For those in the Tennessee Valley, summer often marks the start of lake season—relaxing weekends on the water, family cookouts, and for many, the hope of owning a second home on Chickamauga or Nickajack. But in 2025, that hope is running up against economic uncertainty.
Although there were early signs that lake home sales might bounce back this year, the national market has slowed—and Tennessee is no exception.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
There’s more to the music city than just music. If you take a 35-minute drive outside of Nashville, you will find Old Hickory Lake. Located 25 miles upstream from Nashville in north-central Tennessee on the Cumberland River, it sits on a body of water with much to offer someone looking for a lake home close to the city but not quite in the city. Old Hickory Lake is a man-made reservoir formed by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam. The lake spans five counties: Davidson, Sumner, Wilson, Trousdale, and Smith, and was named after President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory.” He lived in the vicinity of the lake at his home, The Hermitage, where it served as his final resting place.
The Old Hickory Lake area provides all the convenience of being located near Nashville, with the perks of living in a big city while living in a small town. Nashville always has something to do. Local concerts range in genres, professional sports are popular, and many community-based events keep the city lively.
Old Hickory Lake is also only a 40-minute drive from Nashville’s International Airport, allowing easy access to national and international travel.
Hendersonville is located along the shores of Old Hickory. Known as the “city by the lake,” many celebrities have called Hendersonville home. Johnny and June Cash called this area home for over 35 years. Another country music great, Conway Twitty, and his house, “Twitty City,” were also located in Hendersonville. Trinity Broadcasting Network now owns the home and has changed the name to Trinity Music City.
Although Tennessee is a landlocked state, it is in no short supply of bodies of water. Among the many lakes in the state, Old Hickory Lake is often overlooked due to the popularity of J. Percy Priest Lake, which has more visibility in the Nashville market. That makes Old Hickory a hidden gem for families and those who love adventure.
Old Hickory Lake is known for fishing, boating, and camping. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming satisfy the healthy activity set. There are many places to rent equipment for participating in all these activities. Higher Pursuits offers kayaking and canoeing classes for various skill levels. You are paired with an American Canoe Association-certified instructor; the sessions are three hours long, and you will learn how to navigate the boat and discover which type of kayak fits you best.
If you are into a peaceful and Zen way of life, Nashville SUP & Yoga offers stand-up paddleboard yoga. You can book classes, and they encourage you to use their rentals, but you can bring your personal board. The classes take place rain or shine unless the conditions are not favorable to the safety of all. You must be able to swim, and children can tag along. Kids under the age of 13 must wear a life vest, and those who are under the age of 9 can share a board with a parent.
At Shady Cove Resort and Sweetwater Pontoon Rentals, you can rent canoes, Jon Boats, and Pontoons. There are also many full-service marinas located on Old Hickory Lake. They offer services like annual dockage, covered wet slips, and dry storage. Many of the marinas have restaurants, ship stores, boat ramps, gas docks, and various hookups. There are 41 access points for boats, which makes it easy to enjoy the lake with friends and family.
While on the lake, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants. The Rudder is located in Hendersonville and offers a menu featuring American Eats, a tiki bar, and weekly live music. Moby Dicky’s is a relaxed seafood restaurant and sports bar. This restaurant provides lots of TVs to enjoy various sporting events and patio seating so you can enjoy the vista. Sam’s Sports Grill at Blue Turtle Bay offers multiple TVs for your viewing pleasure and is never in short supply of a beautiful view of Old Hickory Lake. Their made-from-scratch menu features hand-battered chicken tenders, various pizzas, Angus burgers, slow-cooked ribs, and the best wings in town.
Not only is Old Hickory Lake a great place to spend time on the lake, but Old Hickory offers many events that are either on the lake or take place in local towns. You can discover the nearby history, hear local artists, and shop and eat locally.
During the summer months, the Nashville Symphony hosts a concert on the banks of Old Hickory Lake at the Historic Rock Castle. Rock Castle is a stately home completed in 1796, which was also the same year that Tennessee became a state. The concert is part of the Symphony’s Free Community Concert Series. Vendors sell food and beverages, but attendees are welcome to bring their own. The family dog can also attend! Local boaters enjoy this event as well! Large speakers are placed on the bank so attendees can enjoy the show from their boats! There is also a petting zoo set up for all to enjoy. Several local musicians and singers perform as warm-up acts to the main stage show by the Symphony.
Tennessee’s Department of Revenue does not collect property or state personal income tax, which is a significant draw for retirees. However, residents are still liable for paying local property taxes. The average age of those shopping for a home in Tennessee ranges from 55-64, which correlates well with Tennessee’s affordable living standards.
In Sumner County, located along Old Hickory, you can experience the old and the new. Sumner County is located only minutes away from Nashville and offers many appealing aspects for retirees. The county experiences all four seasons; the summer months of July and August are usually the warmest, while the winter months have an average low temperature of 46 °F. Spring offers many blooming flowers and trees that provide colorful vistas that those who love the outdoors will appreciate.
Sumner County offers the convenience of being near TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, which is only 15 minutes outside of Nashville. The hospital is the first accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County, a certified Primary Stroke Center, and one of the only community hospitals in the area with an accredited Joint Center. Also located close to Old Hickory Lake is Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas, which offers a wide range of services to the community.
Wondering who is looking for homes in Tennessee? It might surprise you to learn that 72% of potential buyers come from outside the state. Chicago is the number one metro area for those searching for homes in the Tennessee market, followed by Atlanta.
If you’re looking for more than the average lake home, Old Hickory Lake has it all!
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Running parallel for more than 50 miles along the Tennessee Valley are these twin lakes: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The former is older, while the latter is a younger and slightly smaller lake. They’re connected by a canal called Land Between the Lakes, one of the country’s greatest freshwater recreational complexes. No matter which lake you’re on, both offer the same fishing and boating experiences, complete with resorts, full-service marinas, and campgrounds. Not to mention, they’re also incredibly scenic. Interested in learning more? Check out these five fun facts about Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
East of the Mississippi River, Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake in the country. Boasting 2,064 miles of shoreline and a total of 160,309 acres, it’s no wonder that the region attracts millions of visitors every year. It was originally created by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federal corporation founded by Franklin D. Roosevelt, to tackle issues relevant to the valley, such as flood prevention and electricity. As such, Kentucky Lake helps provide hydroelectric power to the region. Although Lake Barkley is smaller, combined with Kentucky Lake, the two amass an impressive total of 218,000 acres of water.
Many visitors to the region are unaware that the lakes’ original creation was controversial in the 1960s. If you’ve ever heard of Old Eddyville or Old Kuttawa, these residents were most impacted by the lake’s construction. When TVA and the Corps of Engineers created Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley by damming the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, they had to relocate residents of local towns that would soon be submerged. However, the Rose Hill Museum keeps track of these former river towns’ histories. Specifically, the “Between the Rivers” room is dedicated to those generations of families that settled in the land between the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers before those lakes were created.
While Kentucky Lake is clearly named after the state, most visitors don’t know the origins of Lake Barkley’s name. In fact, the lake’s namesake is an important historical figure. Born in a log cabin near Lowes, Kentucky, Alben W. Barkley was the 35th vice president and senator. He was a liberal Democrat who served under Harry Truman and supported Woodrow Wilson’s New Freedom Policy. During the Roosevelt years, he was a powerful person in the Democratic Party and was instrumental in getting many components of the New Deal through Congress. To this day, he is the oldest man to take the office of vice president, at age 71. In his honor, Lake Barkley lives on.
The Lake Barkley/Kentucky Lake region is located at a primary Civil War spot. Specifically, three forts were situated in this area: Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, and Fort Heiman. Each of these locations is marked as a primary battle site. For instance, Fort Donelson’s battle was a strategic victory for Union soldiers, and visitors to this region in Dover, Tennessee, can walk along the grounds where soldiers fought. If you visit, you can see the famous site of the South’s surrender at the Dover Hotel, as well as replicas of log huts where soldiers would have slept.
So far, we’ve talked a lot about history. But fast forwarding to the present day, both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are huge draws for fishermen. Specifically, the region attracts 17 million visits each year, largely due to the abundance of diverse freshwater fish, including bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and white bass. The most guaranteed spots to reel in a catch are around the resorts and lodges, but in truth, the entire area is an angler’s paradise.
Whenever you visit the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley regions, be sure to contact one of our local real estate agents! With both national and region-specific expertise, they can help you find your dream lake home in this historic, yet thriving region.
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A recent lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Tennessee are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Tennessee’s total market at $2.32 billion, up from $1.85 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Heather Leslie, an agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Dale Hollow Lake, Cordell Hull Lake and the surrounding lakes in Tennessee. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.
“The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of May 31, 2023, Dale Hollow Lake has 128 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $20,000 lot to a $ 14-million lake home. “Four of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Leslie.
The average home price for listings around Dale Hollow Lake is $893,235, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $103,762 for the 100 lake area lots currently listed.
“With 12,000 acres of water, boating is extremely popular on Cordell Hull Lake, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Leslie. “Being a short trip away from the state’s capital Nashville, Cordell Hull Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Tennessee in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Chicago, followed by Atlanta and Washington D.C.,” said Leslie. “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Cordell Hull Lake and the surrounding area,” said Leslie. One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.
“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for Lake Homes “Heather offers outstanding customer service in the Dale Hollow Lake, Cordell Hull Lake and surrounding areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.
Heather Leslie‘s lake life journey began when she relocated to Sparta, Tennessee at the age of 13, and ever since, she has been devoted to enjoying the serene waters of Dale Hollow Lake, Old Hickory Lake, and Watauga Lake. Now, Heather has passed down her profound affection for the lakes to her children, and together, they relish in memorable lake days as a family.
Heather’s commitment as a lake expert extends beyond her personal enjoyment of the lakes. She has dedicated herself to becoming a valuable member of the local community. Exploring the neighboring areas of the lakes, attending local events, and frequently visiting downtown Murfreesboro, Tennessee, are all integral parts of her connection with the region. Nevertheless, if Heather is not engaged in these activities, you can bet she’ll be found by the water’s edge, whether it’s spending a day fishing with her children or showcasing breathtaking lake properties.
Her exceptional expertise in the real estate field has been acknowledged by her consistent success. Heather has been honored with the Aqua award at Lake Homes Realty, a testament to her exceptional sales performance. Additionally, prior to her venture into real estate, she gained invaluable experience in customer service. This background has instilled in her an unwavering dedication to prioritizing the customer’s needs and ensuring a seamless transaction for each client she serves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you’re looking to retire on the lake, there’s likely a thousand questions running through your mind. Is this lake close enough to a hospital? Is the community close-knit? On many lakes, you may have to compromise one value for another. However, Tellico Village, a 5,000-acre resort for seniors on Tellico Lake, might have it all.
With several high-quality amenities, including its status as a top waterfront and golfing community in the southeast, it’s a fantastic place to live. The thriving community with three recreation centers, peaceful landscape, and proximity to Knoxville make it especially ideal for retirees. To learn more about what makes Tellico Village special, we talked with Lake Homes Realty agent Karen Packett and retirees currently living in the neighborhood. According to these lake residents, here’s what makes Tellico Village a retirement paradise.
Situated at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Tellico Village is surrounded by stunning views. The adjacent forests are largely uninterrupted, leaving tranquil hiking paths for residents. Dave Morse, Tellico Village resident, and retiree, says a peaceful location was his top priority in picking a lake. “It’s an absolutely beautiful area, and sitting here and looking at the lake is wonderful. I have my boat that I’ll be parking right here and go for a ride anytime I want.” Besides natural beauty, the laid-back golfing lifestyle draws lots of residents to the community. With three premium golf courses and fun golf leagues for residents to join, this sport is a crucial part of the relaxed lifestyle at Tellico Village.
Mark Richer, another Tellico Village resident, and retiree, says that a primary selling point for him is Tennessee’s lack of state income tax. Further, property taxes are 50% lower than his previous home state. These factors provide him with financial security so he can focus energy on golfing and boating. Karen Packett adds that within Tennessee, “Loudon and Monroe counties have some of the lowest property taxes in the eastern area.” These stunningly low costs make Tellico Village highly affordable.
East Tennessee has a mild, four seasons climate. Specifically, around the upcoming fall season, Tellico Village residents can enjoy the foliage while enjoying the crisp air. Winters are short, and temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Mark Richer says that he moved to Tennessee from the Lake Michigan area for warmer weather and less snow. In retirement, he has more time to enjoy the mild climate and explore the lake. “Here, the lake is so big that you’d have to work hard to see the same thing twice,” he says, “I’m looking forward to driving my boat to Tennessee football games.” Mark and other Tellico Village residents have more months out of the year for quality lake time with the local warmer weather.
There are about a thousand ways to get involved at Tellico Village. Residents can choose from over 200 clubs, ranging from quilting to motorcycle riding, and get to know other retirees. If you’ve just moved in, the “New Villagers Club” facilitates social connections between new residents. Given the village’s active lifestyle, it’s no wonder that Ideal Living Magazine gave Tellico Village the award of 2016’s “Best Social Calendars.”
Not only do residents rave about the myriad of clubs, but also about the friendships they’ve made. “The residents are truly some of the friendliest, nicest, and caring people I know,” says Karen Packett. “There is a wonderful diversity of income and race in Tellico Village. No one pays much attention to what you did before retirement; they just want to know how you want to have fun!”
Tellico Village is truly the best of both worlds — remote enough for natural landscapes, but close enough to an urban area for city amenities. The village is less than a 45-minute drive from the Knoxville Airport, Downtown Metro Knoxville, and Turkey Creek, an upscale shopping area. The area is also home to the University of Tennessee. Football fans living at Tellico Village can easily travel to college sporting events. The proximity of the university provides superior healthcare as well. Residents who need ongoing medical care can find providers at UT Medical Center; a top-ranked hospital. Overall, Knoxville has a fun downtown scene with restaurants, antique shopping, and an art museum. What’s not to love?
At Lake Homes Realty, you’ll find agents with local expertise and national connections. Talk with one of our knowledgeable local agents like Karen Packett, to find your dream retirement location on the lake!
There’s nothing like taking to the trails to enjoy the thrill of a hike with beautiful lakeside views, but why not make it more special by bringing your favorite companion along for the walk? For dog lovers all around, it may be difficult to find spots for adventure with your four-legged friend, so we’ve done the work for you! Chattanooga, Tennessee, has some sweet hidden treasures for you and your pup. Thanks to the proximity of numerous lakes, national forests, and historical spots, there’s a variety of options for a nice walk by the water. Check out some trail options to enjoy today!
Our first trail highlight is Chester Frost Park, located right on Lake Chickamauga. This spot is perfect if you and your dog are beginning to go on outdoor adventures together. Chester Frost Park is a great spot to explore the outdoors and enjoy the historical significance of Chattanooga. There is a rich history tied into this park, including Jackson Chapel Cemetery, the first and oldest cemetery in the county. This park has various amenities, including a beach area off Dallas Bay, but unfortunately, you would have to enjoy the beach spot without your pup. Regardless, there are still amazing trails to choose from with great lake views. For hiking maps and more directions, check out their trail guides.
A little further south of the city, just about 20 minutes from Nickajack Lake, is Cloudland Canyon State Park that houses beautiful woodlands, cliffs, deep canyons, and amazing waterfalls. This park provides a variety of trails for you and your pet ranging from short to moderate and strenuous. The peak in this park is 1980 feet providing an amazing overlook. This option would be great for those dogs that are trained and ready for a more rigorous hiking experience. It is required to keep your pet on a leash as there are steep ledges and cliffs along this walk. Your pet must be restricted to the trails as the park doesn’t allow access to other areas of the park. Visit their site for more information and trail guides. At this time, trail access is limited to 10 hikers at a time.
Another great park to bring your pet along to is Enterprise South Nature Park. With over 2,600 acres of land, this park has a variety of trails featuring mostly moderate hills. We suggest this option if you and your pup are looking for a slightly more rigorous outdoor experience. You will also find a little secluded lake during your walk and a beautiful view of the water. Enterprise South Nature Park is a hidden gem where you will find few crowds compared to other parks in the Chattanooga area. This option will be great for both you and your four-legged companion to enjoy.
There are other options available in this area to visit with your pet. Check bringfido.com for other outdoor excursions. Whichever adventure you may choose for you and your furry friend, you are sure to have a great time in the Chattanooga area.
As any lake lover would agree, owning a lake home is a dream come true. Surrounded by serene nature, a plethora of outdoor activities and a carefree atmosphere, a lake environment is certainly an ideal place to call home. However, many people who dream of owning a lake house might write it off as an impossible fantasy– one that’s only possible once you’ve achieved a certain level of wealth. While this may be true in an expensive lake area, there are several lake regions in the U.S. that are both thriving and affordable. Check out five lake areas with lake homes listings that have been included in the top 10 most affordable lake areas in the country.
Buyers at one of these two lakes in the Branson, MO area, can find their dream home for a median price of 205,900. If you choose to settle in at Table Rock Lake, you can enjoy water skiing and paddle boarding along this large lake with 750 miles of shoreline. If you enjoy trout fishing, you might make Lake Taneycomo your home, as this lake is known for large trout populations in its clear waters. In the general region, Branson is known for the Silver Dollar Theme Park, where you can enjoy both roller coaster rides and bluegrass music.
If you’re less interested in theme parks and instead, you’re seeking a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, you’ll want to look at Lake Norfolk or Bull Shoals Lake in Mountain Home, AR, where the median home price is $174,900. At both of these man-made bodies of water, lakeside dwellers can enjoy scuba diving, fishing, and boating. There’s also plenty of opportunities to go camping nearby. With the open space and smaller crowds, you’ll be able to enjoy nature in an undisturbed way.
Chautauqua Lake is included in Lake Home Realty’s top 10 real estate areas in the state of New York– and with good reason. Near Lake Erie, it’s recognized for its swimming beaches, boating, and fishing opportunities. There’s also an attractive comedy scene in Jamestown, NY. This town hosts the Annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (Jamestown is Lucille Ball’s hometown) and claims the interactive humor museum called the National Comedy Center. For both a good swim and a good laugh, look no further than Chautauqua Lake, where the median home price is $59,900.
Lucille Ball isn’t the only famous name that’s represented among these affordable lakes — Sevierville, TN is the hometown of Dolly Parton, the irreplicable country music legend. This area is also known for Douglas Lake, which has a reputation for good largemouth bass and crappie fishing. This lake also neighbors the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee — an area with mountain views and pancake shops that draw many tourists each year. Here, the median listing price is $252,500.
Each of these lake areas truly offers the best of both worlds — a combination of exciting lakeside activities and affordable prices. If you’re looking for a bargain price, we hope you check out one of these markets!
Just along the Tennessee River in Colbert County rests a historic, charming area called Muscle Shoals. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve certainly heard of it. There’s that lyric in the song “Sweet Home Alabama” – “Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers, and they’ve been known to pick a song or two” – referring to the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, a legendary recording studio house band in the 1960s and 70s. You may have also heard of FAME Recording Studios or the birthplace of Helen Keller in nearby Tuscumbia.
Regardless of what you know about it, there’s a wealth of historical sites and activities to love about Muscle Shoals. Beyond those famous notes, this legendary area is bordered by three major lakes: Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Pickwick Lake. The Tennessee River feeds each lake, giving you both the excitement of the famous town and the serenity of local lake life. If you’re already interested, you can browse listings on each of these lakes on our website. Whether you choose to vacation or live full time on one of these lakes, you’re sure to find plenty of exciting compliments to lake life that Muscle Shoals has to offer.
Because of its crucial waterside location along the Tennessee River, the Shoals area was originally a significant location for Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee tribe, for thousands of years. This proximity to a body of water later made Muscle Shoals a site for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s construction of several dams under Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1966, the U.S. government declared Wilson Dam, located in the Shoals area, a National Historic Landmark. However, this area’s intrigue doesn’t end with the nearby river. Muscle Shoals also happens to have a legendary place in music history. Home to the iconic “Muscle Shoals sound,” Rick Hall’s FAME Studios went from being a studio in an old warehouse to a destination for musicians and songwriters to record their hits. Songs like those by Percy Sledge “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Tell Mama” by Etta James are just some among so many that were recorded here.
If you’re interested in all the fascinating music history of Muscle Shoals, try booking a tour at FAME Recording Studios and see the sound booths where famous artists like Aretha Franklin recorded. After your tour, you may want to stop by Stanfield’s Steakhouse for some delicious steak, hush puppies, and popcorn shrimp. If you enjoy golfing as a pastime, we recommend checking out the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, which attracts golfers from across the country each year. Want to explore some of the neighboring towns while you’re out and about? Drive about 20 minutes to find the sister city of Florence, Alabama— an up-and-coming city with a bustling downtown scene. Each year, they host the W.C. Handy music festival, and you can go visit the lion mascots at the University of North Alabama’s campus. On the way over, you can also drive by the Rosenbaum House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
One of the most exciting parts about life in Muscle Shoals is the bodies of water that surround it. The Shoals area is bordered by three major lakes—Wilson Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Pickwick Lake. If you’re looking to buy a lake house in the area, you can look forward to mild winters where temperatures rarely get below 50 degrees as well as warm 90 degree summers, perfect for taking the boat and water skis out for a spin. This time of year, you’ll get that crisp, fall air that’s perfect for hosting guests around your outdoor fire pits. Further, if you enjoy fishing on the lake and you’re looking to reel in a largemouth bass or catfish, you’re in luck. Wilson and Pickwick lakes are well-known popular fishing destinations thanks to the combination of a natural river and man-made dams. Whether it’s fishing, jet skiing, swimming, kayaking, or just sitting on your dock admiring the sun’s reflection on the water, there’s a place for your chosen activity on a lake in Muscle Shoals.
A fusion of interesting history and a relaxing lake life, you truly can have it all in Muscle Shoals. Take a browse to find your dream lake house today in this Northern Alabama gem of a town.
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