It’s houseboating, and if you’ve never tried it, Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland is one of the most scenic spots for giving this alternative outing a maiden run.
While there is plenty to do in and around the area, such as the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and a number of state parks, renting a houseboat can provide all the fun a family needs. From fishing and swimming to cooking out and exploring waterfalls, Lake Cumberland has thousands of private coves, more than 1,000 miles of scenic shoreline and is one of the country’s top houseboating destinations.
“Houseboat vacations are a great getaway for families to just be able to relax and spend time together,” said Holly Polton, regional coordinator for Marina’s International and WaterWay Adventures, which has been renting houseboats at Burnside Marina and nearby Beaver Creek Resort since 1998.
July is the busiest month for houseboat rentals, she added, noting that reservations for that month are typically made a year in advance. In all, the marina has about 400 houseboat rentals each year.
Located in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, Lake Cumberland is the fourth most popular lake of its kind in the nation and is the centerpiece of the regional tourism industry, attracting 4.7 million visitors annually.
Burnside Marina, located on the east side of Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Ky., just outside Somerset, offers houseboat rentals in a number of sizes and with amenities that include air conditioning, TVs, DVD players and private state rooms. In fact, being on a houseboat is like a condo on the water with full bathrooms, large living rooms and full dining rooms.
Boats available through Burnside include the Explorer, a 64-by-16-foot houseboat, which sleeps up to 10 and costs on average $1,850 for five days between now and mid August. For even more space, consider the super-sized Mystic at 80 feet by 18 feet, which sleeps 12 and averages $4,300 for five days between now and mid August.
Prices are considerably lower during the fall and spring months.
Outside amenities on some houseboats include hot tubs on the upper deck and onboard water slides, offering fun for kids and adults alike. Many houseboats include gas grills and have space for dining on the outer deck. Or cook your meals indoors in a fully equipped kitchen and serve in the dining room or on the upper deck, where there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out.
Following a brief orientation on how to operate the boat, vacationers are turned loose to navigate the lake and can choose to motor around and explore or pick a secluded spot to anchor and enjoy the solitude Lake Cumberland can provide. And don’t let the rumors fool you. While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently in the midst of repairing the Wolf Creek Dam on the lake, there’s still plenty of water to float your boat.
Remember, prices vary according to the size of the boat, time of year and whether you choose a boat with a hot tub. But you can bring all of your own groceries and even catch your own supper, a big savings when compared to the cost of eating in restaurants typically associated with family vacations.
In addition, when you consider the larger boats have as many as six bedrooms, you can always split the cost and share the fun with multiple families. Remember, the more the merrier and houseboat vacations make for the perfect family reunion setting, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy resort town or amusement part.
Burnside Marina also offers ski boats and jet skis for rent. For more information on houseboat vacations at Lake Cumberland or to make a reservation, contact Burnside Marina at (606) 561-4223 or visit them online at www.waterwayadventures.com.
To round out your trip and find out about other attractions in Southern and Eastern Kentucky, go to www.tourseky.com.
K.K. Snyder is a freelance writer who resides in metro Albany.