Get Caught up in These Lake-Centric Stories

The only thing better than cozying up with a good book on a lazy day is curling up with that book lakeside.

So settle into your favorite Adirondack chair, grab your sleekest pair of shades and dive into these best-selling lake-centric stories.

The Lake

Book cover of "The Lake", a lake-centric story

By: Banana Yoshimoto, translated by Michael Emmerich

Awards: 2011 Longlist Man Asian Literary Prize

After her mother’s death, Chihiro moves to Tokyo, where it seems the only thing she’s got the energy to do is gaze out the window.

One day, something changes in her all-to-familiar view: a young man appears in the window opposite hers.

Before Chihiro knows it, she has fallen in love with the boy in the window, Nakajima, an introvert who is just as lonely and heartbroken as she is.

A trip to a beautiful lake helps Chihiro discover and unravel the bizarre secrets from Nakajima’s past and his shocking involvement in a strange religious cult.

Despite their differences and traumatic histories, the pair finds hope for their future.

The Woman in the Lake

Woman on beach, book cover of "The Woman in the Lake"

By: Nicola Cornick

Awards: USA TODAY Best-selling Author

From best-selling author Nicola Cornich, history and mystery come together in this lake-centric story of two women with eerily similar pasts, just 250 years apart.

London in 1765 is no stranger to secrets and luxury, especially when it comes to the Gerard family, a respectable couple of Georgian society.

After a brutal night with her husband, Lady Isabelle Gerard orders her maid to destroy the gorgeous golden gown she was wearing in order to rid herself of the evening’s horrific memory. Little does she know how her life will change forever when a few months later, a woman’s body wearing the dress washes up on the lakeshore.  

Flash forward to 2015, Fenella Brightwell – a recent divorcee fresh out of an abusive marriage– unexpectedly reunites with a gown she stole from a historic home during her childhood.

As she discovers more information about the connection between the gown, Isabella Gerard’s and her own life, Fenella discovers the similarities between them.

Enchanted and perplexed by the power of the gown, Fenella fears what the future has in store for her.

Lost Lake: A Novel

Forest with twinkly lights - The cover of lake-centric story "Lost Lake"

By:Sarah Addison Allen

Awards: New York Times Bestseller

Lost Lake has always been Eby Pim’s favorite place to make memories.

But since her husband’s passing and with the rest of her extended family long gone, she cannot seem to find the closure and peace she was once able to find at her home on the lakeside.

It’s for these reasons that Eby decides to spend one final summer at the property before selling it to a developer who is more-than-ready to take it off her hands.

But before she sells, opportunity knocks on her door offering a fresh start and a second chance at the family she’s always dreamed of. Will she take it?

A lake story about love, life and death, this New York Times best-seller will make you yearn for a second chance of your own on the lakeshore.

Summer at the Lake

By: Erica James

Awards: Sunday Times Top Ten Bestsellers

Floriana, an Oxford tour guide, has made the mistake of a lifetime.

For two years, Floriana had escaped speaking to Seb, the love of her life to whom she had never even admitted her feelings for.

That is, until she finds herself stuck on the shores of Lake Como, forced to feign happiness for his upcoming nuptials.

In her state of shock and distraction, she steps in front of a moving car, leading to an unlikely friendship between her rescuers Adam and Esme.

This unfortunate chain of events helps Floriana experience the best and happiest moments of her life in this lake-centric story of self-discovery.

For more must-read book recommendations, check out our articles “The 6 Best Books to Get Lost in This Summer” and “The 4 Best Novels for Fall on the Lake”!

Top 7 Lake Inflatables

Article co-authored by LakeHomes.com intern Gabrielle France

Sunscreen, swimsuits, sodas, and snacks are all important but don’t forget to pack this summer’s hottest lake inflatables before hitting the water this lake season. 

Sun Pleasure Party Bird Island Giant Flamingo and Unicorn Floats

You’re sure to turn a few heads with this giant flamingo float from Sun Pleasure!

Cruise across the lake or anchor off near your dock with up to six of your friends in this 10-foot-tall, eye-catching, neon pink inflatable.

Sunbathe in style as you lounge on comfortable seats, and keep cool with water tickling your toes from beneath the float’s mesh bottom. 

Its built-in cooler and cup holders add to the Giant Flamingo’s appeal, allowing riders to enjoy the water all day long.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. 

Along with their Giant Flamingo inflatable, Sun Pleasure also presents the Giant Unicorn Float –  a 10-foot-tall, rainbow lake toy that’s out-of-this world. 

Find both on amazon.com today!

Intex Splash’N Chill Island

Create your own island oasis with the Splash’N Chill by Intex.

This two-part float can seat up to seven of your friends on its three-seat sun deck and rounded sofa-style seating area.

Lean back and relax as you dip your toes in the water through the float’s open bottom, and grab a cold one from its convenient built-in cooler.

The Splash’N Chill Island measures 145’’ x 125’’ x 20’’ and comes with a fillable anchor bag and a repair patch kit. You can purchase this must-have summer toy at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon for about $90. 

Aqua Treadmill

Travel the lake at top speed (10 mph) this summer in the WOW Aqua Treadmill – a human-powered vehicle for the water that holds up to three people in its 48-inch-wide cockpit. 

The brightly colored 74’’ x 74’’ x 61’’ Aqua Treadmill is not only great for recreation, but also for a fun, alternative workout this summer. 

Twenty years in the making, this hamster wheel on the water provides a truly unique inflatable experience for lake lovers both old and young.

Available on Wow Watersports Official Website and Amazon.com, you can purchase this unique lake toy for $250.  

Inflat-A-Bull

Bring the rodeo to the water this summer with the Inflat-A-Bull

Photo-realistic printing gives this inflatable the character of a real mechanical bull that will make you question if you are a true championship bull rider or just someone going for a casual ride.

Grab the bull by the horns and take on the beast by having friends and family use one of the five durable handles to try to toss you off into the water while you channel your inner cowboy by grabbing the pull rope or handles to keep yourself from being bucked off.

Why not saddle up on this 94’’ x 77’’ x 32’’ bull and challenge yourself to a water rodeo by purchasing it on Amazon.com for $35?  

The float holds up to 220 pounds and will bring hours of fun competition to your day on the lake.

Swimline Giant Inflatable Swan

Be the life of the party with the picture-worthy giant swan float from Swimline.

Famous online and in print,  this 6-foot-float will help you relax on your next lake getaway. 

Make a statement and many memories by purchasing Swimline’s endless fun-float at amazon.com!

Airhead Hot Dog 3-Person Towable Tube

If you’ve been craving a new water toy, The Hot Dog Tube by Airhead can satisfy your hunger. 

This lake season enjoy taking on the waves on this banana boat-style tube designed for one to three riders. Measuring at 103’’ long and 44’’ wide, the Hot Dog Tube can hold up to 520 pounds of toppings for your next lake day.

The Hot Dog Tube also comes in a two-seater and five-seater design. 

“Ketchup” with the newest lake trends with this towable available at Overton’s.com and Amazon.com for $189.99.

Serious swimmers only, no weenies allowed.

You thought the lake couldn’t be more fun, but this collection is guaranteed to excite! As always, let us know if you find a great water toy that’s not mentioned here. 

Lake Living – What Homeowners Love Most

older couple enjoying lake living while rowing a boat

Lake living is the best, at least we’re inclined to think so. But who can blame us? We are the lake people.

But before you decide whether the lake life’s right for you, take a look at some of the things lake homeowners love most about the lake lifestyle.

Innumerable Beautiful Sunsets

Sunsets may be one of the universe’s most mesmerizing creations.

They turn the skies from beautiful blue into vibrant pinks, oranges and reds, smears of purple streaked with elongated tendrils of sunbeams.

After a long day of swimming, boating, fishing and grilling there’s nothing more captivating or more calming than the sun setting over a glass-smooth lake.

And no matter how many days you spend staring out toward the horizon from your lake home, each day brings a sunset completely unlike the day before.

Fourth of July

Hundreds of lakes across the country roll out the red carpets for out-of-this-world Fourth of July festivities.

Family-friendly activities include spectacular fireworks displays, poker runs, boat parades and concerts by local artists.

Even if your lake doesn’t put on a grand show, most permit lake homeowners to privately shoot fireworks from their docks, decks and backyards.

Plus, no matter the degree to which you party for patriotism, at the lake you can always count on there being good ole’ home-cooked food for the soul.

Family Time

We all lead busy lives, and sometimes it’s hard to find time for quality family bonding. 

That’s not the case at the lake. In fact, all the time you spend at the lake can be time spent with family, be it with those related to you by blood or the family members you choose to share the lake with. 

At the lake, family time isn’t necessarily characterized by sharing stories around the dinner table, though that’s certainly one option. 

No, for most lake homeowners, family moments shared at the lake take place around fire pits and grills, on floaties and rope swings, and in the kitchen while the summer showers roll through. 

The Memories Made

Ask any lake homeowner, or any lake lover for that matter, what their favorite memories are, and you’re guaranteed to hear a litany of wonderful things that happened at the lake.

That’s because the lake is made for making memories.

The lake is where grandfathers teach their grandkids to fish, where favorite uncles grill the best hamburgers, and where sons and daughters learn to swim.

It’s the perfect place to gather in celebration of birthdays, holidays and milestones, like graduations and baby showers.

And the lake is where s’mores are first tasted, minnows are captured as pets and where some of life’s best lessons are learned.

Memories made at the lake are more than special, they are priceless.

It’s all these things and more than make lake living so worthwhile. They are why buying a lake home is more than a real estate transaction, it’s attaining a lifestyle; it’s buying the lake experience. 

If you’re ready to invest in your best future, let us — the lake people — help make your dream a reality. 

Songs of Summer – A Lake Day Playlist

Whether you’re riding the waves or firing up the grill, every lake day could use a soundtrack. 

The lake lifestyle doesn’t discriminate, so why should we? Our musical tastes are as diverse as the lakes we love, so let’s get the party started with these eclectic songs of summer. 

 

1. Fourth of July – Shooter Jennings 26. Waves – Mr. Probz
2. Where the Boat Leaves From – Zac Brown Band 27. Good Feeling – Flo Rida
3. Reality (Radio Edit) – Lost Frequencies

28. Black Water – The Doobie Brothers

4. Island in the Sun – Wheezer 29. Sailing – Christopher Cross
5. Vacation – Sam Hunt 30. Up on Cripple Creek – The Band
6. Cool for the Summer – Demi Lovato 31. American Pie – Don McLean
7. Wannabe – Dylan Schneider 32. The River – Garth Brooks
8. Easy – Faith No More 33. Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
9. Beautiful Day – U2 34. Sea of Love – The Honeydrippers
10. Ants Marching – Dave Matthews Band 35. Purple Rain – Prince
11. Some Beach – Blake Shelton 36. Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival
12. Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae 37. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
13. Breeze off the Pond – Justin Timberlake 38. Whiskey River – Willie Nelson
14. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys 39. If I had a Boat – Lyle Lovett
15. Castaway – Zac Brown Band 40. Have a Nice Day – Bon Jovi
16. Cheeseburger in Paradise – Jimmy Buffet 41. Island Song – Zac Brown Band
17. Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees 42. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake 
18. Africa – Toto 43. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes – Jimmy Buffet
19. We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel 44. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
20. The Only Place – Best Coast 45. Summer Breeze – Seals and Crofts
21. All Star – Smash Mouth 46. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
22. Sun Daze – Florida Georgia Line 47. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
23. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini – Bryan Hyland 48. Best Day of My Life – American Authors
24. Float Your Boat – Ryan Follese 49. Dance With Me – Lost Frequencies
25. Be the Lake – Brad Paisley 50. Just Another Day in Paradise – Phil Vassar
   

 

Keep the good times coming for another 40 tracks with our Ultimate Top 40 Boating Playlist.

If you’re looking to chill and relax, check out our Lakeside Chill – A Lake House Relaxation Playlist.

Fourth of July Festivals for Your Family

Flashy fireworks, hot dogs, boat parades, and live music—the makings of the best Fourth of July festival around.

father and son on dock holding American flag

As far west as Idaho or in the most northeastern corner of the U.S. in Maine, you’re sure to find an Independence Day celebration worth shouting about.

But in case you don’t know where to start your search, we recommend you look to your lakes for family-friendly July Fourth festivities you won’t forget.

Coeur d’Alene Lake, Idaho

Spanning 33,000 acres in Idaho’s Spokane County, Coeur d’Alene Lake is no stranger to fantastic Fourth of July fun, and neither is its nearby namesake city.

Each year, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m. with the Coeur d’Alene Fourth of July Parade.

After its conclusion at 1 p.m., nearly 40,000 parade participants and spectators take to the city park to enjoy a variety of food vendors, craft booths, and live music.

Others enjoy hiking and biking through Coeur d’Alene National Forest, participating in 5Ks and Fun-Runs, and cruising along the lake’s 135 miles of shoreline.

Lake lovers also take the opportunity to fish Lake Coeur d’Alene’s healthy populations of sport fish, including salmon, bass, trout, and crappie.

As the sun sets, the Coeur d’Alene Resort offers an exclusive “Steak and Sparklers” dinner and private concert on the property’s front lawn where attendees can get a front-row seat to the evening’s grand finale.

Finally, the day’s events culminate at dusk as the Chamber of Commerce commences with its 22-minute, spectacular fireworks display over the water.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Larger-than-life lakes often usher in larger-than-life celebrations. Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is no exception.

Fourth of July fireworks over the lake

Across its 54,000 acres, Fourth of July festivities range from pirate-themed-fireworks cruises, live concerts from Missouri’s favorite cover band “Contagious” and trips to the Dickerson Park Zoo for their annual “Red, White, and Zoo: Military Appreciation Day.”

On the water, Tan-Tar-A Resort, a Margaritaville property, invites guests to take a ride on their Tropic Islands Cruises yacht for July 4th fireworks over the main channel at dusk.

Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill also offers a fantastic fireworks show for guests to enjoy while they groove to live music, dine, drink, and play beach volleyball.

Of course, the Lake of the Ozarks sees plenty of boating and fishing on the Fourth of July, too. And with average temperatures of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, swimming is another fun way to spend Independence Day.

Other popular Fourth of July activities include camping, biking, and horseback riding in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and exploring nearby Bridal Cave.

Lake Barkley, Kentucky

Featuring 1,000 miles of shoreline in five counties across two states, Lake Barkley is another July 4th force to be reckoned with.

In addition to entertaining hundreds of people on its 58,000 acres, Lake Barkley also hosts a number of fireworks displays including the Lake Barkley State Resort Park show.

Held on the beach, this fireworks extravaganza is free to the public and features vendors selling a variety of foods and glow-in-the-dark memorabilia.

Also hosted during the first weekend of July is the Cadiz “Cruise Cruz-In!,” a vintage car show and community event that takes place in historic downtown Cadiz on Main Street.

Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with free cornhole, live music, door prizes and BBQ. Satisfy your need for speed with cars, trucks, and motorcycles from “the good ‘ole days.”

And don’t forget to pack your fishing poles and gear for some of the best crappie and bass fishing in the state!

Moosehead Lake, Maine

Located in southeastern Maine, Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in the state at nearly 75,000 acres in Piscataquis and Somerset counties.

A hot spot for eco-tourists, die-hard sportsmen, and urbanites seeking haven from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the lake is also popular among America’s most patriotic.

boy and girl feet hanging of the end of boat with American flag

Start your celebration with the Town of Greenville and Destination Moosehead Lake by taking part in their annual Fourth of July spectacular! This all-day event is free to the public and includes a parade, craft fairs, and the biggest fireworks show in Piscataquis County.

For a more personalized celebration, spend the day whitewater rafting on one of Moosehead Lake’s nearby rivers; fishing for salmon, brook trout, and lake trout; or enjoying a scenic 40-minute flight over the lake’s majestic waters.

Finally, top off the day’s events with an evening cruise on the Katahdin, a 1914 steamboat that tours Moosehead Lake’s southern end.

From its decks, Katahdin riders experience the lake’s best views of Fourth of July fireworks over the water and an assortment of beverages, sandwiches, and snacks.

And the best part? The fun doesn’t stop after the fireworks have faded and the smoke has all cleared. In fact, these lakes continue to offer countless opportunities for making family memories year-round.

For more ideas on family-friendly activities at the lake, be sure to read our article “Weekend Fun: Charity Poker Runs Across the U.S.”!

Lake Movies You Must See

Article co-written by LakeHomes.com intern Sarah Wright

Ah, remember when times were simpler? Sometimes we all wish life were a little bit more like the movies.

Step into the silver screen this summer with these lake-centric blockbuster movie hits and their real-life filming locations.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Starring: Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze

On Location: Mountain Lake, VA, and Lake Lure, NC

In the summer of 1963, Baby (Jennifer Gray) and her family arrive at Kellerman’s resort for what is sure to be an uneventful vacation. But when she meets Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), the resort’s smooth-talking dance instructor, her summer takes an unexpected turn.

dirty dancing movie poster, lake movie filmed in NC and VA

From ill-fated dance lessons with Johnny to forbidden love, Baby transitions from an awkward and clumsy girl to a confident and graceful lady.

With Jennifer Gray’s empowering performance, audiences watch as Baby finds herself in the summer of ‘63 and learns that “nobody puts Baby in the corner.”

Our first lake of the silver screen, North Carolina’s Lake Lure, played host to several scenes in this ’80s classic, including the famous final dance scene and all shots of the resort’s staff cabins.

Each year, the lake hosts a  Dirty Dancing Festival to raise awareness and support for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge. The event includes a screening of the movie, a lake lift competition, and the “Kellerman’s Resort” talent show.

Mountain Lake in Virginia was also featured in the film, with it’s Mountain Lake Lodge serving as the fictitious Kellerman’s Resort. The venue is still open today and regularly hosts Dirty Dancing-themed weekends, complete with dance lessons and a movie-inspired scavenger hunt.

However, one thing visitors won’t experience at the lodge is the lake, which has since dried up.

Lake Effects (2012)

Starring: Scottie Thompson, Jane Seymour, and Madeline Zima

On Location: Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Lake Effects movie poster, filmed on movie lake Smith Mountain Lake, VA

After moving to Los Angeles in pursuit of her dream to become a big-time attorney, Sara vowed never to return to her home on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.

But following the death of her father, she is left with no choice but to go home and settle his estate.

Through her emotional journey and reconnection with her sister (Madeline Zima) and their mother Vivian (Jane Seymour), Sara is reminded of the love her family has for her, and that there’s really no place like home.

With idyllic scenes of Smith Mountain Lake throughout the movie, this Hallmark original will have you dreaming of days along the water’s edge.

Other flicks also filmed on this movie lake include What About Bob and Medic Zero.

Nell (1994)

Starring: Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson, and Natasha Richardson

On Location: Fontana Lake, North Carolina

When her mother dies, Nell (Jodie Foster) is left to raise herself, alone in an isolated cabin on Fontana Lake. Years later, Dr. Jerome Lovell (Liam Neeson) discovers Nell hiding in the rafters of her secret home.

Nell Movie Poster, filmed on movie lake Fontana Lake, C=Nc

He quickly discovers Nell communicates using a language known only to her and has never experienced life outside the North Carolina mountains.

Through this captivating story, Dr. Lovell and psychologist Dr. Paula Olsen (Natasha Richardson)  take Nell on a whirlwind journey from an isolated feral child, to a woman of the modern world.

The movie was filmed on location at the real Fontana Lake, located on the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Here park visitors can enjoy hiking trails with amazing views of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.

A Month By the Lake (1995)

Starring: Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox, and Uma Thurman

On Location: Lake Como, Lombardia, Italy

Her family vacation spot for 16 years, Lake Como has been the site of countless happy memories for Miss Bentley (Vanessa Redgrave), that is until her father dies.

When she returns to Lake Como to mourn and heal, it seems to Miss Bentley that the only people who speak her language are beautiful Miss Beaumont (Uma Thurman) — a recent finishing school dropout who is only there to have some fun — and handsome bachelor Major Wilshaw (Edward Fox).

A complicated love triangle soon forms between the three, crafting a clever romantic comedy best enjoyed by the lakeside.

Filmed across the pond on the real-life Lake Como, “A Month by the Lake” joins “Casino Royale,” “Ocean’s Twelve,” and “Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones” as movies made on this popular movie lake.

Grab the popping corn and snuggle in to enjoy scenes from these great movie lakes!

Tastes of the Lake: A Spotlight on Your Favorite Lakeside Restaurants

The only thing more fun than playing at the lake is eating at the lake! We’ve done the hard work of choosing the best of the best lakeside restaurants. Hey, somebody’s got to do it! Savor local lakeside flavors at these must-try boat-up restaurants.

The BoatYard Grill

On the sparkling shores of Cayuga Lake in Ithica, New York, The BoatYard Grill specializes in ” serving up a warm welcome and unforgettable experience” for all lake-loving guests.

Featuring American favorites like burgers, sweet potato fries and juicy, wood fire-grilled steaks alongside creative dishes like lobster lollipops and eggplant arrabiata, this restaurant has plenty of mouthwatering options for hungry boaters to choose from.

Patrons are invited to relax on the waterfront in the Grill’s Adirondack chairs, sip on Frozen Boatyard Thrill cocktails and enjoy live music every Friday night during the summer.

And better still, The BoatYard Grill offers watercraft docking at its on-site marina for convenient fishing to feasting.

The restaurant is also part of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, a 5.5 mile paved route connecting the lake’s most iconic lakeside attractions.

Tim’s at Lake Anna

Satisfy your seafood cravings this summer without the sharks and stingrays at the Tim’s at Lake Anna Restaurant and Crabhouse!

One of five Tim’s Rivershore restaurants and venues, Tim’s at Lake Anna has been an Old Dominion favorite since first opening its doors (and shores) in 2012.

Located in Mineral, Virginia, on the lake’s northwestern region, the restaurant offers fresh seafood year-round, its menu featuring scallops, oysters, crab and cod prepared in every way imaginable.

Renowned for its home-cooked cuisine, Tim’s at Lake Anna is also known for its idyllic lake views and family-friendly, community atmosphere.

Each year, in addition live entertainment, Tim’s at Lake Anna hosts a variety of lake-wide events, including a Memorial Day Pig Roast, Halloween Bash, Crawdad Festival and poker runs for charity.

The Gnarly Gar

Never leave the water for lunch or dinner again at Lake Travis’ famous floating eatery The Gnarly Gar.

An all-in-one restaurant, bar, filling station and entertainment venue, The Gnarly Gar provides a one-of-a-kind experience for lake lubbers of all ages.

With plenty of boat parking, lake lovers flock to this Texas novelty’s decks and docks to enjoy watching sports on the restaurant’s big screens, listen to live music, feed the area’s giant catfish, and indulge in the tastes of Lake Travis.

Menu items range from classic fish and chips to burgers to shrimp stuffed with Serrano peppers, wrapped in bacon and deep fried, paired with a kickin’ strawberry lime habanero sauce.

The Gnarly Gar also proudly serves Maine Root handcrafted, organic fountain drinks. 

Fish Tales Lakeside Grill

Dubbed the “Best Dining Experience on Lake Lanier” Fish Tales Lakeside Grill has been serving up good times and fish tales (fried grouper fingers) since 2010.

Located within Hideaway Bay Marina in Flowery Branch, Georgia, this Lake Lanier landmark welcomes lakers by boat, car and even the occasional aircraft, year-round.

The restaurant caters to their loyal lake guests at every turn, offering a courtesy dock for those traveling by water, allergy-friendly menus at every table and unwavering service with a smile.

Fish Tales Lakeside Grill also features a giant kids’ sandbox and live music.

Mouthwatering menu favorites beyond the restaurant’s famous Fish Tales include the fish tacos, grouper sandwiches and signature items like the Aloha Chicken and Gulf Mix Platter.

And did we mention Fish Tales’ bar menu features NINE taste bud-tickling, shareable cocktails?

Enjoying the lake goes beyond boating and swimming. Take our advice and enjoy these great restaurants, remember lakes across the U. S. have great local restaurants with lots of local color. Be on the lookout and let us know what you find!

Lake Living in the Lone Star State – Lake Austin

One of six lakes in the Highland Lakes chain, Lake Austin features 24 miles of high cliffs, lined with some of Texas’ most luxurious waterfront homes.

A highly revered lake haven, the reservoir offers residents a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities to high-end shopping, making it the perfect place to enjoy the lake lifestyle at its finest.

Lake History and Construction

Before it was the Lake Austin area locals know and love today, the area in which the reservoir lies was originally Lake McDonald.

The first Austin Dam formed this lake in 1890, but it was severely damaged by flooding in 1900.

Dam reconstruction began in 1915, but the site was abandoned shortly thereafter, and what remained of the dam was destroyed in a storm later that same year.

In 1938, the Lower Colorado River Authority began building the Tom Miller Dam, from which Lake Austin was born in 1939. The lake has since been used for flood control, quality drinking water, electrical power generation and recreation.

Adventures on Lake Austin

Privately owned Lake Austin is a premier fishing and boating destination. Although anglers enjoy catching their fair share of sunfish and catfish, the reservoir is renowned for its excellent largemouth bass fishing.

male wakeboarder in the air on Texas' Lake Austin

Apart from fishing, the lake also welcomes waterskiing, jet skis, swimming and rafting.

Lake residents can also enjoy scenic cruises aboard the lake’s authentic riverboat cruise line, which takes a tour through the reservoir’s limestone cliffs with spectacular views and abundant wildlife.

The tour also passes under the famous Pennypacker Bridge, also known as 360 Bridge.

The area around Lake Austin is teeming with restaurants, museums, and historical landmarks, providing plenty of options for off-water adventures, too.

Austin, Texas’ state capitol, is located at the southern end of the lake. It is home to The Congress Avenue Bridge, famously known as the home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. You will also find The Governor’s Mansion and the Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum not far from Lake Austin’s shores.

Celebrity-owned restaurants like Sandra Bullock’s “Walton’s Fancy and Staple” and NFL legend Vince Young’s “Vince Young Steakhouse” are also popular local haunt

Lone Star Lake Living

LakeHomes.com’s 2019 Summer Lake Real Estate Market Report named Lake Austin as the third-largest lake real estate market in Texas, with listings valued at nearly $390 million.

Inventory in this market is tight, with fewer than 150 listings at any given time. As summer settles in, this market features roughly 130 lake homes for sale and 30 land listings.

With an average home price of about $2.8 million, Lake Austin is the most expensive lake home market in the state, but with so many wonderful things to see and do, the quality of life and local culture makes Lake Austin a must-shop market for an outstanding Texas-based lake home.

If you are interested, click here to view current available listings around Lake Austin: https://www.lakehomes.com/texas/lake-austin

Buying The Best Boat For You

Like the lakes that host them, boats come in a variety of shapes, sizes and have many different uses. If you’re asking yourself “What boat should I buy?”, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying the best boat for you and your lifestyle.

While this is by no means a complete list, this essential guide provides an overview of some of the most common crafts you’ll find on lakes across the country.

The Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats are great for both novice and long-time boaters, and perfect for groups of friends and families. Their large size offers plenty of storage for coolers, floaties, and fishing gear. Most crafts can seat an average of 8 to 10 passengers.

Pontoon boats typically reach top speed at about 20 mph, so they aren’t ideal for tubing or skiing, but they are perfect for the leisurely lake lover.

On average, new pontoon boats sell for between $15,000 to $50,000 based on size, engine, features and build quality. Pontoons range in size from 16 to 30 feet in length.

The Deck Boat

Deck boats are traditionally boxier than your average fishing boat, and unlike many freshwater boats, these vessels have wide, flat bows (rather than pointed ones) often used as additional seating or sunbathing.

Their versatility makes deck boats an attractive option to many lakers and is just right for the daytime cruiser who may want a little bit extra oomph.

Powered by either stern drives or outboard motors, deck boats can just as easily be used for fishing as they can for a long day of water sporting.

Deck boats have an average price of roughly $42,000. They range in size from 18 to 28 feet use stern drives, outboard engines, and even jet propulsion.

The Jon Boat

Jon boats are the most common type of freshwater fishing boat you will find on the lake.

Not only are they available in a wide range of sizes, between 9 and 20 feet, but Jon boats are also among the most affordable boats on the market at $5,400, on average. Jon boats use outboard engines for propulsion.

These vessels have flat bottoms and are typically built out of aluminum; however, fiberglass has recently begun to make its way onto the Jon boat-construction scene.

Primarily used for fishing, Jon boats are also great for trot-lining, duck hunting, and alligator hunting.

The Ski Boat/Wakeboard Boat

As the name implies, these boats are used for recreation rather than leisure.

What sets ski and wakeboard boats apart from other types of activity vessels, like deck boats, is their propulsion systems.

Whereas a deck boat is powered by stern drives or outboard motors, ski and wakeboard boats, also known as “tow boats,” feature inboard engines or jets.

These boats also differ in seating capacity, designed to host three or four passengers at a time.

Tow boats are also more expensive, with an average price of $75,000.

The Bass Boat

You can guess how these boats are used from the name.

Designed with low sides for easy casting and minimal seating, bass boats feature powerful engines and only two seats. Other features include a large, flat bow and a large live well for storing the day’s catch.

Bass boats are not ideal for families or children and aren’t recommended for use as recreational crafts.

While they are great for speeding around on tournament day, these boats do not fair well in rough waters and should be operated by a veteran boater.

The average price of your basic bass boat is about $30,000.

Don’t end your quest for boat knowledge here! Be sure to read our other boating “Recreational Boating – Tips for Buying a Used Boat” and “Unique Boats for Family Fun at the Lake.”

The information featured in “Buying the Best Boat for Your” was sourced primarily from boats.com. For more information visit https://www.boats.com/explore/#boatTypes.