Food scene
Favorite restaurant on the lake, best sunsets and great cocktails. Closed in the off season, unfortunately.
10 locals recommend
Marina Rowena
11565 State Hwy 558Favorite restaurant on the lake, best sunsets and great cocktails. Closed in the off season, unfortunately.
Black Stallion Steak House
163 Travis StBest local steakhouse on the south side of the lake.
El Cazador
75 Walmart Plaza DrGreat margaritas. Great service. Great vibe.
$2 cheeseburgers that are locally famous. No frills eat at the diner bar. Order 2-3 (think sliders). Located in the cute downtown district of Monticello. Great lunch excursion!
City Pool Hall
11 South Main Street$2 cheeseburgers that are locally famous. No frills eat at the diner bar. Order 2-3 (think sliders). Located in the cute downtown district of Monticello. Great lunch excursion!
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Indoor fun
1. Welcome to Bluegrass Gables. We come here to relax and get off the grid, however if you need to get on the grid worry not there's plenty of Wi-Fi. there's also an Alexa on top of the fridge, so you can play music or be connected as much as you need to be.
2. Grab a great book from our bookshelf. No worries if you don't finish it on time, just pack it and take it with you if you need to.
3. There's a karaoke set beside the fireplace. just pick your favorite karaoke number on YouTube, plug in your phone, grab a mic and sing the night away.
4. Boardgames and puzzles in the downstairs closet
Don't miss
Outdoor Fun
1. There's a bocce ball and lawn dart set, find a nice grassy knoll to have a round.
2. There are three hammocks hanging on the back patio, find a tree and relax.
3. If you're up for a hike to view or swim in the lake - here is a map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OYjl6XG-oBreAEfoeS2XFy_h7HqERVvl/view?usp=sharing. The trail to the point is easy-moderate; the trail to the cove is moderate-difficult with some ropes on steeper sections to assist, each hike is 20 minutes
4. Enjoy the fire pit, you are welcome to the log pile. Do not leave any fires unattended, douse with water when done.
Don't miss
Gorgeous hiking on the property
This is easily our favorite thing to do at Bluegrass Gables. Enjoy a hike to the point for a great view of passing boats, or down to the cove to swim or float in Lake Cumberland. Though the terrain is steep in some areas, the trail is roped for safety and usability. See the map in the "outdoor fun" section to get GPS coordinates and oriented. Here is a little video of what you might expect, with some guidance to help you find the trail head: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRtXNj9N/
And here are some more pictures of sights on the trail. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRRgFKch/
Book before you go
Massage Therapist House Calls
Make your forest renewal time really count with a decadent massage, right in the cottage. These local therapists do house calls. Here are the names of their businesses, a quick Google search will give you more information about the therapists and the services they offer.
Audrey's Medical Massage, Albany KY 606-306-9223
Heaven's Healing Hands, Jamestown TN
931-310- 5287
Book before you go
In home private yoga classes
In home private or group yoga might also be a great addition to your stay. $150 for 1 hour class.
Zoe Shepard Yoga Somerset KY
606-278-2906
Book before you go
Photography Session
Angela Vaught photography will come do an onsite photo session for you and your group with Kentucky nature as a gorgeous background. $300 includes 1 hour session and 25 photos. https://www.photographybyav.com/
Don't miss
Hiking trails and Waterfalls
Big South Fork and Cumberland Falls are nearby, and have great hiking.
https://www.kentuckytourism.com/outdoors/natural-attractions/big-south-fork
https://www.kentuckytourism.com/outdoors/natural-attractions/cumberland-falls
There are a lot of gorgeous waterfalls in Monticello including Mill Springs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g39674-d6991796-Reviews-Mill_Springs_Mill-Monticello_Kentucky.html
Also check out this Waterfall road trip with stops nearby: https://kywaterfalls.com/dir/index.php/trips/2289-waterfall-trip-volume-3-3
Don't miss
Outdoor Adventures
Here are additional ideas to elevate your adventurous spirit, located in the Lake Cumberland region.
Rafting trips:
https://www.ky-rafting.com/
Kayaking trips below the dam, pick up, drop off, and supplies by Campbells Creelsboro Country Store: https://www.facebook.com/Campbellscreelsborocountrystore/
Helicopter Trips over Lake Cumberland:
https://conleybottom.com/marina-2/lake-cumberland-helicopter-tours/