winter lake activities Archives

“Hygge”: Bringing this Cozy Concept into your Lake Home

Posted on February 7, 2020August 14, 2020 Maggie Keith Gerakos

Soft blankets, hot tea, time spent relaxing around a fire, and scented candles– what do all these things have in common? Besides sounding like wonderful, relaxing ways to spend time (especially in chilly February), a comfy, cozy, state of being can be summed up by one Danish word: “hygge.” In Danish culture, hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is an integral part of thriving and staying happy throughout the winter months. During a time when fewer hours of sunlight can get us all down, take a queue from the Danish. Your lake home is the perfect place to incorporate this Scandinavian art of being cozy, happy, and feeling your best self for the rest of the winter — because all seasons at the lake should be enjoyed. Read on for small ways you can adopt hygge into your lakeside lifestyle this winter.

Create Your Own Nook

hygge nook in Incline Village, Nevada lake home — Photo courtesy of Mountain Living.

Nothing quite says comfort like creating your own cozy lakeside nook – for reading, journaling, knitting – whatever it is that you enjoy doing to relax. Find some throw blankets and extra soft pillows to set an idyllic scene that makes you want to curl up and find your slice of heaven. Create your hygge-inspired space near a window in your home, and enjoy all the natural beauty the lake has to offer. Having a space that makes you appreciate the simple act of getting deep into a good book is what hygge is all about. Make a soothing cup of your favorite herbal tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and let yourself fall into a happy, healthy rhythm. If you’d like to go the extra mile and keep the cozy energy going all year round, consider installing a window seat near your favorite look-out spot!

Include Some Friends

You can live out your hygge aspirations while being social with your lakeside community, too. In fact, to the Danish, the community is key to keeping spirits high throughout the winter – and seeing as Scandinavian countries are consistently voted the happiest in the world, we’re all ears! Host a game night with friends and family, cook a delicious meal together with locally produced ingredients, or spend time connecting with far-away loved ones over the phone. Conversation and togetherness are valuable tenets of hygge that keep us vibrating at a healthy frequency throughout the cold months. Hosting nights-in during the winter also gives you a great excuse to show off your indoor winter decor, and even start planning for fun activities out on the lake, come spring.

Friends and family toasting at dinner party

The best thing is, hygge is meant to be enjoyed indoors. While outdoor activity plans can be thrown off course due to unpredictable winter weather, you can bet a snow storm will make your plans to journal by candlelight that much more delightful. The joys of having a lake home are season-less, and you should enjoy all your home has to offer you – outside, and inside.

Your lake home is the perfect place to get into the spirit of hygge this winter. By leaning into being cozy and taking a breather, you can allow yourself to appreciate the art of doing less and enjoy your magnificent surroundings all year long. The only thing standing between “cabin fever” and joyful, healthy home life this winter is perspective. So put on some wool socks, bring some aromatherapy to the mix with your most-loved scented candles, and enjoy every minute.

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.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Wood Fireplace This Winter

Posted on January 24, 2020December 4, 2020 Luke Hanshaw

Pile of chopped firewood leaning against lit wood fireplace

Although winter is well underway and spring is just around the corner, the January nights still feel cold and the days feel short. But just because the snow is taking forever to melt away doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun activities to do before the weather heats up. Picture a quiet evening spent cuddled on the sofa, your favorite drink in hand, with soft music punctuated by the crackling of a sweet-smelling fire. In the throes of winter, there’s nothing better than that cozy fireside feeling. Before you start that flame, though, here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your wood fireplace this year.

Always Safety First

Lake house with stone fireplace How to Get the Most Out of Your Wood Fireplace This Winter — *Photo courtesy of Cargill Construction.*

Everyone loves a wood fireplace. Not only do they set the scene for pictures, memories, and quiet contemplation while at the lake, but they can save you a pretty penny on your energy bill this winter. However, if misused, a wood fireplace can be dangerous. So, before you do anything else, it’s helpful to know how you can keep your family both warm and safe.

The National Fire Protection Association has published guidelines for the safe use and maintenance of your fireplace and chimney here. In general, it’s important to make sure that your chimney and vents remain unobstructed, as anything clogging the airways—including sticks, birds’ nests, or creosote deposits—can catch fire or send smoke and harmful CO2 back into your home. As a precaution, you should aim to have your fireplace, chimney, and vents inspected once a year and cleaned once buildup in your chimney reaches 1/8-inch. Ventilation is key not only for your fireplace and chimney, but also your whole house— the more insulated and ventilated your home, the more efficient your hearth, and the happier you’ll be with it.

Not All Wood Burns the Same

After having your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, you’re already well on your way to settling in for the winter in front of that big, roaring fire. But wait—you need something to burn. What kinds of wood should you choose, and is there even a difference?

When it comes to burning, not all woods are the same. Some have shorter burn times, while others burn longer and at hotter temperatures. As a rule of thumb, hardwoods like elm, oak and ash are great woods to burn in your fireplace; they grow at a slower rate than softwoods like cedar, firs and pine, and they’re also denser, slower to burn and providers of maximum heat. Still, it’s not a bad idea to include some softwoods in your woodpile—they often make the best fire starters!

If you’re planning on self-producing wood for burning, you’ll want to cut it well in advance—for some hardwoods, 12 to 18 months—and store it properly in a dry and sheltered space, off the ground where it can be dried by the sun and air. Remember, the harder the wood, the longer it takes to season. Check out these tips for properly storing and seasoning your firewood.

And here’s a bonus— a wood moisture meter is an inexpensive way of measuring the moisture level of your firewood. Buy it once and use it year after year!

Consider Locally Sourced Wood

locally sourced chopped firewood in basket

Once you know what to burn and how to store it, you’ll need to find it. And if you can’t produce your firewood, you’ll need to buy it. These days, you can buy firewood online and have it shipped directly to your home, but there are loads of reasons why locally sourcing your firewood is the best option for you this winter and next. For starters, when you buy locally, not only are you supporting local sellers—your friends and neighbors—you’re also doing right by the environment.

In recent years, invasive species of insects like the Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer have decimated forests in the US. The EPA notes that “once established in new areas, these pests can quickly kill trees in our favorite forests, parks, communities, and campgrounds”—and no one wants that. So, no matter where you buy, before you buy, check the source of your wood. The USDA’s quarantine map is also a great resource that will alert you to any special considerations regarding the importation of firewood.

We hope you find these tips useful, but remember, when you’re dealing with fire, you can never be too safe. As a rule, never leave a fire unattended, keep any and all flammable materials out of the flames’ reach, and make sure you have working CO2 monitors in your home. Last but not least, enjoy the calming warmth emanating from your wood fireplace—you’ve earned it!

Ways to Stay Active at the Lake this Winter

Posted on January 10, 2020August 14, 2020 Maggie Keith Gerakos

With winter comes shorter, darker days that make you want to spend your days cozying up and laying low. These cooler days also make fitting in exercise a little more complicated, and as a result, less desirable. However, it can be possible (and fun!) to keep up with your fitness goals even in the colder months, thanks to simple workouts you can opt to do inside – or out. Here are some ways to keep moving when the temperatures drop:

Take a Morning Walk

Couple holding hands morning fitness exercise at the lake

The bright side (literally and figuratively) of shorter days is the beautiful sunrises that winter brings. Give yourself a pick-me-up before the rest of the world opens its eyes by taking in the natural surroundings of your lakeside abode in the morning light. Not only do you fit in some exercise early-on in the day, but this is also a great time to set your intentions for the entire day with a clear mind while appreciating your gorgeous surroundings. Early morning exercise also leads to increased productivity in the hours that follow. Just remember to pile on your winter layers first and wear shoes with hearty traction should you come upon any slippery patches of ice or wet leaves.

If the temperatures dip too low or the weather is too nasty to walk outside comfortably, an indoor treadmill is a great alternative. Setting your treadmill to an incline can help increase the burn for an even more effective indoor walk. Either way, you’ll be achieving your goal of keeping your body moving and healthy!

Take a Spin on a Stationary Bike

A major incentive of having a lake home is the ability to enjoy the outdoors, but when the temperature drops a little too low for comfort, you can still find opportunities to break a sweat in the great indoors. Setting up a stationary cycle near a window with a scenic view is the perfect way to appreciate the surrounding beauty of your property while staying comfortable on cooler days. There are wide variety of stationary bikes available that are designed to fold up for easy storage when not in use. These are great options when you know you’ll only be using the bike a few months out of the year, or if you simply want the option to create more space when entertaining.

Set up a Yoga Retreat in Your Home

3 women doing yoga lake fitness active exercise at the lake

In addition to being an effective method to becoming more mindful, yoga is a great way to increase blood flow, flexibility and keep your body strong. Best of all, you’ll need very little equipment to have your yoga sessions at home. All you need is a yoga mat (or a padded surface with some grip), and a guide or video to follow. Whether you can set aside 15 minutes or an entire hour, you’ll feel the difference and your body will thank you. Spend the winter fine-tuning your yoga practice and by the time the weather warms up you’ll be ready to take your mat outside… and it doesn’t get much better than yoga in the fresh lakeside air!

Whatever it is you choose to do to stay healthy and active at your lake home this winter, you should be sure to have fun with it and celebrate your commitment to taking care of yourself. Keep yourself accountable by finding a friend, partner, or family member – near or far – who has similar exercise goals as your own. Whether it be going on walks, practicing yoga together, or simply discussing what you’ve been doing to stay fit, having someone to share in your efforts and accomplishments can make all the difference.

Here’s to a fun, active and healthy 2020!

Hearing from Homeowners: Winter Traditions for Lake Living

Posted on December 13, 2019December 12, 2019 Camille Smith

Decorated Christmas tree on boat on lake winter tradition — *Photo courtesy of* *Home is Where the Boat is*.

At Lake Homes, we believe that investing in a lake house is about more than the cabin itself– it’s about the relationships and memories that you create in your dream home. By purchasing, renovating, and personalizing your house, you’re setting the stage for countless fun memories with family and friends that will last for years to come.

As the years pass by, you’re likely to cultivate traditions. Whether you embark on canoeing adventures in the Spring, drive a few towns over to watch the leaves change in the Fall, or cook your famous burgers that your kids love in the Summer, these traditions evoke a sense of togetherness and warmth that is at the heart of lake living. At this time of year, with winter in full swing, shared family traditions are often the backbone of this holiday season.

To gain insight into how lake homeowners celebrate the holidays with their family traditions, we spoke with two women who live on the lake full time. Tiffany Hernandez, author of the lifestyle blog Lake Life State of Mind lives with her husband and teenage son on a lake in Florida. Jenny Block, writer and author of Be that Unicorn, lives with her wife on Lake Livingston in Texas. Both Hernandez and Block understand the unique joys of lake life and were happy to share a glimpse into their personal winter traditions.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do over the winter holidays at your lake house?

Family sitting around fire pit roasting marshmellows

Hernandez: One of our favorite things to do on the lake over the winter holidays is to make a bonfire! Living in Florida, we have pretty moderate temperatures during the winter and no snow. This allows us to have fun bonfires with hot cocoa and s’ mores. We also pull out our movie screen and projector and watch holiday movies together as a family around the fire. It’s a blast for sure! Our teenage son also takes advantage of this time of the year and will have his own bonfire with band friends. All the kids love coming here to celebrate the holidays!

Block: The most “lake life” thing we do is go to the town’s little Christmas Parade every year, and they have a chili and gumbo cook-off at our home afterward with the neighbors. I bake all sorts of holiday goodies, and my wife mixes up festive drinks. We celebrate the holidays, and the lake and the kind of friends one makes when living on a lake. We call it “the lake family” and it’s probably the best part of lake living!

Q: How do you use decorations in your lake home this time of year?

Jenny Block Be That Unicorn Winter Traditions — *Photo courtesy of Jenny Block.*

Hernandez: I love decorating our outdoor table with festive decor so people know we want them to utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces. Oh, and decorating our dock makes everything extra festive!

Block: We have two Christmas trees in our home at the lake. One is filled with glass ornaments, mostly my longtime collection of Christopher Radio Ornaments, and the other is filled with a marvelously eclectic collection. We love having a more formal tree and a more casual one. And since we have two family rooms, it’s perfect! It makes the house feel festive. As for the outdoors, we have a new display this year. Since we live at the lake, in a very laid back community, it’s anything goes when it comes to holiday decorations. Because I have a new book coming out called Be That Unicorn, my wife bought me a giant magical unicorn and put it in the yard with light-up presents, a white tree, and these magic balls filled with light that she made. It’s outrageous and perfect and so much fun!

Q: Do you have hosting traditions for the holidays?

Christmas table setting during night with candles next to Christmas tree — *Photo courtesy of* *Annie Campbell*.

Hernandez: We are actually having a holiday party tomorrow, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year to host gatherings with family and friends. Summers in Florida are brutal in terms of the heat and the number of bugs flying around. During the winter, the temperatures drop, making it comfortable outdoors and too cold for the bugs! It’s an absolutely perfect combination. I love having a bonfire set-up outside to utilize both the indoor and outdoor areas of our lake home.

Block: Living on the lake is a different lifestyle because it’s slower-paced, and our neighbors have friends and relatives who come into town and want to join us for dinner. It’s fun to have odd, eclectic groups of people over for a holiday meal. I love setting up a layered table with placements on top of table runners that evoke a happy sense of abundance.

Whether it’s setting up a bonfire for the family or embellishing your front yard with unique decorations, there are countless ways to spend the winter holidays with your friends and family at your Lake House. Thank you to these two women for sharing their traditions — we hope you create your own!

For more ideas on how to celebrate the holiday season at the lake, read “5 Tips on Hosting for the Holidays“.

Top 5 Lake Areas to View the Best Fall Foliage

Posted on September 20, 2019April 11, 2022 Camille Smith

Although temperatures in the Northeast may be above 70 degrees and it’s still appropriate to walk outside in shorts, don’t be fooled — Fall is certainly around the corner. Along with this seasonal shift, our beach vacations are becoming a thing of the past for 2019, but that doesn’t mean that our lake living has to end. When planning a weekend to the lake this Fall, one of the most popular activities is taking a road trip to check out the changing leaves. This October is the prime time to scout out the best Fall foliage in the Northeast. Of course, there is no better backdrop for autumn leaves than a panoramic view of a serene lake. Whether you’re in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or anywhere in between, these are some of our favorite lakes to view the best fall foliage.

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

At this gorgeous lake in Maryland, you really can have it all. With its four season climate in the mid-Atlantic region, a perfect blend of serene nature views combined with commercial luxuries, you can enjoy your lake house here all year long. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Deep Creek State Park for a hiking or camping adventure. As peak season for the changing leaves approaches in late October, it’s the perfect time to browse through our listings to find your home away from home.

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont

Beginning in the delightful small town of Newport, Vermont and extending all the way to Magog, Quebec, Lake Memphremagog is a 31-mile freshwater glacial lake. In addition to serving as a functional source of drinking water for thousands of people, this expansive body of water is also surrounded by breathtaking views of golden Autumn leaves. If you’re looking to get to know the area and catch some trout, bass, or catfish, Gardner Memorial Park has family-friendly fishing access on the shores of Lake Memphremagog. You might even catch a glimpse of the alleged Memphremagog monster that, according to some viewers, resides in the waters. You’ll find a selection of listed homes set along Lake Memphremagog here on our website.

Lake Harmony – Split Rock in Pennsylvania

Lake Harmony serene during autumn — Photo courtesy of Split Rock Resort.

When dreaming of fall leaves, mountains, and a life on the lake, you might find the perfect spot in our listings on Lake Harmony. As a reservoir in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and stunning views of autumn foliage. For kid friendly activities, check out the Split Rock Water Park, and for those with an eye for adventure, there’s plenty of snow sports and water sports. Whatever the activity, you’re sure to be surrounded by a peaceful, lush landscape.

Finger Lakes in New York

In addition to being known for amazing wine, the Finger Lakes region near Rochester, New York is also renowned for its impressive views of fall foliage. Lake living in the region is done on one of the eleven lakes that create the “fingers” in the famous name. October is a great month to visit the area for the foliage views. Although it isn’t winter yet, you can also use the chairlifts at the Bristol Mountain Ski Resort to get an overhead view of every Fall color in the valley. For an aerial glimpse that’s a bit more adventurous, you can also book a hot air balloon ride through the end of October. While in the area, be sure to also check out the historic sites in the region, including several museums.

Chautauqua-Allegheny in New York

Serene lake during autumn with colorful trees — Photo courtesy of Empire State Development via Conde Nast Traveler.

With the massive Lake Erie on the northern end, the rustic and historic Chautauqua-Allegheny area in New York also includes Bear Lake, Cassadaga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, and Findley Lake that you can check out this Fall. Whether you want to go fishing, boating, or spot wildlife, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone in this beautiful region. Chautauqua-Allegheny also boasts a few unique attractions such as Allegany State Park and Griffis Sculpture Park. Regardless of your chosen pastime, you’re sure to get amazing views of golden brown, red, and yellow autumn leaves – especially in peak season around mid-October.

As October approaches, it’s time to trade swimwear for Fall sweaters, hop in the car, and check out these colorful, impressive views of Northeastern foliage this season. You may just find your dream lake home in the process. Enjoy the great outdoors!