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You are here: Home / Archives for Kentucky Vacations / Kentucky's Lakes / Dale Hollow Lake

The Best Lakes for Houseboats Are in Kentucky!

July 21, 2012 by Joi Sigers 1 Comment

Kentucky Lake Houseboat
Houseboat on Beautiful Kentucky Lake

Kentucky has a lot of things to be proud of. From Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace to the most exciting college basketball programs in the country, we have plenty of reasons to feel good about the beautiful state we call home. One of the most obvious reasons for great pride is our lakes. Fishermen and women, houseboat owners and renters, and boaters flock to Kentucky’s many beautiful (and loaded) lakes each year. Many fall so deeply in love that they basically call friends back home and tell them they’ve found a new home!

Fact is, I believe Kentucky’s lakes are one of the primary ways we lure (excuse the pun) new neighbors.Ã?  In fact, did you know that Kentucky (not just Lake Cumberland) is often thought of as the houseboat capital of the world? I’ve always heard this and came across it recently in a bit of research I was doing for Genuine Kentucky.Ã?  As a web publisher, I often use “web tools” that help determine what words are most often searched-for on search engine giants like Google.

When I began this article on houseboat living and houseboat rentals, I turned to my trusty little web tool to see what the top search engine searches were relating to houseboats, house boats, houseboat rentals, etc. Amongst the top searches related to houseboats (or house boats as most people actually type in, oddly enough) were Kentucky Houseboats and Houseboat Rentals in Kentucky. I dug a little deeper (out of sheer nosiness) and found that houseboats are searched for more in conjunction with Kentucky than Florida, California, or… for that matter… any state I snooped into!

Apparently when Kentucky is referred to as the ââ?¬Å?Houseboating Capital of the U.S.,ââ?¬ÂÃ?  there’s ample justification for it.

When you think about it, it all makes perfect sense. Kentucky is full of lakes that lend themselves to the pleasant pastime of houseboating.Ã?  Of course, it’s more than just a pastime for a lot of people, it’s a lifestyle.

Many of Kentucky’s beautiful lakes offer a vast number of coves and fingers that allow houseboats to tie up or anchor away from the main channel and provide boaters with a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

Then there�s the ease with which visitors can rent houseboats from marinas operating on the lakes. Lake Cumberland boasts multiple marinas that specialize in renting these commodious craft to vacationers who crave laid-back quality time on the water with family and friends. When you add other popular waters like Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Dale Hollow Lake, more marinas rent houseboats of various sizes and degrees of luxury in Kentucky than almost anywhere else.

USA Today once didÃ?  a piece on “10 Great Places to Float Your Houseboat.”Ã?  The story opened with the following:

Whether you own a houseboat or want to rent one, it’s a great way to get together with family and friends ââ?¬â? or just get away. North America’s most popular (and therefore populated) houseboating waters are Lake Powell in southern Utah and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Consider these recommendations from Houseboat magazine’s managing editor, Brady Kay, who spoke with Anne Goodfriend for USA TODAY.

The story went on to mention other lakes which were excellent for houseboating. Another Kentucky Lake was mentioned along with Lake Cumberland. Read on!

Overshadowed by the nearby, popular Cumberland Lake, Dale Hollow Lake is “huge, and great for cruising or entertaining,” Kay says. “There are plenty of places to rent a houseboat, and they usually have the latest models” because most houseboats are manufactured in these two states (Kentucky and Tennessee). Fishing rods lure crappie and smallmouth bass. “It might be the best lake in (this area) that no one has ever heard of.”

A great place to locate information on the stateâ��s major lakes or marinas offering houseboat rentals is the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourismâ��s Official Visitorâ��s Guide, which has detailed listings for facilities in nine separate regions of the state. The guide is available online at www.kentuckytourism.com.�  A printed guide can be ordered online or by calling 800-225-8747.

And don�t forget that Kentucky is a leading houseboat manufacturing center. Buyers from all over the world order custom-built craft to match their particular desires. In Monticello, Somerset, Russell Springs and other towns around Lake Cumberland, you�ll find some of the world�s best-known houseboat builders eager to provide the craft of your dreams. Many vacationers who�ve gotten their feet wet with a rental eventually decide to become owners.

In the early 1950s, a Somerset native, Jim Sharpe, began building small houseboats at a facility on the banks of the newly impounded Lake Cumberland. Sharpe got the idea for the business when he realized that visitors to the lake had few options for accommodations close to the water. As the business grew, the size and luxury of the boats he built grew with it. The company�s reputation spread, and Sharpe became known as the Henry Ford of houseboats. Although Sharpe is now retired, his company is still run by second- and third-generation family members.

For those who aren�t looking to buy, renting is an enjoyable alternative. The time of year and size of the boat determines the rental cost. A boat that sleeps 12 with six private cabins and amenities like kitchen, wet bar, central air conditioning and outdoor grill can rent for about $4,000 for Monday-Friday during peak season. Because of the pastime�s popularity, make arrangements for your Kentucky houseboat vacation as far as possible in advance.

Learn More About Houseboat Rentals and Houseboat Vacations:

Lake Cumberland State Dock

Green Turtle Bay Houseboat Rentals (Resort and Marina on beautiful Lake Barkley. You will not find friendlier people.)

Kentucky State Parks (a wealth of information)

Kentucky Tourism (endless information about all things Kentucky!)

If you’re in Kentucky, have houseboat rentals, and would like to be included in the list above, please contact me and I’ll “hook” you up.

 

Lake Cumberland:

Lake Cumberland Marina
Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland Marina
Lake Cumberland Marina
Kentucky Lake Houseboat
Houseboat on Beautiful Kentucky Lake

Filed Under: Dale Hollow Lake, Green Turtle Bay Resort & Marina, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky's Lakes, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Tagged With: Dale Hollow Lake, houseboat rentals, houseboats, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Lakes, Lake Cumberland

Things to Do at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park: Golf

May 31, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course – Gorgeous!

On a recent trip to beautiful Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, my husband Michael and I shot the 18 hole golf course. He used his clubs, I used my camera.  After blistering him repeatedly on miniature golf courses, I’m no longer allowed to hold a golf club in my hands within 100 yards of him.  Well, that’s how I tell the story anyway.  Truth be told, there may be restraining orders against me on area mini golf courses.  There may have been “incidences.” There may have been times when the ball didn’t go where I directed it to go …  times when it didn’t even want to stay on the course.

Or premises.

But enough about my reign of terror. I want to tell you a little bit about Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park’s gorgeous golf course.  It’s the longest 18-hole golf course in the Kentucky State Park system. Set in rolling hills, looming trees, rock formations, and ponds (several with sprinklers) – this is one spectacular looking golf course.  You can read more about Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park’s golf course here, but I want to tell you about something that makes this course extra special: The world’s most beautiful driving range. Michael says it’s like hitting the ball into a green Grand Canyon.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course Practice Greens

Driving Range at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park’s Golf Course

Before his round, my husband hit the driving range.  He told me all about the importance of having a golf course equipped with practice greens and a driving range (Dale Hollow has both, thank you very much). He described how it helps loosen you up and allows you to play better golf.  He said he HATES driving to a golf course and having to “be ready” right on the first hole.  Michael has a golf blog and has enjoyed the game all of his life. I”m convinced he was born with a scorecard in his hand.  The man knows golf, inside and out. The fact that Dale Hollow is one of his absolute favorite places to golf tells me all I need to know about the course.

Apparently, the fact that Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park has a driving range is a huge deal. Gorgeous course, friendly staff, knowledgeable (and very friendly) golf pro, AND a driving range? I guess you know where you should play your next round of golf at: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park!

Speaking of my golfing husband, which I can often be accused of doing, Michael will soon be adding a lot of Kentucky Golf Course Reviews to Genuine Kentucky.  I’m really excited about that. Dale Hollow’s Golf Course will certainly be one of the first one’s he’ll review. He’s actually on another favorite golf course as I’m typing these words! He and a friend are golfing at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park today.

Be sure to keep an eye out for his golf course reviews.  In the meantime, enjoy the pictures of the beautiful Dale Hollow Golf Course. Click each picture to see the larger version.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Practice Greens at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course Practice Greens
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course Practice Greens
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course Practice Greens
Deer on Dale Hollow Lake Golf Course

 

Filed Under: Dale Hollow Lake, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Golfing

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