Tag: lake living

Lake Home Parties – Tips for Creating an Unforgettable Experience

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A fun lake home party is not stressful when you organize, plan and prepare properly. Parties at the lake can create unforgettable memories for family and friend when you plan appropriately.

Prior to Party Prep

Pick a party theme that correlates with the special occasion or time of year. Set a date and time for your guests.

To ensure optimal attendance send out a ‘Save the Date’ message via text, Facebook, and/or email as soon as the date is set.

If you are having a birthday party pick an age appropriate theme that the guests of honor chooses.

If you are having a party for another occasion, do your best to pick a fun, colorful theme that correlates well with the dreamy lifestyle of lake home living.

Lake Home Party

Some parties require games and expensive rental equipment for guests entertainment.

A great lake home party will allow guests to enjoy swimming, boating, skiing, floating, paddling, sunning and any other sports the hosts already own equipment for.

Decoration Preparation

At lake home parties the main goals are spending time together and making memories while soaking in the sun and enjoying aquatic sports.

Keep decorations simple ~ the lake is picturesque enough. Take advantage of the view and let your lake home create the dream party.

Allow the scenery to naturally relax your guests and promote lake life conversations on the wonders of the lake.

Food Preparation

Unless you plan to spend your time maintaining food and refreshment areas be sure to prepare foods that take little to no attention after preparation.

One easy idea is a crock pot full of hot dogs. Simply add water, heat the dogs then turn the slow cooker to the keep warm setting when they are hot. Keep a cooler nearby with condiments for the dogs.

Single serving bags of chips and other easy single serving snacks will not consume your time during the party.

Have a few coolers with a variety of can drinks and make sure there is plenty of bottled water.

Be sure to have paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils and trash cans in a few places to decrease clean up time later.

On the Eve of the Party

Make sure to have everything you need so that you can start preparing for your guest arrival. If you have decorations, start hanging them the night before.

If you are making specialty drinks or foods make them the night before the party so you do not feel rushed the day of.

Do everything you can the night before so that you can spend time being a host to your guests rather than their cook or waitress.

Lake Home Parties Safety

To be sure everyone stays safe while having fun always have enough life vest and other required safety equipment. Lake Homes Realty has numerous safety articles you can read for more information on keeping your guests safe.

And if there’s a chance the party might last through the night, check out our “Lake Home Guests – Invite the Family for Extended Stays and Be Prepared” story for more advice!

Relax, have fun and take a lot of pictures to remember your lake home party fun!

 

Recreational Boating – Tips for Buying a Used Boat

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Recreational boating for family fun, fishing and relaxing is popular among lake home owners.

You can save money buying a boat if you consider a purchasing a previously owned one. In deciding which type of boat is best for your family there are a few things you should consider:

Decide What Type of Recreational Boating You Prefer

Will you stick to recreational boating at the lake or also on rivers and the ocean?

Will you be using your boat for hunting, fishing, skiing, cruising or racing?

The recreational activities you prefer should impact your decision on the type of boat you purchase.

Research your options prior to purchase and check out average prices of your preferred style.

Some other questions to ask yourself are:

  • Do you want a hardtop, canvas top or no top at all?
  • Do you want an inboard engine or an outboard one?
  • Would you like an aluminum hull or fiberglass hull?

Call About the Used Boat

Once you actually find the boat you are interested in and know reasonable prices, you should reach out to the seller or the dealer. Ask questions about the boats and show interest but do not admit you are ready to purchase a boat.

Make sure to write your questions down before calling them so you can write down each answer you receive.

Some things you will want to know are:

  • The year and the make of the engine and boat hull.
  • How many owners the boat has had.
  • If the boat has been in fresh or salt water, and the last time it was used.

If the person seems very persistent in selling the boat or in a hurry it is possible the boat may have some issues. Request an appointment to take a test drive prior to purchase.

Make an Appointment to Test Drive Boats

You will always want to see the boat and drive it prior to purchasing the boat. Most boat sellers will meet you at the water so you can take a test run.

If they do not have time for you or you do not feel comfortable buying the boat without a test run, walk away.

Inspect the Boat

When you test drive the boat make sure check that there are no cracks in the hull. Look for any parts that look new, as well as signs of neglect. Do not be afraid to ask questions about oddities you notice.

It is always better to get more detail and a full observation than to purchase a recreational boat that does not fit your needs or run properly.

 

Also be sure to brush up on your boating jargon before you buy too!

 

Fun Wildlife Family Activity at Your Lake – Can You Find These Animals?

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Time spent on the lake provides priceless entertainment and education for those searching for fun wildlife near the water. For an engaging family activity, see if you can spot any of the animals on our fun wildlife lake list.

Cows

While cows are normally found grazing fields near small ponds they are occasionally spotted on larger lakes.

This particular cow was spotted on Logan Martin Lake in July of 2016.

Cows are the largest domesticated mammalia.

Bullfrogs

Bullfrogs are amphibians. They eat creepy, crawly bugs but are not dangerous to larger species.

These creatures of land and water live in lakes, slow streams and ponds. The bullfrog is the largest of frogs in North America and make a deep loud call which is amplified by their internal vocal sac.

Bull frogs live predominately in the water but can be seen at the edge or on stumps and rocks in moist areas. You will find they are more active during the night.

Turtles

Turtles range in species and sizes. Most turtles are not dangerous, but snapping turtles can take off a finger so stay at a safe distance if you do not know which type of turtle is near you.

They eat bugs and small fish. Turtles spend most of their time in the water but can be seen on land as well.

Ducks

Ducks are one of the easiest animals to spot around lakes and ponds. While they are fun wildlife to observe,  they will snap at you if you get too close.

Their hissing is an interesting sound, but it is a warning that they feel threatened and you should back away.

If you are visiting a campground or live on the lake, ducks are typically more friendly and love to gather as you throw popcorn or pieces of bread.

Beavers

Beavers are natural dam builders. You can find their handy work all around lakes and rivers where they have built dams as their shelters.

They live their lives in the water and are amazing swimmers.

These fury animals should be left alone, but are amazing to watch at work and swim.

Deer

Deer are elegant, graceful creatures that love cool, clear water for drinking. Deer run extremely fast and jump really high when spooked, so try to be quiet when you see them.

These beautiful animals are majestic and docile. In areas that humans visit often like campgrounds and homes on the lake, they become used to humans and may not spook as easily.

If you have a home on the lake, you can plant clover to get the deer to graze near your home. When they venture close to eat your clovers, you will get a great view of your fun wildlife semi-pet deer.

 

Raccoon

Raccoons are the thieves of the wild, they are rambunctious and fun to watch but can be troublesome for trashcans that tip over easily.

Some raccoons become so used to humans that they will make eye contact then go about their business.

Raccoons may bite if you get too close, so keep a safe distance when observing.

They only come out at night, so if you see a raccoon during the day, call animal control as this raccoon may be ill and dangerous.

For More Fun Wildlife Information

To read about more fun wildlife on lakes Environmental Education for Kids has numerous interesting facts. And check out our article, “Have Fun Exploring The Lake With Geocaching” for another family activity to try!

 

Things to Consider When Buying a Lake Condo

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Condos used to be thought of as only for those who are single or couples that do not have children.

However, today everyone from singles to families of five love the convenience of condos, especially lake condos!

This choice of living can be very good for the right type of buyer. Here is a list of reasons why lake condos can be convenient and fun.

Lake Condo Community

When it comes to living in a condo, there are different perks for different people.

For example, if you are a busy mother, then you may want to see of there is an on-site or community daycare for your children to attend.

Additionally, if you like to work out, then you will be happy to know that most condos have gyms.

Other condos that also offer services like house keeping and cleaning your clothes.

Social Hubs

Social hubs are another great benefit of living in a lake condo.

Condo communities offer a various organizations such as golf and exercising clubs, where patrons can meet new friends and connections.

Different Costs

In all actuality, condos cost less than a typical home, at least up front.

One of the reasons for this is when you buy a house, you are also purchasing your own parcel of land upon which the house sits.

But with a condo, you will often have ongoing homeowner’s association fees. Unlike a mortgage, these fees cannot be paid off, and are used for general maintenance of the building, facilities and other things.

The plus side to this is you do not have to worry about taking care of things like yard work or landscaping; these things are generally covered by the HOA fee.

Excellent Lake Views

If you are fortunate enough to have a condo on a higher floor, then you will have an astounding view that lasts year-round. Even in the winter months it is a gorgeous scene.

High Security

There are many condos that offer locked entries or are in a gated community. These facilities normally have a doorman and security personnel to keep you and your family safe, as well.

This even offers security features like cameras and more. You also live closer to people. In case of an emergency, then you can rest assured that you are not alone.

You will need to do some research on the condo you are thinking about purchasing. Some condos have different amenities and offer different atmospheres.

Make sure that you visit the building and look at the services that they offer.

 

6 Reasons to Own a Swimming Pool at the Lake

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You can feel it; the weather is warm and you are getting the itch to swim. Your entire family is ready to splash away their days in the sun.

Healthier Lifestyle

There are many families that purchase a pool for family fun; however, an amazing benefit of a swimming pool is the fitness that automatically comes with the fun.

Families that have a pool are getting much more exercise than those families that do not have one. This offers an overall wellness for the body.

Some great exercises that can be done in a pool are water walking, water jogging and of course swimming.

The resistance offers a low impact exercise. These aquatic exercises offer simultaneous resistance for all muscles in the body, while protecting the joints, as well as the bones.

Crystal Clear Waters

While most lakes have crystal clear water, there are some that can get muddy or see some algae growth from time to time.

During these periods,  your swimming pool, whether it is chlorinated or salt water, is guaranteed to have pristine waters. This provides an opportunity for swimming no matter the lake conditions!

Better Sleep

Whether your children struggle with restless nights or you fight insomnia, having a pool will make it much easier to sleep at night.

The pool offers a way for the family to exert their bodies in a fun way in order to wear themselves down for bed.

Scientifically speaking, the water also offers another way to burn energy. The water is cooler than the temperature of the body. This causes the body to exert more energy in order to stay warm.

Visit with Family More Often

When you have a pool, you automatically have a great way to join family and friends together.

Barbecues and birthday are so much more fun when you have something as great as a swimming pool. Your friends and family will be more inclined to come and visit if you have a pool to enjoy together.

Property Value

Many times, depending on your location, a pool can dramatically increase a home’s value. This is particularly the case in warmer locations that provide longer swim seasons.

Consult with a local real estate expert in your area before adding a pool strictly for investment purposes!

Keep the Angler Happy

Is your shoreline and dock that spot the fishing enthusiasts in the family like to hit? If so, the pool allows other family members to swim, without disturbing the fish (and anglers) in the area!

Of course there are many other benefits to owning a pool, but as you can plainly see there are some key benefits that really stand out.

If you do not already have a pool, then you may want to consider investing in one. It has the potential to offer you a happier and healthier life!

 

For more tips on healthy lake living, read our “8 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Home and Health” article!

5 Reasons You Might Be From Lake Norman

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Lake Norman, often referred to as “North Carolina’s Inland Sea,” is located only 20 miles north of Charlotte.

This body of water boasts more than 32,000 acres and 520 miles of shoreline, making it a regional marvel, one you are lucky to call home.

As a native, these Lake Norman-life facts will are sure to hit home.

Culture is easy to come by.

Aside from typical lake activities like boating, swimming and skiing, you love that you can feed your cultural side without driving to the city (although it’s only a quick trip by car.)

To admire local art, head down to the Cornelius Arts Center or take a stroll down the streets of downtown Davidson to see the work of the area’s numerous local vendors.

On the weekends, festivals and farmers’ markets set up shop in the areas around the lake. Local produce and specialty products are abundant.

The best part: You can only get them on the beautiful Lake Norman shores.

NASCAR. Fishing. Golf.

Of course, these three things are listed in order of importance.

When you’re at the lake, you love the potential of running into your favorite NASCAR driver.

Many of the best drivers live around the lake because of it’s easy convenient distance from Charlotte, Mooresville and the Speedway.

You also love that living on Lake Norman gives you the best seat in the house for enjoying one of your favorite sports.

After a day at the race, there is plenty opportunity to relax, grab your fishing pole or even play a round of golf on one of Norman’s many championship courses.

Night Life.

The best way to wrap up a day at the lake is with live music, cold drinks and loved ones.

You, and the other locals, love frequenting the many pubs, diners and restaurants in the towns around the lake.

For a more upscale night, you love treating yourself to the North Harbor Club or Lake Norman Cottage Gourmet Food for a stunning waterfront view and some of the best food North Carolina can offer.

Did we mention fishing?

The lake is also known for some of the best fishing in North Carolina.

You love trying your hand at catching the various fish species like catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, and yellow and white perch.

And who knows? You may even reel in a record-breaking catch!

And if you’re not a skilled angler, you’ll enjoy learning from the exceptional fishing guides over at Lake Norman Ventures or Huffy’s.

Down-home luxury.

Is there really such a thing?

At Lake Norman, gourmet food, southern hospitality and luxury amenities meet to create the ultimate lakeside experience.

The areas surrounding the lake range from multi-million-dollar estates to pastoral farmland, with everything in between.

You love that you can shop in a large, chain department store, and then visit the historic districts in the surrounding towns of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville.

 

Interested in living on one of the most desirable lakes in the Southeast?

With more than 900 listings, ranging in price from $145,000 to $7 million there is sure to be a home that fits your needs and budget.

To find your dream Lake Norman home, contact our lake experts Erica Vaughan and Trish Greer.

 

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.

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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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 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 

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

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

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

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.