Tag: lake living

3 {Paw}esome Tips for Beating the Summer Heat

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Photo courtesy of Andrew Patrick Photo via Pexels

The dog days of summer are HERE, so it’s time for a reminder about your role in helping every member of your household beat the heat.

Stop sweating it and try out these wag-tastic tips for keeping your furry loved ones cool!

Keep ‘em Hydrated

Dogs and cats don’t have sweat glands in the same way that people do, which is why a lot of their body temperature regulation is done through panting. When your pet is panting heavily, it is in danger of becoming dehydrated.

Because you’re the one with opposable thumbs, it falls on you to keep your fur-babies’ water bowls full. Adding ice to the bowl helps to cool things down and can keep your pet entertained.

Another way to help your pets with beating the summer heat is by installing a doggy door to allow them to go freely between the outdoors for fun in the sun and quenching their thirst at the lake’s edge.

Be cautious, however, since some bodies of water can contain microorganisms that can be bad for your pet’s health.

Take a Swim

Taking a swim with your pet in your favorite lake will bring down body temperature and is one of the quickest ways to help your pets with beating the summer heat.

But before you dive in, make sure your pet is prepared. Don’t assume every dog knows how to swim instinctively; particularly those with big chests and tiny legs. Certain builds and breeds can struggle in the water and might require an animal life vest to enjoy the lake. Stay close initially until you’re sure your pet is a natural swimmer.

Also, think about how they will get into and out of the water. Access is often achieved by simply jumping from your home’s deck or dock into the lake, so you should make sure your structures are free of protruding nails and screws that could injure your pets when they jump.

Access to an exit from the water is very important. If your dock lacks stairs, you may want to add a ramp to the nearby shore.

And be sure to check the water level to make sure it is deep enough for your pets to jump into the water safely. Submerged hazards are just as dangerous for Fido as they are for you.

Provide Some Shade

Providing shade for your pet in the warmest parts of the day is important for beating the summer heat.

Shade trees are an instinctive choice for many pets who need to cool down. But if your lake home is short on natural shade, you can create a fur-friendly corner of your shaded deck by setting up a small fan, a water bowl and a cool mat or wet towel to lie on.

You can set up a similarly shady spot away from the house with a big beach or market umbrella to produce artificial shade.

Pets are important members of the family. Following these simple tips can keep them healthy and let them enjoy the lake as much as their human companions.

For more on keeping your pet safe at the lake, check out these great stories: “Protecting Your Pets: Animal Safety While Showing Your Home” and “Pet Travel: How to Prepare Your Pet for a Trip to the Lake“.

Grilling Recipes to Rock Your Summer

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Article co-authored by Lake Homes Realty intern Trey Yanity

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

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

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Grilled Lemon Chicken

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Alaskan BBQ Salmon

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Directions: 

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

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

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

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

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

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Sweet Extras

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

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

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

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

Get Caught up in These Lake-Centric Stories

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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”!

Fourth of July Festivals for Your Family

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Photo courtesy of Kevin McCartney via Pexels

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

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.

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.

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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Photo courtesy of Ron Lach via Pexels

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.

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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Photo courtesy of Dani via Pexels

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“!