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You are here: Home / Archives for Lake Cumberland

Lake Cumberland: An Ideal Summer Vacation Spot

May 23, 2013 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Lake Cumberland Houseboat Capital of the World

One of the most beautiful areas in all of Kentucky is the Lake Cumberland area. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (one of our favorite parks) couldn’t ask for a lovelier setting. Lake Cumberland is known for its beauty and for great fishing, but it’s best known as the houseboat capital of the world – a title it’s proud of, for good reason.

With summer upon us, it’s time to start planning your summer vacation as well as mini-vacations and weekend getaways.  Or, like us, maybe you simply love to squeeze as much fun, sight-seeing, and picture-taking into one day as humanly possible.  However you prefer to roll, know this: You won’t find a better place to roll it out than Lake Cumberland and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.

More boaters, anglers and vacationers are expected to head to Lake Cumberland this summer than ever as the lake’s water level rises about 20 feet following repairs to the dam.

“Lodging operators are anticipating a strong summer season,” said Carolyn Mounce, executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Convention and Visitors Bureau. ‘I bet my hat that we’ll be over 4 million visitors this year.”

Now, is that genuinely Kentucky or what? She went and bet her hat!

That figure would approach the record number of visitors reported in 2006, before Lake Cumberland was lowered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during repairs.

An abundance of lakes and streams across Kentucky makes our state a summer vacation playground.  The Bluegrass State boasts more miles of navigable water than any state other than Alaska.

Visitors who venture to Lake Cumberland for houseboating, skiing, fishing and relaxing can expect lots of fun this summer. The lake’s half-dozen marinas that rent houseboats, ski boats, water scooters and other water recreation equipment are ready to meet the anticipated increase in demand.

Houseboating is one of Lake Cumberland’s biggest claims to fame, with the lake’s many tranquil coves and inlets providing great places to anchor and enjoy the lazy days of summer. The operator of Lake Cumberland’s largest marina said bookings for the luxurious rental craft are up.

“We have 60 houseboats for rent,” said Bill Jasper, president of State Dock in Jamestown. “The lake’s coming back. We should have a great year.”

Meanwhile, fish should also be biting at the lake known as among the best for anglers in the eastern United States. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is adding 1 million walleye and striped bass to Lake Cumberland’s stock this year to give fishing a boost. Rising water atop the lake’s overgrown banks is expected to spur fish population growth. Spawns of crappie and trout should also be strong.

Mounce said boat and vacation shows she’s been attending are abuzz with talk about the resurgent Lake Cumberland. She advises travelers to make motel and other reservations at the lake as early as possible.

Lake Cumberland, Kentucky’s deepest and third largest lake in surface area, was lowered 40 feet by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2007 to ease pressure on Wolf Creek Dam and allow repairs. This summer’s level will reach approximately 700 feet above sea level. The normal level of about 720 feet will be achieved by spring 2014, creating a surface area of more than 50,000 acres, according to the Corps.

For more information about Lake Cumberland vacation opportunities, visit www.lakecumberlandtourism.com.

Also See: More pictures of Lake Cumberland State Resort Park!

Filed Under: Fishing, Kentucky Vacations, Lake Cumberland, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: Lake Cumberland, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

September 27, 2012 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

� Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Lodge

Look at that beautiful view of Lake Cumberland!

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park near Jamestown will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of its lodge during the weekend of Sept. 28-29, 2012.

When I think of individual Kentucky State Parks, I associate certain “thumbprints” with each one.Ã?  I call them “thumbprints” because these are the traits that highly individual and, in a way, very identifying.Ã?  They give each park its own personality and character.

For example, when I think of Lake Barkley State Resort Park, In addition to the beautiful scenery, I think of the ridiculously gorgeous architecture of the lodge. I also think of their restaurant, Windows on the Water, because it’s one of the best restaurants in the Kentucky State Park system.Ã?  In fact, it’s one of the best restaurants in the entire Kentucky Lake region.

When I think of Rough River Dam State Resort Park, I think of the people. They’re great people who love their park, take pride in their park, and treat guests as well as the rest of us treat family when they visit.Ã?  Mike, the park manager, Dana (front desk), Geoff (naturalist/activity director), Captain Bill (boat tours), the restaurant staff, the golf course staff, the housekeeping staff… as I’ve said before on Genuine Kentucky – these are the sort of people we Kentuckians take great pride in.

They make all of us look great!

Rough River, like Lake Barkley, also conjures up beautiful images of its lake, herons, beautiful trees, and… quite honestly.. a photo op everywhere you look.

I also think of Rough River’s desserts! Coconut Pie, Blackberry Cobbler, Banana Pudding…

When I think of Lake Cumberland State Resort Park and Lake Cumberland, I also think of uncommon friendliness. The first time we visited, a man behind the desk welcomed us with a hearty, friendly, and very warm greeting. If anyone thinks little things like that don’t matter, their squirrel bait…. as in they’re nuts.Ã?  The restaurant staff at Lake Cumberland is also very friendly and upbeat.Ã?  Great people.

Another “thumbprint” of Lake Cumberland is the breathtakingly beautiful drive from the park entrance to the lodge. The tree lined road gets me every time.Ã?  I think of it as Kentucky just showing off.

The inside of the lodge is as comfortable and beautiful as any lodge.Ã?  And the view… wow!Ã?  This great, homey lodge is having its 50th anniversary this year and the ceremony is tomorrow (Friday, September 28, 2012)!

A ceremony will be held at the lodge on Friday at 11 a.m. Speakers will include Parks Commissioner Elaine Walker, Rep. Jeff Hoover and Russell County Tourism Director John Carter.

There will be special buffet meals on Friday and Saturday. A luncheon for former employees will be held on Saturday with lunch for $6.20. Drinks will be 62 cents during the weekend.

Special lodge room rates of $62 a night are available at the park through Sept. 30.

For information and reservations, call the park at 1-800-325-1709.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park near Jamestown has a lodge, cottages, Rowena Landing Restaurant, disc golf course, indoor pool and hot tub, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. Lake Cumberland State Resort is 45 miles west of Somerset. Take the Cumberland Parkway to US 127 and go south through Jamestown to reach the park.

Also See:

More pictures of Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Filed Under: Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Tagged With: Lake Cumberland, Lake Cumberland State Park

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

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