Tag: lake lifestyle

Sun Protection Series #2: Why You Should Always Wear Sunglasses on the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Rheos.

When you hear the phrase “sun protection,” do you only think of sunscreen? Of course, using SPF is vital for healthy skin and cancer prevention. However, you may not realize that UVA and UVB rays can harm the eyes just like they can damage the skin. For lake homeowners who love spending time outdoors, wearing sunglasses is a critical step in practicing sun protection. Whether you spend $10 or $200, a pair of sunnies aren’t just for style, and Lake Homes is here to explain why.

How Does the Sun Affect My Eyes?

Photo courtesy of medexpress.com.

As John Denver once said in a song, “sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy, sunshine in my eyes can make me cry.” Despite Denver’s words, the sun can do a lot more to your eyes than cause tears. Sun exposure has positive benefits like improving eyesight, but too much exposure can cause eye damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, eyelid skin cancer accounts for 5-10% of skin cancer cases. Many people haven’t considered the possibility of eyelid cancer, but this unknown aspect makes it dangerous. Left untreated, it can cause tissue damage and even blindness. Sun exposure to the eyes can also result in other conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. These ailments can take a long time to develop, so it’s best to begin sun protection early on. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, babies and kids should wear sunglasses and hats just like adults. 

Why Are Sunglasses Important on the Lake?

Photo courtesy of njozilife.com.

If you own a lake home, you’re already spending a lot of time outside. As such, the increased frequency of sun exposure warrants more careful attention to sun protection. If you’re a hiker or cycler, UV intensity increases with altitude, making sun protection even more crucial. Additionally, a glaring (no pun intended) concern specific to lake dwellers is proximity to the water. According to Rebecca Berton, co-founder of Rheos Nautical Eyewear, “Water can reflect up to 100% of UV rays, doubling your exposure and increasing your risk of sun damage.” Water’s high refractive index can even result in corneal sunburn (snow blindness). This condition happens quickly and dramatically. In one instance, dog sled racer Doug Swingley developed corneal sunburn in seconds in the 2004 Iditarod sledding competition. Although water posits a lower risk than snow, it’s still possible.

What Are Some Good Sunglasses Brands?

Photo courtesy of Rheos.

Despite these plentiful risks, Rebecca shares that according to research, only half of Americans are likely to wear sunglasses near a water body. Whether due to ignorance of the threat or carelessness, there are ramifications for chronically skipping the sunglasses. To avoid contributing to the statistic, you can invest in a pair of well-made sunglasses. Rheos is one of these brands — their floatable lenses provide 100% UV protection and polarization. Rebecca describes, “We created a collection of eyewear built specifically for the water, so you can spend time doing what you love on the boat or dock without worrying about losing your shades. Your sunglasses should protect you and not the other way around.”

Another brand dedicated to sun protection on the water is Flying Fisherman. The glasses are designed specifically for fishing and boating. Flying Fisherman products have trademarked AcuTint lenses that eliminate reflective glare and add contrast and clarity to your vision. They also block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Vice president, Linda Sheldon, adds, “For 35 years, the biggest thing we’re known for is offering quality, affordable, polarized eyewear… we offer an excellent product for a very reasonable price.” Their glasses are available in 50 different styles for women, men, and kids. One of their kids’ styles, The Buoy, was featured in the Wall Street Journal. 

By investing in a high-quality pair of sunglasses, you’re investing in long-term skin and eye care. And you’ll look fabulous doing it!

Lake Activities: What Should You Do Today?

Posted on Camille Smith

From reading on the dock to water skiing, an endless amount of activities are at your fingertips when you own a lake home. Especially as summer is approaching, your options grow exponentially. With countless possibilities, choosing a lake activity can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve created this decision flowchart. Start at the top, answer each question, and discover what exciting feat you’re in for today!

Download Flowchart

Indoor Activities

If your result was in a turquoise box, get ready for a cozy, laid back day indoors. Greet the day with a slow yoga flow on your screened porch. By afternoon, maybe you’ll scour the pantry for ingredients to start a new recipe. Baking projects like homemade bread are more popular than ever, so now is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Even if you’re in short supply of cookbooks at your lake house, popular apps like New York Times Cooking and Yummly have hundreds of recipes.

Similarly, there’s no shortage of DIY projects at your disposal. Examine each room of your lake home and ask yourself what’s missing. Maybe a cute chalkboard, decor made of driftwood, or an outdoor fire pit. You can create any of these pieces on your own, so why not get started today? If you’re not feeling creative and need to use the day to recharge, try one of The Atlantic’s recommended quarantine reads for the summer. Or sink into the sofa watching a lake-themed movie. 

Outdoor Activities

If your result settled on a lime green box, you’re spending the day outdoors! The lake waters are getting warmer these days, so why not take advantage? Whether you’re practicing competitive swimming strokes, water skiing, or canoeing with a fishing rod in hand, enjoying the water in your backyard never gets old. If you’d prefer more green space than blue today, try exploring one of the hiking trails near your property. If you own a mountain bike, grab your helmet and start pedaling. Otherwise, bring a walking stick and go at your own pace. While you’re there, count how many different species of birds you can spot. Check out this bird identification guide to brush up on your ornithology skills. While most of these are solo activities, if you’re feeling social, you can turn the day into a small social gathering — once quarantine ends, of course. Your backyard is the perfect setting for a summer picnic. Bring a set of speakers, a blanket, and enjoy the view with your crew. 

The Day’s What You Make It

We hope this flowchart helps you determine what activity you’d most enjoy at your lake house today. However, this decision-making tool is certainly not prescriptive. Ultimately, your perfect day at the lake is whatever you want it to be. Whether you decide to squeeze in every activity on this list, pick just one, or none at all, what’s most important is that you enjoy your lake retreat on this summer day. From our lake home to yours — have fun!

Sun Protection Series #1: All You Need to Know About Sunscreen When at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith

As lake dwellers, we’ve all experienced a painful sunburn. While it’s no big deal to treat most sunburns at home with moisturizer and aloe vera, it’s best to reduce your burns because chronic, unprotected sun exposure can be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. To highlight the importance of sun protection on the lake, we’re launching a four-part blog series on this topic, beginning with a spotlight on sunscreen. To learn more about using sunscreen properly at the lake, we connected with Dr. Rina Allawh at Montgomery Dermatology near Philadelphia, PA, and Dr. Todd Minars from Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, FL. These dermatologists lent us their expert advice on the essentials of sun protection for lake lovers like us. 

What is SPF?

We’ve all seen this acronym on sunscreen bottles, but do we really know what it means? First, SPF stands for Sun Protective Factor, and it measures a product’s degree of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are two types of UV — UVA rays which penetrate deeper and cause the skin to age and UVB rays that are surface-level and cause the skin to burn. To filter out this harmful light, SPF was created. It’s available in two broad categories: chemical and physical. While chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays when they enter the skin, physical sunscreens include mineral compounds which sit on top of the skin and scatter and reflect UV rays. Both have costs and benefits. Recent studies suggest that some chemical sunscreen can be absorbed into the blood, but Dr. Allawh clarifies that there are currently no studies linking sunscreen to cancer. Regardless of which type of sunscreen you choose, the most crucial factor is simply using it. Dr. Minars emphasizes this importance: “Quite literally, applying sunscreen with SPF is the best anti-aging and skin care preventative step a person can take.”

What SPF Should I Use?

Dr. Allawh’s patients frequently ask her whether a high-numbered SPF is better. The answer depends less on the SPF and more on one’s application. She comments, “Many individuals purchase a higher SPF in hopes that they don’t have to reapply. In reality, a high-number SPF does not mean you can spend additional time outdoors unprotected. Reapplication is essential, especially after being in the water.” Although a higher SPF number does not protect your skin longer, it does have slightly more coverage from the sun’s UVB rays. For instance, SPF 30 blocks 97% of these rays, and higher numbers will provide 98% coverage and above. However, Dr. Allawh adds, “No sunscreen, in reality, can block 100% of the sun’s rays.” Finally, when picking out a sunscreen, make sure that the term “broad spectrum” is on the label, demonstrating that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to check the expiration date!

How Much Should I Apply?

Dr. Allawh recommends applying a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen to the entire face daily. If you’re spending time outside on the lake, she recommends applying one shot glass amount of sunscreen to your exposed skin. Although it’s a common practice to only reach for the sunscreen when it’s sunny outside, it’s just as important to wear SPF on cloudy or overcast days. Especially between the hours of 10am-2pm, the sun’s rays are exceptionally strong, and it’s critical to apply the recommended amount of SPF. Dr. Allawh says, “a helpful tip I recommend to my patients: When your shadow is shorter than you are… seek shade!” 

What Products Should I Use?

Photo courtesy of Prevention.com.

The answer to this question depends on your skin features and whether your goal is repair or protection. For everyday use, while lounging on your boat dock, Dr. Minars suggests a rub-on SPF sunscreen like Neutrogena Beach Defense. Its 80-minute water resistance is ideal for lake environments. If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, Dr. Allawh suggests products that are light and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t block your pores) such as Elta MD UV Clear, LaRoche Posay Anthelios, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch. She notes that “they have a nice buildable texture which is ideal for applying before any make-up.” If you’ve already accumulated skin damage from years enjoying the sun, it isn’t too late. Dr. Minars recommends AlphaRet cream products from Skinbetter Science for skin repair. Although this product is less potent than a dermatologist’s prescription, their key ingredients of retinoid and lactic acid rejuvenate and repair the skin. 

In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for more blog posts in our Sun Protection Series. For now, apply some sunscreen and get outdoors!

Lucky Lake Living: St. Patrick’s Day Events In Our Lake Areas

Posted on Camille Smith
March 17th St Patrick's Day

For lake homeowners, day-to-day life is already overflowing with greenery from the amazing views of nature that surround us. However, there’s a day once a year where things at the lake are especially green. That’s right — we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A religious and cultural celebration honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this holiday is recognized throughout the U.S. For some, it’s a peaceful time of introspection, honoring Lent, and attending religious services. For others, it’s a day to wear as much green as possible, find the nearest parade, and hit the Irish pubs. Whatever your intention on this holiday, these St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in our lake areas are certainly worth checking out.

Sham ‘Rock the Block’ — Lake George, NY

Man in keg tossing contest
Photo courtesy of The Sun.

In upstate New York, just a few hours north of the city, the community at Lake George will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a two-day event centered around Duffy’s Tavern called Sham ‘Rock’ the Block. Duffy’s, a traditional Irish pub, is a beloved landmark of the area for both residents and visitors. At this festival, you can expect to enjoy traditional Irish music, amazing food (think corned beef and Reuben sandwiches), and arts and crafts activities that will be fun for the family. On Saturday, March 14th, from the upper deck of the tavern, you can get views of both the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the amazing Lake George in the background.

Live Music Weekend — Deep Creek, MD

Live music bag pipes
Photo courtesy of Deep Creek Blog.

In the Deep Creek Lake area, there’s no shortage of activities going on over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. A major highlight of the festivities is the number of live music shows that you can discover in the area. If you head over to the Honi-Honi Bar on Saturday, March 14th, you can join the St Patrick’s Day Party featuring cover tunes from the band Time Flies. While you’re out on the town, find out who’s playing at other bars and breweries in the area. Also on March 14th, E May is playing at Moonshadow at 8pm, and Ronnie Boroughs is performing at the Black Bear Tavern at 6pm. No matter where you end up, don’t miss an opportunity to see live music in Deep Creek.

St. Pat’s Booze Cruise — Lake Michigan, IL

pat's booze cruise lake michigan
Photo courtesy of Chicago Party Boat.

If your vision of St. Patrick’s Day involves lots of dancing, drinking, and proximity to a major city, Chicago’s Booze Cruise is the event for you. If you book a ticket for this two-hour cruise, on March 14th, you’ll find yourself aboard a luxury yacht on the great Lake Michigan. Whether you’ll opt to stay on the interior deck or check out the open-aired top deck of the boat, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing lakeside views while dancing to the DJ’s party playlist on one of the dance floors.

Parade and Shamrock Festival — Smith Mountain Lake, VA

st patrick's day parade handing out candy
Photo courtesy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Smith Mountain Lake is a popular vacation spot for Virginians and out-of-state visitors alike. Resting in a valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Roanoke region, this lake is primarily known for water sports and fishing (especially for striped bass). As if Smith Mountain Lake doesn’t have enough going on, the region is abuzz over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They host the Freedom First St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 11:00am, at which the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to make an appearance. Throughout the day from 10:00am-5:00pm, you can check out the exciting music festival called the Shamrock Festival featuring bands such as Jive Mother Mary and Strung Like a Horse.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Lake of the Ozarks, MO

st patrick's day parade hanging out beads
Photo courtesy of Lake News Online.

If you find yourself in the Lake of the Ozarks region in Central Missouri, you won’t want to miss the 30th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 1:00pm. Sponsored by the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, this historic area of the region is where the parade takes place. Between marching bands and decorative floats, you can check out the local restaurants and stop in for corned beef sandwiches. 

No matter which event you attend, whether it’s one of these five or in your nearby lake area, be sure to wear your green this St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate!

Creating a Haunted Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

It’s mid-October, and the spooky season is upon us. It’s time to pick out costumes, start planning Halloween parties, and buy endless bags of candy corn. This holiday is particularly fitting for those of us who live on the lake. When it comes to evoking a haunted, intriguing autumn feel, there’s no better environment than a fog-covered lake and a house full of Halloween decorations. Whether you’re gathering around your outdoor fire pit to tell ghost stories or turning your back porch into a pumpkin patch, the abundant trees, and remote location will create the perfect spooky atmosphere. To amplify this perfect lakeside Halloween setting, we have some tips on how to turn your lake house into a fun haunted adventure.

Spooky Wreaths

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SpoOkY Bones 💀🎃🕷

A post shared by Holiday Baubles (@holidaybaubles) on

By hanging a spooky wreath, you’ll show your guests that you’re committing to the Halloween theme before they even step into your home. Like the photo above, you can invoke the Friday the 13th theme, a scary movie that takes place on the lake. Or you can create your own DIY craft. For example, you could make a black wreath with sticks jutting out in every direction, and even place a fake crow in the mix to add a spooky touch to your door. Before entering your haunted lake house, your guests will have a small taste of what to expect.

Bowls of Treats

Plastic pumpkins filled with Halloween candy
Photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping.

There’s no better way to embrace the Halloween season than with candy. During this time of year, there’s always an abundance of tasty treats at your local stores. If you prefer to make your own snacks, there are plenty of easy and fun recipes for Halloween snacks. Pick your favorite spooky treats and add them to your scary decor scheme. Whether you use small decorative bowls, pumpkins, or cauldrons to hold your tasty treats, your guests will be thankful that there are a few treats among all the tricks that your haunted lake house might play. 

Witch’s Cauldron

Image courtesy of Amazon

One surefire way to ensure that spookiness is in the air at your lake house is by investing in a smoky witch’s cauldron. To set up this decoration, buy a large plastic black cauldron, suspend it with three long sticks, and add water and dry ice. Especially if it’s already an overcast day, the mysterious fog from your cauldron will create a genuinely ghostly setting for telling scary stories by the fire on your patio. If you use the same setup on the lakeside of your home, you might even impress your neighbors across the slough. 

Graveyard Tombstones

Decorative funny Halloween graveyard tombstones
Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.

A classic Halloween yard decoration that never gets old is a makeshift graveyard. You can use cardboard and spray paint to create ghostly tombstones and arrange them in your front yard or near your dock, and put them on display with spotlights. With this decoration, you can aim for laughs like in the photo above, or you can make them a little more sinister. Whichever you choose, the Fall lakeside atmosphere is sure to provide the perfect eerie backdrop for a graveyard at your haunted lake house. 

Funny Skeleton fishing on lake Halloween humor
Photo courtesy of Home is Where the Boat is.

We hope that these spooky ideas inspire you to start decorating your own lake house for Halloween. Between the chill in the air, the fog drifting over the lake, and all your creative decorations, you’ll have the perfect haunted house in no time. If you’re looking for more holiday tips and decor inspiration, make sure to check out our articles here.

Lake Living is Healthy Living

Posted on Staff

The benefits of lake property ownership and the lake lifestyle are boundless. 

Woman in cobra yoga pose, healthy living at the lake

Your cabin on the water provides you with a place to spend your summers with family and friends; a quiet fishing retreat and somewhere to enjoy the wonders of retirement. 

However, did you know lake living can be considered healthy living, too? 

According to a recent health-science research, living on or near the lake can boost your immune system, combat high blood pressure, and even alleviate some symptoms associated with dementia. 

Nature Improves Memory Recall

According to a University of Michigan psychological study, interacting with nature can improve your short-term memory and attention span by 20%. 

Study participants spent an hour walking around different areas of the university’s campus. One group walked near a botanical garden and arboretum, the other down city streets. 

After their walk, the group exposed to plants and trees showed improved recall and focus while the second group showed no improvement at all. 

Additional research indicates that spending time outdoors can also facilitate better overall brain function and improved mental clarity.

Individuals with dementia reported increased awareness, better short-term recall, and reduced aggression and agitation after spending time outdoors. 

Imagine how significantly prolonged exposure to lake environments rich with trees, plants, and wildlife could impact memory function and concentration in residents aging into their golden years. 

The Great Outdoors Relieves Hypertension

Elderly man sitting lakeside surrounded by beautiful greenery
Photo courtesy of ValleyLo Club via Instagram.

A 2018 study conducted by the University of East Anglia concluded that “greenspace exposure” reduces a person’s risk of developing type II diabetes and heart disease. 

Time spent in the great outdoors was also found to lower people’s cortisol levels (a stress-associated chemical), reduce diastolic blood pressure, and improve sleep quality and duration. 

One research experiment cited a “significant reduction in blood pressure in elderly patients” with hypertension after they spent seven days and seven nights in an evergreen forest.   

A similar phenomenon called the “blue mind effect” also impacts stress, anxiety, and overall mental health. The phenomenon’s associated research reports that being near, in, on, and even under the water can make a person healthier and happier. 

Similar to forest bathing, or the act of spending time in nature, spending time near blue spaces like the lake puts people in a mildly meditative state that promotes introspective thought, relaxation, and creativity.  

Being Outside Improves Immune System Function

Family members jet skiing and kayaking on lake
Photo courtesy of Paws Up.

Greenspace and blue space exposure together can improve immune function, as well.

Psychologists who study how one’s state of mind affects his state of health report chronic stress and depression can severely damage a person’s ability to fight off germs. 

Spending time outdoors and near the lake puts the body into what the University of Illinois environment and behavior researcher, Ming Kuo, calls “rest and digest mode.”

In this mode, a person feels relaxed, calm and safe, which allows the body to pump resources into the immune system.

Time spent outside also feeds the body sun-produced Vitamin D and other naturally occurring vitamins and nutrients, providing one’s immune system an extra boost.

For example, trees and other plants give off “phytoncides,” which humans take in when they breathe fresh air. These airborne chemicals protect plants from insects, bacteria and fungal diseases. 

In humans, exposure to phytoncides increases white blood cells in the body that fight off tumor- and virus-infected cells. 

Essentially, spending time at the lake and in the forest can help fight and possibly prevent some cancers.

Forget an “apple a day”! The saying may as well be changed to “enjoying the lake every day keeps the doctor away!”

For more lake lifestyle advice and tips, visit here.

Top 5 Lake Areas to View the Best Fall Foliage

Posted on Camille Smith

Although temperatures in the Northeast may be above 70 degrees and it’s still appropriate to walk outside in shorts, don’t be fooled — Fall is certainly around the corner. Along with this seasonal shift, our beach vacations are becoming a thing of the past for 2019, but that doesn’t mean that our lake living has to end. When planning a weekend to the lake this Fall, one of the most popular activities is taking a road trip to check out the changing leaves. This October is the prime time to scout out the best Fall foliage in the Northeast. Of course, there is no better backdrop for autumn leaves than a panoramic view of a serene lake. Whether you’re in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or anywhere in between, these are some of our favorite lakes to view the best fall foliage. 

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland during the fall
Photo courtesy of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce via NorthernVirginiaMag.com.

At this gorgeous lake in Maryland, you really can have it all. With its four season climate in the mid-Atlantic region, a perfect blend of serene nature views combined with commercial luxuries, you can enjoy your lake house here all year long. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Deep Creek State Park for a hiking or camping adventure. As peak season for the changing leaves approaches in late October, it’s the perfect time to browse through our listings to find your home away from home.

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont during the fall
Photo courtesy of Vermonter.com.

Beginning in the delightful small town of Newport, Vermont and extending all the way to Magog, Quebec, Lake Memphremagog is a 31-mile freshwater glacial lake. In addition to serving as a functional source of drinking water for thousands of people, this expansive body of water is also surrounded by breathtaking views of golden Autumn leaves. If you’re looking to get to know the area and catch some trout, bass, or catfish, Gardner Memorial Park has family-friendly fishing access on the shores of Lake Memphremagog. You might even catch a glimpse of the alleged Memphremagog monster that, according to some viewers, resides in the waters. You’ll find a selection of listed homes set along Lake Memphremagog here on our website.

Lake Harmony – Split Rock in Pennsylvania

Lake Harmony serene during autumn
Photo courtesy of Split Rock Resort.

When dreaming of fall leaves, mountains, and a life on the lake, you might find the perfect spot in our listings on Lake Harmony. As a reservoir in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and stunning views of autumn foliage. For kid friendly activities, check out the Split Rock Water Park, and for those with an eye for adventure, there’s plenty of snow sports and water sports. Whatever the activity, you’re sure to be surrounded by a peaceful, lush landscape.

Finger Lakes in New York 

Finger Lakes in New York during Fall
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times.

In addition to being known for amazing wine, the Finger Lakes region near Rochester, New York is also renowned for its impressive views of fall foliage. Lake living in the region is done on one of the eleven lakes that create the “fingers” in the famous name. October is a great month to visit the area for the foliage views. Although it isn’t winter yet, you can also use the chairlifts at the Bristol Mountain Ski Resort to get an overhead view of every Fall color in the valley. For an aerial glimpse that’s a bit more adventurous, you can also book a hot air balloon ride through the end of October. While in the area, be sure to also check out the historic sites in the region, including several museums.

Chautauqua-Allegheny in New York

Serene lake during autumn with colorful trees
Photo courtesy of Empire State Development via Conde Nast Traveler.

With the massive Lake Erie on the northern end, the rustic and historic Chautauqua-Allegheny area in New York also includes Bear Lake, Cassadaga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, and Findley Lake that you can check out this Fall. Whether you want to go fishing, boating, or spot wildlife, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone in this beautiful region. Chautauqua-Allegheny also boasts a few unique attractions such as Allegany State Park and Griffis Sculpture Park. Regardless of your chosen pastime, you’re sure to get amazing views of golden brown, red, and yellow autumn leaves – especially in peak season around mid-October.

As October approaches, it’s time to trade swimwear for Fall sweaters, hop in the car, and check out these colorful, impressive views of Northeastern foliage this season. You may just find your dream lake home in the process. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Grilling Recipes to Rock Your Summer

Posted on Staff
grilling recipes that rock, colorful kabobs on the grill

Article co-authored by Lake Homes Realty intern Trey Yanity

The best summer has sunshine, a day at the lake and a hot grill!

These three grilling recipes are simple, quick-fix dishes that will have the whole family asking for more.

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp

These shrimp start deliciously tangy then hit you with a savory punch. To combat the heat, sweet and spicy grilled shrimp are best served with a side of warm pasta or rice.

This grilling recipe is easy, cost-effective, and will leave you feeling like the top chef of the entire lake.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of chili-garlic sauce 
  • ½ cup of honey
  • 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Directions:

Before lighting your fire, lightly oil your grill’s grate to prevent your shrimp from sticking. 

While that preheats to medium heat, stir your chile-garlic sauce and honey together in a small bowl. Next thread your shrimp onto your soaked bamboo skewers, piercing through the head and tail ends.

Once medium heat is achieved, lay your skewers on the grill and brush your shrimp with your chile-garlic and honey sauce. 

Turn your shrimp over to cook on their opposite sides frequently, and continue basting them each time they flip. 

After about 10 minutes, when your shrimp are firm and pink on both sides, remove your kabobs from the grill and serve.

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Grilled Lemon Chicken

Flavorful, sweet and zesty, you can’t go wrong with this white meat classic. A great choice for healthy eaters, this chicken dish is less than 300 calories per serving. 

Add a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus to complete your meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup of lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp of Dijon mustard
  • 2 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp of finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 tsp of ground black pepper
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Directions:

In a bowl, mix your lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. This will serve as your chicken marinade. 

Set aside 1/4 cup of the mixture to use for basting. 

Place your chicken breasts in the remaining marinade and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.  

During this time, preheat your grill to high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

When the meat is marinated to your satisfaction, drain and discard the marinade from the bowl, and place your chicken on the grill. 

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until the juices run clear, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Alaskan BBQ Salmon

For the fresh fish lovers in your family or friend group, this mix of smokey and sweet will delight even the pickiest taste buds.

This dish takes 17 minutes to cook, but we promise the wait is certainly worth the reward with this fantastic grilling recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 1 dash of liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 (4 pound) whole salmon filet

Directions: 

Preheat the grill for high heat. Next mix together your brown sugar, honey, liquid smoke flavoring and vinegar. 

Baste one side of your salmon filet with your sweet and savory sauce and place on the grill, basted side down. 

Cook for seven to eight minutes and generously baste the exposed side of your filet. Flip your fish over and continue cooking for another seven to eight minutes.

Add another layer of sauce before turning your filet over for a final time, and finish cooking for another two minutes. 

Salmon is typically best served when cooked to medium, at which point your fish will be moist and flakey.

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Sweet Extras

This summer, try grilling recipes for more than your traditional outdoor fare by popping a few peach slices on the coals. 

Cook your peaches when your coals are in their “twilight stage” or after they have burned out but are still hot. 

The heat elevates the flavor and releases the juices in your fruit, making it the perfect side dish or ice cream topping. 

Satisfy even more cravings this summer by checking out our “Summer Sips and Spirits” story and testing your taste buds on these “5 Delicious Grilling Recipes You’ve Never Tried (But Should).”

Making Waves with Tony Luna – A Tiny Home Story

Posted on Staff

Many real estate agents enjoy spending their spare time engaged in activities unrelated to the industry.

But for Tony Luna, a Lake Homes Realty agent on Tennessee’s Center Hill Lake, he can’t get enough of the lake real estate scene, his newest hobby combining his love of the water and passion for real estate: building tiny homes along the lakeshore.

“I’d watched enough TV to know tiny homes were gaining popularity across the country,” Luna said about how he was introduced to the tiny home niche. “No one around here was doing it, so I decided I would give it a try.”

Luna explained one of the reasons the area had so few tiny homes, or properties smaller than 1,000 square feet in size, is because of the restrictions many of the lake’s communities and subdivisions have regarding minimum square footage. Most, he said, have a minimum 1,800-square-foot rule.

Casa Luna, as the project was dubbed, would be 600 square feet when completed, which meant finding a place to build could prove difficult.

However, as fate would have it, a friend had the perfect property for sale, and Luna was able to purchase a piece of land near the lake’s Sligo Marina with no size restrictions. Even better, the property had a beautiful, year-round view of the Center Hill Lake waterfront.

But soon thereafter, the real estate agent ran into another snag in his plans.

Many of the contractors he spoke with weren’t interested in such a small build, citing the multi-thousand square foot jobs were where the money was.

In Tennessee, property owners are permitted to build one home without having a contractor’s license. So, without an outside contractor to build his tiny abode, Luna committed to taking on the challenge himself.

Growing up, Luna’s family owned a marina much like the one in Sligo where his tiny home would be located. Both places were dotted with “shed-roof” style rental cabins that Luna incorporated into Casa Luna’s design.

“I drew-up the floorplan on a napkin,” Luna said, “and then I taped the whole house out in a parking lot so I could get a better sense of the layout’s flow. I knew where I wanted the kitchen, bedroom and living area to be, but I found out on my walk-through that I didn’t like the bathroom placement.”

“I knew I wanted to build a shed-roof tiny home as a sort of homage to Sligo Marina’s original cabins and to my roots,” he explained.

He had no intention of selling, at least not initially, he confessed.

Ground broke in June 2017 and construction continued for roughly seven months before Casa Luna was complete.

All the while, Luna chronicled the building’s progress on his social media accounts and immediately gained attention from lake lovers across the state looking to buy his finished project.

“I lived in the house for about six months and had several people ask me about selling. I finally thought, ‘well I’ll list it and see if anything comes of it,’” Luna said.

Within 30 minutes of listing the property, he had a bite, and within 12 hours, Luna had accepted an offer from a financial advisor who had been following his story online.

Today the property’s new owner uses the Center Hill Lake tiny home as an Airbnb, which she tells Luna has been one of the best investments she’s ever made.

As for the potential for more tiny home builds across Center Hill Lake, Luna said a tiny home boom is unlikely.

He explained, “even though we do have a lot of land listings on the market here, many of them are located within subdivisions where you can’t build tiny homes, or they are in old fishing camps from the 1970s that were originally divided into small lots. Today, you have to buy multiple lots to have a space big enough to build, and in those cases, it becomes a big undertaking to contact multiple owners of individual lots just to build one tiny home.”

However, that’s not stopping Luna from continuing with his hobby. In fact, “Casa Luna II” will be completed by the end of August.

“I think the tiny home trend will continue to grow. Younger generations are starting to buy on our lakes, and these minimalist homes are exactly what they are looking for,” he said.

In addition to their compact design and less severe impact on the environment, Luna also said tiny homes are attractive because they are so much like the lake’s luxury properties, but on a smaller scale.

“My tiny home projects are on permanent foundations, just like the homes on the lake now. And I build these homes with the highest quality materials,” he continued. “I use high-end hardwoods, all custom cabinets, real granite counter-tops… the panoramic door on Casa Luna II costs $8,000 alone.”

Luna plans to list his second tiny home in about two weeks, and will then take a break from building for the next year, but he assures his followers this is not the end of his tiny home journey.

Until his return to the construction scene, Luna will continue serving the Center Hill Lake community as the area’s lake real estate expert, developing new designs and searching for land where he can embark on his next not-so-tiny adventure.