Tag: lake lifestyle

Fourth of July Festivals for Your Family

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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

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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
Photo courtesy of IMDb

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
Photo courtesy of IMDb

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
Photo courtesy of IMDb

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

Photo courtesy of IMDb

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

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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

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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

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  • pontoon boat on the lake
  • boat docked with cold weather cover on it
  • Woman waving from deck boat. Boat description found in "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.

Catch of the Day – Fish Recipes You Won’t Want to Miss

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Your patio is prepped, your poles at the ready and the fish are fresh for feasting.

Please your family and lake home guests with these fish recipes you won’t want to miss!

Zesty Baked Catfish

Simple and delicious.

Fish recipe, plate of baked catfish and brussel sprouts
Courtesy of Taste of Home

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp. canola oil
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 2 catfish fillets (6 oz)
  • 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
  • 1/2 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Baking pan
  • Basting brush
  • Fork/whisk

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Start by combining your oil and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, mix together your herbs and spices.

Next, brush your fillets with your lemon/oil base, and rub them down with your spice mixture. Be sure both sides of the fish are equally seasoned.

Place your prepared fillets in an un-greased baking pan and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.

You meal is ready when your fish is soft and flakey.

Garlic smashed brussel sprouts and a garden salad pair nicely with this dish.

Courtesy of: Taste of Home

Black Bass with Warm Rosemary-Olive Vinaigrette

Impress your guests with this indulgent 30-minute fish recipe.

Fish recipe; black bass fillets in skillet
Courtesy of bon appetit

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 black bass fillets (5 oz), skinned and lightly scored (scored meat features several shallow cuts to help with better flavor)
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 cloves thinly sliced garlic
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. of black olives – oil-cure, pitted and coarsely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 small (or 1/2 medium) head of radicchio — leaves torn in to 1 1/2 inch pieces (3 cups)
  • Large, non-stick skillet

Directions:

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. As this warms, prepare your fish with salt and pepper.

Cook your fillets with the skins down until they are crisp and golden. This should take about five minutes.

After the skin as been browned, flip your bass and add in your garlic, olives and rosemary leaves. Stir the the mixture occasionally to avoid burning.

After three or so minutes, your fillets should appear opaque.

Slowly add your orange juice to your meal, and swirl it around in the skillet to combine with the other ingredients.

Serve over your radicchio leaves, topped with your warm orange-spice vinaigrette.

Courtesy of: bon appetit

Mesquite-Grilled Margarita Pike

Fish recipe; mesquite-grilled pike with mango salsa
Courtesy of On the Lake

Ingredients:

  • 1 Northern pike (3-4 lbs.)
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Fresh lime juice
  • 1 “splash” of tequila (appx. 1/8 oz)
  • Garlic powder
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup, mesquite wood chips

Directions:

First, soak one cup of mesquite wood chips in water. 

While the wood chips soak, coat both sides of your pike fillets with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. 

Flip your fillets to expose the fish’s rib cage. Sprinkle this side of your fish with the spices to taste, and drizzle them with your tequila. 

Set your meat aside to marinate for at least one hour before grilling. 

While the fillets marinate, fire up your grill, add in your wet mesquite chips and close the lid to smoke.

After marinating for an hour, place each filet on the grill, ribs facing down. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping.

Continue grilling the opposite side for an additional 2-3minutes before serving. 

For a little extra zing to your margarita pike, try topping it off with a homemade mango-tomato salsa!

Courtesy of: On the Lake

For more fishy goodness, test your taste buds on these “Fresh Fish Recipes You’ve Got to Try“!

Smart Docks, Smart Boats, Smart Living

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American homes are getting smarter at a rate that was hard to imagin only a few years ago. According to one Nielson study, nearly a quarter of the United States population today owns at least one smart device.

So, while consumers are arming their homes with the latest in smart security systems, smart thermostats and even smart appliances like refrigerators, lake homeowners can now add similar technology to their boats and docks, too.

Dock IQ

Designed with asset protection and personal safety in mind, Dock IQ is a remote management and monitoring system for your dock.

Changing water levels can wreak havoc on these structures, often resulting in costly damages. Dock IQ helps provide dock owners peace of mind by tracking lake levels and alerting them via the system’s mobile dashboard when levels get too deep or too shallow for the structure’s stability.

The system, which runs on its own private wireless service, also features a high-resolution camera, a motion security sensor, geo-fencing technology and a dock GPS locator sensor.

If there is  movement outside the geo-fenced perimeter, or should an unwelcome guest trip the motion sensor, DockIQ immediately sounds an alarm.

The system automatically activates exterior lighting and its camera begins rapidly capturing images of the area. Dock owner’s instantly receive these images through their IQ dashboard so they can alert the police and their neighbors.

Shock IQ, DockIQ’s companion system, offers a more aggressive response  its Shock IQ detection sensor, dock frame and in-water electric current sensors.

If electricity is detected in the water surrounding the dock, Shock IQ automatically trips the structure’s power breaker.

Using it’s 10-hour battery back up, ShockIQ then sounds an alarm and notifies the dock owners and neighbors of the threat through the IQ mobile app.

Dock IQ also offers bonus features like boat and jet ski tracking devices and solar power capability that can also be added to the DockIQ system.

For more information on this must-have lake technology, please visit www.dockiq.com, or click here to watch the company’s informational video.

ProNav Angler and Motion

Kiss manual boat control goodbye with ProNav Angler, ProNav Marine’s GPS autopilot system.

Photo Courtesy of ProNav Marine

Connected though Bluetooth, ProNav Angler allows you to pre-set trolling routes, lock in your headings and anchor at your favorite fishing hole, all from the convenience of your phone or tablet.

The company also offers point-and-go navigation and hand-held automatic positioning devices, which connect and run through the ProNav Angler app.

The company’s ProNav Motion devices, PointDrive and PointJog, are controlled using a small device similar to a video game controller.

The PointDrive device allows anglers to essentially steer their boats’ trolling motors by simply toggling in the direction they want to go.

Using PointJog, boaters can point their devices at a specific area of the water, and the ProNav system will reposition their bow-mounted trolling motors to take them there.

Other benefits of this smart boat technology include speed control and the ability to mark and store favorite locations.

ProNav Angler and Motion can even be used while phones are in airplane mode or without cell coverage.

Learn more of ProNav’s innovative navigation systems by checking out their website here.

The lake life is all about relaxation, leisure and enjoyment. So — start living smarter, not harder, with these lake-focused smart technologies.

Smith Mountain Lake: The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains

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In Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a big deal.

Nestled in a valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, “The Jewel of the Blue Ridge” stretches across three rural counties in southwestern Virginia, including Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania.

With 20,800 acres and 580 miles of shoreline, the 40-mile long reservoir easily dwarfs every other lake in the state. In fact, its total market value is $470.3 million, more than twice the size of the second biggest lake, Lake Gaston.

Homes for sale on Smith Mountain Lake range from around $180,000 to more than $10 million, totaling out to $302.6 million in home market value. So, for those seeking a new home on or near the water, there are more than enough options by way of inventory.

However, when it comes to living at the lake, it’s about so much more than just real estate. It’s all about the lake lifestyle.

Ways to Play

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s most popular recreational lake.

From spring to fall, lake goers can be seen waterskiing, canoeing, boating and kayaking. But that’s just a few ways to play. There’s also parasailing, golfing, camping at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park, and above all else, fishing.

The Jewel of the Blue Ridge is every angler’s dream.

The Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament is just one of many ESPN-featured national professional fishing tournaments.

man with fish trophy in boatBassmaster has even ranked Smith Mountain Lake in the USA’s 25 best bass fishing lakes. The favorite sport fish among anglers include largemouth bass, catfish, yellow perch and striped bass to name a few.

Because the community surrounding the lake is so heavily populated–there are 22,000 permanent residents–there’s no shortage of super fun annual events to keep residents busy.

All throughout the spring and summer, there’s everything from classic boat shows and photography contests to beer festivals and triathlons.

Every September for 30 years and counting, the SML Wine Festival features 27 Virginia wineries, 85 artisans, craft and food vendors and live music. There are also chili festivals, art shows and the ever-popular Oktoberfest.

Visitors even have the chance to be airborne. Smith Mountain Lake Aviation offers scenic 40-minute flights, giving participants a bird’s eye view of the sprawling lake and all the gorgeous wooded scenery surrounding it.

Around Town

You can only stay in the water for so long. After a long day of swimming and fishing, you might be in the mood to see what the neighboring towns have to offer by way of a good time.

Is a vacation really a vacation if there isn’t delicious food to choose from every single day? Even permanent residents make it a point to know all the yummy hotspots around town.

Are you craving a good ole’ fashioned, home-cooked meal? Or maybe you have a taste for sushi or hibachi. All around the lake there are tons of cafes, diners and grills. You should probably just try them all.

Smith Mountain Lake is filled with top notch cuisine to satiate any appetite.

It also has a refreshingly convenient location despite the fact that it’s safely tucked away in the Virginia countryside.

Just between Roanoke and Lynchburg, the lake is only two hours from Raleigh, North Carolina and a four hour drive from Washington D.C. So don’t worry, you won’t be too far from civilization.

Roanoke’s very own New York-inspired Broadway offers a variety of shows for theater lovers to enjoy. In fact, their arts and culture scene is teeming with excitement.

Check out some live music, gallery and museum exhibitions and all kinds of performing arts like ballet and opera.

The nightlife is alive and well too, with endless selections of breweries, comedy clubs, musical acts and even food trucks.

And this is just in Roanoke! The recreational opportunities in the other nearby cities could be another blog post entirely.

The point is, Smith Mountain Lake is more than just a body of water. It promises a good time for all. More than likely, you’ll run out of vacation time before you run out of things to do.

So plan a visit today, or better yet, browse some of our Smith Mountain Lake homes for sale and build a life here. You definitely won’t regret it.

 

Finally Fall: The Perfect Lake Activities for Autumn

Posted on Staff

It’s the greatest time of the year! Yes, lake lovers, as the oppressive heat of late summer gives way to lower humidity and the changing of the season, fall is finally upon us.

Fall at the lake means more activity, not less. Comfortable temperate days give way to marshmallow fueled evenings with good fishing and colorful foliage in between.  

The lake in autumn is an experience all its own. While traffic to the beach begins to wane, the lake is just getting warmed up as the destination of choice. 

 So, what are the perfect activities for autumn at the lake?

Go Campingtent on the lake's shore

Crisp, cool weather, stark blue skies, and a beautiful, scenic backdrop: that sounds like the perfect recipe for a weekend camping trip on the lakeshore. How awesome would it be to cook up the catch of the day over an open fire, or swing in a hammock under millions of stars in the night sky? Just thinking about it is exciting!

dad hiking with baby on his backTake a Hike

Most lakes are surrounded by plenty of hills, mountains, trees, and valleys. Some even feature caves, cliffs, and waterfalls. Take advantage of all that Mother Nature has to offer and go for a hike! Unlike in the summertime, hikes in the fall don’t usually include heavy perspiration, dehydration, and pesky insects. It’s a relaxing yet healthy activity the whole family can enjoy.

little boy playing in leaves

Enjoy the Foliage

One of the best parts about fall is the way the face of the earth changes right before our eyes. This autumn, get out and appreciate the array of red, green, gold, and orange that surround you. Go on a bike ride around the lake with your sweetheart, or take a long drive down some picturesque, winding country roads.

woman drinking wineGo Wine Tasting

Now, this one is only family-friendly if your kids are 21 or older. Lakes all around the country boast gorgeous vineyards and wineries close by for visitors to enjoy. Wine tasting is a popular and delicious fall activity that makes impressing your friends at fine restaurants a breeze.

 

Build a Bonfire

There’s nothing like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for fall! This cultural staple of fall is perfect for lake lovers of all ages. These gatherings are where memories are made, scary stories are told, and great conversations are had. This fall, round up a group of friends and partake in s’mores, hot dogs and good times.

Go Canoeing

You can still have fun on the lake during the fall!

Just because the weather is cooler than summer doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the water. Canoeing and kayaking in the fall are wonderful past times. Also, autumn’s mild conditions are great for exercising outdoors, when the backdrop of fall on the lake is especially scenic.

Fun at the lake doesn’t end when the temperature drops; if anything, it can get better. Embrace fall at the lake and give lake life a new dimension. Happy autumn, lake lovers.