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Kentucky's Western Waterlands region is at the western edge of the state, and is home to popular outdoor recreation areas around Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes. The region is bounded on the north by the Ohio River and on the west by the Mississippi River. Kentucky's two largest lakes, Kentucky Lake, 160,000 acres and Lake Barkley, 58,000 acres, provide 600 square miles of waterways and parks with 2,390 miles of shoreline. There are fishing, boating and camping opportunities to satisfy the most avid outdoorsman. There are seven state parks in this region and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
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This peaceful setting on the shores of Lake Barkley is historically linked to the author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The property was once the farm of Willis B. Machen, grandfather of the author's wife, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald. It's not hard to imagine the serene, Gatsby-style era from this park, with idyllic days of playing golf and cruising the lake.
A Native American village once occupied the site of Wickliffe Mounds, about A.D. 1100 to 1350. Here, people of the Mississippian culture built earthen mounds and permanent houses around a central plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. Today, this Native American Indian archaeological site features mounds surrounded by abundant wildlife, museum exhibits, a walking trail, welcome center, a gift shop and picnic areas.
Enjoy unique Mexican food, deli sandwiches, BBQ, Cajun specials, fresh salads, and a full bar. Private Dining Rooms available for parties and meetings.
Classic BBQ consisting of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken with traditional sides. Specials served often.
Country sliced bacon, country sausage, spiral sliced ham, a variety of dry cured meats, country baked ham, or turkey.
Known for great steak & ribs, but also featuring bison, fish, chicken & pasta dishes. Full-service bar with draft & premium beer, wine & specialty drinks. 359-seat restaurant with TVs & music.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner with view of Lake Barkley. In season weekend breakfast buffet, super salads and specials featuring the big ½ lb. Buzzard Burger. Cold beer, wine and spirits.
By bus
There is a Greyhound Bus Terminal in Paducah.
By train
There is an Amtrak train terminal in Fulton, Kentucky, 50 southwest of Benton at the end of the Purchase Pkwy.
By plane
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Paducah · Regional · PAH
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Aurora is a town in the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky, which in turn is part of the tourism region known as the Western Waterlands. The town lies on the western shore of Kentucky Lake, the largest man-made lake in the United States east of the Mississippi River as measured by surface area.
Located on both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley and at the north entrance to Land Between the Lakes; This is a village filled with authentic charm, surrounded by water and the great outdoors.
From rural rolling farmland adored by bikers, to steep terrain with expansive vistas enjoyed by hikers, to golf, parks and loads of water sports, outdoor enthusiasts can always find something to do in Christian County. If a museum, community theatre, or antique shopping sound more intriguing, there is plenty of indoor entertainment options, too.
Influenced by Western Kentucky charm, a strong art and theater presence, and a progressive university town attitude.
Enjoy thriving arts district, wide variety of cultural pursuits, rich history, fine dining, and eclectic accommodations.
The people are friendly, life is easy, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Stay on the water's edge or venture inland to a unique bed and breakfast. Anchor in a bay to yourself or head for the golf courses.
little bits of history.
Lake Barkley is in the Western Waterlands of Kentucky and in Central Tennessee.
Kentucky Lake is in the Western Waterlands of Kentucky and the West Tennessee region of Tennessee.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a United States national recreation area in Kentucky and Tennessee. Land Between the Lakes offers all the outdoor recreation "basics" with opportunities for environmental and historic interpretation.
Articles and travel topics about Western Waterlands and United States.
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