Summer is in full swing, and the weather on the lake is perfect for showing off that new pedicure. To follow up on last year’s post on the best waterfront shoes for Winter and Spring, we’re showing off the best shoes for summer when you live on the lake. So, whether you’re planning on braving the summer heat or simply enjoying the lake views from your home, there’s a perfect piece of footwear for you.
For this popular year-round activity, closed-toed shoes are a must. But during summertime, how do you avoid getting overheated in heavy footwear? Introducing the Merell Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot. Designed for both men and women, these boots are highly rated on Amazon. While they are not water-resistant, they are specifically designed for summer weather with foot ventilation to allow air to escape. Ultra-comfortable, you also won’t worry about getting blisters while you’re on the trail!
Summertime always means it’s warm enough to go swimming in the lake. But what if you just want to wade in the lake water without injuring your feet on rocks? Check out these fun, simple, and brightly colored aqua shoes! The wave runner quick-drying shoes are lightweight, no-slip footwear perfect for immersing yourself in the lake. Plus, they come in lots of vibrant shades like bright red and neon yellow.
If there’s a season that’s prime time for relaxation, it’s summer. So, why not make every day at your lake house feel like a spa day? Once you experience these spa slippers, you’ll want to live in them all summer long. Made of soft, plush material with memory foam and arch support, these shoes are designed with maximum comfort in mind. The open-toed form allows your feet to breathe in warmer weather, so it’s time to toss those closed-toed wintertime house slippers to the side. This fuzzy and stylish footwear also comes in 16 different colors, so honestly, you could get one for every day of the week!
Remember those jelly sandals that you used to wear as a kid? Well, they’re back in style now and just in time for summer. From pop singer Katy Perry’s brand, these cute jelly sandals come in a variety of bright colors, and each strap features a cute symbol of summer. So whether it’s watermelon red or lemon yellow, you’ll be showcasing your summertime enthusiasm at the lake. Even better — these 90’s-inspired sandals are also scented, so say goodbye to stinky feet. These shoes prove that colorful footwear with fruity designs is not just for toddlers.
We hope these brands of fine footwear get you in the spirit of summer! Now get out there and enjoy the lake.
Photo courtesy of Constantine Poulos via New York Times Food Stylist: Christine Albano
Unless you’re doing catch-and-release fishing, one of the biggest perks of summer at the lake is cooking a fish that you’ve reeled in yourself. There’s an unbeatable sense of pride that comes with reaping the benefits of your day on the boat. Plus, fish are filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. Low in fat and higher in protein, fish is often considered a superfood. But what if you’re experienced with bait and hook but clueless in the kitchen? If this is you, check out these five ways to cook your fish. One “catch-of-the-day” dinner coming up!
One of the simplest ways to cook fish is by baking it. For most fish, you can accomplish this by heating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, spraying a baking sheet or dish with cooking spray or olive oil, placing the seasoned fish onto the sheet, and putting it in the oven. The cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your fish. According to Better Homes and Gardens’ blog, 4-6 minutes for every ½ inch of thickness is a good rule of thumb. If your fish is frozen, be sure to thaw it before baking. While the most optimal strategy is to move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight, you can also quickly thaw on a microwave defrost setting.
If you’d prefer a crisper texture to your fish entree, it’s time to grab a pan instead of an oven mitt. This stovetop technique produces meat that’s lightly crispy and tender. Although it’s best used for seafood such as shrimp and scallops, firmer fish can also be pan-fried, especially if you cut them into strips first.
For a classic pan-frying technique, you’ll need these ingredients: flour, milk, eggs, and bread crumbs. First, coat the fillet in flour, dip it in the egg and milk mixture, and cover it in bread crumbs. The eggs and milk are essentially the glue that holds these ingredients together. Then, cook the fish for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish.
Since it’s summertime, outdoor grilling is a fun, seasonally appropriate way to cook fish. As opposed to pan-frying, which works best with smaller cuts of fish, grilling is best for hardy, thicker cuts of fish such as tuna, halibut, swordfish, or salmon. If it’s your first time firing up the grill, the process can seem intimidating. However, grilling fish is simpler than you think. First, make sure the grill is clean and oiled. Then heat the charcoal for 30 minutes or gas grill for 10 minutes with the lid closed. Be sure to heat it on “high” to increase the caramelization and get those classic grill marks on the fish. From there, place the fish on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per inch of thickness on each side.
Poaching is one of the healthier ways to prepare fish. This is because the lower temperature and the lack of oils used in cooking helps preserve the omega-3s that make fish such a healthy choice of protein. Typically, poaching fish has four key ingredients: liquid, herbs, an acid, and a combination of celery, greens, and carrots. While almost all fish can be cooked in a heated liquid (e.g., wine, water, milk, fish stock), the best candidates include thicker, meatier cuts like salmon, tuna, and sturgeon. Just pour the liquid of choice into a pan to cover the fish, cover the pan tightly, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Different mixtures of herbs can also be used to elicit more flavor from the meat.
Do you own a deep fryer at your lake house, and are you looking for a reason to use it? If so, then this method of preparing fish is perfect for you. It’s also pretty easy! The toughest part of deep-frying fish is creating the breaded mixture. A combination of flour, cornmeal, and a mixture of seasonings should do the trick. Throughout the process, you’ll want to monitor the oil temperature with a candy thermometer. Oil that’s too cool will make your fish too soggy and filled with grease, while overheated oil will burn the fish. Anywhere between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit will generally produce nice, crispy results. Before serving, drain on a paper towel to remove excess grease.
As lake lovers, we all embrace the beauty of nature and the essential need to preserve our environment. And these days, going green—even in small steps—is easier than you might think. As designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer explains, “Eco-friendly home décor and construction is like switching to organic foods—you can start with a few sensible choices and expand from there. Even small changes at home can make an important difference in your indoor air quality and the health of the planet.”
An interior designer based in Chicago—and an avid lake lover and lake homeowner—Michelle is a proud member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and a certified GREENleader. In one of her talks at an event series she calls “50 Shades of Green,” co-hosted by Orren Pickell Building Group, Michelle shared her ideas for eco-friendly design options along with a display of sustainable fabrics, woods, and cork flooring. Here is a summary of her top tips.
We all know that forests are vital to our existence on the planet. Trees generate oxygen, breathe in carbon dioxide, and help regulate the global climate by absorbing fossil-fuel emissions. Forests also provide a natural habitat for animals and plants, and millions of people depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. So, doesn’t it make sense to use sustainably harvested woods, reclaimed woods, and other recycled materials in our home furnishings? Yes, absolutely.
Michelle recommends Red Grandis eucalyptus wood for flooring and cabinets—a high-quality, kiln-dried wood that’s both strong and durable. “It has beautiful grain and a smooth finish that requires minimal maintenance,” she says. “I love all of that, but the minimal maintenance is even more important at a lake home,” she adds.
This species is a fast-growing sustainable wood with a long, straight grain that yields one of the strongest and most stable hardwood building materials—as durable as teak and 10 to 20 percent denser. “Red Grandis also has a high oil content that repels water and moisture,” says the designer. “What could be better for a lake home? I like it so much I also put it throughout the first floor of my primary home in suburban Chicago.”
Another one of Michelle’s favorites is reclaimed French farm-house oak. Beautifully rustic, it brings a casual, organic elegance along with a lived-in feel and a sense of history. “Pair it with modern cabinetry and furniture for an industrial-modern look that is casual, warm, and inviting. My supplier harvests the boards from a variety of homes that date back for generations, resulting in rich variations of color and markings,” she adds.
Teak is also a great choice because it’s sustainably raised on plantations, conserving our valuable forests, and providing jobs. “Because of its high oil and rubber content, teak is naturally weather-resistant,” says Michelle. “And because it is slow-growing, it is very durable. I love it because the organic look is perfect for outdoors at the lake.” Click here for more on eco-friendly wood furnishings.
Who would have thought that the material most associated with wine bottles also makes a fantastic sustainable flooring? Surprise! Harvested from the bark of the cork oak, this highly resilient resource is also naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal.
“Cork is very durable, too,” says Michelle. “Your floor can last over 50 years. It resists dents, absorbs sound, and feels warm underfoot because of its high insulation value. My go-to vendor for this sustainable, renewable resource is Duro-Design. Their product has a water-based finish with minimal off-gassing. It is resistant to abrasion and only needs routine damp mopping with water,” she sums.
Michelle recently chose a sustainable indoor-outdoor rug from The Delos Company for a client’s covered porch that would be perfect in your lake home family room—it’s incredibly plush and soft on your feet. The rug is woven from fibers made of recycled water bottles.
“It’s good for the planet, and it provides a naturally durable, stain-resistant carpet that is stylish and holds its color,” says the designer. “These rugs are pet-friendly, too, which is great because my kids always bring my ‘granddogs’ up to our lake home. They schlep in and out of the house with sandy, wet paws—but I just can’t say no to my kids,” she laughs.
Wool rugs are also a win-win for your home. Made with sheep’s wool—a natural, renewable resource— they are durable, easy to clean, and biodegradable.
Eco-friendly countertops? “I’m not kidding,” laughs Michelle. “Manufacturers are recycling everything— from glass and waste-stone from quarries, to paper and post-industrial scrap—and transforming those materials into fabulous countertops you can feel good about.” Click here for more ideas.
“Sustainable indoor-outdoor fabrics and fibers are a perfect choice for lake homes. Remember how these fabrics used to be rough and stiff? The newest indoor-outdoor materials have a wonderfully soft, supple feel.
“Durability is a top priority,” says Michelle. “Like so many people, we enjoy sharing our lake home with family and friends. It’s crazy fun with everybody and their dog going in and out of the house all day and into the evening, from our beach and the lake. But that translates into more wear and tear,” she adds.
Michelle’s current favorite is Kravet’s first-ever line of indoor-outdoor fabrics. They are 100 percent recyclable, and the company uses almost no water to produce them. You won’t believe these are indoor-outdoor fabrics—they feel so luxurious. The designer recommends them for upholstery in the family room and kitchen, and they are excellent for Roman shades, too, even in the laundry room.
“I believe you can have beautiful furnishings that are also durable, luxurious, and sustainable,” says Michelle. “Lake homes are ideal for these furnishings. After all, people who live on the lake—like me—love the outdoors and want to protect it. I think of eco-friendly furnishings as a life insurance policy for the future.”
It’s summertime at the lake! During this season, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a float, drifting the day away. Whether you choose a simple raft or a luxurious eight-person inflatable, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy an afternoon on the water. As a lake homeowner, it’s likely you already have a storage shed full of lake toys from 2020 and earlier years. But if you and your family are in the market for some new floats this season, you’re in luck. Today, we’re reviewing some of the top floats for 2021.
Looking for an all-inclusive float that the whole family or friend group will love? The Bestway Tropical Breeze III is perfect. There’s plenty of seating for everyone with multiple features such as two detachable rafts, a canopy, and a mesh interior. As a whole, this top float can hold eight people, and it’s complete with six cup holders. If you’re trying to stay close to the dock, it also includes attached ropes for anchoring.
With this circular inflatable, you and your crew can spend all day chatting on the lake. The WOW Watersports Floating Island can hold up to 10 people on its party-size 12-foot-long surface. Made of heavy-duty PVC plastic, this lake float is meant to last. It also comes with eight cup holders, so there’s plenty of room for beverages. In the center, there’s a mesh area for anyone who wants to be immersed in water while still enjoying the raft.
With this top float, you can bring the magic of Ancient Greece to your lake house. But this fun theme is only part of the reason why the Wow Parthenon Spa Island is a great option. Made of PVC plastic, this eight-person float is extremely durable. But its most defining feature is being fully shaded, making this float perfect for a hot day. After all, how else did the ancient Greeks make it through the Mediterranean heat? Also, keep in mind that an electric pump is sold separately to inflate and deflate it.
Many of us lake-dwellers are fans of golf. But with the Funboy Golf Cart float, you can bring a golf cart directly to the water. In addition to being a fun, two-person float, this inflatable doubles as a convertible with a fringe roof that’s removable. This way, you have the option of basking in the sun or keeping it shady. Additionally, the brand Funboy is donating 20% of all product proceeds to Feeding America, a nonprofit promoting hunger relief in the U.S.
Although this top float is more on the expensive side, the Aqua Beach Wave Floating Party Mat is undoubtedly worth it. The design looks simple — essentially a massive floating mat — but it’s actually very durable with impressive features. It’s made of cross-linked foam, which will keep this mat both afloat and intact. It also has four cup holders for a small group and hook straps so you don’t float too far from the dock.
Hello? The lake is calling! If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive float for one person, look no further than this product from Funboy. This candy-colored retro phone lounger float is cute, simple, and perfect for the lake. Made from 100% PVC vinyl, it’s easy to maintain, wipe, and clean. Plus, its small size makes it easy to transport from the pool to the lake and back.
From our lake house to yours, we hope you enjoy your summer lounging on these top floats!
Outdoor living is one of the joys of lake life—so now that summer is here, let’s make the best of it. A well-balanced landscape design should complement your lifestyle and add value to your lake property. It’s typically made up of two main elements that define outdoor living spaces—hardscapes and softscapes. In simple terms, think of softscapes as the living things in your yard and hardscapes as the hard stuff like bricks, wood, stone, and concrete. For part one of our two-part feature, we’re going to first focus on hardscapes.
Retaining Walls & Steps
Photo courtesy of Mom’s Design Build via Turf Magazine
If your lakeside landscape sits on a slope, you might benefit from a retaining wall. Creating a hillside terrace adds visual interest and more usable land and reduces soil erosion and water runoff by slowing down the flow of rainwater and diverting it to a drainage system. Low retaining walls can even double as extra seating for outdoor entertaining. Incorporate a cascading stairway into your retaining wall, and you now have an elegant pathway down to the shore. Say the experts at Gardenista, “Think of retaining walls as support hose for sloped terrain: they hold everything in place—discreetly.”
When considering material options, select those that will complement your lake home’s surrounding natural landscape and architectural style. Building material choices are abundant and range from brick and stone to poured concrete to treated and stained woods.
Before getting started, it’s best to consult a landscape architect or gardening professional to guide you. Click here for more inspiring ideas.
Alluring pathways and driveways lend instant visual appeal and create a welcoming first impression for visitors. A dynamic driveway or walkway to your front door adds pleasing curb appeal and can even increase the resale value of your lake home.
Whether you decide to go with solid pavers for a sleek, contemporary vibe, or charming steppingstones that lend an English cottage feel, your options are virtually endless. A good rule of thumb to follow? Always choose surfaces that complement the style of your lake-dwelling and the surrounding environment.
If you’re not a DIY enthusiast, start by calling in a landscape professional to help you find the best design for your property. They can also guide you through the array of material choices that include brick, concrete, bluestone, granite, gravel, limestone, and more. If your lake home is in a colder climate, consider options that can stand up to freezing temperature, such as terracotta, travertine, and slate. Click here for more creative ideas for walkway designs.
There is nothing more blissful than sitting by a fire while relaxing at the lake. Firelight creates an ambiance like no other and brings warmth, a soft romantic glow, and an inviting interactive experience. So, whether you want to incorporate an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, there are a few things first to consider:
When placed on the edge of a patio or pavilion, a fireplace takes up less space and can be used in inclement weather if it’s under cover. This architectural element can also bring a graceful focal point to your outdoor entertainment space. The benefits of a chimney direct the smoke upward and outward, ensuring a pleasant, fresh-air environment.
On the other hand, a fire pit is a bit more like having a cozy bonfire or campfire. You can place seating all around it for fun family gatherings, like roasting marshmallows with the kids and making s’mores. If you’re looking to design a custom immovable firepit, make sure you choose the perfect spot with the desired view and have a landscape professional guide you on its placement—where lake breezes can move the smoke away from your other outdoor areas. For more fireside inspiration, visit HGTV.
Pools—and the lavish, lounge-like seating areas that surround them—can create a splendid oasis for your lake landscape. Crisp and cool, the refreshing element of water always provides a calming visual connection to your lakeside environment.
First, decide what type of pool best suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Pools are costly to install, and the upkeep may not be for everyone. Consider pool shapes and styles, such as a seamless infinity pool spilling over a vanishing edge, a long narrow lap pool, a therapeutic spa feature, or even a non-chlorine natural swimming pool. You’ll definitely want to consult with a landscape architect or pool specialist to discuss material options, cost, and maintenance.
Other considerations include lighting and underwater lights, poolside landscape plant materials, seating areas, furniture arrangements, and outdoor furniture options, including luxurious poolside loungers, chaises, patio sets, and plush water-resistant cushions and upholsteries. For more inspiration, check out these dreamy pool design ideas.
A deck or patio added to your lake property will instantly create an additional room and expand your living space to the outdoors.
Typically made of wood, decks float above the ground—from a few inches to many feet—and are framed with support structures. If your lake setting sits on a slope, then a deck might be the perfect choice for you. Deck flooring materials include natural wood—cedar, redwood, mahogany, teak, ipe, bamboo—and other options such as pressure-treated lumber and sustainable composite decking.
Patios are constructed on a flat surface at ground level with hard materials like brick, concrete, stone tiles, and pavers. Ideal for poolside areas or level outdoor spaces where you want to enhance the architectural appeal of your home, patios are a durable and aesthetically pleasing choice. For more ideas on creating spectacular outdoor spaces, click here.
In an upcoming post, we’ll show you how to balance your lakeside hardscape designs with lush, green softscapes. In the meantime, happy hardscaping!
Are you someone who enjoys yoga on the boat dock? If you’re feeling like taking on a new lake hobby, consider SUP yoga. An acronym for Stand Up Paddleboard yoga, this activity refers to standing up on a paddleboard in a body of water. Typically, this sport is practiced in calmer bodies of water such as lakes or harbors. SUP yoga has become a trending activity in recent years, embraced both by yogis and paddleboarders alike. Today, we’re going to be answering some common questions about SUP yoga on the lake.
Essentially, SUP yoga involves doing the same types of yoga positions that you would in a traditional yoga class and applying them to a paddleboard surface on the water. In yoga, finding balance is a key component of the practice. And what better place to challenge your stability than standing on a paddleboard?
However, the physical component is only a surface-level part of this activity. The origins of SUP yoga come from yoga itself, a 5,000-year-old practice from Northern India, with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. At its core, yoga is less about challenging your body and more about the mind-body connection. Therefore, when doing SUP yoga, it’s helpful to consider what a pose may be teaching you or even settle into the experience of quietly breathing.
As you might expect, SUP yoga is considerably more challenging than yoga on land. You’re always grounded on a solid surface on land, whereas with SUP, you have to adjust your movements to the wind and water currents. Plus, your surface (a paddleboard) is more restricted than it would be on land. These extra challenges require a more intense sense of balance.
First and foremost, you’ll need a paddleboard. While there are a few different options you can choose from, a stable inflatable platform is generally recommended. This is because the thickness of the board affects its stability. You’ll also need a leash and personal flotation device (PFD) for your safety. When doing SUP yoga, it’s also important to wear proper attire. Clothes that are both stretchy and water-resistant are ideal. Bathing suits with a rashguard will usually do the trick!
One of the most apparent benefits of SUP yoga is the joy of being outdoors. Doing yoga on the water is a unique experience that will allow you to connect with nature. In addition, the mental health benefits of being outdoors, especially near a body of water, are well-documented. With SUP yoga, you’ll get these stress-relieving benefits. Additionally, from a physical standpoint, SUP yoga practice will help you build muscles that on-land yoga won’t. It’s a full-body workout that increases your flexibility and strengthens your muscles.
Probably the best way to get started with SUP yoga is by taking a class. If you Google search for “SUP yoga classes {insert name of your town or city}” you’re bound to come up with results. If you choose to start out on your own, the following poses are suitable for beginners: downward-facing dog, chair pose, warrior 2, boat pose, and savasana. You can also check out several YouTube videos detailing how to do these poses on your paddleboard.
If you’re looking to jump on board the trend of SUP yoga (no pun intended), we hope this information helps! And most of all, we hope you enjoy your time on the lake this summer.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Summer is just around the corner and if you’re a lake homeowner, that means you’re probably gearing up to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or soaking up the sun, you’ll most likely encounter a host of creepy-crawly creatures and other flying insects that weren’t invited to the party. We all know the usual suspects—from mosquitos to mayflies—so we talked to pest control expert Wesley Wheeler, founder, and owner of Bug Lord, who helped us compile a list of some of the most common lake pests and ways to control them.
Mosquitoes go hand-in-hand with lake life because they breed in shallow pools of water, which are quite common around most lakes. They’re also attracted to standing water, yard debris, and clogged gutters and drains. While mosquitoes are a menace in every U.S. state, Minnesota has such an impressive population that they’ve been not so endearingly named the unofficial state bird. Having a very flat topography as well, the land of 10,000 lakes delivers ideal conditions for spawning hordes of mosquitoes that are difficult to treat.
“Mosquitoes can travel miles from their breeding grounds, so it’s not always possible to treat your own property and take out the population,” says Wheeler. “Instead, using mosquito repellents with an active ingredient of DEET (chemical name, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or oil of lemon eucalyptus are proven to be effective,” he adds. There are many natural options for controlling mosquitos with ingredients such as rosemary oil, peppermint oil, cedar oil, and even garlic that are more eco-friendly and much safer to use than chemical pesticides. Severe mosquito problems might require more potent chemical intervention. Check out this list of natural and chemical yard sprays for the best options as well as other pesticide-free strategies for mosquito control.
Lake homes are all about enjoying the great outdoors, but when your lush green lawn turns into a barren wasteland, you have a real eyesore on your hands. If you live on the Gulf Coast, Florida, Georgia, or South Carolina, there’s a good chance you have St. Augustine grass, which is susceptible to chinch bug infestations.
Chinch bugs will suck the moisture out of your grass and replace it with poison that kills it. These bugs are very tiny and hard to see unless you’re down on your hands and knees inspecting the grass. A chinch bug infestation typically starts as a patch of dead grass that doesn’t respond to watering. The patch will slowly expand until you realize what’s happening.
“Once you recognize what the problem is, I recommend treating it by spreading some pesticide granules on your lawn (DeltaGard G or Talstar granules work great) and watering the lawn once applied,” explains Wheeler. “You should see results quickly, and this will kill other insects like ants and spiders too,” he notes.
The giant water bug is a very suitable name for a creature that can grow more than four inches long! These bugs look like giant cockroaches, but they have front pincers, and unlike cockroaches, they have a stinging bite. Some people call giant water bugs “toe biters” for good reason.
Giant water bugs live in most regions of the U.S. along the fringes of lakes. Luckily for us, they typically don’t bother humans, so you can usually avoid them easily enough. “You may, however, find them swarming your porch lights at night—that’s right, they fly,” says Wheeler. “If this becomes an issue, you can use a classic bug zapper outside, which will make short work getting rid of them.” Be sure to turn off your porch lights, so there’s no competing light source.
Ticks are a vast and growing problem in the Northeastern United States because they can spread some nasty diseases to humans—Lyme Disease being the most prominent one. If you have a wooded lake house in the New England region, you probably have ticks around your home.
There are some easy ways to make your yard less welcoming to ticks. Start by cleaning up yard debris (leaves, downed branches, deadwood, tall grass, and weeds). “A barrier of wood chips or stones between your yard and the woods can stop them from crossing over,” notes Wheeler. “You should also do what you can to keep deer and small mammals off your property, as ticks use these animals as hosts to feed on,” he adds. Remember to fence off any gardens or flower beds that may attract deer. Check out this list for other surefire ways to rid your lake home property of ticks.
Midges are flying insects that many people mistake for mosquitoes, but most varieties don’t bite humans. “Seattle sees swarms of midges emerge around the lakes in numbers that seem almost biblical,” says Wheeler. “They can fly half a mile from their breeding ground (and much farther in a strong wind) so proactively preventing these insects isn’t an option,” he adds. “Your best course of action is to avoid turning on outdoor lights until an hour after sunset.”
Midges are attracted to light and are most active as the sun is going down, so if you can avoid luring them towards your home, you’ll see a lot less of them. You can also place a “decoy” light further from your home to draw the bugs to this area instead of your living space.
These pests are very similar to midges. Depending on the type of gnat, they can be tough to prevent. Fungus gnats may lay their eggs in damp, overwatered areas or decaying wood and mulch. Getting rid of those environments will help. Other gnats lay their eggs in lake water, which isn’t safe to treat with pesticides.
“Some lakes, such as California’s Clear Lake, introduced certain fish species that compete with gnats for zooplankton—its preferred food source,” says Wheeler. “An outdoor bug zapper or decoy light will also help control gnats.”
So, if you’re heading out to enjoy your lakeside setting, fear not! Encountering these pests and other familiar lake-loving creatures such as ants and flies is a natural part of lake living and doesn’t have to spoil your time outdoors. Arming yourself with knowledge (and insect repellent) and consulting a professional for any severe pest issues is always your best bet.
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!
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.
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
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
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
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
