Holmes Bend Marina
A family business
HOLMES BEND MARINA IN CAMPBELLSVILLE is an outdoor business that has stood the test of time—and it has a great story to tell. Over the years, I have become good friends with owners Kelly and Joey Caldwell. Kelly became the second-generation owner of the marina after taking over from her dad, David Butler, who purchased it in 1986.
Holmes Bend Marina has everything you need for a great vacation, or just a day on Green River Lake. You can even rent a fishing boat or houseboat.
Kelly, who grew up around the marina, shares her own memories of people she has met through the years.
“Many of them that I met as a teenager while working at the marina are now bringing their kids, and some of them, their grandkids,” she says. “I feel like the best part of having a business, especially a business that brings people together to have fun, is the people. They are what makes all the hard work here at Holmes Bend Marina worth it.”
The setting is perfect for a day—or a couple of days—on the water. The property is peaceful and accommodating with boat slips for your boat, a nice cabin for your lodging and a marina store for all your snacks, as well as live bait. There’s also a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. I especially like the biscuits and gravy.
I was introduced to the business many years ago by my friend David Jones, who is the premier crappie guide on Green River Lake and owner of the guide service Green River Lake Crappie Trips. We visited the marina—and enjoyed the best breakfast in town—after filming a TV show together on Green River Lake. Over the years, I met the family behind the business, and we became friends. I look forward to more than one visit to the marina each year to hang out, catch daily limits of crappie and enjoy some great fishing camaraderie with David.
As a boy, I spent a lot of time on my grandfather’s houseboat, where he lived for a time. I can say those were some of my happiest times, so I have a special place in my heart for marinas. I remember the sounds of minnow tanks running and crickets chirping, along with the sound of little footsteps and chatter from kids excited about the day. Holmes Bend Marina has that atmosphere that I remember, and those memories are rekindled each time I visit.
