Planning a trip to Kentucky Lake? Be sure to add Aurora to your itinerary. Known for its delicious local restaurants and close proximity to outdoor recreation, Aurora is one of the area’s must-visit destinations.
A Foodie's Paradise
You may be surprised to discover that Aurora is home to some of the most talked about restaurants in the region. If you love an old-fashioned drive-in restaurant, Belew’s Dairy Bar is the place to go! This local staple serves up the best cheeseburgers and milkshakes! Right next door to Belew’s is an amazing BBQ joint, Amazin’ Blaze BBQ. A recent customer raved about Amazin’ Blaze, stating “If you’re looking for real deal barbecue, this is the place. The ribs fall right off the bone, the sides are perfection, and everything tastes fresh and homemade. Highly recommend!”
A few miles up sits The Dinner Bell. Patrons say that their home cooking is the best they have ever had! It is definitely worth the wait for a taste of true southern comfort food! If you’re craving a good Mexican restaurant, check out Los Amigos. One of several Los Amigos locations, the one in Aurora is delicious! The Pond Restaurant, located within walking distance to three lodging options in Aurora has excellent fish and is considered one of Aurora’s hidden gems. The Burger Barn, found inside Kenlake Marina at Kenlake State Resort Park, is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. You can choose to boat-up or drive-up to their restaurant, and build your own burger or try one of their tasty creations! Lastly, Fast Eddie’s is a local favorite. Fast Eddie’s is not only a restaurant, but a gas station and bait and tackle shop. They are a one stop shop for amazing fish, pizza, and all your fishing necessities.
The Gateway to Land Between the Lakes
If you love hiking, biking, or off-roading, Aurora is the place for you! Aurora is conveniently located five minutes away from hiking and biking trails, and off-roading courses. If you enjoy a leisurely hike, stop by Eggner’s Ferry Bridge, where you can walk across a beautiful bridge while taking in an even more beautiful view of Kentucky Lake. If you prefer a more challenging trial, the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail is a great place to hike or bike. The trail runs from Aurora all the way to Lake Barkley. It is an 11-mile trail with excellent views of both lakes and LBL! For an even more action-packed trip, check out Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Open to any vehicle with the proper permits and waivers, Turkey Bay is perfect for anyone looking for adventure. Conveniently located ten minutes from Aurora, Turkey Bay is the place to take your off-roading vehicle.
Plenty of Lodging Options
No matter what kind of lodging you are looking for, Aurora has it readily available! If you are interested in staying close to the lake, Kenlake State Resort Park is a great option. They are located next to Eggner’s Ferry Bridge and Land Between the Lakes as well, making them a great option for visitors most interested in the outdoor activities the region offers. If you are looking for a charming, small motel, check out Early American Motel. The cutest little motel, located right across the road from The Pond Restaurant. Also nearby is Fin ‘n Feather Lodge and Aurora’s Kentucky Lake Cottages. Both are excellent options if you prefer having your own cabin.
Located next to all 3 of these lodging options is the Aurora General Store. The general store has everything you need to have an excellent stay in Aurora. Sportsman’s Lodge, located right on Jonathan Creek, is a great choice if you prefer great views at a great price. Lastly, there are two campground options in Aurora. Lakeside Campground, which is also located right on Jonathan Creek, has great options for campers and has an on-site marina and boat ramp. Tucked away in Aurora is Tanglewood Campground. They feature a couple of pull-through spots, campers and a cabin for rent, and easy access to the lake as the campground backs up to Cherokee State Park!
Unique Shopping Experiences
If you love antiques, history, and vintage items, Aurora is a must-see destination. Located right off of US 68 is Black Dog Antiques. Black Dog Antiques is run by two Aurora locals who have the cutest antiques. They work hard to ensure their store is stocked with the best finds at great prices! The Hitching Post and Old Country Store has a little bit of everything. They have over 170 old-fashioned sodas in glass bottles to try at the Old Country Store, and a little bit of something from every decade at The Hitching Post. Additionally, they serve ice cream on-site, and speaking from experience, it is delicious! Be sure to check out our online calendar and their Facebook for events throughout the year!