Tag: lake living

Your Lake Home Needs An Outdoor Propane Burner

Posted on Staff

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

Posted on Staff

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

Posted on Staff

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.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Hot Tub

Posted on Staff

hot tub by the lakeSo you want a hot tub? Hot tubs are a great accessory to a backyard, especially at the lake, and can be beneficial in relieving stress and staying warm during the cold season.

They are, however, a high maintenance purchase. Before jumping in, take a look at these items to consider.

Budget

One of the biggest downsides to a hot tub is the cost. If money is no object, or you feel you’re getting a great deal on a hot tub for your home, that’s great.

However, the cost of the hot tub is not the only cost you need to be aware of.

There is the installation cost, which can reach a couple of hundred dollars depending on the company, the cost of the chemicals to maintain the hot tub, and of course the water and energy costs it takes to keep a hot tub running.

You may also need to purchase the pump that aids in both water power and heating separately from the tub model you pick out. Do your homework, and make sure the costs are feasible.

Amenities

Do you have a large group of friends that will be joining you in your new hot tub? Do you have back pains or need hydrotherapy (massage jets)? Do you want built in speakers, or a tri-fold cover?

What about interior and exterior lighting, ladders to get in and out of your hot tub, a cooler, a foot massager? Yes, these are all very real options when you a buy a top-of-the-line tub. Pick which amenities are most important to you, and be prepared to dish out cash accordingly.

Location, Location, Location

Before you buy an extra large hot tub with a tanning deck and attached umbrella, make sure you have the room in your backyard. Ensure that you can fit a tub and the installers’ equipment through any side gates or through a garage. Also, before installing the tub, you may want to lay a concrete foundation down to ensure the tub is level and will not be exposed to too many elements.

If you plant your hot tub on the ground, you will have to worry about the cold earth affecting the heating elements, degrading the base of the tub, or making it so your hot tub is full on one end and empty on the other. Consider above-ground or below-ground options, based on your backyard and location.

Smart Tub

If you can, select a newer model hot tub with an energy efficient pump. While this may only be a requirement for the hardcore eco-friendly family, it is really just smart money.

You may pay a little more up front to get a pump that requires only a little energy to effectively heat a large tub, and will monitor the water usage so you don’t have a heart attack when you get the water and power bill each month.

More effective models also help you get a larger tub with fewer upkeep costs.

Renting

Do you rent or plan to rent out your lake home when you are not using it? A hot tub can can be a big draw for those looking to vacation at the lake, especially during the cooler months when renters are harder to come by.

While this may help you attract renters, make sure that your home, including the hot tub, is covered by insurance. A hot tub is a big ticket item that can be very expensive to fix in the off chance you get some rowdy renters.

In the end, the hot tub you pick will hopefully last you years to come. Don’t forget to maintain the chemical balance in the hot tub, but most importantly enjoy the serene lake views as you relax in your new favorite place on your property!

 

3 Reasons You Have to Visit the Lake This Fall

Posted on Staff

lake view in the fallFall is here, and with its arrival, many people end their great summer vacations, get back to school, and get ready to enjoy hot cider, pumpkins, and fall leaves at home.

But wait! Just because fall is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice getaway.

In fact, there are many points in favor of taking a getaway to the lake in the fall rather than the summer.

After all, who wants to fight traffic, crowded boat landings and lakes full of cruisers, skiers and anglers?

Kids can get grumpy in the summer heat and parents, exhausted. And don’t forget the bugs are out, and there are just so many people.

Ok, ok, so the lake in summer is not that bad (it’s actually great!), but there are some experiences you can only have if you visit the lake this fall.

Fewer People

There are fewer people visiting the lake in the fall.

Sure, people come to hike or take photos, but the beaches around the lake aren’t packed with college kids or families coated in sunblock.

The access roads are actually accessible in the fall, and the main channel isn’t overcrowded with other boaters.

If you don’t like crowds of people, or suffer from “boat” rage, the lake during the fall is the ideal.

Scenic Views

Everything just looks better in the fall.

Lakes are beautiful year-round, but imagine the trees around the lake in fall colors, and a lovely fall sunset that makes everything seem much more vivid.

The fall twilight makes your beloved lake home look and feel even more cozy. Enjoy long walks while taking in the views, and appreciate the wild outdoors at its most beautiful.

Better yet, hit the lake.

Before winterizing your boat and docking it for the year, hit the water to take in all the colors of the fall leaves.

Weather

Anyone who says they don’t like fall weather is just crazy, so don’t listen to them. Autumn marks cooler temperatures, but straddles the line between “hot” and “cold” perfectly.

In the summer, you’re sweating on your walk or in the boat out in the open lake, the sun is burning you, and you’re tired before the day is done.

In the fall, you can walk or boat all day without truly getting overheated, and the bugs have mostly gone away so you won’t be lathering yourself in DEET.

Let’s paint a new picture, shall we?

Imagine cruising down the open highway, enjoying a sing-a-long with your kids, headed to your weekend getaway in a great cabin by the lake.

You get to enjoy the fall foliage while you  walk along your favorite trail, which is no longer crowded, at your leisure in the crisp air.

The bugs have gone or quieted down, and the animals are out in full force, giving you a great wildlife-watching experience.

The climate is perfect sweater weather, and you can stay out all day without getting cold or hot.

The leaves on the ground, and the colors of the trees, provide a fantastic backdrop for your new Facebook cover photo, making all of your friends instantly jealous of your fall retreat.

At night in your comfy cabin, the kids rest peacefully as there are no late night boaters out creating noise pollution, and you and your spouse enjoy a nice cider or pumpkin beer on the patio, listening to the rustle of the leaves.

While a lake home is typically seen as a great place to spend the summer, if that is the only time you utilize your space you are only getting a fraction of the benefits of lake living!

 

 

The Joys of SEC Football and Lake Life

Posted on Staff

SEC lake mapWith less than one week ’til the kickoff of college football, it’s time to take a look at two common passions in the South: SEC football and lake life.

With regional temperatures generally staying warm well into the fall, and many lakes in close proximity to college campuses, it makes for a natural fit!

Whether you are having family and friends over to party and tailgate at the lake home, or attending the game and returning to the lake home as your out-of-town getaway, the lake will definitely enhance your experience.

University of Alabama – Lake Tuscaloosa

Located only 20 minutes from Bryant-Denny Stadium and Alabama’s campus, this reservoir features 177 miles of shoreline and serves as the main water supply for the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport.

Its close proximity to these cities and clear waters also make it a popular spot for recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.

Nick Saban, coach of the Alabama football team even has a house on Lake Tuscaloosa. He is known invite his players out to occasionally enjoy the use of his boat and jet skis!

SEC logoAuburn University – Lake Martin

Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Auburn campus is conveniently located less than 1 hour away from gorgeous Lake Martin, which boasts more than 700 miles of shoreline.

In addition to pristine waters and luxurious houses, the lake boasts natural attractions like Chimney Rock, as well as numerous local restaurants.

Search the web for Lake Martin rentals, and you will find no shortage of properties promoting “Auburn Football weekends on the Lake” and “Auburn Football Weekends.”

University of South Carolina – Lake Murray

USC, located in Columbia, SC, is minutes away from the fishing and recreational hotspot that is Lake Murray.

The lake, which has more than 500 miles of shoreline, can reach depths of up to 200 feet.

One draw for Lake Murray is the consistency of its water levels, fluctuating only 4 feet between the summer and winter seasons.

Another perk of lake is the convenience to Columbia, which is the home of the Riverbanks Zoo, Broadway shows, concerts, and of course, the USC Gamecocks and Williams-Brice Stadium!

vol navy tailgating
Photo courtesy of http://www.tailgatingideas.com/

University of Tennessee – Tennessee River/Fort Loudoun Lake 

UT’s Neyland Stadium is located 30 minutes from Fort Loudoun Lake and sits directly on the shores of the Tennessee River.

With almost 400 miles of shoreline, there is a lake property to match anyone’s needs, and if there is not, you can even look for a houseboat to live directly on the water!

UT fans take tailgating  to a whole new level, so much so that it has spawned its own title, known as “sailgating.”

That’s right, a group of super fans and boating enthusiasts, known as the Vol Navy, arrive by boat and tie up outside of Neyland Stadium to celebrate with traditional tailgating activities on their boats and on the three-mile riverwalk.

The bottom line is, no matter where you go in the SEC footprint, you’re bound to be near a beautiful body of water.

While most people think of a lake home as a great spring and summer getaway, it can also function as a one-of-a-kind tailgating experience on the weekends during the fall and winter months!

 

4 Famous Movie Lakes and Their Actual Location

Posted on Staff

When it comes to lakes in movies, most people automatically think of the horror genre.

That may be somewhat justified as there seems to be so many scary films that take place on the water, but there are also plenty of other movie lakes involving comedies, dramas, and romance.

That said, let’s start the list off with the most obvious (as related to LakeHomes.com) movie of them all:

The Lake House (2006)

the lake house from the lake house movie sandra bullock

This 2006 romance starred Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, but the real star of the movie was the lake home. The home was built specifically for the movie on Maple Lake, IL, just outside of Chicago.

It was actually constructed on the shoreline, then the ground underneath it was dug out allowing the lake to flood beneath the house for it’s over the water aesthetic.

Maple Lake is actually a forest preserve, and as such there are no homes on its shorelines. Because of this, after the filming of the movie had wrapped, the house was destroyed and the area cleaned up so that no trace of the structure remained.

Friday the 13th (1980)

Photo courtesy of Flickr

The original horror movie, and one of the very first slasher flicks, was released in 1980 and takes place on the fictional Crystal Lake.

The lake scenes took place on Sand Pond, the lake retreat for the real-life Boy Scout Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in New Jersey.

The camp is still in operation, and Sand Pond is still enjoyed by campers each summer!

What About Bob (1991)

What about bob lake house 1991

This 1991 comedy stars Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss in what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation getaway to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

While Lake Winnipesaukee is an actual lake in New Hampshire, the movie was actually filmed on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

This was because the film was set during the summer months, but when filming began the leaves in New Hampshire had already begun to turn to their fall colors.

Grownups (2010)

Photo courtesy of Flickr

This 2010 buddy comedy starred basically the entire cast of Saturday Night Live from the early 90’s, headed up by Adam Sandler.

In it, a group of friends reunite in their hometown and rent out a lake cottage for the week.

Filming for this comedy took place on Chebacco Lake, a 209-acre reservoir that is considered a “Great Pond,” meaning that it is owned by the state of Massachusetts but is open to the public for recreational use.

While the movie was universally panned, I’m sure the cast didn’t mind spending a summer on this gorgeous New England lake!

For more Hollywood lakes, check out our second article, “Top 5 Movies Set on the Lake.”

Or are you dreaming of creating memories in your own lake home? Check out some properties here!

Summer Grilling: Properly Cooked Meat

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Grilling is always a great way to pass the time with friends and family. However, there are plenty of things to consider when hosting a barbeque.

These aspects of grilling will ensure that you keep everyone safe during the fun get-together.

Temperature recommendations should be taken seriously. Proper cooking temperatures ensure that all the bacteria on a piece of food are destroyed.

You will need to make sure you have a thermometer handy to check for correct internal temperatures reach before serving any meat.

flaming grill on a lakeside beach Beef

Do not depend on the color of the meat as it can be misleading.

You need to make sure that once the meat is cooked that it stays warm. If you do not plan to serve your food right away, refrigerate cooked beef immediately.

Beef should be at least 145 degrees on the inside before it is served.

Chicken

Chicken is pink when it is raw and turns white as it cooks. However, just because it is white does not mean it is safe to consume.

The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165 degrees, at least.

No matter if the chicken is on the bone, cut into strips, or are boneless chicken breasts, you will need to ensure to take the temperature of all the chicken pieces.

Pork

Pork will also turn white when it is completely cooked.

You will need to ensure that you use the thermometer to check that the temperature of the meat reaches at least 160 degrees.

Fish

Most people will cook the fish until it is flakey. This does not mean that it is done.

At times the temperature may be cooler than it should be even though it is fork tender. It is important to always test fish.

The fish should reach at least 140 degrees before it is consumed. Great, hearty and less flakey fish for grilling include:

  • Tuna
  • Amberjack
  • Halibut
  • Swordfish
  • Haddock
  • Mahi Mahi
  • Salmon
  • Grouper
  • Cod
  • Catfish

Vegetables

No grilling get together is complete unless you have vegetables off the grill as well. One safety tip that is crucial is that you never cross contaminate.

This means do not use the same cutting board and knife that you did when you cut the meat. Doing so will transfer bacteria and blood to the vegetables.

Make sure to wash your hands to also ensure that you are not cross contaminating the vegetables.

Also, coat the vegetables with oil to ensure that they do not burn while they are on the grill.

Most people wrap the vegetables with aluminum foil and add in the seasonings with fresh garlic in the package.

When the meat is half way done, add the vegetable package to the grill. This will ensure that the vegetables are done when the meat is.

If you are unsure if the vegetables are done, use a fork to test the tenderness of the vegetables.

For a handy guide on grilling and food preparation and safety, check out this convenient poster by clicking here.

 

5 Toys You Need for Your Pontoon Boat

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having a pontoon boat will open up a whole new world of fun for you and your family. There are many different activities that you can do on a pontoon boat, and if you purchase amazing add-ons you can add even more fun to the experience.

Click on any of the links below for more information!

pontoon boat on the lake

Pontoon Fire Pit

Even though you can already fish, cruise, camp and ski on your boat, you can also add a fire pit.

These fire pits, fueled by natural propane, offer yet another way to relax an evening on the lake, particularly during cooler weather.

Pontoon Lighting

Lighting that can be put under the deck offers illumination for nighttime barbeques and parties. Though not something you will use every time you’re on the water, these lights create the perfect ambiance for a night ride.

The lights mounted to the underside of the boat will make the water glow with amazingly vibrant colors.

Your pontoon lights can even be used to liven up the mood the next time you have a party on your dock!

Mounted Barbeque Grill

There are numerous options for boat mounted barbeque grills. Most options offer a mounting unit with an accessory pole that fits into the same hole where you would put a drink table.

These on-board grills offer a way to cook for your family and friends without having to leave the water. All you have to do is throw some hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill while everyone is swimming!

Diving Board

Half the fun of going out on the pontoon boat is getting to swim. Why not make a splash out there by purchasing a pontoon diving board?

Boards come in various sizes, which can be securely fasted to the boat and used like a regular diving board.

Before taking the first plunge, make sure you check for debris in the water and to ensure that the water is deep enough for safe diving.

Slides

Whether you want a permanent fixture or one that you can put up and take down as you please, there is a pontoon slide out there for you.

Slides can be made of metal or strong plastic and attached to the boat itself for unlimited fun. But if some occasions don’t call for such adventure, say a leisurely cruise along the shore, purchase an inflatable attachment.

These can be blown up and used, and then when it is time to pack it up for the day, the slide is deflated and can be packed away to offer more space.