Tag: lake living

You May Be From Smith Mountain Lake If…

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Smith Mountain Lake, referred to by locals as “SML,” is a reservoir boasting more than 500 miles of shoreline in the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

The lake, which encompasses more than 20,000 acres, is nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the rural southern part of the state.

You may be from Smith Mountain if you love the lake for its character, stunning scenery, and ability to make any day extraordinary.

Tree line and open sky over Smith Mountain Lake

And if the following list seems all too familiar, you are definitely from Smith Mountain Lake.

The area is rural but still connected to civilization.

Perhaps the best part about living on SML is being able to detach from the world among the mountains but still getting to enjoy world-class amenities.

The area surrounding Smith Mountain Lake has everything you could ever need: supermarkets, plenty of restaurants, banks, marinas, fitness centers, and libraries. There are also doctors, dentists, attorneys, and independent retail stores nearby.

What more could you ask for? And with large metropolitan cities close by, like Raleigh or Washington D.C., you know that SML is the best place to be.

Boating, Golf, Fishing…Oh My!

You know that the beauty of living on the lake is that there is an opportunity to both relax AND participate in any outdoor activity of your choosing.

Whether you want to spend the day boating, skiing, swimming, or fishing, Smith Mountain Lake always provides.

In fact, Bassmaster has rated SML in the top 25 best bass fishing lakes in the United States.

If you want to spend your day golfing with your buddies, try your hand on one of the lake’s five championship courses. You know that a day on the lake is whatever you make of it!

You eat your fill of America’s best ice cream.

Who would’ve thought that the best ice cream in America is located in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia? Well, while this is not a verified fact, you know that locals rave about Homestead Creamery’s ice cream.

The specialty frozen treat, as well as local dairy and meat products, are sold in a stand-alone store, a food truck, and also by the carton in local general stores and supermarkets.

As an SML resident, you love taking visiting friends and family to Homestead to give them a taste of what living in Roanoke is really like!

Boats are used more often than cars.

One of your favorite parts about living on the lake is that most restaurants can be accessed by boat.

What better way to cap off a day at the lake than piling into the boat and docking at Bay Roc Marina Cafe, Blackwater, Heath’s, or King’s Point?

Live music, lakefront view, and amazing food – where you live has it all!

Tours on tours on tours.

You’ll be the first to admit there are a great many touristy attractions around the lake…but you secretly love them. You even consider them to be a rite of passage to getting to know the area!

Aside from traditional lake activities, including great dinner cruises and fishing expeditions, popular off-water options include winery tours, visiting the local alpaca farm, and touring the birthplace of Booker T. Washington.

Catching a movie, playing miniature golf, and spending an evening at Hot Shots or Bridgewater Plaza are also some options you’ll want to consider when making your plans.

Interested in living on the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains?” With 1,295 current listings on Smith Mountain Lake, there is sure to be a home that fits everyone’s needs.

Homes on the lake range anywhere from $60,000 to $25 million, so why not find your dream home on one of the most coveted lakes in the region?

To talk to one of our many lake experts about living your lake dream, visit the Smith Mountain Lake page on lakehomes.com.

5 Things Only Lake Murray Natives Would Know

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person kaying on lake murray, south carolina

Lake Murray is a reservoir stretching across 50,000 acres in upstate South Carolina.

Since its creation in 1930, Lake Murray has become the epicenter of the region, with four counties and several communities all possessing ties to the lake, including the state capitol, Columbia, only 25 miles away.

In addition to providing hydroelectric power for the region, Lake Murray has quickly grown into one of the region’s premier recreational destinations, one you know to be among your favorite places: you also refer to it as home.

Continue reading “5 Things Only Lake Murray Natives Would Know”

You Might Be a Lake LBJ Local When

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Lake LBJ colorful during sunset

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) is a 6,200-acre, constant-level reservoir located on the Colorado River in the famous Texas Hill Country.

Originally named Lake Granite Shoals, Lake LBJ is just an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas, and is the perfect combination of rural, relaxed lake living and big-city accessibility.

Whether you grew up visiting the lake during the summers, or grew up on the water, you’ll recognize Lake LBJ by these amazing qualities:

At Lake LBJ, Wildlife Lives Next Door 

Father and son fishing at Lake LBJ

In the Texas Hill Country, wildlife is abundant.

Fishing, of course, is one of the more popular past times during the spring and summer months. Amateur and skilled anglers from all over the country flock to Lake LBJ for a chance at record-breaking bass and crappie.

Along with its impressive variety of fish species, the area surrounding the lake is populated by a myriad of wildlife including foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and deer.

Because the areas surrounding the lake are made up of incorporated subdivisions, hunting is strictly prohibited, so a wide variety of beautiful wild animals will be among your neighbors.

Celebrity Sightings Are Routine

lake aerial view

While it may not be Los Angeles or New York City, Lake LBJ holds its own when it comes to attracting the best and brightest.

Influential businessmen and women from several of the largest cities in the state (and the country) flock to the lake for weekend getaways or for retirement.

In fact, the lake is one of the top three choices for retirement in the United States!

Celebrity actors like Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey as well as a number of professional athletes also love calling Lake LBJ their home.

If you’re lucky, you may see Matthew and his kids driving the boat around Horseshoe Bay.

The Beauty of the Highland Lakes is Unparalleled

Whether the blue from the sparkling expanse of water or a rainbow of Texas wildflowers, you know that stepping outside and gazing at the lake is all the color you will need some days.

Throughout April and May, people travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the amazing assortment of wildflowers scattered along the shoreline and surrounding fields.

Every year, visitors are drawn to the vivid colors and unrivaled charm of the Lake LBJ  area, however, you are lucky enough to call it home.

There is No Shortage of Things to Do

person boating on still waters

Whether a regatta, boat race or the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display, there is always something going on at Lake LBJ.

Aside from the usual lake activities like boating, swimming, sailing, and skiing, Lake LBJ offers a wide array of other opportunities to get outdoors.

During the day, you like to visit Lake LBJ State Park for its top-notch hiking trails. And if you’re feeling adventurous? The state park offers archery clinics, fishing days, conservation workshops and celebrations.

Rich, Texan Culture

Texas flag and USA flag

One of the most popular lakes in Texas, Lake LBJ is visited by thousands of Texans from all over the state.

Named after the 36th U.S. president, who spent a great deal of his downtime on the lake, this lake brings a touch of Texan (and national) pride to the area.

The lake’s beauty, rich history, and lively atmosphere make a great day at the lake inevitable!

Interested in making Lake LBJ your home? Residents, lake experts, and real estate agents would tell you you’d be surprised at the variety of homes found on Lake LBJ’s 30 miles of shoreline.

Homes on the Lake LBJ market range anywhere from $80,000 to $7,000,000. To get a taste of the real estate diversity on Lake LBJ or browse our 468 listings, visit lakehomes.com or contact lake expert Bruce Jones.

Five Ways You Know You Are From Smith Lake, Alabama

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Lewis Smith Lake, or simply Smith Lake as it is known to locals, is located only one short hour from both Birmingham and Huntsville.

It’s convenient location near Bankhead National Forest gives the body of water a particularly secluded, heavily wooded feel.

A popular, yet peaceful lake, Smith Lake rivals the nation’s most beautiful lakes, thanks to it’s water clarity, stunning shoreline and diverse topography.

While every lake might claim pretty water and scenic views, you know few can compare to Smith.

1. You’ve never been anywhere more beautiful

clear water lewis smith lake, alabama

With many homes perched on picturesque bluffs or nestled among tall trees, Smith Lake is any outdoor photographer’s fantasy.

The lake, fed by the Black Warrior River, is also one of the deepest bodies of water in Alabama, and the western side of the lake borders the 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest.

So here is a question you always ask your friends: why travel across the country to visit a national park when you can just walk a few steps to one?

2. You drop off mail at William’s Grocery in Arley

william's grocery arley alabama
Photo courtesy of Lakes Online.

The closest post office is located in a tiny grocery store, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

At Smith Lake, knowing everyone’s name isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

You love the lake for its tight-knit community and small-town feel.

You delight in walking into any convenience store and finding the ice cream right next to the fishing bait.

Everyone knows each other, and the area has a country charm you wouldn’t trade for the world!

3.You know exactly where Three Fingers and The Smith Lake Castle are

One of the best parts about Smith Lake? Its many quirky landmarks and characteristics you won’t find any where else.

Three Fingers Rock, a popular rock formation, dares only the bravest jumpers to plunge 35 or 40 feet into the deep water below.

lewis smith lake castle home lake house for sale mr. smith lake justin dyar

Lewis Smith Lake is also home to “The Smith Lake Castle,” a 5,500-square-foot mansion resembling a centuries-old country estate in England.

When your friends climb on the boat, you’re always excited to showcase the personality and character of the lake.

4. You can see your toenails in the water

crystal clear water smith lake, al
Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor.

Smith Lake is known to be the second-cleanest lake in the United States, behind only Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada.

Lose something in the shallow water? No problem.

What better feeling than to know the water in your lake is always pristine?

5. Holidays are the perfect excuse to kick back, relax and spend time with loved ones.

You know you’re a local when you’ve gathered with your loved ones in Smith Lake Park to watch Fourth of July fireworks.

At the lake, you know that whether it’s National Pancake Day or Memorial Day, you have the perfect excuse to take the day off and spend it on the water.

enjoy the view perfect vacation spot 4th of july

Ask any local and they will tell you that the best part about living on Smith Lake is the stunning, natural beauty of the area.

There is nothing quite like waking up and looking out your window to 21,200 acres of sparkling water.

With 958 listings around the lake, Lake Homes Realty is the best source for lake information and diverse listings for BOTH buyers and sellers.

For more information, visit http://www.lakehomes.com/ or contact Mr. Smith Lake, Justin Dyar.

Nicole Walters to be Featured on Lakefront Bargain Hunt

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Nicole Walters

UPDATE 5/2: Nicole’s episode is now set to air this Sunday, 5/8/16 at 7PM central! Be sure to tune in!

UPDATE 4/29: HGTV has made changes to their Lakefront Bargain Hunt schedule and Nicole’s episode has been pushed back to a later date. We will have another update when it is rescheduled and set to air.

Tune into HGTV’s latest episode of Lakefront Bargain Hunt this Sunday, May 1st at 7 p.m. Central to see Lake Homes Realty’s Logan Martin Lake agent Nicole Anderson Walters!

Nicole, who is a seasoned Logan Martin Agent, will be helping a couple from Alabaster find their dream home on Logan Martin after they spent years taking weekend trips to the area.

Lakefront Bargain Hunt features families who are seeking to purchase a lake home on a budget. Each episode highlights a different lake and local expert real estate agent.

Nicole is the second Lake Homes Realty agent to be featured on the show this year; Justin Dyar and Smith Lake were featured earlier this month.

For more information on Nicole’s upcoming episode, visit the Lakefront Bargain Hunt website.

 

You Know You’ve Spent Time on Lake Lanier When…

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Lake lanier satellite mapNestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, breathtaking Lake Lanier spans 37,000 acres and features more than 692 miles of shoreline.

It also happens to be less than an hour away from Atlanta, making it the easiest of commutes.

Whether you grew up visiting the lake or call it your permanent home, you’ll recognize your favorite lake from these landmarks.

Current residents and expert-agents weigh in on their Lake Lanier Highlights.

Lake Lanier has two distinct personalities

Call it a West Side story, but you know Lake Lanier has two completely different personalities, South Side vs. North Side.

The South Side of the lake is the nearest to Atlanta and always has something going on at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort, the waterpark or restaurants, at LanierWorld, or the larger marinas.

The North Side of the lake is nearest to small towns like Cumming as well as a small city, Gainesville.

This is the side of the lake you will canoe and paddle board on. The shoreline remains a little more residential and the water is peaceful.

Lake LanierWorldLanierWorld

It isn’t just for the kids.

Yes, thousands upon thousands of visitors and tourists make their way to LanierWorld every year.

You may pretend to roll your eyes at the park’s 11 waterslides, wave pool, carnival-style rides and lakeside grill. But let’s be real…you love it.

No matter your age, you love spending the sunny, summer days flying down water slides and riding the Raging River rapids.

And after a day on the waterslides, head over to Pigtails or Fishtails for dinner and dessert.

Port Royale

This is the perfect place for your lake pit stop.

Located on the North side of the lake, Port Royale is by far your favorite marina on the lake.

With 5-Star amenities, the Lighthouse convenience store and Pelican Pete’s, Port Royale rivals even the most impressive of marinas.

Great food, live entertainment and a guaranteed good time are waiting for you down at the Port Royale Marina.

Rich History 

You’re hopelessly fascinated with the history surrounding the lake.

Everyone knows North Georgia has a rich history dating back before the Revolutionary War, but there are some spots around the lake especially surrounded by myth and legend.

War Hill, a 108-acre park, for example, has almost no documented history regarding its origin and early history.

Local experts say there was most likely a significant Native American battle on the site. However, it’s rumored that evidence of what really happened at War Hill is buried under the lake.

Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration 

You can’t imagine spending Fourth of July anywhere else.

Every year, places like Lake Lanier Islands host a swanky “Red, White and Blue Luau,” and Laurel Park serves up hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones courtesy of the Paul E. Bolding American Legion.

But whether you spend the Fourth in your backyard on the dock or at any of Lake Lanier’s parks, you are sure to have the perfect view for a fantastic firework spectacle.

They See You Rowin’

You wish you had what it takes to be a professional rower.

You’re proud that YOUR lake was home to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and that the Lake Lanier Rowing Club is one of the most prestigious rowing venues in the world.

Some days you look out your window and see five sculls rowing by, and you know this is totally normal.

Sunset Cove

You spent entire days at Sunset Cove.

Whether you drove up in your boat or your car, you know Sunset Cove is the place to be on a clear, summer day.

With live entertainment, a powder-white beach, beach volleyball courts, fire pits and delicious food, what’s not to love?

Park your boat, turn up the music, and stay ‘til the sun goes down.skogies on lake lanier

Eat a Skogie Sammich

Skogie’s Famous Grouper Sandwich has your heart (and your stomach.)

Recently voted best restaurant on Lake Lanier, Skogie’s is the perfect place for good food and cold drinks on a summer day.

Located at the Gainesville Marina, Skogie’s for dinner is the perfect way to cap off a great day at the lake.

Christmas Lights Galore

Magical Nights of Lights means that Christmas is officially on its way.

Every year, Lake Lanier Islands hosts this six-mile animated light display that ends with the Holiday Village.

The Village features carnival rides, bonfires, Santa’s workshop and a live nativity scene.

One of the most treasured traditions on Lake Lanier, driving through the Magical Nights of Lights with a car full of loved ones is the best way to kick off the holiday season.

Lake Lanier sunset

Unparalleled Beauty

You know you live on the most beautiful lake in the Southeast.

Visitors love the lake because of more than 50 parks and public access points on Lanier, but residents love it because this body of water is unmistakably home.

The best part of living on Lake Lanier? There is something for everyone.

With a lake that touches five counties and 600 miles of shoreline, it is easy to find a piece of Lake Lanier that fits every personality.

Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of Lanier Island or the serenity of a secluded northside cove, living on Lanier is the perfect oasis.

Interested in making Lanier your home? Residents, lake experts and real estate agents would tell you you’d be surprised at the variety of homes found on Lake Lanier.

Homes on the Lanier market range anywhere from $250,000 to $4,000,000. To get a taste of the real estate diversity on Lake Lanier, visit our Lake Lanier page and see what we have to offer!

 

Considering Selling Your Lake Real Estate - Learn More Looking for Your Dream Lake Homes? Start Here

Your Lake Home Needs An Outdoor Propane Burner

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Everyone knows that outdoor propane burners are great for camping, but did you know they can be especially handy around the house as well?

Here are 4 tasty reasons to have an outdoor propane burner at your lake home!

Low Country Boil

There is nothing better get together at the lake than a crawfish, or low country boil!

With a propane burner and a big enough stock pot, you can create an all you can eat buffets of potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp and crawfish for even the largest crowd and with minimal effort.

outdoor propane burnerOnce you’re done cooking just spread some newspapers out on a table or two, dump out your seafood feast, and let everyone dive in while enjoying the outdoors and the lake view.

This also makes cleanup a breeze, as you have one pot to clean and can simply throw away the newspapers and hose off the tables.

Click here for a simple recipe that is sure to please.

Fried Turkey

This year when Thanksgiving rolls around, surprise everyone with a deep fried turkey!

You’ll never experience a juicier (yes, juicy turkey!) more flavorful bird than one that has been deep fried.

Just be sure to follow all instructions carefully when cooking your turkey, as that much hot oil can be a safety hazard if not handled properly.

For detailed instructions on how to safely and tastily deep fry your turkey, click here.

Homemade Chili

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a cool evening by the lake.

With a propane burner you will be able to make homemade chili that tastes great, and you’ll be able to make enough to feed an army!

Just take your favorite chili recipe and increase the portions to match the number of people you will be feeding.

One thing to take note of is that the propane burner runs much hotter than your typical stove, so make sure to keep the heat low and stir frequently to avoid scorching the bottom!

Homebrewing

With the rising popularity of craft beer, many people have taken up the hobby of homebrewing and creating their own beer.

While creating a 1 or even a 3 gallon batch can generally be done pretty easily on a stove, once you get to a 5+ gallon brew it is very hard to maintain a rolling boil.

That is, unless you have a propane burner!

Not only will it maintain a rolling boil with no problem, it will also reach that boil much quicker, helping speed up the overall time spent brewing.

These are just a few examples of the versatility of the propane burner and the various ways it can be used.

If you’re looking for a nice supplement to your grill, add a burner to your outdoor cooking arsenal, and enjoy the outdoors and the lake for more of your meals!

 

 

 

Can’t Miss Events on Jackson Lake, GA

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Jackson Lake is a wonderful, moderately sized lake located only one hour from the heart of Atlanta.

It features a tight knit community, anchored by the Jackson Lake Homeowner’s Association (JLHA).

This group meets four times a year, and their main goals include promoting fellowship, education, communication and improving the quality of life at Jackson Lake.

The JLHA also plays host to many of the lake’s most exciting events throughout year, including the following events in 2016:

purple, yellow and pink sunset over open water

Lake Cleanups

February 20th | May 14th | August 6th | November 19th

A clean lake is without a doubt the most enjoyable lake. Volunteer your time to make Jackson Lake looks its best year round.

In addition to cleaning up the lake and meeting all your neighbors, you will also be treated to a free lunch!

Cleanups start at Lloyd Shoals Dam on the dates listed above, all starting at 8:30 a.m.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of boots and some work gloves!

Paddle the Rivers

April 30th – South River | July 9th – Alcovy | September 10th – Tussahaw

Just as the title suggests – bring anything that you can paddle! That includes kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.

Make your pickup reservations by emailing JLHAReservations@gmail.com.

Poker Run

June 18th

Poker runs are fairly common across the south, particularly during the summer months when everyone is out boating in full force.

It involves traveling by boat to each of the 5 sponsor’s docks, picking up a playing card, then finishing up at Reasor’s Landing.

At this point you have a “poker hand” and the boat with the best hand wins!

The cost to participate will be $25 per hand, and proceeds will be used to promote boating safety and the use of a designated skipper around Jackson Lake.

For more information contact michelle_turgeon@yahoo.com.

These are just a few of the events taking place across Jackson Lake this upcoming spring and summer.

For more information about other exciting events, such as the July 4th Boat Parade, feel free to reach out to Wally Cawthon.

Wally is the local lake expert and the number one real estate agent on the lake! See Wally’s profile on LakeHomes.com and visit his website for more details.

4 Must-Have Dog Toys for the Lake Home

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Nothing beats a day at the lake with your friends, especially your best furry friend.

Tossing an old tennis ball in and out of the water can get boring for you, even if it doesn’t for your dog.

If you’re looking to spice things up a bit in the toy department, here are a few great selections for dog toys to keep with you at the lake home.

West Paw Designs Jive dog toy1. West Paw Designs makes a “ball” called the Jive, made out of their patented ZogoFlex material.

It is not a smooth ball, and is incredibly bouncy. The result is a zig-zag bounce that will have your dog running all over the place. The best part? It floats.

chuck it flying ring2. ChuckIt! has a great Flying Ring, like a small frisbee, that is made out of chew-proof, durable material. It can sail through the air quite far, letting your best fur buddy get in a great work out while having fun.

The Flying Rings also float on water, making it a great way to get your dog some exercise on both the land and the lake!

Ruff Dawg stick toys3. Are real sticks just not good enough for your best friend? Do you want something that is bright and doesn’t blend in with all the other boring sticks by the lake?

Then Ruff Dawg’s Stick Dog Toy is perfect for you. Made out of bendable, but durable, rubber, the sticks come in neon colors so you can find them anywhere.

They also float, like most real sticks.

Hyper Pet k-9 kannon4. If you’re into the classics, and have a really hyper dog, stick to the Hyper Pet K-9 Kannon. Perfect for pet owners who’s dogs have already fallen in love with fetching tennis balls.

For a few bucks, you can have your dog tired and panting within a matter of minutes. You can launch a regular tennis ball into the lake with no problem as they will float.

 

At the end of the day, what is most important is that you’re enjoying a day outdoors with man’s (and woman’s) best friend. If you get any of these toys, your dog will be sure to give you extra slobbery kisses.

If you don’t, you’ll still get the kisses. If you’re by the lake, you’ll probably still get a stinky, wet dog too.