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Lake CumberLand

REGION

SUMMER 2014

A Special Publication of the

Commonwealth Journal www.somerset-kentucky.com

4311 S. Hwy 27, Suite 1 Between Lights 23 & 24 Somerset, KY 42501

Phone: (606) 679-4316 Fax: (606) 678-0149

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Warehousing Services Discover Lake Cumberland

Summer 2014

INDEX

Discover

Lake Cumberland

Exile in Concert June 7th............................................................................5

REGION

By Edgar Spitzke

Discover Lake Cumberland....................................................................... 6

Volume 2 Issue 2 May 2014

PUBLISHER Rob McCullough EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Shmidheiser

By Edgar Spitzke

17 Houseboating on Lake Cumberland

South Fork Furniture

Relief from the Heat.....................................................................................18

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Somersplash

Pam Popplewell

The Perfect Way to Complete Your Trip...........................................21 Big South Fork Scenic Railway

ADVERTISING Mary Ann Flynn Kathy M. Lee

Slice Off a Piece of Fun...............................................................................13 Today’s Quality Furniture... Tomorrow’s Family Heirloom................................................................15

Edgar Spitzke

Mike Hornback/Advertising Director

By Bill Mardis

By Edgar Spitzke

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Mardis

Full to the Brim and Waiting for You................................................10

Big South Fork Park....................................................................................23 By Edgar Spitzke

Somernites Cruise........................................................................................26

Mike McCollom

By Edgar Spitzke

Amanda McIntosh

Lake Cumberland Recreation Areas Map......................................28

Janie Gumm-Wright

US Army Corps of Engineers

Craig Wesley

Wet & Wetter....................................................................................................33 By Edgar Spitzke

Discover Lake Cumberland is a publication of and is distributed by Newspaper Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored for retrieval by any means without written permission from the publisher. Discover Lake Cumberland is not responsible for unsolicited materials and the publisher accepts no responsibility for the contents or accuracy of claims in any advertisement in any issue. Discover Lake Cumberland is not responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or changes in information. The opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine and its publisher. © 2014 Newspaper Holdings, Inc.

Discover Lake Cumberland P.O. Box 859 Somerset, KY 42502 Email:

mhornback@somerset-kentucky.com 4

Take A Walk on the Wild Side

Lake Cumberland Marinas: Choose the One That’s Just Right For You....................................38 By Edgar Spitzke

Enjoy Kentucky’s Best in State Parks................................................41 By Edgar Spitzke

Discover Eagle’s Nest.................................................................................44 Eagle’s Nest Country Club

Combining the Great Outdoors with Modern Facilities.........45 By Edgar Spitzke

36 Enhancing Your Visit at Area Wineries

Get Hooked on Lake Cumberland Fishing Opportunities.....48 By Edgar Spitzke

Get Acquainted with Local History...................................................50 By Edgar Spitzke

Making the Most of the Water...............................................................52 By Edgar Spitzke

Cover photo of lakeside campgrounds at Conley Bottom Resort & Marina by Edgar Spitzke Discover Lake Cumberland

EXILE in concert June 7th By Edgar Spitzke

Mayor Eddie Girdler has announced a special concert to be held June 7 at the Somersport Park. The concert will host three bands or acts including the band Exile and is being given as a special tribute to Marlon Dale Hargis, a long standing member of the band who is a native of Pulaski County and graduate of Pulaski County High School. He was leader of the Pulaski High Marching Maroons in l966 along with Mary Susan Diamond Down. Gates will open at the park at 4 p.m. and the concert will begin at 5. The opening act will be country singer Cindy Standage, a Nashville star who has been an opening act for Merl Haggard and other big name country performers. The second act will be the Devonshires, a band that plays 70’s type music like the Rolling Stones. Next will be a choral rendering of a medley of Exile music and hits by members from all three Pulaski County high schools. Hargis will then be presented a key to the City of Somerset in recognition of his musical accomplishments and long running engagements with the Exile Band. The concert will end with a 45-minute program of music by the Exiles. Admission to the event will be $10 per person. An article in the Southern Kentucky Health & Family

Journal written by Don White sparked the interest in honoring Hargis for his musical accomplishments, which some thought should already have been done. White’s article chronicled Hargis’ career which had its beginnings in high school. He played with some local bands while in school and then in l963 he joined the group that became the Exiles. According to White’s article, most of their number one country hits came in the 1980s and early 1990s. Hargis was their keyboard player and a vocalist. In l978 they had a number one pop tune, “Kiss You All Over.” He left the group in l987 and moved to Nashville, joining the Jerry Reed Band. Eventually the group stopped touring and its members went their separate ways. When the group got together for a one gig benefit show, they decided to get back together and since have been touring on their own and alongside some of the biggest names in country music. Marlon Dale Hargis is the son of the Late Marshall and Alma Slavey Hargis from the Ruth community of Pulaski County. His wife is Vicki, a professional dog groomer and they have one daughter Cressa, a paramedic in Nashville. Now 64 years old, and having an accomplished musical career since high school here in Pulaski County, it is time to recognize his contribution to the American music scene. That will be done on June 7.

The City of Somerset Presents

Saturday, June 7th Gates open at 4PM Somersport Park • Concert starts at 5PM with Cindy Standage • The Devonshires • Recognition of Marlon Hargis • Exile

Tickets are available at City Hall, Rocky Hollow, Somersplash and The Center for Rural Development Cash, Check or Credit Card

* Coolers & Lawn chairs welcome • Food vendors will be available Summer 2014

Discover Lake Cumberland

Lake Cumberland is a tourist attraction that brings the number of visitors to its shores in excess of national parks such In 2013 the Commonwealth-Journal Daily Newspaper as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. It’s length of 100+ launched its magazine “Discover Lake Cumberland” as a prelude miles and over 1250 miles of shoreline, (more than the cost of to it’s established “Stay and Play” magazines highlighting Florida), with numerous coves and inlets make it an ideal lake what to see and do in the Lake Cumberland Area. With a wider for houseboat cruising and camping. There are several resort marinas on the lake that offer circulation up into Ohio, the new edition was designed to give accomodations from camping to an overview of activities that could be enjoyed in luxury facilities. Lake Cumberland this area. This is home to two Kentucky State Parks, and the North Fork of the Cumberland also hosts another resort State Park and the south’s Niagara--Cumberland Falls. Just the aforementioned features should attract tourists. But there is a great deal more in the Lake Cumberland Region to augment lake activities. The whitewater rivers emptying into the lake make for kayaking, rafting and canoeing adventures in addition to water and fishing trips below the dam. Rafting and canoeing concessions are available. To the south of Lake Cumberland you have the nation’s newest national park, the Big South Fork d. National Park, along with the a large crow st year drew la l va ti es F surrounding forests of the Daniel Musicians The Master Boone National Forest. Both these park areas offer camping, year’s edition is an update on what horseback riding, trails, overlooks and more. Trails take you was published with an endeavor to focus in on the vast to numerous natural arches, river and falls overlooks and variety of activities that can be enjoyed in and around Lake much, much more. National Park facilities include developed Cumberland so visitors can plan their activities in advance. camping areas, special park programs and more. For camping near the lake there are several lake front Where attractions have a website giving more information campgrounds in the Corps of Engineer recreation areas. Two than we can print, it will be given. The special good news is that Lake Cumberland elevations marinas have campgrounds with Conley Bottom marina having are being returned to the pre-renovation levels, with all the a large campground adjacent to the water with boat parking and Wolf Creek Dam renovations completed. At this writing, lake a concrete beach. All three state parks have modern camping elevations were at 715 feet above sea level, just a few feet areas with RV sites with electric and water connections. In addition to these, there are a number of campgrounds short of the normal summer pool level of 723 feet, which is at connected with other private resort facilities. The Big South the “tree line”. This is expected to rise to the tree line before Fork National Park has two modern campgrounds and a the tourist season. By Edgar Spitzke

Discover Lake Cumberland

hostel. There are also Daniel Boone Forest campgrounds, some with facilities and others completely primitive. Even Lake Cumberland has primitive campsites on the shores and on islands near the dam that are quite private. The Corps of Engineers has map locations for these campsites. In addition, there are horsetrail campsites in the Boone Forest especially outfitted for campers who want to ride horse trails in the forest. Restaurants in the Lake Cumberland Area run the gambit of menu offerings from local family dining to all kinds of ethnic specialties, from Mexican and Hispanic, to Chinese, to Janpanese, and German.

Tiki Bar Indoor Bar 29 TVs

Baresque Restaurant

Banquet/ Meeting room

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Live music on weekends Covered Patio Bar 7

In this issue we will detail some of these offerings. Many of the so-called “Bars”, have great menu offerings and have live music! The State Resort Parks have upscale restaurants and many of the marinas have restaurants, some right on the lake or with lake views. Modern and major chain motels can be found all around the lake, in Somerset, Russell Springs, Jamestown and Monticello. There are also some unique Bed and Breakfasts. Somerset is home to Somernites Cruise, a 7 weekend 7 month antique and muscle car show. It also has a water park with Kentucky’s longest lazy river.

Did we forget golf? Again, the Lake Cumberland area has several beautiful and challenging golf courses and some driving ranges. There two miniature golf courses and some Frisbee golf courses. Lake marinas offer a host of special activities all summer, including live musical entertainment too. Then, there is houseboating, which we will describe in more detail in a separate article in this issue. Obviously, from the above summary, it can be seen why Lake Cumberland is such a popular destination. It’s not just the lake, it is everything else you can do too.

Our passion is making your business better. Reasons for joining the Chamber of Commerce

• Visibility & Networking • Access • A representative for your business • Low cost advertising opportunities • Money saving discounts • Membership is tax deductible • Eligible for “Business of the Year” Awards • Membership recognition • Referrals throughout our region • Website presence 445 South Highway 27, Suite 101, Somerset, KY 42501 8

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Beautiful Lake View Dining

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Full menu and hours available at www.Guthriesriverhouse.com MENU Summer 2014

Full to the

BRIM You!

By BILL MARDIS Editor Emeritus

C’mon in, the water’s fine! Lake Cumberland is full to the brim. Houseboats are hidden in hundreds of secluded coves, skiers are leaving pulsating contrails and fishing boats dot the surface. The 101-mile long lake, for the first time in seven summers, is its big beautiful self. Dry, sycamore-covered banks are inundated. The massive lake looks like a sea. In surface acres, Lake Cumberland is the third largest body of water east of the Mississippi River. The two larger lakes -- Kentucky and Barkley in Western Kentucky -- cover more ground, but are not nearly as deep. Lake Cumberland averages 90 feet deep. It has more than 1,200 miles of shoreline, stretching from west of Jamestown east to near Corbin. And, as for beauty, nothing compares. Nosing into the foothills of the forested Cumberland Mountains, Lake Cumberland is unmatched for scenic hideaways and perfect vacations. Loose your imagination and get a mystic feeling. In Lake Cumberland’s deep, almost dark reaches, one could imagine a cryptid, like “Nessie,” the Lock Ness Monster. Some of the mammoth paddlefish pulled from depths of the Lake Cumberland make one wonder if a fabled “Cummie” swims below. The forgotten river bed, where six decades ago the mighty Cumberland River flowed, is as unchartered as the Indian Ocean. An economic engine for a 10-county area, Lake Cumberland is a magnet that has drawn people and 10

waiting for

industrial plants to a job-starved area since the gates were closed at Wolf Creek Dam in December 1950. CEOs and company officials like to live near a lake. They love Lake Cumberland. Economic jewels are retires who finish their working years in the industrial North and move to the Lake Cumberland area. These new citizens buy nice homes, pay taxes, spend good money, and with no children to school, they place no economic burden on the community. What you see is what you get, and these folks are good to get. Summer holidays are fun times, and Lake Cumberland is ready for visitors. In normal operation, Lake Cumberland stays at or near the tree line between Memorial Day and July 4. After the Independence Day holiday, a slow drawdown begins toward Labor Day and into autumn, winter and early spring. The lower water levels during off-season provide storage space for flood control during rainy seasons. Looking back, it has been a lot of water under the dam, so to speak, since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced in January 2007 that the level of the lake must be lowered 43 feet because of the shaky condition of Wolf Creek Dam. Lake Cumberland at its low level still had about 35,000 acres of water, but perception is worse than reality and tourism interests suffered for seven long years. The last pile was poured in March 2013 to complete a 4,000-foot-long, 275-foot-deep concrete barrier wall to stabilize the 63-year-old dam that had been declared in high risk of failure. The lake was allowed to rise

about 20 feet last summer and businesses that depend on tourists for profit were confident Summer 2014 would be a normal vacation season. Then came the duskytail darter. Seems the 2 1/2-inchlong minnow likes rocky riffles and moved down the Big South Fork River into headwaters of the lake while the waters were low. “You can’t raise the lake ... you’ll drown our minnow,” environmentalist screamed. Duskytail darters apparently don’t like deep, still water. Cries from tourism interests reached Washington D.C. and powerful people in high places demanded a quick solution. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided to take a sampling of duskytail darters to Wolf Creek Dam National Fish Hatchery for safekeeping. Since then -- since March 25 -- Lake Cumberland has been on the rise. Although the big deal is done, work continues at Wolf Creek Dam. A switchyard barrier wall to protect the electrical grid below the dam is now complete and the parking lot near powerhouse has been paved. A new access road to Kendall Recreation Area will be built this summer as well as modification of the intersection with U.S. 127, the two-lane highway that crosses the mile-long dam. All and all, Lake Cumberland is again a vacation paradise. Come on down, you’re welcome. Above photo: Lake Cumberland, for the first time in seven summers, is full to the brim and welcoming vacationers. The 101-mile-long lake averages 90 feet deep and has more than 1,200 miles of shoreline. This view is looking from U.S. 27 toward Waitsboro Recreation Area. - Bill Mardis

Discover Lake Cumberland

CC’s Furniture... Where customer satisfaction is top priority CC’s Furniture is locally owned and operated and is located at 1340 S. Hwy. 27 in Oak Hill Plaza (at stop light #11). CC’s Furniture really cares about their customers; they go out of their way to ‘earn your business,’ keeping their customers coming back. They know and understand what customer service really means. CC’s top priority is to take care of each customer who walks through the doors. They do this with

guaranteed lowest prices and take the time to listen and find exactly what you need. In addition to their beautiful showroom, they can special order thousands of items to customize your special look. CC’s Furniture proudly introduced Corinthian brand furniture to Somerset. Corinthian upholstery is durable and heavy duty with a lifetime warranty. You’ll find a fun kids room with castles, slides and sports beds. They offer a large selection of kids furniture, but that’s not all you’ll find. CC’s Furniture has everything you need to furnish and decorate your home. Rugs, lighting, lamps, paintings, mirrors, florals, bedroom and living room suites, dining sets and much more. If you cannot find the furniture you need here, you probably cannot find it anywhere. To make this available to all

customers, they offer a buy here, pay here plan that is offered without a credit check. All in all, if you are looking to take home beautiful furniture at a reasonable price, without any hidden interest, you can now spend your money locally at CC’s Furniture. You can visit them on their Facebook page or at CCsfurniture.webs.com Give them a call at 606-219-0856 or stop by and see for yourself.

NOW OFFERING: Living Room Suites, Bedroom Suites, Rugs, Lamps, Tables, Unique Wall Art, Chandeliers, Designer Floral Arrangements, In-House Floral Designer, Custom Floral Arrangements, TV’s, & More!

COME IN AND SEE OUR LIGHTING GALLERY! Summer 2014

Woodson Bend Resort is the PREMIER vacation destination on Lake Cumberland!!

Woodson Bend Resort is located on a scenic 455 acre peninsula high above and surrounded by Lake Cumberland in southeastern Kentucky. Your view of heavily wooded foothills, the emerald green lake and limestone palisades rising over 300 feet above the water makes for a delightful setting for your vacation. We have over 480 privately owned condos on the resort with many available for rent throughout the year. Take a look at some of the wonderful amenities Woodson Bend has to offer: •18 hole championship golf course designed by Lee Trevino and Dave Bennett •136 slip boat dock sitting on beautiful Lake Cumberland •Mechanical boat launch giving owners & visitors the luxury of launching their craft without leaving the resort •24-hour a day gated security to the resort •Driving range to warm up for that big round of golf •5 Tennis Courts •Outdoor basketball and volleyball courts •Playground for kids •On-site restaurant (The Links) for fine dining

•Pavilion and fire-pit for outdoor fun •Clubhouse with banquet room to accommodate your meeting needs

DID YOU KNOW………

Woodson Bend Resort offers accommodations for:  Discounted Golf Packages  Business meeting facilities  Indoor and Outdoor wedding venues  Indoor and Outdoor facilities for family reunions  Outside “non-owner” golf memberships available  Regular “non-member” tee times available Sunday afternoons (after 2 pm) through Thursday, SPECIALS OFFERED!!!  We can help you arrange golf outings (corporate, charity, official tournaments)  Catering available

For more information: www.woodsonbendresort.com 1-800-872-9825 (Rentals/Reservations) • (606) 561-5300 (Rentals/Reservations) (606) 561-5311 (General Information)

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May 31st 11am - 3pm

EVERYONE WELCOME!

TOURS!

FREE Lunch & Door Prizes See what we have to offer!

14 Woodson Cv • Bronston, KY 42518 • 606-561-5311 12

Discover Lake Cumberland

e c i Sl By Edgar Spitzke There are a variety of golf courses around Lake Cumberland—six in all. They are 18 hole, regulation length courses and some have driving ranges. We will give addresses and phone numbers so our readers can contact the courses for more information. With the information below, you can also do a computer search and get up information and ratings on all the courses. In addition to regular golf courses, we are also listing four miniature golf courses around Lake Cumberland and also a growing list of “Frisbee” golf courses that are gaining in popularity. Besides the regular golf courses, there is also an RV park that features a driving range and it is located in Bronston, Ky., just of Ky 90. The Lake Cumberland RV Park and Golf Driving Range is located at 499 Gibson Road, Bronston, Ky., 42518. Phone is 606-561-8222. The RV park also has an indoor swimming pool. Regular Golf Courses: • Lake Cumberland Golf Club and Resort. Located at 500 Lily Creek Road, Jamestown, Ky., 42629. Pro Shop #270343-4653. Newly renovated 18-hole course with adjacent driving range. www.lakecumb erlandgolfclub.com. • Woodson Bend Resort, 14 Woodson Bend Rd., off Ky. 790, Bronston, Summer 2014

off a piece of fun Lake Cumberland Area Golf Courses

Ky., 42518. Phone 1-800-872-9825. Expanded 9-hole course with large pro shop. The now 18-hole course is located within a private gated community, but offers tee times for non-residents on weekdays only. • Waitsboro Hills Golf Course is located at 795 Slate Branch Road, Somerset, Ky., 42503, near the Ky. 914 western bypass. A hilly 18-hole course that meanders around stately homes. It also has a fine driving range. Pro Shop #606-679-3113. • Somerset County Club, located at 900 N. Main St., Somerset, Ky., 42503, also winds around residences.While a private club, they do allow visitors. Call for tee times at 606-678-4623. • Eagles Nest County Club. 1811 Clubhouse Road, Somerset, Ky.42503. While a private club, this hilly course is open to the public. It is located north of Somerset off Ky. 39. Phone 606-6797754 for tee times and more information. • General Burnside Island State Park. One of the main features of this island park is its newly renovated 18-hole, hilly and challenging course. Located off U.S. 27 south of Burnside, you can get more information at 606-561-4192 or www. parks.ky.gov. Frisbee Golf Courses:

(general locations) 1. Pulaski County Park, west of Somerset and near Nancy Ky., off Ky. 80. 18 hole course. 2. Rocky Hollow Park, off St., near downtown Somerset. Newly expanded, this spring, from 9 to 18 holes. 3. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. What was once the park’s 9-hole par-3 golf course, has been renovated to feature an 18 hole Frisbee course. Miniature Golf Courses (general locations) 1. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. The course is adjacent to the camper store and gift shop before you get to Lure Lodge. 2. Monticello Municipal Park. This “portable course” has been set up in one of the old tennis courts. Monticello Park is located off Michigan Avenue (Ky. 92) in Monticello. 3. Somerset Fall Miniature Golf, located off U.S. 27 near Speedway South. A beautifully landscaped course with water feature. 606-451-2000. 4. Family Fun Center, Jamestown, Ky. Visible from U.S. 127 near Jamestown. Another nicely landscaped course. Arcade and go-cart track adjacent. 270-343-5533. 13

• Daily Green Fees • Memberships Available • Out of County Memberships • Bunkers Grille Open Daily (Lunch/Dinner)

• Tournaments / Outings • Weddings • Senior Events (Monday Mornings)

• Weekly Scrambles (Tuesday Evenings)

• Junior Golf 500 Lily Creek Resort Road • Jamestown, KY 42629 • 270.343.GOLF (4653) Pro Shop • 270.343.4898 (Fax)

www.lakecumberlandgolfclub.com • Follow us on Facebook 14

Discover Lake Cumberland

Today’s quality furniture... tomorrow’s family heirloom By Edgar Spitzke South Fork Furniture is a family owned business in Casey County in the beautiful and picturesque Amish and Old-Order Mennonite country where horses are still used for farming and for pulling the buggies and wagons used for transportation. The business of over 25 years started in an old barn, but now is contained in a very neat and beautiful store with 7,000 square feet of space. Located at 2644 South Fork Creek Road, directions from Somerset would take you west on the Cumberland Parkway to Exit #78 (Nancy Exit), Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Ky 80, go 7.3 miles and turn right on Ky 910. From there continue another 6 miles and turn right on South Fork Creek Road. The furniture store is located 2.5 miles on the right. The first thing you will see is a

large porch with swings and outdoor furniture ready to load. Inside, you will be taken aback by the many displays of hand-crafted, solid wood furniture for every room in your house. The furniture is made in small family operated Amish wood shops having from 2 to 8 craftsmen. The furnishings are not mass produced, but ordered and custom made for the South Fork Furniture store. All furniture is Amish made in the USA. The solid wood furniture is made from many different woods, walnut, maple, cherry, oak, elm, hickory, pine, and quarter-sawn white oak. There are bedroom, dining room, and living room sets, kitchen furniture, office furniture, including roll top desks, coffee and end table sets, old style Hoosier furniture and breakfast nooks, even some items in “Rustic Cedar”.

You can buy off the showroom floor or have any style of furniture custom made based on a drawing or picture. You can also buy a set of furniture in a style on the showroom floor, but in a different wood or stain. South Fork Furniture has a selection of clocks, games, handcrafted canes and walking sticks, wind chimes, rugs, kerosene lamps, baskets, and other small gifts. Their stated goal is to have the best quality merchandise at unbeatable prices. South Fork Furniture is closed Sundays and Tuesdays and open the other days of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their motto is “Today’s quality furniture becomes tomorrow’s family heirloom.” You are invited to check out their website, www. SouthForkFurniture.com.

606.787.9568

Summer 2014

Coffee & Bicycles... Somerset’s Newest Addition Ugly Mugz and Southern Performance Center are the newest addition to Somerset for the coffee lover and/or bicycle enthusiast. Open Mon-Thurs from 6am-8pm and Fri-Sat 6am11pm getting your fix – whether for caffeine or bicycle, just got easier. The convenient location at 520 Monticello Street allows for easy access without all the headache of traffic. Ugly Mugz offers a full menu of high quality coffee products produced from coffee beans roasted in Kentucky, as well as smoothies, frappes, bakery items, and paninis. The baristas are friendly and many will liven up your drink with some latte art. The drive thru allows for an easy caffeine fix for anyone in a hurry. While you are here, make sure you check out the Pay It Forward board. Helping to spread some love, the Pay It Forward board allows customers to buy a drink for someone in the future. You determine who the drink is for, and what drink

they get. And who knows, you may have a free drink waiting for you! Southern Performance Center offers the bicyclist a place to come, relax, and pick up any items they may need for their bike – or even a new bike. Offering cycling kits, helmets, gloves, sunglasses, nutritional items, and bicycles, you are sure to find all your needs at Southern Performance Center. And while you are here, schedule a bike fit on the Retul system. This system turns your comfort on your bicycle into a mathematic equation, allowing the Retul fit specialists to transform you and your bicycle. You determine if you prefer to ride for comfort or aggressively, and the fit specialists will adjust your bicycle for a better fit. Does your bicycle need some tuning up? On staff mechanics will be happy to help with any repairs or mechanical adjustments you may require.

520 Monticello St., Somerset, KY • 606-425-4218 Mon. - Thurs. 6:00 am - 8:00 pm; Fri. & Sat. 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

High Quality Coffees • 100% Fruit Smoothies Bakery Goods • Paninis • Frappes • Flavor Shots • Cycling Apparel • Gear and Accessories • Bicycle Maintenance and Service • Pinarello, Felt and Look • Entry Level to Racer 16

Discover Lake Cumberland

Houseboat Vacations By Edgar Spitzke

A Unique Experience

Kentucky recently has been recognized as the “Houseboat Capital of the World”. That being said, Lake Cumberland can be dubbed the birthplace of houseboat manufacturing. In addition, Lake Cumberland, with its size and several marinas, could have more houseboats in the water than any other lake. Houseboat moorage is a big ticket item at all Lake Cumberland Marinas. While these luxury craft are expensive to buy and expensive to moor and maintain, you can get a taste of that luxury and a luxury vacation with a houseboat rental. Seven of the nine major marinas on Lake Cumberland, engage in houseboat rentals. State Dock, adjacent to Lake Cumberland State Resort has the largest fleet with about 100 boats. Jamestown Marina, situated across from State Dock and part of the Jamestown Resort has a fleet of 22 houseboats. Grider Hill Marina Resort boasts a fleet of 21. Beaver Creek resort has 20, while its sister dock Burnside Marina has 12. Conley Bottom Resort rents out 10 boats and Alligator II Marina has 2. Houseboat vacationing is a unique experience. With Lake Cumberland’s many miles of shoreline and numerous tributary fingers and private coves, it seems there is no limit to great places to tie up and campout. And that is basically what you are doing—camping out, but with your own private campsite and all the luxury of being in a fine motel. But, you don’t have the expense of eating out. Boats are equipped with everything you need to fix your meals, even grill out, etc. Most boats have at least two full baths. You can enjoy all your water sports and swimming, diving and with most boats, water sliding around your own private space in the lake. If you have your own water craft you can tie and tow it along Summer 2014

and have your houseboat be your own private dock. You can fish from your front porch from an easy chair. If you have had a houseboat vacation, you may, like me, appreciate the quiet on the water and the seeming separation from the world with its frantic pace. And the boats which sleep 10 or 12 can accommodate entire families including grandparents or can accommodate a whole party of friends, each with their own staterooms.

Seven of the nine major marinas on Lake Cumberland engage in houseboat rentals. How are the boats rented and how much does it cost? The Marinas basically have the same price structure and while each has it own line of boats, most go from a 10-passenger deluxe model up a few notches and model sizes to a 12-passenger, super deluxe model, from a 60’x14’ boat to as much as a 80’ x 17’ or even wider boat. Rental rates are generally divided into spring and fall periods (cheapest), value periods and peak periods (around holidays). They are also divided in weekday, weekend and full week rentals. For a smaller boat, the rental could start at $1000 for part of a week and $1200 for a week or for a larger boat from 2,395 for weekdays to 4,495 for a week, with super luxury

boats renting for over $6,000 a week during peak season. Outlining these prices might be the same as “sticker shock” on cars at first. But when you start dividing the number of people into the cost, plus figure meal savings and that your recreational costs are part of the package, it doesn’t look that bad. In fact, if you compare a trip to an amusement park, the motel, eating out, recreation admission prices plus 10 or 12 people involved, a seven- day vacation on the water begins to look very reasonable. Can you handle a boat that size? The marinas are very helpful. They usually give you a check list of things you need to bring along. They go over the technicalities of operating the boat and pilot you out of the marina area. In open water it may take a little while to get used to the steering from behind, but you get used to it. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that these boats do not have brakes, but have forward momentum. While you can put the boat in reverse, you need to approach docking in a cove or along a shoreline very slowly, even coast. To contact the marinas for reservations or more information you can visit their individual websites as outlined in our story on marina offerings or use the following list to phone: Beaver Creek Resort Marina: Reservatons: 1-855-974-5546 Burnside Marina: Reservations: 1-855-974-5545 Conley Bottom Resort: 1-606-348-6351 Grider Hill Marina Resort: 1-606-387-5501 Indian Hills Alligator II Marina: 1-270-866-6616 Jamestown Resort & Marina: 1-800-830-5131 State Dock: 1-888-782-8336 17

Relief

from the Heat By Edgar Spitzke

The tube ride at the SomerSplash water park, is from a height that gives you a view of most of the park and the other slide rides.

Discover Lake Cumberland

The warm weather is here finally and so now is the time to head for SomerSplash Water Park north of Somerset. SomerSplash is outstanding in its many features you can enjoy. SomerSplash features include 20 acres of family fun, with one of the longest lazy rivers in Kentucky, a 20,000 square foot wave pool, forty-foot single and double rider tube slides and three forty-foot tall waterslides. The kiddie play pool has several water spouts and a tipping bucket. In 2010 a bowl slide, a speed slide and a wading pool were added to the park. The water park is located at 1030 Ky. Hwy 2227 (Old U.S. 27) just south of Paul’s Discount Sporting Store. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. There are several admission and ticket options. The “Ride ‘N’ Slide” price of $14.95 admits you to everything in the park— all the slides, wave pool, kiddie play

Summer 2014

and lay river. You must be at least 48” tall to qualify for that ticket. The “Half” Splash” admission of $12.905 is for guests under 48” tall or who wish not to ride the large slides. It allows entry to the wave pool, kiddie play and lazy river. “Dry Dock” price is $3 and is for those who wish to enter the park, but not get into the water and just sit pool side. Children two and under are free with an adult purchasing park admission (not including an adult Dry Dock). A half price admission to the park is available for the “Ride ‘N’ Slide” and the “Half Splash” if you enter the park after 4 p.m. and that admission is $10 (Except on SomerBlast day). SomerBlast is the park’s celebration of Independence day, July 5, when there will be fireworks and special live-entertainment and the park doesn’t close until midnight. Season passes are available with different rates during the year. Passes begin to be sold in November and the price is $49.95 through March. From

April through May 15 season passes are $59.95 and from May 16 season passes are $69.95. Season passes can be purchased anytime after May 16 for $69.95. Payment plans are available for the earlier purchased passes. All admissions and passes are sold plus tax. Groups and birthday parties can be arranged also. The outdoor pool located outside the Somerset Family Fitness Center (old YMCA), has been open and is also being operated by the City of Somerset and SomerSplash Waterpark. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. for June and July. Admission is $5 per person and it is $2 per person if you own a SomerSplash season pass. Children two and under are free. This outdoor pool will be closed during the SomerBlast festivities. Phone 606-679-7946 for more information or to purchase advance passes.

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Discover Lake Cumberland

Big South Fork Scenic Railway By Edgar Spitzke No trip to Lake Cumberland would be complete without visiting the Big South Fork National Park. And it can be said that no trip to the park would be complete without visiting the Blue Heron Mine and taking a train ride to it. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway operates out of Stearns, Ky., and starting this month operates trains five days a week, with two rides scheduled for

The perfect way to complete your trip Saturdays. Just go south on U.S. 27 and follow the signs to get there. The railway operates operates out of the restored freight depot across from the McCreary County Museum. The McCreary County Heritage Foundation operates a tourist information and welcome center there on the days the railway operates. During the week trains leave the station at 11 a.m. On Saturdays, the train makes two runs. The Saturday run starts at 11 a.m. and the second run is at 2:30

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p.m. The Sunday train starts at 12:30 p.m. June through August 1 there are two trains on Fridays in addition to Saturday. There are two runs on the Sundays of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, along with an additional run at 11 a.m. on Monday. If you want to spend more time at the mine, and perhaps walk some of the trails around the river, you can leave on the morning train and come back on the afternoon train. Adult tickets start at $22.75, Seniors

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Summer 2014

$21.25 and children, $13. There are group rates and a number of special rates, depending on whether or not you want them to supply a lunch for you when you arrive at the mine. You will want to visit their web site to see their whole listing of rates which include being able to ride in the cab of the engine or even a group caboose rental. A new ticket package is now offered that also combines the train ride with dinner and a show at Renfro Valley for groups of 10 or more. The train ride is in open cars for a full view of the scenic forest, hills, cliffs and streams. The route drops 600 feet from Stearns to the South Fork of the Cumberland River. The route travels along Roaring Paunch Creek with its many boulders and rapids. It also passes by the Barthel Mining Camp, a privately owned historic mining camp you can also visit while in the area. Once at the mine you can visit the many “ghost” structures of the houses and buildings that were at the mining

camp and listen to stories about each as told by recordings of persons who lived there. You can see the main entrance to the mine and cross the large coal tipple over the river and to the other side where several mine openings used to be. Musical entertainment is provided before the train trip and at the train station at the mine. There are many pictures and a diorama of the mining town to see at the station. One of the more unusual ways to take the trip to Blue Heron Mine via the railroad is to take it one way down to the river and then take a 5 mile canoe trip to Yamacraw Bridge where a shuttle will take you back to Stearns. There are five special train theme rides this year, a Banjo Boogie Express, Ice Cream Social, Moonshine Limited, Trick or Treat for Tots, Haunted Ghost Train, and Santa Express. The Ice Cream Social is run in conjunction with the McCreary County Homecoming Celebration on July 5, while the Moonshine Limited ride is set for a date for a full moon,

allowing visitors to plan trips to view the “Moonbow” at the State Resort Park after their ride. October runs treat riders to changing forest colors while the special runs in November treat riders to new vistas of cliff lines and rock formations after the leaves have fallen.. The McCreary County Heritage Foundation promotes the scenic railway excursions and other McCreary County features and events such as the Homecoming Celebration which will feature a Car and Truck Show, special activities at the Museum and a Fireworks display. It also promotes use of the Stearns Heritage Golf Course, and its Invitational Tournament held on June 7 & 8. The Stearns Course was listed in Kentucky Living Magazine’s April issue of Reader Choice Awards. For more information and advance ticket sales you can contact their website at www.bsfsry.com.

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Discover Lake Cumberland

The Nation’s Newest Park Big South Fork By Edgar Spitzke Just south of Lake Cumberland is the nation’s newest national park. It is a 125,000 acre park that offers Lake Cumberland Visitors more to see and do. Numerous hiking trails, overlooks, beautiful water falls, historic sites, campgrounds, horseback riding trails and campgrounds and even a railroad are within the park’s boundaries. The park is partly in Kentucky and partly in Tennessee with visitor centers in each state. Attractions of the park close to Lake Cumberland include Yahoo Falls, Alum Ford, The Big South Fork Scenic Railroad, and Historic Stearns, Blue Heron Mine and the Park’s northern Visitor Center at the Mine, campgrounds, overlooks and the Big South Fork gorge itself. So, there is much to see and do Summer 2014

just in the Kentucky part of the park. The Yahoo Falls Recreation area is located off U.S. 27 and Ky Rte 700 out of Whitley City. This recreation area has picnic facilities, but no camping. There are modern restrooms. Near the trail head to the falls there is an impressive overlook of the Big South Fork gorge and river. A little ways down the trail to the falls there is another impressive overlook of the river and gorge. The falls itself is sometimes just a trickle, but it is the second highest falls in Kentucky and the trail down to the base of the falls is awe inspiring. The trail leads you near an area of small rapids, under some cliffs and then to the climax of views— the football field size cliff overhang that surrounds the falling water. Another must see! Farther down Ky Rte 700 is the Alum Ford river/lake access point which is also

scenic and is a junction on the Sheltowee Trace trail. One of my favorite trails, Lick Creek Trail, starts in the Boone Forest south of Whitley City and travels down to the Big South Fork and ends at the Yamacraw Bridge on Ky. 92. It is a six mile trail more easily taken as a two-car trail, leaving a vehicle at each end. The trail comes down off a ridge along impressive cliffs and rockhouses, crosses Lick Creek several times and has a spur that takes you to Lick Creek (Hickman to some) Falls, actually the highest falls in Kentucky and with more water than Yahoo Falls. Further down the trail you come to Princess Falls, a smaller version of Cumberland Falls, but in a pristine forest setting with a grotto in front of it. The trail continues to the Big South Fork and ends at the bridge. 23

The main attraction in the northern part of the park is Blue Heron Mine and surrounding trails and overlooks. The park has preserved the mining town in “ghost” structures with live recordings of people who lived in the mining town, giving their descriptions of the buildings and life there. The coal tipple has been restored and there is a rail for carts across the river to mines on the other side. A trail on the other side of the river takes you to overlooks of the entire area. (not a short or easy hike!). On the way to Blue Heron Mine you pass the entrance to the campgrounds where modern restrooms and showers are available to campers. Also there are two overlook areas that give a bird’s eye view of the Big South Fork river rapids. A trail from the mine area takes you to Devil’s Jump, an impressive series of rapids with a high difficulty rating for canoes and kayaks.

Yahoo Falls

The Big South Fork Railway gives tourists another way to get to Blue Heron Mine and enjoy their visit to the area. The railway uses the original track for getting the coal from Blue Heron mine to the coal company at Stearns. The ride is scenic! The ride allows time to visit the mining area, includes country music entertainment and educational information about the mine. The northern entrance to the Big South Fork National Park is Stearns, Kentucky. Along with park information, maps, etc., and the railroad, there is a restaurant, gift shop and the old Stearns Coal and Lumber Company headquarters that has been turned into a museum. Riders on the railroad get free entrance to the museum. Well worth the small fee, however, is the look the museum gives of life at the mines and forests of times past, moon shine stills, and all.

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Discover Lake Cumberland

Summer 2014

r! e b o t c April - O

This year’s Somernites Cruise raffle car is shown here as a 1967 Chevy Camaro. Visitors can enter the raffle at every show.

By Edgar Spitzke If you are planning to visit the Lake Cumberland area this tourist season and you are a classic car buff, you need to plan your visit when the Somernites Cruise is scheduled. If you aren’t an avid enthusiast, but like to visit a car show occasionally, the same should be true of your vacation plans. Somernites Cruise events are scheduled every fourth weekend from April through October. Voted as the 2012 and 2013 Best Family Outing for the entire state by the Kentucky Living Magazine, it truly is a unique event in many ways. Festivities start on Thursday evenings and continue through Saturday and the greatest part of it all is that all events are free. When you enter Somerset, you will be greeted by a state sign declaring Somerset as the Classic Car Capital of Kentucky. With the event running over 10 years, with no sign of let up in attendance, and adding new features every year it promises to 26

get better and better in the future. Last year’s cruises saw participants in excess of 1,000 show cars and trucks for each show with the final show in October having 1,054 participants with 104 first timers coming from 9 states. The October show featured the awarding of a l966 Mustang as a raffle car. This year’s raffle car will be a l967 Chevy Camaro. This year’s first cruise held April 2426 was a tremendous success with 401 show cars and a crowd of spectators for the Friday Night Thunder mini car show held at the Somerset Mall parking lot. As the cruise continues to grow, the Friday night activities has too, having had to move four times to accommodate the growing crowd and number of cars. The Show and Shine on Saturday saw a record attendance for an April show. 1,211 participants showed off their cars to an almost elbow to elbow crowd of spectators in Downtown Somerset. This year’s schedule of events includes

State’s top “Best Family Outing” is geared right here in Somerset! a Thursday evening “Tune Up Cruise” at the new Steak ‘n Shake restaurant at light l6B on US Hwy 27. For those who live locally or those who plan to get into town early, this is billed as a time for participants to relax, tell their cruising stories while enjoying some ice cream, and a relaxing way to kick off the show weekend. Fridays from noon through 2 p.m. is “Meet & Greet” with a Q97 live remote from Danny’s Rod Shop! Danny’s is located 2.5 miles north of Somerset on US 27. It will be a time to fill performance and dressup parts needs while enjoying the hospitality of the event’s Pepsi sponsor. The Friday night Block Party has a new name, Friday Night Thunder and also a new location, the Somerset Mall at stoplight #23 on US 27. Hosts, Walmart and the Somerset Mall, are teaming up to make the Friday night event bigger and better, having more room for parking and displays of cruisers. In the past, this Discover Lake Cumberland

event has given visitors a mini-car show with 300 and more cars on display. There is live music, inflatables for the kids, refreshments available, loud pipe contests, prizes and, of course, admission is free. Traditionally the Saturday morning event for show participants is the meet at Hardee’s South at stoplight #22 on US27 at 8 a.m. The event features a free breakfast for show participants and a “Fun Run” cruise to an area attraction that also includes visits to sponsor businesses as part of a Cruise Poker Run. Finish of the Poker Run will be at Somerset Mall to turn in one’s hand. Cash prizes will go to the winners. Entrance gates open in downtown Somerset for the “Show and Shine!” . This is the “Big Show”, where the over 1000 participants will be lined up for blocks and blocks in downtown Somerset. Visitors can stroll through the downtown areas to see the show cars and trucks, talk to car owners and enjoy family fun. There is a large section called “Vendor Alley” where you can sample a large variety of foods, check out vendor displays and shop. The Show’s official merchandise trailer has brand new 2014 t-shirts and the show and shine always offers a few surprises. Great cruisin’ tunes are heard all over town. The event sponsors also offer a “car corral” and a free hourly shuttle bus to local shopping centers. Each month’s show has a “specialty area” where certain types of vehicles have their own special area display. April’s show was called Jalopy Jamboree featuring pre-’65 customs, rat rods, lead sleds, gasssers and hot rods. May’s specialty show will be “Mopar Mania”, June’s will be a “Chevelle

The Somernites Cruise Friday night festivities also catered to the kids and families with inflatable rides and Disney-like characters roaming around for picture poses.

Showdown”, July, “Corvette Summer”, August, “Mustang Alley”, September, “The Power Cruise”—a rolling casr show that begins from Chattanooga, Knoxville, B owling Green, Louisville, Pikeville and Nashville and points between, and lastly for October the specialty area will be “Chevy Tri-fives & Hot Rods”. Each of the cruises will have a “Kids Kruze Zone” located in the heart of the Show & Shine Area. That area will feature inflatables for the kids of all ages. The area is monitored and safe. Wristbands are purchased for unlimited play time for $6. Individual tickets are $1 each. The Kids Kruze Zone will be at the Judicial Center Courtyard. You are invited to visit the cruise website, www. somernitescruse.com. to review each events schedule. You can even make hotel reservations from the site.

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g n i l i a r T

By Edgar Spitzke

The word “trails” probably evokes the thought of hiking trails through the woods.There are plenty of those trails in the Lake Cumberland area and you are invited to consider walking some of the most beautiful trails in Kentucky here in the Lake Cumberland area. But, we would be remiss if we didn’t outline and describe the variety of trails we have here. There are canoe and kayaking trails. There are horse trails, some starting from horse camping areas. There are “dirt and mountain biking trails. There are also four-wheeler trails. Some overlap in how they can be used, but there is no question that from State Resort Park and surrounding trails, to canoe and kayaking trails, to biking and motor trails, there are so many options and experiences open in this region that it’s questionable you could experience them all in a lifetime. But, maybe we can wet your appetite to experience some Kentucky trails by means of this overview. 30

Take a walk on the wild side Discover Lake Cumberland

Let’s first go on foot. When it comes to resort parks, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has lots of options along with nearby Daniel Boone Forest trails. Within the park are trails from the Lodge down to the falls area and some along the river downstream to Boone Forest features. Park literature outlines these hiking options. Outstanding trails include the Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter trails. For a full description of area trails in McCreary County, visit the Ranger Station north of Whitley City where you can get a packet of all the trails in that ranger district. Outstanding trails include Lick Creek trail to Kentucky’s highest falls and also includes Princess Falls; Yahoo Falls trail to Kentucky’s second highest falls and to a large rock house; and trails around Natural Arch. The Big South Fork National Park has several foot trails with many high overlooks, natural arches, falls and other features You can walk to overlooks of the Big South Fork gorge and Devil’s Jump rapids, and walk to those rapids along a short trail that starts at the restored Blue Heron Mining town. On the west side of the national park is an outstanding short trail to the Twin Arches and there are several foot trails in the adjacent Picket State Park in Tennessee. In Eastern Pulaski County (Somerset), there are some beautiful trails that take off from the Bee Rock Recreation area situated off Ky. 192 at the Pulaski/Laurel county lines. The Bee Rock Overlook trail treats you to a scenic view of the Rockcastle River and rapids below. The trail that goes along the river on the Pulaski County side takes you to the Rockcastle Narrows rapids which is also a treat to see. House size boulders along the trail and in the water are also impressive. There are literally hundreds of miles of foot trails in the Lake Cumberland region in parks and the national forest, some of which are part of the Sheltowee Trace trail that goes from Tennessee to Morehead, Kentucky and are great wilderness backpacking trails. Maps and detailed information on these trails are available at ranger stations, tourist areas, park headquarters and on line. Next, let’s take to the water. Canoe, Summer 2014

kayaking and rafting trails can be enjoyed along both the North Fork and the Big South Fork rivers as well as on the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam. Trips can also be taken on the Rockcastle River. In addition to these major rivers smaller streams such as the Little South Fork between Wayne and McCreary counties and Buck Creek in Eastern Pulaski County can be navigated in spring and early summer months. The problem of putting in and taking out downstream can be solved by using a shuttle or canoe rental service. For trails above the lake the Sheltowee Trace Outfitters offers several trail options for

use of these trails. About the most detailed and helpful maps I have found for these trails in and around the Big South Fork park is put out by National Geographic. It is a topographical map that shows all the different kinds of trails. It costs about $12, and can be purchased at the park headquarters or at www.trailsillustrated. com . Western Wayne County and adjacent Clinton County have numerous four-wheeler and dirt bike trails and our next issue of “Stay and Play” magazine will detail some of these which are not in the forest system. Last, but not least, there are trails specifically designed for mountain bike

A trail from Cumberland Falls Resort Park to Eagle Falls gives you this view from the other side of the river.

Kayaking and canoeing and also runs a rafting concession. You can contact them at 1-800-541-RAFT or www.ky-rafting. com. A newer concession that offers kayaking float trips below Wolf Creek Dam is “Bobbly’s Outdoor Adventures” . They also do trips on the Green River above the lake and below the dam. Contact number is 270-566-1353. If your preference is horseback, The Big South Fork Park and surrounding forest has several campgrounds for horseback riders with numerous trails emanating from each. There are also trails specified for OHV use, and again, the Stearns Ranger District and Big South Fork Park have trail maps along with restriction on the

users. One of the most outstanding mountain bike trails is in the Laurel County Ranger district and specific information can be obtained about that trail through their office. It is a long trail that ends at Laurel Lake and is very challenging. A closer trail, originally designed as a foot trail, but improved for mountain biking in Pulaski County and near the lake is in the Pulaski County Park and is the Eagle Scout trail system. Experienced riders also rate that trail as tops in this area for mountain biking. A map on it can be obtained at the Somerset-Pulaski County Visitor Center between Ky 80 and the 80 bypass. The map shows 8.54 miles of trail with beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. 31

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Discover Lake Cumberland

& Wetter t e W

By Edgar Spitzke

While the Lake Cumberland region was having to deal with the impact of the lake being down 40 feet and much bad publicity unreasonably declaring a dam failure disaster, while remedial work was being done on the dam over a seven year period, other issues were arising to combat the blow to the local economy. “Dry”, not only signified large exposed areas of shoreline that some liked, others hated, but “Dry” also was seen as another impediment to attracting tourism with a Summer 2014

prohibition on alcohol sales in the area. With the help of a revision in State laws on local option elections on alcohol sales, the City of Burnside saw an opportunity to increase its tax revenues with alcohol sales at restaurant bars and serving drinks with meals. So, in 2004, Burnside voted “wet”, or should we say, “moist”. An historic move followed that allowed Burnside to annex Corp of Engineer property into its city limits to allow the Harbor Restaurant, situated on the Lake Cumberland shoreline in Pulaski County, and west of Somerset,

This large sports bar was added to the Harbor Restaurant when Burnside annexed the Corps of Engineers shoreline to allow waterside restaurants to go wet.

to join the restaurants within the Burnside City limits to go “moist”. The Harbor Restaurant is part of Lee’s Ford Marina. They made a huge investment in upgrading their restaurant to accommodate a bar and sales of alcohol with meals. The success of this venture by the City of Burnside and other areas in Kentucky voting “wet”, such as Lancaster and Danville, laid the groundwork for a movement to vote the City of Somerset “wet”. As a result beer sales immediately took off as gas stations and grocery 33

stores quickly made space for beer sales. Major chains such as Kroger and Walmart immediately changed whole aisles and cooler space to accommodate a wide offering of major and specialty brands of brew. This was followed by the opening of bars and later five wine and spirits stores approved by the state ABC. The bars approved were Pub 311 on West Mt. Vernon and Richardson Drive, Briar Bowls Keglers Bar and the most recent addition, The Square, which replaced J-Gumbo’s corner location on Ky. 80 and Main Street. The Somerset ABC office is hoping to get two more bars to join the existing group. While licensed as “bars” and not restaurants, each of the bars offers food and refreshments, some with lunch and others with dinner menus which are quite good. Happening to be at Pub 311 and seeing their lunch offering, I was quite impressed with their generous lunch entrées. The five wine and spirits stores are Walgreens and Rite Aid Drug stores on U.S. 27, Wildcat Beer Wine and Spirits

near Gatti’s Pizza on U.S. 27, First Stop Liquors and Apples Liquors on U.S. 27 south. The City of Somerset has petitioned for two more stores hoping to get a larger chain to be able to open within the city limits. Licenses for liquor sales by the drink at restaurants (which can also have separate bars) include Ruby Tuesdays, Tumbleweed, Casa Grande, La Fiesta Grill, El Charo Mexican Grill, Texas Roadhouse, Yamato’s Japanese Steak House, and Sonny’s BBQ. Snappy Tomato Pizza new location has beer only options along with their menu items. These developments in the City of Somerset prompted the City of Burnside to expand their liquor sales from “moist” to “wet” and a referendum in November, 2013 approved total liquor sales for Burnside. Grocery and Gas stations immediately expanded to include beer sales. Burnside is allowed to have two wine and spirits outlets and they are now awaiting the awarding of those licenses by the ABC. They are hoping to garner a large chain

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outlet to compete with the Somerset stores. The upshot of all the above is that the Lake Cumberland Area is now not only wetter with more water in the lake for tourists to enjoy, but also wetter with alcohol sales and availability with meals to make their visits to the Lake Cumberland Area more enjoyable to their liking. And it isn’t just wetter, it is also livelier with restaurants and bars adding live entertainment with bands and other musical entertainment. Kegler’s combines drinks with bowling, pool, darts and food. Pub 311 combines afternoon entrees with evening weekend musical entertainment and food and spirits. Square One, will offer food and bands on the square and especially entertain Somernites cruise visitors. Sulley’s in Burnside features live entertainment on weekends in a large Tiki Outdoor Bar. And this is not all. There are wineries, tours, tasting, etc., but we will have to leave that for another story.

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g n i c n a h Your Visit n E By Edgar Spitzke “Prohibition Repeal Red” is the name of a wine produced and sold at the Sinking Valley Winery in commemoration of the first legal liquor sales in the Somerset/Lake Cumberland area since prohibition. Amy and Zane Burton were the first in this area to start a winery, were the first to get voter approval for a sales outlet, and fittingly are the first winery and wine tasting facility you come to after getting off I-75 and down Ky. 461 on your trip to Lake Cumberland. Their wine tasting room has been moved from the winery to a convenient location directly on Ky. 461 just south of the Pulaski County line. In addition to their expanded wine tasting facility on Ky. 461, after Somerset went “wet”, they opened a “small farm winery off premises retail sales site” along U.S. 27 behind Baskin Robbins and just north of Somerset 36

Mall. The Ky. 461 site is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the Somerset site is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through

Wineries have more than tasting rooms. Entertainment and arts and crafts and other special events are often scheduled on weekends such as this view of a “Natural Food” seminar held at the Cedar Creek Vineyards. In the photo above, note the grapevines besides the house and the beautiful hilly views. Saturday. At both locations wine tasting is free. They have 12 different wines and you can have up to 6 oz of wine tasting per day according to law.

Their wines range in price from $8.99 for the sweet and semi-sweet apple wines to their $15.99 Plato Red. Varieties they offer include blackberry, blueberry, concords, cabernet sauvignon, and chambourcin. Souvenir glasses you can use in your tasting are $2. Contact information: Phone 606-274-0223 or access their website, www.sinkingvalleywinery. com. The next winery to open in Pulaski County was the Cedar Creek Vineyards located off Ky. 80 and Ky. 1003 in the Shopville community. Owner, Jeff Wiles, has been growing grapes for 15 years but has been operating his winery and tasting room for the past seven years. Tasting room hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Monday tastings are by appointment. Cedar Creek wine tastings are $3 for five tastings and they have souvenir glasses for $3. They offer eight different varieties of wines ranging Discover Lake Cumberland

from $11 to 16 a bottle, from a concord to chambourcin and chardonelle. Wiles has used his beautiful mountain home setting for many special events, some musical entertainment, others on health and environmental issues. Check their website for whatever special events might be scheduled during your Lake Cumberland visit. When I visited in April, they has a Wild Foods and Fermentation Workshop that drew a good crowd. On September 6, this year, they will have their special “Art in the Vineyards” arts and crafts fair, which is an all-day event having 30 or more display booths. Most events at the Cedar Creek Vineyards are free. Their contact number is 606-875-3296 and website is www.cedarcreekvineyards.net. More recently, Wayne County (Monticello area) got into the winery visit and tasting scene with the opening of the Lake Cumberland Winery. Norrie Wake, owner, claims to be the first winery offering a variety of wines from different wineries in Kentucky, some of

which have no retail outlet of their own, but produce fine wines. Lake Cumberland Winery is located close to Conley Bottom Dock off Ky. 1275 and on Ky. 2393, also known as Cumberland Ridge Road. Winter hours are Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Present, spring, summer and fall hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.mm. to 6 p.m. Other times are by appointment or in relation to private functions. Located on the premises of Cedar Lane Farm and “The Lodge”, the Lodge offers rooms and overnight accommodations for group meetings, weddings, business retreats and reunions. Tours of the vineyards are conducted in summer months and many weekends have special entertainment and other special events. The tasting room is now open, but the winery is being moved to a building behind it with an overhead walkway to it for tours of the winery in the future. According to Wake, they make 5 different wines but offer 30 other wines

from other wineries and, therefore, have to charge $6 for six 1 oz tastings. Their wines range in price from $9 to $28. Their locally produced wines are all priced at $16 and include a Vidal Blanc, Triad (a blend of 3 red wines), a Strawberry wine and a pure Chambourcin and a sweet chambourcin. Lake Cumberland Winery often hosts musical entertainment and other special festivities on their property and so it is good to check their website from time to time to take advantage of them. Their website is www.lakecumberlndwinery. com and Norrie lists his website if you have any questions, Norrie@ lakecumberlandwinery.com. Obviously, from the above descriptions, visitors can see and can have a variety of experiences and delightful activities in connection to their visits to local wineries. Each is different, have different wine flavors and auxiliary activities and entertainment. Our local wineries just give you more to see and do in the Lake Cumberland Area to enhance your visit.

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s a n i r a M Choose the one thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just right for you! The Marina at Lees Ford Resort is stretched out along the Fishing Creek tributary of Lake Cumberland and around an island in a very picturesque setting.

Discover Lake Cumberland

By Edgar Spitzke Our map of Lake Cumberland, located inside this edition, shows the location of 11 marinas. Planning your visit and what activities you want to enjoy may take some investigation as to what each marina offers in houseboat, small boat, and lodging rentals, restaurants and events or special activity programs. By means of this article, we will give an overview of what various amenities are offered by the marinas with the recommendation you access their individual websites for detailed information on rates and availability of their rentals. Not all marinas have houseboat rentals. While most have pontoon and fishing boat rentals, only a few have ski boat and PWD rentals. Most offer covered and open slip rentals, some only by the year while others offer half year and other short term moorage rates. Our overview includes more information on the major docks and marinas. Burnside Marina and Beaver Creek Resort are managed by Water Way Adventures and their web address is www. waterwayadventures.com. Both locations offer houseboat rentals and moorage and small boat rentals and moorage. They have rentals of ski boats and PWCs. Grider Hill Marina and Recreation Area, www.griderhillmarina. com is located in the southwestern part the lake. Their recreation area includes a motel, camping, a restaurant overlooking the marina and a second floor deck on the marina used for weekly live entertainment. They have houseboat rentals and moorage and small boat rentals and moorage. Check their events page for a schedule of their free shows. State Dock, part of the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is, of course, adjacent to all the park’s lodging, restaurant and recreational amenities. State Dock has the largest houseboat rental fleet on the lake along with rental of the complete spectrum of small boats along with moorage. Their “events calendar” lists many special events throughout the summer. They also have a very large marine store. Get more information at www.statedock. com. Alligator Dock #1, due to lowering the lake for dam repairs, was moved closer to the mouth of Wolf Creek. After another name change it has been bought by the owners of State Dock and is being advertised as a “sister” marina to State Dock with many new improvements. While they have boat moorage, they have only limited small boat rentals at the present time. The main attraction is their Tiki, on the waterfront, restaurant with in door and out door dining. With a “Key West” atmosphere and menu, with such things as calamari and Mahi, Mahi sandwiches, they say they are a “destination” for people coming from other nearby docks. Go to www.wolfcreekmarina.com for more information. Jamestown Resort and Marina, LTD, faces Lake Cumberland Resort Park across the lake. They have cabin rentals, swimming pool, a large modern lodge overlooking the lake and a dock with store and snack bar with on-the-water dining. They have moorage and small boat rentals. Check out their offerings at www.jamestowndock.com. Conley Bottom Marina is located in the middle of the lake and on its South shore near Monticello. It has one of the largest houseboat moorage on the lake with also other covered slip and open slip moorage available by the year and less. They have houseboat, pontoon and small boat rentals including PWCs. They also have a large wooded campgrounds with ramp, swimming beach and camper boat moorage. Their on the water restaurant offers indoor and outdoor on the dock dining. They also have cottage rentals. Summer 2014

Get more information at www.conleybottomresort.com. Lee’s Ford Marina Resort is located near Nancy, Kentucky, and west of Somerset along Fishing Creek. They cottage rentals and house boat moorage along with small boat rentals such as pontoons, ski boats and PWCs. They do not have houseboat rentals. One of their main attractions is their “Harbor Restaurant” overlooking the harbor, which is open all year, and offers fine dining in and out of doors at reasonable prices along with a bar and spirits. Free moorage and shuttle service is provided for from-the-water visitors to the restaurant. Buck Creek Dock and London Boat Dock are both located at points along and near the end of the North Fork of Lake Cumberland. A Google search will give you phone number for information on them.

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Discover Lake Cumberland

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By Edgar Spitzke The Lake Cumberland Region has three outstanding State Parks. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is at the western end of the lake near Wolf Creek Dam. General Burnside Island State Park is in the middle of the lake’s 100 mile length, and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is past the eastern end of the lake along the North Fork of the Cumberland River. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is the largest of Kentucky’s resort parks, with 3,117 acres of land. Open year round, it is a popular destination for all seasons. The park has a variety of choices of accommodations, from a modern “Lure Lodge” with motel like rooms, but with lake views added and balconies from all rooms, to rustic original old lodge rooms, rustic cabins and also their modern “Wildwood” cabins with upstairs lofts. The lodge has an indoor pool, open all year, and which is open to all lodge and cabin guests. There are also abundant campsites with modern bath houses, RV sites with water and electric and a dumping station. Summer 2014

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The Resort Park also has a 9-hole Frisbee golf course, tennis courts, a volley ball court, lots of play land equipment both near the lodge and in the camping areas, miniature golf, horse back trail riding, individual picnic and group picnic areas, a boat launching ramp, State Dock with houseboat and other craft rentals and a supply store. There are hiking trails and numerous spectacular overlooks. Burnside Island State Park is located off U.S. 27 just south of Burnside. A causeway puts you on the island. It’s main features include a large boat launching ramp and parking area, an 18 hole challenging hilly golf course with pro shop and cart rental. The only island park in the system, Burnside Island State Park has 430 mostly developed acres with picnic areas, playground equipment and picnic shelters that can be rented for group activities. The large camping area has 94 sites with modern bath houses and also some primitive camp sites. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has the falls as it’s main attraction. Called the “Niagara of the South”, this thunderous, very large falls is a year round attraction as is it’s unique 41

exclusive views of a nighttime “moonbow”—reportedly being only one of two in the world. Other unique features of the park include its DuPont Lodge with 51 rooms that offer beautiful views and full amenities. A large restaurant overlooks the Cumberland River and forest. Several cottage rentals are available along with campsites with bathhouses, supply store and more. Summertime activities in the park include an Olympic sized pool, open to the public, horseback riding, numerous nearby forest trails, waterfall views, other than Cumberland Falls, such as Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. The Resort State Parks have planned recreational activities throughout the tourist season for family fun. These are

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outlined and printed out and distributed from the front desks or put on facebook. At Cumberland Falls the public pool opens after Memorial day and generally stays open through Labor Day with a nominal fee of $5 for adults and $4 for children. Campers pay $2 and lodge guests are free. The Horseback riding concession opens at the same time and onehour guided rides around $19. Both resort restaurants serve three meals a day, many being buffet for breakfast, lunch and supper depending on number of lodge guests. Cumberland Falls has a buffet Friday evening, Saturdays and Sunday and Lake Cumberland Park Restaurant has a seafood buffet every 3rd Friday evening. Cumberland Falls has a yearly festival called the Harvest Moon Native American festival which, this year, will be held October 10 and 11 and will feature vendor booths as well as special activities. Lake Cumberland State Park has live musical entertainment for most weekends at the campground amphitheater and they also have a special fall program the first weekend in October called “Camparama. For more information you can contact the parks, 1-270-343-3111 for Lake Cumberland Park and 1-800-325-0063 for Cumberland Falls Park for more information. In addition to the park facilities, nearby facilities include horse back riding, white water rafting trips, etc. Rafting trips can be arranged by calling 800-541-RAFT (7238).

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Discover Eagle’s Nest This golfing gem in Central Kentucky is now open to the public for the 2014 season. Being a private course for almost 40 years, Eagles Nest County Club has become the “go to” place for tournaments in this area, providing the best golfing experience around. The Nest has spent the last two years focused on the golf course, making it into the jewel that is was decades ago. Bob Littrell, our superintendent, has used his expertise to create fast greens and lush fairways, as he has at many other courses across the state. Also, by creatively placing tees, Eagles Nest can provide a challenging round for “scratch” golfers as well as a fun round for beginners or seniors. Eagle’s Nest offers the finest driving facilities and golf instruction in this area. Our 300 yard driving range offers both natural grass surfaces as well as the latest in mat technologies. Our PGA Professional, Erich Moberly is welcoming all levels of players to Eagle’s Nest to work on their game. Erich uses the latest technology to analyze your swing and can also provide club fitting and repair. The Pro Shop carries all of the latest equipment and accessories to make sure your equipment is up to

your game. The Eagle’s Nest Swimming and Diving Center is the hub for many of the summer activities. Eagle’s Nest offers special summer memberships for the Swim Center. We are a family focused Club and we can arrange childcare for many of our summer events. When visiting Eagle’s Nest make sure and eat at Sand Wedges, our updated grill inside the clubhouse. Sand Wedges offers great food for those hungry golfers as well as many health conscious options. Sand Wedges also provides catering for the clubhouse as well as in the neighborhood. Our clubhouse is available to parties, socials, banquets and weddings. The sunset from the clubhouse is amazing. Golf rates at Eagles Nest for the 2014 Season are competitive with all of the local smaller courses and will offer early bird and happy hour rates providing one of the least expensive golf experiences in the area. You can book tee times on-line at EaglesNestCC.com. It is easy to sign up and we will keep you informed on our many specials during the golfing season.

Discover Lake Cumberland

g n i p m a C

Combining the great outdoors with modern facilities

By Edgar Spitzke

Cory Wells, two-time Kentucky woman’s mountain biking champion, tries her wheels on Lake Cumberland area trails and enjoys the challenges.

Summer 2014

Campers account for a large number of visitors to Lake Cumberland. There are numerous camping areas too. The Corp of Engineer campgrounds are, perhaps, the most modern facilities and many offer lakeside sites. State Parks also have modern restroom and shower facilities along with special evening programs for the enjoyment of the camping, lodge and cottage communities. Private campgrounds are also close to lake facilities and offer a variety of extra amenities and activities. Corps of Engineer campsites require advance reservations. The only exception to that is the Fall Creek Recreation Area which has only about 10 sites and they are occupied by the rule of first come, first served. Reservations can be made site specific at Kendall, Cumberland Point, Fishing Creek and Waitsboro by calling 1-877-444-6777 or by visiting the national reservation service at www.reservation.gov. All the above camping areas are adjacent to day use picnic areas, boat ramps, shower and bathroom houses, washers and dryers and playground equipment. Fishing Creek, Waitsboro, and Cumberland Point, have some next to the lake sites. Fall Creek has lake view sites. Kendall is located below the dam with some river adjacent sites. Many people don’t realize that the Corps of Engineers allow primitive camping in designated areas and there are no charges for primitive camping. There are rules, however with regard to where you can camp, trash removal, and how you leave the site. Details and a map that shows allowed primitive camping area can be accessed on by contacting the Corps Visitor Center at 606-679-6337. All three state parks, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Burnside Island State Park and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, have developed campgrounds with modern shower and bathroom houses. None have lake or river side campsites, but are wooded, nicely shaded and have access to planned recreation activities and “park talks”. Pulaski County Park is a County administered park under the guidance of the Corp of Engineers. With the lake being raised, it once again has lakeside campsites along the Fishing Creek tributary of the lake. 45

Private campgrounds are located in Bronston and near Alligator Dock #2. The Bronston location is called Lake Cumberland RV Park and Driving Range. It is strictly for RV’s. In addition to the driving range it has an indoor pool. It is located at the end of Gibson Lane off Ky. 90. The campgrounds at Alligator dock has mostly RV sites but will accommodate tent camping. It is a KOA facility with recreational facilities and a swimming pool. The U.S. Forest Service also operates a number of campgrounds. The Bee Rock Recreation area is popular for those who don’t mind primitive restrooms and is located on Ky. 192 and the Pulaski/Laurel County lines. There are nicely landscaped and deep wooded camp sites on both sides of the

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Camping at Kendall Recreation area below the dam provides nicely wooded sites as shown above and offer bike riding and other activities near the river waters. Seth Spitzke is here shown at their group camping site.

Rockcastle River, some being right on the river, which in the summer actually is on lake backup waters. Another deep wooded-well developed campsite is Great Meadow located at the end of Ky. Rte 1363 and Forest Rd 137 and is on Rock Creek, a Kentucky Wild River and trout stream. Not to be overlooked are the modern campgrounds in the Big South Fork National Park, one at Blue Heron in Kentucky and the other at Bandy Creek in Tennessee. For specific information and a complete listing of all camping areas, public and private, we recommend obtaining the brochure “Shore to Shore” from the Ky. Department of Travel & Tourism, www.kysouthernshorelines.com.

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Greg Pullen of Cumberland Outdoor Pro Bass is seen here showing one of his large striper catches on the Cumberland River below the dam.

Get hooked on Lake Cumberland fishing opportunities By Edgar Spitzke

To quote Greg Pullen of Lake Cumberland Pro Bass, “fishing will be unbelievable this year”. Last year saw a measureable upswing in fish catches on Lake Cumberland due to the lake being raised 20 feet. But, now as it rises to normal summer pool, another 20 feet, for a 40 foot rise total, fishing will only get better throughout the whole spring, summer and fall fishing season. When the lake was down due to repairs on the dam, many avid fishermen chose to travel to other nearby lakes. Barren River Lake near Glasgow and Green River Lake above Columbia were the main choices, both lakes being rated nationally in the top 100 fishing areas in this country. But talking to some of those same fisherman now, you will find they have not been back to those lakes this season. They say “they don’t have to. They can catch all the fish they want here in Lake Cumberland.” After a long winter and a late start with fishing season, one angler who only has time to get out on weekends said he already had over 200 catches. Another angler, leaving the ramp at Burnside Island State Park, traveled within sight of the ramp and caught 36 big crappie keepers in a small inlet. Yet another angler who made a large catch returned a lot of keeper crappie, keeping only those larger than 17 inches. Pullen attributes the better lake catches to the increased cover for the fish with trees being submerged with the increased water. Frys even have more protection in the spawn in the trees where the bigger fish cannot get to them. So, bass, smallmouth 48

and largemouth, stripers, crappie, walleye, white bass and blue gill will all bring in large catches this year. Pullen said crappie fishing in particular is the best he has ever seen it all the years he has been fishing this lake. He also said, for all fish, go the back of the creeks as far as you can go or pockets on the main lake. In some areas the crappie can be caught in only 3 to 4 feet of water and they are bigger. This year and for years to come Lake Cumberland will be the destination for those who want to catch fish. Summer tournaments are a fun feature of fishing on Lake Cumberland. Lake Cumberland Pro Bass hosts the longest running tournament on the lake (32 years) and is held on Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight from the ramp at Burnside Island Park. This year’s first tournament will be held the Thursday before the holiday in May. Other sponsors have tournaments from the same location on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 2 a..m. Big tournaments for youngsters and families are held for National Fishing Week and are a great occasion for family fun. This year’s tournament will be held June 7 at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery where last year 1,375 kids fished, each got gifts and prizes along with catching fish, had free refreshments, etc.The entire event is free due to the generosity of local sponsors. More information is available at their website, www. kidscatcharainbow.org. Other Fishing Week tournaments, but for bass and bluegill are held at small lakes around Lake Discover Lake Cumberland

Cumberland, one in Wayne County (606-348-3160) and Pulaski County, (606-864-4163). Fishing below the dam, especially for large trout and for stripers has grown in popularity. According to Pullen, if you want to get the really large stripers, the Cumberland River is the place to go. He prefers to go to Burkesville, put his boat in the river there, head up the river and float down it. He has caught numerous very large 40 to 50 lb fish that way simply using artificial baits and casting. In addition to lake fishing, the Lake Cumberland area has some of the best trout fishing both in the tailwaters below the dam and also at many local streams around the lake that are stocked with trout throughout the season. The largest trout are caught below the dam, that area having produced the largest brown trout on record. There is also a website, www.gameandfishingmag.com that has an article on 6 prime sites for catching fish in this area. The article also describes Rock Creek in McCreary County where you can enjoy fishing in remote areas in beautiful Daniel Boone Forest settings, Many enjoy using guides to get them to the best spots to catch stripers and other game fish. Most Marinas and tackle shops have listings of area guides. A publication put out by the Ky. Department of travel & tourism called “Shore to Shore”, available at tourist information centers gives a listing of guides and their phone numbers. It also has contact numbers for many other tourist activities and accommodations.

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Get acquainted with local history

By Edgar Spitzke Are you a history buff? Whether you are or not, you will find a lot of interesting history to actually entertain you while visiting Lake Cumberland.

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Maybe it’s a rainy day and you don’t know what to do. Why not enjoy getting acquainted with some local history? Most is free or low cost and informative. Monticello’s Historical Museum would be a good place to start. Right on Main Street and at Michigan Avenue, the old Breeding Hotel is the location of this award winning museum. Admission is free and hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. The Breeding Hotel is in itself an interesting historical feature as it had air conditioning to all rooms before there were compressors. How? Monticello and the hotel are built over a cave system, so they opened a shaft into a cave and fanned the cooled air to all the rooms. All three floors and the basement have been developed with displays. The basement has a karst or cave room, showing the open shaft to the cave for the cooled air along with numerous pictures and displays on the many caves in the Wayne County Area. The main floor has a newly renovated gift shop, dioramas

depicting growth of Mill Springs and the battle of Mill Springs. One of the outstanding features of the main floor is the full-size replica of the Monticello-Burnside Stage Coach, the original of which is in the Wells Fargo Museum in Los Angeles. There is also a display of a personal carriage and many, many more things. The 2nd and 3rd floors of the hotel were also recently renovated displaying what the rooms of the hotel looked like originally, a bridal suite, and many other rooms used for special displays such as schools in the county, fabric room with quilts, medical and dental room, Victorian Parlor, to name a few. The museum has displays on the county’s courthouses, oil boom, civil war and other war memorabilia. The Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum is an especially interesting place to visit. Itd is located along Ky. 80 just before getting to Nancy, Ky., and is adjacent to the Mill Springs National Cemetery. The visitor

center has a gift shop, a library and a theater presentation that chronicles the events around the Battle of Mill Springs. There is a fee of $8 for adults for a pass into the museum. The pass includes tours of the Brown-Lanier House, and West-Metcalfe house on the other side of the lake. These houses were used for confederate headquarters and hospital and have been completely renovated. The pass also include admission to special events and enactments of civil war battles and encampments when scheduled. The museum ha lifesize displays of civil war shelters and encampments, field hospitals, etc., along with cases of guns and weapons of that area. A car route takes you from the museum and visitor center to the battle field and Zollicopher Park, other areas of engagements, encampments and the location where confederate troops made their escape across the river (now the lake) to entrenched battlements and positions along the bluffs of the river.

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Summer 2014

• First significiant Union victory in KY • Civil War Museum • Over 800 acres of preserved battlefield • Driving Tour and walking Trails • Living History Events

Mill Springs Battlefield Visitor Center & Museum 9020 West Hwy 80 Nancy, KY 42544 606-636-4045 www.millsprings.net info@millsprings.net

Lake Cumberland

g n i m m i Sw

Motel & Lodge

2671 S. HWY 92 • JAMESTOWN, KY 42629 www.timberpointe.com • info@timberpointeresort.com Toll Free: (866) 848-7855 Local: (270) 343-2267 (Next to Jamestown Marina)

Spring is Here! Get Your Grills READY!!! Dont worry about your meat any longer, or what it has put in it. You can purchase a beef or hog from us raised locally grain fed with no hormones or antibiotics. Come by Sano Meats to purchase fresh meat by the package. We offer beef, pork, chicken, cured bacon, seafood, lamb, homemade sausage, deli meats, cheeses, and more! PRE-ORDER FOR SPECIAL EVENTS! Let us cut you a fresh steak for the grill! Don’t forget to pick up some of Bill’s Famous Cheese and Mac’s Coleslaw. Great for ANYTIME!

Sano Meats • 9241 Hwy 80 • Mill Springs Plaza • Nancy, KY 42544 • (606) 636-5725 Sano Meat Processing Inc.• 3864 Sano Rd., Hwy 1729 • Columbia, KY 42728 • (270) 384-6068 MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW FOR ALL YOUR CUSTOM NEEDS! Thanks for buying locally Like and share us on Facebook at facebook.com/sanomeats&deli

2450 HWY 90, BRONSTON, KY 42518

606-561-6597

www.searaylakecumberland.com

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR #1 PRIORITY

Sea Ray of Lake Cumberland is now owned and operated by Lookout Marine. For over 28 years, we have served all the needs of boating enthusiasts in the Lake Cumberland and surrounding area. Our team of friendly and courteous professionals pride themselves on providing the best product sales and services around.

THE PERFECT MATCH

You and Sea Ray of Lake Cumberland The superior design and quality of the boats we sell should be matched only by the quality of our customers’ shopping, purchasing, service and lifestyle experience. Whether it’s a new, used or brokerage boat you are looking to buy or sell, or service on your current boat, our goal every day is to set the standard for unsurpassed customer expectations.

Call us for all your purchase and service boating needs at 606-561-6597

Making the most of the

water

What would summer be like without getting a chance to swim? While Lake Cumberland doesn’t have any sandy beaches, the area is not without its choices for summer swimming fun. Swimming out of your boat or houseboat is probably the most common type of lake swimming and the lake offers plenty of coves and inlets to allow you to anchor off in a private spot and enjoy swimming and diving. The water is fine, refreshingly cool in late spring,and almost Discover Lake Cumberland

bathwater warm in midsummer. There are a lot of swimming pool choices all around the lake. There is a large Olympic size pool at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park open to the public with a small admission charge. Monticello has a public pool at its Aspire Center near Ky 90 and off Kentucky 1275. The family Fitness Center off Ky. 39 just north of Somerset has a large indoor lap pool and a therapy pool. Non-member day users can be admitted to these pools for a nominal charge. The large outdoor pool of the fitness center is now being operated by the Somerset City Park Department along with the Somerplash Water Park. The popular water park is located north of Somerset at 1030 Ky Hwy 2227 (old U.S. 27). The pool outside the fitness center is large, has a kiddie pool and a very large slide. Somersplash is a 20 acre park with the longest lazy river in Kentucky, a 20,000 square-foot wave pool, forty-foot single and double rider tube slides and three forty-foot tall waterslides. The kiddie play pool has several water spouts and a tipping bucket. Season and daily passes can be purchased and there are half-day rates. Phone 606-6797946 for current information. Most swimming pools open Memorial Day weekend but closings vary widely, some being open only on weekends through August due to children going back to school. For information on State Park pools visit www.parks.ky.gov. For information on the Aspire Center Pool, phone: 606-3409362. For the Family Fitness Center phone: 606-676-0413.

We Welcome Your Business Pharmacist/Owner: Tracey Turpin Pharmacist: Dale Withers • Pharmacist: Ron Whitmore

We accept most Medicare Part D, Express Scripts, Tri-Care

“It’s your neighborhood,it’s your drugstore”

647 West Highway 80, Somerset, KY 42503

606-677-1922

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9-6; Sat. 9-1 Fast, friendly service Drive-thru

www.gatormade.com

GOOSENECK / DUMP / ENCLOSED / UTILITY TRAILERS AND PARTS

We are your Lake Cumberland dealer for New Chaparral Sport Boats, Deck Boats, Bennington and Harris Flotebote Pontoons along with Lund Fishing Boats !

We are Kentucky's #1 Bennington and Chaparral dealer. Call for best the prices in several states ! BOAT LINES WE CARRY ARE • Bennington Pontoons • Chaparral Sport Boats, Deck Boats and Cruisers

Hwy 461 • Somerset, KY 606-679-6893 • 855-504-2867 Summer 2014

• Lund Fishing Boats • Harris Flotebote Pontoons

Discover Lake Cumberland

Summer 2014

Quality Service with over 20 years in the marine industry

Conveniently located on beautiful Lake Cumberland! FINANCING AVAILABLE!

• Boat Accessories • • Service on all Makes and Models • 1438 HWY 90 (next to VIP Restaurant) • Bronston KY 42518 • 606-561-3474 Monday-Friday 9-5 • Saturday 9-3 (or later by appointment)

Idletimemarine.com