Tag: lake fun

You Might Be a Lake LBJ Local When

Posted on Staff
Lake LBJ colorful during sunset

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) is a 6,200-acre, constant-level reservoir located on the Colorado River in the famous Texas Hill Country.

Originally named Lake Granite Shoals, Lake LBJ is just an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas, and is the perfect combination of rural, relaxed lake living and big-city accessibility.

Whether you grew up visiting the lake during the summers, or grew up on the water, you’ll recognize Lake LBJ by these amazing qualities:

At Lake LBJ, Wildlife Lives Next Door 

Father and son fishing at Lake LBJ

In the Texas Hill Country, wildlife is abundant.

Fishing, of course, is one of the more popular past times during the spring and summer months. Amateur and skilled anglers from all over the country flock to Lake LBJ for a chance at record-breaking bass and crappie.

Along with its impressive variety of fish species, the area surrounding the lake is populated by a myriad of wildlife including foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and deer.

Because the areas surrounding the lake are made up of incorporated subdivisions, hunting is strictly prohibited, so a wide variety of beautiful wild animals will be among your neighbors.

Celebrity Sightings Are Routine

lake aerial view

While it may not be Los Angeles or New York City, Lake LBJ holds its own when it comes to attracting the best and brightest.

Influential businessmen and women from several of the largest cities in the state (and the country) flock to the lake for weekend getaways or for retirement.

In fact, the lake is one of the top three choices for retirement in the United States!

Celebrity actors like Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey as well as a number of professional athletes also love calling Lake LBJ their home.

If you’re lucky, you may see Matthew and his kids driving the boat around Horseshoe Bay.

The Beauty of the Highland Lakes is Unparalleled

Whether the blue from the sparkling expanse of water or a rainbow of Texas wildflowers, you know that stepping outside and gazing at the lake is all the color you will need some days.

Throughout April and May, people travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the amazing assortment of wildflowers scattered along the shoreline and surrounding fields.

Every year, visitors are drawn to the vivid colors and unrivaled charm of the Lake LBJ  area, however, you are lucky enough to call it home.

There is No Shortage of Things to Do

person boating on still waters

Whether a regatta, boat race or the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display, there is always something going on at Lake LBJ.

Aside from the usual lake activities like boating, swimming, sailing, and skiing, Lake LBJ offers a wide array of other opportunities to get outdoors.

During the day, you like to visit Lake LBJ State Park for its top-notch hiking trails. And if you’re feeling adventurous? The state park offers archery clinics, fishing days, conservation workshops and celebrations.

Rich, Texan Culture

Texas flag and USA flag

One of the most popular lakes in Texas, Lake LBJ is visited by thousands of Texans from all over the state.

Named after the 36th U.S. president, who spent a great deal of his downtime on the lake, this lake brings a touch of Texan (and national) pride to the area.

The lake’s beauty, rich history, and lively atmosphere make a great day at the lake inevitable!

Interested in making Lake LBJ your home? Residents, lake experts, and real estate agents would tell you you’d be surprised at the variety of homes found on Lake LBJ’s 30 miles of shoreline.

Homes on the Lake LBJ market range anywhere from $80,000 to $7,000,000. To get a taste of the real estate diversity on Lake LBJ or browse our 468 listings, visit lakehomes.com or contact lake expert Bruce Jones.

7 Crazy Ways to Float the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having fun on the lake is great for all ages and will offer memories for years to come. There are all sorts of floats and toys to enhance your lake experience, here are seven of the most outlandish floats on the market:

Floating Jacuzzi

A floating Jacuzzi is an amazing addition to the fun gear that you have already. All you have to do is fill it up with some water, grab some cold beverages, and enjoy it.

It will float in the lake as you enjoy all the perks that a Jacuzzi offers. They are lightweight and easy to move. Normally they include a drain in the side or bottom to remove the water from the unit.

Water Trampoline

If you love diving boards, then you fall madly in love with a water trampoline. It is a trampoline that is installed on top of a floating circle.

You can climb up onto the trampoline and jump as high as you can into the water. It offers so much fun that even Grandpa will be out there showing the young ones how it is done.

floating lake cabana with four people relaxing on it

Chill Out Chairs

There are so many different designs for these type of chairs. They can be inflatable or made out of buoyant material and easily transported from garage to lake.

There are some that you can sit on almost like a hammock, and then there are others that offer a way to keep your legs up so you are in a laying position to relax. Some include cup holder for your beverage, while others offer seating for multiple people.

Floating Patio Set

If you love the water, but you also want to be able to play cards and enjoy your company while you are resting, then you should purchase a floating patio set.

They offer a way to be out on the water with the comfort of chairs and a table. Sets include seating in a circle, a table in the center and a place to keep you cooler.

You can enjoy a picnic lunch, drinks, cards, music and more on the floating patio. And when you are not using it, you can simply deflate it and pack it up!

Floating Rocker Chair

If you want some fun, a floating rocker chair is a half circle that offers two seats.

The two people face each other and force the chair back and forth in a rocking motion. You can relax in it or go crazy and try to rock each other into the water.

Think of it like a floating seesaw!

Floating Playground Complex

Floating playgrounds offer crazy fun with all the activities built right in.

There are mounds to climb and jump off of, trampolines connected, swings and so much more all on one float!

It can also be turned into an obstacle course for a prize for those looking for a little challenge

For more floating fun, read out our “Summer Lake Toys” story!

What is Wakesurfing?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

wakesurfingWakesurfing is a sport that has become increasingly popular in the recent years.

It started with a couple of daredevils goofing around with boards tied to their boats and has now become an exciting new watersport that is a cross between wakeboarding and surfing.

Here are some wakesurfing basics:

You will need an inboard boat

If you have a boat with an outboard engine, an engine which is mounted externally to the back of the boat, wakesurfing is not an option.

In order to ride the wake, a surfer must stay near the back of the boat, and should the rider fall, they may go towards the vessel.

Because of the danger presented by outboard motors, which do not feature protected fan blades, it is not safe to wakesurf with one.

You Need a Rope

ropeYou can’t wakesurf with just any rope, but one that is “wakesurf specific”.

Wakesurfing can be dangerous when pulled by a thin rope which can cause nasty rope burns.

Handles on such ropes can also be quite large. Surfers do not want to run the risk of getting hit with one should it fly off the rope or come down on them when the rider goes down.

Wakesurfers should look at using thicker ropes with small handles such as the ones featured here.

Surf Boards and Wakesurfing Boards

People use to wakesurf with regular surfboards, but now there are many companies who make specific boards for wakesurfing.

Note however, that regular surfboards are not a non-option. The only major differences include the length of the board, fin sizes, and buoyancy.

How to Get Up

Getting up on the board is not as difficult as it looks.

You should simply relax and lay back while placing your feet loosely on the wakesurf board. Make sure your knees are bent and start moving slowly at 2 mph, this will give you the chance to dial in.

Keep your arms straight, and try to pull yourself up.

Imagine that you’re on the floor, and someone is trying to pull you up. Simultaneously press down with you feet, and point the board in the direction of travel as you come out of the water.

Once you are up and comfortable, you can then toss the rope back to the boat or have someone pull the rope back in.

The momentum of the wake will keep propelling you forward at the same speed as the boat.

Positioning your Feet

An important question here is to what is the right width for your stance.

Usually it’s about shoulder width, but your feet can be anywhere from 6 to 18 inches, depending on height. Practice is the best way to find your sweet spot.

You can accelerate by shifting your weight to your front foot, and you can brake by shifting your weight to your back foot. The same applies when you shift yourself forward or backward.

Feet positioning is important because when you start doing tricks, you will need to learn to balance yourself with your feet.

Top Speed

The speed of the boat depends on the experience of the wakesurfer.

Beginners should start out at about 9 mph and can go as fast as 14 mph, but this depends on the amount of ballast, the hull, the boat and of course, the surfer.

Keep Your Family Safe, Comfortable, and Active At The Lake

Posted on John Sims

It’s the time of year when outdoor activities ramp up and those enjoying the lake lifestyle lead the way in heading outside.  Taking care of the basics will ensure your family is prepared for all the fun that waits while avoiding some very common, and preventable, family fun killers.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drink Water.  Depending on whom you ask, water constitutes 65% to 75% of your child’s body while an adult body contains approximately 65% water…not soda, Kool-Aid or sports drinks. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, crankiness, and can even affect concentration.

If you feel thirsty, you’re probably already starting to dehydrate. So make sure you drink water regularly.  The recommended daily amount of water varies by age from 5 glasses for your five year old to 10 for pre-teens and up.

Food is Awesome

Don’t forget the snacks. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Handbook, Children should eat three main meals per day and, depending on age, eat 1 to 2 in between meals or healthy snacks.

Two are recommended for younger children while older children may require only a mid afternoon snack. The immediate effect of going too long between meals is a drop in blood sugar levels causing irritability, lack of energy, even confusion.

None of these effects go well with family fun at the lake so enjoy a good meal before heading out and keep those healthy snacks handy.

Prepare for the Power of the Sun

Nothing interferes with family fun like the negative effects of too much sun. Whether it’s the inability to participate in outdoor fun or a child (and parent’s) inability to sleep with sunburn, the sun can be a showstopper.

Use sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor of 30 (SPF 30) to block both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection. UVA causes premature aging and suppression of the immune system, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

UVB rays cause sunburn. The intensity of UVB rays varies according to your location, the season, and time of day. 10am to 4pm are peak hours for both UVB rays and family fun so keep the sunscreen handy and apply often.

Clothing is an often-overlooked way of protecting your family from the sun’s harmful rays. All clothing provides some measure of UV protection.

However, clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is specifically designed to protect you and your loved ones.

Depending on your skin type, clothing with a UPF rating of 15 (Good) to 50+ (Excellent) may be required. Those with the most need for UPF rated clothing are children, people with fair skin, and anyone spending an extended period of time on reflective surfaces such as water.

Despite our best efforts, emergencies sometimes happen. Being prepared is key no matter how mild or serious the situation. Immediate access to emergency contact information is a stress reducer and lifesaver.

Prepare Your Smart Phone

Whether you’re a resident, frequent visitor, or enjoying the lake for the first time, programming local emergency numbers and medical providers in your phone saves time when you don’t have time to waste. Protecting your smart phone and all it’s information from water damage will ensure you have the information if needed.

Anything from a water protective case to a well-sealed storage bag will do. Your phone doesn’t float so consider throwing an empty water bottle in the storage bag or attach a float to the case for buoyancy.

If pets are along for the fun, don’t forget to include a local vet in your contacts list.

Keeping your family safe and healthy will ensure your time together is fun for all. It only takes a little thought and preparation to ensure everyone is energized and equipped to go out and make those great family memories that last a lifetime. That’s what the lake lifestyle is all about.

Lake Living 101: Outdoor Entertaining

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Outdoor entertainingThrowing an event or get-together outside can require a lot of attention. You will be providing a way for people to bond and have a great time. You will need music, food, beverages, and other items to make the event go off without a hitch.

Being a host of the event you have a responsibility to be prepared. To help you get started here are some basics for outdoor entertaining.

Lighting Choices

Depending on the type of event, you will have different choices of lighting. For a down to earth event like a birthday party or a barbeque, you can use typical flood lighting or lamps.

String lights for outdoor entertainingTo add a sense of fun, use Tiki torches or the equivalent. For extra appeal, you can use string lights by using the trees or posts. String lights can give you different color options and dress up the event.

  • Tiki Torches
  • String Lights
  • Candles
  • Decorative Lanterns

Music

No matter the reason of the event, whether it is a wedding or a birthday party, you will need music to help the ambiance. Using a laptop or another type of device for music is great as long as you prepare the playlist.

You will also need speakers. There should be enough speakers to provide a quality sound throughout the area the event is being held. The best speakers for this are bluetooth speakers so you can connect them easily without running wires.

Another thing to keep in mind is that sound travels very well across a lake. Be mindful of the volume for your neighbors both next door and across the water.

  • Music Device
  • Playlist
  • Speakers
  • Extension Cord
  • Portable Generator or Electrical Plug

Refreshments and Preparation

foodRefreshments and beverages should be provided for your guests. It is important to follow safety rules like keeping perishables on ice in coolers and offering clean drinking glasses.

It is a rule of thumb to have more of every item than you expect to need. This will ensure that you have enough should something spill or another person joins the fun.

  • Napkins
  • Utensils
  • Plates
  • Cups
  • Ice

Keep It Clean

This is a broad aspect of throwing an outside event. This includes places for your guests to discard any trash, portable or on site restrooms, and more. It is important to have everything you need to keep this area clean and your guests happy. Here is a list of the items you will need.

  • Trash Cans
  • Restrooms
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hand Soap
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Paper Towels
  • Trash Bags

No matter the type of event, you will need to prepare for the basics as listed. The items can be simple or extravagant to match the event. For example, should the event be a wedding, you will need napkins that are more elegant than the typical, plain white napkins available at the dollar stores.

Make sure that you prepare for every outdoor entertaining aspect from the party to the aftermath of clean up to reduce your stress level and increase your guests enjoyment!

Have Fun Exploring The Lake With Geocaching

Posted on Staff

geocaching map of lake lanier GA
Geocache locations on Lake Lanier, GA

Unless you are an avid outdoorsman or go camping quite a bit, you may not have heard about the game of Geocaching.

It is a fun outdoor activity in which all who play use a GPS or cell phone and other navigational means to hide and then seek containers which they call geocaches.

Think of it as a game of hide and seek that can be played anytime, anywhere, by anyone.

A geocache is typically a waterproof container with a notebook and writing utensil inside. This is used for logging the items once they have been found.

It can be a fun and unique way for you and your children to explore an area. How to play:

The Basics

• You can register online
• Download the Geocache app or Search the website for your zipcode (or the area you’d like to explore)
• Choose a geocache from a list
• Enter the specific coordinates of the geocache into your GPS
• Use your GPS to help you find the geocache that is hidden
• Sign the log book and place it back in it’s found location
• Share your stories online as well as photos and tips

Other Things to Note

• A geocache may contain a trinket that can be “traded.” If you take the trinket, you must leave something of equal or greater value for the next person!
• If you make a trade, note it in the log.
• Your experience should also be logged online.

There are a number of places where geocaching is more prominent, but you can do it almost anywhere.

Geocache spots can be found all over the world in places that are very significant to the individual who originally hid the cache. The locations can vary from a park all the way to a possible long hike.

These geocaches are often cleverly hidden or disguised to make finding them more challenging and fun! This can be particularly true at the lake with some locations only accessible by boat.

Geocaching is a free, fun, and adventurous way for the whole family to get out and explore an area!

8 Amazing Lake Toys You Didn’t Know You Needed

Posted on Staff

The 2015 Atlanta Boat show has once again come and gone, and this year, it was bigger than ever! The Lake Homes Realty booth stayed busy with interested home buyers and sellers all weekend and was manned by corporate staff and a rotating list of lake expert agents from across five states.

While our primary goal at the show was to provide value to potential clients, I also took the opportunity to meet other exhibitors and learn about their lake focused companies.

Here is my list of the 8 unique lake toys that lake homeowners didn’t know they needed:

amphibious vehicle on the lake1. Quadski – Sports Amphibian

Located right across from our booth was the Gibbs Quadski, an ATV that transforms into a jetski in only 4 seconds! With this high end lake toy, you can go anywhere. It can reach speeds of 45MPH, both on land, and on the water. It is even rated for operation in salt water, so bring it with you on your next beach trip!

If you’re interested in checking out one of these bad boys, visit Hide Away Harbor in Tuscaloosa, AL, the regional vendor for Quadskis!

2. Bum Float

For a more affordable lake toy geared at relaxing in the lake, take a look at the bum float. It is a floatation device design to be worn where else? Your bum! While it may look like a big diaper out of the water, the bum float is the best way to relax in the lake with a cold beverage.

3. Floating Bar

Speaking of cold beverages, a great way to store and enjoy them while on the lake is the floating bar and cooler combo. This setup holds a 33 quart Coleman cooler, has 4 connectable table sections with cup holders, and is covered by a pop up canopy. Who wouldn’t enjoy having their own swim up bar at the lake?

4. Aqua Stairs

When it finally comes time to get out of the lake, nothing makes it easier than Aqua-Stairs. Instead of climbing a ladder to get back on the dock, the Aqua Stairs allows you to simply walk out of the water. It even allows pets a way to easily return to the dock; your canine pals will thank you.

5. Deluxe Patio Umbrellas

If you want to add some shade to an area, you may want to consider a patio umbrella from Vrienden. These monsters are up to 10’x10′. They are built to withstand winds up to 35 MPH, are quick and easy to reposition or take down, and come standard with LED lights built in.

6. Bob Light

For the fisherman, the Bob Light is a new type of bobber for night fishing. The LED on the float is pointed down into the water and illuminates the angler’s bait, helping to attract fish.

7. Ryan-O Dock Roller

Looking for a way to protect both your boat and your dock when entering or leaving your slip? The Ryan-O Dock Roller system prevents damage to both by placing a padded roller between your boat and your dock.

softub outdoors8. Softub

If you’ve thought about a hot tub for your lake home, you may want to consider a Softub. With 3 step installation you simply roll the spa where you want it, connect it to the Hydromate with a screw driver, and fill it up. It even operates off of a standard 120V outlet so you can set it up virtually anywhere.

Did you attend the Atlanta Boat Show this year? If so let us know what your favorite part of the show was, or if you have an item at the lake that you just can’t live without, send me an email and tell me about it!

Portrait of Eli Kirkley

Eli Kirkley is Director of Communications at Lake Homes Realty

Pick Up a New Lake Hobby – Bird Watching

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Many people enjoy the delightful chirping of birds in their area, but have no clue on how to identify which ones they most often come across. This is where bird watching comes in! Bird watching is a low-key, yet thoroughly enjoyable hobby that has long been popular in the US.

Bird watching, also referred to as ‘Birding’, can be enjoyed by people of all ages. And, one of the best places to start is right on the lake! Lakes are a great natural habitat, not only for ducks and geese, but for a large variety of species of birds.

Join a Local Club

Consider joining a bird watching group or any other club or association. Learning from people with experience is the easiest and most effective way to learn the basics. It’s also a great way to get out and learn about your lake community and the type of birds in the area.

Get the Equipment

First and foremost, to start bird watching, you have to purchase some good binoculars. Birds won’t allow you to get close to them, and binoculars come in handy when identifying birds from a distance.

Since you are just starting out, it is advised to go for a simple pair. These have powerful levels of magnification and will not be too hard on your wallet, in case you decide that birding isn’t for you.

binoculars for bird watching After purchasing the binoculars, you will have to get yourself a field guide to help identify birds in your area.

As the name implies, a field guide provides detailed information of birds you might find in your area.

There are many field guides available, however, it is recommended to go for one which is targeted specifically for ‘beginners’ or one that is geared to your area such as Birds of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

You can also consider looking at the online resources such as The Audubon Society.

Bird Diaries

A diary or notebook will help record all the birds you have sighted so far. As soon as you notice a bird in your area, you can record the month, time of day, the location. Also and any other information you would like to keep, such as bird size, behavior, and sounds.

This information can also possibly help you locate this species or similar ones in the future. Through a birding diary, your personal birding experiences, thoughts about various bird specious, and notes can be documented.

Learn Bird Sounds

A birds chirp can be very distinctive and is an effective way to identify some bird species. Once you have grasped the concept of identifying different birds through sight, try focusing on learning bird sounds and songs.

Use your bird diary to take note of the sounds different birds make, then you can compare that to bird recordings online.

Birding is an inexpensive and easy hobby to pick up and one that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own porch overlooking the lake!

9 Great Reasons Why People Love Living on the Water

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
American Lake House with Stunning Rock Walk Way

Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence or a vacation retreat, a home on the water is an excellent choice for a number of reasons. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of owning a home near water, but never really considered all the advantages in doing so? If so, here are nine great reasons why people just love living on the water:

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