Fall Camping & The Philosophy of Primitive Camping

October 7, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
There’s nothing better than waking up right next to the water when the wilderness is calling your name! If you’re looking for a quiet, rustic getaway, primitive camping on TVA land here on Kentucky Lake is the perfect adventure. It’s called dispersed camping, and it means you get to pick your own undeveloped spot—no facilities, no fees, just you and nature. For us, the number one rule ... Read More...
Lakin' it on the Trails: Why LBL is a Mountain Biking Destination

September 30, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
If you’re looking for speed, jumps, and serious fun on two wheels, Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is absolutely the place to be! I recently joined Christian, the owner of Gear Up Cycles in Murray, KY, and his crew for a ride, and I was blown away by the quality of the trails. We hit the Jenny Ridge Trail, which is known as one of the most action-packed routes in the area. Now, let me be ... Read More...
A Howlin' Good Fall Break: Wolf Week at the Woodlands Nature Station

September 25, 2025 - Press Release from Friends of LBL
The Woodlands Nature Station invites families to visit during Wolf Week, October 4-12, 2025, to explore the world of wolves. Visitors can see the Woodlands Nature Station’s resident endangered Red Wolves and learn about their conservation each day at the 1:30 "Red Wolf Treat Time" program. Additional programs and activities will celebrate wolves and investigate canine species around the ... Read More...
A Simple Way to Give Back to the Places We Love

September 23, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
This year, for National Public Lands Day, I teamed up with Elise and Louis from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes to talk about an easy way we can all make a big difference. National Public Lands Day is a special day dedicated to the stewardship of our public lands, and it's a perfect reminder of how important it is to protect these beautiful spaces. The Friends of LBL is a fantastic ... Read More...
A Starry Night Out: The Timeless Charm of the Calvert Drive-In

September 16, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
Right there on Highway 68, just a short drive from Kentucky Lake, you'll find one of the most unique and visible roadside attractions in the region: the Calvert Drive-In. This iconic local landmark offers a unique and memorable experience that's hard to find elsewhere. Operating since 1953, this single-screen drive-in is one of the last remaining places where you can enjoy a double feature from ... Read More...
A Fishing Trip Gone... Well, Not as Planned

September 9, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
Fishing is a huge part of the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley experience, and this past weekend, I decided to give it a try. Since I'm not exactly a fishing expert, I teamed up with Luis and Elise from the Friends of Land Between the Lakes for a little expedition. Our spot was a cool riprap berm, basically a rocky causeway stacked between Honker Lake and Lake Barkley, giving us the unique ... Read More...
Visiting Land Between the Lakes with Your Furry Friend

September 2, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
I love bringing my dog along on trips, and Land Between the Lakes is one of our favorite spots. A lot of people have been asking me if it's a good place for dogs, and I can tell you it absolutely is. We've had some great adventures there, but a few things are good to know before you go. For everyone's safety - your dog, the wildlife, and other visitors—you'll need to keep your pup on a leash ... Read More...
What a unique roadside attraction: The Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland

August 26, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
Right there on Highway 68, just a short drive from Kentucky Lake, you'll find one of the most unique roadside attractions in the region: the Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland. This quirky, one-of-a-kind destination gives off major Route 66 vibes and is a must-see for anyone who appreciates creative artistry and a good story. This property has been in artist Keith Holt's family for ... Read More...
Kids Adventure Weekend Explores Outdoor Skills at Woodlands Nature Station

August 21, 2025 - Press Release from Friends of LBL
The Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area will host Kids Adventure Weekend at the Woodlands Nature Station during Labor Day weekend, August 30 - September 1. "This weekend is all about introducing kids to essential outdoor skills through fun activities and programs," says naturalist Jordan Tandy, "Our hope is that these activities will help your children to ... Read More...
A Magical Evening: Dining with Hummingbirds at the Woodlands Nature Station

August 18, 2025 - Lakin' It with Lydia
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a special members-only Dinner with Hummingbirds at the Woodlands Nature Station, and it was a truly magical experience. The evening was dedicated to supporting the Friends of LBL's Environmental Education Program, a vital initiative that helps children connect with and learn about the natural world. Every dollar raised from the silent and live ... Read More...