Tag: lake activities

The Best Stargazing Spots in Our Lake Areas

Posted on Camille Smith

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Experience the night sky like never before: free from light pollution. If you’re looking to witness the most spectacular stargazing opportunities, here are the top lake destinations:

If you’re new to lake living, there’s one stunning natural feature that may shock you — the abundance of stars visible at night. In the city, light pollution masks most stars, revealing only a few each night. According to NPR, light pollution hides the Milky Way from 80% of North America. It’s astonishing how much of the sky we’re missing each night. But at the lake, the number of visible bright stars is surprising.

You can even download apps to help you trace constellations while stargazing at your lake house. While most lake homes offer better stargazing opportunities than the city or suburban houses, some lake areas shine a little brighter than others. These locations tend to be situated in remote areas with higher altitudes. Check out our top five best lakes for stargazing! 

Priest Lake, ID

Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho.

Priest Lake is a tranquil space in Northern Idaho surrounded by cedar and hemlock forests. Its remote location makes it perfect for stargazing. As evidence of its beauty, one photographer took stunning photos of the night sky over Priest Lake. However, his phenomenon isn’t specific to this one lake. Some say that the state of Idaho is the gold standard for stargazing. It’s home to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where visitors can see not only stars but also the Milky Way and meteors. 

Lake Superior, MI

Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan.

According to Outside online magazine, Michigan has some of the best places for stargazing, due to its remote lakes and national parks. For instance, Isle Royale National Park, in the middle of Lake Superior, is renowned for stargazing opportunities. Due to its location in the lake’s center, it’s one of the most remote national parks in the U.S. The scarcity of unnatural light makes it perfect for enjoying the stars at night. 

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Photo courtesy of VisitNH.com.

In the state of New Hampshire, finding a spot without light pollution isn’t too difficult. On a clear night, the chances are that you’ll be able to see plenty of stars, whether you’re at a lake house or not.

This enhanced viewing is especially true for the Lake Winnipesaukee area. Located in the White Mountain foothills, this is the largest lake in the state with a whopping 182 miles of shoreline.

Besides its status as one of the best stargazing spots, Lake Winnipesaukee is also a glacial lake. Its most recent glaciation reversed its water flow from southeast to west, where it flows today. 

Raystown Lake, PA

Photo courtesy of The Franklin Institute.

Raystown Lake is called the “Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania.” One of these reasons is its surrounding natural beauty. Its 8,300 acres of clear water is surrounded by 21,000 acres of tree-covered Appalachian mountains.

This remote location makes it one of the best spots in the country for stargazing. While you’re outside, you may even catch a glimpse of Raystown Ray, the lake monster that allegedly lives in its waters. 

Lake Eufaula, OK

Carlton Lookout – Lake Eufaula, OK.
Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Lake Eufaula is the largest lake in Oklahoma, and it’s also one of the most peaceful. Its downtown area, comprising 20 blocks, is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to its charm.

For a specific stargazing location, head over to Carlton’s Landing, named an incredibly starry spot by an Oklahoma travel website. Rent a cozy cottage and enjoy a stellar view of the Milky Way. 

Are you interested in a remote, rustic lake house with stargazing opportunities? Check out our listings on these five lakes, as well as hundreds of more lakes across the country. When you’ve found your dream home, enjoy the night air, and prepare to be starstruck!

Fireworks at the Lake: 4th of July Summer Playlist 2025

Posted on Linda Thach

Need some tunes to accompany your 4th of July celebration at the lake? Check out this playlist! Curated to accommodate a variety of genres, from pop to classic rock to country and more, you won’t be disappointed with this patriotic soundtrack.

  1. The Star Spangled Banner – Chris Stapleton
  2. Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) – Looking Glass
  3. Never Too Much – Luther Vandross
  4. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
  5. Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefanie
  6. God’s Country – Blake Shelton
  7. We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
  8. Stay the Night – Zedd ft. Haley Williams
  9. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
  10. America the Beautiful – Ray Charles
  11. All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow
  12. Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
  13. American Saturday Night – Brad Paisley
  14. Tongue Tied – GROUPLOVE
  15. Cruise – Florida Georgia Line
  16. Summer – Calvin Harris
  17. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
  18. Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
  19. Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
  20. Dexys Midnight Runners, Kevin Rowland – Come On Eileen
  21. Shut Up and Dance With Me – WALK THE MOON
  22. Mr. Jones – Counting Crows
  23. Buddy Holly – Weezer
  24. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
  25. 24k Magic – Bruno Mars (Clean Version)
  26. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
  27. Return of the Mack – Mark Morrison
  28. Pontoon – Little Big Town
  29. Living in America – James Brown
  30. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses

Want more music? Check out our other playlists!

Lake Day Fun: Top Water Toys for 2025

Posted on Oscar Gipson

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Summer is on the horizon, and the call of the lake is strong! Liven up your lake day with exciting water toys. Great for families or adrenaline seekers! Let’s be honest, sometimes just floating around gets a little… well, boring. That’s where lake toys come in!

These days, the selection of water toys is mind-blowing. From chill vibes to heart-pounding thrills, there’s something for everyone. So, fire up the boat, pack the sunscreen, and get ready to dive into our picks for the top water toys to transform your next lake outing.

Inflatable Water Tower

Photo courtesy of ATL Distributing Inc.

Ditch the pool floats and inflatable swans, because there’s a new sheriff in town (or rather, a new aqua overlord on the lake)! Inflatable water towers are here to transform your next lake adventure into a full-fledged aqua park experience.

Inflatable water towers are the ultimate way to unleash your inner child, conquer your fear of heights (or at least pretend to), and turn your next lake day into a hilarious, adrenaline-pumping adventure! So ditch the ordinary and inflate the extraordinary – inflatable water towers are the key to unlocking a whole new level of lake fun!

Water Trampoline

Photo courtesy of Commercial Recreation Specialists

And if you want to trade the wobbly water sphere for a high-flying adventure, then a water trampoline is calling your name! Imagine a giant, bouncy platform anchored in the middle of the lake, its surface begging for you to unleash your inner acrobat. Leap, bound, and defy gravity with every jump, feeling the cool spray of the lake mist on you as you soar through the air. Challenge your friends to a high-flying game of trampoline dodgeball, or perfect your most impressive flips and tricks. Water trampolines are the ultimate launchpad for belly flops (the more spectacular, the better!), and the perfect spot to test your daring dives. But it’s not all about acrobatics; you can also relax and unwind on the cushy surface, letting the gentle rocking of the waves lull you into a state of pure bliss. So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a sunbathing champion, a water trampoline is the guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will transform your lake day into a bouncy bonanza!

Sea Scooter

Photo courtesy of Wave Lovers

Craving an underwater adventure beyond just bobbing around? Ditch the inflatables and strap on a water scooter, the ultimate water sport toy! Imagine gliding effortlessly beneath the surface, propelled by the whir of the motor. Speed demons can zip through the water on water scooters, leaving a bubbly trail in their wake. For the curious explorers, water scooters are your window to a hidden world, letting you discover underwater wonders at your own pace. Speed demons or nature enthusiasts, water scooters unlock a thrilling underwater world on your lake day!

Water Wheel

Photo courtesy of Fado168.com

If you crave a different kind of thrill and a hilarious twist on your aquatic adventure, then look no further than the inflatable water wheel! Imagine yourself climbing into a giant, transparent hamster wheel that floats serenely on the lake’s surface. The world becomes a blur of color and light as you spin, cool water spraying with each growing revolution. Race your friends in water wheels or see who can spin fastest without tumbling, adding to the fun! The inflatable water wheel is the perfect way to inject some silliness into your lake day. You and your loved ones can create memories that will have you laughing for years to come. Reliving your childhood gets a watery upgrade! Refreshing breeze and epic belly flops guaranteed.

Motorized Inflatable Lounger

Photo courtesy of Amazon

If lazy lake days are more your style, we’ve got the perfect water toy for you! There’s no better way to lounge the day away on the lake than on a motorized inflatable lounger. Experience the ultimate relaxation with the lounger’s ergonomic design, conforming to the shape of your body, while its motors allow you to gently glide across the water (in any direction) with a push of a button. This inflatable comes equipped with convenient compartments for lakeside essentials such as drinks, sunglasses, cell phones, sunscreen, etc. Get ready to soak up the sun with a drink in hand as you coast along the lake’s shoreline, taking in its scenic splendor.

Sunshine, cool water, and relaxation – that’s the classic lake daydream. But this lake season, why not elevate your experience to epic proportions? Forget the ordinary floats – a fleet of incredible water sport toys awaits!

Want more lake lifestyle stories? Check out Lake Homes Lifestyles.

Whiteboard Topics: What Lake Homes Sellers Expect That Rarely Helps

Posted on Zac Parnell

Expectations are a part of everything in life. Real estate is not exempt from having expectations either. When selling your home, you might have certain expectations from your real estate agent in order to get your home sold. Glenn Phillips, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, discusses the different things a seller might expect that don’t always help.

  1. Open Houses: Typically, when it comes to lake real estate, the buyer is many miles away. They might even be in a completely different state. These buyers will schedule a showing to see that house if they are interested. An open house, on the other hand, typically attracts people who come by to view the house, usually without any intention to buy.
  2. “Just Listed” postcards: Who would you be sending these to? You don’t really need to send them to your neighbors because they already live at the lake. It doesn’t logically make sense to send these across the country, but it makes the seller feel good when sending them out. That doesn’t inherently mean anything will come from it.
  3. “Just Listed” social media: This is related to the “Just Listed” postcards. Not only that, but the algorithms don’t typically like these kinds of posts. If it shows up to an audience, it will more than likely show up on a family or friend’s feed.
  4. “For Sale” signs: Most lake homebuyers start their search online. Going back to the first point, many buyers might not even live in the state you’re in, having a for sale sign doesn’t really help as much as you think.

A lot of the time, an agent will do these things out of habit or to make their sellers happy. However, that doesn’t mean it will sell the home. If you’d like to discuss these topics or anything else with an agent, please contact one today at https://www.lakehomes.com/.

Whiteboard Topics: Overpricing Your Lake Home Is Easy!

Posted on Zac Parnell

What comes to mind when you’re getting ready to sell your home? Pricing! Knowing how to and what to price your lake home is crucial in the selling process. If you go too high, more than likely, it will sit on the market longer than you’d like. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, delves into the importance of proper pricing and how easy it is to accidentally overprice.

  1. “What I have in it”: This is the concept of what you, as the owner, have financially put into the home. However, buyers do not care about this. The market is the market. When you were the buyer, you didn’t ask the seller what they had put into the home. The same goes for your potential buyers; they don’t care. The market sets the price.
  2. “What I ‘need’…”: At the end of the day, need has nothing to do with it. Need is market-independent and not relevant to any of the buyers.
  3. “I just ‘feel’ it is worth this”: There have been many studies that indicate we value our own possessions a lot more than other people’s possessions. This is something you need to be mindful of. It’s very easy to justify why you think your property is worth a certain amount.
  4. “The neighbor’s house sold for…”: That might be a true statement, or it might be a rumor someone has made up. If it is factual, there are many factors that could have been at play, such as selling when the market was hot. Having an agent who can pull a market analysis is more beneficial than basing pricing on the neighbor’s home.
  5. “The house nearby is listed for…”: “Listed for” is exactly what it sounds like, a listing. That house is still on the market.
  6. “If I can get this much, then I’ll sell”: This means you are not actively trying to sell the home. If something were to come along at a price you like, then you might. Something like this wastes time for all parties.

Having the correct pricing is truly the most important thing if you’re trying to sell. However, as mentioned above, it’s very easy to overprice a lake home. If you’re trying to figure out how to get accurate pricing, reach out to our lake experts at https://www.lakehomes.com/.

Whiteboard Topics: Lake Home Sellers Should Know These Buyer Traits

Posted on Zac Parnell

Are you selling your lake home? You, as a seller, have traits that most sellers exhibit. The same goes for lake home buyers. Because you are trying to sell your home, you should be aware of what these typical buyer traits are and how to spot them. Lake Home Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, discusses what some of these traits are and how to be on the lookout for them.

  1. Often Live >100 Miles Away: Most buyers who purchase lake property are looking for something they can move to in retirement or a place they can have as their getaway. Knowing that typical lake buyers are coming as far away as other states or cross country is important when it comes to marketing towards them.
  2. “Want What They Want”: It isn’t very common that your typical lake home buyer is looking for anything in a hurry. They don’t need a home immediately to ensure their kids can be in a certain school system or any other reason behind a quick move. They could spend months to years waiting to find exactly what it is they want.
  3. Willing to pay…but RARELY overpay: Most people who are buying lake property are smart with their money. You can see that the inventory has grown a lot in the past couple of months. These buyers aren’t willing to pay for a home that is overpriced, a more and more are becoming that.
  4. Unconcerned with school systems: The usual demographic is 55 and older. They might have grandkids coming to visit, but that doesn’t mean the specific school systems in the area are pertinent for these buyers.
  5. Hospital Reasonably Close: Like the previous point, the age demographic is a little older than your usual real estate market. Knowing you’re not too far away from a medical center is something that is being looked into when a buyer is considering moving to the lake.

Knowing these buyer traits can benefit you if you’re beginning the selling process or have been in it for a minute. If you would like help with selling or simply more details about these traits, reach out to one of our lake agents today at https://www.lakehomes.com/. They would be more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Spring Boating Playlist for 2025

Posted on Zac Parnell

Spring is here, and there’s no better way to enjoy the lake than on a boat. While you’re out cruising, why not accompany your day with an awesome playlist? From oldie classics to today’s latest hits, we’ve got the best tunes to celebrate springtime out on the water.

  1. Spring is Here – Ella Fitzgerald
  2. Three Little Birds – Bob Marley & The Wailers
  3. As It Was – Harry Styles
  4. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
  5. Brazil – Declan McKenna
  6. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
  7. Borderline – Tame Impala
  8. Riptide – Vance Joy
  9. Bubbly – Colbie Caillat
  10. You Are The Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
  11. Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
  12. Spring Vacation – The Beach Boys
  13. It Might as Well Be Spring – Frank Sinatra
  14. Happy – Pharrell Williams
  15. Feeling Good – Nina Simone
  16. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
  17. Dreams – The Cranberries
  18. Sunday Best – Surfaces
  19. Flowers – Miley Cyrus
  20. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
  21. I’m Like a Bird – Nelly Furtado
  22. On Top of The World – Imagine Dragons
  23. Mr. Blue Sky – ELO
  24. Sunshine on My Shoulders – John Denver
  25. My Girl – The Temptations
  26. Rosa – Grimes
  27. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
  28. Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bob Marley
  29. Spring Fever – Elvis Presley
  30. Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves

Want to listen to more? Be sure to check out our other playlists!

Whiteboard Topics: 7 Signs A Lake Home Is Unrealistically Priced

Posted on Zac Parnell

Pricing is an important factor when it comes to buying and selling a lake home. On the buyer’s side, you typically want to find a home that is within your budget and not something astronomically outrageous. From the seller’s side, pricing a home appropriately means more people are willing to look at it. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, breaks down 7 different signs that a lake home is not priced realistically.

  1. Days-on-Market (DOM): Transparency is important. If your home has been on the market longer than 60-90 days, specifically for lake properties, it typically indicates that something isn’t right about the transaction. If the home is priced about 10-15% or more up than what the market is realistically expecting, people won’t take the time to even look at the home.
  2. Big Appraisal Gap: This was a bigger deal during the COVID frenzy, where people were willing to pay a higher price for the home than the appraisal price. However, since we have shifted from that, people aren’t as willing to spend that money.
  3. “Back on the Market”: This could indicate a price problem, either an issue with the mortgage appraisal not matching or an issue with the house, and the buyer and seller couldn’t agree on how to solve it in terms of the price.
  4. Massive $ Increase: This relates to an increase in the price of the house from when it was initially purchased to now, and there hasn’t been much done or changed about the property. If the seller can’t explain why there would be such a price increase, it more than likely means the home is overpriced.
  5. Multiple Price Cuts: The home has a lot of days on the market, as well as multiple cuts in the price. They might not even be significant price cuts. However, a buyer can see this and expect more cuts to happen before even looking at the property.
  6. Sellers: No (or Few) Showings: Having nobody come to look at the property is a key indicator that the home is priced poorly. Having people come and view your home is something that should be happening.
  7. Sellers: No Offers (or Similarly Low): Having people come and look at the home is great, but receiving no offers or even low offers means the pricing is off. If you’re receiving low offers, it can often be the buyer trying to offer at a more accurate price point.

Having a home that sits on the market for months due to pricing is something no seller or buyer, for that matter, wants. Ensuring you have priced your lake home appropriately is key in ensuring you can sell it. If you’re struggling with pinpointing what price is right for your home, contact one of our lake agents today! They would be more than willing to help you out!

Whiteboard Topics: 4 Big Mistakes When Hiring A Lake Real Estate Agent

Posted on Zac Parnell

Now is the time when you have decided to either buy a lake home or sell the one you currently have. However, you have to make a pretty big decision, which real estate agent to work with? Before you decide to choose one randomly, check out what Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, has to say when it comes to mistakes made when hiring an agent.

  1. Generalist Instead Of Specialist: The biggest mistake people usually make is hiring an agent who doesn’t specialize in lake real estate. A general real estate agent might know the nuances of transactions and other facets of the real estate world but not necessarily the ins and outs of the lake market. There are many different rules and regulations when it comes to buying and selling within the realm of lake real estate.
  2. Family As A Favor: Everyone would love to help out family, especially if they are new to the world of real estate. There are other ways to help out your family without negatively affecting your transactions. This is where working with a specialist really benefits you.
  3. Just Picking A Friend: Similarly to the family aspect, working alongside someone who knows what it really takes to work within this market is always going to be better than simply just someone you know. That friend might not know the exact questions that need to be asked and a plethora of other things that a seasoned lake agent will know.
  4. Only Think Local: This is particularly a mistake when selling. There are ways to target buyers in various parts of the country. This will help directly target lake buyers within many different states. A lake agent knows how to go about this and the ways you can truly target dedicated lake buyers.

These 4 mistakes are common in selling lake properties. However, they don’t have to be. A great way to avoid these is by working alongside a seasoned lake real estate expert. There are many different agents who would love to help you navigate the process of buying or selling lake property. Check them out at https://www.lakehomes.com/ and ask any other questions you might have.