Happy Halloween: Ghostly Tales from the Lake Part 2

A bright moon rests on a foggy lake.
Photo Courtesy of Vasarae on Pixabay

Halloween is upon us, and spooky season is officially in full swing! It’s time to make that cup of apple cider, sit by the fire at your lake home, and share some ghostly lake tales. In the previous installment of our “Happy Halloween” series, we shared chilling stories from Gardner Lake, White Rock Lake, Lake Erie, and Lake Lanier. In this edition, we are highlighting four more lakes. Brace yourself for tales of soldiers, abandoned towns, haunted waters, and sunken ships. There’s nothing like a lake backdrop for all our favorite ghost legends!

Lake Tholocco, Alabama

Spooky picture of the allegedly haunted Lake Tholocco near Fort Rucker in Alabama.
Photo Courtesy of Alabama Haunted Houses

Situated near Fort Rucker, Lake Tholocco features plentiful recreational activities, complete with a beach and children’s water slides. However, the lake has not always been a recreational oasis. During the Civil War, the property that is now Lake Tholocco served as a battlefield, and the cries of the fallen soldiers are still heard today. On dark nights, some visitors have reported hearing peculiar sounds and sighting ghostly figures wandering in the nearby woods. In fact, a Fort Rucker soldier claimed that once he saw three ghostly soldiers marching around the lake. Perhaps the nearby graveyards have failed to lay the Civil War soldiers to rest, and they come to Lake Tholocco to reminisce battles bitter and hard-pressed.

Clarks Hill Lake, Georgia

A map of the abandoned town of Petersburg, now covered by Clarks Hill Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Today Clarks Hill Lake showcases 400 miles of shoreline and bears the title of “Georgia‘s Freshwater Coast.” Yet, its beginnings were not so prosperous. At its construction in 1954, Clarks Hill Lake flooded the abandoned town of Petersburg—formerly the third-largest city in Georgia. At one point, from the 1780s to the 1820s, Petersburg boasted a thriving upper class and a plethora of businesses, taverns, and community events. However, when cotton replaced tobacco as the crop in demand, Petersburg’s tobacco-centric economy quickly crumbled. One by one, the town members left, diminishing Petersburg to the classic ghost town.

Nevertheless, Clarks Hill residents have not forgotten Petersburg. In 2002, when the area experienced a severe drought and water levels dropped, residents discovered foundations, pottery, old roads, and fences—remnants of an old town long-drowned by modern waters.

Veteran’s Lake, Oklahoma

Veteran's Lake in Oklahoma, supposedly one of the most haunted places in the state.
Photo Courtesy of Yall.com

Although Veteran’s Lake offers plenty of recreational fun, Oklahoma residents have consistently placed it on the list of the most haunted places in the state. As the story goes, in the 1950s, a woman was watching her son play in the lake. Despite only being distracted for a moment, when she looked up, she frantically discovered that her son had vanished under the water. She immediately jumped into the lake to rescue him. However, in the process of saving him, she was pulled under. They both drowned that day.

In the years since, Veteran’s Lake visitors have reported seeing two apparitions—the frantic mother and her waning son—searching the lake, seeking their next victims. Additionally, some report witnessing a ghostly woman floating around the lake, asking visitors to save her child from drowning.

Lake Superior, Michigan

The Kamloops, a ship that mysteriously sunk in 1927, with a ghost who still roams its rooms underwater.
Photo Courtesy of Isle Royale National Park

Many mariners say that Lake Superior, the colossal Great Lake, “seldom gives up her dead.” Certainly, this quote proves true in the case of the 1927 disappearance of the SS Kamloops. For fifty years, the ship’s vanishing remained a mystery. However, in 1977, unsuspecting divers stumbled upon the fully intact SS Kamloops, preserved by the frigid depths of Lake Superior. Inside, they found pristine cabins containing drawers filled with folded clothes and leather shoes. They even discovered 1927 Lifesavers that had yet to deteriorate. By all means, it seemed that the ship had been prepared for visitors.

And perhaps it was, considering that the divers reported that a real corpse—colloquially called “Old Whitey”—followed them around the boat. The icy water had acted as a natural refrigerator for the ghostly Old Whitey. Although his body was rigid and his skin was ivory, he had remained unspoiled. Despite feeling initially spooked by Old Whitey’s appearance, the divers soon learned that he was anything but malicious. Wearing an old wedding ring on his finger, he floated by them peacefully. If anything, he seemed happy to have some company.

We hope you stayed close enough to your lakeside campfire to shake off those goosebumps! Happy Halloween from Lake Homes Realty!

Helpful Guide to House Hunting at Watauga Lake

Photo courtesy of HighCountryNC.com.

When you’re house hunting in a specific lake area, there’s a lot to consider before making a down payment. One of these factors is the area itself. Since many people purchase lake houses in a different state, it’s likely you won’t be completely familiar with the location. As such, it’s a good idea to visit, check out the scenery, and explore local restaurants. Essentially, you’re test-driving life as a resident. 

If you’re house hunting at Watauga Lake specifically, we have some advice for you. Located just east of Elizabethton, Tennessee, this reservoir was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority after the Watauga Dam’s installment in 1948. With abundant water recreation and the beautiful nearby Cherokee National Forest, there’s a lot to discover here. Check out our recommendations for your house hunting trip at Watauga Lake.

Stay at an Airbnb

Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

One of the best ways to house hunt is to spend time in the lake area. An easy way to do this is by renting a cabin near the Watauga Lake listing you’re interested in buying. On Airbnb, hosts offer rental opportunities for guests to stay at their home. More personalized than a hotel, this popular booking platform allows you to see the surrounding area like the locals do. 

At Watauga Lake, this Airbnb listing is hosted by Deborah Short Taylor, a Lake Homes Realty agent. Equipped with a full kitchen, dining space, and multiple bedrooms, there’s no better place to relax while enjoying stunning views of the Appalachian Trail. For your next stay, you can browse other Airbnb listings on Watauga Lake as well.

Explore Local Restaurants

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

Another excellent house-hunting venture is to explore local restaurants. Food is one of the best ways to become familiar with the local culture. When indoor dining comes back after the pandemic, it’ll also be a chance to chat with locals. 

In Elizabethton, just 45 minutes from Watauga Lake, check out Rico’s Pizza and Subs for casual dining, Mayflower for seafood, and Jiggy Ray’s for pizza and nightlife. Another nearby town is Butler, Tennessee, located a short 20-minute drive from the lake. For seafood dining with beautiful views, book a reservation at Captain’s Table. Then, explore Shirley’s for a home-cooked meal or Butler Trading Post for a relaxing dining experience with subs, specialty pizzas, and other delicious items.

Take a Hiking Trip

Photo courtesy of Smoky Mountain National Park.

Most of Watauga Lake’s shoreline lies within the Cherokee National Forest. Because the U.S. department of agriculture protects the forest, it cannot be developed. As such, the hiking opportunities are abundant, as are recreation centers such as Backbone Rock. While house hunting, it’s a great idea to check out the natural scenery. 

Outside the national forest, one of the most popular trails in the area is the Great Hike to Laurel Falls. This 80-foot waterfall earned its name from the plethora of mountain laurel shrubs in the Smoky Mountains. Of course, one of the most famous trail sites is the nearby Appalachian. The best part about this trail is that you can tailor your route to your skill level. For example, the path by Osborne Farm is an easy 1.5 level walk. If you’re a more intense hiker, you can traverse over 1800 miles through the woods. 

If you’d rather bike than hike, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a perfect destination. This gorgeous trail takes you through farmland, forests, streams, and Christmas tree farms. 

Check out the Fishing Scene

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor.

If you’re an avid angler, you’ll want to check out the fishing scene while house hunting. Lucky for those on Watauga Lake, there’s plenty of fishing. For instance, Blue Hole Falls in Elizabethton is a swimming and fishing hole with nearby picnic areas. Located in Elizabethton as well, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park doubles as a picnic and fishing site. It’s also the site of several important historical events from the 1700s. While you’re on the water, you can check out the other popular water sports. In non-pandemic times, Watauga Kayak offers guided white-water rafting and kayak tours for you and your family. 

We wish you the best with your house-hunting trip to Watauga Lake! 

The Many Wonders of Lake Champlain, VT

Just missing out on the title of the eighth wonder of the world, the breathtaking 271,000-acre Lake Champlain does achieve the distinction of the eighth largest naturally occurring body of water in the United States.

But Lake Champlain’s size isn’t the only thing about the lake that’s amazing. With beauty that is far too astonishing for just one state, the lake extends into both New York and Vermont for a total of 600 miles of awe-inspiring shoreline.

And while we are sure the “New York side” of Lake Champlain is lovely, we think the Vermont side deserves a special spotlight.

Where History Was Made

Photo courtesy of WAMC.

Named after French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the lake has played a significant role in American history.

It was the site of many Revolutionary battles, including the seizure of forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1775, shortly after the war for independence began.

Lake Champlain was also the home of America’s first naval fleet, which under the direction of General Benedict Arnold, helped prevent British troops from advancing into the southern colonies.

However, in 1777 the British regained control of the lake and maintained that control until the war’s end.

After independence was won, the “Vermont side” of Lake Champlain operated as an independent republic, relying heavily on Canadian trade until 1791, when it became the fourteenth American state.

By 1810, the Champlain Valley was home to more than 140,000 people.

The War of 1812 saw more fighting on Lake Champlain’s shores, and in 1814 it was the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh, which helped pave the way to peace negotiations and the war’s end not long thereafter.

Today, Lake Champlain’s war-time significance has been honored by three naval ships that bear its name: USS Lake Champlain (CG-57), USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) and USS Lake Champlain (y. 1918-19).

Around and About Lake Champlain

Photo courtesy of Vermont.org.

Today, throughout the Lake Champlain region and into the nearby Green Mountains, residents can enjoy hands-on excursions, in-depth tours of historic sites and visits to the area’s many galleries and museums.

Filled with more than 90 species of fish, Lake Champlain is a thriving fishing destination, one that consistently ranks among the top bass fishing lakes in the country with largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass species all present in the lake.

Apart from fishing, visitors and residents alike enjoy boating, kayaking, yachting and sailing along the lake’s full length of 125 miles.

Private sailing cruises, boat tours, and ferry rides are also popular activities, inviting participants to take in as much of Lake Champlain’s breathtaking scenery as possible.

Off the water, there is plenty more to do, like taking a trip to the Vermont National Guard museum, where patrons can admire artillery and War-era artifacts from the area’s many battles.

Or for Lake Champlain-area foodies, take the Burlington Edible History tour!

The unhurried two-mile walk features five restaurants specializing in farm-to-table fare, much like the foods enjoyed during the early days of the city.

Your Home on Lake Champlain

222 McNeil Cove
222 McNeil Cove on Lake Champlain, VT.

Regardless of whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or more of an indoor observer, Lake Champlain has something for everyone, including prime lake real estate.

With properties in both New York and the Queen State, the lake is an approximately $178 million real estate market, offering between 300 and 400 listings at any given time.

This market is broken down by geographic area with inventory located in the Grand Isle area, the Swanton area, the Addison area and in the Burlington area.

As a whole, Lake Champlain reported an average home price of $628,402 in Summer 2019, but owning a piece of Lake Champlain is attainable for every budget.

In fact, 60% of the lake’s Addison area home listings are priced below the market average. Similarly, 29% of home inventory on Lake Champlain-Burlington is below market average, and the lake’s Grand Isle area features 70% of its lake home inventory priced below this average.

In the Swanton area of Lake Champlain, 90% of homes for sale are priced below $628,000.

Become a full-time resident or enjoy this lake’s natural and historical wonders as a part-time weekend warrior. Click HERE to learn more about Lake Champlain, VT.

Lake Charles, A Community ‘that likes to celebrate just about everything’

Sun setting over Interstate 10 Bridge Lake Charles Louisiana
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

There are lakes where the primary objective is simply to get away from it all. The less to do, the better. And then there is Lake Charles, located about halfway between Houston and New Orleans, which dishes up a bubbling gumbo of enjoyable activities within the heart of southwestern Louisiana Cajun country.

Sure, the area offers plenty of relaxing outdoor options, from the only inland white-sand beach between Texas and Florida, to a wide world of water recreation, to a flock of opportunities for bird watchers. But there also are casinos and golf courses and restaurants galore. And some sort of event each week, a total of more than 75 per year.

Prien Lake Park with view of I210 bridge
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

“We’re a community that likes to celebrate just about everything,” says William Precht, a Louisiana native and Senior Media / Public Relations Manager for the Lake Charles / Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We have all these fairs and festivals and live entertainment, much of which happens along the lakefront. And folks in the community like to get out and enjoy it all together.”

Water, the Heart of the Community

Boats out on water at Lake Charles LA during sunset
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

Water, of course, is at the heart of everything. The city of Lake Charles sits alongside its namesake lake, which connects to a series of other lakes, reservoirs, and tributaries all the way to the Gulf of Mexico about 30 miles south. These include Prien Lake, which has multiple access points for boats and provides some of the best sunset views in the area, and Calcasieu Lake, a popular fishing location for trout, redfish and flounder.

Lake Charles Pirate Festival boat on water with crowd
Photo courtesy of iExplore.

Meanwhile, Lake Charles itself boasts a beautiful boardwalk that connects the beaches to a series of waterfront parks. The highlight along this trail is the Lakefront Promenade at Bord du Lac Park. The Promenade is home to many of the area’s annual events, including the 12-day long Louisiana Pirate Festival, a local tradition for more than 60 years.

“We’re a community that is focused on the water,” Precht says. “People are either on the water, or they’re along the lakefront looking at the water. Being outdoors is one of the main reasons that folks come here. It’s just a beautiful area that keeps growing with more fun things to do.”

Lake Charles Creole Nature Trail

Creole Nature Trail in Lake Charles during the day with view
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography.

Lake Charles also is the getaway point for the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, one of only 43 designated scenic byways in the United States. Known as “Louisiana’s Outback, the Trail passes through three major wildlife refuges spread out over a combined 220,000 acres. The marshlands along the Trail are teeming with more than 400 bird species and a variety of other critters.

“The Creole Nature Trail is an awesome way to see a lot of the wildlife that is common to our area,” says Sheron Faulk, owner of the outdoor recreation store Ship to Shore Company in Lake Charles. “It’s pretty common to see an alligator on the trail. And for birders, there are some beautiful birds that you can’t see so easily in other locations that are abundant here.”

Whether you are visiting or thinking of making this lake your home, birds, water, and loads of fun are all abundant in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

To learn more about what Lake Charles has to offer, click here.

Life on Lake Coeur d’Alene

Located in northern Idaho, Lake Coeur d’Alene dazzles even the most devout land lovers with its centuries-old history and breathtaking natural beauty.

Fed by the Coeur d’Alene and Saint Joe rivers, Lake Coeur d’Alene is the second largest, naturally occurring lake in the region, with a shoreline stretching more than 100 miles.

A Look at Lake Coeur d’Alene History

Lake Coeur d’Alene’s story began long before North America’s first inhabitants occupied the land, forming as glaciers melted and flooded the area during the last ice age.

Later the Coeur d’Alene Native American tribe occupied the lake as well as more than four million acres of land in Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

Today, the Coeur d’Alene people own the southern third of Lake Coeur d’Alene and its submerged lands, and several miles of the Saint Joe River and its submerged lands, as part of the tribe’s protected reservation.

European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, bringing with them the fur-trading industry; and by 1887, the town of Coeur d’Alene was established.

Lake Coeur d’Alene has changed significantly in both size and shape since its early days, largely due to Post Dam Falls operations, which caused several small lakes to merge into its present-day form.

Today, the lake continues to serve as a major component in Kootenai County’s lumber industry and as a recreational hub for tourists and residents alike.

Hit the Scene on Coeur d’Alene

Lake Coeur d’Alene invites patrons to swim, fish, waterski and jet ski along its 25-mile length.

The bottom of the lake is rich with sunken cars, steamboats, and other vessels, making it a popular place for diving.

Whether for adventures above or below Lake Coeur d’Alene’s surface, Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers lake enthusiasts scenic daytime tours, shipwreck dives, romantic sunset dinner cruises and more.

World-class amenities await on dry land at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, famous for being the home of the world’s only floating golf green.

Located on the lake’s north shore, this 4-star resort also features a luxury spa and is surrounded by posh dining, shopping,, and a thriving nightlife scene.

The Lake Coeur d’Alene area is also home to some of the nation’s finest golf courses and birdwatching.

Lake Coeur d’Alene Real Estate

Coeur d’Alene Lake is the largest overall lake real estate market in Idaho, with current listings valued at more than $237 million.

According to the LakeHomes.com 2019 Summer Lake Market Report, there are approximately 319 properties for sale on Lake Coeur d’Alene, or 102 lake home listings and 217 land listings.

The average home price in this market is $1.7 million, the highest in the state.

With Coeur d’Alene’s rich history, mountainous beauty and many scenic wonders, the demand for real estate in the market surrounding this lake will certainly continue grow.

Pet Safety at the Lake: Your Cat Co-Captain

Photos courtesy of Sintra the Cat, Mero the Adventure Cat and Bryson Burmese Adventure Kitty.

Article co-authored by LakeHomes.com intern Gabrielle France

Not all felines are ‘fraidy cats’! In fact, a growing number of cats are riding the waves across some of America’s favorite lakes this summer.

If you’re ready to hit the open water with your kitty co-captain this lake season, take a look at these few reminders:

Prepare for Travel

As extraordinary as relaxing on the water with your cat sounds, getting to the lake may be a less than stress-free endeavor. Many pets, particularly cats, hate traveling.

To ease her discomfort and to ensure your pet’s safety, secure your feline co-captain in a carrier that is large enough for her to stand and turn around comfortably. Both soft and hard carriers are on the market today, which is best for your pet is ultimately up to you. 

Soft carriers are easy to travel with, compact and work best for calmer pets. The Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier is a highly-rated option that comes padded with a soft mat, plenty of space, and mesh sides for your kitty companion to see precisely where she is going.

Available at Chewy.com starting at $35, Sherpa carriers come in three different sizes and colors.

Hard carriers are more durable and protective than their soft-sided counterparts. Starting at $24 on Amazon.com, the Petmate is a solid, two-door hard carrier to consider.

This travel case is made of durable plastic and has two doors for your cat to enter or exit on whichever side she prefers.

There are five different colors to pick from and three different sizes.

Your Cat and Water

It’s no secret that most cats dislike getting wet, but did you know their fear of water is not inborn? Some cats are even natural swimmers, especially those native to warmer climates.

Feline friends who fear water are typically those who have never been properly exposed to it.

It is best to get your cat accustomed to water when he is young to make sure he has a natural curiosity to learn.

Being exposed to water early, such as gradually introducing your pet to a few more inches of water in the sink with each bath, will allow for a more natural and safe transition from tolerating to enjoying.

Eventually, when you decide you’re ready to take your cat to the lake, your pet will know what to expect.

For your cat’s protection, be sure Fluffy has a clear lake entrance and exit available, such as a ladder on your boat or dock, or a climbing rope that will allow him to lock in with his claws and exit the water with ease. 

Also be sure to keep noise levels and splashing to a minimum, and always dry your cat’s ears after exiting the water to avoid serious infection.

Life Purrservers

For added pet safety, consider fitting your feline with a pet life vest.

When selecting which life preserver to buy for your pet, consider purchasing a vest with a handle for quick extraction and under-chin padding to keep your cat’s head above water.

While most animal life vests are marketed for dogs, most are compatible with keeping your cat safe, too.

If you’re looking for a life preserver made specifically for your kitty companion, Paws Aboard is the best choice for you!

These jackets are equipped with both a  handle and under-chin padding and come in bright, easy-to-see red. 

Paws Aboard cat life vests are available for purchase on Amazon.com for about $25. Before you buy, always be sure to know your cat’s weight and measurements for proper sizing.

The Waterfront’s Finest Wines and Vineyards

Article co-authored by LakeHomes.com intern Sam Harvey

Simply being near the water can increase your sense of calm and alleviate stress and anxiety – a phenomenon called the “blue mind effect.”

However, owning a lake home also tends to make you the most popular person in your friend group, which can create a few stressors.

Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from entertaining guests, taking the kids tubing and cleaning up lake toys. You need an activity that’s more, shall we say, adult.

“Wine” down every once in a while at any of these award-winning waterfront wineries located on your favorite lakes. 

Pleasant Valley Wine Company

Nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake in Upstate New York is one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region.

Built in 1860, the Pleasant Valley Wine Company offers connoisseurs a variety of 31 products ranging from the official champagne of the National Women’s Hall of Fall Induction ceremony to a refreshing strawberry white Zinn and some of the finest cooking sherries in the country.

A trip to Keuka Lake is not complete without a tour of the Pleasant Valley Wine Company facility, comprised of eight stone buildings recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also find the equipment from the original establishment and wine-making displays.

Offered from Memorial Day through mid-November, Pleasant Valley tours are self-guided beginning at 11 a.m., daily. The last tour group of the day departs at 3 p.m. and concludes with a complimentary wine tasting.

Bottles are also available for purchase on-site and online, ranging in price from $3.50 to about $30. Among the winery’s most popular beverages is the Pleasant Valley Chocolate Lab, made of labrusca grapes and flavored with rich chocolate.

The winery recommends mixing this dessert wine with their Autumn Frost Strawberry White Zinfandel or Blackberry Merlot and pairing it with blue cheese.

Lake Michigan Vintners

Lake Michigan Vintners, situated just 10 minutes from the Lake Michigan waterfront, is the Midwest’s only teaching winery.

Part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, this world-class facility boasts products made with locally sourced ingredients, producing wines comparable to those made in the Bordeaux and the Piedmont regions of Italy.

The Lake Michigan Vintners tasting room is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Sundays and from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. For just $10, winery guests can enjoy a sampling of five wines of their choice.

Lake Michigan Vintners produces all wines in small batches, so availability is limited.

Among those wines currently available for tasting and purchase is the Grüner Veltliner, characterized by green apple aromas, a hint of lime and lemon shortbread cookies. This beverage pairs nicely with goat cheese and mozzarella.

Also available this summer is the Wavelength White, which features floral aromatics, jasmine, and hints of honey.

For red wine lovers, the Lake Michigan Vintners Pinot Noir tastes reminiscent of cherry pie and baking spices. Serve with savory dishes like pot roast and grilled lamb.

Rosemont of Virginia Winery

Conveniently situated on the Virginia-North Carolina border, just two minutes from beautiful Lake Gaston, the Rosemont of Virginia Winery invites guests to tour their 25 acres of grapevines and sample their 15, 100% estate-produced wines.

The Rosemont Estate, housed on 450 acres, dates back to the mid-1700s, during which time its grounds served as farmland for vegetables, hay, tobacco, soybeans, corn, and peach trees.

Winery construction began in 2006 and today is complete with an underground state-of-the-art gravity flow production facility.

Tours and tastings are hosted daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. With a $10 tasting fee, winery visitors can sample each of the venue’s current vintages and receive a commemorative Rosemont wine glass at the tour’s conclusion.

Unique to the Rosemont of Virginia Winery is their Adopt-a-Vine program, through which wine lovers can donate $300 to the facility in exchange for access to exclusive events and their own vine of Chambourcin grapes.

Adopt-a-Vine program members can learn to prune and trim their vines, help harvest their grapes and receive a bottle of wine made from their fruits for three harvest years.

One of the winery’s most popular wines is their Traminette 2017, a semi-sweet, dry, white wine characterized by touches of citrus and spice and bright floral notes. The winery recommends pairing this beverage with spicy cuisine or light summer salads.

Also a Rosemont favorite is their 2016 Cabernet Franc, which features light oak and dark cherry aromas alongside hints of berry and pepper.

This Cabernet Franc is a delicious red, aged for 20 months. It has the perfect complement to earthy flavors such as those found in olives and feta, fontina, and goat cheese.

Rosemont of Virginia Winery sells its products outside Virginia in North Carolina, Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, Florida, Michigan, and California. Bottles range in price from $14 to $33.

For more local flavor, be sure to check out our article “Tastes of the Lake: A Spotlight on Your Favorite Lakeside Restaurants“!

Tastes of the Lake: A Spotlight on Your Favorite Lakeside Restaurants

The only thing more fun than playing at the lake is eating at the lake! We’ve done the hard work of choosing the best of the best lakeside restaurants. Hey, somebody’s got to do it! Savor local lakeside flavors at these must-try boat-up restaurants.

The BoatYard Grill

On the sparkling shores of Cayuga Lake in Ithica, New York, The BoatYard Grill specializes in ” serving up a warm welcome and unforgettable experience” for all lake-loving guests.

Featuring American favorites like burgers, sweet potato fries and juicy, wood fire-grilled steaks alongside creative dishes like lobster lollipops and eggplant arrabiata, this restaurant has plenty of mouthwatering options for hungry boaters to choose from.

Patrons are invited to relax on the waterfront in the Grill’s Adirondack chairs, sip on Frozen Boatyard Thrill cocktails and enjoy live music every Friday night during the summer.

And better still, The BoatYard Grill offers watercraft docking at its on-site marina for convenient fishing to feasting.

The restaurant is also part of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, a 5.5 mile paved route connecting the lake’s most iconic lakeside attractions.

Tim’s at Lake Anna

Satisfy your seafood cravings this summer without the sharks and stingrays at the Tim’s at Lake Anna Restaurant and Crabhouse!

One of five Tim’s Rivershore restaurants and venues, Tim’s at Lake Anna has been an Old Dominion favorite since first opening its doors (and shores) in 2012.

Located in Mineral, Virginia, on the lake’s northwestern region, the restaurant offers fresh seafood year-round, its menu featuring scallops, oysters, crab and cod prepared in every way imaginable.

Renowned for its home-cooked cuisine, Tim’s at Lake Anna is also known for its idyllic lake views and family-friendly, community atmosphere.

Each year, in addition live entertainment, Tim’s at Lake Anna hosts a variety of lake-wide events, including a Memorial Day Pig Roast, Halloween Bash, Crawdad Festival and poker runs for charity.

The Gnarly Gar

Never leave the water for lunch or dinner again at Lake Travis’ famous floating eatery The Gnarly Gar.

An all-in-one restaurant, bar, filling station and entertainment venue, The Gnarly Gar provides a one-of-a-kind experience for lake lubbers of all ages.

With plenty of boat parking, lake lovers flock to this Texas novelty’s decks and docks to enjoy watching sports on the restaurant’s big screens, listen to live music, feed the area’s giant catfish and indulge in the tastes of Lake Travis.

Menu items range from classic fish and chips to burgers to shrimp stuffed with Serrano peppers, wrapped in bacon and deep fried, paired with a kickin’ strawberry lime habanero sauce.

The Gnarly Gar also proudly serves Maine Root handcrafted, organic fountain drinks. 

Fish Tales Lakeside Grill

Dubbed the “Best Dining Experience on Lake Lanier” Fish Tales Lakeside Grill has been serving up good times and fish tales (fried grouper fingers) since 2010.

Located within Hideaway Bay Marina in Flowery Branch, Georgia, this Lake Lanier landmark welcomes lakers by boat, car and even the occasional aircraft, year-round.

The restaurant caters to their loyal lake guests at every turn, offering a courtesy dock for those traveling by water, allergy-friendly menus at every table and unwavering service with a smile.

Fish Tales Lakeside Grill also features a giant kids’ sandbox and live music.

Mouthwatering menu favorites beyond the restaurant’s famous Fish Tales include the fish tacos, grouper sandwiches and signature items like the Aloha Chicken and Gulf Mix Platter.

And did we mention Fish Tales’ bar menu features NINE taste bud-tickling, shareable cocktails?

Enjoying the lake goes beyond boating and swimming. Take our advice and enjoy these great restaurants, remember lakes across the U. S. have great local restaurants with lots of local color. Be on the lookout and let us know what you find!