Tag: lake activities

Lake Activities: What Should You Do Today?

Posted on Camille Smith

From reading on the dock to water skiing, an endless amount of activities are at your fingertips when you own a lake home. Especially as summer is approaching, your options grow exponentially. With countless possibilities, choosing a lake activity can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve created this decision flowchart. Start at the top, answer each question, and discover what exciting feat you’re in for today!

Download Flowchart

Indoor Activities

If your result was in a turquoise box, get ready for a cozy, laid back day indoors. Greet the day with a slow yoga flow on your screened porch. By afternoon, maybe you’ll scour the pantry for ingredients to start a new recipe. Baking projects like homemade bread are more popular than ever, so now is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Even if you’re in short supply of cookbooks at your lake house, popular apps like New York Times Cooking and Yummly have hundreds of recipes.

Similarly, there’s no shortage of DIY projects at your disposal. Examine each room of your lake home and ask yourself what’s missing. Maybe a cute chalkboard, decor made of driftwood, or an outdoor fire pit. You can create any of these pieces on your own, so why not get started today? If you’re not feeling creative and need to use the day to recharge, try one of The Atlantic’s recommended quarantine reads for the summer. Or sink into the sofa watching a lake-themed movie. 

Outdoor Activities

If your result settled on a lime green box, you’re spending the day outdoors! The lake waters are getting warmer these days, so why not take advantage? Whether you’re practicing competitive swimming strokes, water skiing, or canoeing with a fishing rod in hand, enjoying the water in your backyard never gets old. If you’d prefer more green space than blue today, try exploring one of the hiking trails near your property. If you own a mountain bike, grab your helmet and start pedaling. Otherwise, bring a walking stick and go at your own pace. While you’re there, count how many different species of birds you can spot. Check out this bird identification guide to brush up on your ornithology skills. While most of these are solo activities, if you’re feeling social, you can turn the day into a small social gathering — once quarantine ends, of course. Your backyard is the perfect setting for a summer picnic. Bring a set of speakers, a blanket, and enjoy the view with your crew. 

The Day’s What You Make It

We hope this flowchart helps you determine what activity you’d most enjoy at your lake house today. However, this decision-making tool is certainly not prescriptive. Ultimately, your perfect day at the lake is whatever you want it to be. Whether you decide to squeeze in every activity on this list, pick just one, or none at all, what’s most important is that you enjoy your lake retreat on this summer day. From our lake home to yours — have fun!

The Function of Lakes in Urban Environments

Posted on Maggie Keith Gerakos
Photo courtesy of Tara Nix via Pexels

The role that urban lakes play in cities big and small goes beyond adding aesthetic value and a healthy dose of flora to the otherwise sparse urban landscape. From increasing biodiversity to aiding with flood control to providing a space for recreation and community businesses to thrive, lakes can be a vital – and beautiful – part of the urban fabric.

Biodiversity and Flood Control

Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX, courtesy of austintexas.gov .

In addition to offering a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, lakes bring biodiversity to the urban ecosystem. The fish and algae that thrive in lakes attract birds and other wildlife to the city area. Waterbirds flock to urban lakes during both breeding and non-breeding seasons, seeking year-round refuge around their waters. Lake wildlife extends out to the benefit of the greater community. The same birds who feed and thrive among the lake waters help to increase the greenery throughout the city by spreading and dropping seeds, out of which new trees and vegetation grow – and we all reap the benefits of their oxygen production and air purification.

Urban lakes and their surrounding wetlands provide not only aesthetic and recreational value but also aid urban infrastructure by helping to control flooding and run-off. Lakes provide a basin to collect heavy rainfall so that flooding in their surrounding areas is mitigated. Alternatively, urban lakes also act as vital water reserves during times of drought. Access to lake water, especially in land-locked areas, has proven very beneficial in metropolitan areas across the country.

Recreation and Business

Photo courtesy of Paul Buijs via Pexels

Urban lakes grant city-dwellers and visitors a place to fish, exercise, and enjoy time outdoors. Often surrounded by parks or lively restaurants and bars, these lakes can make you feel far from city life in the best way possible. Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, is a perfect example of an urban lake that has much to offer to the community. From hiking, biking, kayaking, walking along the boardwalk and even bat watching, Lady Bird Lake is an urban lake that offers myriad activities that one might typically have to drive for miles outside of the city limits to access. Fishing is another activity to take advantage of when visiting an urban lake. Even in some of the most densely populated cities in America, fishing is allowed. Take Prospect Park Lake in New York City, for example – though only catch-and-release is allowed, the lake is home to an array of species, including the popular largemouth bass.

Bodies of water are spaces that people naturally flock to, for the beauty and respite they provide from daily life. This popularity makes urban lakes ideal places for small local businesses to thrive. From lakeside eateries to boat tours and waterski rentals, lakes bring jobs to cities that help the economy and community. Lake Champlain in Vermont, for instance, boasts many lakeside restaurants and bars in the Burlington area that draws visitors from across the region.

An Oasis from City Life

Photo by Ingo Joseph via Pexels

Lakes in densely populated areas provide a welcome retreat from the regular hustle and bustle of city living. Though city-dwellers tend to be exposed to more day-to-day stressors, having access to a body of water is proven to affect mental health positively. Urban lakes serve as a place of respite for city communities, bringing nature, wildlife, and surrounding greenery into what may otherwise be a concrete jungle – they are truly diamonds in the rough!

Enjoy trivia? Be sure to join our newsletter for weekly article updates! SIGN UP

From Manhattan to Muscle Shoals: A Story of Self-Quarantining at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith

Like anyone who grew up in the American South, I’ve sung along to the classic “Wagon Wheel” countless times– in my kitchen alone, at a bar where a cover band is playing, and at karaoke with friends attempting to harmonize to the chorus. But if you’d told me that I’d be listening to this song in a rental car journeying from New York City to Alabama in one day, absorbed in the strange truth that the line “made it down the coast in seventeen hours” was real for me, I wouldn’t have believed you. Nevertheless, this was where I found myself on March 21st– on a 7 am to 12 am road trip from my current home to my hometown to escape the epicenter of COVID-19.

The Best Way to Social Distance

As we’re all well aware by now, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted all public life in the U.S. We’re in a state of collective grief over the loss of jobs, loved ones, and at the very least, face-to-face connections. In my New York apartment, my three roommates and I were cramped in a small space. Outside, the virus is rampant, and it has hit working-class neighborhoods in the city disproportionately hard. As the situation persists, it isn’t lost on me how fortunate I am to be able to escape to a lakeside retreat. Here on Wilson Lake in Muscle Shoals Alabama, there’s no shortage of natural attractions and open space — ideal for both social distancing and for reducing stress. If you’re a lake homeowner, you know that a lake house is an ideal getaway from the pressures of everyday life. And in times like these, when “everyday life” is continuously changing, a lake home provides a much-needed sense of peace and consistency.

Trying New Things

In my opinion, the best part about quarantining by a lake is the myriad of opportunities that city life doesn’t allow. One advantage of a small-town, nature-filled environment like Muscle Shoals is the proximity to hiking trails. In The Shoals specifically, a well-known hiking hotspot is the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) trails. Winding around Wilson Lake, these interconnected trails include scenic river views, fields of wildflowers, and long bike paths. Since I was quarantining with two of my best friends, the three of us decided to hit the trails together on a Saturday afternoon. We may have gotten sunburned, but we had a lot of fun.

Since living together, the three of us have also taken advantage of our spare time by cooking. Luckily, my two friends both have subscriptions to New York Times Cooking, and we chose a new recipe for every night of the week so that we’d have something exciting to look forward to after a day of work. Many of these recipes were more adventurous than meals I’d make by myself — I was pleasantly surprised by the anchovies in the pasta pictured above — but the enthusiasm we shared for trying new dishes, as well as our collaboration in the kitchen, made them worth trying. Additionally, having dinner on a screened porch in the cool nighttime air while listening to crickets sing made the dining experience even more pleasant.

Magnificent Views

While working from home in my New York apartment, the view out my first-floor window featured a trash bin, a recycling bin, and an occasional tuxedo cat looking for its next meal. At the lake, my breath is consistently taken away whenever I glance up from my laptop. At around 7:30 pm, the lack of buildings in the distance allows the sunset to take center stage in the sky. Every time, it’s simply gorgeous.

Aside from the lakefront itself, there are plenty of stunning views just outside the back door, such as the nearby Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Though I’m not a golfer myself, it’s a perfect location for playing sports and complying with social distancing as long as you keep one person per golf cart. For me, the course is perfect for daily jogs and games of frisbee with my two friends — while watching out for any incoming golf balls, of course.

Closing Thoughts

In addition to staying physically healthy, it’s especially important during these times to take care of your mental health. Everyone responds differently to stressful situations, and I’ve certainly had down days since quarantine began. However, being at the lake in Muscle Shoals has allowed more opportunities for stress-reducing activities such as spending time in nature, regularly exercising, and simply relaxing. Amid the anxiety, I’m constantly feeling lucky to be here. If you’re considering purchasing a lake home, remember that it’s more than investing in brick and mortar– it’s investing in a space dedicated to unplugging from stress and engaging with nature. That’s a lifestyle that will always stay relevant, even once quarantine ends.

How to Practice Social Distancing at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of A Storied Style.

There’s no sugar coating it — social distancing is a bummer. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, public life has been paused. Video calls have replaced all face-to-face interactions except for those who share our homes. Of course, such isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness. However, scientists recommend that to improve mental health in these times, spending time in nature is beneficial. In fact, rather than turning first to medication, some doctors are beginning to prescribe depressed patients with gardening projects. 

For those of us with lake homes, we’re well aware of the benefits of time spent in nature. It’s simply good for the soul. In these times, where social distancing is crucial, being on a lake makes it easier than ever to comply with these guidelines without sacrificing enjoyment. Below are several ways that you can enjoy your lake house while keeping your physical distance from others.

Walking Down Country Roads

Photo courtesy of Alabama Living.

Since stay-at-home orders have been passed around the country, many of us turn to daily walks as our remedy for cabin fever. When you’re living on a lake, these walks are much more scenic. While urban and suburban areas have concrete sidewalks for these excursions, many lake areas sit comfortably off country roads. They’re easier on your feet and showcase more greenery. Even better, you’re less likely to run into other people to dodge on your walk. 

Going Boating

Photo courtesy of Teva.

Although social events have been postponed, no one said we have to keep a six-foot distance from fish, ducks, and birds. You can still enjoy proximity to wildlife while obeying state guidelines. Now is the perfect time to spend time on the water. While it may not be warm enough to swim, you can still grab your fishing gear and try to reel in the big one. Whether you own a motorboat, canoe, or kayak, this is an excellent opportunity to spend time in both green and blue spaces at once.

Finding a Hiking Trail

Photo courtesy of Explore Asheville.

In most lake areas, you can find local hiking trails to enjoy some exercise and time outdoors. Although many are closed due to COVID-19, several trails remain open and have limited their capacity for visitors. To locate accessible greenways and nearby trails in your area, check out TrailLink.com and put on your hiking boots. If you have a furry friend, you may also want to check out BringFido.com for information on dog-friendly hiking paths. 

Watching the Sunset from the Boat Dock

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Travels.

If you have a boat dock, you already have a front-row seat to a beautiful, socially distant show. Without the glare of lights and intrusion of tall buildings, the sunset is much more visible from the lakefront. So when the clock starts inching towards 7:00 pm, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, prop your feet up, and enjoy the view. If you want to practice mindfulness while you’re there, consider bringing a yoga mat to your boat dock and going through a peaceful vinyasa flow as you watch the sky turn orange.

Reading on Your Patio

Photo courtesy of Suitcase of Happiness.

In these tough times, there’s a reason that book sales — particularly children’s books, adult fiction, and thrillers — have increased. In addition to having more time to read, people are looking for exciting stories to engage with while social distancing. If you live on a lake, you can read from the comfort of an outdoor sofa on your screened-in porch. With the sunlight streaming in, you may get so comfortable that you drift into a nap. 

Whatever your preferred pastime, we hope you find some ways to enjoy life on the lake — even while social distancing! 

Lucky Lake Living: St. Patrick’s Day Events In Our Lake Areas

Posted on Camille Smith
March 17th St Patrick's Day

For lake homeowners, day-to-day life is already overflowing with greenery from the amazing views of nature that surround us. However, there’s a day once a year where things at the lake are especially green. That’s right — we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A religious and cultural celebration honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this holiday is recognized throughout the U.S. For some, it’s a peaceful time of introspection, honoring Lent, and attending religious services. For others, it’s a day to wear as much green as possible, find the nearest parade, and hit the Irish pubs. Whatever your intention on this holiday, these St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in our lake areas are certainly worth checking out.

Sham ‘Rock the Block’ — Lake George, NY

Photo courtesy of Lake George

In upstate New York, just a few hours north of the city, the community at Lake George will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a two-day event centered around Duffy’s Tavern called Sham ‘Rock’ the Block. Duffy’s, a traditional Irish pub, is a beloved landmark of the area for both residents and visitors. At this festival, you can expect to enjoy traditional Irish music, amazing food (think corned beef and Reuben sandwiches), and arts and crafts activities that will be fun for the family. On Saturday, March 14th, from the upper deck of the tavern, you can get views of both the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the amazing Lake George in the background.

Live Music Weekend — Deep Creek, MD

Live music bag pipes
Photo courtesy of Deep Creek Blog.

In the Deep Creek Lake area, there’s no shortage of activities going on over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. A major highlight of the festivities is the number of live music shows that you can discover in the area. If you head over to the Honi-Honi Bar on Saturday, March 14th, you can join the St Patrick’s Day Party featuring cover tunes from the band Time Flies. While you’re out on the town, find out who’s playing at other bars and breweries in the area. Also on March 14th, E May is playing at Moonshadow at 8pm, and Ronnie Boroughs is performing at the Black Bear Tavern at 6pm. No matter where you end up, don’t miss an opportunity to see live music in Deep Creek.

St. Pat’s Booze Cruise — Lake Michigan, IL

pat's booze cruise lake michigan
Photo courtesy of Chicago Party Boat.

If your vision of St. Patrick’s Day involves lots of dancing, drinking, and proximity to a major city, Chicago’s Booze Cruise is the event for you. If you book a ticket for this two-hour cruise, on March 14th, you’ll find yourself aboard a luxury yacht on the great Lake Michigan. Whether you’ll opt to stay on the interior deck or check out the open-aired top deck of the boat, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing lakeside views while dancing to the DJ’s party playlist on one of the dance floors.

Parade and Shamrock Festival — Smith Mountain Lake, VA

st patrick's day parade handing out candy
Photo courtesy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Smith Mountain Lake is a popular vacation spot for Virginians and out-of-state visitors alike. Resting in a valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Roanoke region, this lake is primarily known for water sports and fishing (especially for striped bass). As if Smith Mountain Lake doesn’t have enough going on, the region is abuzz over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They host the Freedom First St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 11:00am, at which the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to make an appearance. Throughout the day from 10:00am-5:00pm, you can check out the exciting music festival called the Shamrock Festival featuring bands such as Jive Mother Mary and Strung Like a Horse.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Lake of the Ozarks, MO

st patrick's day parade hanging out beads
Photo courtesy of Lake News Online.

If you find yourself in the Lake of the Ozarks region in Central Missouri, you won’t want to miss the 30th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 1:00pm. Sponsored by the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, this historic area of the region is where the parade takes place. Between marching bands and decorative floats, you can check out the local restaurants and stop in for corned beef sandwiches. 

No matter which event you attend, whether it’s one of these five or in your nearby lake area, be sure to wear your green this St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate!

Lake Wallenpaupack, Lake of Big Fun in the Poconos

Posted on Cary Estes

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The area in the Pocono Mountains that Native Americans called “the stream of swift and slow water” is now more like “the lake of big fun.” But no matter how you wish to translate it, Lake Wallenpaupack is the focal point of a charming community that offers plenty of recreation and entertainment options for tourists and residents alike.

The expansive 5,700-acre lake has 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, providing easy access to the water. Boats abound during the warmer months, and fishing is popular throughout the year. And all this takes place deep within the breathtaking beauty of the tree-filled Poconos.

“One of the great things about this lake is the natural beauty of the shoreline,” says Steve Gelderman, co-owner of Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. “Everywhere you look, you can see these landscapes along with wildlife like bald eagles and ducks. You can really enjoy the natural beauty of the lake.”

Wally Lake Fest

Wally Lake Fest with tens of boats during the summer
Wally Lake Fest, Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Area residents add a little buzz to this beauty with a series of festivals extolling life in Wally World. The big event is Wally Lake Fest, held each August with the support of numerous local businesses and mountain resorts. Vendors take over the shoreline around the town of Hawley while bands play on a floating stage surrounded by a flotilla of boats and kayaks, creating a sort of Wallypalooza.

“It’s a call to the local community to showcase lake life,” says Rory O’Fee, director of marketing for Woodlach Resort and one of the event’s founders. “The music on the lake is a cool spectacle to see. And that’s just one part of what’s developed into a very popular festival.”

Hawley Winterfest

Photo courtesy of The French Manor

The fun doesn’t stop once the temperature drops, either. The city of Hawley hosts a pre-Christmas event called the Hawley Winterfest, which honors the season the old-fashioned way with campfires and horse-drawn carriage rides. “It harkens back to the town’s historic, Victorian-era roots,” O’Fee says. “The town beams for this weekend of nostalgic fanfare.”

Wally Ice Fest

Wally Ice Fest, Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Then, a month later, in January, once winter truly arrives and the lake freezes over, the area celebrates with Wally Ice Fest. Eight hockey rinks, 12 curling rinks, and a 9-hole golf course are created on top of the lake, along with spaces for vendors and music.

“It’s another event that shows the strong community we have around the lake,” O’Fee says. “Everybody comes together to support one another. It’s small-town America on a big lake.”

Outdoor Recreation

Kayaks at Lake Wallenpaupack shoreline

Of course, Lake Wallenpaupack also has plenty of places where you can simply get away from it all. There are six public recreation areas featuring hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, trails, campsites, and boat slips. The area also is home to the Lacawac Sanctuary, a pristine 556-acre nature preserve with 8 miles of hiking trails.

“It’s still not heavily developed around the lake, so it feels like being out in the country,” says James Hamill, director of public relations at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “But you also have a lot of opportunities to enjoy culture, music, arts, antique shops, art galleries. Everything compliments each other.“

So many people have fond memories of coming back year after year to this huge lake. It’s just a beautiful place to recreate and fish and hike, with no shortage of things to see and do. If you want to live in an area where you can enjoy it all, Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the top places.”

To see more about Lake Wallenpaupack, visit our home listings here.

Top 5 Lake Areas to View the Best Fall Foliage

Posted on Camille Smith

Although temperatures in the Northeast may be above 70 degrees and it’s still appropriate to walk outside in shorts, don’t be fooled — Fall is certainly around the corner. Along with this seasonal shift, our beach vacations are becoming a thing of the past for 2019, but that doesn’t mean that our lake living has to end. When planning a weekend to the lake this Fall, one of the most popular activities is taking a road trip to check out the changing leaves. This October is the prime time to scout out the best Fall foliage in the Northeast. Of course, there is no better backdrop for autumn leaves than a panoramic view of a serene lake. Whether you’re in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or anywhere in between, these are some of our favorite lakes to view the best fall foliage. 

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland during the fall
Photo courtesy of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce via NorthernVirginiaMag.com.

At this gorgeous lake in Maryland, you really can have it all. With its four season climate in the mid-Atlantic region, a perfect blend of serene nature views combined with commercial luxuries, you can enjoy your lake house here all year long. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Deep Creek State Park for a hiking or camping adventure. As peak season for the changing leaves approaches in late October, it’s the perfect time to browse through our listings to find your home away from home.

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont during the fall
Photo courtesy of Vermonter.com.

Beginning in the delightful small town of Newport, Vermont and extending all the way to Magog, Quebec, Lake Memphremagog is a 31-mile freshwater glacial lake. In addition to serving as a functional source of drinking water for thousands of people, this expansive body of water is also surrounded by breathtaking views of golden Autumn leaves. If you’re looking to get to know the area and catch some trout, bass, or catfish, Gardner Memorial Park has family-friendly fishing access on the shores of Lake Memphremagog. You might even catch a glimpse of the alleged Memphremagog monster that, according to some viewers, resides in the waters. You’ll find a selection of listed homes set along Lake Memphremagog here on our website.

Lake Harmony – Split Rock in Pennsylvania

Lake Harmony serene during autumn
Photo courtesy of Split Rock Resort.

When dreaming of fall leaves, mountains, and a life on the lake, you might find the perfect spot in our listings on Lake Harmony. As a reservoir in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and stunning views of autumn foliage. For kid friendly activities, check out the Split Rock Water Park, and for those with an eye for adventure, there’s plenty of snow sports and water sports. Whatever the activity, you’re sure to be surrounded by a peaceful, lush landscape.

Finger Lakes in New York 

Photo courtesy of VisitFingerLakes, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to being known for amazing wine, the Finger Lakes region near Rochester, New York is also renowned for its impressive views of fall foliage. Lake living in the region is done on one of the eleven lakes that create the “fingers” in the famous name. October is a great month to visit the area for the foliage views. Although it isn’t winter yet, you can also use the chairlifts at the Bristol Mountain Ski Resort to get an overhead view of every Fall color in the valley. For an aerial glimpse that’s a bit more adventurous, you can also book a hot air balloon ride through the end of October. While in the area, be sure to also check out the historic sites in the region, including several museums.

Chautauqua-Allegheny in New York

bear lake new york
Photo courtesy of Daniel Mennerich via Flickr.

With the massive Lake Erie on the northern end, the rustic and historic Chautauqua-Allegheny area in New York also includes Bear Lake, Cassadaga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, and Findley Lake that you can check out this Fall. Whether you want to go fishing, boating, or spot wildlife, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone in this beautiful region. Chautauqua-Allegheny also boasts a few unique attractions such as Allegany State Park and Griffis Sculpture Park. Regardless of your chosen pastime, you’re sure to get amazing views of golden brown, red, and yellow autumn leaves – especially in peak season around mid-October.

As October approaches, it’s time to trade swimwear for Fall sweaters, hop in the car, and check out these colorful, impressive views of Northeastern foliage this season. You may just find your dream lake home in the process. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Get Caught up in These Lake-Centric Stories

Posted on Staff

The only thing better than cozying up with a good book on a lazy day is curling up with that book lakeside.

So settle into your favorite Adirondack chair, grab your sleekest pair of shades and dive into these best-selling lake-centric stories.

The Lake

Book cover of "The Lake", a lake-centric story

By: Banana Yoshimoto, translated by Michael Emmerich

Awards: 2011 Longlist Man Asian Literary Prize

After her mother’s death, Chihiro moves to Tokyo, where it seems the only thing she’s got the energy to do is gaze out the window.

One day, something changes in her all-to-familiar view: a young man appears in the window opposite hers.

Before Chihiro knows it, she has fallen in love with the boy in the window, Nakajima, an introvert who is just as lonely and heartbroken as she is.

A trip to a beautiful lake helps Chihiro discover and unravel the bizarre secrets from Nakajima’s past and his shocking involvement in a strange religious cult.

Despite their differences and traumatic histories, the pair finds hope for their future.

The Woman in the Lake

Woman on beach, book cover of "The Woman in the Lake"

By: Nicola Cornick

Awards: USA TODAY Best-selling Author

From best-selling author Nicola Cornich, history and mystery come together in this lake-centric story of two women with eerily similar pasts, just 250 years apart.

London in 1765 is no stranger to secrets and luxury, especially when it comes to the Gerard family, a respectable couple of Georgian society.

After a brutal night with her husband, Lady Isabelle Gerard orders her maid to destroy the gorgeous golden gown she was wearing in order to rid herself of the evening’s horrific memory. Little does she know how her life will change forever when a few months later, a woman’s body wearing the dress washes up on the lakeshore.  

Flash forward to 2015, Fenella Brightwell – a recent divorcee fresh out of an abusive marriage– unexpectedly reunites with a gown she stole from a historic home during her childhood.

As she discovers more information about the connection between the gown, Isabella Gerard’s and her own life, Fenella discovers the similarities between them.

Enchanted and perplexed by the power of the gown, Fenella fears what the future has in store for her.

Lost Lake: A Novel

Forest with twinkly lights - The cover of lake-centric story "Lost Lake"

By:Sarah Addison Allen

Awards: New York Times Bestseller

Lost Lake has always been Eby Pim’s favorite place to make memories.

But since her husband’s passing and with the rest of her extended family long gone, she cannot seem to find the closure and peace she was once able to find at her home on the lakeside.

It’s for these reasons that Eby decides to spend one final summer at the property before selling it to a developer who is more-than-ready to take it off her hands.

But before she sells, opportunity knocks on her door offering a fresh start and a second chance at the family she’s always dreamed of. Will she take it?

A lake story about love, life and death, this New York Times best-seller will make you yearn for a second chance of your own on the lakeshore.

Summer at the Lake

By: Erica James

Awards: Sunday Times Top Ten Bestsellers

Floriana, an Oxford tour guide, has made the mistake of a lifetime.

For two years, Floriana had escaped speaking to Seb, the love of her life to whom she had never even admitted her feelings for.

That is, until she finds herself stuck on the shores of Lake Como, forced to feign happiness for his upcoming nuptials.

In her state of shock and distraction, she steps in front of a moving car, leading to an unlikely friendship between her rescuers Adam and Esme.

This unfortunate chain of events helps Floriana experience the best and happiest moments of her life in this lake-centric story of self-discovery.

For more must-read book recommendations, check out our articles “The 6 Best Books to Get Lost in This Summer” and “The 4 Best Novels for Fall on the Lake”!

Top 7 Lake Inflatables

Posted on Staff

Article co-authored by LakeHomes.com intern Gabrielle France

Sunscreen, swimsuits, sodas, and snacks are all important but don’t forget to pack this summer’s hottest lake inflatables before hitting the water this lake season. 

Sun Pleasure Party Bird Island Giant Flamingo and Unicorn Floats

You’re sure to turn a few heads with this giant flamingo float from Sun Pleasure!

Cruise across the lake or anchor off near your dock with up to six of your friends in this 10-foot-tall, eye-catching, neon pink inflatable.

Sunbathe in style as you lounge on comfortable seats, and keep cool with water tickling your toes from beneath the float’s mesh bottom. 

Its built-in cooler and cup holders add to the Giant Flamingo’s appeal, allowing riders to enjoy the water all day long.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. 

Along with their Giant Flamingo inflatable, Sun Pleasure also presents the Giant Unicorn Float –  a 10-foot-tall, rainbow lake toy that’s out-of-this world. 

Find both on amazon.com today!

Intex Splash’N Chill Island

Create your own island oasis with the Splash’N Chill by Intex.

This two-part float can seat up to seven of your friends on its three-seat sun deck and rounded sofa-style seating area.

Lean back and relax as you dip your toes in the water through the float’s open bottom, and grab a cold one from its convenient built-in cooler.

The Splash’N Chill Island measures 145’’ x 125’’ x 20’’ and comes with a fillable anchor bag and a repair patch kit. You can purchase this must-have summer toy at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon for about $90. 

Aqua Treadmill

Travel the lake at top speed (10 mph) this summer in the WOW Aqua Treadmill – a human-powered vehicle for the water that holds up to three people in its 48-inch-wide cockpit. 

The brightly colored 74’’ x 74’’ x 61’’ Aqua Treadmill is not only great for recreation, but also for a fun, alternative workout this summer. 

Twenty years in the making, this hamster wheel on the water provides a truly unique inflatable experience for lake lovers both old and young.

Available on Wow Watersports Official Website and Amazon.com, you can purchase this unique lake toy for $250.  

Inflat-A-Bull

Bring the rodeo to the water this summer with the Inflat-A-Bull! 

Photo-realistic printing gives this inflatable the character of a real mechanical bull that will make you question if you are a true championship bull rider or just someone going for a casual ride.

Grab the bull by the horns and take on the beast by having friends and family use one of the five durable handles to try to toss you off into the water while you channel your inner cowboy by grabbing the pull rope or handles to keep yourself from being bucked off.

Why not saddle up on this 94’’ x 77’’ x 32’’ bull and challenge yourself to a water rodeo by purchasing it on Amazon.com for $35?  

The float holds up to 220 pounds and will bring hours of fun competition to your day on the lake.

Swimline Giant Inflatable Swan

Be the life of the party with the picture-worthy giant swan float from Swimline.

Famous online and in print,  this 6-foot-float will help you relax on your next lake getaway. 

Make a statement and many memories by purchasing Swimline’s endless fun-float at amazon.com!

Airhead Hot Dog 3-Person Towable Tube

If you’ve been craving a new water toy, The Hot Dog Tube by Airhead can satisfy your hunger. 

This lake season enjoy taking on the waves on this banana boat-style tube designed for one to three riders. Measuring at 103’’ long and 44’’ wide, the Hot Dog Tube can hold up to 520 pounds of toppings for your next lake day.

The Hot Dog Tube also comes in a two-seater and five-seater design. 

“Ketchup” with the newest lake trends with this towable available at Overton’s.com and Amazon.com for $189.99.

Serious swimmers only, no weenies allowed.

You thought the lake couldn’t be more fun, but this collection is guaranteed to excite! As always, let us know if you find a great water toy that’s not mentioned here.