Genuine Kentucky

Kentucky Pictures, Events, Restaurants

You are here: Home / Archives for Kentucky Vacations / LBL

Land Between the Lakes

Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes (LBL) has so many things to do, see, and photograph. On the following pages, you'll find the proof!

The Golden Pond’s Planetarium in Land Between the Lakes

by Leave a Comment

Golden Pond Visitor's Center and Planetarium

The Golden Pond Visitor’s Center Planetarium and Observatory in Land Between the Lakes

There’s always something extra cool going on in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes region.  As I’ve said a million times before (more, but who’s counting?) you could go to the beautiful area between and around Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake each weekend and see something new.

The Golden Pond Planetarium is definitely one of the places you’ll want to put on your “Must See” list.  The gift shop, alone, is worth the trip!  Shows at the Planetarium create memories that’ll last a lifetime – they’re very special and the entire experience will leave your jaw somewhere on the floor near your feet.

After reading the following press release from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes, I’m guessing that now the jaw will just go right through the floor.  I’m cool with that.

From the LBL:

The world’s first full-dome, full-color digital planetarium with single lens projection, the MEDIAGLOBE II, arrived at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area just in time for the 2012 season. “This compact, full-color dome projection system has thrilled our audiences since we installed it in March, reported Ross Workman, the new Golden Pond Planetarium manager. He continued, “The projection range covers our entire dome with vibrant colors, sound, and action by using the 3D astronomical simulation function. It’s amazing!”

New digital videos will entertain and educate people of all ages. Computer animated programs are offered throughout the day starting at 10am. People can find the complete schedule of planetarium shows and times on LBL’s website, www.lbl.org, under the See and Do tab. Topics include:

  • The Little Star That Could - teaches how stars are formed.
  • Interstellar Boundary Explorer – joins scientists searching for the edge of the solar system.
  • Earth, Moon, and Sun - explores the relationship between the earth, moon, and sun while weaving in Native American traditional stories.

The Golden Pond Visitor Center, Planetarium, and Observatory are located south of US68/KY80 junction on Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway (KY Hwy 453).

Below is a great video (courtesy RoundAbout U.) that’ll give you an introduction to the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. As you’ll see, this is someplace you’ll want to see as soon as possible. Just be sure to see the gift shop!

Land Between the Lakes Gears Up for 2012: That’s Always Welcome News!

by Leave a Comment

Oxen at The Homeplace

Beautiful Oxen at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love winter as much as anyone. I’m one of those nuts that just stands at the window staring, without even blinking, at snow. I’m also ALL ABOUT UK basketball, so this time of year is always exciting. And how much fun has Murray State been?!?! Hopefully UK, Murray State, and U of L will all go far in the NCAA Tournament.

Having said all of that, I am SO READY for spring and summer! Baseball, grilling out, gardening, hummingbirds and robins returning… and lots and lots of trips to Land Between the Lakes. How could I not be ready?

Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is also SO READY for warm weather. LBL begins its 2012 operations on Thursday March 1, when they’ll open several wildly popular visitor attractions.

These Land Between the Lakes events has passed, but there’s always something going on in the LBL! 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!

 

The Homeplace, Woodlands Nature Station, Golden Pond Planetarium, and North & South Welcome Stations open their doors March 1, along with Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds. The Homeplace, Nature Station, and North & South Welcome Stations will be open Wednesday through Sunday during March, and then open seven days a week beginning April 1.

One of my favorite places in the world, The Elk & Bison Prairie, remains open from dawn until dusk every day, year-round. The Golden Pond Visitor Center, Wranglers Campground, Energy Lake Campground, and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area remain open year-round as well.

The Golden Pond Planetarium, open daily beginning March 1, provides a full dome viewing experience complete with brand new digital multimedia equipment. Visit www.lbl.org or call 270-924-2020 for show schedule. Come join us for an exciting glimpse of the night skies filled with celestial objects, constellations, and more!

 

Pigs at The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

A few more of my friends at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes!

by Leave a Comment

Ox from The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized residents.

There’s nothing about the Land Between the Lakes that I don’t love. An animal lover since before I was even born – don’t ask how I know, I just do – I love the Nature Station, the Bison and Elk Prairie, and the endless opportunities to see birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Another identifying trait of mine is the fact that I’m a huge history buff.

Given that The Homeplace has animals and oozes history means it’s a place I can never get enough of.

The Homeplace is, essentially, a step back in time. Located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace is as educational as it is entertaining.

There’s also an outstanding gift shop that has just about everything you could hope for from a gift shop. To read more about The Homeplace and its history, please click the link.

A Pickin’ Party on the Horizon!

Anytime The Homeplace hosts a party, it’s one for the books and, trust me, when there’s food involved, you’ll want to invite everyone you know.  The food is always positively mind-boggling – as delicious as food can possibly be.  As you’ll notice in the blurb below, food will be available for purchase (insert a BOO-YAH right about here). The Pickin’ Party will be in full swing (literally) on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

From LBL.org: Born of the heartland, raised in the river valleys, old-time country music this weekend will once again echo in the hills and hollows of LBL. For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850’s farm family as they go about their daily chores. 1850’s children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend.Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Click HERE for performer’s descriptions and schedule.

Bird Watching at Land Between the Lakes

by 1 Comment

Hummingbirds at The Nature Station (Land Between the Lakes)
As you can probably tell,  we’re pretty much obsessed with wildlife, birds, and butterflies at Genuine Kentucky.  Truth be told, I’m becoming more than a little intrigued with insects as well -dragonflies, lady bugs, stick bugs, lightning bugs… such cool little guys.  Even more reason to love living in Kentucky.

We have such a beautiful variety of these fascinating animals.

One of my favorite things to do when in the Land Between the Lakes area (in addition to eating catfish  – another obsession) is to look for and observe wildlife.  Whether we’re at the outstanding Woodland’s Nature Center, the equally outstanding Elk & Bison Prairie or hanging out at one of the beautiful state parks – my eyes are always peeled for extra-special locals.

The hummingbirds shown above are just some of the beautiful birds who call The Nature Station “Heaven on Earth.”  The oasis The Nature Station has provided for birds include their favorite plants, plenty of shelter, birdseed, hummingbird feeders, and even a bat house!

When you’re in the Land Between the Lakes area, I hope you’ll take in all the beauty around you – including the amazing array of birds. At many of the travel brochure stands in the area, you’ll find a pamphlet titled “LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES AREA BIRD CHECKLIST.”  This extremely handy little guide lists the different birds you could potentially see while at Land Between the Lakes.

If you’d like to print out your own guide, you can do that too!  LBL.org has thought of everything and has an online version of the Land Between the Lakes Bird Checklist.

The pamphlet lists the places below as “Recommended Birding Spots”

  • Kentucky Dam
  • Hematite Lake and Trail
  • Honker Lake, Bay, and Trail
  • Woodlands Nature Station Backyard
  • North/South Trail – Sugar Bay to Rhodes Bay
  • Shaw Branch Road – (153/134) from Hwy 68/80 to Energy Lake
  • Elk & Bison Prairie
  • South Oak Grassland Demonstration Area
  • The Homeplace
  • Fort Henry Trails
  • South Welcome Station and Bear Creek

I’d add the following Birding Opportunistic sites in and around the Land Between the Lakes Region:

  • Lake Barkley State Resort Park
  • Kentucky Dam Village
  • Kenlake Lodge
  • Grand Rivers Jetty at Sunset – At Lighthouse Landing on Kentucky Lake, Grand Rivers, Kentucky
  • Little Lake Park (Grand Rivers) – Located on Commerce Street behind the Badgett Playhouse

For more information on any of these areas (including maps), visit the links below:

Grand Rivers Attractions

Land Between the Lakes

Kenlake State Resort Park

Kentucky Dam Village

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

The Big Band Show at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers Kentucky

by 2 Comments

I could honestly listen to this music all day. If they make a cd, I’ll buy two I’ll have my husband buy me two. I’ll even let him have one.

The Big Band Show will play at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers from April 3rd to May 30th. Visit their colorful and fun website for the exact dates.

Read all of my Grand Rivers Variety Reviews – just be prepared for tons of adjectives and exclamation points…. the “jazz hands” of punctuation marks.

"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")

Fraley Music Festival
Maddox
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Trail Through the Forest