things to do lake anna Archives

5 Facts About Lake Anna

Posted on March 29, 2022January 29, 2024 Camille Smith

For miles of gorgeous shoreline, plenty of fishing opportunities, and an interesting slice of history, look no further than Lake Anna. One of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Virginia, Lake Anna is a popular recreational spot with close proximity to major cities such as Richmond and Charlottesville. Between fishing, swimming, boating, and water sports (including several triathlon competitions), there’s something for everyone on this beautiful southeastern lake.

Close Proximity to Historic Landmarks

*Image from National Park Service/Buddy Secor* via Lake Anna Guide

A short day trip away from Lake Anna is Spotsylvania, also known as the “Crossroads of the Civil War.” Many major battles were fought at this location including the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the site of 20 hours of brutal hand-to-hand combat. Other interesting attractions like the Historic Courthouse, the Old Jail, and the National Park Service Spotsylvania Battlefield will delight all history buff visitors. While you’re there, stop for some beer, wine, and spirit tasting at the Grapes and Grains Trail.

Second-Largest Lake in Virginia

Surpassed only by Kerr Lake, Lake Anna is the second largest lake in the state of Virginia. Overall, the lake measures 17 miles long with about 200 miles of shoreline. This shoreline is divided into public and private sectors, with the latter being closed off to commercial operation and available only to private residents. With this division, boats on one side cannot cross over to the other. If you’re not a private resident, you’re still in luck. One of the most popular spots on the public shoreline is Lake Anna State Park, full of sandy beaches, swimming, and hiking trails.

History of Gold

When you think of Gold Mining, perhaps the famous California Gold Rush comes to mind. However, the west wasn’t the only place in the country where people discovered gold. In 1829, gold was discovered in Louisa County, Virginia during the peak of gold mining in the U.S. Between 1830 and 1849, the Goodman Gold mine, also known as “Gold Hill” was the third-largest gold mine in the country. The Goodman Gold mine flourished for about a century until the 1940s, replaced three decades later by the man-made Lake Anna.

Hotspot for Fishing

Of course, most of our lakes are known for their abundance of fishing opportunities. But Lake Anna in particular is special in this regard. It’s lauded as one of the top spots to fish for largemouth bass on the East Coast. Besides largemouth bass, crappie and stripers are the most popular catches on this lake, and many anglers come to Lake Anna specifically to reel in a bass. About 99% of fishing on Lake Anna is catch and release, but if you want to take one home for the grill, you’ll need to meet the minimum size requirement. If you’re new to fishing on this lake, get in touch with a fishing guide from the Lake Anna Visitor’s Center.

If you’re searching for a lively, picturesque lake home near Virginia, you might find your dream home on Lake Anna. Check out our available listings in this area, and consult with one of our lake expert agents!

Strike Gold in Lake Anna, Virginia

Posted on March 13, 2020March 5, 2020 Maggie Keith Gerakos

Lake Anna, Virginia during sunset — Photo courtesy of Lake Anna Guide.

The largest lake in the state of Virginia, and just 80 miles from Washington DC (only 50 miles from Richmond), Lake Anna is a top-notch locale to call home. Lake Anna spans 17 miles and three counties in Virginia – Louisa, Spotsylvania, and Orange. This area, once flush with gold, now boasts a rich history and beautiful surroundings, making it well worth a visit or a full-time living arrangement!

The “Gold Hill” Era

Gold Hill Virginia — Photo courtesy of Terrain360.

Lake Anna State Park once carried the moniker “Gold Hill” after becoming a famous mining area when gold was first discovered there in 1829. The Lake Anna gold rush lasted over a century, until coming to a halt in the 1940s when the last bits of gold were found in a local zinc mine. The freshwater lake, now known as Lake Anna was created three decades later in 1972. A dam was built on the North Anna River, forming a lake west of the dam. Shortly after its creation, the Lake Anna area was developed into a state park, opening to its first visitors in 1983. Today, it is an idyllic locale to spend time or set up roots of your own. Owning a home on Lake Anna means having countless opportunities for adventure at your fingertips – for all ages, and all interests.

Fisher’s Paradise

two little boys fishing in lake — Photo courtesy of Step Outside.

The ways to enjoy Lake Anna and its surrounding areas are boundless. Spend the day at the sandy beach of Lake Anna State Park, take advantage of the 15 miles of hiking trails, or explore the many bike paths in the area. There is a fishing pond in the park, which is ideal for the young ones in your life. You will also find campsites that provide a base for outdoor adventurers. The state park is filled with history and is home to the former Goodman Gold Mine. Go on a tour of the land where the mine once existed. Learn why Virginia was once a top gold-mining state. Beyond the gold rush, this lake is a perfect spot for boating and fishing – it has been particularly regarded as a prime destination for bass fishing.

Must-Visit Local Wineries

Just a short drive outside the lake area, enjoy the highly regarded local wineries of central Virginia. Lake Anna Winery, Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, and Chateau Merrilanne – to name a few – are all a stone’s throw away from the lake area. Most wineries in the region offer tours and tastings, as well as transportation opportunities that make for a great day trip.

Immerse in Culture and History

Goolrick's Pharmacy — Photo courtesy of Virginia.org.

Lake Anna’s surrounding towns are a must-visit for any history buffs. A hop and a skip away, take a walking tour of downtown Louisa or explore nearby Fredericksburg, a town with impressive culture and history. While you’re there, enjoy a tour of the Mary Washington House, purchased by George Washington for his mother in 1772. See the same sights our forefathers did that still exist in Fredericksburg to this day. The area is also home to four significant Civil War battlefields – Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania – as well as the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Military Park. The region’s local breweries are well worth a visit. Have a beer at one of the several in the area, such as Alstadt, Highmark, or Maltese Brewing Co. You’ll want to check out the culinary scene the area has to offer, while you’re at it – don’t skip out on the local barbecue spots like Allman’s or Billiken’s.

With Washington, D.C. only a two-hour drive away, Lak e Anna is an easy trip from the city. Spend time relaxing by the lake while having plenty of other activities at your fingertips. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, it’s sure to be golden!

Freezin’ for a Reason: Upcoming Polar Plunges in Our Lake Areas

Posted on February 4, 2020January 27, 2020 Camille Smith

participants running into San Pedro beach on new year's day

At this time of year, you may look out the window of your lake house and see a freezing body of water, perhaps partially covered in ice, and can imagine that jumping in would be downright unpleasant. Even standing outside in the cold is hardly bearable, much less being submerged in frigid lake water. However, thousands of people do this every year. Whether it’s raising money for a cause or just for the thrill of it, groups of people come together and jump into a cold body of water, such as a lake or beach, during January, February, and March. Appropriately, it’s called a Polar Plunge (could also be referred to as Polar Bear Plunge or Polar Bear Swim).

The History

massive crowd at Annual polar bear swim in Vancouver, Canada — *Annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver. Photo courtesy of Red Leaf.*

Although it may seem odd, these events aren’t new. In fact, people have been participating in Polar Plunges for over 100 years (a plunge in Boston in 1904 was the first one recorded) and they’re practiced around the world. In Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands, Polar Plunges are typically held to celebrate the new year. In South Korea, there’s an annual polar swimming contest that takes place on Haeundae Beach. There’s even a Polar Plunge in Antarctica, which is a rite of passage for scientists conducting research on this southernmost continent. Regardless of where you are, there’s certain to be a nearby Plunge to satisfy your search for an adrenaline rush. Here in the U.S., you can attend a polar plunge in 2020 at many of our lakes.

Polar Plunges in the U.S.

Participants take to the icy waters at Canandaigua Lake, NY — *Polar Plunge participants take to the icy waters at Canandaigua Lake, NY. Photo courtesy of Daily Messenger.*

Across the country, Polar Plunges primarily work to raise money for the Special Olympics, a global organization that provides athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Chances are, you’ll find a Plunge this season that benefits the Special Olympics in your specific state. In New York, you’ll find Polar Plunges on Cayuga Lake on March 21st and Canandaigua Lake on March 28th, both raising money for the Special Olympics of New York. In Missouri, check out the Polar Plunge at Lake of the Ozarks on February 29th, or if you’re in Texas, there’s an event at Lake Gladewater on February 8th, both benefiting the Special Olympics of their respective states. Of course, there’s a Plunge on the great Lake Michigan in Chicago. If you attend this particular plunge on March 1st, you might even run in to Lady Gaga or Vince Vaughn who have attended in the past.

Besides the Special Olympics, there are several Polar Plunges that benefit other charities as well. For example, a Polar Plunge at Lake Anna State Park in Virginia raises money for the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Warrior Foundation that provides financial support for both retired and active-duty EOD war veterans. We encourage you to take a look at upcoming Polar Plunges in your own communities — you never know who you might meet or what great local causes you’ll be able to support.

Why Take the Plunge?

Man raising rock on symbols in air running into lake with large crowd behind him — *Polar bear plunge participants splash their way into the new year on Sanders Beach in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Photo courtesy of The Spokesman-Review.*

For those of us who steer on the side of caution, Polar Plunges might seem too intense, unpleasant, or even unsafe. While there’s certainly a debate over whether jumping into icy water is dangerous, most every organized Polar Plunge has a trained safety team on staff to make sure that conditions are appropriate. As long as your heart is healthy, a few seconds in the water would only give you a good shock — enough to leave you with a jolt of energy as you run back to your awaiting warm towel. At the end of the day, it’s about doing something different with a group of people to celebrate a new year or a good cause. That sense of community and spontaneity is what lake living is all about.

Interested in the lakes mentioned in this article? Learn more here: Cayuga Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Gladewater, Lake Michigan, and Lake Anna.

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

Posted on June 19, 2019June 18, 2019 Staff

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 An na 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!