KENTUCKY, USA — Kentucky's Lake Cumberland is massive. Spanning parts of five counties and at 101 miles long, it is one of the state’s biggest economic and tourist drivers. In fact, more than 4 million visitors flock to this beautiful area every year.
It isn't just a place to get away. Over 1,500 houseboats are here, and for many of these folks, the boat docked at a marina is their home. People here find this south-central Kentucky place perfect for fun, good weather and a place where they meet likeminded people. Conley Bottom Resort is a place where people can rent a houseboat, many of them beautiful and luxurious, or choose to make this a permanent destination. The resort also offers waterfront lodging, but for some, it is the allure of living on the water that makes this such a tempting alternative to living on land.
Let's Rock
Phil and Mary Glass have found that to be true for them.
"We have been here about 25 years. It is a different but wonderful lifestyle. We really love it. We wake up to the prettiest view in Kentucky every single morning, and we spend a lot of time on the water," Phil said. "We get out three or four times a week and swim and play and a nice little community on each of the piers. We all get together in the evenings. It's a nice life."
The Glass family has a fairly wide boat at 18 feet. That accommodates an open den area and a kitchen. They have a refrigerator, dishwasher and stove. They also have three bedrooms, two baths and a full upper deck.
For Mary, living on the boat has fulfilled a dream.
"We love the Marina. They treat us like family. I go over and spend a lot of time with them. I know all the workers, and we have a great pier here. We get together in the afternoons and have 'happy hour,' and they’ve become like family," Mary said. "We go to Florida in the wintertime, and most of them on the pier follow us down."
Chuck's Big Adventure in Kentucky: Lake Cumberland — Let's Rock boathouse
Killin' Willie
Linda and Willie Bundy have a boat called Killin' Willie.
"Willie used to work out of town quite a bit as a heavy equipment operator, and we would always come to the lake and stay on another boat, and everybody would tell me, 'Linda, you are killing Willie keeping him out!' We have been here about 10 years. We retired three years ago," Linda said.
Some of these houseboat owners live here seasonally, and some all year. The Bundy's craft is a 17x71 Sunstar with two engines, a generator and, like the Glass vehicle, all the pleasures of home including a washer, dryer, dishwasher and, of course, a party deck.
Linda says the view of Lake Cumberland is breathtaking, and it is an adventure every day.
"Back when COVID was here and we had to keep our distance, I would sit over there, our friends, Phil and Mary, would sit over there, and we would play Wordle back and forth. In good times and bad times, it's a beautiful adventure," Linda said.
Chuck's Big Adventure in Kentucky: Lake Cumberland — Killin' Willie
Conley Bottom Resort
Amber Rector works for the marina and says her employment is part of a family legacy.
"My grandpa started working here when he was 14 years old, and he worked here until he passed away at 87, and then, my parents have been here for a long, long time," Rector said. "My brother and I are here as well, both of our spouses, so it is definitely a family affair."
The boats they rent all have grills and air conditioning, a must in this heat and all the modern amenities. Conley Bottom Resort is a true resort with lots of activities and space other than for boating.
"We really pride ourselves on being a family atmosphere here," Rector said. "We want to treat everyone that comes to see us just like family, and we always want to be part of a special vacation that they can remember always."
This small area of the massive lake is a family destination for thousands every year and is just part of the reason that Lake Cumberland is one of Kentucky's crown jewels. When the reservoir was constructed, it was for flood control and hydroelectric power. However, with 1,255 miles of shoreline and 65,530 acres, it has also become a paradise for fishermen, boaters and folks who decide that for much of the year, this place is simply...home.
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