This is impressive Kentucky news, and something I know all horse lovers are going to be excited about.

The North American Riders Group (NARG) has released its second annual report of the Top 25 Horse Shows, and three of those shows are held at the Kentucky Horse Park annually – the Alltech National Horse Show, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, and the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. The Kentucky Horse Park was the only facility in North America to host more than one Top 25 show on the list.

“For the Kentucky Horse Park to host one NARG Top 25 show is certainly a notable distinction,” said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “Hosting three Top 25 shows is an immeasurable honor. This recognition is an example of what the Kentucky Horse Park has worked so long to achieve, and proves that the park is among the best facilities in the world.”

The North American Riders Group, representing the riders and owners in North America, is composed of the top horsemen from the United States, Canada and Mexico and was formed with the goal of improving the sport of show jumping. In the report of the NARG Top 25 Horse Shows of 2011, the group stated, “The North American Riders Group remains steadfast in achieving an essential goal – improving our sport so that once again show jumping in North America will rank among the greatest in the world.”

The Alltech National Horse Show (ANHS), which debuted at the Kentucky Horse Park in October 2011, achieved the highest ranking for any American horse show, and achieved an overall rating of third among all horse shows in North America on the NARG list. This was the show’s 128th edition, having started in Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1883, and it is known as America’s oldest indoor horse show.

According to the NARG report, “Once one of the nation’s most esteemed and celebrated indoor events, The National Horse Show is making a comeback. With the support of Alltech, as well as other sponsors, this year the renowned event relocated to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. It appears the show will remain at this home of the 2010 (Alltech FEI) World Equestrian Games (WEG) indefinitely, with great efforts to return it to its bygone excellence.”

“We are thrilled that the Alltech National Horse Show has received such a prestigious ranking from the North American Riders Group,” Nicholson said. “To be recognized by a body whose primary purpose is furthering excellence in show jumping and equestrian sport is a measure of achievement for the National Horse Show team that has worked tirelessly for many years already to restore the show to its glory. The Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena is the perfect new home for this great show and we look forward to the next 100-plus years of its history.”

More than 560 horses and 350 riders from nine countries attended in 2011 and the show’s debut this past season will go down in the record books as one of the most successful in the history of equestrian events in the United States. The second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show will take place Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2012, in the Alltech Arena.

Earning an overall ranking of 13 on the NARG report, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows is a series of hunter jumper shows held back-to-back for two weeks in May. The Kentucky Spring Horse Show and the Kentucky Spring Classic have been held at the park for 20 years, and utilize the park’s Rolex Stadium, Covered Arena, Hunter Jumper Complex and other facilities.

According to the NARG report, “With the space and amenities to host some of the world’s best outdoor and indoor events, including the World Equestrian Games, the Rolex Three-Day Event, the National Horse Show, USHJA Hunter Derby Finals, North American Young Rider Championships and more, the Kentucky Horse Park is hands down one of the top venues in North America.” The report continues, “Currently with an A+ facility and the ranking classes it offers, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows remains firmly in the NARG Top 25.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will be held May 9-13, 2012 and the Kentucky Spring Classic will be held May 16-20, 2012. Produced by the same management group, the Kentucky Summer Horse Show will be held July 25-29, 2012 and the Kentucky Summer Classic will be held Aug. 1-5, 2012.

With an overall ranking of 14 on the NARG report, the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) is a new event the park was able to attract and accommodate because of its new facilities. Held at the park since 2009, NAJYRC is the highest level competition for qualified young riders in North America to compete in the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Reining in a challenging Nations Cup format.

According to the NARG report, “For many, simply landing in Lexington, KY is an experience in itself. Acres of bluegrass and beautiful barns span the roads to the Kentucky Horse Park. As we’ve noted the KHP is a fantastic place to host a championship competition, with 1,200 acres, multiple arenas and fantastic footing. Aside from some very hot and humid summer weather, it is a magnificent setting and a treasured time for those who have worked hard to earn a chance to compete at NAJYRC.”

The next Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships will be held July 18-22, 2012, and will utilize the Alltech Arena, Rolex Stadium, Covered Arena, Hunter Jumper Complex, Walnut Ring and other facilities.

The North American Riders Group developed the Top 25 ranking system to establish a clear measure of excellence among North America’s horse shows so as to evaluate them fairly so that they could be considered world class. According to the report, “Clearly it is mandatory that a select group of our North American horse shows be considered world class, not only for the benefit of our riders and our continent but also to draw riders from around the world to this side of the ocean to compete.”

“With thousands of multi-day horse shows in the US, Canada and Mexico each year, we only expect 25 events from those three countries to offer the proper mix of ingredients for the top level of our sport.” The report continues, “Whether the location is a large grass field transformed into a glorious grand prix or a multi-million dollar facility, each event should have fabulous footing, courses, ceremony, stabling, hospitality, healthy food, convenient accommodations, strong marketing and be managed by a knowledgeable, friendly staff. NARG divides these key ingredients into eight distinct categories and scores several aspects within each one.”

A copy of the full Top 25 Horse Shows of 2011 report is available at www.NARG.org.

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Carter Caves State Resort Park invites you to step back in time when Native Americans and European colonists lived closer to nature.

The park’s Tracking and Woodslore Weekend, March 2-4, will allow guests to learn about the skills that were needed for survival in the wilderness. You’ll learn about animal tracking, hunting, nature, native plants and more.

The program begins Friday evening and will continue through Sunday morning. Both indoor and outdoor sessions are planned – including some hikes – so guests should bring appropriate clothing and shoes.

The cost of the program is $25 for adults and $15 for youths ages 15 and under. Carter Caves is offering overnight packages for two for $149.95 plus tax, which includes two nights’ lodging and the program. The campground will also be open as well as the park restaurant, Tierney’s Cavern.

For more information and reservations, call the park at 1-800-325-0059. For a list of the weekend’s activities, visit http://winteradventureweekend.com/TrackingWoodsLoreFlyer.pdf

Carter Caves offers cave tours, golf, hiking, mini-golf, fishing, camping, horseback riding and swimming during the summer. Carter Caves also has a lodge and restaurant. To get to Carter Caves State Resort Park from Interstate 64 East, take exit 161 (Olive Hill exit). Turn left off the exit onto U.S. 60 east. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left on KY 182 north. Park entrance is 3 miles from the left turn onto KY 182 north.

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I was beyond excited when I heard that we were getting a Logan’s Roadhouse in Owensboro, Kentucky.   My husband and I allowed the crowds to die down a little before going for the first time.  It’s been open for a while now, so we decided to visit them for supper last night.

It was the most unusual restaurant visit we’ve had in a while.

You know how it usually is with restaurants: Most of the time they’re either ALL good or ALL bad.  Owensboro’s Logan’s Roadhouse was like a tennis match – one thing was right, then the next was wrong, then one thing was right, then the next was wrong…

We’ll get the negatives out of the way first.   Have you ever seen my list of restaurant “pet peeves” that appears at the bottom of my restaurant reviews? I make a big to do out of hosts and hostesses that just really stink it up.  It may seem like a small thing, but think about it, your host/hostess is the first person a restaurant’s guests see, and often the last ones they see as they leave the restaurant. They’re kind of a restaurant’s ambassadors.  When I walked up to the hostess station at Logan’s, an older woman was going over something with a young girl.  I stood there for about a minute while she spoke with the girl (neither acknowledging me whatsoever). When they did look up at me, neither said, “Welcome” or even smiled. The older woman simply said, “How many?”  I told her two and she motioned toward another girl and said she’d show us to our table.

She did.  To her credit, this girl was friendlier.

Our server came and took our orders.  She was extremely friendly, by the way, causing me to think, “Now, she’d have made a great hostess!”

Another negative, however, involved our server, which grieves me greatly because I liked her a lot.   Someone from the kitchen brought our orders and put them in front of us – she turned and flew away before we realized that my vegetables were missing. It’s always best (and polite) to ask if everything looks right, THEN go back to the kitchen.  At the very least, the server should come back to her table and check up on everything.  Unfortunately, we were finished with our food before we ever saw our server again. We had to ask for our “to go” boxes along with my broccoli, which then went right into the box with our leftovers.

Final complaint: As we were leaving, we again walked right by one girl at the hostess station and one standing by the door.  Unlike Applebee’s, Olive Garden, TGI Friday’s, and other places – neither said a word.  No “Thanks, come back!” or even “Goodnight!”  Nothing.   Cold as a witch’s spine.  As we walked to our car, I couldn’t help thinking of the the extra friendly staff at Olive Garden.  Often, when we’re leaving there, three different people thank us for eating with them.  Then there’s Applebee’s where they often go so far as holding the door for you.

Whether restaurant managers or staffs realize it or not, these details matter.

Now for the positives!  If you’re writing a restaurant review and only half of it can be positive, I guess it’s a pretty good thing if that half involves the food!   I ordered the Raspberry Tea which was really good.  If you prefer your Raspberry tea to be very subtle, you’ll love Logan’s Raspberry tea. There’s just a hint of raspberry flavor.  If you prefer your Raspberry tea to have a pretty strong raspberry flavor, you might want to skip it.  I actually love it both ways, so it was fine with me.

I ordered Fried Fish and was delighted when it turned out to be catfish (if you read my reviews, you know catfish is to me what catnip is to cats). This was the most moist and juicy catfish I’ve ever had.  It was exceptional. The breading was perfect, but the catfish, itself was the star of the show. Just how it should be!  The tartar sauce was also fantastic, although I never insult catfish by putting any on its back.  I did, however, take a little taste to see how it was.

My husband ordered pork chops which were served with some sort of an apple topping on the side.  He didn’t care for the pork chops, but I thought they tasted pretty darn good.  The apple topping, however, tasted kind of burnt or something. Not a biggie, though, because it was easy to shove aside.

We both ordered baked sweet potatoes and I was blown away by the size. HUGE! They came with real butter and a little cinnamon. Delicious.  The broccoli had a good taste to it – peppery and really, really good.  I would have liked to have been able to enjoy it along with the meal in real time.  But it is what it is, no sense crying over broccoli that shows up to the party late.

The sourdough bread was delicious – served with real butter, thank you very much.  I also was glad to see “real” ketchup on the tables (Hunts) – another detail that always brings a smile to my face. Say it with me, Off brand ketchup is gross.

As you can see, this review was a toughie to write.  Logan’s Roadhouse was a great mystery. How can someplace that makes catfish this good blow it with simple details like friendly hostesses and the age old standard of getting orders right?  I’m an optimist, so I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that they’re still trying to find their identity.

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Doing Kentucky Restaurant Reviews is one of my favorite things to do. Fortunately, Kentucky is covered with outstanding restaurants, so it makes my job even more enjoyable. Some of these restaurants are nationally known chain restaurants and others are little known, locally-owned restaurants. I love all types of restaurants, but these “off the beaten path” Kentucky restaurants are extra special. The restaurant reviewed below, Philly’s in Greenville, Kentucky may not be on the “beaten path,” but rest assured, once you’ve been there, you’ll beat a path to get back!

When I was fifteen, the only thing I wanted in the world was a Basset Hound.  While other kids were obsessed with cars and members of the opposite sex, all I wanted was a dog with ears so long they touched the floor.  I wanted a Basset Hound to take to the park, to go for walks around the neighborhood, to play ball with, and to just sit on our front porch in Madisonville, Kentucky and do absolutely nothing with.

As my sixteenth birthday approached, my mom and dad gave me absolutely no reason at all to hope for a new puppy as a gift. In fact, they purposely just kept asking me what kind of jeans I liked best, whether I liked Charlie or Love’s Baby Soft better, etc.  I tried to act excited as I answered “Calvin Klein” and “Charlie,” but it was tough.

When my birthday arrived, I expected to be greeted with a great pair of jeans and new bottle of perfume.  What I didn’t expect was the most adorable puppy I had ever seen, my own little girl Basset Hound.  I named her Honey and we were inseparable.

I bring Honey up because she came to mind recently when I was thinking about a restaurant my husband and I went to in Greenville, Kentucky.  In the way that I was completely surprised by one of the best presents I’ve ever gotten – I was equally surprised to find such an amazing restaurant as Philly’s in small, beautiful, and quiet Greenville, Kentucky.  Several times throughout the meal, as I looked around the restaurant, I thought, “This is the sort of restaurant you’d expect to see in Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, or Bowling Green…”

It’s really something special and, quite frankly, I can’t wait to go back.

When I think of Greenville, Kentucky, I’ve always thought of the cool store everyone in this part of Kentucky is obsessed with, the infamous Uncle Lee’s.  I also think of exceptionally friendly people.  Mostly I think of it as being the stereotypical quiet, small Kentucky town.  Who knew?!?!

These exceptionally friendly people have been sitting on a beautiful (and delicious) secret.

My jaw dropped when I saw the beautiful outside of Philly’s, but when we walked in, my knees nearly buckled.  Beautiful just doesn’t seem to cover it.

We were at Philly’s Restaurant at lunchtime, but the restaurant also serves dinner, which no doubt is equally amazing. I can’t wait to go back and order off of their dinner menu… then again, I’m anxious to have lunch at Philly’s again as soon as possible, if not sooner.

Because of the unseasonal, yet glorious, sunshine we’ve been enjoying in Kentucky the picture above isn’t as clear as I’d like it to be.  This beautiful statue is John Wayne on a horse and it is really amazing.  The likeness blew me away.

All of the decorations blew me away.  The time and money spent on this gorgeous restaurant is obvious.  Just as I was thinking, “They seem to do EVERYTHING right…”  I noticed the bottle of Ketchup on our table, Heinz! If you read my restaurant reviews, you know a pet peeve of mine is nasty ketchup.  If it’s not a brand you’d see in Kroger, guess what – it’s probably a major cheapie and tastes like it.  When I see Heinz ketchup in a restaurant, it tells me that the owners of the restaurant have enough pride in what they do and enough respect for their customers to give them the best.  I appreciate that!  As the Onion Ring Queen of the South (a self-given yet very earned title), I use ketchup often and nasty, cheap ketchup makes my toes curl and not in a good way.

Michael (my husband) did one of his many clever things while ordering – and it’s something you absolutely MUST do when you go.  After we placed our order, he asked if we could each have an order of coleslaw before our food was brought out.  At first, I thought, “Coleslaw… well, why not.”  I tend to get about as excited about coleslaw as I do  Wednesdays.  Sure, it’s okay, but…

That was before I tried Philly’s coleslaw.  Words can’t tell you how extraordinary this coleslaw is.  I can’t for the life of me figure out what they did to it (and I’m an avid cook!).  It’s the best coleslaw I’ve ever had in my life and if I had the recipe I’d make it every single day for the rest of my life.  It’s not just good, it’s stupid good.  It comes served in a beautiful little dish because.. well, because they do everything right, that’s why.

Notice the crackers are also name brand?  Would you expect less?  Something I was somewhat surprised to see (after seeing just how gorgeous everything was) were the prices. They were extremely reasonable. I honestly expected them to be higher.

My husband, Michael, had the Italian Beef and I ordered the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich. We both had onion rings, which was a great call.  The pulled pork was outstanding. It tasted like pork you’d expect to find in a BBQ restaurant – smokey and mouth-watering delicious.  From the way my husband devoured the Italian Beef, it must have been equal to the pulled pork!

Unfortunately, we had places we had to be, so we couldn’t just lie down in the booth and wait for supper. So, we had to leave – but I made a solemn promise to The Duke (and to his horse as well) that’d we’d be back soon…..

  … Very, very, very soon.

Directions:

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John James Audubon State Park will honor Black History Month with a Kentucky Chautauqua Performance: Reverend Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price” on February 11, 2012

February is, of course, Black History Month. Several agencies within the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will be holding events during February in honor of the month long celebration.

Below is a listing of these events:

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Kentucky Chautauqua Performance: Reverend Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price”

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m., Audubon Museum

In 1864 Kentucky became the last state to allow slaves to enlist in the Union Army. The Rev. Newton Bush, like many other slaves, risked his life to escape. He traveled to Camp Nelson and enlisted in the Army to fight for his freedom, the freedom of loved ones, and to preserve the union. Those like Bush soon found that even though they were risking their lives to fight for freedom, this alone did not ensure they would be treated with any more respect and dignity than they received as slaves. This Kentucky Chautauqua performance (by actor Robert Bell) is presented in conjunction with the Kentucky Humanities Council and the John James Audubon Museum. Free. Call 270-827-1893.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

Lecture, Luncheon and Kentucky Chautauqua Performance

Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.

Pen Bogert, a preservation administrator in Bardstown, will share his research on slaves at the Federal Hill Plantation. Robert Bell will portray the Rev. Newton Bush, an African-American Union soldier, in “Freedom at a Terrible Price.” This Kentucky Chautauqua performance is sponsored in part by the Kentucky Humanities Council. Lunch will also be served. The cost is $15 a person and reservations are required. Call 1-800-323-7803 for reservations and information.

Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort

Family History Workshop

Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The Kentucky Historical Society will present “Entangled Lives,” a dialogue between descendants of a master and a slave with Ann Neel and Pam Smith. This is a free program, but advance registration is required. To reserve a space, email KHSRefDesk@ky.gov before Feb. 10. Smith will also discuss her Kentucky family lines that connect with President Thomas Jefferson’s sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis, of Livingston County, Ky., and intersect with the noted conservationist, Thomas Wallace, editor of the Louisville Times during the 1930s and ’40s. Smith will instruct the group on how to trace slavery and slaveholding in their own families through pictures, oral histories, census and probate records, information from research trips, and results from DNA testing. It will take place at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway, Frankfort.

Kentucky Humanities Council, various locations

Kentucky Chautauqua Programs

Several Kentucky Chautauqua programs related to African-American history in Kentucky will be presented during February. These programs, sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council, feature actors who portray characters from Kentucky history. They include Anna Mac Clarke, portrayed by Haley McCoy, and her experience as an African-American woman in the Army during World War II; the Rev. Newton Bush, an African-American Union soldier, portrayed by Robert Bell; and “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing!,” By Daryl Harris, a musical history of African-Americans in Kentucky. Here are the programs:

• Feb. 2, Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer, Martin County Historical and Genealogical Society, Inez

• Feb. 9, Anna Mac Clarke, military pioneer, Bluegrass Heritage Museum, Winchester

• Feb. 9, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Prestonsburg

• Feb. 9, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” Daryl Harris, McCracken County Public Library, Paducah

• Feb. 21, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Paul Sawyier Public Library, Frankfort

• Feb. 28, The Rev. Newton Bush, “Freedom at a Terrible Price,” Woodford County Public Library, Versailles

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When it comes to freak accidents, few are any freakier than the one that befell the Eggner Ferry Bridge at the western entrance to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The bridge at US 68 and Kentucky 80 remains indefinitely closed after a Delta Mariner crashed into the bridge Thursday night, knocking out a 322-foot span.

Hopefully, people will rise up to the challenge, as they normally do when catastrophes and “freak accidents” happen. People generally pull together to support their neighbors and the people in the communities around them. Kenlake and Lake Barkle State Resort Parks are open and eagerly await your visit. Whether you go for a weekend (or week long if you need it!) retreat or just dinner in one of their excellent lodge restaurants, know that you’ll be doing your part to support fellow Kentuckians and Kentucky State Parks when they really need you the most.

I hope you’ll visit them this month…. and each month thereafter. I know you’ll fall in love with the area as much as I have. I’ll probably even see you there! I love each of these state resort parks as well as every single restaurant in Aurora:

• Willow Pond (best catfish in the world)
• The Brass Lantern
• Belew’s Dairy Bar (open seasonally)
• Aurora Bar-B-Que

During the winter months, Willow Pond isn’t open every night of the week. You’ll want to check before planning your trip. Call (270) 474-2202 for information. Believe me, Willow Pond’s catfish, hush puppies, beans, and desserts are worth the drive!

What You Need to Know:
Guests traveling to Lake Barkley and Kenlake State Resort Parks should be aware that the U.S. 68/KY 80 bridge over Kentucky Lake is closed to traffic. It was struck Thursday night (Jan. 26) by a cargo ship, destroying a main truss.

Both parks are open. Guests should use alternative routes, such as Interstate 24 on the northern end of the Land Between the Lakes.

For more information, guests can call the parks. The number for Lake Barkley is 1-800-325-1708. The number for Kenlake is 1-800-325-0143.

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Gorgeous Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a PARADISE for hikers and a dream come true for photographers. They’re hosting a “First Saturday of the Month Hike” starting Feb. 4 and it’s something you won’t want to miss.

The 10 a.m. trek will be a guided, interpretive hike on the Blue Bend Trail, a 4.5-mile loop. The first 3 miles of trail follow the Cumberland River along a hemlock grove and then ascend the hill leading to a “surprise” at the top.

Participants should bring a lunch and drinking water and should dress appropriately for the weather. This event is free. Participants should meet in the Great Room of Dupont Lodge at 10 a.m.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has a lodge, Riverview Restaurant, cottages, campground, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, other recreational activities and a great view of Cumberland Falls.

Call the park at 1-800-325-0063 for information.

Learn more about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park on Kentucky’s State Parks’ beautiful website!

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Art Prints:

Cumberland Falls,…
Diane Johnson
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Cumberland Falls,… 
Panoramic Images…
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Dogslaughter…
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As I’ve said (and said, and said, and said…) there’s always something going on in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes.  Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or blisteringly cold winter – it’s always the right time to take a trip to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

Below is information, from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes.  They’d also like you to know that the welcome mat never rolls up in the LBL region. It’s always out and you’re always treated like a long lost family member.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area is presenting Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour on Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 9am-12pm. Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service in Stewart County, TN, provides one of the area’s best wildlife viewing hotspots.

The tour is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Registration is limited. Reservations and full deposits are required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Meet at South Welcome Station. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.

“Come join us as we explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, eagles, and thousands of migrating ducks,” said Sharon Waltrip, LBL’s Program Manager for Environmental Education and Interpretation. “Morning will be our best shot at catching some great wildlife viewing opportunities!”

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The Lodge at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park. You should see inside!

Valentine’s Day in Kentucky is always especially sweet. Now our Kentucky State Parks are sweetening the deal even more.

You’ve read enough of my raves about Kentucky State Resort Parks ( from their restaurants to their cottages and lodges) to know I how I feel about them.  We can all be very proud of our beautiful state parks and should visit them as often as possible.

Even if you just go for a meal, you’ll walk away happy. And full!  The Kentucky Hot Browns, the catfish, the hush puppies, onion rings, beans, and rolls.  The chicken, buffet bar, iced tea, and desserts.  And the coffee! I’m as big a Starbucks fan as anyone, but the coffee served at Kentucky State Resort Parks is even better than Starbucks coffee.

Now I have your attention, right?!

Kentucky’s State Resort Parks are offering special events and packages during the month of February to help celebrate Valentine’s Day. How love-ly!

State parks provide a great place for a getaway weekend along with excellent food, entertainment, natural beauty and scenery. Listed below are the parks with Valentine’s packages and programs, and the park phone number. For more information about each park, as well as other state park events, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Here is a listing of special events:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Honeymooners’ Weekend Feb. 10-12

Honeymooners’ weekend is a tradition at Barren River, so bring your sweetheart for a weekend of fun and romance. Friday night, become part of an interactive murder mystery and help solve the “crime.” Whoever solves it wins a free night’s lodging at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. It will be “An Evening To Die For!” On Saturday, hold your special someone close and dance to the music provided by DJ Cindy Cossey. Or, participate in couples activities including the “Not So Newlywed Game.” Enjoy all this for a two-night lodging package at $279.95 plus tax per couple (includes lodge room, dinners, breakfasts, mystery theater tickets and dance tickets for two). Ask about our one-night lodge room, two-night cottage, and dinner and show packages. For more information, contact Jamie Avery at 1-800-325-0057 or jamie.avery@ky.gov

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet

Valentine Dinner Theater Feb. 11

This year’s performance at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park will be a return of Fantastical Theatricals for a cabaret performance featuring a selection of love songs to warm the heart. The dinner theater will be one night only, Feb. 11, with seating starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.95 plus tax per person for dinner and entertainment. Packages are available for $129 plus tax that include an overnight stay in the lodge room of your choice, two dinner theater tickets and breakfast for two the following morning. Call 800-443-7008 for reservations.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Sweetheart’s Weekend Feb. 10-12

Enjoy the tranquil setting and mountain vista with a special discounted room rate of $50 per couple on each night. There will be a special buffet Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering entrees of rib-eye steaks, fried catfish, fried chicken, herb roasted pork lion, mixed medley vegetables, green beans, corn, baked potatoes, garden vegetables, and various desserts. Adults are $13.99 (plus beverage, tax and gratuity). Call 1-800-325-0058.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill

Valentines Dinner Theater Feb. 10-11

Spend a romantic evening in the natural beauty of the Eastern Kentucky foothills at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Romance that special someone in your life with dinner followed by special performance by the duet Heath Eric & Molly G. Heath and Molly present a high-energy, passionate show filled with authentic originals and unique twists on cover songs. For more info on the performers, check out their website at www.heatheric.com Show times are Friday and Saturday evening at 6:45 p.m. Admission fee of $29.95 plus tax per person includes dinner and show. The park is also offering a package that includes the dinner, show and an overnight stay in Lewis Caveland Lodge for just $120.95 plus tax for two people. Call 1-800-325-0059.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Valentine Getaway Weekend Feb. 10-12

Cumberland Falls has been considered one of Kentucky’s most romantic attractions for decades. Your weekend begins with a dance and DJ on Friday evening, with music provided by Radioactive Sounds. Saturday evening features a mystery dinner theater where you will help figure out “who done it?” The weekend package is $299 plus tax per couple, which includes two night’s lodging, Friday evening dance and dinner and show on Saturday. Single person price is $239. Call 1-800-325-0063.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville

Valentine’s Celebration Feb. 10-12

Dale Hollow will host several events during the weekend of Feb. 10-12 in honor of Valentine’s Day. The Friday night package for two will include one night’s lodging, dinner and breakfast, and a Chautauqua program at 7:30 p.m. featuring Kelly O’Connell Brengelman as Lucy Audubon. The Friday package is $124.95 per couple. On Saturday, the package includes one night’s lodging, dinner and breakfast and a dance featuring Klassyc Times. The package is $169.95 per couple. The dinner and dance only is $74.95 per couple and the dance only is $20 per person. Call 1-800-325-2282.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton

Perfect Harmony Dinner Theater Feb. 11

General Butler State Resort Park presents “Blues Brothers Tribute Act: The Soul Men.” From their knuckle tattoos to their signature hats and sunglasses, the Soul Men impersonate Jake and Elwood to perfection. The Soul Men’s performance is a fast-paced, high energy, audience participating routine that includes all of your favorite Blue Brothers’ songs and gets the audience moving and dancing. The Butler Lodge package for $165.95 plus tax per couple includes one night’s lodging on Feb. 11, Saturday dinner theater and a Sunday breakfast buffet. Individual tickets for the dinner show are $35 plus tax and are on sale through noon Feb. 11. Call 1-866-462-8853.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup

Valentine Getaway Package Feb. 11-12

Treat that special someone to a Valentine Getaway Package as Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and the Paramount Arts Center present an evening of dinner theater with a comedy production of “The Kentucky Marriage Proposal.” One night’s lodging, dinner and show for two is $130 plus tax; dinner and show only is $28 per person plus tax, tip and drink or $56 for two plus tax, tip and drink. The Sweetheart Buffet is $17.95 per person plus tax, tip and drink. A ticket for the show only is $10. Call 1-800-325-0083.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg

Valentine’s Day Getaway Feb. 14

Enjoy an evening of romantic music while enjoying your candlelight dinner at the Music Highway Grill with Jody Conley. As a professional musician for over 20 years, he played with local groups, Full House Band, Breakaway, was a founding member of the Kentucky Opry, and was a member of Exile. Serving time is 4-8 p.m. Cost is $25 per couple, plus tax and drink. Lodging package available for $100 plus tax per couple, which includes a lodge room, dinner and entertainment. Call 1-800-325-0142.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

Couples Month in February

For $125, receive a one-night stay in Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s comfortable lodge, with dinner and breakfast. Upon arrival, you will be greeted in your room with a special gift, which includes a bottle of sparkling cider. Dinner at Harbor Lights Restaurant includes a choice of special entree and desert from our Couples’ Menu. The next morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast for two again at Harbor Lights with a later check-out time. This package is based on availability thru Feb. 29. Call 1-800-325-0146.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Sweetheart Weekend Feb. 10-11

Come celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lake Barkley State Resort Park with your sweetheart. On Friday night and Saturday afternoon, enjoy planned recreation activities, and on Saturday night enjoy dinner and the annual Sweetheart Dance with live music, sweet treats and cash bar. Two-night packages are $215 per couple and include Friday and Saturday night lodging in a lake view room, activities, Saturday dinner buffet, Sweetheart Dance and Sunday breakfast. One-night packages are $165 per couple and include lodge room Saturday night, activities, dinner, dance and breakfast. Call 1-800-325-1708 for reservations or additional information.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Sweetie Pie Valentine Dinner Feb. 14

Show your love for your sweetheart with a special romantic dinner at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Sit by a window of the park’s beautiful dining room overlooking Lake Cumberland while enjoying your choice of several special entrees such as beef filet mignon, grilled chicken with cherries jubilee sauce, port-roasted pork tenderloin with apple chutney, or coconut-dusted jumbo shrimp. You’re bound to impress the one you love! Reservations are suggested but not required. Call 1-800-325-1709.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade

Valentine’s Square Dance Feb. 11

Bring your sweetheart out to Natural Bridge for some easy-to-learn Appalachian square dancing, clogging, line dancing, two-stepping, polkas, waltzes, and many other couples and individual dances. The warm-up begins at 6:30 p.m., and the official start time is 7:30 p.m. The dance will be held in the Woodland Center and typically lasts until 10 p.m. Admission is $3 per adult, and children under 12 are free. Contact Brian Gasdorf at brian.gasdorf@ky.gov or (606) 663-2214 for more information.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs

Sweetheart Month during February

February is sweetheart month! Come stay at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park – lodge rooms are $44.95 per night during February. On Friday and Saturday night, stay in a lodge room and add a dinner for $80 a couple. If a cottage is more your style, get a one bedroom cottage for $74.95, or a two bedroom cottage for $84.95. The price for a one bedroom cottage and dinner for two is $105. Call 1-800-325-1711.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

Sweethearts Dinner and Dance Feb. 11

Enjoy a dinner and dance at Pine Mountain State Resort Park whether you’re in a new romance, newlyweds or longtime sweethearts. Celebrate your relationship at this event featuring a night of dancing, with a live music duo and a special sweetheart’s dinner. The park’s $110 (plus tax) package for two includes sweetheart’s dinner, dance admission, and one night’s accommodations. Dinner and dance only tickets are available for $70 plus tax. For information, call 1-800-325-1712.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

That’s Amore Dinner Feb. 14

A romantic, Italian-themed dinner to celebrate your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day will be featured on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 5-9 p.m at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The special evening of fine dining featuring authentic Italian cuisine will include lasagna, spaghetti, and a saute station where the park’s chef will prepare shrimp, chicken, and vegetables to your personal preference. Rounding out the evening’s special menu will be a variety of pastas and sauces, Italian-style vegetables, rolls, garlic bread, various pasta salads on the bar, and an assortment of all-time favorite desserts. The cost is $30 plus tax per couple. For more information, call 606-337-3066 or 800-325-1712.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

Sweetheart Weekend Feb. 17-19

Bring your special someone to Rough River Dam State Resort Park for a romantic weekend getaway! Festivities begin on Friday evening with professional ballroom dance lessons, and Saturday is filled with activities and games including the “Not-So-Newlywed Game.” A romantic prime rib dinner buffet and Sweetheart Dance highlight the night. Overnight package starts at $250 plus tax per couple and includes two nights’ accommodations, Saturday breakfast, activities, prime rib dinner buffet and dance and Sunday breakfast. Dinner and dance only packages are also available for $85 plus tax per couple and include prime rib dinner buffet and dance on Saturday. Call 1-800-325-1713.

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Kentucky’s beautiful Land Between the Lakes is a nature lover’s dream come true and a photographer’s Heaven on earth, year round. It’s just as beautiful in the fall and winter as it is in the spring and summer. The colors are different, and, of course, some birds have packed their bags and headed off for their vacation down south, but the nature-viewing (and photographing) are most definitely abundant.

As someone who is, admittedly, OBSESSED with watching birds and other wildlife, I have a little secret for you – you can often see more birds in the winter. Once the leafy green curtains on the trees have fallen, you can see the birds more clearly.  In our own yard, I always marvel at how many more birds I’m able to watch in the winter.

From Land Between the Lakes:

Got the winter blues? Embrace the season by joining us for one of the many wildlife-viewing van tours offered at Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. During January, February, and March, there are multiple guided tours offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to witness some of nature’s greatest moments. Registration is required for all tours, and space is limited. Please call 270-924-2020, weekdays from 8am-4:30pm, to learn more about each tour and make your reservation.

Our ongoing Nature Watch tour series highlights many birds that call this area home during the winter. During these tours, you may see everything from pelicans to pintails!

An all-day Nature Watch tour on January 14, will take you in search of eagles and some of the 25+ species of ducks that call LBL home in the winter. We’ll also cover the fascinating story of local bald eagle recovery by visiting several unique landmarks in LBL. The cost is $40/person and includes lunch at a local restaurant.

LBL continues to offer Eagle Viewing Van Tours from 1-4:30pm on Sundays, Jan. 22, 29, and February 5. Winter is the peak season for seeing bald eagles in LBL; both our resident eagles and visiting “snowbirds” are out looking for fish around the lakes. We’ll take you to the best spots in LBL for spotting these magnificent creatures. Cost is $7/adult and $5/child.

On February 11, we will offer a special Nature Watch tour that brings you to Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, just south of LBL. We will explore this bottomland habitat in search of harriers, sandhill cranes, and thousands of migrant ducks. The cost is $10/adult and $7/child and runs from 9am-12pm.

The month of March offers a chance to see hundreds of pelicans as they migrate through the area, as well as our resident eagles on their giant nests, incubating eggs or sheltering their chicks. Join us on either March 18 or 24, for a Nature Watch tour that highlights these two amazing species. This two-hour tour costs $7/adult and $5/child.

Winter doesn’t have to be spent inside! Join us for any of these fun wildlife-viewing tours:

January 22, 29, and February 5 – “Everything Eagles” Van Tours, 1-4:30pm
January 14 – Winter Wanderers: Eagles and Waterfowl Migration, 9am-5pm
February 11 – Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge Tour, 9am-12pm
March 18 & 24 – Pelicans and Eagles, times vary

Come Outside and Play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Follow us on Twitter @LBLScreechOwl and on our blog at http://landbetweenthelakes.blogspot.com. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

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