Buying and selling a lake property is nothing like buying a primary residence when it comes to its schedule. People often experience urgency with a primary residence due to events such as moving to a new town for a job. Lake Homes Realty CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why lake real estate is a long game.
Discretionary = Patience: Similar to a high-end restaurant, a lake home is a discretionary property. Buyers aren’t paying for shelter alone, but also a premium for the lifestyle and access to the water. With discretionary property, buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.
Mortgage Rates are NOT a Driver: Unlike other residential property, mortgage rates do not push people in and out of the lake real estate market. Many buyers complete transactions with cash, and buyers can often pay extra for their property.
Dream Homes are Different than Urban/Suburbs: Buyers can afford to wait until their dream home is available on the lake they want. They can also buy property on that lake and build their dream home themselves. Additionally, buyers often wait to see what the market does over time, especially in times of compressed inventory.
New Lake Buyers have a Learning Curve: New lake home buyers often enter the market with minimal knowledge of lake real estate, and need time to learn. Many of them don’t realize that the price of a house increases when it is on lake property. These new buyers need time to understand and adjust their mindset while in the lake homes market.
Don’t be surprised if the buying and selling process is taking a while. Successful lake home agents realize that the lake real estate market is a long game and work to compress it. Connect with an expert lake agent who understands the importance of playing the long game at lakehomes.com.
You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to sell. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent that will help sell your lake home? Good news, there are actually some great questions to consider when it comes to this decision. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, provides a series of questions you should be asking, as well as one you should try to avoid.
WRONG Questions to Ask: Which agents…
Have the most listings? Having a plethora of listings can sometimes be deceptive. Agents might have multiple listings due to them not being able to move the inventory. This could be because of overpricing or other reasons. That’s not to say having multiple listings is always a bad thing, but a good rule is to try and avoid this question.
Do I personally like the most? Picking out which agent you’ll work with does rely on some foundation and rapport, but that doesn’t mean they should act as close friend. Find an agent who will help you from a business standpoint is what you should be searching for. They’ll be the ones to help you sell after all.
Have an office nearby? Because buyers are strictly looking to buy, finding someone to sell your home is the main goal. A physical office can bring a sense of security. However, at the end of the day, if you’re buying or selling, the office shouldn’t matter.
Do I want to help? Knowing someone personally won’t always help them. Besides, if you’re truly wanting to sell your property, you’re going to be looking for a seasoned agent. The bottom line: you should want to help yourself.
CORRECT Questions to Ask:
Are all agents the same? Just like all of us aren’t the same, not all real estate agents are either. Determining the one who is best equipped and qualified for success in helping you sell is what you should be thinking about.
Most capable of helping me achieve my goal? Referring to the first question, the agent that has the capabilities to meet your goal is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s selling your lake home quickly, maximizing the return, etc. Whatever it might be, this question is important to remember.
Focused on lake real estate? Being focused on the lake real estate market is more than likely going to have a better payout than an agent who isn’t. A lake expert will know the ins and outs of this market and ultimately ways to leverage it.
Have a proven pipeline of out-of-town buyers? A big thing to take into consideration is that many buyers are from all over the state and even across the country. Obtaining the maximum amount buyers increases the likelihood of getting the price you want.
While selecting a real estate agent to sell your lake home can come with challenges, at the end of the day the right one will help you sell your home. Following questions similar to the last set and trying to avoid the first should help you narrow down the search. However, if you still find yourself not sure, reach out to one of our lake experts at lakehomes.com. They’ll know exactly how to help you!
As you’re getting ready to put your lake house on the market, the topic of selling price will always come up. More than likely you will think “Can I get more money for my lake home?” Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains a few different ways to help push for that price you want to sell for.
Start with a Market Appropriate Price: Buyers don’t care how much money you have put into the home. Most of the time they will be looking at the current market conditions. When you start at a high price to test the market, it usually does not result in the way you would like.
Be clearly the best VALUE in the area: Don’t automatically make your lake home the lowest price. However, check out surrounding homes and see what’s going on. Are there nicer or newer homes nearby? Are these homes your price or lower? New construction may also become a player in this.
Picture Perfect/Move-In Ready: Whether you already have your home staged or simply have your own property in the house, make sure it appears move-in ready. Buyers typically lack imagining this aspect and this will help you stand out.
Would you buy it today at your price? Each day the house doesn’t sell and remains on the market, you are effectively buying it again at your price. In reality, the only price is that of what someone will pay and what you’re willing to accept. Price accordingly and price from a buyer mindset.
At the end of the day, these 4 tips are useful in getting the best return and sell price for your lake home. , Connect with one of our lake agents today at lakehomes.com and see what they can do!
Lake season is finally here, which is always a cause for celebration. This long-awaited season splashes in on Memorial Day, peaks on the Fourth of July, and commemorates its season finale on Labor Day—with plenty of festivities in between. Of course, it’s also synonymous with picnic season and idyllic days spent on the boat with family and friends. So, if you’re gearing up for a party cruise, you’ll want to pack plenty of drinks, snacks—and even food for cooking onboard—for you and your guests to enjoy. From delicious grilled meats, fish, and seafood, to lavish charcuterie boards and veggie trays, we’ve got you covered for a fantastic floating picnic. Check out our ideas for the perfect boat food and tips for packing the essentials.
There’s nothing like hot food fresh from the grill. So, if your boat comes equipped with a built-in grill or even an attached marine grill, fire it up for an onboard barbecue. Depending on your grilling skills and the guests you’re entertaining, you can cook almost anything on the water. From simple hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers to fresh fish and seafood, there’s no limit to your menu options. Even side dishes like corn on the cob wrapped in foil and other grilling veggies make the perfect complement to your entrée. For simple all-in-one meals, prepare kabobs ahead of time and take them aboard to grill. You can skewer almost anything, including shrimp, steak, chicken, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, and fruits.
Here are some other tips and essentials for grilling on your boat:
Don’t forget grilling utensils like tongs, basting brushes, spatulas, foil baking pans, aluminum foil, skewers, and zip-lock bags or plastic containers for food storage and leftovers.
Bring the supplies and condiments required for your meal, like buns, ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese slices, chopped onions, salt, pepper, seasonings, barbecue and cocktail sauces, and other desired toppings.
Always take safety precautions while grilling onboard, and never leave your grill unattended while it’s running.
For more inspiring ideas designed for boat grilling, check out these delicious food suggestions at MarineMax.
When it comes to appetizing on the boat, you can go as extravagant or fuss-free as you like. It all comes down to the occasion, the size of your boat, and the length of time you will spend on your boat. For example, if you’re having a soiree or a sunset cruise, you can prepare a charcuterie board fit for a gourmet. This offers everyone a smorgasbord of cured meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, nuts, veggies, dipping sauces, and whatever else you’d like to add. Plus, it makes an appealing visual display on the table as guests mingle about the boat.
If you want to keep things casual and low-maintenance, prepare a veggie platter with dipping sauces like hummus, vegetable dips, and cheese spreads. In addition, cheese and cracker trays, fresh fruit platters, pre-packaged shrimp cocktail, pigs in a blanket, and hot wings make crowd-pleasing boat food. Plus, you can never go wrong with tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole for an easy yet satisfying appetizer.
For more ideas, check out these healthy boating snacks and appetizers.
Pre-made sandwiches, wraps, and snacks make ideal boat food that’s super-easy to transport. So, if you’re bringing the kids, this is your go-to boat food. You can wrap the sandwiches individually to prevent them from falling apart and even package them separately with a bag of chips and a wrapped cookie or granola bar for a kid-friendly sack lunch. In addition, cold-cut sandwiches, turkey or chicken wraps, or even store-bought deli sandwiches make effortless boat food. Be sure to pack condiments like mayo, mustard, and pickles separately to avoid soggy sandwiches. For snacks, pre-packaged flavored popcorn, crackers, granola, and chips travel lightly and are easy to carry onboard. Also, if you’re bringing along loose trail mix instead of granola bars, put it in a zip-lock bag and throw it in the cooler to prevent it from getting sticky in the heat.
To keep your crew happy all day, don’t forget to bring along some sweet treats. However, desserts can sometimes be messy and melty, so pack sweets that stand up in the summer sun. If you’re out in the heat, leave the chocolate bars and bananas behind. But if you have the proper refrigeration/freezer onboard, bring along the popsicles, ice cream bars, and other frozen treats to keep everyone cool. Also, fresh fruit kabobs, grapes, watermelon, orange slices, dried fruits, packaged cookies, and biscotti are great options for traveling. Plus, cold fruits are very hydrating, which is something to consider, especially when boating with children.
For more summer dessert ideas, check out these recipes at Taste of Home.
Cold beverages, fruit juices, bottled water, and plenty of ice are absolute essentials while out on the boat. Staying hydrated is critical to your health and well-being and can make or break a successful day out on the water. Also, be sure to include options for the kids, like sodas, sugar-free beverages, juice drinks, and lots of water—sparkling or still. Plus, if you don’t have refrigeration on your boat, pack a sturdy and reliable cooler that will keep drinks ice cold for hours. For added convenience, drink stations with cup and bottle holders make it easier to steady drinks and prevent spills during your boat cruise.
Before you push away from the dock or boat launch, make sure you’ve packed all the necessities to enhance your picnic on the water. Bring plastic cups, ice, plates, napkins, cutlery, and eating utensils if your boat isn’t already fully stocked. Plus, you’ll also want to have any necessary grilling tools and cleaning supplies on board during your boat cruise. Also, don’t forget garbage bags that can accommodate all the trash generated throughout the day. It’s always better to be prepared rather than discover you forgot something after you’re miles from the shore. Having everything you need is part of the equation for a relaxing and carefree boat day. For more essentials to keep on board, click here.
Cheers to another glorious summer season on the lake—and on the boat. Bon voyage!
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!
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.
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 TeddyBear Factory.
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.
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!
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.
An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail.
Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour.
There are two methods of boating: sailing downwind or going upwind.
There are several upcoming ice boating competitions in the U.S.
Imagine feeling the breeze rush against your face as you glide across the ice at invigorating speeds. Welcome to the world of ice sailing, also known as ice boating or ice yachting—a fast-paced, thrilling winter lake sport enjoyed worldwide. In the United States, many northern lake destinations—such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—feature lively ice sailing clubs and exciting annual competitions. Perhaps you’ve wanted to visit one of these wintry havens and try the sport for yourself. If so, check out our intro to ice sailing before you go!
An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail. The hull must support one or two crew members and have floating capabilities in case it slips into the water. Historically, ice boats have utilized a wooden hull, but today’s vessels incorporate fiberglass or laminate.
The runner plank rests at the stern of the boat and is made of wood, laminate, or metal. Generally spanning 6.5 feet long, the runner plank lies perpendicular to the boat’s main axis. Additionally, three skates—also called runners—attach to the principal runner plank. Two of these smaller runners connect to each end of the main runner and function like large ice skates. In addition, the steering runner joins the bow and features a parking brake, preventing the wind from moving the boat. The steering runner is especially useful in keeping the boat in place before the race begins.
Lastly, the sail—crafted with canvas or synthetic fabrics—powers the boat’s speed. The sail functions as the vessel’s “engine” and can span 35–1,000 square feet according to the boat’s size.
If you live in a lake area with plenty of ice and snow, the ice sailing opportunities are endless. Plus, you don’t have to worry about air pollution when you engage in this pastime. Since ice sailing is wind-powered, it is an extremely green sport.
Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour, therefore, it’s essential to take some necessary precautions. If you’re new to the sport, IceBoat.org recommends purchasing an inexpensive DN-class boat, which is fairly easy to navigate and transport. They also advise racing with an ice yacht club for a couple of seasons. Then, after you become acclimated to the sport, you can upgrade your vessel and start boating solo.
When it comes to navigating, an ice boater must skillfully direct the vessel, capturing enough wind to generate velocity and power. The sail propels the boat at different speeds using two methods: sailing downwind or boating upwind. When an ice boat sails downwind, it is pushed along by the breeze and cannot exceed the wind’s velocity. However, when sailing upwind, the ice boat uses a zigzagging technique, gaining traction from the force of its own motion to augment the velocity of the wind.
Throughout the year, various ice sailing clubs around the world host large tournaments. In the United States, you will mostly find these gatherings in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, or Minnesota. Check out a few of the upcoming U.S. tournaments here.
With our intro to ice sailing, now you know what to do and where to go. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ice boat and hop on the lake!
In the United States, many northern lake destinations—such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois—feature lively ice sailing clubs and exciting annual competitions.
It’s no surprise that Northern residents and visitors flock to their frozen lakes to go ice fishing. A beginner-friendly sport, ice fishing makes for a fun family outing. Plus, it’s true that fish caught from frozen lakes taste better due to the lack of algae.
In previous Lake Homes Lifestyle articles, we detailed top ice fishing tips for beginners and discussed the best lakes in the United States for ice fishing. So now you know the basics and where to go to try out your new skills. But what items do you need to get started? Well, unlike standard fishing, ice fishing requires more than a rod, reel, and bait. You won’t have much luck casting your line into frozen water without the appropriate tools to cut through the ice. But no need to worry—our ice fishing guide will give you everything you need to get started.
If you want to get into ice fishing, buying an auger is the first step. Since the ice thickness can range from a couple to a dozen inches, you want to make sure you can access the water and fish underneath. You’ll also have to decide which auger to buy. A motorized auger is on the pricier side, but it will save you a lot of time and energy compared to a hand auger—especially if you want to drill multiple holes. The size auger you buy also depends on the fish species you want to catch. For example, panfish usually require a 4.5-6 inch auger, whereas walleye would need a 6-8 inch hole.
Rod and Reel or Tip-Ups
Photo Courtesy of Beaver Dam Ice Fishing on Facebook
After you drill your hole, you have two primary options for reeling in fresh walleye, perch, panfish, pike, and other popular ice fishing species. On the one hand, you could go for the more traditional choice and use a rod and reel. If so, keep in mind that you won’t need the same length you would for warmer fishing endeavors, as you will simply drop the line down into the hole rather than casting it. Most anglers report that their ideal choice is a 28″ medium power rod with a size 20 spinning reel. They pair this with a six-pound fluorocarbon ice line.
However, on the other hand, if you want to give yourself the advantage of being in two places at once, you should go with a tip-up. This device allows you to set bait for multiple species at the same time. Plus, you can step away from the fishing hole for a moment and not worry about missing out on the action. The flag will notify you when your bait has attracted your prize catch!
Now onto what seals the deal and gets the fish on your plate—the bait. The perfect ice fishing bait combination starts with a few Tungsten jigs and a couple dozen Spikes (also referred to as Maggots). You can use a Clinch Knot with your Fluorocarbon line to secure the bait. Around 2-3 Spikes hooked through the middle or the tail will set you up for success. Also—even though the process may seem gross—gently pinching the Spikes to expose some of their insides will strengthen their smell and get you more bites. For more jig types and an ice fishing guide, check out this kit.
Now you’ve drilled your hole and set up your bait, and you’re waiting to get a bite from that trophy fish. Sometimes, the bite comes immediately, and other times, you have to wait a while. Either way, you want to be comfortable in the meantime. That’s why a bucket and some form of shelter—usually a tent—are integral to creating an ideal ice fishing environment. Without them, it would be hard to stay out on the ice for hours. Plus, since many ice fishing trips often turn into a sort of tailgating experience, you want to make sure you’ll have somewhere to relax.
If you already have a large recreational sled, you can easily use it for your ice fishing ventures. However, if you have yet to purchase a sled, you will have the most success with a 4-5 ft. long sled ranging 2-3 ft. wide and one ft. deep. This size sled will easily navigate the ice and also provide plenty of room for your equipment. Additionally, you will want to purchase tarp straps to secure your items. We recommend rubber straps, so your fishing hooks won’t get stuck in them.
The last components of the ice fishing guide, metal cleats and safety picks will keep you safe while on the ice. Metal cleats prevent you from slipping and increase your overall mobility. However, if you do fall, safety picks will keep you secure. Wrapped around the shoulders, these corded picks enhance your ability to climb out on the water and get back on the ice.
Now you have everything you need for your winter ice fishing adventures. So now, get the whole family together and get ready to have some freezing good times!
So far in our vacation destination series, we have covered the best lakes for relaxation, outdoor enthusiasts, and shopaholics. But now, as sunny rays give way to snowflake days, it’s time to talk about the best winter lake vacation destinations. These top locations not only provide stunning snowy views but also host winter festivals and offer various outdoor activities. So get the family together, grab your coziest coat, and get ready to begin your unforgettable winter adventure!
Since Lake Superior touches three states—Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin—it offers an incredibly wide range of winter lake activities. However, if you had to choose only a few things to do, the sandstone caves at Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands should be at the top of the list. Showcasing picturesque frozen waterfalls and streams, the area is a true winter wonderland. Then, after you soak in these views, you can attend the famous Ice Festival, featuring kids’ activities, ice sculptures, MIRA Ice Racing, fireworks, and a snow slide. Or, if you happen to be on the Michigan side of the lake, you can hop over to Marquette, which hosts major skiing events and a dog sled race in January.
Unlike Lake Superior, Lake Morey is relatively low profile. So, it’s the ideal lake for relaxing and getting away from the fast pace of city life. Moreover, Lake Morey is a wintry paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of family-friendly adventures and activities. If you’re feeling gutsy, you can skate the entire length of the 4.5-mile lake, or you can conquer the longest Nordic skating trail in the nation. Other fun winter activities include the Holiday Market, pond hockey, and sledding. And perhaps the pinnacle of winter on Lake Morey, the beloved Carnival weekend features night skating, entertainment, snow sculpture contests, lakeside dining, and more.
Not to be confused with Lake Geneva in Europe, Lake Geneva is a city in Wisconsin known for its charming atmosphere and the picturesque Geneva Lake, making it an ideal winter destination. Nature lovers can take a brisk winter walk along the lake’s 23-mile shoreline path. Additionally, Lake Geneva’s January Winterfest is an iconic event, attracting travelers from all across the nation. Visitors can view incredible ice sculptures at the National Snow Sculpting Championship and visit the eccentric ice caves on the lake. Moreover, if they enjoy winter sports, they can go sledding, ice fishing, or ziplining. Lake Geneva also offers many relaxing activities, such as indoor igloo dining and stellar spas.
Situated ten miles from Aspen, Maroon Lake features idyllic winter landscapes. Reflecting the 14,000-foot snowy peaks above, the lake is the perfect place to capture a seasonal family photo. Although Maroon Lake is not accessible via roadways during the winter, visitors can ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to the area. Additionally, nearby Aspen provides plenty of opportunities to get into the winter spirit. The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster winds through the forests and can go up to 28 miles per hour. Individuals can control their own cars along the track, granting them the sensation of skiing without the exertion or risk. Aspen also offers tranquil hiking tours and dogsledding endeavors.
If a snow globe came to life, it would be winter at Lake Chelan. With the Northern Cascade Mountains as its magnificent backdrop and crisp glacier-fed waters, the lake features Washington’s finest winter views. Only nine miles from downtown Chelan, Echo Valley showcases 70 acres of terrain and offers snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, and x-country runs. Additionally, Lake Chelan’s Winterfest is an unparalleled seasonal attraction. Featuring remarkable ice sculptures, impressive fireworks, the infamous ice bar, sledding, and live music, Winterfest will transform your vacation into an unforgettable experience.
Now you know about the best winter lake vacation destinations. So don’t just stand there frozen—go out and have the snowy getaway of your dreams!
Previously in our lake vacation destinations series, we detailed the best lakes for relaxation and for outdoor enthusiasts. Now you know which lakes to visit if you want to kick your feet up and soak in the scenery or if you would rather get them moving on a lakeside hiking trail. But what if neither of those categories appeals to you, and you’re looking for a lake vacation with an urban flair? Check out these five lake towns for shopaholics that will fill your calendar with fun and your closet with style!
Voted the #1 Best Public Square in America by USA Today, Church Street Market Place is a Burlington shopping hotspot. Bordering the stunning Lake Champlain, Church Street’s four pedestrian blocks feature over 100 shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Here, history marries modernity. You can shop for your favorite clothing brands from 100-200-year-old buildings constructed in Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles. So if you love browsing for books, antiques, clothes, and artisan goods, Lake Champlain is your shopaholic vacation.
A trip to Lake Lanier, just 51 miles northeast of Atlanta, grants you endless shopping endeavors. After enjoying all your favorite watersports on the lake, you can start your Atlanta day trip at Atlantic Station. This collection of over 30 retailers includes the Southeast’s flagshipH&M store. Atlantic Station also hosts concerts, outdoor movies, and ice skating throughout the year. Next, if high-end shopping is on your radar, you can peruse over 250 specialty stores and brands like Pandora and Nieman Marcus at Lenox Square. To end the day, you can grab a bite from the gourmet food stalls at Ponce City Market and stroll through the eccentric shops.
Traverse City, MI
Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock
Settled on the shores of the incredible Lake Michigan, Traverse City boasts an assortment of historic and modern shopping districts. In downtownTraverse City, vacationers will find quaint 19th-century Victorian storefronts, making up the area’s 150 shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Mercato also is a popular historic shopping center. Its 19th-century shops have a European feel to them and showcase jewelry, art galleries, wine, artisan goods, and more. However, if you like more of an urban touch, be sure to visit the Warehouse District sports diverse artisan shops and eateries. It also is just steps away from the beaches on West Bay.
Situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle has a shopping district for everyone. If you’re tapping into your inner fashionista, you’ll find the Nordstrom flagship store, Tiffany & Co., Macy’s, and other designer brands downtown. But, if you’re more into bargains, make sure to check out the plethora of Seattle outlets, such as Centralia, Seattle Premium, The Outlet Collection, and North Bend. Or, if you like trendy looks and quirky home decor, check out the Indie shops along Ballard Avenue NW. Finally, to end your full day of shopping, you can dine in one of the outstanding Chinatown-International District restaurants.
Now, you know the top five lake towns for shopaholics. So what are you waiting for? Pack your swimsuit, grab your shopping shoes, and let the fun begin!
