Tag: outdoor activities

A Spotlight on Lake Chickamauga

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of tnvacation.com.

What do bass fishers, antique hunters, and hikers have in common? A shared paradise on Lake Chickamauga. The lake’s name acknowledges a group of Cherokees. They supported the British during the American Revolution, split from the main Cherokee tribe, and settled along the Tennessee River in present-day Chattanooga. In 1940, the Chickamauga Dam was created as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority initiative under President Roosevelt to provide more flood control and electricity. Chickamauga Lake itself is a reservoir bordering Rhea, Miggs, and Hamilton counties, spanning 36,000 acres. At its southernmost end is the nature-filled, trendy city of Chattanooga, and residents enjoy the lake for recreation. No matter where you visit along all 810 miles of shoreline, there’s something to enjoy on Lake Chickamauga. Let’s cover some of the area’s most celebrated features! 

The Best of the Bass

Photo courtesy of tnvacation.com.

If you’re a fisher in Tennessee, chances are, you’ve heard of Lake Chickamauga. It’s especially revered for bass fishing. Due to its vegetative habitat with milfoil, pondweed, hydrilla, and naiads, as well as cool summer water, these fish flourish here. According to bass fishing authority, Bassmaster, Lake Chickamauga is a “bass angler’s dream” and ranked the 6th best bass fishing lake in the country in 2019. In 2018, it ranked number 2. This lake holds the record for the heaviest largemouth bass, which was caught by angler Gabe Keen in 2015. Typically, a 10-pound fish would be noteworthy, but this astonishing 12-year-old fish weighed 15.20 pounds. 

If you’re interested in following in Keen’s footsteps, take a few tips from competition angler Miles Burghoff. In an article for Waypoint Outdoors about fishing on Lake Chickamauga, Burghoff recommends shallow water fishing in the early mornings. In mid-day, you can find bass in deeper bays. Even when fishing alone — due to social distancing precautions — the upcoming summer seasons will bring a plethora of bass fishing opportunities on this lake. What better way to brighten your day than spending it fishing? 

The Great Outdoors

Photo courtesy of Outdoor Chattanooga

Around Lake Chickamauga, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation. These outdoor activities include plentiful opportunities for boating. Lake Chickamauga is known for its easy boating access and the popularity of water sports like skiing. On its shores in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, Harbor Lights Marina offers boat rentals, wet slips, and dry storage for your boat. They also operate Jones Bay Marina in the same slough. While you’re there, be sure to stop at MF Jones and order some fish and chips. As of May 1st, this waterfront bar is offering dine-in options. 

In addition to boating opportunities, Lake Chickamauga is also home to several state parks. For campers, golfers, and boaters, Harrison Bay State Park is ideal. Covering 40 miles of Lake Chickamauga shoreline, this park includes 128 RV campsites as well as Bear Trace Golf Trail. Surrounded by water and wooded land, it’s the perfect setting to aim for a hole-in-one. For another outdoor venue, check out Booker T. Washington State Park. Named in honor of the Tuskegee Institute’s former president, this park features several interconnected trails for biking, hiking, and bird-watching. Both state parks are open for day use, and you can view the current COVID-19 precautions here. 

Unique Antiques

Photo courtesy of suburbanturmoil.com.

In various towns adjacent to Lake Chickamauga, you’ll find several antique stores. These hidden gems are part of the Tennessee Antique Trail, an online brochure of all the antique stores in the state. Since many of the trail’s 123 members are near Lake Chickamauga, it’s the perfect half-day excursion if you need a break from nature. Even better, many of them are still open at least four days a week while taking the necessary social distancing precautions. For example, Callaway Antiques is about a 30-minute drive from Chattanooga. Owner Jeff Callaway comments that his store is known for “Primitive, handmade country store items from the 1890s-1920s. We also sell quilts, stoneware, and lots of custom bedding and curtains.” A staple in Charleston, TN, they’re in their 39th year of operation in the area.

A short 20-minute drive south, you can stop by Relics Antiques and Vintage Decor in Cleveland, TN. They specialize in French and Continental, Victorian, Art Deco, and Primitive pieces. Some items date back to the 1760s. If you find yourself in Chattanooga, The Refindery on McCallie is open Thursday through Sunday. This antique shop is considered more modern and urban. In addition to selling antiques, they also feature an extensive collection of types of vinyl and stereo pieces. 

Whether you’re attempting to break Keen’s largemouth bass record or looking for custom antique curtains, Lake Chickamauga is the place for you. Even in these unprecedented pandemic times, the simple pleasures of life on the lake can’t be beaten. 

Lake Activities: What Should You Do Today?

Posted on Camille Smith

From reading on the dock to water skiing, an endless amount of activities are at your fingertips when you own a lake home. Especially as summer is approaching, your options grow exponentially. With countless possibilities, choosing a lake activity can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, we’ve created this decision flowchart. Start at the top, answer each question, and discover what exciting feat you’re in for today!

Download Flowchart

Indoor Activities

If your result was in a turquoise box, get ready for a cozy, laid back day indoors. Greet the day with a slow yoga flow on your screened porch. By afternoon, maybe you’ll scour the pantry for ingredients to start a new recipe. Baking projects like homemade bread are more popular than ever, so now is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Even if you’re in short supply of cookbooks at your lake house, popular apps like New York Times Cooking and Yummly have hundreds of recipes.

Similarly, there’s no shortage of DIY projects at your disposal. Examine each room of your lake home and ask yourself what’s missing. Maybe a cute chalkboard, decor made of driftwood, or an outdoor fire pit. You can create any of these pieces on your own, so why not get started today? If you’re not feeling creative and need to use the day to recharge, try one of The Atlantic’s recommended quarantine reads for the summer. Or sink into the sofa watching a lake-themed movie. 

Outdoor Activities

If your result settled on a lime green box, you’re spending the day outdoors! The lake waters are getting warmer these days, so why not take advantage? Whether you’re practicing competitive swimming strokes, water skiing, or canoeing with a fishing rod in hand, enjoying the water in your backyard never gets old. If you’d prefer more green space than blue today, try exploring one of the hiking trails near your property. If you own a mountain bike, grab your helmet and start pedaling. Otherwise, bring a walking stick and go at your own pace. While you’re there, count how many different species of birds you can spot. Check out this bird identification guide to brush up on your ornithology skills. While most of these are solo activities, if you’re feeling social, you can turn the day into a small social gathering — once quarantine ends, of course. Your backyard is the perfect setting for a summer picnic. Bring a set of speakers, a blanket, and enjoy the view with your crew. 

The Day’s What You Make It

We hope this flowchart helps you determine what activity you’d most enjoy at your lake house today. However, this decision-making tool is certainly not prescriptive. Ultimately, your perfect day at the lake is whatever you want it to be. Whether you decide to squeeze in every activity on this list, pick just one, or none at all, what’s most important is that you enjoy your lake retreat on this summer day. From our lake home to yours — have fun!

Sun Protection Series #1: All You Need to Know About Sunscreen When at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith

As lake dwellers, we’ve all experienced a painful sunburn. While it’s no big deal to treat most sunburns at home with moisturizer and aloe vera, it’s best to reduce your burns because chronic, unprotected sun exposure can be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. To highlight the importance of sun protection on the lake, we’re launching a four-part blog series on this topic, beginning with a spotlight on sunscreen. To learn more about using sunscreen properly at the lake, we connected with Dr. Rina Allawh at Montgomery Dermatology near Philadelphia, PA, and Dr. Todd Minars from Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, FL. These dermatologists lent us their expert advice on the essentials of sun protection for lake lovers like us. 

What is SPF?

We’ve all seen this acronym on sunscreen bottles, but do we really know what it means? First, SPF stands for Sun Protective Factor, and it measures a product’s degree of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are two types of UV — UVA rays which penetrate deeper and cause the skin to age and UVB rays that are surface-level and cause the skin to burn. To filter out this harmful light, SPF was created. It’s available in two broad categories: chemical and physical. While chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays when they enter the skin, physical sunscreens include mineral compounds which sit on top of the skin and scatter and reflect UV rays. Both have costs and benefits. Recent studies suggest that some chemical sunscreen can be absorbed into the blood, but Dr. Allawh clarifies that there are currently no studies linking sunscreen to cancer. Regardless of which type of sunscreen you choose, the most crucial factor is simply using it. Dr. Minars emphasizes this importance: “Quite literally, applying sunscreen with SPF is the best anti-aging and skin care preventative step a person can take.”

What SPF Should I Use?

Dr. Allawh’s patients frequently ask her whether a high-numbered SPF is better. The answer depends less on the SPF and more on one’s application. She comments, “Many individuals purchase a higher SPF in hopes that they don’t have to reapply. In reality, a high-number SPF does not mean you can spend additional time outdoors unprotected. Reapplication is essential, especially after being in the water.” Although a higher SPF number does not protect your skin longer, it does have slightly more coverage from the sun’s UVB rays. For instance, SPF 30 blocks 97% of these rays, and higher numbers will provide 98% coverage and above. However, Dr. Allawh adds, “No sunscreen, in reality, can block 100% of the sun’s rays.” Finally, when picking out a sunscreen, make sure that the term “broad spectrum” is on the label, demonstrating that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. And don’t forget to check the expiration date!

How Much Should I Apply?

Dr. Allawh recommends applying a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen to the entire face daily. If you’re spending time outside on the lake, she recommends applying one shot glass amount of sunscreen to your exposed skin. Although it’s a common practice to only reach for the sunscreen when it’s sunny outside, it’s just as important to wear SPF on cloudy or overcast days. Especially between the hours of 10am-2pm, the sun’s rays are exceptionally strong, and it’s critical to apply the recommended amount of SPF. Dr. Allawh says, “a helpful tip I recommend to my patients: When your shadow is shorter than you are… seek shade!” 

What Products Should I Use?

Photo courtesy of Prevention.com.

The answer to this question depends on your skin features and whether your goal is repair or protection. For everyday use, while lounging on your boat dock, Dr. Minars suggests a rub-on SPF sunscreen like Neutrogena Beach Defense. Its 80-minute water resistance is ideal for lake environments. If your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, Dr. Allawh suggests products that are light and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t block your pores) such as Elta MD UV Clear, LaRoche Posay Anthelios, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch. She notes that “they have a nice buildable texture which is ideal for applying before any make-up.” If you’ve already accumulated skin damage from years enjoying the sun, it isn’t too late. Dr. Minars recommends AlphaRet cream products from Skinbetter Science for skin repair. Although this product is less potent than a dermatologist’s prescription, their key ingredients of retinoid and lactic acid rejuvenate and repair the skin. 

In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for more blog posts in our Sun Protection Series. For now, apply some sunscreen and get outdoors!

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

Posted on Cary Estes
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 is also 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.