Tag: lake living

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Lake Dwellers

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of hipandhumblestyle via Instagram.

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

A High-Quality Thermos

Photo courtesy of Popular Mechanics.

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

A Durable Cheese Board

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

A Personalized Towel Set

Personalized Towel Set by CanaryRoadHome via Etsy.

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

Nature-Scented Candles

Photo courtesy of Cool Material.

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

A Pair of Binoculars

Photo courtesy of National Park Service.

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

A Watercolor Set

Photo courtesy of Jerry’s Artarama.

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

A Magazine Subscription

Photo courtesy of Lakelifemagazine.com.

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

Polarized Sunglasses

Photo courtesy of smartbuyglasses.com.

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

A Comfortable Beanie

Photo courtesy of Tentree.com.

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

An All-Inclusive Picnic Basket

Photo courtesy of Foodal.com.

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

A Cocktail Shaker Set

Photo courtesy of Westelm.com.

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

Low Outdoor Seating: Ideas for Fire Pits

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Rhys Ludlow via Pixabay

Have you heard the phrase “form follows function?” This famous architectural philosophy, coined by skyscraper inventor Louis Henry Sullivan, means that a building or object’s shape reflects its intended purpose. 

This principle certainly applies to outdoor furniture; an outdoor chair’s height depends on its designated function. For instance, high counter stools are for entertaining because hosts can chat with their seated guests at eye level. By contrast, lounge chairs’ low height and reclining backs facilitate ultimate relaxation.

However, seating for fire pits is unique. Lower than a dining chair but higher than a lounge, this low outdoor seating should cater to casual conversation among guests.

For lake homeowners with fire pits, there’s a myriad of types of chairs to pick! From benches to Adirondacks, these differing forms all reflect the same function — enjoying a fireside chat with your friends and family. 

Adirondack Chairs

Photo courtesy of Polywood.

Named for the mountainous region in New York, Adirondack chairs are simply a classic. The classic wooden frames and reclining backs are designed for relaxation. Further, their low height makes them perfect for fire pit seating.

One brand specializing in Adirondack chairs is Polywood, a leading manufacturer in sustainable furniture. Their goal is to incorporate 1 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic into furniture by 2021. If you’re seeking a timeless, simple look, an Adirondack chair is unbeatable.

Sectional Sofas

Photo courtesy of Brown Jordan.

For square and rectangular fire pits, sectional sofas are an ideal low outdoor seating choice. As an angular piece of furniture, their form naturally matches a fire pit’s edges. This form matching creates a seamless, congruous design.

The good news is that it’s possible to find sectional sofas at any price point. For the best of the best, look to Brown Jordan, a renowned luxury outdoor furniture provider. Their selection of outdoor sectional sofas is built to last. 

Swings

Photo courtesy of Little White House Blog/Remodelaholic via Country Living Magazine.

Who says that swings are reserved for front porches? Low-hanging outdoor swings add a laid-back flare to any fire pit. If you’re good with woodworking, you can create a DIY hexagonal swing set for your backyard.

If woodworking is not your thing, there’s plenty of other swing options. These wicker egg chairs from Belham are great for social distancing, as they only accommodate one guest per swing. On a cool fall evening, it’ll be easy to drift to sleep with the rocking motion of these swings. 

Euro Chairs

Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

For outdoor fire pits, picking the right chair height is ideal. Dining chairs are too high, but lounge chairs are too low. Enter the euro chair — a “chat height” designed for having casual conversations and roasting smores around the fire.

While many brands carry euro chairs as a low outdoor seating option, Summer Classics has a particularly strong collection. This luxury brand of outdoor furniture specializes in durable, high-quality pieces built to last. Add a few plush cushions for maximum comfort. 

Benches

Photo courtesy of Hayneedle.

If you don’t mind backless furniture, curved benches are a great option for low outdoor seating around a fire pit. Multiple benches create a design where each guest can have their own space, and the flat planed seat doubles as a drink holder.

Bench style seating has become a popular trend in recent years. They’re effortlessly stylish, they blend well with nature, and they’re easy to build. If you’d rather not build your own, Wayfair has plenty of options in multiple price ranges. 

Regardless of the specific kind of low outdoor seating furniture, your guests will love gathering around the outdoor fire pit at your lake home. For more backyard landscaping ideas, check out our blog at Lakehomes.com! 

Tellico Village: A Retirement Paradise in Tennessee

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

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

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

Relaxing Environment

Smoky Mountains – TellicoVillage.org.

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

Inexpensive Costs

Photo courtesy of Crowne Plaza Knoxville.

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

Warm Weather

Photo courtesy of TellicoVillage.org.

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

Social Life

Photo courtesy of TellicoVillage.org.

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

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

Urban Proximity

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

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

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

Top Lake Movies by Genre

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Bohotribex – Instagram.

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

Horror/Thriller

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

Romance

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

Drama

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

Comedy

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

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

How to Attract Birds to Your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

Despite its reputation as a boring pastime, bird watching is anything but dull. It’s a popular hobby that over 45 million Americans engage in, according to the U.S. Fishing and Wildlife Service. Bird watching is especially thrilling if you own a lake home. “At the lake, you have a greater range of potential bird species to interact with,” says Dr. Julian Avery, a conservation biologist at Penn State University. “I get excited thinking about different species (waterfowl, sandpipers, and sparrows) that might show up around a lake that would not enter urban areas.” Besides the joy of high-flying guests, tangible benefits to attracting birds include pest control and pollination. Ultimately, it’s worth the extra effort to attract birds to your lake house. Here are some foolproof strategies for bringing in more winged guests this season!

Choose the Right Seed

Birds are not hard to please. Just like humans, birds must fulfill their basic needs to survive. If you can provide food, water, and shelter, they’ll start congregating around your lake home. Food is an excellent place to start. Since different birds prefer different seeds, the question of how to choose the best bird seed depends on the types of birds you’d like to attract. If you want to bring in multiple species, diversify your seed types. “Make sure you use a variety of foods and clean regularly,” Dr. Avery advises, “As you increase the number of seed types, you should see an increase in species variety.” When choosing a feeder, remember to follow guidelines ,so your birdseed doesn’t attract predators.

Set up a Bird Bath

Birdbaths are not just for decor. While these shallow stone basins are a charming look for your outdoor space, they’re also a major bird magnet. For birds, these baths serve a dual purpose– drinking and preening. Just keep in mind that you must maintain it regularly. Scott, a bird enthusiast ,and blogger, writes on his website Bird Watching HQ: “Birds love having fresh water so much that typically within a few days, they have made the water in your bath pretty gross. This means that you will have to commit to changing the water every few days and cleaning with a scrub brush every few weeks.” In the winter, purchasing a heated birdbath will attract birds to your lake house. When most of their water supply is frozen, they’ll quickly gravitate towards the warm water.

Litter Some Leaves

Not all birds rely on feeders. Species like starlings, doves, and quails typically search for their next meal on the ground. To attract these birds, try raking fallen leaves underneath your shrubs to create mulch. Dr. Stephen Kress, the National Audubon Society’s vice president for Bird Conservation, told All About Birds how this strategy works. According to Dr. Kress, earthworms, roly-poly bugs, insects, and spiders will thrive in this pile of leaves, providing a delicious dinner for ground-feeding birds. “In general,” he says, “overly tidy gardeners are poor bird gardeners!”

Provide Shelter

Whether it’s snowing outside or blistering hot, birds need protection from extreme weather conditions. This need for cover will drive them away from a barren yard and closer to one filled with trees and shrubs at varying heights. “Having some vegetation and cover will enhance your feeding and viewing opportunities,” Dr. Avery says. “We tend to clear the shoreline of vegetation, but this makes it less likely you will have wildlife on your property. Waterfowl will not nest unless there is some cover, and you have a unique opportunity to help these species raise young in your backyard!” When choosing plants, be sure to pick ones native to your hardiness zone as they’ll attract native insects that birds eat. Evergreen plants are also good choices that provide shelter for birds year-round.

Put these tips into action, and your backyard will become a bird sanctuary in no time! Bird watching provides hours of enjoyment for its practitioners. 

Things to Consider When Choosing a Lake for Retirement

Posted on Camille Smith

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

Peaceful Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Getty Images via wealthmanagement.com.

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

Affordability

Photo courtesy of kiplinger.com.

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

Access to Healthcare

Photo courtesy of Mx. Granger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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

Enjoyable Climate

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

Nearby Community

Photo courtesy of Twin Lakes Community.

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

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

The Best Lake Toys for 2020

Posted on Camille Smith

Summer at the lake means more time on the water. You can waste away the days enjoying homemade treats on your boat dock, listening to relaxing music, and jumping in the lake. If you’re feeling energetic and excited for an afternoon full of games, there’s plenty of lake toys to choose from. Check out the best lake toys of 2020 to bring more summer fun to your lake home!

Hammacher Schlemmer Inflatable Dartboard

Of all the lake toys out there, this one’s right on target. Get competitive in a pool, shallow slough, or boat dock with this inflatable dartboard. Though it reaches 6 feet tall, it also stays grounded with a water-filled base. Who needs a game of darts in a crowded bar when you can enjoy space and sunshine? 

Floating Bluetooth Speaker

COWIN Floating Bluetooth Speaker

When you’re in the water, and the speaker’s on the boat dock, the music can become muffled and inaudible. With this portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker, you can bring the fun to the water. The clear sound enhanced bass, and loud volume makes for the perfect lake or pool party.

Inflatable Iceberg

Rave Sports Inflatable Iceberg.

Ever wanted to climb Mount Everest without leaving your lake home? Now, you can! This inflatable iceberg is one of the more adventurous lake toys. Towering 14 feet, it features a climbing wall on one side and a slide on the other for maximum fun.

Floating Golf Green

4’x6′ Floating Golf Green

Can you score a hole-in-one? To every golfer who lives on the lake, this one’s for you. Assemble this floating golf green in the pool or lake and test out your skills. Add an extra tee box and floating golf balls for a more comprehensive course. 

Yamaha Sea Scooter

Yamaha Seascooter

This recreational underwater scooter is excellent for the curious lake explorer. At speeds of 2.5 miles per hour, you can chase fish in shallow waters and take photos with the integrated camera. Since it’s designed for an ocean or salt lake, keep in mind it may have less buoyancy in a freshwater lake.

Rubber Dockie

Rubber Dockie Floating Mat

When choosing among lake toys, sometimes simplicity is the best option. These bold colored rubber dockies are highly visible for safety, tear-proof, and scratch and slip-resistant. Perfect for playing sports, lounging, or just messing around on the lake. 

Giant Shootball Basketball Toy

Swimline Giant Shootball Basketball Toy

For water sports, this lake toy is a slam dunk. Swimline’s inflatable basketball net comes with three balls and multiple ports so you can challenge friends and family. Points are designated on each side so you can keep score! 

Airhead Poparazzi 3 Person Tube

Sportstuff Airhead Poparazzi Inflatable Triple Rider

Hold on tight! SportsStuff’s rider towable tube is designed to be pulled behind a boat. The EVA padding ensures a comfortable ride, and the tough nylon cover guarantees durability. With the upper deck, one of the three riders can stand up for a more thrilling ride.

Inflatable Water Trampoline

Wotryit 10′ Inflatable Water Trampoline

Get airborne with this inflatable trampoline designed for the lake! Despite its large size, the multiple inflation vales make it easy to set up, so you can start bouncing immediately. It’s also safe and made from environmentally friendly materials. Try out your best dive into the water! 

Foam Water Shooters

NZQXJXZ Foam Water Shooters

Lightweight and easy to use, these foam water shooters are perfect for parents, kids, and friends. With a shooting distance of 31 feet, you can easily surprise your opponent. Use in the lake, on your dock, in the yard — wherever you’re ready to start a friendly water war! 

We hope you love these lake toys this summer! 

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!