Weekend on Oct. 16-18, 2015.  With a park as gorgeous as this one, there are countless opportunities to capture the shot of a lifetime.

The weekend consists of a digital photography contest and evening photography programs.

Two judges who are Kentucky Crafted artists with the Kentucky Arts Council will evaluate photos this year. On Friday night Walter Roycraft will present “Understanding and Improving Your Vision.” On Saturday night, David Toczko will present “Photography, a Journey of the Unexpected.”

Both speakers will judge the contest on Sunday morning.

The photography contest is divided into three divisions: point and shoot, intermediate, and master. Prizes are awarded in four classes in each division.  A best in show award will be presented to the photographer who takes the photograph the judges deem to be the “Best in Show.” Participants may register online at https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Parks/Photography, by mail, or at the park on Oct. 16 beginning at 2 p.m. Central time.

The registration fee is $35. Those who register one week prior to the event will receive a $5 discount. Children 16 and under pay just $10 to participate.  For more information on the event email rebeccae.clark@ky.gov

Lodging is limited. The park also has a campground for those who wish to camp over the weekend.

The rustic wood and stone Pennyrile Lodge (with so much Southern charm!) has 24 rooms and sits serenely on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. Open year-round, the park has 12 cottages in the wooded lodge area and on the lake’s shores. The restaurant seats 200, including a private dining room for up to 80. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing, basketball, tennis and horse campsites that are available year-round.

"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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