lake vacation Archives

Best Lake Vacation Destinations for Relaxation

Posted on June 10, 2022January 11, 2023 Camille Smith

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.

Traverse City, Michigan

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.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

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.

Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana

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.

Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Rangeley Lake, Maine

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.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Photo courtesy of blueridgeimpressions.wordpress.com

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.

Lake George, New York

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!

Recreational Boating – Tips for Buying a Used Boat

Posted on August 3, 2016December 5, 2017 Staff

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!

4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Vacation Home

Posted on May 4, 2015February 9, 2023 Glenn S. Phillips

There are things that you should know before you purchase a vacation home. Within this list you will learn what to look for, what is a great bonus to your investment, and what to stay away from. Buying a vacation home is a big responsibility, be sure to do your research before you buy.

1. Spend Time Before You Buy

Get to know the lake. Vacation in other nearby rentals and spend time on the water in the area. Find out if the area seems to be what you are looking for, be it a quiet retreat or a party cove. Different lakes have different personalities, and even different areas within the same lake can have a unique vibe to them.

2. Expect Normal Expenses

Just like purchasing a primary residence, lake homes also come with year-round expenses beyond the mortgage (if the home was financed). These costs include things like insurance, property taxes, and lawn maintenance in the off-season.

You should also factor into your budget the potential costs associated with replacing large appliances in the home like the water heater. You must also think about the monthly utility bills for the property like water, electric, gas, and others.

3. Find a Property Manager

Face it; although you love this home, it’s not your primary residence. It will, therefore, be unoccupied during certain times of the year. While you’re not there, consider hiring a property manager or a caretaker to maintain the residence.

You can work with any number of management companies that will assign your property to one of their managers, so you don’t have to handle the search alone. Another option is to hire a live-in caretaker to stay in the home during the times you’re not there. Like property managers, live-in caretakers are paid a salary to maintain the property in your absence.

Which direction you choose is up to your personal preference; just know that it will need to be done.

4. Research the Demand

Lakes and lake rentals are a hot commodity for much of the year in many places but don’t expect to keep the house rented out year-round. While the lake is a great backdrop for a getaway any time of the year, demand for lake rentals is not nearly as high during cold months.

As a result, you will need to adjust prices accordingly. You may only be able to charge half (or less) of the summer rate if you want to keep year-round occupancy high.

Sometimes the excitement and anticipation for owning a second home on the lake can be a driving force in the purchasing decision. Make sure you stay rational and look at all of what is involved before you officially make your move!