Tag: lake life

Reviews of Water Bottles for Summer 2021

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of @gstrib5 via Twenty20

During the summertime at the lake, you’re likely spending tons of time outdoors. Whether you’re going boating or hitting the trails, it’s necessary to stay hydrated in the summer heat. However, for those of us living the lake lifestyle, we need hearty water bottles. Not any plastic contraption will do. To help you choose the best water bottle this summer, we’ve compiled reviews of some top choices. Check out these summer water bottles to try this year.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Photo courtesy of Future via TechRadar

The hydro flask water bottle is often lauded as one of the most popular water bottles in recent years. It’s easy to understand why. The 18/8 stainless steel material provides double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot beverages hot for up to 12 hours. They’re also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean this water bottle along with the rest of your dishes. By buying a hydro flask water bottle, you’re also doing the earth a favor! This brand supports several non-profit organizations that help maintain public parks.

LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Photo courtesy of awe365.com

One of the most annoying things about most water bottles is that they’re a hotbed for bacteria growth. Although these bacteria are not typically harmful to humans, they’re undoubtedly obnoxious. With the LARQ self-cleaning water bottle, you don’t have to worry! Using an LED light that switches on inside the cap, this water bottle purifies up to 99.9% of the bacteria inside. However, please note that this water bottle doesn’t clean microplastics, chlorine, or metals, so be sure to use clean water.

 

Swell Water Bottle

Photo courtesy of My Frugal Adventures

Made of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel with a fun silhouette, the Swell water bottles are as effective as they are sleek. Like the hydro flask, the Swell’s triple-layer vacuum insulated frame will keep cold drinks cool for up to 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12. With the Swell, you also get the added aesthetic benefit. This brand is known for its stylish designs ranging from watercolor to granite to faux wood. When cleaning this product, remember that it’s hand wash only!

Yeti Rambler Water Bottle

Photo courtesy of Yeti

Also made of 18/8 stainless steel, the Yeti Rambler is a practical choice for any outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, or boating. The handle and screw lid makes it easy to transport to any of your lakeside adventures. The straightforward design is perfect for anyone who wants a durable, no-nonsense water bottle. The only downside of the Yeti is that it’s a bit heavier than these other options. However, if a few extra grams of weight doesn’t scare you away, the Yeti might be your water bottle of choice!

Platypus Foldable Water Bottle

Photo courtesy of Jane Jackson via Outdoor Gear Lab

If a traditional water bottle is not your cup of tea, the Platypus might be perfect for you. This foldable water bottle allows you to easily store it in a backpack or purse once you’re done drinking from it. You can also clip it to a carabiner. Plus, it’s inexpensive, so you can buy several for yourself and your family for quick outings. Although it doesn’t retain heat or cold like the other products on this list, its collapsible feature makes it more portable and flexible than other choices on the market. Although it’s made of plastic, the mechanics behind this product keep your water tasting fresh. 

No matter which reusable water bottle you choose, we hope you enjoy your active summer at the lake!

DIY Lake Toys for 2021

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of A Family Lifestyle & Food Blog

When it comes to toys at the lake, there are plenty of options on the market that can add to your summer fun. Inflatables, water guns, and even toys for pets. But what if you’re on a budget or don’t have time to go out and buy an inflatable? Just a few supplies and your creative mind are enough to make fun lake toys for the summer. For many of these projects, all you need is floating material and some rope. Check out some ideas to make your DIY lake toys!

Swim Noodle Raft

Photo courtesy of Instructables Outside

Why get just one pool float when you can make an entire raft? With this swim noodle raft, all you need are zip ties, several pool noodles, and a pair of scissors. Once you’ve tied them together, you’ll have your full-sized inflatable. Although it may not be as buoyant as one filled with air, it’s still perfect for lounging on the lake. Just make sure all the sharp ends of the ties are cut off before diving in.

Toy Boats

Photo courtesy of Inner Child Fun

Calm waters on the lake today? Try building one of these small toy boats. This is a perfect crafting activity with just a few supplies needed. A few corks from wine bottles, a toothpick, some construction paper, and rubber bands are all you need. In addition to setting these little boats out to sea, the creative activity part of building these DIY lake toys will be fun for both parents and kids.

Water Balloon Pinata

Photo courtesy of ZiggityZoom Family

There’s nothing like creating your waterpark in the backyard of your lake home. For this DIY lake toy, the only necessary components are balloons and water. From there, just hang them with rope or string on a nearby tree and treat these water balloons like a pinata. See who is the most soaked by the end!

Floating Cooler

Photo courtesy of Heart Hook Home

Who says you have to get out of the water to enjoy a beverage? While there are undoubtedly great floating coolers on the market, this DIY option is super simple and can work in a lake or pool. Just take your usual ice bucket, fill it with your drink of choice, and wrap it in severed pool floats with a rope to connect the contraption. Just don’t let these drinks float away when some big waves roll by.

Sponge Bombs

Photo courtesy of A Pumpkin & A Princess

Whether for an outdoor shower, a makeshift car wash, or simply for tossing around in the backyard, these sponge bombs are perfect. They’re super simple to make, too! Essentially, your task is cutting up sponges, tying them together, and dipping them in water. From there, you have a durable, colorful lake toy on your hands that’s fun for a variety of activities. 

When it comes to summertime at the lake, a big budget isn’t necessary. You can easily make your toys to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. Plus, these crafts can be great opportunities to bond with family and friends. Whatever DIY toys you make this season, we hope you enjoy your time at the lake!

Sipping Season: The Best Summer Wine Pairings

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Summer is always a reason to celebrate, especially when you’re lucky enough to be at the lake. It’s that blissful time—the sweetest of all seasons—when the world slows down, and we allow ourselves to kick back, relax, and enjoy. So, let’s break out the wine and get this party started!

If you don’t know the difference between a buttery chardonnay and a full-bodied, fruity rosé, we’re here to help. We’ve put together an easy-to-navigate list of our favorite summer wines and the perfect foods to pair them with. Feel free to use our cheat sheet anytime you want to dazzle your guests and show off your wine acumen. Bon appétit!    

Rosé

Photo courtesy of Hospitality Marketplace

Once considered second-rate by the wine world, rosé has made a fantastic comeback over the past few years. A popular choice, especially in summer, rosé boasts the best of both worlds when it comes to wine—embodying some of the best aspects of both red and white all in one bottle. So how is it different from other wines?

It’s all in the winemaking technique. Rosé is made from dark-colored red wine grapes that are macerated with their skins on, which creates its beautiful blush color. The skins are then removed after several hours, followed by the usual fermentation process. Because the skins are removed early on, rosé develops some of the same color and flavor characteristics as red wine, yet without the bitter tannins.

Like red wine, rosés are made from a variety of different grapes and come in a vast selection of styles. This versatile wine takes on a multitude of different flavor personalities as well—from light and dry, to elegant and fruity, to bubbly champagnes and other sparkling options. To demystify all the food-pairing choices, simply look at the color.

As the award-winning food and drink author Jeanette Hurt explains in her post for Wisconsin Cheese, “Light, delicate rosés are generally a subtle pink, while full-bodied rosés have deeper hues of salmon or pink.” So how do we know what to serve with this mind-boggling array of pretty pink wines? Remember this rule: Richer colors complement more intense flavors. Here’s your go-to list of perfect pairings.

Smell the Rosés

  • Sushi, lobster, salmon, tuna, paella, grilled chicken, lamb, duck, barbecue
  • Olives, garlic, anchovies, tapenade, patés, salad Niçoise, light pasta, mildly spicy curry and rice dishes
  • Fresh strawberries, pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, raspberries, blackberries, red plums
  • Brie, fresh mozzarella, chèvre, feta, mascarpone, baby Swiss, Gouda, Gruyère, fontina, Colby, young and aged Cheddar, Havarti, Manchego, Pecorino Romano

Sparkling Rosés and Rosé Champagnes

  • Lighter styles prefer pairings with tapas, citrusy salads, sushi, seafood, and even canapés, cakes, fruit tarts, and muffins
  • Dry sparkling rosés pair well with fatty, fried foods, spicy dishes, and barbecue
  • More robust champagnes can pair with grilled lobster, lamb, or even pheasant and grouse
  • Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
  • Camembert, Brie, chèvre, ricotta, and feta

Chardonnay

Photo courtesy of Wine Enthusiast Magazine

When it comes to white wines, Chardonnay reigns supreme because it pairs beautifully with lots of different foods. Called Chablis in France, Chardonnay comes in a variety of styles depending on where it’s made, its maturity level when you drink it, and whether or not it’s oaked. Served chilled, Chardonnay’s refreshing nature is a summer favorite. Rule of thumb: Pair crisp, unoaked Chardonnays with simple flavors that don’t overpower, and pair oaked Chardonnays with toasty, more robust foods.

Tried-and-True Chardonnay Companions

  • Sashimi, grilled halibut or cod, shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops, pan-seared salmon, seared tuna, seasoned poultry or pork, grilled or roasted foods that are caramelized, risotto, pasta, and any mild, buttery, or creamy dish
  • Caesar salad, salad Niçoise, sweet corn, sweet bell peppers, avocados, butternut squash, sweet potatoes
  • Apples, mangoes, peaches, pears, grapes
  • Butterkäse, Asiago, Havarti, parmesan, Gruyère, fontina

Pinot Gris

Photo courtesy of La Crema

Known in Italy as Pinot Grigio, this delightful white wine with notes of citrus and tropical fruit comes in a broad range of styles, from crisp and light, to rich and full-bodied. Hence, its versatility offers a wide range of pairing options. You really can’t go wrong with this one—it gets along with most any food. Same rule of thumb: the richer the wine, the more it stands up to robust flavors.

Pinot Gris Pleasers

  • Sushi, oysters, calamari, grilled scallops, and Chilean sea bass, pan-seared tilapia, grouper, and snapper, grilled or oven-roasted lemon chicken, veal, pork, lamb, barbecue, creamy pasta dishes
  • Artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, roasted vegetables, salads with creamy vinaigrette
  • Apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit
  • Brie, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, Roquefort, Manchego

Pinot Noir

Photo courtesy of Lake Minnetonka Magazine

The highly versatile ruby-red Pinot Noir is one of the few varietals that pairs with both fish and meat. It’s best known for its delightful bright acidity as well as its fruity notes of cranberry, strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry. Oaked styles can reveal rich notes of vanilla, clove, black tea, and tobacco. This all-around pleasant wine is best served slightly chilled at about 55°F—ideal for summer.

Pinot Noir Perfection

  • Poached, grilled, or oven-baked salmon, seared tuna, grilled lobster, herb-roasted pork, ham, lamb, chargrilled steak, roast duck, turkey
  • Root vegetables, grilled asparagus, sundried tomatoes, kale, collard greens, spring peas, summer squash, roasted herbed mushrooms
  • Apples, berries, cherries, figs
  • Brie, goat cheese, medium cheddars, smoked Gouda, Manchego, Gruyère, Swiss, provolone, Camembert, Taleggio

Prosecco

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

This crisp and fruity bubbly from the Veneto region of Italy is undoubtedly a summertime staple. Just a bit sweeter than other sparkling wines, Prosecco is best served with party-style fair—think finger foods and canapés.  

Pop the Cork!

  • Sushi, seafood, smoked salmon, prosciutto and other cured meats, chicken, turkey, Asian dishes (Thai noodles), quiche, frittatas
  • White asparagus, roasted tomatoes, artichokes, avocados, stuffed mushrooms, fruit salads
  • Mango, passion fruit, raspberries, pomegranate, sorbets, fruit tarts
  • Camembert, Brie, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, ricotta, goat cheese, parmesan, Emmentaler

If you want to discover other classic food and wine pairings at a glance, check out this helpful guide. Now let’s raise a glass—cheers!  

How Climate Change is Affecting Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

On the Lake Homes Realty Blog, we often cover how to handle inclement weather at your lake house. Whether it’s snow, heat, or extreme weather in general, we understand how nature’s elements can impact lake property more than traditional real estate. But what about the slow, seemingly irreversible changes in overall global weather patterns? Yes, we’re talking about climate change.

These gradual changes in our earth’s environment may be harder to recognize, but they still impact your lake property. To understand more, we talked with Katie Severance, realtor and author of an upcoming book: “The Brilliant Home Buyer: Buying a Home in the New Economy.” Armed with her extensive real estate work and personal experience on Lake George, she shared her expertise on how climate change is affecting your lake house.

What is Climate Change?

Photo courtesy of NASA – Global Climate Change

It’s been more than 50 years since the Stanford Research Institute first spoke about climate change. In 2021, climate change continues to be a heavily discussed topic among environmentalists, businesses, politicians, and families at dinner tables. There’s a lot to understand about climate change, but in short, climate change is a detrimental phenomenon that refers to the significant changes in average weather conditions across the globe. 

A significant part of climate change is global warming, the increase in average global temperature due to excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. These increased CO2 levels trap heat within the atmosphere, making the earth hotter. This process is also known as the “greenhouse effect.” Here in the U.S., the burning of fossil fuels for electricity and gas emissions for transportation are two huge contributors to the greenhouse effect.

What Does Climate Change Mean for Lakes?

Climate change operates like a domino effect. When global temperatures rise, it affects every component of the natural world. With bodies of water specifically, rising temperatures cause Antarctic ice caps to melt and ocean levels to rise. Besides water level, hotter air means more powerful hurricanes, more frequent droughts, and heavier rainfall. In freshwater systems specifically, this can mean increased flooding and sediment erosion, both of which can affect your shoreline. It also impacts lake stratification, which in turn, is detrimental to the homeostasis of aquatic life. 

Although the exact impact of climate change on your lake house will vary based on your region, the two biggest things to keep in mind for your lake property are wind and water. For water specifically, consider both water quality and water table. “You want to know how the water table and water quality have been impacted in the last five years,” Katie says. “One of the ways to learn this information is to get the lake association’s minutes from their meetings if they meet monthly.” She also adds that talking to a local insurance broker could be helpful since they know your specific insurance needs.

How Can I Protect My Lake Home?

Photo courtesy of Northern Lights Landscapes

As climate change continues to worsen, your lake home’s likelihood of avoiding floods becomes more precarious. Katie adds, “Now more than ever, when you go to buy a property, you need to get flood insurance.” By law, realtors need to disclose to buyers whether their home is in a flood zone. But just because your home isn’t in a flood zone doesn’t mean you should neglect insurance. 

Looking at FEMA maps, asking for an elevation certificate, and ensuring that your house is on the highest soil point can all help protect your home from flooding. “Water is lazy,” Katie says. “It goes to the place that’s easiest to run to.” As such, make sure your gutters slope away from your house. The basement is also important to consider. Katie recommends installing both a French drain and a sump pump to ensure that your basement won’t flood. 

As lake homeowners, we’re proclaimed lovers of nature. That said, it’s on us to do our part in protecting the planet from the continued effects of climate change. In addition to protecting your property, check out these resources to make more green decisions in your own life.

Best Trees to Plant at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of @maginnis via Twenty20

The image is picturesque — sitting blissfully under a tree by the lake, reading a book. As lake lovers, we know there’s something inherently peaceful about waterside foliage. But aside from aesthetic value, there are environmental benefits to planting trees at your lake house. Strong tree roots decrease the power that waves have over the shoreline, helping with erosion control. Plus, the oxygen that trees emit is good for air quality. They also provide food and shelter for the local wildlife, and the more trees you have, the more likely you are to attract birds to your lake house — a win-win for you and the environment. 

However, the best trees to plant at the lake can tolerate a high amount of water in the soil. With most trees, this level of water exposure would lead to overwatering and death. So how can you know what trees to pick? One helpful concept to understand is the ordinary high water mark (OHWM). This refers to the typical water level of your lake, indicated by the “mark” it leaves on your shoreline. Soil conditions differ significantly above and below the OHWM. As such, we will focus on trees that can be planted closer to this mark than others. Check out some of our favorite recommendations for trees that flourish by the lake.

Oak Trees

Photo courtesy of @vasiliy2020 via Twenty20

A good rule of thumb is always to choose native plants whenever possible. If you pick plantings according to your lake home’s USDA Gardening Zone, they will be more likely to thrive. Depending on the species, oak trees are hardy in almost every zone in the U.S. Although not every oak tree is best near a body of water, some species like pin oak, water oak, and willow oak are perfect trees to plant by the lake. For example, the pin oak is hardy in zones 4-8. Fast-growing and large, these oak trees are tolerant of wet soil, making them ideal choices for your shoreline. Plus, their acorns are a valuable food resource for squirrels and other surrounding wildlife.

Red Maple Trees

Photo courtesy of Champagne on Tuesdays

Also known as the swamp maple or water maple, red maples are the most abundant type of tree in the Eastern United States, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Red maples are renowned for their year-round beauty. However, they’re particularly stunning during the fall when their vibrant red leaves are on display. These trees can grow in a lot of zones depending on the specific species. A few shoreline-friendly choices are the “October Glory,” which is native to zones 4-9, and the Burgundy Belle, hardy in zones 5-9. If you’re a landscaping newbie, these sturdy plants are an excellent choice. Fast-growing and able to withstand just about any weather, red maples are both beautiful and low maintenance.

Pear Trees

Photo courtesy of @Duvinchi via Twenty20

Pear trees have so much to offer beyond one line in the “12 Days of Christmas” song. Whether you choose a fruit-producing or flowering pear tree, they’re fantastic trees to plant at the lake. A benefit of flowering pear trees like “Whitehouse” and “Bradford” (native to zones 5-8) is that their lack of fruit production will leave your shoreline clean from fallen pears. However, you could also choose a fruit-producing pear tree if you like to eat fresh fruit at your lake house. These trees require a lot of sunlight, so be sure to plant in an area where another tree will not mask its growth. Further, since they can grow to be 40 feet tall, you might consider planting a dwarf variety. Finally — don’t forget to prune pear trees. This process should begin early on in their growth.

Willow Trees

Photo courtesy of @rachaeldions via Twenty20

Easily identified by their wide frames and sweeping branches, willow trees are almost emblematic of lake life. Of course, we’re thinking of weeping willows, the trees whose branches resemble falling tears. These iconic trees provide a lot of shade and cover, particularly attractive to wildlife seeking shelter from the elements. However, weeping willows are not the only ones in the family to plant by your shoreline. Smaller willow shrubs also make great lakeside plants. On the larger end, black willows typically grow between 20 and 40 feet high. These southern trees (hardy in zones 6-8) feature large trunks, which usually evolve into knots and twists as the tree grows. 

Of course, one of the best parts about planting a tree is that you get to watch it grow over the years. We hope you enjoy the longevity of these shoreline trees just as much as your lake house. 

 

Fun Facts About Daylight Saving Time

Posted on Camille Smith

What starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November? Yes, it’s that pesky time of year—Daylight Saving Time (DST). It’s associated with more daylight in the spring and less in the fall, as captured in the mnemonic devices “spring forward” and “fall back.” Although it’s just an hour difference, the impact is sufficient cause for complaint. Changing the clocks is irritating, your sleep is disturbed, and it’s linked to seasonal depression. Plus, if you’re spending time on the lake, your stronger connection to the outdoors has likely made you more sensitive to DST’s effects. So given all these drawbacks, why is DST so important anyway? Today, we’re diving into the history of this day and some fun facts surrounding it.

There’s no “S” on the End

Image courtesy of WINK News.

Colloquially, most people refer to this day as “Daylight Savings Time.” However, there is actually no “s” on the end. Logically, it makes sense. We are saving daylight — hence the name.

It’s Not Observed Nationwide

Image courtesy of webexhibits.org.

Many people think that DST is commonplace across the United States. This belief is not entirely accurate. In the U.S., the only state that does not observe daylight saving time is Hawaii. Additionally, most of Arizona does not observe it, and Indiana only adopted it in 2006. 

Outside the U.S., it’s certainly not a globally recognized phenomenon. It’s observed in most areas of Europe and North America and some Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran. In the southern hemisphere, it’s observed by two Australian states and a few South American countries such as Chile.

Benjamin Franklin Suggested It

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

As mentioned in the Nicholas Cage movie National Treasure, Benjamin Franklin is responsible for the original idea of DST. However, he suggested it as a joke. He proposed the concept of daylight saving in a satirical essay. Although he includes some practical ideas in his article, the actual suggestion of daylight saving may have been a jab at the French for being lazy. Beyond Ben’s passing suggestion, DST’s actual inception is credited to an entomologist. A post office worker by day, this bug enthusiast hunted for insects at night. He complained about how early the sun sets during the summer months and introduced DST to solve his dilemma.

World War II Pushed Daylight Saving Time Into Law

Image courtesy of Defense.gov

Germany was the first country to adopt DST into law. This decision came from an effort to conserve coal during World War I. In 1918, this concept spread to the U.S., and in 1966, it became an official practice. For our country, the primary motivation for DST’s introduction was to save electricity, and the notion became even more popular during the energy crisis in the 1970s. Ironically, some studies point out that DST may actually increase the amount of money spent on energy. This is because the cost of heat and air conditioning goes up, even though people save money on lighting.

Most Farmers Dislike Daylight Saving Time

Photo courtesy of @addie2354 via Twenty20

One pervasive myth about DST is that it was created to help farmers by providing them with more daylight hours to spend working outdoors. However, farmers have been some of the strongest opponents of DST since the 1960s. To this day, most farmers are not keen on DST. Just like humans have trouble adjusting to a new schedule, so do crops and animals. Twice a year, farmers are faced with the difficult task of adapting their plants and livestock to a new routine. DST is especially loathed by dairy farmers whose cows are sensitive to particular milking times.

From our lake house to yours, we hope you make it through DST this spring!

Hidden Gem Lake Areas to Explore in 2021

Posted on Camille Smith

If you’re actively looking to buy a lake home, you’ve likely come across all the big-name lakes in your searches. If you’re in the southeast, you’ve probably heard of Lake Martin. Or, if you’re a northerner, Lake Michigan tends to stand out.

Regardless of your region, refining your search to exclusively large or most popular lakes is a misstep. In doing so, you’re likely missing out on several hidden gem lakes across the country. Check out these five lake areas that are less known but deserve a big spotlight. 

Lake Wedowee, AL

Photo courtesy of Lake Homes Wedowee.

Officially known as the Harris Reservoir, this hidden gem lake in East Alabama is affordable, secluded, and an easy driving distance from major cities like Birmingham and Atlanta.


Because this lake doesn’t incorporate any urban areas, it has retained a pristine quality. Lake Wedowee is ranked as one of the cleanest lakes in the region by the State and Federal Conservation Services. According to Lake Homes Realty’s Lake Real Estate Market Report, Lake Wedowee is number four in Alabama’s Largest Markets category.  

 

If you’re an angler, you’ll love the bass fishing opportunities along Lake Wedowee’s 270 miles of shoreline. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Talladega National Forest and discovering Mount Cheaha, Alabama’s highest point — 2,407 feet above sea level. And for everyone, the small-town charm of Wedowee is lively and close-knit. Concerts at the Marina and hunting with the Tallapoosa River Hunting Club are just a few of the activity options. 

Lake Hickory, NC

Photo courtesy of HickoryNC.gov.

When it comes to lakes in North Carolina, Lake Norman sometimes eclipses the others because of its size. However, nearby Lake Hickory has attractive qualities. First off, it’s fully recreational, meaning that fishing, boating, water skiing, and other fun lake activities are all on the table. At Sandbar Cove, you can often find boats tied together for conversation or water sports. For anglers, the prospects of bass, channel catfish, and crappie are exciting.

Besides the highly active lifestyle, Lake Hickory is a serene environment with plenty of wildlife and mountain views in every direction. Once you’re here, you can enjoy the peaceful scene from a Lake Hickory Adventures Dinner Cruise — or from your boat dock. If you are looking to build on Lake Hickory, you are in luck! Lake Hickory is ranked number three in North Carolina for having the most land available, as stated in the Lake Real Estate Market Report.

Lake Eufaula, OK

Photo courtesy of wildlifedepartment.com.

Surprisingly, few people know of Lake Eufaula, but it is Oklahoma’s largest lake. Along its 800 miles of shoreline, there are 100 million dollars in available properties, but it’s still a very affordable lake. According to Lake Home Realty’s Lake Real Estate Market Report, Lake Eufaula has the most listings and land available of all the lakes in Oklahoma. With over 600 listings and a variety of properties and price points, you’re sure to find your dream home here. 

 

Once you’ve arrived, there’s no shortage of activities at this hidden gem lake. For starters, Lake Eufaula was dubbed the “bass fishing capital of the world” in 1962, and this reputation still holds firm. This lake is a fishing paradise for those looking to catch largemouth bass, Kentucky bass, sand bass, and crappie. Angling is a year-long sport here, with multiple annual tournaments. For other outdoor recreation, check out Lake Eufaula State Park nearby. 

Chain O’Lakes, IL

Photo courtesy of onlyinyourstate.com.

Because Chain O’Lakes is close to the Chicago market, Midwesterners often overlook it. However, these beautiful, surprisingly affordable lakes deserve a pin on the map. Chain O’Lakes is a 7,000-acre waterway system that encompasses fifteen different lakes, including Pistakee Lake, Fox Lake, and Lake Marie.

Pistakee Lake is ranked number three on the Lake Real Estate Market Report for having the most listings in Illinois. This chain was formed when the Wisconsin glacier melted, creating multiple lakes tied together.

Several of the lakes are interconnected, making this region a boater’s dream. Its proximity to Chain O’Lakes State Park, boasting 23 miles of forested trails, makes it a hiker’s paradise. Each of the lakes has a different feel, so visit our Illinois listings for a full description of each lake in the Chain O’Lakes region.

Paw Paw Lake, MI

Photo courtesy of Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce.

Paw Paw Lake has been a popular resort town since the 1890s. Part of the lake’s appeal is its concealed location in the countryside of Northern Michigan, actually making it a hidden gem lake. Located just outside the farming village of Kalamazoo, Paw Paw Lake has a population of only 3,534. This remarkable lake is surrounded by nature.

Besides the calming landscape, Paw Paw Lake is known for its nearby wineries such as St. Julian and Lawton Ridge. The wineries host an annual wine and harvest festival to celebrate their varietals. If your ideal lake experience is drinking a glass of wine while surrounded by nature, Paw Paw Lake is for you. 

Which hidden gem lake do you want to explore first? 

Which Winter Activity Should You Do Today?

Posted on Camille Smith

Throughout the pandemic, health professionals have encouraged us to stay inside more often. And when engaging in outdoor activities, we should stay at least 6 feet away from those who aren’t in our household.

Thankfully for those of us who live at the lake, social distancing is easier than ever. We have the luxury of a remote location, surrounding nature, and plenty of space to enjoy the lake lifestyle. 

During the winter, it’s easy to get bummed about the impending cold weather. However, the chill outside shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a variety of socially distant winter activities! If you’re having trouble picking an activity for today, check out this flowchart we’ve created. Just start at the top, answer each question, and determine what activity is right for you today! 

Download Flowchart

Indoor Activities

If your result landed on one of the indoor winter activities, we hope you’re excited about a cozy day inside, full of hygge and relaxation. As fellow lake lovers, we know there’s nothing more relaxing than snuggling up with a blanket while looking out your window at falling snow around your lake’s shoreline. It’s the essence of winter comfort.

If you’re feeling like lounging around, try starting the fireplace and picking up one of the popular books in 2020. If you’re interested in a DIY project, start a winter-themed craft such as paper snowflakes.

Today, for those of us who love baking, it may also be a great day to begin a new cooking project. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party over Zoom or baking cookies for one, there’s something about homemade dishes that warm the soul during this cold season. 

Outdoor Activities

If your quiz results settled on an outdoor activity, make sure to bundle up! Depending on your lake house’s region, you might be in for some snow activities.

If you live in a northeastern lake area such Lake Placid, you might be lucky enough to hit the slopes. Skiing is one of the winter activities that are COVID-ready. It already requires an eye shield and neck warmers that can double as face masks — win-win for social distancing!

For a stationary adventure, you can try ice fishing. Especially if you’re an avid angler, this winter version of your favorite hobby is sure to be a fun adventure.

If you’d rather stay at home, you can still enjoy being outside in your backyard. For a more low-key day, gather around the fire pit with some blankets. For a more active afternoon, enjoy the snow layers by building a snowman or playing footprint tag.

If you’re not familiar with footprint tag, it’s the same as the traditional game — except you can only walk in each other’s snow footprints! 

Enjoy Your Winter Wonderland

Regardless of which kind of winter activities you pick for today, we hope you make the most of your time at the lake. Even in the cold weather, embracing both the cozy indoors and the exciting natural world is what the lake lifestyle is all about. From our lake house to yours, we hope you enjoy your winter wonderland!

2021 Interior Design Trends for Your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Martha O’Hara Interiors.

Since the start of the pandemic in March, we’ve been forced to spend more time indoors. As a result of lockdowns and distancing, the importance of personal space has become crucial. Now, more people are investing in lake houses, hoping for much-needed outdoor space and a remedy for that familiar “cooped up” feeling.

Due to spending ample time at home, many of us are paying more attention to interior design. After all, if you’re going to spend all day working from home, you might as well enjoy the decor! If you’re looking to re-evaluate your lake home’s feng shui, we’ve got some tips for you.

We spoke with interior designer Karen Parziale, the lead designer of The Real Estate Staging Studio in New York, to learn more. Recently, she’s been redesigning her family’s home on Lake Paradise, and she has advice on the latest interior design trends for lake lovers. 

Biophilic Design

Photo courtesy of Hirouyki Oki via Arch Daily.

A combination of the root words “bio” (life) and “philic” (love of), this concept of biophilic design refers to embracing nature in your interior decor. This concept does not just refer to pictures or representations of nature, but rather incorporating actual pieces from the outdoors inside of your home.

Although the biophilic design trend has been popular since the ’70s and is especially trending this year, it dates back to ancient times. The hanging gardens of Babylon are perhaps the first depiction of biophilic design in action.

In your lake home, one manifestation of biophilic design might be adding live plants inside your home. And not just potted desk plants. Karen says that it’s trending for plants to be the “big focal point of the room.” She adds, “from a feng shui perspective, the lake has water and earth energy already. Incorporating natural elements like plants, distressed wood, and twigs into your home design helps with balance. You want to have a mix of everything.” 

Green Design

Photography by Michael Moran via InteriorDesign.net.

It’s always great when interior design trends align with sustainability. Green design has been trending for many years, but it’s becoming prevalent now and will continue in 2021. Like biophilic design, green design is about connecting with nature. However, while biophilic design is more about the connection itself, green design focuses on environmental well-being more broadly. “It’s all about a healthier home,” Karen explains. “This trend involves being intentional about using eco-friendly materials in construction.”

This popular notion of ‘going green’ applies to both interior decorating and landscaping designs. It’s becoming trendy to opt for ground covers over grass to conserve water and choosing furniture that uses recycled materials. In other words, what’s in style is also good for the environment — win-win! 

Sense of Warmth

Photo courtesy of Homebunch.com.

Lake houses are not meant to be cold, detached environments. They’re a place of connection with friends and family. In the world of interior design trends, it’s becoming popular to reflect this sense of warmth into the design intentionally.

Karen specifies that a home’s warm feel should not be conveyed through a country aesthetic. “The plaid patterns and ‘deer-on-the-wall’ look is over,” she says. “Instead, incorporate congruous, earthy tones in a sophisticated way. You also want it to be warm without being modern and glitzy.” In keeping with a sense of warmth, open-concept spaces are trending. The idea of removing walls and borders and installing big, expansive windows evokes a laid-back, welcoming feel consistent with the lake lifestyle. 

Overall, the biggest interior design trends for 2021 are all about the incorporation of nature and sustainability. In keeping with this idea, it’s no coincidence that Pantone’s color trend report for Spring 2021 names “a range of shades inspired by the beauty of nature” as colors to watch out for next year.

The theme of nature is also timely, given what we’re all craving during the pandemic. “With COVID, people are realizing they’re tired of living in little spaces,” Karen comments. “They want to be outside more and have outdoor space.” She explains that her business has become busier recently, as she’s designing these outdoor spaces and helping people connect with nature.

Whether it’s through using recycled wood, creating an open concept living room, or replacing plaid patterns with warm tones, we hope you can incorporate these trends into your decor. After all, this connection with nature is what lake living is all about.