It's never too early to start thinking about next summer’s vacation. While hotels, motels, and tents are lots of fun, rent a houseboat if you want to really experience the outdoors in a unique and flexible way.

Head south about four and a half hours to Center Hill Lake; it's a man-made reservoir in the hills of Tennessee that features 415 miles of shoreline and 18,220 acres where you can boat, fish, camp, and enjoy myriad other outdoor activities. Center Hill Lake has traditional hotels and motels, B&Bs, camping, cabin rentals, and, as previously mentioned, houseboat rentals.

What’s better than having all the comforts of home while on the water? Renting a houseboat is a great way to include the whole family (even pets) and experience several vacations in one. You can cook every night on your boat or go to Hurricane Marina’s Blue Water Grill for a bite to eat. You can sleep on your boat, or take a night to camp. You can spend the day in the sun on the deck or and find a shady spot to nap and relax on the shore. It’s all up to you.

Every houseboat from Hurricane Marina includes instructions on how to maneuver it on the water. (The folks at Hurricane Marina promise you’ll be a pro in about a half-hour.) Everything you need is also included, from bedsheets and coffee-makers to lounge chairs and refrigerators, and beyond. All you have to bring is your own food and beverage, your fishing license if you want to fish, and entertainment.

You don’t have to limit yourself to houseboats, either. You can also rent pontoon boats, jet skis, and ski boats that can be towed behind the houseboat. When you come ashore, feel free to hike and enjoy the beach without having to check-in and out of a hotel or load up a car.

If your group wants an economical and memorable getaway together, setting sail from Hurricane Marina is sure to float your boat.

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Head to Hurricane Marina’s website for more information about houseboats, and start planning next year's vacation.{/em}