KY Lakes Vacation Rentals, Waterfront (Paducah, Grand Rivers: hotels, house, camping)

[BarbG]

Hi,

A few families are looking for a central area in KY to meet up for a long weekend. I've been looking at the KY Lakes area, so far in the Gilbertsville area.

We are hoping to find one or two homes to stay in, on the water, and one has to be pet-friendly (small, well-behaved older dog we don't want to kennel). Can anyone make recommendations on areas to look at? Being near camping, and/or inexpensive hotels would be great for other friends who prefer rustic.

We would be interested in renting a pontoon boat, roasting smores over an open pit, maybe even horseback riding, mainly outdoor activities. We have kids and adults. We would like to go out to eat at least once on the weekend, but mainly would grill and eat in, so a grocery store nearby would be a necessity.

Would appreciate any input on you guys can give me. We've never been to the area, but it looks beautiful.

Thank you!

[kygman]

Check out this site. Kentucky Lake Area Accommodations
There's plenty of places to rent all around both lakes. Pontoons, fishing boats, house boats can all be rented at the 3 state part (Kenlake, Ky. Dam Village, Lake Barkley) marinas. For Gilbertsville check Lake City, Ky. Dam Village. Then you can work your way around towards Kenlake, checking out Moors Marina (they have rentals), then all kinds of places around Fairdealing, then Jonathon Creek and Kenlake. The Governor just made a big announcement at Kenlake today that the Egners Ferry Bridge that collapsed, will be repaired and ready to use by Memorial Day. We shall see!
As for camping, I've camped at Ky. Dam, Kenlake, and a couple campgrounds in the LBL. The LBL campgrounds won't be near any other lodging, unless you find something in Grand Rivers. But between the two state park campgrounds we've always preferred Kenlake over Ky. Dam. The Dam campground isn't near any water. Kenlake campground has water halfway around, with a nice spot for getting your feet wet.

[BarbG]

I really appreciate it! This gives me quite a bit to look at. I'm having so much fun organizing our adventure.

We are a group of adoptive families who all adopted our kids from traumatic backgrounds. We want to bring our kids together to let them know they aren't alone. Your information goes a long way toward making that happen.

Thanks bunches!

[kygman]

Glad to help. If you want to do a little hiking or anything, check out Land Between The Lakes . Go to the Nature Center and see some of the animals that live in the LBL and, if you want to drive down to the Tennessee line, you can see a homestead as it was in 1850. If you plan to drive through the Elk and Bison Range, go early in the day or just before sunset. That's usually the best time to see the elk.
Also, about a half mile south of the northern entrance there is a road to the right that will take you to Moss Creek. It's a day beach on Kentucky Lake that is a great place to swim and a great view of Kentucky Dam.
Something the kids might like is in Metropolis, Illinois, just across the Ohio River from Paducah. Metropolis has been named the official home of Superman. There's a huge statue at the courthouse. There is also a bronze statue of Lois Lane a few blocks away and plans are in the work for a statue of Jimmy Olsen. There's a Superman museum by the statue.

[Crazee Cat Lady]

Thanks for the great links!

[BarbG]

Thanks for the heads up on Superman's 'home town'. The kids would love that. We remind our son all the time that he's courageous and strong. Maybe a Supeman shirt from there to round out the trip. And hiking is always a good thing for burning off the excess energy. Appreciate it!