Real estate brokers report that the growth of Traverse City airport has contributed to a fourfold increase in waterfront home sales over the past seven years. This upward trend is anticipated to continue as the airport prepares for a $120 million expansion scheduled for 2026.
“Glenn Phillips, of Lake Homes Realty, said he expects sellers will begin to price properties more reasonably in 2026 and beyond as they realize the COVID-19 era prices “aren’t real anymore.” ” – Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
Perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, this sublime charred cedar-clad home on the northern end of the Leelanau Peninsula sits in an enviable position between the shoreline and an old cherry farm. The 17-acre property stretches across a forested swath believed to have been left in place by the original cherry farmers to buffer water spray and lake winds from the orchard grounds. But for a modern Detroit family of five who love to cook and enjoy time together—yet also appreciate quiet time alone—these storied grounds became the preferred site for their lakeside refuge and an homage to the wooded landscape.
Designed in collaboration with Desai Chia Architecture PC, based in New York City, and Environment Architects of Traverse City, MI, the dwelling forms a 4,800-square-foot assemblage of three offset structures that play off each other in the most organic fashion. “The gathering structure contains the living room, kitchen, and a covered ‘vista’ seating terrace,” says Katherine Chia, FAIA, a founding principal at Desai Chia Architecture, who, with fellow firm principal Arjun Desai partnered with an architectural team that included Ray Kendra, AIA, principal at Environment Architects. “The two ‘sleeping’ structures house the primary bedroom suite and three bedrooms for the couple’s grown children. A dining area breezeway connects all three structures for a seamless flow.”
Preserving the Past
By employing a technique called shou sugi ban—a traditional Japanese method of charring wood so it becomes rot-resistant and bug-resistant—the architectural team and homeowners clad the home’s exterior in charred cedar. The preferred material for charring, cedar is a resilient and porous softwood that can withstand the burning process that, in turn, produces incredible longevity.
“That level of durability and resiliency was very attractive to us and our clients,” notes Katherine. “At the time we were considering shou sugi ban, the technique had not been widely used in the U.S. En route to another project in Singapore, we traveled to Kyoto, Japan, to see historic tea houses with shou sugi ban facades that were still in great shape. We also realized the climate of Kyoto had similarities to that of the Leelanau Peninsula, so we could see that shou sugi ban holds up well in regions that are seasonally impacted by snow and driving rain.”
The material’s durability was a crucial characteristic, but the team also loved the appearance of the exposed charred surface. The texture and modulation enhance the shadows across the facade as the sun rises and sets.
Legacy of the Land
Years before the build, Northern Michigan had been afflicted with an infestation of Emerald ash borer beetles that killed off numerous ash trees in the region. The owners’ site was no exception, and there were many dying trees on the property that the beetles had infected.
“We wanted to think of a way to honor the legacy of these old-growth trees and imbue the new house with the memory of the historic forests that thrived around the peninsula,” says Katherine. “We reclaimed the dying ash trees from the site and milled them down for interior cabinetry, flooring, ceiling panels, trim work, and custom furniture throughout the house.”
A fireplace designed by Desai Chia anchors the living area, providing a stunning focal point for the wooded landscape beyond. The living space opens onto a kitchen fit for multiple chefs, where Basaltina countertops complement the natural woods applied throughout.
Undulating Roofscape
The roofscape has gentle undulations that follow the movement of the natural terrain and make a playful reference to the vernacular architecture of nearby fishing villages. “Those historic fishing villages are made up of a cluster of buildings, each with a function or purpose in the community related to retail and commercial industries that have evolved over time,” Katherine notes. “We considered these as a community of buildings that relate and talk to each other, with the spaces in between and their forms essential to shape the architectural features of the place.”
For this lakeside dwelling, the team took clues from the vernacular architecture and played with inverting the roof forms—a performative as well as aesthetic move. “The inverted roof forms allowed us to capture rainwater and divert it away from the erosion-prone bluff that leads to the lake,” she adds. “Scuppers on the roof collect rainwater, allow for drainage, and assist with erosion control around the site. We had seen the effects of erosion along the bluffs and cliffs of Lake Michigan during several walks around the shoreline, and we wanted this new house to be a steward of the environment and protect the bluffs from further degradation.”
The home’s undulating roof, composed of exposed wood beams and plywood sheathing, references the rolling terrain. An outdoor fireplace clad in Cor-Ten-Steel echoes the interior fireplace of the same material, as well as some of the window surrounds and cladding for the garage door and chimney. Sleek Finn Collection lounge chairs from Design Within Reach align with the home’s clean aesthetic.
Rhythmic Vaulting
The forms of the inverted roofs are revealed inside the house as well. The resulting rhythm of exposed wood beams provides layers of asymmetrical vaults throughout the interiors. At the southern end of the house, a 20-foot cantilevered roof extends over the “vista” terrace, providing a protected, unobstructed view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding woodlands.
Sheer Elegance
The dining room and its breathtaking view create a breezy flow-through transition space connecting the home’s separate structures. A raw-edge reclaimed ash table designed by Desai Chia and fabricated by local Leelanau craftsman Gary Cheadle of Woodbine Inc. was made from the property’s plagued ash trees. Jens Risom chairs, with his trademark webbing, introduce a pleasing textural element.
Patina Personality
The interiors of the house embody the indigenous landscape that once thrived with old-growth ash. The wood color varies from a medium blonde to a darker caramel color. Additionally, the striations in the wood bring personality to floors, ceilings, the dining table, the primary bedroom’s platform bed, and various side tables throughout the home.
Pristine & Passive Design
The home elegantly integrates geothermal heating into its design. Studies of the prevailing winds determined window placement to take advantage of natural ventilation. Thus, there is no need for air-conditioning in the home. In the primary bedroom, an ash platform bed was designed by Desai Chia and fabricated by Gary Cheadle of Woodbine Inc. Expansive windowpanes by Western Windows appear throughout the home.
Inspiring Vistas
Landscape design strategies were closely tied to the design of the house. A tight palette of native vegetation highlights views while also managing stormwater run-off. Locally sourced stone creates outdoor seating areas, pathways, and steps.
“This effortless flow of this house allows for moments of repose and contemplation as well as family gatherings for mealtime, fireside chats, social events, and entertaining with extended family and friends,” Katherine notes. “The family loves the outdoors, and an incredible open-air ‘vista terrace’ lets them experience the grandeur of the landscape. With the warmth of a fireplace, it’s an outdoor living space they can enjoy year-round.”
If you and your family dream of finding a scenic refuge on Lake Michigan—or any other lake—visit Lake Homes Realty and explore the listings for the lake of your choice.
LAKE MICHIGAN, Mi. (June 15, 2023) –A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Michigan are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Michigan’s total market at $2.19 billion, up from $2.02 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Tom Erhart, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Michigan. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.
“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Michigan to be the top largest market in the state of Michigan,” said Erhart. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of June 1, 2023, Lake Michigan – Petoskey Area has 79 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $59,000 lot to a $5.9 million lake home. “Twenty-six of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Erhart.
The average home price for listings around Lake Michigan in the Petoskey area is $1.68 million, according to the Lake Real Estate Market Report. The average lot price is $585,563 for the 44 lake area lots currently listed.
“The Charlevoix Area on Lake Michigan is the third largest inland lake in the state with a surface area of 17,200,” said Erhart. “With 56 miles of shoreline, the area has gorgeous beaches for recreational use, and it appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Michigan in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Chicago, followed by Washington D.C, and Columbus, Ohio,” said Erhart. “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Michigan and the surrounding area,” said Erhart. One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.
“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for Lake Homes “Tom offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Michigan areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.
About Tom Erhart
With over 19 years of experience as a realtor in Northern Michigan, Tom Erhart is a seasoned professional in the industry. His journey began in Southeast Michigan, an area known for having the highest number of lakes in the state. Growing up, Tom always had a dream of living on a lake, and for the past 30 years, he has turned that dream into a reality.
Tom’s expertise extends beyond real estate. He boasts 20 years of experience in business management and has owned and operated both a historic inn and restaurant, as well as a boat tour business on Lake Michigan. This diverse background gives Tom a unique advantage when working with his clients. He approaches every transaction from a holistic perspective, leveraging his deep understanding of the industry and his firsthand knowledge of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Tom’s ultimate goal is to ensure that his buyers secure a lakefront property that not only meets their needs but also ignites their excitement and passion.
One aspect of the real estate process that Tom particularly enjoys is the research involved in finding the perfect lake properties for his clientele. He embraces the challenge and views it as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Tom goes above and beyond to identify the most suitable lakefront properties that align with his clients’ preferences and goals. With Tom as their guide, buyers can trust that they are in capable hands throughout their real estate journey.
Just a few miles north of downtown Charlevoix, this stunning lake home graces the dramatic, windswept shores of Lake Michigan. Nestled among pine and birch trees, the house is positioned to face the intense winter winds that charge across the lake from the Upper Peninsula and Canada. Designed as a vacation home for a multi-generational family, the dwelling is ideally situated for outdoor activities and adventures in the summer, yet feels snug and protected throughout the long—and often harsh—cold winter months.
Before the build, the owners consulted with architects Daniel Kaven and Trevor William Lewis, brothers and collaborators at their Portland, Oregon-based studio, William / Kaven Architecture. The architects were tasked with creating a comfortable residential structure yet with strength and scale that matched the great body of water that can be viewed from every room in the house.
“When we begin any project, the first thing I do is walk the site, film, and take pictures,” explains Daniel, who led the project for its duration. “During the design phase, I often reflected on that moment of first facing the lake and its power. So we knew we wanted to design a structure commensurate with the drama of Lake Michigan.” The owners affectionately named their new lake home Camp MINOH, an acronym for Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio—all special places where they have lived.
Rugged Elegance
When the project began, the architectural team opted to keep the overall color palette understated to spotlight the home’s scenic natural setting. On the exterior, they used cypress Shou Sugi Ban, a Japanese technique used to extend the life of the wood by charring it. This ensured the house would stand up to the extreme exposure to storms and UV light.
“We were inspired by the textures of the site,” says Daniel. “The western shores of the lake are rocky, with prevailing winds from the west. Vast stretches of soft sand beaches and dunes line the eastern shores. The northeastern shores near Charlevoix are sculpted by large bays and dotted with inland lakes. We felt that the charcoal-like, distressed texture created by the Shou Sugi Ban would evoke the craggy surfaces of the natural surroundings, such as the wind-beaten trees, rocks, and sandy hills.”
Site-cast concrete balances the dark wood and contributes a rawness, strength, and subtle elegance to the exterior. Expansive glazing presents shimmering reflections of the trees and water and allows the residence to further blend into its surroundings.
Dramatic Entrance
Although spare and simple in design, the massive entrance hall is still visually impactful with its well-balanced mix of natural finishes. The space’s grand proportions and apparent emptiness create an immediate sense of tranquility upon first entry. Even the family dog finds it utterly relaxing and the perfect place to soak up the sun.
“Early on, the client expressed a desire for a rugged, low-maintenance home—a stipulation that informed the simple interior palette,” notes Daniel. “Exposed Douglas fir beams make up the ceiling, while dark and rich tones of walnut and polished concrete floors anchor the space.”
Boldly Built
The ground floor is the main gathering space, with a long and linear connected floor plan, stunning views, and a blackened-steel wood-burning fireplace. The upper floor is highlighted by rift-sawn white oak, creating an intentional contrast to the ground floor below. An upper cantilevered living section and framed views of the lake add to the concept of airiness, serving to connect the interior space with the dramatic exterior environment. “We designed Camp MINOH to be a highly customized refuge for extended family gatherings, with large, open communal spaces and cozy nooks for privacy,” notes Daniel. “The interior plays between opaque and transparent spaces to showcase the beauty of the site.”
Beautifully Blended
Camp MINOH is furnished with comfortable but refined modern pieces in primarily neutral tones to deliver a sense of serenity and comfort. Furnishings were kept minimal to allow the inherent beauty of the architecture to speak for itself.
“We selected an oversized leather couch for the living room to give a rustic, cabin-like feel, as well as to anchor the space,” notes Daniel. “A mix of bright and dark gives the house a quality of solidity and boldness without crossing over into the realm of heaviness.”
Sleek Efficiency
The team knew they wanted to design a sleek, energy-efficient kitchen and include visual references to elements of the rustic Midwestern landscape, including a nearby old barn that had been charred in a fire years before. Richly toned, black walnut cabinetry with a continuous grain defines the boundaries of the kitchen and the living room.
Raw Beauty
A significant design priority was to convey a distinct sense of tranquility, which the architectural team achieved by incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight the vivid year-round sunsets and frame views of Beaver Island. The home’s exterior is composed of concrete, charred wood, glass, and steel. On snow-covered days, the family enjoys the stark beauty of winter across the vast waters, and on summer nights, they spend time on the concrete patio around the fire pit.
“During the design process, we conducted detailed material studies of polished finishes juxtaposed with rough-hewn textures to discover ways of echoing the rugged terrain, diverse weather systems, supernatural winter shores, and slick lake surface,” says Daniel.
Tranquil Transparency
Both levels of the home are highly transparent upon approach, and from the road in, visitors can see clear through the house to the lake. The second floor features a private den for film viewing, a bunk room, and two-bedroom suites.
“One of my favorite features of the composition is the glazed cantilevering upper level that gives you the sense of floating into the forest with unobstructed views of the lake,” says Daniel.
The family uses Camp MINOH as a vacation retreat rather than a year-round home, but they visit in both the warm and cold months. The shared family vision for this Northern Michigan home was a retreat that would offer communal shelter in the depths of winter and serve as a gathering place for long summer nights.
“Our versatile design allows for this,” Daniel adds. “Camp MINOH is also intended to be used by various generations and age groups. By designing a home with flexible spaces and adaptability, we ensured that many combinations of family and friends could be comfortably accommodated for years to come.”
Just like any city, lakeside towns all have their own unique feel. The area’s food, community, culture, and amenities all blend together to create the town’s character. So, when you’re seeking a lakeside vacation for a specific reason — partying, relaxing, adventuring — you’ll want to choose a retreat that caters to those interests. That’s why we’re starting this new series. At Lake Homes, we’re featuring the best lake vacation destinations for a variety of purposes. Today, we’re focused on lake areas for relaxation. We’re featuring calm, peaceful environments for those looking to lay back and chill. You’ll enjoy both clear views and a clear mind on these lakes.
Located on the shores of Northern Lake Michigan, Traverse City is becoming a hot spot for wealthy millennials. Although this lake is great for all seasons, it’s especially beautiful in the summer. At Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ll find sandy beaches with dunes stretching for miles, overlooking the expansive sights of Lake Michigan. In addition to the calming essence of sandy beaches, Traverse City also offers wineries, craft breweries, and restaurants. While shopping at boutiques at Grand Traverse Commons, the regal feel of the buildings will make you wonder if you’ve stepped into a castle.
You may only know of Lake of The Ozarks from the famous Party Cove, a name given to Anderson Hollow Cove due the fraternity-esque parties on the water. But there’s so much more to Lake of the Ozarks. Attractions like Big Surf Waterpark, golf courses, cute coffee shops, spas, and wineries make this lake a target destination for fun and relaxation. In particular, this lake is known for its wellness scene — med spas like Spa Shiki, yoga studios, and Swedish massages, are popular in this area. At Lake of the Ozarks, you’ll find both excitement and luxury.
New Orleans is not the only highlight of Louisiana. For ultimate relaxation, step away from the crowds and head to Mandeville, a laid-back city where you can stroll along Lake Pontchartrain on the world’s longest continuous bridge. With an average depth of only 10-16 feet, the sunlight can directly reach the floor of the lake, promoting an abundance of marine life. For history buffs, this area also has historic value — it’s home to the National World War II Museum, located along the lake’s shoreline.
In the Finger Lakes region of New York, you’ll experience the calming serenity of the outdoors — perhaps with a glass of wine in hand. This region is home to more than a hundred wine vineyards. The largest concentration is lined along highway 414 on the eastern side of Lake Seneca. In particular, Belhurst Estate in Geneva and Thirsty Owl in Ovid offer spectacular waterfront vistas, so you can sip while taking in the views. While you’re enjoying nature, be sure to check out the many natural pools, gorges, state parks (Taughannock Falls is a popular choice), and waterfalls that this region has to offer. Soon, the “blue mind” state will put your mind at ease.
On Rangeley Lake, Maine, the charming New England towns will make you feel like you’re on the quaint, neighborly set of Gilmore Girls. Lined with antique shops, bed and breakfast spots, and quintessentially Maine scenery, you’ll feel welcomed and relaxed as soon as you arrive. This lake is especially great for summer, where you’ll find warm weather without the humidity.
This lake lures you in for a reason — pun intended. This gorgeous man-made lake sits on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with famous views from Chimney Rock. If climbing isn’t for you, you can opt for a relaxing walk along the boardwalk, crossing Flowering Bridge. You’ll also find a beautiful beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Besides the picturesque scenery, Lake Lure is only 30 miles from Asheville, North Carolina — known for its artsy, laid-back energy and breweries.
Situated in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is an excellent spot for relaxation. The whole region is full of laid-back lake towns, such as the historic Bolton and Ticonderoga. For low-key, relaxing outdoor activities, there are plenty of waterfall hikes, boat rentals, and other activities for sitting back and enjoying the lake. For sandy shores, look no further than the Million Dollar Beach which showcases beautiful scenery on Lake George’s south shore. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience, check out The Sagamore, a resort situated on a relatively uninhabited portion of the lake.
We hope you enjoy your next vacation on these relaxing lakes!
Now that we’re deep into the winter season, everyone is looking for socially distant outdoor activities to get out of the house. Thankfully, living on the lake makes this feat easier. From cold-weather camping to snow skiing, there’s no shortage of winter activities when you reside in a remote location.
For those who love fishing in the summertime, a popular winter variation of this sport is ice fishing. If you aren’t familiar, ice fishing involves choosing a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the lake (using power tools called augers or manual devices), and waiting for a bite. Regardless of your location, there’s bound to be an ice-fishing lake near you. Here are our top picks for the best ice-fishing lakes in the country.
Somehow, Lake Michigan always appears on a list of “top lakes” in many respects. It’s no wonder why. For one, this Great Lake is one of the country’s largest lakes, bordering multiple states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.
Lake Michigan also boasts spectacular views with its beachy shoreline. When it comes to ice fishing, Lake Michigan is undoubtedly one of the country’s top ice-fishing lakes. Its many marinas, bays, and harbors offer plenty of options for anglers to set up camp. For spectacular views, while you wait to reel in a walleye or whitefish beneath the ice, look no further than Lake Michigan.
This iconic lake is a top fishing spot in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. Lake Champlain is home to plenty of walleye, yellow perch salmon, and lake trout with hundreds of shoreline miles. In fact, the lake is so long that there are different hotspots for various fish species.
Port Henry and Champlain Bridge are popular spots for catching salmon and lake trout, while you’ll have luck reeling in white perch and bluegill at Bulwagga Bay. Due to this location’s long winters, you can fish here through mid-March.
If these criteria aren’t enough to sell you, Lake Champlain is also home to the alleged lake monster, Champy. To make your permanent residence on one of the top ice-fishing lakes, check out our listings on Lake Champlain.
If you’re looking for one of the best ice-fishing lakes for social distancing, Devil’s Lake takes the cake. With 100,000 acres of frozen water, this large body of water has plenty of space for every angler.
Minnewaukan Flats, Cactus Point, and Rocky Point are some popular spots. Although it’s known as the “perch capital of the world,” you can also catch a variety of fish of surprisingly large sizes. Many anglers report coming home with a perch, pike, and walleye all in one fishing trip!
The region’s long winters offer a perfect opportunity to fish for multiple weekends. Just keep in mind that Devil’s Lake isn’t for beginners. Fishing here requires a license, so be sure to get your credentials sorted before planning a trip!
With a depth of 50 feet and spanning 1,487 acres, Lake Washington is one of the largest lakes in southern Minnesota. It’s a popular fishing destination in summer and winter, and anglers flock to locations like Baker’s Bay, Squirrel’s Point, and Crystal Bay to reel in the seasonal catch.
Specifically, it’s a great place to catch crappie, black bullhead, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Although fishing enthusiasts flock to Lake Washington from everywhere, it’s especially beloved among nearby Minneapolis residents. This winter, Lake Washington is definitely worth the journey.
California didn’t earn its reputation as the “Golden State” by coincidence. With more clear days than rainy days on average, the state home to Los Angeles and San Francisco is practically synonymous with sunshine. As such, it may come as a surprise that California is home to one of the best ice-fishing lakes.
Silver Lake, California, is the best of both worlds. Gorgeous in summer and winter, it’s an incredibly scenic spot situated at Carson Mountain’s base. The lake is known for catching large fish — some anglers have reportedly caught trout up to 12 pounds, 30 inches long. It’s also home to one of the oldest fishing retreats in the nation, the Silver Lake Resort. If you live out west, Silver Lake is certainly worth the trip.
Located in the 60-acre McIntosh Woods State Park, Clear Lake is one of the Midwest’s most popular ice-fishing destinations. As the runner-up for Iowa’s second-largest natural lake (second to Big Spirit Lake), there’s plenty of space for anglers all winter long. When you’re not sitting on ice hoping to catch bluegill or crappie, you can also check out the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities at this park. Plus, you can stay for the annual wind kite festival to witness some colorful skies over the frozen water.
Although winters in the Pacific Northwest are sometimes too mild to produce the best ice-fishing lakes, Moses Lake is a prime destination for anglers when it does freeze over. It’s especially popular for perch fishing, as a vast population typically shows up each winter. There’s plenty of public access to this large, man-made lake, making it easy to find an ice-fishing spot. If you’re a Seattle resident, ice fishing at Moses Lake is the perfect winter day trip.
Have you tried ice fishing this winter? If so, let us know what you think!
Who said sandcastles are reserved for ocean coasts? It turns out, you can find that sandy shoreline you’ve dreamed of on a landlocked lake. Further, many of these lakes with beaches are comparable to coastal settings. The difference is how they’re formed. Most saltwater lakes develop from tidal action eroding sediment while freshwater beaches arise from materials along the shoreline. Across the U.S., thousands flock to beach lakes every year. If you’re looking to purchase a lake home — but you’ve considered a beach house as well — you can have the best of both worlds.
Lake Michigan, MI
Lake Michigan – Photo courtesy of Kelsey Young.
Of all the beach lakes in the U.S., Lake Michigan is perhaps the most famous. Given its prominent reputation and expansive coastline, it’s no surprise why. Some refer to it as the country’s “third coast” following the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. However, Lake Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline surpasses the Atlantic Ocean’s 2,069 miles of general coastline along the east coast. Besides its size, Lake Michigan is known for its sand dunes, which make up the most extensive freshwater dune system in the world. While strolling along these dunes, you’ll hear a distinctive squeaking noise beneath your feet. This endearing quality is due to the high quartz levels in Lake Michigan’s sand. From over 2,000 listings on our website, you’re sure to find a dream home here.
Lake George, NY
Million Dollar Beach Lake George, NY Photo courtesy of LakeGeorge.com.
Lake George is fondly called the “Queen of American Lakes” for a reason. Four hours north of New York City, this clean, natural lake is surrounded by the stunning Adirondack Mountains. The Adirondack waters are some of the country’s most pristine, and the water’s clarity makes it a popular scuba diving destination. Along Lake George’s shores, popular public beaches include the Million Dollar State Beach, Shepard Park Beach, and the Lake George Dog Beach. Most of these beaches are close to Main Street for convenience. After a day at the beach, head to the bustling town and grab a burger at Heroes at the Lake before catching a concert in the tree-lined park behind Shepard Park Beach.
The unassuming town of Westmore, Vermont’s population, rarely exceeds 300 people. However, it would be best if you didn’t underestimate it. This tiny town is home to one of America’s stunning beach lakes. Nestled between Mount Pigsca and Mount Hor, Lake Willoughby is known as “America’s Lucerne,” after Lake Lucerne in the Swiss mountains, due to its fjord-like features. Fed by underground springs, it remains crystal clear and cold throughout the year. Poet Robert Frost referred to it as a “fair, pretty sheet of water.” For beach access, the North Beach is particularly stunning, but you can find sandy shorelines in multiple spots.
To check out the area before buying a home, book a spot at the WillowVale Inn. Westmore’s only year-round lodging center offers cozy cabins and cottages to enjoy the crisp New England weather.
Are you dreaming of a luxurious life on the lake? Look no further than Geneva Lake, Wisconsin, located in the resort city of Lake Geneva. This destination is a popular retreat for midwesterners, just two hours outside Chicago. The surrounding town is steeped in history from the late 19th century’s Gilded Age. During this short period of rapid economic growth, wealthy Chicagoans developed homes along the Shore Path still standing today. After a full day at one of the public beaches (Riviera Beach, Williams Bay Beach, Fontana Beach, or Big Foot State Park), you can enjoy antique shopping in the historic downtown area.
Lake Travis, TX
Volente Beach, Lake Travis, TX – photo courtesy of AustinTexas.org.
Part of the Highland Lakes Chain in Texas, Lake Travis is a beloved spot for Austinites and visitors. Spanning 63.75 miles, this massive lake is famous for fishing, boating, and Devil’s Cove (also known as the “party cove”). From film festivals to breweries, there’s always something to do in the Lake Travis area. Today, we’re highlighting its status as one of the best beach lakes in the U.S. specifically. Tourists flock to Volente Beach for its resort and water park. For a more secluded vibe, hop over to Mudd Cove Beach or Bob Wentz Park. In short, if you’re seeking a relaxing beach lake with proximity to a thriving city, Lake Travis is an excellent pick.
For more information on these beach lakes and other lake markets nationwide, check out our listings at Lakehomes.com!
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For lake homeowners, day-to-day life is already overflowing with greenery from the amazing views of nature that surround us. However, there’s a day once a year where things at the lake are especially green. That’s right — we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A religious and cultural celebration honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this holiday is recognized throughout the U.S. For some, it’s a peaceful time of introspection, honoring Lent, and attending religious services. For others, it’s a day to wear as much green as possible, find the nearest parade, and hit the Irish pubs. Whatever your intention on this holiday, these St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in our lake areas are certainly worth checking out.
In upstate New York, just a few hours north of the city, the community at Lake George will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a two-day event centered around Duffy’s Tavern called Sham ‘Rock’ the Block. Duffy’s, a traditional Irish pub, is a beloved landmark of the area for both residents and visitors. At this festival, you can expect to enjoy traditional Irish music, amazing food (think corned beef and Reuben sandwiches), and arts and crafts activities that will be fun for the family. On Saturday, March 14th, from the upper deck of the tavern, you can get views of both the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the amazing Lake George in the background.
In the Deep Creek Lake area, there’s no shortage of activities going on over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. A major highlight of the festivities is the number of live music shows that you can discover in the area. If you head over to the Honi-Honi Bar on Saturday, March 14th, you can join the St Patrick’s Day Party featuring cover tunes from the band Time Flies. While you’re out on the town, find out who’s playing at other bars and breweries in the area. Also on March 14th, E May is playing at Moonshadow at 8pm, and Ronnie Boroughs is performing at the Black Bear Tavernat 6pm. No matter where you end up, don’t miss an opportunity to see live music in Deep Creek.
If your vision of St. Patrick’s Day involves lots of dancing, drinking, and proximity to a major city, Chicago’s Booze Cruise is the event for you. If you book a ticket for this two-hour cruise, on March 14th, you’ll find yourself aboard a luxury yacht on the great Lake Michigan. Whether you’ll opt to stay on the interior deck or check out the open-aired top deck of the boat, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing lakeside views while dancing to the DJ’s party playlist on one of the dance floors.
Parade and Shamrock Festival — Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Smith Mountain Lake is a popular vacation spot for Virginians and out-of-state visitors alike. Resting in a valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Roanoke region, this lake is primarily known for water sports and fishing (especially for striped bass). As if Smith Mountain Lake doesn’t have enough going on, the region is abuzz over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They host the Freedom First St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 11:00am, at which the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to make an appearance. Throughout the day from 10:00am-5:00pm, you can check out the exciting music festival called the Shamrock Festival featuring bands such as Jive Mother Mary and Strung Like a Horse.
If you find yourself in the Lake of the Ozarks region in Central Missouri, you won’t want to miss the 30th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 1:00pm. Sponsored by the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, this historic area of the region is where the parade takes place. Between marching bands and decorative floats, you can check out the local restaurants and stop in for corned beef sandwiches.
No matter which event you attend, whether it’s one of these five or in your nearby lake area, be sure to wear your green this St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate!
For anyone who enjoys both the fast-paced city life as well as a peaceful lake environment, choosing to buy a house in an urban lake area may provide the perfect balance you’re seeking.
According to the Encyclopedia of Lakes and Reservoirs, an urban lake is defined as an inland body of water, which is larger than a pond surrounded by an urban environment. An urbanized area encompasses both the region’s city and surrounding areas, such as towns and suburbs.
To qualify as anurban area, a city and its neighboring parts should have a high population density (at least 50,000 people). In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing balance of cityscapes and landscapes, urban lakes have several practical functions. They encourage biodiversity, assist in flood control, and provide a recreational spot for the city’s many residents.
Further, there are several personal advantages to living on an urban lake. There’s the apparent advantages — the opportunity to have that high-powered city job while also going boating, swimming, and fishing on the weekends.
But there’s also the lesser-known benefits of living by a “blue space.” For example, research suggests that living by water has a positive impact on physical and mental health. While scientists have yet to determine the reason behind this correlation, it certainly has implications for the benefits of urban lakes.
If you’re already sold on the possibility of living adjacent to both natural beauty and a concrete jungle, check out these five thriving urban lake areas in the U.S.
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