Convenience / Gas Updates
Pets in Paradise
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
 I received an email from Chris last week.
He wanted to know two things:
1) What's the story on using ATVs/4-wheeler's in the Black River area? and
2) Can he bring his pet?
I already mentioned this in a post I put up here called "Double Cheeseburger in Paradise" on May 25th. But for you new readers, THE place to use your four-wheeler is the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
Don't forget to stop in at the Centerville Quickstop to get your trail permit. You'll need one before you take your ATV into the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
Regarding pets, I had to do a bit of research. I now believe ExperienceBlackRiver.com is your best source of information about bringing your pets to the greater Lesterville area.
Here's what I found out:
Bearcat Getaway pets allowed with a leash
Black River Camping at Horseshoe Ranch pets allowed with a leash
Black River Cozy Cabin pets allowed
Black River Family Motel no pets
Black River Lodge no pets
Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort pets allowed with a leash
Camp Taum Sauk no pets
Cedar Valley Lodge pets allowed with a leash
Crocker’s Country Charm B&B no pets
Deer Creek Campground pets allowed with a leash
Hidden Meadows Cottages no pets
Koinania Cottage no pets
Kyle’s Campground pets allowed
Log Cabin Inn no pets
Parks Bluff Campground pets allowed with a leash
Rachel’s Bed and Breakfast no pets
Riversedge Campground pets allowed with a leash
Sherwood Forest Camp no pets
Sunset Ridge Cabin pets allowed except large breeds
Trump Lake Resort pets allowed with a leash
Twin Rivers Landing pets allowed with a leash $6/night
Wilderness Lodge Resort no pets
Be sure to call and confirm this information with the campground owner or Lodge operator before you show up with your favorite pet companion.
I'll see you (and Fido) on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 1:44 pm
Maps, Old and New
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
 People have been trying to find their way to the fun in the Lesterville area for a long time.
A good map just can't be beat for that job.
I'm proud of the map we're offering on http://www.experienceblackriver.com/.
But it's not the only one "out there."
One of my favorites appears to be printed on an old bandana (if I remember it correctly) mounted on a door in the back corner inside Lenny's.
You'll have to visit Denny and Cathy personally to see the old map up close.
You might as well drive on down this weekend.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 10:08 pm Slow About Elephant Rocks
Monday, June 5, 2006
 I'm slow. I know.
I'm finally posting a pic up here of a visit I made to Elephant Rocks State Park way back in April.
Speaking of slow...I'd never seen them before!
These huge granite formations are worth the trip down here, even if you do nothing else, and I know you won't do that!
Elephant Rocks State Park is not like some fancy museum in which you get to just see the big rocks. No! When you're here you get to be on the rocks, near the rocks, between the rocks, not beneath the rocks, but definitely among them.
For an interesting contrast experience, why not start your day at Elephant Rocks State Park, then come over to the newly re-opened Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The tour of the boulder field is fascinating.
I did the tour, as well as the new driving tour through the Park on the Thursday evening before Memorial Day weekend. Amazing!
Even though I'm slow about seeing Elephant Rocks, you shouldn't be. Plan your visit to the Black River area today.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 11:38 pm New Cedar Picnic Pavillion
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
 If you're looking for a beautiful place to picnic with your family, come to the Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
Right near the parking lot, in the shade of trees along the stream is this BRAND NEW picnic pavillion.
It's gorgeous. All of the cedar (I think) wood beams and cedar picnic tables are brand new. They've never been used. And they're freshly finished...waiting for you to use and enjoy.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 9:14 am Double Cheese Burger In Paradise
Thursday, May 25, 2006
I just arrived in Lesterville. I'm glad to be here. I've been in the car too long today.
On the way over here this afternoon I did two things:
- I stopped at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The place is buzzing with activity. The media tour is done. Another tour is about to begin. And tonight MDNR's Parks Division is hosting a public meeting. The Park really looks different. If you haven't seen the boulder field, you've really got to come. It's like nothing you've ever seen before.
- I had lunch over in Centerville. I dropped in at the 21 Diner. Oh my stars! I had a double cheeseburger that was home-made. I can't remember when I've had a cheeseburger that good! I was moaning and groaning as I ate it. It didn't last long. It was fantastic.
When you come to the Black River area, be sure to stop in across the street from 21 Diner at the Centerville Quick Stop. They have EVERYTHING you need, including gas, convenience food, a deli, sodas and beer, fishing tackle, camping equipment, souvenirs, video rentals....and they are THE place in the area where you can get your trail permit to use your four-wheeler on the trails in the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 4:25 pm Sun and Steel
Friday, May 19, 2006
 I like this view, looking down through the structure of the lookout tower at the top of Taum Sauk Mountain in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:35 pm 15-Mile View
Friday, May 19, 2006
 One of the guides I read said that on a clear day you can see 15 miles in every direction from the lookout tower in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Click on the thumb-nail to see a bigger shot of what I saw this afternoon.
It's thrilling up there.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:27 pm It's Worth the Climb
Friday, May 19, 2006
 When you're in the Black River area, you should plan to visit Taum Sauk Moutain State Park.
I've been there all afternoon.
Here's a picture of the first thing I did there, I climbed the lookout tower.
The padlock on the trapdoor keeps you from going all the way to the top. But the next best thing is definitely worth the climb.
I felt the wind blowing...which is an overly brave way of saying I hung onto the railing when the gusts came up.
The view was amazing.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:19 pm Several Days of Rain Makes the Canopy Lush
Friday, May 19, 2006
 Over the past months I've driven down this road many times.
It takes me to some of my favorite places here, including Riversedge Campground, Camp Taum Sauk, Peola Valley Pottery, and Wilderness Lodge Resort.
But it has never looked like this before. (Click on the pic for a closer view.)
Wow!
Meteorolgist I'm not. But when I add it up for myself, I think it's rained over 5 inches here so far in May.
The result is this beautiful canopy over the road. It's literally like driving through a beautiful green tunnel with the rays of sunlight cutting through.
I'll see you on the Black River.
Posted by Kevin Perry 10:28 am Don't Let the Hat Fool You
Thursday, May 18, 2006
 Don't let the fancy hat fool you.
I saw Robbie Chadbourne the day after this photo was taken (he guided my Float Trip fishing adventure down the Black River) eating lunch at Lenny's.
He was wearing a blue bandana then.
Maybe the hat is "business" and the bandana "casual."
Whatever it is, I enjoyed fishing and lunching with Robbie.
You will, too.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 3:05 pm
Signs of Spring
Thursday, May 11, 2006
 I know you know...it's Spring.
But here's a bit of nature's beauty.
I took this picture at Millstream Gardens Conservation area, too.
It's so beautiful here.
You should jump in your car and drive down to visit this weekend. Why wait?
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry 10:43 am
New Maps!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
We just added two new maps to http://www.experienceblackriver.com/!
I've used draft versions of both of these maps on the ground as I made my way around the Black River area. You won't want to be without them when you come down to visit.
The first is a map of Area Attractions. You can view it and print it here.
You'll see featured the parks, historic sites, and natural wonders that people love to visit.
Don't forget, while you're viewing this map online, you can zoom in for closer views.
Use it today to plan your visit to the Black River area.
The second is a map of Black River Area Businesses. The services they provide are indespensible. So call them today to make your reservations or to handle your needs for food, supplies, lodging or adventure. It's all here.
View and print the Business locator map here.
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 9:58 am. Fort Davidson Fun
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
I just returned from visiting the Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob.
It is so beautiful outside today, I can't imagine anyone not enjoying the day.
This attraction made it easy.
When I got out of the car I saw a huge green lawn, surrounding what remains of the fort. It has been beautifully manicured and maintained by DNR.
The sun was shining bright. There was a blue sky overhead. And I could smell freshly mowed grass. What a great way to start the day.
From the Fort site, you can look back across the lawn and see the building that houses the exhibits and interpretive displays. The building looks brand new. The whole north wall of the building consists of a bank of windows that look out over the Fort area.
Behind the building you can see Pilot Knob...a pretty impressive mountain. Swing around and look to your left and there's Shepherd Mountain.
Beyond the building is a picnic and playground area, with plenty of room for fun in the sun and in the shade. I could hear the kids playing on the playground as I sat on the front steps for a while before entering.
This historic site commemorates the one-day Civil War battle that occurred right here.
I'll write more later. For now, I'm off to Elephant Rocks State Park, just up the road. After that I'm going over to the Black River Ice Cream Parlor. The last time I was there I had a huge omelette. Everyone raves about their desserts, too!
Find our more about the Fort Davidson State Historic site here on our attractions page.
When you plan your trip to the Black River area don't miss Fort Davidson!
I'll see you on the Black River.
posted by Kevin Perry at 10:48 We're up and running now!
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
We're very happy today to roll out all of functions and features of ExperienceBlackRiver.com.
You'll want to explore the ATTRACTIONS that have been bringing enthusiasts back to the Black River area year after year. They're all still here. And now that the weather is warming up, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying everything this area has to offer.
Please take a look at the EVENTS we've posted. There are some fun activities there you and your family won't want to miss.
While you're checking out what ExperienceBlackRiver.com and the Black River area have to offer, don't forget to take advantage of what our local businesses have to offer. Book a float trip. Reserve your camp space or lodge. Plan your gift buying experience.
Lestervile and Black River area are truly at the center of all of the attractions.
I'll see you on the Black River,
posted by Kevin Perry 9:11 am
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