Tag: lake living

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 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.

Why You Need a Double-Decker Dock on Deep Water

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Docks are not only useful for storing your boat, they can also be a hot spot for fun. Having a double-decker dock can almost be compared to having a tree house, but on the lake! And the best part: two decks means two times the fun!

Here are just five of the many reasons to have a double-decker dock:

1. Sun Bathing

Some people like privacy when they sun bathe. Not only do double-decker docks offer privacy when you are sun bathing on the top deck which is often enclosed with a slated fence, they also offer you direct sunlight.

On the top level, you can either enjoy time sunning by yourself, or furnish the area with a small table and a few chairs for others.

You can even offer a storage area to put your sun lotion, towels, blankets and radio in. Just make sure that the storage container is waterproof so your items aren’t damaged by the elements.

2. Boat Protection

Boat protection is another great aspect of having a double-decker dock, as the second floor shields the boat from exposure.

You can also add on to the structure by adding a closet to store fishing poles, life jackets, and other boating essentials.

You can even install a boat lift on the dock to raise your boat out of the water when not in use; just another way to help preserve and protect the investment that is your boat!

3. A Slide

Thrill seekers will enjoy the added height of a double-decker dock which are often as tall as 30 feet above the water.

Slides can be installed one of two ways:

The first starts the rider at the second level and is ridden down to the lower level, at which point the rider is deposited into the lake.

The second and more adventurous option would be installing a ladder to the top of the slide and once the rider reaches the bottom of the slide they fall from the height of the second level to the water below.

4. A Diving Board

Everyone enjoys a fun high dive! With the height of the second level plus the spring of the diving board, you can really soar before plunging into the lake below!

One safety precaution to consider before installing a diving board is to make absolutely sure the water around your dock is deep enough for diving.

This is also important to check even when diving without the aide of a board, as diving into shallow water is extremely dangerous.

Also make sure that the area is clear of all underwater debris, such as old man-made objects or downed trees.

5. Additional Entertaining Area

Having a double-decker dock offers more than double the capacity of a single level dock. You can have extra company, extra activities and the dock will offer much more space for patio furniture or even a grill.

With a double-decker dock, you are essentially providing an extra porch or patio for all sorts of entertaining right on the water!

 

Perfect Magazine Subscriptions for Your Lake Home

Posted on Staff

If you have a lake home or a vacation home, then you will need some appropriate reading material. Magazines that are theme based offer great ideas, interesting articles, how-to articles, and so much more.

Here is a list of different magazines that will offer you amazing content perfect for your getaway:

Southern Living Magazine

Southern Living is a magazine that concentrates on all aspects of the southern life. It includes recipes, places to visit, people, and so much more.

The subscription is very fairly priced and will offer you hours of reading material.

They have even done an article title “The Best Lakes Across the South,” so check it out!

Ideal Living

For those with thoughts of retirement on the horizon, look no further than Ideal Living. This lifestyle mag focuses solely on destinations tailored specifically for those looking to live an almost resort-like life after retiring.

They often feature many lakes throughout the United States, as well as mountain homes and beach locations.

National Geographic Travel Magazine

This magazine offers great information on different locations found all over the world from lakes to mountains. It offers interesting information on local and exotic locations.

Most people who love lake life also love nature and the great outdoors. National Geographic provides just that!

Cottage Journal Magazine

Cottage Journal Magazine is inspired by seasonal homes and gardens that offer fresh styles and beautiful photography. You can find great articles that will give you great ideas for your lake home. It offers designs and creative ways to offer great ways to relax in your home.

Cabin Life

Similar to the Cottage Journal, Cabin Life is another great read focused on cabin living, which often times goes hand to hand with lake living!

Go Local

If you would like to have more local information, many lakes have regional or even lake specific publications that you can subscribe to. It will offer information about your area, as well as surrounding areas, as well as current events. Some great examples include:

Though many of these can resemble newspapers more so than magazines, they are an excellent source of information to have sent directly to your home!

 

Eli Kirkley is Director of Communications at Lake Homes Realty

 

 

 

Fishing in the South – Species You’ll Find and How to Identify Them

Posted on Staff

Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in the South, and for good reason! There are various types of fish located in most every lake to match each angler’s fishing style and skill level.

Here is a list of some of the most common species you will find, along with their description and other names they go by.

We’ve even included tips on how to catch each species for a little extra help for you on your fishing adventures.

Fishing in the Southeast Largemouth bassLargemouth Bass

These are one of the most sought after freshwater game fish. Known for their fierce fight and determination once they are hooked. Largemouth bass are iconic fish for their behavior after taking the bait. They actually leap out of the water in an effort to throw the hook!

Largemouth bass commonly grow to 2-3 pounds, though 6-12 pounders are not uncommon.

There are numerous baits and tackle popular among bass anglers. These include spinner baits, live bait, jigs, and soft plastic lures like imitation worms or lizards.

The largemouth bass is olive green in color with a series of dark to black blotches that form a jagged stripe along each of the flanks.

Fishing in the Southeast smallmouth bassSmallmouth Bass

Although this fish is very similar to its largemouth counterpart, it only grows to be around 6 pounds.

One common method used to catch this fish is a lead head jig rigged with 3-4 inch plastic grub or even a plastic worm.

These fish are aggressive and very common. Some anglers even argue that they put up more fight pound-for-pound than their larger cousins.

Fishing in the Southeast striped bassStriped Bass

Although native to North America’s Atlantic coastline, these fish are also comfortable in fresh waters where they naturally migrate to spawn.

Because they can live in freshwater, many lakes throughout the South have been artificially stocked with Striped Bass, or “Stripers,” as game fish.

Since they are removed from their normal environment, most lakes containing these fish have to be restocked yearly, as the fish do not naturally reproduce without being able to travel up river.

Stripers are even bigger than Largemouth Bass, and can reach weights of more than 50 pounds.

Fishing in the Southeast crappieCrappie

Crappie are a favorite among  many fishermen, as they are abundant in population and often easy to catch. It is a flat fish with green, gold-ish sides and black spots.

The crappie is the smallest fish to make the list.

The best areas to locate this fish are around trees, brush, or stumps that are submerged. To catch them, use small lead head jigs that offer plastic or feather bodies, or live bait such as crickets or worms.

catfishCatfish

Catfish can be found in just about any lake or river. They spend their time foraging at the bottom, which is why they are known as “bottom feeders.”

Most catfish weigh between 3-8 pounds but have been known to exceed 50 pounds.

These fish are most active during the night hours.

Some of the best ways to catch catfish is to use night crawlers, chicken livers, hot dogs, or any type of “smelly” bait. This is because they have taste buds all over their body and can actually taste their food before they bite into it!

Catfish have whisker-like stems coming out from their faces with a yellowish belly. Unlike the other fish listed, catfish do not have scales on their bodies and have a smooth, almost slimy feel.

Are you an avid angler in the South? If so, what is your favorite fish to target?

And check out our article on “Fresh Fish Recipes You’ve Got to Try“!

Lake Fun: How to Pack the Perfect Picnic

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Picnics are great inexpensive ways to get out and enjoy nature, particularly at the lake, but there are preparations that must be made! From cleanup to non-perishable foods, there are some guidelines to help you along. Here are ways to ensure that your picnic will be perfect, no matter if it is for a family outing or for a romantic lunch for two.

Beverages and Foods

What is a picnic without foods and beverages? Here are tips to keep your picnic on point and to ensure its perfection.

Types of Foods

It is best to pack foods that do not have to be refrigerated. Foods that you can pack can include fruit, sandwiches, chips, and other items that do not require cold to be preserved.

However, if you are packing anything that includes dairy, ensure that you are packing it with ice.

Containers

Make sure that you are using re-sealable bags or containers with lids.  If you do not, then the food could spill inside the basket, which can cause an interruption in the picnic to clean up.

Containers with lids also provide an easy way to transport leftover food back home with you. There are also containers that you can use that will have a place for ice inside the same container in order to keep your foods fresh.

Drinks

Of course you will need to plan on having drinks for the picnic. It is best to bring a cooler stocked with bottled or canned drinks that do not require cups.

Adding in cups will require clean ice and cups. This will produce more waste and ultimately more items to carry. Bottled water, soda, or juice is best when planning the perfect picnic.

Condiments

There are foods that call for condiments. To help make your haul weigh less, you can pack mini bottles of mustard and ketchup, or use mini packets like you see at fast food restaurants. This will ensure that you are not lugging big bottles. Using packets will make clean up much less work as well.

Another idea is to take everyone’s order before you make the meal and apply the condiments to the sandwiches for each person as it is made.

Picnic Tableware

Eating on the grass or an old picnic table can take away from the perfection of your picnic. Here are ways to ensure a peaceful and clean environment to eat outside and enjoy your company.

Utensils

Although you will be using paper plates and cups, it is best to you reusable utensils. To keep clean up easy and fast, bring a freezer bag to place dirty utensils in after the picnic is over.

Napkins

Napkins are a must for personal clean up and messes. Make sure to pack enough per person and a handful for other uses.

Cleanup

Cleanup items are very important. You cannot just leave things behind. Here is a list of items you will need for your picnic.

  • Trash Bag
  • Moist Towlettes
  • Napkins
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Paper Towels

In order to have a perfect picnic, you will have to plan it out. Make sure that you have adequate amounts of food and other items. Make sure that you use a tote that will not fall apart and leave your picnic in the grass. Pack a blanket or a tablecloth and enjoy the day out at the lake!

Keep Your Family Safe, Comfortable, and Active At The Lake

Posted on John Sims

It’s the time of year when outdoor activities ramp up and those enjoying the lake lifestyle lead the way in heading outside.  Taking care of the basics will ensure your family is prepared for all the fun that waits while avoiding some very common, and preventable, family fun killers.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drink Water.  Depending on whom you ask, water constitutes 65% to 75% of your child’s body while an adult body contains approximately 65% water…not soda, Kool-Aid or sports drinks. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, crankiness, and can even affect concentration.

If you feel thirsty, you’re probably already starting to dehydrate. So make sure you drink water regularly.  The recommended daily amount of water varies by age from 5 glasses for your five year old to 10 for pre-teens and up.

Food is Awesome

Don’t forget the snacks. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Handbook, Children should eat three main meals per day and, depending on age, eat 1 to 2 in between meals or healthy snacks.

Two are recommended for younger children while older children may require only a mid afternoon snack. The immediate effect of going too long between meals is a drop in blood sugar levels causing irritability, lack of energy, even confusion.

None of these effects go well with family fun at the lake so enjoy a good meal before heading out and keep those healthy snacks handy.

Prepare for the Power of the Sun

Nothing interferes with family fun like the negative effects of too much sun. Whether it’s the inability to participate in outdoor fun or a child (and parent’s) inability to sleep with sunburn, the sun can be a showstopper.

Use sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor of 30 (SPF 30) to block both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection. UVA causes premature aging and suppression of the immune system, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

UVB rays cause sunburn. The intensity of UVB rays varies according to your location, the season, and time of day. 10am to 4pm are peak hours for both UVB rays and family fun so keep the sunscreen handy and apply often.

Clothing is an often-overlooked way of protecting your family from the sun’s harmful rays. All clothing provides some measure of UV protection.

However, clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is specifically designed to protect you and your loved ones.

Depending on your skin type, clothing with a UPF rating of 15 (Good) to 50+ (Excellent) may be required. Those with the most need for UPF rated clothing are children, people with fair skin, and anyone spending an extended period of time on reflective surfaces such as water.

Despite our best efforts, emergencies sometimes happen. Being prepared is key no matter how mild or serious the situation. Immediate access to emergency contact information is a stress reducer and lifesaver.

Prepare Your Smart Phone

Whether you’re a resident, frequent visitor, or enjoying the lake for the first time, programming local emergency numbers and medical providers in your phone saves time when you don’t have time to waste. Protecting your smart phone and all it’s information from water damage will ensure you have the information if needed.

Anything from a water protective case to a well-sealed storage bag will do. Your phone doesn’t float so consider throwing an empty water bottle in the storage bag or attach a float to the case for buoyancy.

If pets are along for the fun, don’t forget to include a local vet in your contacts list.

Keeping your family safe and healthy will ensure your time together is fun for all. It only takes a little thought and preparation to ensure everyone is energized and equipped to go out and make those great family memories that last a lifetime. That’s what the lake lifestyle is all about.

Tiny Home Living, Is it For You?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

One of the latest ways of alternative living is residing in a tiny home. This movement has started a few short years ago and does not seem to be slowing down.

It doesn’t seem like a fad, but a popular alternative way of life. Thousands of people are opting for a mortgage free life to ease the pain of the current economy.

Can you imagine living free of rent, with no mortgage, and tiny utility bills? Those who seek out tiny houses are searching for just that. They offer a way to live limited monthly bills.

Economic and the environmental changes can force us to re-evaluate our way of life. As it turns out, there are many people who have opted for this cheap way of life in order to sustain their family or themselves.

What are tiny homes?

Tiny homes offer a simple way of life with a beautiful small home, yet has everything that you need to live. Traditionally, these small homes are measured to be around 8 X 16 feet. They normally contain a sleeping loft, living area, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

They can be constructed to fit a trailer so that they are able to be moved very easily. They offer individuals the chance at homeownership without having to purchase large lots of land for them to reside on. For some, tiny living allows them to live off the grid, since the tiny homes are able to generate their own electricity, as well as water.

Some aspects of living in a tiny home are very different than a normal home. Storage is very limited and belongings are restricted to almost the bare minimum.

How do you purchase a tiny home?

There are different companies that will offer you custom built tiny homes or you can build your own with typical construction materials or with a kit.

There are other companies that offer you a shell, which comes ready to travel on the trailer, with a roof, windows, and the door. You are responsible for building the inside how you would like it.

Where can you park your tiny home?

Parking will ultimately be dependent on how your home is registered. Most tiny homes are registered as RVs. This means that you can park your tiny home on RV lots and other places that are RV friendly.

However, there are some tiny homes that are classified as a mobile home. In this case you will be able to park your tiny home wherever mobile homes are welcome.

Tiny homes can be a perfect fit for someone who wants to spend all their time at the lake out on the lake. They provide a place to clean up, sleep and eat to recharge then head back out on the water.

Tiny homes may not be for everyone, but it doesn’t look like this movement is going anywhere anytime soon!

 

Never Been to a Lighted Boat Parade? Here’s Your Chance!

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Are you looking for something amazingly fun to do on June 20, 2015? Look no further; you can add the Summer Lights on Logan Martin Lake Boat Parade to your calendar. This first ever Summer Lights Parade will begin at the Woods Surfside Marina at 8:00PM and then finish at the Pell City Lakeside Park. Judging will be located by the Coosa Queen Riverboat.

There are many companies and other venues that are participating; here is a short list of many of those involved:

  • 94.9 The River
  • Coosa Queen Riverboat
  • Woods Surfside Marina
  • Cropwell KO’s Paint and Body Shop
  • Extreme Printing and Signs
  • Realty Executives: Nancy Locklar
  • 9 The River

The entry fees are $10, which is meant to be as a donation. All of the proceeds will go to the Pell City Police Foundation.  There will be a contest of the best-decorated boat, as well as a dock contest.

This is considered to be the first of an annual event that will provide fun for all ages. Make sure to attend this great event this weekend!

 

 

Forget the Fancy Bass Boats, Get a Pontoon Boat!

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

You will never find a better boat to relax on. If you combine the floor plan and the amazingly luxurious seating, it is almost like having a living room on the water. A pontoon that measures 25 feet is able to carry 15 people, and at times even more very comfortably.

The same size of other boats of different styles does not include the same amount of space for the passengers. You would have to squeeze by each other when trying to move. It is more like riding in a car. With pontoon boats, you have floor space to walk, barbeque, and host parties.

If you are out for some sun, you can leave the top off, or if you are one that does not like to be in direct sunlight, leave the top on. The boat is extremely versatile when having fun out on the lake.

There are numerous models that include great features like a galley, live well, recliners, coolers, and a table to eat at or play cards on. They also include a ladder from the water to the floor. This way you can dive into the water and climb back up when it is time to rest.

Newer models also include stereo systems that offer external audio jacks, which allow the hook up of an mp3 player or iPod. Some even have USB ports.

There is a lot of space that will enable you to store water toys and other personal items. You can even purchase a camping enclosure to allow you to spend the night out on the water. There is even models that offer portable toilet with a privacy wall. Here are events that you can host on a pontoon boat:

With a pontoon boat, the options are endless. Imagine being able to spend an entire day that wraps up swimming, picnics, barbeque, music, and more all in one outing. The fun is overwhelming and the memories will last a lifetime.

Measurements Versus Passengers

If you are unsure of what size pontoon boat you will need, here is a guide to help you. Remember to include the typical people you take on your outings, for example; your kids. Then make sure there is extra room for other family members or friends.

  • 2-6 People: 18-20 Feet
  • 6-10 People: 22-24 Feet
  • 10 or more People: 24 Feet or Larger

Activities

Here is a list of activities you can plan for you outings. They will depend on what type of outing or event you will be hosting and how many people will be passengers on the boat.

  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Cards
  • Barbeques
  • Cocktails
  • Skiing
  • Tubing
  • Camping

No matter how many people you have with you, you will be sure to have fun. Ensure that you purchase a pontoon boat that will accommodate your entire family, plus a few more to make sure you can hold small get-togethers whenever you like.