Tips for Celebrating Christmas at the Lake

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year sign.

Families around the world are getting ready for the festive season. If you have a lake house, it could serve as a wonderful Christmas retreat for you, your friends, and your dear ones. No matter if your family observes Christmas, Hanukkah, or another holiday, here are some suggestions to assist you in preparing for an enjoyable and laid-back holiday at your lake home.

Getting Started

Checklist in a notebook.
Photo courtesy of Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Getting ready for overnight guests for the holidays?  Whether snuggling by the fireplace or organizing sleeping spaces, hosting visitors at a lakeside retreat involves special details. Considerate planning and attention to detail, such as providing directions in advance and ensuring there are plenty of spare blankets, will help ensure everyone is greeted warmly and ready to embrace the holiday cheer.

Invites and Directions

Phone GPS on a car dashboard.
Photo courtesy of Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

Ensure you give guests a heads-up in plenty of time. Utilizing a group email or online invite can assist with this. Keep a record of who will be staying overnight and their arrival times. When hosting overnight visitors, arrange sleeping accommodations in advance. For instance, older family members might not prefer going upstairs to sleep, whereas children can usually share rooms. Finally, make sure to provide directions in advance to any newcomers. Lake properties are often located in isolated, rural areas with poor cell phone reception or GPS signal.

Keep Cozy and Warm

Dog on a chair with a blanket.
Photo courtesy of Natalia Gusakova on Unsplash

The weather is quite chilly out there! Many tend to underestimate the coolness of a lake during the autumn and winter seasons. Bringing along additional blankets, coats, and hoodies can ensure everyone remains warm and snug. A toasty fireplace can certainly put anyone in a festive mood. Make sure to clear any debris from wood-burning fireplaces, and don’t forget to open the damper before lighting it up.

Meal Planning

Holiday dinner.
Photo courtesy of Jed Owen on Unsplash

Welcoming family and friends over the holidays means one thing: plenty of food! Whether you’re taking charge of all the dishes or organizing a potluck, meticulous planning is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gathering. From figuring out how to transport that Christmas turkey to making sure your pantry has all the snacks and breakfast essentials covered, taking some time to plan ahead can ensure that your get-togethers are both mouthwatering and effortless.

Location and Logistics

Shop with a closed sign.
Photo courtesy of Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Organizing the menu for a family gathering is a significant expense. To reduce stress and save time, it is essential to plan ahead and communicate with family members. When considering transportation of food items to a lake home or ensuring access to nearby grocery stores, proper planning is crucial. Be mindful of store hours during holidays like Christmas Eve when closures or early closures occur. When transporting perishable items like raw meat over extended periods, such as a Christmas turkey, always have a cooler to maintain food safety measures.

Consider Other Meals

Breakfast food.
Photo courtesy of Heather Ford on Unsplash

While the main dinner is crucial, don’t forget to prepare for your other meals as well! Don’t overlook breakfast items, coffee, snacks, and other must-haves. Investing in Tupperware or similar storage containers is wise, especially when catering to a big family. If the idea of cooking an elaborate meal doesn’t appeal to you, think about getting a turkey or ham from a local market or grocery store. By placing an order ahead of time, you can pick these up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Plan for Unexpected Gifts

Gifts under the Christmas tree,
Photo courtesy Thought Catalog on Unsplash

If you’re considering exchanging Christmas gifts, make sure everyone knows ahead of time! Keep in mind that some younger families, particularly those with children, might not have the means to purchase gifts for everyone during a big get-together. Nowadays, many families opt out of gift exchanges altogether or decide to only exchange gifts among the kids or grandkids. Alternatively, some simplify gift-giving by using the traditional “Secret Santa” approach. This allows everyone to focus on what really matters – cherishing quality time with loved ones.

If you decide to exchange gifts, ensure there is enough storage space for all the presents! If a Christmas tree is not available, placing them near the fireplace but away from the flames can suffice. Alternatively, create a pile of gifts on the dining room table! For last-minute emergencies, it’s always helpful to have wrapping paper and tape ready to go. Plus, after the kids have gone to bed, last-minute gift wrapping over a bottle of wine is a great way to close out Christmas Eve.

After the Festivities

Christmas parade.
Photo courtesy of Brian McGowan on Unsplash

The awaited moment has finally arrived, with dinner served and the gifts all opened. What’s on the agenda now besides letting the food settle? If you’re seeking entertainment options, chances are numerous activities are available near your lake house! While swimming may be out of the question due to the cold weather, there are still local community attractions to explore. Be sure to check out the community calendar for upcoming Christmas parades, plays, and other family-friendly events. 

If it’s not too chilly outside, a leisurely stroll around the lake presents a wonderful opportunity to appreciate nature’s beauty. Or perhaps a friendly game of touch football could be a fun option?

Playing board games, browsing through family photo albums, and enjoying the classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” are also cherished traditions. Alternatively, watching a winter sunset over the lake while sipping on a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate is truly unbeatable. 

Whether you’re organizing a grand family reunion or an intimate escape for two, we extend our wishes for a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year. Don’t forget to explore our Hosting for the Holidays guide for additional tips this festive season.

Deeply Rooted: Billy Reid Refashions the Family Cabin on Alabama’s Wilson Lake

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Billy Reid and family with dog on steps in front of Wilson Lake, Alabama

Photography: Robert Rausch

One look inside Billy Reid‘s family cabin, and it becomes apparent that his eye for style extends far beyond his flair for fashion design. Celebrated for his line of modern Southern clothing—with 15 boutiques across the country—Billy’s innate sense of form and function seeps through the entire home, from room to room. Perched above Shoal Creek on Wilson Lake in Northern Alabama, the seven-acre site tucks into a lush canopy of hardwoods just beyond the water’s edge. Billy and his wife, Jeanne, bought the property in 2015. Over the next few years, while working nights and weekends with their local carpenter friend Sam Magill, they handcrafted a highly personalized space that truly embodies who they are as a family.

Treehouse Vibe

exterior reclaimed family cabin by Wilson Lake

“We wanted to create a loft-style space with tons of light and the feel of a large treehouse,” Billy says. “The cabin is surrounded by trees and situated on Shoal Creek, connected to the Tennessee River. It’s incredibly private and is barely visible from the water.”

When the project started, the couple knocked out walls and dropped ceilings in the top-floor living area. In addition, they incorporated what was once the screened porch into their open floor plan to increase the square footage. Next, to resolve the lack of an open-air porch, they outfitted the back and sides of the house with floor-to-ceiling windows. This created a breezy indoor-outdoor effect—perfect for when southern temps start to cool down in the fall.

“The back deck leads to a walkway along the water line to a private boat dock and sun deck, where we spend a ton of family time in the summer with our friends,” notes Billy. “Someday, we’d like to develop the property with tiny houses for the family. But that will have to wait a few years. We worked on the space for six years, completing project after project until finally putting it all together. It’s been a labor of love, and now that it is somewhat finished, we can fully enjoy it.” 

Visually Connected

View of dining room, living room, and fireplace in reclaimed family cabin

By knocking down walls and absorbing the screened porch into the house, the couple created an effortless open floor plan. As a result, their family cabin visually connects the living spaces while capturing the woodland view from nearly every vantage point. “With the large windows, the woods and water become a backdrop,” says Billy. “I feel that keeping the interior colors neutral is more compatible with the outdoors and helps the space stay bright.”

The couple installed a mixed species of reclaimed flooring and left it unfinished to generate warmth and a modern vibe. They used pine plank walls throughout—there is not one piece of Sheetrock anywhere in the house. In addition, the Reids also chose a soft white hue to allow the warmth of the old flooring—reclaimed from a South Carolina home built in 1840—to shine through, emitting a light, clean feel. They applied the same shade on the walls and ceilings to ensure fluid continuity and bring out the wood’s well-worn patina. “Some people don’t like that,” adds Billy, “but I think it creates a new life while leaving visible character.”

Billy and Jeanne integrated their love for meaningful décor and quirky furniture finds into the space. Plus, they often design their own furniture. For example, the dining table is a flea market find—a metal frame foldable school cafeteria table they reworked with reclaimed wide-plank pine. “We built in personal touches through the use of materials,” Billy notes, “like the salvaged pieces of a staircase from my great-grandmother’s house we used on the stairway down to the lower level.”

Repurposed Chandelier

living room chandelier made from reclaimed driftwood

“The focal point of the family cabin is a massive chandelier made from driftwood I collected from the creek,” says Billy. “I used an iron chandelier from our garage and stacked driftwood on the fixture to create a large hive. Then, we secured it and electrified it with a dimmer switch, creating some really cool lighting effects.”

A tufted sectional wraps the space in front of the whitewashed fireplace and defines the living area. The coffee table is another of Billy’s handcrafted creations using leftover marble pieces inlaid into reclaimed LVL beams. For an adjacent seating area by the windows, the couple repurposed an oversized leather ottoman to incorporate book storage. They paired it with conversation benches made from leftover church pew ends from an 1850 church in Vicksburg.   

“We are huge sports fans, so we built a TV into the den and kitchen to allow 360-degree viewing,” Billy adds. “The open format of the space makes it possible for everyone to have a great seat when entertaining for a game or pregaming with friends. Having the kids and their friends over is a consistent occurrence, and really some of the best times and memories throughout the years have been made at the cabin.”

Private Island

handcrafted counter-height island in eat-in kitchen

Billy and Jeanne’s plan to fold the existing screened porch into their interior layout paid off. For example, it allowed them to add an eat-in kitchen, an adjacent reading nook, and a corner studio space along a vast expanse of windows. The couple handcrafted a makeshift counter-height island from marble scraps inlaid into reclaimed LVL beams. The open shelving—a brilliant concept for a wall of windows—displays aesthetically pleasing necessities without obstructing the view.

Culinary Artistry

kitchen with open shelving displaying family collectibles and artwork

The kitchen surprisingly houses some of the family’s most eclectic and meaningful artwork and collectibles acquired over the years. Here, sculptural driftwood mingles with flea-market finds, framed miniature paintings, and a black-and-white photo from the first-ever Billy Reid photo shoot. “I believe art should have some personal meaning,” says Billy. “Our art is mostly from friends, sentimental finds, gifts, and various family-made pieces.” 

Seamless Studio Space

Billy Reid's home studio with Ekornes chair

Situated in perhaps one of the best seats in the house, Billy’s at-home design studio carves out a private workspace yet blends seamlessly with the surrounding interiors. “My office and studio are at the cabin, so it’s used regularly,” he says. “It’s just 20 minutes from our house in Florence, so it’s super convenient for us to get there often.” 

Whether working or relaxing, Billy says his favorite spot is his black leather Ekornes chair. Both stylish and comfy, it sits in the corner and nestles amidst the trees and water.

Rustic Comfort

Owners' bedroom that opens to back deck

Tucked into a cozy enclave on the far end of the house, the master bedroom offers a private oasis that visually connects to the woodsy landscape. Bedroom doors on the creek side open up to the back deck, allowing fantastic water views and easy outdoor access. A layering of bedding, pillows, and billowy floor-length curtains lend a soft touch to counterbalance the room’s rustic elements and driftwood accents. “We used leftover textile scraps from our collection to make bedding and decorative pillows,” says Billy.

Spa Serenity

Owners' luxurious spa-like bathroom with soaking tub  and Alabama marble accents

Next, the Reids converted an unfinished space that was formerly under the old screened porch into a master suite that includes a luxurious spa-inspired bathroom. Clad in Alabama marble, an extra-long soaker tub spans the length of a wide window revealing tree-canopied lake views. Plus, a matching vanity features large double mirrors that amplify the scenic setting. With this addition, the couple’s reclaimed family cabin takes on a fresh and modern aesthetic.

downstairs hallway with colorful artwork by Butch Anthony

Visible from the top level, a colorfully funky composition by local artist Butch Anthony entitled Never Sell the Farm draws the eye to a refurbished downstairs area. Formerly an unfinished basement, the space held two bedrooms that were both affected by flooding. “We diverted the flooding and replanned the layout to include a hallway, mud room, laundry area, two bedroom suites, two baths with a soaking tub and steam shower, and a third bunk bedroom,” says Billy. “We built generous storage areas and cabinets downstairs to accommodate lake and household supplies and large closets to accommodate full-time living.”

Wrapped in White

downstairs guest room with all-white palette and built-in shelves

Despite being downstairs, this bedroom’s all-white palette emits a bright, cozy feel. Layers of bedding piled high and a plush area rug underfoot lends both tactile and visual softness. In addition, built-in shelves and drawers surround an inviting window seat and stow an abundance of books, collectibles, and guest essentials. Perfect for overnight visitors, this delightfully private space adds yet another element of versatility to the family cabin.

Vertical Space

downstairs bunk room with bright orange bedding

Built-in bunk beds bring another innovative, handcrafted touch to the downstairs area and guest quarters. Bright orange bedding, quirky memorabilia, and a bold, patterned rug give a visual punch to the whitewashed space.

Porch Appeal

Front porch of reclaimed family cabin with grilling station and intimate seating area

Pieced together with repurposed railroad ties, the front porch embodies the rustic charm that emanates throughout the family cabin. A grilling station is conveniently situated just steps from the double-door entry near the kitchen. Plus, intimate outdoor seating offers a peaceful ambiance for morning coffee or alfresco entertaining. Undoubtedly steeped in southern culture, Billy—having grown up in Louisiana, just south of the Mississippi border—says his roots don’t necessarily define his sense of style. “We don’t really design spaces with the idea of being Southern,” he explains. “We put our point of view on decorating—a warm mix of found objects and self-designed pieces, blending the modern with the reclaimed. Hopefully, that results in an inviting, warm, and personal space. The Southern aspect is really just a result of being ourselves in the process—nothing intentional.”

Best Vacation Destinations: 5 Family-Friendly Lake Towns

family getting in boat on lake
Photo Courtesy of Visit Table Rock Lake

From lakefront water parks to quaint shopping squares, family-friendly lake towns offer the ultimate vacation experience. Plus, these destinations are situated in various regions of the country, meaning you can find your next favorite vacation spot without driving for days. So if you’re ready to begin this year’s family adventure, check out these top lake towns!

Table Rock Lake, Missouri

three young women on a tube in a lake
Photo Courtesy of Branson Table Rock Oasis

Attracting 9 million visitors annually, the lake town Branson infuses excitement into tranquil waterfront living. If you want the perfect balance of recreation and relaxation, this is the lake vacation for you. Table Rock Lake boasts many marinas and campgrounds and features all your favorite lake activities—fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing, tubing, camping, and more. Plus, nearby Branson offers plenty of kid-friendly activities. Popular attractions include the Silver Dollar City Amusement Park, Big Foot Fun Park, Runaway Mountain Coaster, Fritz’s Adventure, Titanic Museum, and underground caverns.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

water park beside Lake Lanier
Photo Courtesy of Livin’ Upstate SC

Imagine soaking in picturesque mountain views only an hour from one of the South’s largest cities. This is vacationing at Lake Lanier—a family-friendly lake town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated near Atlanta. In addition to fishing, boating, and swimming adventures, Lake Lanier boasts the Terminus Wake Park. This thrilling aqua and wake park features an inflatable water playground and cable water sports—perfect for families with kids of all ages. Additionally, Lake Lanier visitors can go whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking.

Lake Champlain, Vermont

town and trees beside Lake Champlain
Photo Courtesy of Lake Champlain Chamber

Boasting 80 islands, stunning waterfront parks, and intriguing historical sites, Lake Champlain makes for an unforgettable family vacation. On the Vermont side, the lake’s largest waterfront city, Burlington, attracts more than 13 million visitors annually. In addition to enjoying the lake’s parks and beaches, families can browse the town’s quaint shops at Church Street Market Place and bike the eight-mile waterfront trail. Other popular activities include the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet, Petra Cliffs Climbing Center, and Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

water park beside Lake Lure
Photo Courtesy of Rutherford County Tourism

Nothing compares to spending a day at Lake Lure Beach. Showcasing a water park, aquatic games, and a sandy beach, Lake Lure‘s beach will keep the kids entertained for hours. After this, you can round the family up and experience the lake’s pristine waters on the Lake Lure Boat Tours. And the fun doesn’t stop there. Nearby Chimney Rock State Park offers breathtaking mountainous views and contains several hiking trails and the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, after conquering these outdoor excursions, you can grab a bite to eat and explore the shops of Chimney Rock Village.

Lake George, New York

Steamboat in Lake George
Photo Courtesy of Lake George

Cruising with the Lake George Steamboat Company is the best way to begin a family vacation on Lake George. Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner voyages, the Lake George Steamboat cruises provide opportunities to relax while taking in the local scenery. Then, after the cruise, you can spend time on the Lake George beaches. Usher’s Park Beach is a great spot to bring the kids. Additionally, off the lake, you can go whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, hiking, go-karting, and mini-golfing. And if all this fun isn’t enough, you can visit the Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor Theme and Water Park.

Offering both recreation and relaxation, these lake destinations provide well-rounded family fun. So no matter which region of the country you want to visit, you can find an excellent location for your next family vacation!

FAQs

This is vacationing at Lake Lanier—a family-friendly lake town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated near Atlanta.

Boasting 80 islands, stunning waterfront parks, and intriguing historical sites, Lake Champlain makes for an unforgettable family vacation.

In addition to enjoying the lake’s parks and beaches, families can browse the town’s quaint shops at Church Street Market Place and bike the eight-mile waterfront trail. Other popular activities include the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet, Petra Cliffs Climbing Center, and Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.

Nearby Chimney Rock State Park offers breathtaking mountainous views and contains several hiking trails and the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Plus, after conquering these outdoor excursions, you can grab a bite to eat and explore the shops of Chimney Rock Village.

Additionally, off the lake, you can go whitewater raftinghot air ballooninghikinggo-karting, and mini-golfing. And if all this fun isn’t enough, you can visit the Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor Theme and Water Park.

The History of Ice Castles

Tall ice structures lit by blue and purple lights at night.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Colossal ice towers, multi-colored sculptures, playful tunnels, and invigorating sleigh rides—most of us have only seen these views through the lens of a snow globe. But did you know you could experience this stunning winter wonderland in person? Five U.S. states construct incredible ice castles during winter, making for an unforgettable family vacation. Plus, since these castles are always near a water source for drainage purposes, many are by the lake! So if you want to take a winter lake vacation to Lake George, Long Lake, or Lake Geneva, you can pair your trip with a visit to a nearby ice castle. If you want to learn about these wintry fortresses, join us as we dive into the history of ice castles!

What are Ice Castles?

Aerial shot of ice castle at night, lit by blue LED lights and filled with visitors.
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Entering an ice castle is like stepping into a fairy tale. Dazzling lights, snowy heights, and endless amusements abound at every corner. These wintry fortresses showcase complex chandeliers of sparkling icicles and intricate caverns and archways. Recently, many castles have added an ice bar, a relaxing spot to chill while the kids enjoy games and activities. Plus, many ice castles feature an active alcove—available for VIP booking and perfect for proposing to that special someone.

If you bring children along, they will delight in the beguiling ice slides and adventurous crawl tunnels. Additionally, they can visit the beloved winter reindeer room—a designated area where they can take pictures with real reindeer. After this, they can wind through delightful wooded trails on winter sleigh rides outside the castle.

What Are the Origins of Ice Castles?

Family walking through tunnel surrounded by ice structures.
Photo Courtesy of The Salt Lake Tribune

Brent Christensen is the mastermind behind Ice Castles. Fifteen years ago, Christensen and his family moved from sunny California to snowy Utah. On one freezing day, Christensen devised a plan to get his six stir-crazy kids outdoors. He built an ice cave in his front yard. It was an immediate success, attracting children from all around the neighborhood. The kids began to call this wintry paradise an “ice castle,” inaugurating Christensen’s vision for the five ice castles that exist today.

Today, ice castles host tens of thousands of annual visitors. CEO Ryan Davis owns and operates the company alongside COO Andrew Child, CFO Kyle Standifird, and CCO and creator Brent Christensen. They have patented their construction method and ice architecture, which features whimsical backdrops, formidable ice thrones, meandering tunnels, and amusing slides.

How Are Ice Castles Created and Maintained?

Men with hard hats dressed in winter clothes using tools to sculpt ice.
Photo Courtesy of Daily Herald

Ice Castles now boasts five locations—Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Utah, and Wisconsin. Each year, Brent and a team of 20-40 ice artists construct these castles entirely by hand. When the weather turns cold, the architects spray water in the designated castle area. They prefer the temperature to be around 10 degrees to grow the icicles. For every castle, they must grow around 12,000 icicles every day for two months to complete the structure. After a week, most structures reach 10 feet high, and the architects continue to add to them for a month or two until they reach the desired height.

Once all the icicles are harvested, the artists create the iconic tunnels, slides, fountains, arches, and thrones. Each castle weighs around 25 million pounds, and by the time the team completes all five castles, they have used hundreds of thousands of icicles!

We hope you enjoyed learning about the history of ice castles. Now it’s time to head to the lake and experience these winter wonderlands for yourself!

Polar Plunge Events 2023

4 persons dressed in Hawaiian outfits jumping into a freezing lake for a polar plunge.
Photo Courtesy of Youtube | Anchorage Daily News

Contributing Author: Lauren Chandler

Remember the days of the ice bucket challenge back in 2015? Celebrities, athletes, and CEOs dumped ice on themselves in increasingly creative ways to promote awareness of the disease ALS. The challenge took over social media, with famous names like Barack Obama, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Justin Bieber participating. But now, the ice bucket is out, and the Polar Plunge is in!

First performed in Boston in 1904, this long-standing tradition has become a fundraising effort for various charities like the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Polar Plunges are a great way to support causes while having loads of fun with your family and friends. So this winter, join thousands around the world by grabbing your most creative costume and jumping in your favorite freezing lake!

Lake Martin, Alabama

Lake Martin's winter event where people jump in the lake to support the protection of the waters and habitat. Picture is an aerial shot of people running into water.
Photo Courtesy of Lake Martin Wave

Located in central Alabama, Lake Martin hosts a milder polar plunge compared to many Northern lakes. Here, adventurous lake lovers can take the plunge far away from the frigid waters of the north. Situated on the Western side of the lake, Kowaliga Restaurant hosts the event every year to raise money for the protection of the lake. They craft a special polar plunge menu showcasing Alabama’s best hot comfort food. Last year, over 200 flocked to Lake Martin to take the plunge, so expect a crowd on January 15!

Lake Nokomis, Minnesota

Polar plunge in Minnesota, featuring many people jumping into the lake with an inflatable polar bear behind them.
Photo Courtesy of AllEvents.in

For 16 years, Minneapolis has organized a Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. In the course of those 16 years, the Minneapolis plunge has attracted more than 50,000 people and raised over $15 million. On March 4, Lake Nokomis will host the event and expects it to be Minneapolis’s largest polar plunge yet. Featuring live music and food trucks, this two-day event is a fun winter activity for the whole family!

Lake Ontario, New York

People running through cold Lake Ontario with ice in the backyard and paramedics present to ensure their safety.
Photo Courtesy of Democrat & Chronicle

Lake Ontario in Rochester sees the largest polar plunge in New York State every year. Last year, participants consolidated over $200,000 to support Special Olympics New York. On February 5, plungers can participate in teams or as individuals, and there are amazing prizes for those who raise the most money. 

The polar plunge coincides with the Lakeside Winter Celebration—a local favorite featuring a wine and craft beer festival, contests, live music, and sleigh rides. So, it’s a great alternative if jumping into freezing water is not your speed. You can still make a donation to the plunge, grab a beer, and watch the festivities from dry land.

Lake St. Louis, Missouri

People getting ready to jump in the cold St. Louis lake to support Special Olympics Missouri, including a girl dressed up like the Statue of Liberty.
Photo Courtesy of Special Olympics Missouri

Last year the polar plunge at Lake St. Louis in Missouri raised over $70,000 for Special Olympics Missouri, making it possible for children with mental disabilities to pursue the sports that bring them joy.

Known for its increasingly bizarre costumes, teams participating love to dress up as polar bears, superheroes, Disney princesses, clowns, cowboys, and more! This polar plunge on February 4 is perfect for families who want to have a blast while supporting an amazing organization. 

Lake Sammamish, Washington

Man standing in Lake Sammamish dressed up in an Incredibles costume with children in the background, all taking part in the polar plunge.
Photo Courtesy of Patch.com

Are you a cold-weather enthusiast who loves the environment? Then the polar plunge in Lake Sammamish, Washington, is perfect for you! The Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park host this event to support the protection of the land and water habitats. 

The first 180 people to arrive at the lake on January 1 will receive a Polar Plunge souvenir campfire mug, hand warmer, and a coupon for a cup of Ivar’s clam chowder. So take the plunge for the clam chowder, or take it for charity; we won’t judge either way!

Whether you attend these polar plunge events as a local or an adventure-seeker, you can connect with lake communities and support America’s most beloved charities. 

Grilling Out this Memorial Day

hamburgers cooking on a grill in front of American FlagThis weekend, Americans across the country will celebrate Memorial Day, to honor those who died while serving in the nation’s armed forces.

What better place to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than on the lake, surrounded by our loved ones and this country’s natural beauty?

If you are hosting a Memorial Day barbecue on the lake, here is a checklist to help you get started with your preparations.

Clean up Your Act!

Spring is the perfect time to give your grill a good scrub-down. This is true even if you haven’t used the grill since last fall. Give it a good cleaning to remove dirt, dust, grime and other things you don’t want on that first burger of the season.

If you can remove the grill grates, soak them in a bucket, or plastic tub, of hot water and dish soap, then give them a good scrub.

Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose before putting them back in.

Scrub the grill hood and inside walls to remove any build-up. If your grill uses propane or natural gas, make sure all the jet ports are clean and free of gunk or debris.

Give me fuel, give me fire…

Take a careful look at that half-empty bag of charcoal in the garage.

Will it REALLY be enough? If you can’t say for sure, better safe than sorry.

Grab a fresh bag of charcoal and make sure there’s plenty to go around. Unless you use self-lighting charcoal, make sure you have lighter fluid, too.

If you use a propane tank, make sure there is enough propane. If you don’t have a gauge attached, here’s an easy trick to find out how much propane is left in your tank.

Still shopping for your grill this season? Click here for tips on finding the grill of your dreams.

Serving Guides

Keep these serving guidelines in mind when you’re planning the menu.

  • For boneless meat, such as hamburgers, most experts recommend between 1/3 and ½ pound of meat per adult.
  • For meat with bones, such as ribs or chicken wings, plan for somewhere between 12 and 16 ounces per person.
    • This breaks down to approximately four to six ribs, depending on the type, and 10 wings.
  • Side dishes vary, depending on how filling they are. For most dishes, experts recommend four to six ounces per person.
  • With a side salad, go for one big handful per person.
  • When in doubt, round up. It’s far better to have leftovers than to run to the store in the middle of your barbecue because you ran out of  something!

Get a Solid Head Count

While this seems like a no-brainer, it goes hand in hand with making sure you have enough food.

If you’re just feeding your immediate family, this isn’t a problem. On the other hand, if you invited all your friends, family and coworkers, you might have more guests than you can handle!

It may seem like overkill, but treating your barbecue like an invitation-only event can save your it.

Don’t be afraid to divvy up the side dish duties, either.

Most guests are happy to bring a dish. If you insist on buying everything, even a modest back yard barbecue can easily run upwards of $300.

Make sure you have plenty of parking for your event, too.

If you can, tell people where to park in your invitation. That way you won’t see their tire tracks in your front lawn through the month of June.

Get the Tools for the Job!

From a first-timer to a veteran grillmaster, everyone needs the tools for the job. Make sure you have each of these before you get started.

  • Basic tools: Metal spatula, metal tongs, basting brush, barbecue fork, butcher knife, barbecue scrub brush
  • Advanced tools: meat thermometer, gloves, bottle opener, meat tenderizer, meat shredder
  • Specialty tools: Shish kabob skewers, corn on the cob skewers, squirt bottle
  • Other equipment: Paper plates, disposable cups and silverware, outdoor garbage can, paper towels, tin foil, serving utensils, cooler

Turn up the Music (to a reasonable level)

Having some patriotic jams can make you the life of the party this Memorial Day.

If you don’t fancy yourself a DJ, online music services like Sirius, I Heart Radio, Spotify, and Pandora typically have all-American stations and playlists for Memorial Day.

When outdoors, remember to keep the volume down to a reasonable level as sound can carry great distances across the lake.

Just because you love rocking out to Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t mean the rest of the neighborhood wants to (even if they should.)

Have a “Worst Case Scenario” Plan for the Weather

No matter how much we plan, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our outdoor party schedule. Have a contingency plan in case it gets rainy, or worse.

If the sky opens up, don’t panic!

Most grilled dishes can be cooked inside, on your stove or in the oven. Make sure you have adequate seating for everyone, and put a movie on.

A little rain is no reason to cancel your celebration!

Remember the Reason for the Season

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the United States.

Don’t forget to honor them during your event. Be sure to thank any veterans or members of the military for their service to our country.

 

6 Reasons to Own a Swimming Pool at the Lake

You can feel it; the weather is warm and you are getting the itch to swim. Your entire family is ready to splash away their days in the sun.

Healthier Lifestyle

There are many families that purchase a pool for family fun; however, an amazing benefit of a swimming pool is the fitness that automatically comes with the fun.

Families that have a pool are getting much more exercise than those families that do not have one. This offers an overall wellness for the body.

Some great exercises that can be done in a pool are water walking, water jogging and of course swimming.

The resistance offers a low impact exercise. These aquatic exercises offer simultaneous resistance for all muscles in the body, while protecting the joints, as well as the bones.

swimming poolCrystal Clear Waters

While most lakes have crystal clear water, there are some that can get muddy or see some algae growth from time to time.

During these periods,  your swimming pool, whether it is chlorinated or salt water, is guaranteed to have pristine waters. This provides an opportunity for swimming no matter the lake conditions!

Better Sleep

Whether your children struggle with restless nights or you fight insomnia, having a pool will make it much easier to sleep at night.

The pool offers a way for the family to exert their bodies in a fun way in order to wear themselves down for bed.

Scientifically speaking, the water also offers another way to burn energy. The water is cooler than the temperature of the body. This causes the body to exert more energy in order to stay warm.

Visit with Family More Often

When you have a pool, you automatically have a great way to join family and friends together.

Barbecues and birthday are so much more fun when you have something as great as a swimming pool. Your friends and family will be more inclined to come and visit if you have a pool to enjoy together.

Property Value

Many times, depending on your location, a pool can dramatically increase a home’s value. This is particularly the case in warmer locations that provide longer swim seasons.

Consult with a local real estate expert in your area before adding a pool strictly for investment purposes!

Keep the Angler Happy

Is your shoreline and dock that spot the fishing enthusiasts in the family like to hit? If so, the pool allows other family members to swim, without disturbing the fish (and anglers) in the area!

Of course there are many other benefits to owning a pool, but as you can plainly see there are some key benefits that really stand out.

If you do not already have a pool, then you may want to consider investing in one. It has the potential to offer you a happier and healthier life!

 

For more tips on healthy lake living, read our “8 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Home and Health” article!