Tag: lake lanier

Happy Halloween: Ghostly Tales from the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith

October is finally here! Everywhere you look, doorsteps are adorned with carved pumpkins, colorful leaves are scattered across the streets, and cable TV is screening Hocus Pocus again. In other words, “spooky season” has arrived. If you’re a lake homeowner, this holiday is particularly festive for many reasons. First, your Halloween decor will blend seamlessly into your lakeside scenery’s fall colors and outdoorsy charm.

Further, lakes serve as backdrops to classic scary movies like Friday the 13th. In honor of this spooky holiday that we love, we’re sharing our favorite ghost stories, myths, and haunted facts about U.S. lakes. We hope you enjoy — and pass these stories onto your friends! 

Gardner Lake Ghost House

Photo courtesy of Only In Your State.

Some ghost stories are pure myths. However, the one about Gardner Lake, Connecticut, is rooted in a true story. In 1895, one local, lake-dwelling family wanted to move their lake house to the other side of the lake. So, they waited until the water had frozen over to put their home on slabs and slid it to the other side. The move was a two-day endeavor. Day one went fine, but when the family returned the next day to move their house along a second trek across Gardner Lake, the ice had broken, and their home had sunk. 

Although they rescued smaller possessions, larger items (like a piano) had to remain underwater. Scuba divers have confirmed the existence of this underwater house. Now, here comes the spooky part — many visitors to Lake Gardner have reported hearing piano sounds from the lake. Legend has it that the music is coming from the underwater house.

Lady of the Lake, White Rock Lake

It’s not unusual for a friendly neighbor to offer a ride home in the south if someone is lost. However, on Dallas’s White Rock Lake, this person in need of a lift could be a ghost. Some White Rock residents and visitors have reported seeing a young woman dressed in 1930s clothing wandering around the lake, soaking wet, and looking for a ride home. She’s known as the “Lady of the Lake.”

According to legend, if you offer her a ride, she’ll vanish as soon as she gets in your car, leaving the passenger seat drenched with water. So, if you want to keep your vehicle dry and ghost-free — don’t offer her a lift!

The Black Dog of Lake Erie

If you’ve ever wondered whether animals can be ghosts, it turns out they can! According to a Lake Erie legend, a black Newfoundland dog fell overboard on the Welland Canal, and the crew ignored him. After the incident, the crew reported hearing its howls throughout the night. But this dog’s appearances aren’t limited to this one ship. Allegedly, the dog appears on the Great Lakes to warn ships that are in danger.

Alternatively, the dog has also been said to curse ships as revenge against the sailors who allowed him to drown. The dog’s appearance is linked to wrecks like the Mary Jane on Lake Erie, the Isaac G. Jenkins on Lake Ontario, and the Thomas Hume on Lake Michigan.

Lady of the Lake, Lake Lanier

Photo courtesy of Ron Mayhew via Flickr.

Lake Lanier is one of the most popular travel destinations in Georgia. The lake is located just outside of Atlanta and is known for water sports like rowing, gorgeous sunsets, and a beloved water park. However, most locals will be quick to acknowledge that this lake has a haunted history. Rather than being one ghost story, Lake Lanier is associated with several bizarre incidents.

Perhaps the most famous ghost tale is the “Lady of the Lake,” Susie Roberts, who fell into the lake in a 1950’s car accident. Sightings of this woman, often described without hands and wearing a blue dress, have been reported consistently since her accident.

You’re welcome for the goose pimples! From our lake house to yours, Happy Halloween!

The Best of Both Worlds: A Look at Five Urban Lakes in the U.S.

Posted on Camille Smith
Texas Urban Lakes
Photo courtesy of Wide Open Spaces.

For anyone who enjoys both the fast-paced city life as well as a peaceful lake environment, choosing to buy a house in an urban lake area may provide the perfect balance you’re seeking.

According to the Encyclopedia of Lakes and Reservoirs, an urban lake is defined as an inland body of water, which is larger than a pond surrounded by an urban environment. An urbanized area encompasses both the region’s city and surrounding areas, such as towns and suburbs.

To qualify as an urban area, a city and its neighboring parts should have a high population density (at least 50,000 people). In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing balance of cityscapes and landscapes, urban lakes have several practical functions. They encourage biodiversity, assist in flood control, and provide a recreational spot for the city’s many residents.

Aerial view with clouds over city

Further, there are several personal advantages to living on an urban lake. There’s the apparent advantages — the opportunity to have that high-powered city job while also going boating, swimming, and fishing on the weekends.

But there’s also the lesser-known benefits of living by a “blue space.” For example, research suggests that living by water has a positive impact on physical and mental health. While scientists have yet to determine the reason behind this correlation, it certainly has implications for the benefits of urban lakes.

If you’re already sold on the possibility of living adjacent to both natural beauty and a concrete jungle, check out these five thriving urban lake areas in the U.S. 

Continue reading “The Best of Both Worlds: A Look at Five Urban Lakes in the U.S.”

Top 5 Biggest Markets of 2018

Posted on Staff

2018 was quite a year for Lake Homes Realty! In the last 12 months, our corporate headquarters relocated to a larger, multi-tenant business complex; ranked on the Inc.5000 list of fastest growing, privately owned companies in America for a second consecutive year; and opened operations in six more states.

Across the nation, the year has been good to many lake real estate markets as well, including these five markets, which ranked among the largest lake real estate markets in the country in 2018.

Lake Michigan, Michigan

From the beginning of 2018, No. 1 Lake Michigan’s overall market value (or the combined listing value of all the lake’s properties for sale) increased by nearly 35 percent, according to LakeHomes.com’s Fall Lake Market Report.

Individually, the lake’s home and land markets saw overall value increases of 45 percent and 9 percent, respectively. This rather wide margin between the two markets can be attributed to uneven increases in listings and average home price.

While land listings on Lake Michigan increased from 822 in January to 900 this fall, residential listings more than doubled, up from 673 to 1021.

This spike in homes for sale increased Lake Michigan’s total market by approximately $293 million over the year. This market also saw its average home price increase by about 10 percent to roughly $1 million.

As of fall 2018, the Lake Michigan real estate market is valued at more than $1.2 billion. Its home market currently boasts listings totaling nearly $957 million, while Lake Michigan land listings total about $267 million.

Lake Norman, North Carolina

The second-largest lake real estate market featured in the Fall Report, Lake Norman has an overall market of roughly $795 million, up 24 percent since January 2018.

Lake Norman’s home market increased by more than 28 percent this year to $654 million.

This is likely due to an increase of 181 residential net listings since January; however this increase also resulted in a drop in average home price, which is down from $876,000 to $849,000.

The lake’s land market also grew by about 9 percent to $141 million, despite a slight drop (4 percent) in listings.

In total, Lake Norman currently has 1,225 listings along its 520 miles of shoreline.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

Lake Lanier, ranked No. 3 among LakeHomes.com’s largest lake markets, reports a total inventory of 1,397 listings valued at roughly $650 million.

This market saw increases across the board in both number of listings and market value. Its average home price, however, remained virtually unchanged compared to winter 2018 data.

Most significantly, Lake Lanier’s home market rose more than 46 percent in listing value, up from $329 million in January to $482 million in the fall. Homes for sale increased as well, by nearly the same amount, 48 percent, from 591 to 872 listings.

Land listings increased from 459 to 498 this year, driving the market’s value up almost 10 percent to $139 million.

The Fall Market Report puts Lake Lanier’s average home price at $553,000.

Lake Travis, Texas

At $616 million in lake real estate, Lake Travis is the No. 1 largest lake in the Lone Star State, and the fourth-largest featured in the Lake Market Report.

Since the beginning of 2018, this market has increased by more than 22 percent in overall market value and almost 30 percent in total inventory.

Much of this influx of net inventory is homes for sale, which almost doubled this year from 242 listings to 354. Because the home market increased by only about 23 percent, Report data indicates the average home price on Lake Travis dropped 12 percent.

Currently, this average home price is $1.4 million, the third-highest in the state.

The Lake Travis land market value increased by 18 percent over the same period, with listings increasing by about 14 percent.

Land listings now total $120 million.

Lake Oconee, Georgia

Rounding out our list of the Top 5 biggest lake real estate markets of 2018 is Georgia’s Lake Oconee.

Its 1,207 total listings combine for a total market of $496 million, up 14 percent from $434 million at the beginning of the year.

The lake’s land market increased slightly to $147 million from $141 million in January. Land listings decreased by only one property compared to winter data.

Approximately 18 percent more residential properties are on the market at the end of 2018 than were for sale at the beginning of the year.

Currently these residential listings combine for a total lake home market value of $328 million.

Lake Lanier’s average home price only increased by about 2 percent.

About the Lake Market Report

Each quarter, LakeHomes.com publishes an in-depth Lake Market Report, that analyzes real estate data pulled from the approximately 100 MLSs of which they are members, to feature the Top 10 lake real estate markets across 16 states in the Central and Eastern U.S.

The 2018 Fall Lake Market Report reflects values of current listings across each lake’s home, land and commercial markets as of Sept. 1, 2018, at which time Report data was pulled.

These figures – market value, average home price, etc. – represent only those properties currently on the market.

According to Lake Market Report Methodology, lake property is defined as “any home or land/lot listing adjacent to a recognized inland body of water, has a view of any of these lakes, has designated access to a lake, or is within a community that considers itself a lake-focused community or development.”

For more information about your local market please download your free copy of the Lake Market Report here!

 

Weekend Fun: Charity Poker Runs Across the U.S.

Posted on Staff

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your weekend at the lake, try your hand at one of the nation’s many powerboat poker runs. These family-friendly events not only provide lake lovers a chance to win some great prizes, but proceeds are often donated to local charities and lake organizations.

Lake Lanier, Georgia

For the last decade, the Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run has raised millions of dollars in support of North Georgia’s children’s charities.

Since 2008, the event has contributed to those with serious illnesses and mental and physical disabilities through Camp Sunshine and Camp Twin Lakes, as well as supported the members of the Boys and Girls Club of Hall County.

Lake Lanier Pirate Poker Run

Held in July, the three-day Poker Run kicks off with a pre-run meet and on greet Thursday night, followed by a beach bash, captains’ meeting and auction on Friday.

The run itself takes place on Saturday and consists of five checkpoints at which each boat receives a card for their poker hand. Unlike some poker runs, each card must remained sealed until the full hand has been collected.

Full hands are then taken to the “casino” where they can be evaluated and scored.

Following the day’s main event, participants can enjoy food and entertainment at the after party and awards ceremony where the winning hand is announced and trophies are awarded to best dressed pirates.

The weekend concludes with a festive fireworks display Saturday evening.

Tickets go on sale in March for $50 per person. Participants should note this entry fee does not cover the cost of a boat slip for the weekend’s festivities; however, a discount code will be provided for use at the Sunset Cover Marina on Lake Lanier Islands.

For more information, FAQ or to register online, visit the Pirates of Lanier website here.

Lake Erie, Pennsylvania

The fourth annual Erie Poker Run, hosted by the performance boating events company Elite Poker Runs, will take place in June at the Wolverine Park Marina.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards The Bradley H. Faolk Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County. Last year, more than $10,000 was donated to the organization, which works to support children of abuse.

Festivities begin Friday night with a welcome dinner for captains and crew members. The Run commences the following morning and will consist of  several stops along 110 miles of Lake Erie‘s coastline.

Lunch will be provided to participants along the course as well as dinner at the evening’s award ceremony.

Registration for the Erie Poker Run closes on June 10, and space is limited to 60 boats. To participate, boaters must provide proof of at least $300,000 in liability insurance coverage.

Captain and vessel registration costs $300 to $500 and crew members’ tickets are $120 to $150 per person.

Prices include Friday night dinner, an event tee shirt, Saturday morning coffee before the run, one poker hand and Saturday lunch and dinner.

Extra poker hands can be purchased for $50 per hand. One hundred percent of the proceeds generated by extra hand sales goes to benefit the Advocacy Center.

Additional details and a list of other Elite Poker Runs events can be found at elitepokerruns.com.

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

The Smith Mountain Lake Boating Association has hosted their annual “unofficial start to summer” poker run each May for 21 years.

Participants start at Mariners Landing and make seven stops along the run’s course, where they will receive seven cards from which to choose their best hand of five.

Players compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, including $5,000 for the first person with four aces.

The best hand wins $1,500 with additional winnings awarded to the second and third best hands. Prizes are also awarded for best appearing crew and for the most players on a boat.

To take part in the Smith Mountain Lake Poker Run, participants can purchase tickets and register their boats online for $175per person and $350 per vessel.

This event does have a 75-boat limit, and teams must consist of at least two players.

Guest tickets are also available for $90 for lake lovers who wish to participate in the rest of the weekend’s activities apart from the run itself.

Festivities will conclude at Mariners Landing Saturday afternoon where players will be treated to dinner, a beer garden and music.

Proceeds from this event benefit various organizations around Smith Mountain Lake, including the SML Marine Volunteer Fire Department.

Bull Shoals, Arkansas

To help fund their annual Fourth of July fireworks show, the Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock and Marina has hosted a “barefoot open, boat poker run” for eight years running.

The one-day event in May kicks off at 11 a.m. with last minute registration for players.

At noon, boaters depart from the marina on a five-stop-minimum run, depending on the type of hand they want to play. At each stop, players’ “hand cards” will be stamped. Additional stops will also provide players with tickets for bonus drawings to be given away at the awards ceremony.

After at least five stamps are received, players may return to the marina where they may redeem their cards for their actual poker hands. No hand cards will be dealt after the 5:15 p.m. cut-off time.

Poker Run participants compete for a number of prizes and giveaways including a $1,000 cash prize for the winning hand. Other past prizes have included free passes to Bull Shoals Caverns, restaurant gift cards and free canoe rentals.

The registration fee is $50 per boat. This price includes one poker hand and two free Bull Shoals Poker Run tee-shirts, while supplies last.

Additional shirts can be purchased for $10. Extra hands can be purchased for $15 each, and there is no limit to the number of hands a boat can play.

Contact and registration information can be found on the Bull Shoals Poker Run website.

You Know You’ve Spent Time on Lake Lanier When…

Posted on Staff

Lake lanier satellite mapNestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, breathtaking Lake Lanier spans 37,000 acres and features more than 692 miles of shoreline.

It also happens to be less than an hour away from Atlanta, making it the easiest of commutes.

Whether you grew up visiting the lake or call it your permanent home, you’ll recognize your favorite lake from these landmarks.

Current residents and expert-agents weigh in on their Lake Lanier Highlights.

Lake Lanier has two distinct personalities

Call it a West Side story, but you know Lake Lanier has two completely different personalities, South Side vs. North Side.

The South Side of the lake is the nearest to Atlanta and always has something going on at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort, the waterpark or restaurants, at LanierWorld, or the larger marinas.

The North Side of the lake is nearest to small towns like Cumming as well as a small city, Gainesville.

This is the side of the lake you will canoe and paddle board on. The shoreline remains a little more residential and the water is peaceful.

Lake LanierWorldLanierWorld

It isn’t just for the kids.

Yes, thousands upon thousands of visitors and tourists make their way to LanierWorld every year.

You may pretend to roll your eyes at the park’s 11 waterslides, wave pool, carnival-style rides and lakeside grill. But let’s be real…you love it.

No matter your age, you love spending the sunny, summer days flying down water slides and riding the Raging River rapids.

And after a day on the waterslides, head over to Pigtails or Fishtails for dinner and dessert.

Port Royale

This is the perfect place for your lake pit stop.

Located on the North side of the lake, Port Royale is by far your favorite marina on the lake.

With 5-Star amenities, the Lighthouse convenience store and Pelican Pete’s, Port Royale rivals even the most impressive of marinas.

Great food, live entertainment and a guaranteed good time are waiting for you down at the Port Royale Marina.

Rich History 

You’re hopelessly fascinated with the history surrounding the lake.

Everyone knows North Georgia has a rich history dating back before the Revolutionary War, but there are some spots around the lake especially surrounded by myth and legend.

War Hill, a 108-acre park, for example, has almost no documented history regarding its origin and early history.

Local experts say there was most likely a significant Native American battle on the site. However, it’s rumored that evidence of what really happened at War Hill is buried under the lake.

Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration 

You can’t imagine spending Fourth of July anywhere else.

Every year, places like Lake Lanier Islands host a swanky “Red, White and Blue Luau,” and Laurel Park serves up hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones courtesy of the Paul E. Bolding American Legion.

But whether you spend the Fourth in your backyard on the dock or at any of Lake Lanier’s parks, you are sure to have the perfect view for a fantastic firework spectacle.

They See You Rowin’

You wish you had what it takes to be a professional rower.

You’re proud that YOUR lake was home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and that the Lake Lanier Rowing Club is one of the most prestigious rowing venues in the world.

Some days you look out your window and see five sculls rowing by, and you know this is totally normal.

Sunset Cove

You spent entire days at Sunset Cove.

Whether you drove up in your boat or your car, you know Sunset Cove is the place to be on a clear, summer day.

With live entertainment, a powder-white beach, beach volleyball courts, fire pits and delicious food, what’s not to love?

Park your boat, turn up the music, and stay ‘til the sun goes down.skogies on lake lanier

Eat a Skogie Sammich

Skogie’s Famous Grouper Sandwich has your heart (and your stomach.)

Recently voted best restaurant on Lake Lanier, Skogie’s is the perfect place for good food and cold drinks on a summer day.

Located at the Gainesville Marina, Skogie’s for dinner is the perfect way to cap off a great day at the lake.

Christmas Lights Galore

Magical Nights of Lights means that Christmas is officially on its way.

Every year, Lake Lanier Islands hosts this six-mile animated light display that ends with the Holiday Village.

The Village features carnival rides, bonfires, Santa’s workshop and a live nativity scene.

One of the most treasured traditions on Lake Lanier, driving through the Magical Nights of Lights with a car full of loved ones is the best way to kick off the holiday season.

Lake Lanier sunset

Unparalleled Beauty

You know you live on the most beautiful lake in the Southeast.

Visitors love the lake because of more than 50 parks and public access points on Lanier, but residents love it because this body of water is unmistakably home.

The best part of living on Lake Lanier? There is something for everyone.

With a lake that touches five counties and 600 miles of shoreline, it is easy to find a piece of Lake Lanier that fits every personality.

Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of Lanier Island or the serenity of a secluded northside cove, living on Lanier is the perfect oasis.

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

Homes on the Lanier market range anywhere from $250,000 to $4,000,000. To get a taste of the real estate diversity on Lake Lanier, visit our Lake Lanier page and see what we have to offer!

 

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