It might sound a bit crazy when we say one of our favorite places to visit is Kentucky Lake.
After all, we don’t own as much as an inflatable dingy. Hammerhaid does have a life vest in case he trips in the kiddie pool (that’s a story for another time.)
But Betty Lou was raised on the water and her father was an avid sailor. No “stink boats” for him during his sweet, silent journeys on the Gulf of Mexico.
So it was with a certain reluctance that Hammerhaid took her to a certain spot. He was reluctant because he knew he should have taken her there long ago.
“Promise you won’t hit me, when we go around this curve.”
She didn’t promise, but she didn’t strike out either. She instead demanded, “stop here ... park it.” She didn’t buy his suggestion that they eat first.
That certain spot was Lighthouse Landing Marina in Grand Rivers, Ky. The little bay was loaded with sailboats, including a number that were 40 feet or longer.
She was in heaven.
That adventure was some time ago and we love to visit Grand Rivers, a little town that touches both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
Grand Rivers is perhaps best known as the home of Patti’s 1880s Settlement, one of the most popular eateries in the Southeast. Read about it in our blog.
Grand Rivers is located in Western Kentucky on beautiful Kentucky Lake, 1 mile north of the Land Between the Lakes. Take exit 31 off I-24 and go 3 miles on Hwy 453 to Grand Rivers, KY, the “Village Between the Lakes.”
While Patti’s wonderful food and deserts temporarily distracted Betty Lou, the underlying message remained clear. She wanted to stay at one of the little cabins at Lighthouse Landing Marina.
She finally got her wish. We spent our much to abbreviated honeymoon there.
Absolute perfection!
“I could absolutely live here,” she said. And she absolutely meant it this time.
The cabin was perfect and almost like a sailboat thanks to its nautical-themed furnishings. It was snug, compact but with plenty of room for two. Every detail was well thought out and executed.
“I adore this kitchen. It’s tiny, but perfect with stove, refrigerator and even a dishwasher. This is absolutely all you need,” she said.
The kitchen was stocked, not with food, but utensils even for the microwave. Off the kitchen was a tiny, but nice bath with shower and tons of towels.
The single bedroom was roomy with queen-sized bed, dining table, Jacuzzi-tub (with a porthole window), a big comfy chair, a bureau and (to Hammerhaid’s delight) cable TV.
“Oh, I COULD live here,” Betty Lou, repeated with gusto.
And Hammerhaid had to agree.
But perhaps the true gem was the deck overlooking Kentucky Lake. The weather was brisk, but not unpleasant for sitting into the two Adirondack chairs and watching the sunset.
When the fog rolled in, it was a spectacular place to be. Then it rained. It wasn’t a storm, but you could hear the raindrops on the metal roof of the cabin. The shower cleared and there were fireworks on the opposite bank.
Idyllic. Quiet with no sounds other than Mother Nature with birdcalls, fish splashing and the lapping of the lake. There was the occasional distant hum of tugboats pushing barges.
Did we mention the grills and picnic tables at all the cabins?
What a wonderful, lakeside community! Naturally, it bustles during the summer with visitors when there can be a wait at Patti’s. But there’s no push and shove.
The village has other restaurants, an IGA grocery and just enough shops for browsing even in the off-season.
In addition to the lovely cabins, Lighthouse Landing has sailboat rental and sailing classes.
Now, the only question that remains is when is Betty Lou going to sign up Hammerhaid for those sailing lessons and finally put that expensive life vest to use.
http://www.grandrivers.com/
http://www.grandrivers.com/links/lighthouse.htm
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