Tag: lake lifestyle

Largest Record-Breaking Fish By Species

Posted on Camille Smith

Of all lake activities, fishing is inarguably one of the most popular. It’s a staple of lake living. Whether you prefer catch-and-release or catching-for-dinner, it’s always exciting to reel in a big one. Maybe you’ve even dreamed of landing a world record. As in many aspects of life, catching a big fish is about luck in addition to skill. Today, we’re looking back at some of the luckiest anglers out there who currently hold the titles for catching record-breaking fish. Who knows? Maybe you could top one of their catches.

Smallmouth Bass

Angler: David Hayes 
Weight: 11 pounds, 15 ounces 
Location: Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee 
Date: July 1955
Photo Credit – Sporting Classics Daily

Usually found in pristine streams with a fairly heavy water flow, smallmouth bass are a particularly sought-after fish. They’re known for being aggressive fish who fight back, which makes them thrilling for fishers. This lucky angler, David Hayes, was well-renowned for his ability to catch bass and walleye in deep waters. So much so that other anglers shadowed him to learn his craft. On one fishing trip on the Dale Hollow Reservoir that was initially uneventful, Hayes spent a few minutes wrestling with a massive smallmouth and landed the world record. There was subsequent controversy over the catch, including claims that dock hands at Cedar Hill Resort added weight to the fish, fabricating the truth. Thankfully for Hayes, this claim was later debunked, and he restored his world record.

Walleye

Angler: Mabry Harper 
Weight: 25 pounds
Location: Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee 
Date: August 1960
Photo credit – Wawang Lake Resort

On the day that Mabry Harper caught this record-breaking fish, he was about to eat it for dinner. However, upon noticing its large size, Harper’s wife (seen in photo) pushed him to bring it to Tennessee officials to be weighed. Although adult walleyes weigh 24 pounds on average, Harper’s catch of the day was just a pound heavier, at 25 pounds. That night, he finally got to eat the fish for dinner.

Pike

Angler: Lothar Louis 
Weight: 55 pounds 
Location: Lake Grefeern, Germany
Date: October 1986
Photo credit – Game & Fish

When he began his fishing trip that day, Lothar Louis didn’t set out to catch pike. The plan was to catch carp and roach, but the trip took a surprising turn when a massive pike took his bait. The fish was so heavy that Louis had to put his hands inside the gill covers to catch it. In a subsequent interview, he said he was so excited that he didn’t feel the pain of the pike’s sharp teeth. It was all worth it for this record-breaking fish.

Crappie

Angler: Lionel “Jam” Ferguson 
Weight: 5 pounds, 7 ounces 
Location: Loudon County, Tennessee 
Date: May 2018
Photo credit – Tennessean.com

This fish is one of the more recent world record-breakers, just two years ago. In 2018, Lionel “Jam” Ferguson caught a large crappie on a small private pond in Loudon County. After being weighed by a Tennessee wildlife officer, it is now the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle record and the Tennessee state record. But this isn’t his first record. Earlier that year, Ferguson caught a crappie that was indeed a record for the species. However, since no officials were on site to weigh it, he couldn’t register the fish at the time. Thankfully this time, he reported an even larger fish!

Brook Trout

Angler: J.W. Cook
Weight: 14 pounds, 8 ounces 
Location: Nipigon River, Ontario, Canada 
Date: July 1915
Photo credit – Brook Trout Heaven

J.W. Cook’s record-breaking fish is the second oldest record in the IGFA books. Several pounds heavier than the runner-up brook trout, this prize winner — more than 100 years old — will be challenging to top. If you’re in Ontario, be sure to check out Cook’s bamboo rod at the Thunder Bay Historical Museum.

Channel Catfish

Angler: W. Whaley
Weight: 58 pounds
Location: Santee-Cooper Reservoir
Date: July 1964
Photo credit – In-Fisherman

W. Whaley’s record-breaker is more than 50 years old, which is surprising given that channel catfish are quite common. It seems likely that someone would have broken the record by now. However, Whaley must have been very lucky on that July day. To date, not even the runner-up fish have come within 10 pounds of his record.

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. 

Last Minute Lake-Inspired Gifts

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

The holidays are fast approaching and — let’s be honest — we’re still scrambling to find gifts for friends and family. However, just because a gift is last minute doesn’t mean it has to be impersonal and dull. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who loves the lake, there’s plenty of fun, celebratory presents that they’ll love. So, if you’re shopping in a pinch and aren’t sure what to do, check out this list of lake-inspired gifts!

Big Mouth Billy Bass

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Over its many years of popularity, now in 2020, a Big Mouth Billy Bass mounted on the wall is a lake-house staple. And no, we’re not talking about a regular taxidermy fish. This entertaining vacation home accessory sings and moves his head when you press a red button at the bottom of the wall mount. Traditionally, Billy sings Bob Marley’s iconic hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Newer versions have added other songs to the repertoire, such as “I Will Survive” and “Take Me to the River.” As you introduce each lake house guest to this singing sensation, the fun doesn’t end!

“It’s Lake Time” Clock

Photo courtesy of Etsy.

In our daily lives, we’re continually keeping an eye on the time, trying to meet deadlines, and generally attempting to be productive. But being on the lake presents a rare opportunity to throw time out the window and relax. These “It’s Lake Time” clocks reflect this laid-back lifestyle through home decor. Instead of the traditional analog clock, the numbers are tossed aside, reminding everyone at home to take a step back and enjoy the lake. With this lake-inspired gift, charm takes precedence over functionality. 

Lake Themed Ornaments

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

If your gift recipient typically puts up a Holiday tree every year, they’ll love a lake themed ornament. The best part about this gift is that you can customize it to fit their personality. Does your lake-dwelling friend have a sense of humor and enjoy fun, slightly cheesy decor? If so, they’d love this ornament featuring Santa and his reindeer enjoying drinks on a pontoon boat. Or rather, if your gift recipient prefers a simplistic style, try something like this rustic wooden ornament with a hand-painted duck swimming in a lake.

Lake Coordinates Flag

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Your lake-dwelling friends will love this adorable gift from Zazzle to hang on their front porch. If your gift-planning isn’t too last minute, you can even customize the flag with their lake house’s coordinates to add a personal flare. The striped design features with a paddle insignia evoke a classic, nautical look that’s perfect for the lake. You can also print this same design onto a pillow, keychain, or koozie. Whichever gift you think will suit your lake-loving friend best! 

Lake House Guest Book

Photo courtesy of Etsy.

Whether you have time to personalize it or not, your friend will appreciate a guest book for their lake house. It’s much more than just a coffee table book — it’s a chronicle of notes from anyone who’s enjoyed the home. Your friend will enjoy looking back on everyone’s messages (including yours) for years to come. Depending on your friend’s style, you can choose a sleek book with a textbook cover or a more casual spiral notebook. To make the gift more complete, include a nice pen or a set of fun, colorful pens like Muji. This way, guests will have their designated writing utensils to showcase their personal style. 

We hope these lake-inspired gifts help your holiday shopping process this year! 

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Lake Dwellers

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of hipandhumblestyle via Instagram.

With the holiday season fast approaching, you’re probably thinking about gifts for your friends and family. And if you’re visiting our website, there’s a good chance you live on the lake or know someone who does. These odds are significantly higher during the pandemic when those with vacation homes on the lake live there full time. To help you decide on a gift for your lake-loving friends (or help you create a wish list if you live on the lake), we’ve created this ultimate gift guide. Check out our top 10 picks of gifts that lake dwellers will love!

A High-Quality Thermos

Photo courtesy of Popular Mechanics.

Although the lake lifestyle is typically relaxed, those with lake homes are often on-the-go. Excursions like boating, hiking, and fishing, can easily draw us off our property for an entire afternoon. To fit with this active life, any lake lover will appreciate a high-quality thermos like this Mountain Vacuum Coffee System. Nothing’s better than enjoying a cozy beverage while enjoying fun activities on the lake.

A Durable Cheese Board

Because a lake house is a second home, its kitchen is not always as well-stocked as a primary residence. As such, useful kitchen items could be part of this ultimate gift guide. In particular, a cheese board is perfect for hosting a holiday event like Thanksgiving or simply enjoying an afternoon treat for yourself. 

A Personalized Towel Set

Personalized Towel Set by CanaryRoadHome via Etsy.

Most often, lake homeowners invest in quality towels for their primary residence and skimp on their lake house’s towels. Help them spruce up their kitchen or bath with this ultimate gift. Whether for the bath or kitchen, a personalized towel will make everyone feel right at home at the lake.

Nature-Scented Candles

Photo courtesy of Cool Material.

Bringing the outdoors in is a popular trend in lake house designs. One way to accomplish this is through smell. Even when bad weather forces you inside, it’s great to be immersed in the scents of the outdoors. Candles also add an element of hygge to a lake house, evoking a sense of coziness for residents and guests. 

A Pair of Binoculars

Photo courtesy of National Park Service.

According to the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service, over 45 million Americans engage in bird watching as a hobby. Many of these aviation enthusiasts are also lake homeowners. These bird-loving friends will appreciate a high-quality set of binoculars to view and identify different bird species up close. 

A Watercolor Set

Photo courtesy of Jerry’s Artarama.

During the pandemic, many people are taking up new hobbies like painting and drawing. If you know a lake-lover with artistic potential, a watercolor set is an ultimate gift. Especially for new painters, watercolor is perfect for easing into the craft. Plus, who wouldn’t want to paint a gorgeous lake scene outside their back door? 

A Magazine Subscription

Photo courtesy of Lakelifemagazine.com.

If your lake-dwelling friends aren’t already receiving relevant magazines like Lake Living, consider getting them a subscription. This way, they can stay up-to-date with the latest trends, advice, and articles about the lake lifestyle. Check out these top subscriptions. 

Polarized Sunglasses

Photo courtesy of smartbuyglasses.com.

If your friends enjoy fishing or boating, they’ll jump for joy when unwrapping a nice pair of polarized sunglasses. Often, these manufacturers design polarized lenses for outdoor sports. Brands like Rheos and Unsinkable Polarized are created to float in the water. What could be more tailored to lake living? 

A Comfortable Beanie

Photo courtesy of Tentree.com.

Especially during the winter, your lake-dwelling friends will appreciate this ultimate gift — a comfortable hat. In particular, a beanie is multipurpose. You can dress it up when seeing friends, pair it with hiking gear for outdoor activities, or wear it with pajamas on your front porch. For inspiration, check out some of the top beanies for 2020.

An All-Inclusive Picnic Basket

Photo courtesy of Foodal.com.

As lake lovers, we enjoy having a meal outdoors, whether it’s a park, backyard, or hiking trail. Consider giving them an all-inclusive picnic basket to bring a little luxury to your friend’s next picnic. It doesn’t have to be from Williams-Sonoma, although they have an excellent option. There are plenty of picnic basket sets from which to choose! 

A Cocktail Shaker Set

Photo courtesy of Westelm.com.

At the end of a long day exploring the great outdoors, we love to wind down with a homemade beverage. If your lake-dwelling friends enjoy a whiskey sour or gin and tonic as their drink of choice, they’ll appreciate a cocktail shaker set. Who says you can’t be your own bartender at the lake?

Camping Series #1: A Guide to Campfires

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of lovetoknow.com.

Especially in the fall, camping is a fan-favorite hobby for lake homeowners who love the outdoors. There’s nothing better than waking to beautiful foliage when the leaves are in peak season. 

Since the air is crisp this time of year, making a bonfire is a beloved part of camping. However, if you’ve recently been watching the news in California, you’re aware of how wildfires can quickly spread. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while still enjoying a warm fire on the trail. Check out our advice on how to create a safe and fun bonfire while camping this fall! 

Know the Local Rules

Photo courtesy of Zion National Park.

Depending on your campground, the rules surrounding where and when you can light a fire may differ. It’s best to call the campground or visitor center before making the trip (and before you lose cell phone service in the woods) so you can find out the regulations.

These fire rules can also change depending on weather conditions. If it’s been windy or dry lately, for example, the park might ban campfires due to potential hazards.

Use Local Kindling Wood

When choosing wood to start a campfire, be sure to buy it near the campground. Better yet, choose a variety of sticks and tree branches from the local campground.

 If you buy wood elsewhere, you never know what pests it might bring along with it! The last thing you want to do is introduce non-native pests to the natural environment. 

Once you have the firewood, remember not to stack them in a dense pile. Instead, lay down larger pieces in a crosshatch pattern (much like when playing Jenga).

Place the dried leaves and twigs at the bottom of your “tower’ and light the fire. For more detailed insight, check out REI’s video “How to Build a Campfire.” 

Know What Accelerants to Use

Photo courtesy of lovetoknow.com.

Next to starting a fire, the second challenge is keeping the fire going. Perhaps “gasoline” is the first word that comes to mind when you think of accelerants, but it’s hazardous to add gas to a campfire.

Instead, stick to using lighter fluids if you must use an accelerant — and remember to never use it directly on open flames. Also, be sure to confirm with the campground’s visitor center that the use of lighter fluids is okay. 

Besides accelerant products, one practical way to create long-lasting campfires is by picking the right wood. Dry wood will burn quickly, but wetter woods tend to burn slower. If you can, choose the latter! 

Don’t Sit So Close

Photo courtesy of Marthastewart.com.

Although you created the fire, you’re not immune to getting burned. As a general rule, campfires should be close enough for marshmallow roasting but far away to prevent burning your hands. 

Also, remember that fires can burn synthetic materials. So, keep your fleece coat’s wellbeing in mind, as well as your own, next time you build a campfire. As for the distance from your tent, a good rule of thumb is 50 feet.

Extinguish Properly

Photo courtesy of REI.

According to the National Parks Service, almost 85% of wildland fires are caused by humans. This statistic includes campfires that are left unattended and not extinguished properly. 

To keep the site safe, be sure to extinguish the fire with water (but don’t stand too close to the steam), then stir the ashes and pour water again. You should repeat this process until the ashes are cool to the touch. 

Although some recommend it, don’t use dirt or sand to extinguish campfires. In doing so, hot coals can remain insulated and cause another flame. 

Before leaving the campsite, remember to burn trash that can be fully consumed by fire. Anything that can’t burn (e.g., plastic, cans, and aluminum foil) should be carried and thrown away accordingly. It’s just good etiquette! 

As nature lovers who live on the lake, we find it essential to leave no trace when camping. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your campfires are safe, effective, and fun! 

Tellico Village: A Retirement Paradise in Tennessee

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Lakeside Realty via Tellico Village – VisitLoudonCounty.com.

If you’re looking to retire on the lake, there’s likely a thousand questions running through your mind. Is this lake close enough to a hospital? Is the community close-knit? On many lakes, you may have to compromise one value for another. However, Tellico Village, a 5,000-acre resort for seniors on Tellico Lake, might have it all. 

With several high-quality amenities, including its status as a top waterfront and golfing community in the southeast, it’s a fantastic place to live. The thriving community with three recreation centers, peaceful landscape, and proximity to Knoxville make it especially ideal for retirees. To learn more about what makes Tellico Village special, we talked with Lake Homes Realty agent Karen Packett and retirees currently living in the neighborhood. According to these lake residents, here’s what makes Tellico Village a retirement paradise. 

Relaxing Environment

Smoky Mountains – TellicoVillage.org.

Situated at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Village is surrounded by stunning views. The adjacent forests are largely uninterrupted, leaving tranquil hiking paths for residents. Dave Morse, Tellico Village resident, and retiree, says a peaceful location was his top priority in picking a lake. “It’s an absolutely beautiful area, and sitting here and looking at the lake is wonderful. I have my boat that I’ll be parking right here and go for a ride anytime I want.” Besides natural beauty, the laid-back golfing lifestyle draws lots of residents to the community. With three premium golf courses and fun golf leagues for residents to join, this sport is a crucial part of the relaxed lifestyle at Tellico Village.

Inexpensive Costs

Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza Knoxville.

Mark Richer, another Tellico Village resident, and retiree, says that a primary selling point for him is Tennessee’s lack of state income tax. Further, property taxes are 50% lower than his previous home state. These factors provide him with financial security so he can focus energy on golfing and boating. Karen Packett adds that within Tennessee, “Loudon and Monroe counties have some of the lowest property taxes in the eastern area.” These stunningly low costs make Tellico Village highly affordable.

Warm Weather

Photo courtesy of TellicoVillage.org.

East Tennessee has a mild, four seasons climate. Specifically, around the upcoming fall season, Tellico Village residents can enjoy the foliage while enjoying the crisp air. Winters are short, and temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Mark Richer says that he moved to Tennessee from the Lake Michigan area for warmer weather and less snow. In retirement, he has more time to enjoy the mild climate and explore the lake. “Here, the lake is so big that you’d have to work hard to see the same thing twice,” he says, “I’m looking forward to driving my boat to Tennessee football games.” Mark and other Tellico Village residents have more months out of the year for quality lake time with the local warmer weather.

Social Life

Photo courtesy of TellicoVillage.org.

There are about a thousand ways to get involved at Tellico Village. Residents can choose from over 200 clubs, ranging from quilting to motorcycle riding, and get to know other retirees. If you’ve just moved in, the “New Villagers Club” facilitates social connections between new residents. Given the village’s active lifestyle, it’s no wonder that Ideal Living Magazine gave Tellico Village the award of 2016’s “Best Social Calendars.” 

Not only do residents rave about the myriad of clubs, but also about the friendships they’ve made. “The residents are truly some of the friendliest, nicest, and caring people I know,” says Karen Packett. “There is a wonderful diversity of income and race in Tellico Village. No one pays much attention to what you did before retirement; they just want to know how you want to have fun!” 

Urban Proximity

World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN – TNVacation.com.

Tellico Village is truly the best of both worlds — remote enough for natural landscapes, but close enough to an urban area for city amenities. The village is less than a 45-minute drive from the Knoxville Airport, Downtown Metro Knoxville, and Turkey Creek, an upscale shopping area. The area is also home to the University of Tennessee. Football fans living at Tellico Village can easily travel to college sporting events. The proximity of the university provides superior healthcare as well. Residents who need ongoing medical care can find providers at UT Medical Center; a top-ranked hospital. Overall, Knoxville has a fun downtown scene with restaurants, antique shopping, and an art museum. What’s not to love? 

At Lake Homes Realty, you’ll find agents with local expertise and national connections. Talk with one of our knowledgeable local agents like Karen Packett, to find your dream retirement location on the lake! 

Top Lake Movies by Genre

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Bohotribex – Instagram.

Here at Lake Homes Realty, we love movies about lakes. Just look at two of our previous blog posts, Lake Movies You Must See and Top Five Movies Set on the Lake, for proof. However, we recognize that everyone has different tastes when it comes to movies. Some shy away from horror and enjoy a feel-good romantic comedy, while others hate cheesy love stories and seek an adrenaline rush at the theater. Whatever your genre preference, we have a lake-related film recommendation for you. Check out our picks below!

Horror/Thriller

Let’s start with a classic. The first Friday the 13th (1980) film sparked an 11-movie franchise about Jason Voorhees, the iconic hockey-mask-wearing villain seeking revenge on camp counselors. The location, “Camp Crystal Lake,” was actually filmed at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, an active boy scout camp in Hardwick, NJ. Another classic is Hunt for Red October (1990). Filmed on Lake James in North Carolina, this high stakes thriller features Alec Baldwin as a CIA agent and Sean Connery as a Soviet submarine captain during the Cold War. If you don’t like action films, but you enjoy an element of mystery, check out House by the Lake (2017). Its plot features a family who is concerned about their daughter’s strange behavior, so they bring her to a lake house on Big Bear Lake, California ,to reconnect. As in most horror films — the eerie lake house is not as safe as they believe.

Romance

There are few settings more romantic than a cozy lake cottage, and we have the films to prove it. First, The Lake House (2006) takes place outside Chicago on Maple Lake. In this remake of the South Korean film II Mare, two tenants of the same glass lake house (Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock) are living two years apart. In a magical twist, they communicate through a mailbox that transports their letters through time. For another forbidden love story, check out The Best of Me (2014). Based on the Nicholas Sparks book, it chronicles Amanda (Michelle Monoghan) and Dawson (James Marsden), who fall in love as teenagers and reunite 20 years later. Their romantic reunion was filmed on Magnolia Plantation, LA, which has a private lake. For a slower-paced romance, the award-winning On Golden Pond (1981) is the movie for you. Its New England backdrop is the idyllic Squam Lake, NH. Although the movie is technically a family drama, the enduring love story between Norman (Henry Fonda) and Ethel (Katherine Hepburn) is central, proving that romantic premises in movies are not reserved for the young.

Drama

Both a sequel and a prequel to the highly acclaimed movie The Godfather, The Godfather Part II (1974) traces Vito (Robert DeNiro’s) life story of starting the Corleone crime family, as well as his son Michael (Al Pacino’s) continuation of the family business. Michael’s home in the film is a beautiful estate on Lake Tahoe. If you’re seeking less crime drama and more personal, soul-searching drama, Wild (2014) is a great choice. Based on a true story, Wild is about a young woman named Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) who hikes the arduous Pacific Crest Trail to piece her life back together. It was filmed near Crater Lake, Oregon, which is the deepest lake in the U.S. Finally, Lakeboat (2000) combines the seriousness of a drama with a conversational, indie delivery. Dale, a Harvard student, gets a summer job as a night cook aboard a bulk carrier vessel for lake boats on Lake Michigan (though it is filmed at Lake Ontario). The movie lacks a particular plot and chronicles Dale’s relationships with the crew members. 

Comedy

Nothing beats a good laugh – except maybe a laugh on the lake. This laughter is precisely the premise of Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005). Tom Baker (Steve Martin’s) scrappy, yet lovable family of 12 go to their family’s lake house for vacation and enter into a rivalry with the ostentatious Murdoch family. Set in Wisconsin, it was filmed on Stony Lake, Ontario. For more slapstick comedy, Grown Ups (2013) is about a group of childhood friends who reunite after 30 years at a lake house on Chebacco Lake, MA. Featuring legendary comedians like Adam Sandler and Maya Rudolph from Saturday Night Live, they learn that they still haven’t grown up after all this time. For less physical comedy and more subtle humor, an evergreen choice is The Parent Trap (1998). It features several scenes filmed on Lake Gregory, California– including the iconic moment when the twins leave their father’s young fiance, Meredith, floating on the lake. 

Whether you prefer to laugh, cry, or scream while watching a movie, there’s a lake-related film for you. Grab some popcorn and enjoy! 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Lake for Retirement

Posted on Camille Smith

As we’ve said before, there are countless benefits to retiring on the lake. We won’t rehash that. But how do you know which lake to pick? Last year’s list of best retirement lakes is an excellent place to start, but there’s more to the puzzle. It’s not about specific lake areas, but rather criteria that’s important to you. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled five factors that many retirees find essential in a lake for retirement. We hope this helps your search process!

Peaceful Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Getty Images via wealthmanagement.com.

After 40 plus years of working, you’re no stranger to stress, but retirement should minimize your stress. The lake lifestyle is all about a slower pace, enjoying the outdoors, and stopping to smell the roses. For Lake of the Ozarks retiree Ray Bixler, the sense of lakeside peace is crucial in choosing a lake for retirement. Growing up on the lake, he told Boatus.com, “I left the lake several times, boating on the Mississippi, then the Florida Keys, but as I approached 60, I knew where my heart wanted me to be.” This sense of serenity is even backed by science — studies suggest that even 20-30 minutes outdoors reduces cortisol levels. Especially as an older adult, protecting your mental health and lowering your stress levels is paramount to good overall health. 

Affordability

Photo courtesy of kiplinger.com.

It’s important to financially prepare for retirement. By being frugal and preparing for future expenses, you can maximize your retirement lifestyle. For instance, many retirees choose states like Tennessee or Texas with no state income tax to save money on their home. Instead, they may spend that money on retirement experiences like traveling or adopting new hobbies. If you’re adventurous, you may take after Joe and Karen Stermitz who sold their house to travel the world and pursue an affordable, exciting retirement. Retirement should be as stress-free as possible, and picking a lake home that won’t drain your savings will reduce your worries. Check out these affordable lake areas to start.

Access to Healthcare

Photo courtesy of Julia Kuo via The New York Times.

Access to good-quality healthcare is a concern for all retirees, but especially those living in rural areas. If you’re retiring on the lake, it’s essential to plan for potential health concerns. Dave Morse, a resident of Tellico Lake, enjoys owning a rural lake home close to the urban Knoxville, Tennessee. When he had cancer four years ago, he received high-quality treatment at the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute while maintaining his lake lifestyle. As for emergency services, it’s necessary for those who live on the lake to plan ahead. To prepare for events that require a fast response like cardiac arrests, Dr. Charlotte Yeh told the New York Times that those planning to retire in a remote location, like a lake home, should take first aid and CPR classes. 

Enjoyable Climate

Before retirement, you probably spent more time indoors than outdoors. Now that you’ve got time to enjoy your backyard, choose a destination where the climate is appealing. It’s all up to your personal preference. Some retirees love looking out on a frozen pond, watching the snow falling outside. Others feel the opposite. Paulette and Herve Chassin, retirees and residents of Lake Keowee, love that the local climate allows them to pursue their love of sailing. Considering that AARP’s list of best sunny places to retire includes Asheville NC, Sarasota FL, and San Diego, CA, the Chassins are not alone in seeking a warm-weather lake for retirement! 

Nearby Community

Photo courtesy of Twin Lakes Community.

According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, loneliness is prevalent among older adults. Although lake homes are great for privacy and natural beauty, they can add to this isolation. To remedy this, look for a retirement lake with social opportunities. “We have made numerous friends while here, as there are many entertainment options from spectacular downtown Greenville to the Brooks Center at Clemson University,” the Chassins say of their community. For a built-in social group, you can select a lake home in a retirement community like Tellico Village on Tellico Lake or White Bluff Resort on Lake Whitney. These two neighborhoods have plenty of social groups for retired residents, making them feel right at home. 

Covering over 3,000 in the United States, LakeHomes.com makes finding your lake for retirement easy!