outdoor living Archives

2021 Outdoor Furniture Design Trends

Posted on February 19, 2021March 4, 2021 Camille Smith

If you spent the better part of this year debating whether to replace your furniture, you’re not alone. According to The Washington Post, more people than ever are shopping online for furniture during the pandemic. Plus, since we’re spending more time outdoors than indoors due to social distancing, outdoor furniture has gotten more of our attention. After all, who wants to sit on pollen infested cushions and a plastic chair that’s on its last leg? To fully enjoy your lake views, it’s time for an upgrade. With the start of the new year, we’re here with updates on the top 2021 outdoor furniture design trends from leading experts in the field.

Bringing the Indoors Out

Photo courtesy of Life on Virginia Street

On a broad level, one trend is versatile furniture. In other words, people are attracted to furniture that works both indoors and outdoors. One of these features is nautical styles. Traditionally, nautical elements are a part of interior design, but luckily for lake homeowners, the nautical look works outdoors too. Alice Benjamin, principal and owner of Alice Benjamin Interiors, expects “lots of caning” trending in the new year. In the same vein, design experts also see lamps, rugs, and even bars being transferred to outdoor spaces. “It’s truly becoming an extension of the inside,” Alice adds.

Outdoor Beds

Photo by Cushion Source – Look for patio pictures

Who hasn’t enjoyed a front porch nap or two (or several) to get through 2020? Perhaps due to our collective embrace of naps this year, swinging beds are a trending feature of outdoor furniture designs. Harold K. Hardesty, blogger/co-founder at The House Wire, says, “outdoor daybeds are not a new concept, but they’ve certainly grown more popular over the past few years… they come in a million different styles and sizes, but I’m partial to the canopied ones I’ve been seeing all online lately.” Whatever your style, this trend is certainly not one to snooze on.

Wicker Furniture

Some trends never go out of style. According to Harold, wicker furniture is still very popular due to its timeless, woven look. However, he notes, “today’s wicker furniture looks different than ten or twenty years ago… we’re seeing more oversized chairs that look more like living room recliners than outdoor furniture.” Although for us living the lake lifestyle, reclining chairs are an unbeatable, comfortable way to enjoy a view of the lake from your outdoor patio. As such, it’s worth checking out some reclining wicker chairs, such as this one by Hanover.

Monotone Fabrics

Photo courtesy of Sunbrella via Instagram

Instead of seeing bright pops of color, outdoor furniture design experts notice that more monochromatic looks are trending. Nisha Varma, interior designer and founder of NV Luxe Interiors, advises incorporating Sunbrella all-weather fabrics in monotone colors that mimic the colors of nature. For example, monotone blues resemble the sky or ocean, yellows reflect the sun or flowers, and greens denote grass and trees. “This is all about bringing nature closer to you through outdoor furniture design,” she says. Another way of incorporating elements from nature into designs is by adding scents. For example, a gardenia plant or scented candle will complete the mood.

We hope these tips help you take your outdoor furniture designs to the next level in 2021!

A Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing

Posted on January 29, 2021January 20, 2021 Camille Smith

It’s no secret that fishing is a favorite activity among lake homeowners. Whether you enjoy cooking a dish with your latest catch or prefer to catch and release, something is exciting yet meditative about this popular hobby.

However, fewer lake dwellers have tried the winter version of this sport. But with the right equipment and guidance, ice fishing can be just as fun — if not more — than the traditional canoe setting. If you live on a northern lake and want to give ice fishing a try, check out this beginner’s guide!

Get the Right Gear

To ice fish properly, you’ll need a different set of gear than for regular fishing. You’ll most definitely need to invest in an auger, a sled, an ice scoop, and a few jigs.

Unless you want to go old-school and use an ax to cut a hole in the ice, the most necessary piece of equipment is an auger. Fuel-powered augers tend to work more quickly, while less expensive hand-powered augers take longer to drill holes. Either way, you’ll create a hole between 6-10 inches to use for fishing.

Besides this tool, a sled is necessary to transport gear from your car to the fishing hole, and the ice scoop keeps your fishing hole clear of slush. Although this gear can be a financial investment, it’s certainly possible to keep costs low and get started for around $200.

Because ice fishing is an extreme-weather sport, warm and dry clothes are essential. Remember to layer up as much as possible — you can always remove layers if you get too warm, but you can’t add more layers if you’ve left them behind. Also, don’t forget a personal flotation device (PFD) in case of an emergency.

Scout Out a Location

Photo courtesy of *Jessica Haydahl Richardson* via Outdoor Life.

One of the biggest things that scare anglers away from ice fishing is the potential of falling through the ice. While this is a legitimate concern, it shouldn’t deter you from practicing this sport at all. Instead, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

First, according to anglr.com, you need at least four inches of clear, solid ice to go ice fishing. This ice type typically forms around a lake’s edges, which means you won’t need to sled too far. Once you’ve found a spot, it’s wise to drill a few test holes with your auger to see if fish are moving. If not, pick a new location!

It’s also important to choose your lake or reservoir wisely. Jim Root, angler and guest writer for Deeper Sonar’s blog, says to avoid rivers, streams, and spring-fed lakes, which often have weak ice. Instead, pick lakes with large fish populations or ponds deeper than 10 feet.

The Perfect Technique

Photo courtesy of *AP Photo/Mike Groll* via NewYorkUpstate.com.

Finally, it’s time for the fun part — the actual process of ice fishing. At this stage, you have the possibility of catching trout, walleye, perch, and crappie, among others. As Teeg Stouffer, founder of Recycled Fish, told Dick’s Sporting Goods’ blog, “If it can be caught, it can be caught through ice.”

To catch these fish, you need to have good tools and techniques. While a traditional fishing rod and line can still work in a pinch, it’s worth investing in a jigging rod for ice fishing, which will allow you to catch fish at greater depths than a standard rod.

When ice fishing, keep in mind that jig color matters for catching fish. Just set up a simple trap with a sinker and minnow, then wait for the fish to come to you! If you don’t get any action for about an hour, it’s worth trying a different spot.

If you’re an angler who doesn’t mind extreme weather, ice fishing may be your perfect sport! We hope you reel in some good ones this winter.

Camping Series #4: Five Camping Gear Must-Haves

Posted on November 19, 2020December 7, 2020 Camille Smith

You might be familiar with the famous Franz Kafka quote: “Better to have and not need than to need and not have.” This quote certainly applies to camping gear. When you’re in the woods, it’s every camper’s nightmare to need something that you’ve forgotten at home desperately.

However, this rule is difficult to follow when there’s limited space in your backpack or car. How can you know what’s essential? To help you with that list of essentials, our final installment in our Camping Series is dedicated to the topic. Check out this list of five camping gear must-haves for your next outdoor adventure.

Bag Water Bottles

When you’re out camping, especially with a smaller backpack, space is precious. Carrying around an empty Camelback or Swell can feel like a serious waste of room in your pack, although these are excellent brands.

While plastic water bottles are certainly an option because you can crumple them when you’re done, they are not reusable and wasteful to the environment—introducing the perfect solution – bag water bottles.

This piece of camping gear’s novelty is that they’re both foldable and reusable. When you’re done, fold the bag in your backpack to save space and refill it when you’re ready! Essentially, it’s every camper’s dream. You can find this product from brands like Platypus or on Amazon.

Camp Kitchen

If you’re out hiking for just an afternoon, it’s easy to pack a non-refrigerated sandwich like a classic PBJ or a Cliff Bar. However, when you’re camping overnight, you need more than just snacks. If you’re wondering how to replicate your home kitchen at a campsite, camp kitchens are the answer.

Smaller kitchen supplies like the Soto Amicus Cookset are perfect for backpacking or picnic trips. This compact, lightweight piece includes two pots and a stove, ideal for cooking pasta in the woods.

If you’re staying at a campsite with the luxury of bringing your car, try this set from Trail Kitchens. Portable, yet comprehensive, this piece of camping gear is ideal for outdoor trips with large groups.

Portable Furniture

Photo courtesy of Caleigh Waldman via NYTimes.com.

When roasting marshmallows around the fire at your campsite, you may not be lucky enough to find solid logs for sitting. And even then, it might be uncomfortable. Incorporate more relaxation into your camping trip with portable furniture.

For low-to-the-ground seating, Crazy Creek chairs are an excellent choice. The original chair has been popular for over 30 years, earning the title of “toughest gear” from Backpacker Magazine. For more elevation from the ground, check out the co-op chair from REI. Sturdy, flexible, and easy to assemble; this product is ideal for campers.

Headlamp

Photo courtesy of Vincent Guth via Popular Science.

Although stars are undoubtedly brighter when you’re out in the woods than at your lake house, they likely won’t be sufficient for guiding your way if you’re lost. If you’re camping overnight, a high-quality headlamp is a must-have piece of hiking equipment.

One of the top-ranked products is the Petzel Actik Core Headlamp. With night vision features and a rechargeable battery, this piece of camping gear is sure to last for years of adventures. However, it’s also not necessary to break the bank on a headlamp.

For a more affordable option, check out the similar Petzel Tikkina Headlamp. Although it isn’t rechargeable, it comes with multiple lighting levels and an adjustable head strap.

Collapsible Dog Bowl

If you frequently go on camping adventures with your pup, a collapsible dog bowl is an essential piece of camping gear. Since it’s foldable, it can easily store in your backpack, and you can reuse it whenever your dog needs a refreshing drink of water. Ruffwear’s collapsible dog bowl is one of the top brands, made with a durable fabric.

Besides dog bowls, this company makes various camping and outdoor activity equipment for our furry companions.

For more information about camping, check out our previous blog posts in the Camping Series. From activities like starting a campfire to pitching a tent, we’re covering the essentials of braving the great outdoors.

Sky Phenomenon to View from Your Lake House

Posted on November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 Camille Smith

There’s something magical about the night sky. Valerie Stimeck, the author of the book Dark Skies, refers to the stars as “one of the few unifying features of human history.”

Unfortunately, modern skies, shrouded in city lights, don’t allow for proper stargazing. It’s reported that 90% of the United States population lives with significant light pollution. Given the pervasiveness of artificial lights, you’re probably missing out on more stars than you realize.

If your lake house is in a rural area, you might be part of the lucky 10%. On the next clear night, venture to your boat dock and see if you can spot these five sky phenomenons from your lake house.

Constellations

Constellations are perhaps the most famous sky phenomenon — and they have been for a long time. Of the 88 constellations recognized by astronomers today, 48 of them date back to the Ancient Greek and Babylonian times. Each night since the dawn of time, these patterns of stars have returned to their places, and their predictability is part of why stargazers love them.

The prominence of constellations differs based on seasonality. During the summer, the Big Dipper is easiest to spot in the Northern Hemisphere. As fall approaches, be on the lookout for Pegasus and Andromeda. Need help finding constellations in the night sky? An app can help with that. With Sky Guide, point your phone to the sky above, and it will outline constellations for you.

Planets

Milky Way

At one point in time, the Milky Way was always visible on every moonless night. However, due to light pollution, its appearance isn’t as consistent. It’s brightest in the southern hemisphere in the modern sky, but you can still view this sky phenomenon from your lake house. You’ll see dust lanes, nebulas, and star clusters within the constellation Sagittarius, making up the brightest part of the galaxy. Between June and August, our galaxy appears most brilliant, while December through February is when it’s invisible and too close to the sun. Right now, it’s a perfect time of year to look for the Milky Way on a clear night!

Comets

Photo courtesy of *@alisonleedham via Twenty20*.

According to NASA, comets are “cosmic snowballs of frozen gasses.” As they travel close to the sun, they spew gas and dust, forming a tail that stretches millions of miles. On rare occasions, you may be lucky enough to spot a comet at your lake house. Typically, they appear just around sunrise or sunset.

Although comets are rare to witness, some reliably appear in the night sky. You may have recently heard of Comet Neowise, which came closest to the earth in late July 2020. Famously, Halley’s Comet reappears every 75 years, so it’s possible to see it twice in one average lifetime. Mark Twain was born in a year when Halley’s Comet was visible, and he died the year it was visible again. Other well-known comets include Comet Hale-Bopp and Comet Encke. Regardless of which comet you’ve set out to see, owning a lake home in a less light-polluted area increases your chances of witnessing this sky phenomenon.

Northern Lights

This one is for lake homeowners in the northern U.S. You likely won’t see the Northern Lights directly from your patio, but many of our markets with listings are close to parks where this sky phenomenon is visible. For instance, stargazers have witnessed the aurora borealis in the Panhandle National Forest in Idaho, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Michigan. If you’re lucky enough to witness this beautiful sky phenomenon, in which earth’s gases collide with sun particles, your photos won’t do justice to its magnificence.

If you can’t see every sky phenomenon at your lake house, no need to worry. There’s plenty of ways to tackle light pollution at your own home to increase visibility. So grab a pair of binoculars and start stargazing!

Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays During the Pandemic

Posted on November 13, 2020November 16, 2020 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of *@photomasha_symchych via Twenty20*.

During the holidays, we often write on the Lake Homes Realty blog about hosting. From hosting a game day event during football season to inviting guests for Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered.

Our interest in hosting is because we understand the importance of sharing your lake house with friends and family. With stunning views of nature, more outdoor space, and generally cozy vibes, it’s a perfect venue for hosting.

Unfortunately, during the pandemic, we can’t celebrate the holidays in the same way. The CDC is recommending small gatherings, wearing masks, and minimizing travel. So, we have to get creative. This holiday season, try some of these social distancing friendly alternatives at your lake house!

Zoom Holiday Dinner

Since the pandemic began, loneliness has been on the rise. Since indoor dinner parties with out-of-town guests are no longer an option, we’re feeling the lack of connection more acutely this holiday season.

However, thanks to technology, Zoom dinner parties are “a next-best” alternative. You can send a video chat invitation to multiple guests for Thanksgiving, and everyone can join from their dinner tables. You can even do activities like “show and tell,” where each guest gets a chance to show off their cooking skills for the evening.

If your guests do not all know each other, utilize Zoom’s “breakout rooms” feature to enable your guests’ side conversations.

Host a Small Group Outdoors

Photo courtesy of @beachbumledford via Twenty20.

According to experts, spending time with others outdoors (and with a mask) presents a lower risk for catching and transmitting COVID than indoor gatherings. Outdoor events are where lake houses have an advantage.

There’s usually plenty of outdoor space to celebrate the holidays at the lake! Utilize the backyard of your lake home to create a venue for a socially distant gathering. If it’s chilly outside, center several chairs six feet apart around a heater or fire pit. You can encourage guests to bring blankets to stay warm!

If you host an in-person gathering, it’s an excellent opportunity to decorate your backyard. String lights, tablecloths, and a bar cart can evoke a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. You can even set up a speaker outside for some background music!

Online Gift Exchange

Photo courtesy of *@Anikona_ via Twenty20*.

Of course, Secret Santa is not the same virtually. There’s no pool of wrapped gifts in the center of the floor, and countless thank-you hugs as gifts are exchanged among friends and family.

Just because we’re far apart doesn’t mean the celebration has to end. It’s still possible to host a gift exchange online! Just be sure to plan ahead of time. Using a website like Sneaky Santa or Elfster, enter each participant’s name into the drawing. Once each person has been assigned a Secret Santa, allow plenty of time for mailed gifts.

After everyone’s mail has been received, host a Zoom event for each member to reveal their gifts and guess their Secret Santa. To make the event more celebratory, ask your guests to wear their favorite holiday sweater!

Virtual Costume Party

Although Halloween has already come and gone, you can still host a fun costume party for another upcoming holiday like New Years Eve. Whether it’s a costume party (and contest) or another fun theme that you choose, everyone can show off their fun outfits. Consider hosting it over Zoom or another video chatting platform for New Year’s Eve. This could be the year to begin some new traditions.

At Lake Homes Realty, we understand how tough it is to navigate hosting at your lake house during the pandemic. However, we hope these tips help you to stay as connected to your loved ones as possible during the holiday season!

Camping Series #2: Pitching a Tent

Posted on October 22, 2020October 15, 2020 Camille Smith

Nothing says “autumn” more than a good old fashioned camping trip near your lake house. This time of year, roasting marshmallows and sleeping under the stars is a great way to get in touch with nature. However, this classic activity comes with some arduous responsibilities, such as building a campfire. But perhaps the most daunting task is pitching a tent. Unless you’re a seasoned camper or former Eagle scout, this endeavor isn’t intuitive. With so many poles, ties, and fabric, how do you know where to start? To help you prepare for your next camping adventure, we’ve compiled a list of pointers for pitching a tent!

1. Make Sure You Have Everything

There’s nothing worse than starting your journey, being deep in the woods, reaching into your tent bag, and realizing that you’re missing pieces. You don’t want to be stranded without everything you need to construct your tent. As such, it’s best to make sure everything’s in the bag first. Ideally, you should accomplish this step before you leave your lake house. Better yet — set up a practice tent in your backyard by the water!

Depending on the type of tent that you have, the required components will be different. However, the most standard tents include the main body, a rain fly, ground cloth, and stakes.

2. Lay the Groundwork

Just like a proper foundation is essential for any home, it’s also crucial for pitching a tent. This means choosing a site with a flat surface and clearing away any sharp rocks, twigs, and stones from the general area. After all, you want to create a comfortable environment conducive to sleeping soundly. Once you’ve found your spot, lay all of your components out of the bag onto the ground and line them up visibly. This way, you’ll be able to assemble them quickly without fumbling around at every step.

Once you’ve found a spot, cleared the ground, and laid out your pieces, the real work comes next. First, lay the tent’s main body on top of the ground cloth. The hooks should be facing up so that you can assemble the poles later. Typically, the tent corners have color-coded tags, making sure the colors on the ground cloth align with those on the main body.

3. Assemble the Poles

Usually, a standard tent comes with four poles – two larger ones and two smaller ones. Since the tent curves at the top, assemble the poles so that the smaller pieces are facing towards the center. Then, lay the assembled poles onto the main body and set them up one at a time.

To set up a pole, first, insert the end piece into the holder on the tag. Then loop it through the provided slots in the tent, as though you’re looping a belt onto a pair of jeans. Once you’ve pulled the pole through all the loops, insert the other end into the hole or slot provided. Repeat the process for other poles!

If this step is the most frustrating for you, you’re not alone! It’s the most detailed step, and you’re bound to make errors, especially if this is your first time pitching a tent. If you’re camping with others, ask for help on this part to minimize errors.

4. Stake the Tent

Each corner of the tent should come with loops for staking. Loop these features around the stake. Then, using a foot or hammer, stake the tent into the ground at a 45-degree angle (this angle should be facing away from the tent to create tension and keep the tent standing). Do this for all four corners of the tent. As a pro tip, it’s helpful to stake opposite corners first for the utmost stability.

Finally, slide the rain fly over the tent’s top and attach it to the same loop as the stake loops. Hopefully, you won’t catch too much rain. But if you’re unlucky, there’s plenty of advice on pitching a tent in bad weather.

5. Enjoy the Tent

Photo courtesy of @heidi.mag via Twenty20.

Finally, your tent is ready! It’s time to unroll your sleeping bags inside and enjoy your camping trip to the fullest. Clean air and cool temps make for the best sleeping experience. Waking up to a slice of nature is divine. If you have never tent camped or if it has been a while, do yourself a favor and reconnect with the natural world in a tent!

Low Outdoor Seating: Ideas for Fire Pits

Posted on October 5, 2020October 5, 2020 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of Luxury Home Magazine Charlotte via Instagram.

Have you heard the phrase “form follows function?” This famous architectural philosophy, coined by skyscraper inventor Louis Henry Sullivan, means that a building or object’s shape reflects its intended purpose.

This principle certainly applies to outdoor furniture; an outdoor chair’s height depends on its designated function. For instance, high counter stools are for entertaining because hosts can chat with their seated guests at eye level. By contrast, lounge chairs’ low height and reclining backs facilitate ultimate relaxation.

However, seating for fire pits is unique. Lower than a dining chair but higher than a lounge, this low outdoor seating should cater to casual conversation among guests.

For lake homeowners with fire pits, there’s a myriad of types of chairs to pick! From benches to Adirondacks, these differing forms all reflect the same function — enjoying a fireside chat with your friends and family.

Adirondack Chairs

Named for the mountainous region in New York, Adirondack chairs are simply a classic. The classic wooden frames and reclining backs are designed for relaxation. Further, their low height makes them perfect for fire pit seating.

One brand specializing in Adirondack chairs is Polywood, a leading manufacturer in sustainable furniture. Their goal is to incorporate 1 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic into furniture by 2021. If you’re seeking a timeless, simple look, an Adirondack chair is unbeatable.

Sectional Sofas

For square and rectangular fire pits, sectional sofas are an ideal low outdoor seating choice. As an angular piece of furniture, their form naturally matches a fire pit’s edges. This form matching creates a seamless, congruous design.

The good news is that it’s possible to find sectional sofas at any price point. For the best of the best, look to Brown Jordan, a renowned luxury outdoor furniture provider. Their selection of outdoor sectional sofas is built to last.

Swings

Photo courtesy of Little White House Blog/Remodelaholic via Country Living Magazine.

Who says that swings are reserved for front porches? Low-hanging outdoor swings add a laid-back flare to any fire pit. If you’re good with woodworking, you can create a DIY hexagonal swing set for your backyard.

If woodworking is not your thing, there’s plenty of other swing options. These wicker egg chairs from Belham are great for social distancing, as they only accommodate one guest per swing. On a cool fall evening, it’ll be easy to drift to sleep with the rocking motion of these swings.

Euro Chairs

For outdoor fire pits, picking the right chair height is ideal. Dining chairs are too high, but lounge chairs are too low. Enter the euro chair — a “chat height” designed for having casual conversations and roasting smores around the fire.

While many brands carry euro chairs as a low outdoor seating option, Summer Classics has a particularly strong collection. This luxury brand of outdoor furniture specializes in durable, high-quality pieces built to last. Add a few plush cushions for maximum comfort.

Benches

If you don’t mind backless furniture, curved benches are a great option for low outdoor seating around a fire pit. Multiple benches create a design where each guest can have their own space, and the flat planed seat doubles as a drink holder.

Bench style seating has become a popular trend in recent years. They’re effortlessly stylish, they blend well with nature, and they’re easy to build. If you’d rather not build your own, Wayfair has plenty of options in multiple price ranges.

Regardless of the specific kind of low outdoor seating furniture, your guests will love gathering around the outdoor fire pit at your lake home. For more backyard landscaping ideas, check out our blog at Lakehomes.com!

Camping Series #1: A Guide to Campfires

Posted on September 20, 2020September 18, 2020 Camille Smith

Especially in the fall, camping is a fan-favorite hobby for lake homeowners who love the outdoors. There’s nothing better than waking to beautiful foliage when the leaves are in peak season.

Since the air is crisp this time of year, making a bonfire is a beloved part of camping. However, if you’ve recently been watching the news in California, you’re aware of how wildfires can quickly spread.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while still enjoying a warm fire on the trail. Check out our advice on how to create a safe and fun bonfire while camping this fall!

Know the Local Rules

Depending on your campground, the rules surrounding where and when you can light a fire may differ. It’s best to call the campground or visitor center before making the trip (and before you lose cell phone service in the woods) so you can find out the regulations.

These fire rules can also change depending on weather conditions. If it’s been windy or dry lately, for example, the park might ban campfires due to potential hazards.

Use Local Kindling Wood

When choosing wood to start a campfire, be sure to buy it near the campground. Better yet, choose a variety of sticks and tree branches from the local campground.

If you buy wood elsewhere, you never know what pests it might bring along with it! The last thing you want to do is introduce non-native pests to the natural environment.

Once you have the firewood, remember not to stack them in a dense pile. Instead, lay down larger pieces in a crosshatch pattern (much like when playing Jenga).

Place the dried leaves and twigs at the bottom of your “tower’ and light the fire. For more detailed insight, check out REI’s video “How to Build a Campfire.”

Know What Accelerants to Use

Next to starting a fire, the second challenge is keeping the fire going. Perhaps “gasoline” is the first word that comes to mind when you think of accelerants, but it’s hazardous to add gas to a campfire.

Instead, stick to using lighter fluids if you must use an accelerant — and remember to never use it directly on open flames. Also, be sure to confirm with the campground’s visitor center that the use of lighter fluids is okay.

Besides accelerant products, one practical way to create long-lasting campfires is by picking the right wood. Dry wood will burn quickly, but wetter woods tend to burn slower. If you can, choose the latter!

Don’t Sit So Close

Although you created the fire, you’re not immune to getting burned. As a general rule, campfires should be close enough for marshmallow roasting but far away to prevent burning your hands.

Also, remember that fires can burn synthetic materials. So, keep your fleece coat’s wellbeing in mind, as well as your own, next time you build a campfire. As for the distance from your tent, a good rule of thumb is 50 feet.

Extinguish Properly

According to the National Parks Service, almost 85% of wildland fires are caused by humans. This statistic includes campfires that are left unattended and not extinguished properly.

To keep the site safe, be sure to extinguish the fire with water (but don’t stand too close to the steam), then stir the ashes and pour water again. You should repeat this process until the ashes are cool to the touch.

Although some recommend it, don’t use dirt or sand to extinguish campfires. In doing so, hot coals can remain insulated and cause another flame.

Before leaving the campsite, remember to burn trash that can be fully consumed by fire. Anything that can’t burn (e.g., plastic, cans, and aluminum foil) should be carried and thrown away accordingly. It’s just good etiquette!

As nature lovers who live on the lake, we find it essential to leave no trace when camping. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your campfires are safe, effective, and fun!

5 Trail Mix Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Posted on August 31, 2020August 31, 2021 Camille Smith

Whether you’re braving an arduous hiking trail or enjoying a lazy afternoon on the boat dock, trail mix is an unbeatable snack. It’s lightweight yet dense, easily portable, and doesn’t require refrigeration — making it a perfect choice for on-the-go nature enthusiasts. Besides these benefits, one of the best parts is that you can customize your batch. Perhaps you love Archer Farms’ Monster Mix or the classic Planters’ brand, but you wish it didn’t include raisins. Making your own trail mix is guaranteed to be free of pesky ingredients you’re not into. Plus, it’s unbelievably simple to make! In honor of National Trail Mix Day, check out these five trail mix recipes to try for your next outdoor adventure – whatever it may be!

Maple Glazed Trail Mix

Many trail mix recipes are either decadent or health-focused, but this one from Freshoffthegrid.com is the best of both worlds. The combination of sweet coconut flakes and hearty almonds makes for a satisfying Fall-themed snack. Whether you’re hitting the trail or hanging at your lake house, one handful won’t be enough.

Ingredients:

½ cup of raw almonds
½ cup raw pecan halves
⅓ cup unsweetened coconut chips
¼ cup pepitas
3 tablespoons maple syrup
⅛ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup dried cherries

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. While it’s heating, mix almonds, pecans, coconut chips, pepitas, and maple syrup into a medium bowl. Stir to coat the nuts with syrup evenly. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Once cooled, transfer to a bowl with chocolate chips and cherries.

Homemade Healthy Trail Mix

Are you looking for a nutrient-dense snack? Blogger and dietician, Carrie Walder, features a health-focused trail mix recipe on her blog, Walder Wellness. Her recipe is simple — dried fruits and raw nuts. However, this particular combination complete with mango slices has a tropical flair perfect for late summertime.

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews
½ cup raw almonds
½ cup unsweetened coconut chips
2 cups unsweetened dried mangos, chopped
½ cup banana chips

Directions: Mix all ingredients into a large glass container. Scoop into plastic bags and bring on your next outdoor adventure!

Classic Chex Monster Mix

If Chex Mix and trail mix had a child, this recipe would be it. Straight from Chex’s website, this tasty treat combines the light, crunchy texture of Chex squares with salty, filling nuts. To top it off, M&M pieces and chocolate chips add a sweetness that benefits all trail mix recipes. Kids and adults alike will compete for handfuls of this perfect lake snack.

Ingredients:

2 cups of Chocolate Chex cereal
2 cups of Rice Chex cereal
1 cup raisins
1 cup candy-coated chocolate candies
1 cup cocktail peanuts
1 cup roasted salted almonds
½ cup milk chocolate chips

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well and store in a covered container.

Pumpkin Spice Roasted Chickpea Trail Mix

Calling all chickpea enthusiasts! Essentially the pumpkin spiced latte of trail mix recipes, this creation from the blog Eating Bird Food is a perfect combo of sweet and salty that goes well with a crisp Autumn afternoon at your lake house.

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
5-6 drops of stevia (or 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup)
½ cup unsweetened large flaked coconut flakes
½ cup almond slices
¼ cup enjoy life mini chocolate chips

Directions: The bulk of this recipe involves roasting the chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. After rinsing the chickpeas, pat them dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. Add the pumpkin pie spice and stevia and stir to combine ingredients. Bake chickpeas on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Once they’re crispy, set aside to cool. Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl and add chickpeas!

Decadent Trail Mix

We’re saving the sweetest for last. If you’re a chocolate fan looking for a dessert-like snack, this Decadent Trail Mix from The Cole Mines blog is perfect. The combination of salty and sweet is addictive, and the butterscotch and chocolate pairing makes for a delectable, unique treat. Around the holidays, opt for red and green M&Ms for a festive flare.

Ingredients:

1 cup salted peanuts
1 cup raisins
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips (or peanut butter)
1 cup M&Ms

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a Tupperware container or Ziplock bag. Enjoy and share with guests!

During a long day in the great outdoors, homemade trail mix recipes are a fun, delicious treat. Whether you opt for a healthy or chocolatey snack today, we at Lake Homes wish you a Happy National Trail Mix Day!