Wax Marina & the lake

Wax Marina is the closest place on Nolin Lake to put a boat in the water. From the lakehouse in Paradise Grove it's a two-mile drive, about five minutes. Here's how guests use it.

Boat rentals

The marina rents pontoons by the half-day, full-day, and full weekend. Pontoons are the right call for groups: wide deck, easy entry from the swim ladder, room for coolers and stuff. Capacities run from eight to twelve passengers depending on the boat, so for a full house at the lakehouse you'll likely want two boats or split the day in shifts.

Reserve early for any summer weekend. The marina takes phone reservations, and the most popular times (Friday afternoon, Saturday all day, Fourth of July week) book up weeks out. Call the marina before you finalize your trip and lock in your rental.

If you're bringing your own boat

The marina has a public ramp open to anyone who pays the launch fee, plus seasonal slip rentals if you're bringing a boat for the week. The Iberia Beach access is closer to Paradise Grove (walking distance from the house) but it's a smaller ramp and gets crowded on weekends. For larger boats and easier launches, Wax is the right pick.

Fishing on Nolin

Nolin Lake is known for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons. Summer fishing is best at dawn or dusk when the water's cooler. A Kentucky fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; under 16 fish free. You can buy one online from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife in two minutes.

The marina sells bait and basic tackle. The dock is fishable if you're not chartering a boat. A quiet morning on the dock with kids and a couple of poles is its own kind of vacation.

Where to eat

Buoys at the Lodge sits right above Wax Marina with indoor and outdoor seating and a lake view from the deck. Casual bar-and-grill, family-friendly, the closest sit-down meal to the marina. Menu and hours shift with the season — call (270) 396-6017 to confirm before you head over.

Iberia Beach

Walking distance from the lakehouse, Iberia Beach is a small public swim area with a sandy entry, picnic tables, and a small boat ramp. Best for an afternoon dip when you don't feel like driving. No lifeguard. Bring towels, water shoes for the rocky entry, and maybe a paddleboard if you have one.

Tips from guests

• Sunscreen, twice. The reflection off the water doubles the burn. Re-apply at lunch.
• A dry bag for phones and keys is worth it.
• Cooler ice goes fast. Bring two coolers (drinks and food separately) and double the ice you think you need.
• Quiet hours. The lake gets calmer after 7 pm . Speed limits drop and the wakes settle. Best fishing and best paddleboarding come at dusk.