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- 5 Local Breakfast Spots in the Lake Martin Area That You Have To Try
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your days at Lake Martin are sure to be full of adventures, but you will definitely want to fuel up before heading out for a day of exploring. Lucky for you, we have some great local breakfast spots in the Lake Martin area for you to try! Here are 5 locally owned spots where you can stop in, sit down, and fill up…
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Getting Ready for Boating Season
Photo Credit: @lakemartingoods Plug Day has come and gone, and Lake Martin is on it’s way to Summer Pool levels! With the lake filling back up and warmer weather on its way, many of us can’t wait to hit the water for the first time this season. But is your boat prepared? After a long winter in storage, there are a few things you will need to check before your first outing. Here is our short, 10-point checklist to get you and your boat Summer ready! 1) Plug Your Boat In celebration of Plug Day, our first checklist item is…
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Plug Day-Lake Martin’s Own Special Holiday
I remember my first trip to Alexander City a couple of years ago. I was talking to the locals and I kept hearing about the upcoming Plug Day. Everyone seemed so excited about it. I personally had never observed this occasion before, but was intrigued to learn more.
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One of Lake Martin’s Most Awesome Free Activities- D.A.R.E. Power Park
D.A.R.E. Power Park offers alot of fun recreational activities.
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Fishing For The Unique Tallapoosa Redeye Bass
While Lake Martin is well known for its fishing, and is a hotspot for spotted, largemouth, and striped bass, a very special fishing experience awaits in the water that feeds Lake Martin, the Tallapoosa River. Here you can find the unique Tallapoosa Redeye Bass. As a matter of fact, the Tallapoosa River Watershed is the only place that you will find this specific fish. Any of the locals will tell you that this is one fish you want to put on your fishing bucket list. They are very aggressive and pound for pound, put up a very hard fight. What…
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A Visit to The Landing at Parker Creek
Built completely out of bright orange shipping containers, The Landing at Parker Creek is one of the most unique and popular hangout destinations on Lake Martin! Owned by renowned sports anchor and his wife, Herb and Betty Winches, The Landing came to life in 2015. Since then, it has grown to be one of the most popular hangout spots for locals and visitors alike. Known for its sweeping waterfront views, great food, and lively atmosphere, here is your guide to one of the coolest places to visit on Lake Martin. Fun at The Landing The Landing is known for a…
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August 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Lake Level: 490.4 Full Pool (You can always get the most up to date lake level here.) Surface Temp: 90 Clarity: Clear Oh man-In July, not only did we have some record high temperatures, but we also set some record striper catches last month with crazy numbers caught per trip, and per boat. Now to move on to our August forecast…. Our hopes and thinking is that this month may be really good also, and this thinking like this comes from simply that July weather conditions and water temperatures have been like your normal August conditions. Therefore it has our…
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Understanding Buoys on Lake Martin
While we all want to be out enjoying Lake Martin to the fullest, the most important thing is to learn how to do that safely. Lake Martin is unique in the fact that we have a very special group of volunteers from a non-profit group called Lake Martin Resource Association, but most of the locals around here just call them LMRA. Many of the locals around here are actually members too. The cost of the buoys are covered by membership dues and renewals, plus kind donations. They tirelessly work to make sure buoys are strategically placed in areas where you…
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Public Beaches at Lake Martin
Summer is here, and it’s that time of year when you have to look inside yourself and ask the all-important question…….. Are you Team Beach or Team Lake? How you answer that question could determine the happiness level of your summer vacation. Those on Team Beach tend to be the ones that love throwing down a blanket, and spending a day catching rays and feeling the warm sun as it bronzes their skin. These also tend to be the ones that enjoy getting their hands dirty making sandcastles, and splashing along the shorelines with friends and family. Those on Team…
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5 Local Breakfast Spots in the Lake Martin Area That You Have To Try
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your days at Lake Martin are sure to be full of adventures, but you will definitely want to fuel up before heading out for a day of exploring. Lucky for you, we have some great local breakfast spots in the Lake Martin area for you to try! Here are 5 locally owned spots where you can stop in, sit down, and fill up your belly before heading out for a day of fun. Alana’s Place in The Square Alexander City, Alabama This breakfast spot is located inside “The…
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July 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Water Level: 490.38 You can always see the current water level here. Surface Temperature: 90Clarity: Clear Hey everyone! June was an awesome striper catching month-as you see in a small example in the picture. Live bait was working well in June. Trolling in June was putting stripers in the box also. Well, here it is July!!! Where has the spring gone??? Don’t get too disappointed, because here on Lake Martin you can still catch a big trophy in July. Just 2 years ago in July, we boated a 45 pounder and a 25 pounder- same day, same boat. I’m not…
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Where to Watch Fireworks at Lake Martin on 4th of July Weekend
At Lake Martin, we love going big on all holidays. I do mean every single holiday….. sometimes we even make up our own (ever heard of Plug Day?) We love celebrating, and Independence Day Weekend is definitely no exception. We love God, our Country, and………Fireworks! We have two nights in a row of explosive fun, and you will want to check out both. Aside from the actual fireworks displays, there is so much more happening during 4th of July Weekend. We will give you the deets on all of it, but let’s start with where to watch fireworks on 4th…
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Peanut Point-The Best Boiled Peanuts on Lake Martin
Peanut Point is a classic summertime favorite at Lake Martin, Alabama! Their claim to fame is having the best boiled peanuts on Lake Martin since 1988. For generations, boaters and families have been pulling up to the shoreline of bright colored tents for peanuts, souvenirs, and to snap a photo in the iconic big blue chair. Here’s the “scoop” on everything you need to know about Peanut Point! The Story Behind Peanut Point The story of Peanut Point begins over 35 years ago, when a man named Louis would spend time down at his cabin on Lake Martin, fishing and…
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The Best Lakeside Pizza on Lake Martin-Chuckwalla’s Pizza at Chuck’s Marina
When you’re out for a day on Lake Martin, you are sure to hear about Chuck’s Marina. Sure-it is a stop along the way to fuel up the boat, but it’s also one of our favorite places to fuel up ourselves too-as they are home to some of the best pizza and wings you will find on the lake. There’s so much more to this special spot though. We will fill you in on some of the interesting info about this hotspot on Lake Martin, but make sure you put this on your list to visit while you are here. …
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A Few of our Favorite Lake Martin Islands
While out boating on the beautiful waters of Lake Martin, Alabama, you have probably noticed that there are quite a few islands around – but did you know that many of these are actually popular landmarks and hangout spots too? The islands of Lake Martin are home to some of the most fascinating stories, culture, and history in the area. Here are some fun facts and a little background on some of the most well-known islands on Lake Martin! Pirate Island Latitude 32.83305 Longitude -85.85845 Ahoy matey! Grab your crew and set sail to explore Lake Martin’s very own Pirate…
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June 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Surface Temperature: 82.5Water Level: 490.37 (You can always find the current water level here.)Clarity: Clear to Very Clear Well as you already know, spring has wound down and temperatures have been rising- but that doesn’t mean it’s time to put away your fishing gear because here on Lake Martin, for the most part, fishing is good in June. For catching stripers we will be slowly working our way down to the southern end of the lake to some of the deeper areas- searching for a little cooler water temperatures. The bite will be getting earlier and earlier and almost non…
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Make Memories This Father’s Day With These Two Unique Experiences
Father’s Day is coming up and let’s face it-guys can be so hard to buy for. However, your dad is a special guy and has been there for you your whole life. He deserves to be shown how appreciated he is. This year, I encourage you to be creative, and give him something he will really remember. I realize it can be very tempting to pick up an Amazon gift card as you are checking out at the grocery store. I’m totally guilty of that myself. One thing we have definitely learned over the last couple of years is that…
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Do You Need A Boating License In Alabama?
So you’ve booked the trip, and feel like everything is prepared. You have found a place to stay, and even rented a boat to have waiting on you once you arrive at the lake. Now, you get to sit back and just dream of those lake days with the sun shining on your face, the thrill of the watersports that await you, and of course, catching a beautiful Lake Martin sunset while out on the open water. Everything seems perfect-and trust me, it is. This is going to be the most epic vacation ever! However-there is one more thing on…
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Lake Martin’s Most Famous Landmark- Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is easily one of the most iconic landmarks at Lake Martin, Alabama. Located near the Ridge Marina, it is easily recognized by its colorful graffiti and usually a large gathering of boats. On any given summer day, you can hear music cranked up and see the boats connected and enjoying the Alabama sunshine! Chimney Rock is a staple to the Lake Martin community – and here is everything you need to know to go out and enjoy it! Chimney Rock vs. Acapulco Rock To set the record straight, what many refer to now as Chimney Rock is actually…
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May 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Lake Level: 490.2 Surface Temp: 71 -72 degreesWater Clarity: Mostly clear to very light stain Looking back the last 30 days for me and my team of guides at Alex City Guide Service, the month of April was awesome on big trophy catches. We caught numerous 20- 30 plus pound stripers including a 32 pounder, two 36 pounders, a 40 plus, and two 45 pounders. Of course I’m talking about stripers- that’s all we target. We also caught numerous 22” or longer stripers per daily trips. Now getting to May- I’ve been saying all spring that I think most of…
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The Magical Thing That Happens on the Tallapoosa River Between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
Spring is in the air and everything is coming to full bloom at Lake Martin! But something particularly magical happens between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day every year. The famous “Cahaba Lily” begins to make its long-awaited appearance, with its spider-like petals stretching out and putting on a spectacular show for all to see. To add to their unique beauty, these lilies are also incredibly rare, attracting people from far and wide just to catch a glimpse of them on display. Luckily, right here in our backyard is the Tallapoosa River – one of very few homes to these majestic…
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Spotting Bald Eagles At Lake Martin
Photos by: John Denney Everyone loves Lake Martin for their own reasons. Most will tell you how awesome it is to be out on the water, whether on a boat, Sea Doo, or kayak. We have almost 900 miles of shoreline, and there is plenty to see and do on the lake. However, with all of the stops at the local lakeside bars and restaurants, hanging out with the music cranked up at Chimney Rock, and the focus on watersports and fishing, it can be easy to overlook one of my personal favorite things to do on the lake……. taking…
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Planning a Family Reunion at Lake Martin
The last couple of years have taught us many things. One of the main things I have taken away from the pandemic is to treasure the time I have with my loved ones. I have realized that my family and friends are what truly matters, and if anything, that should be priority over everything else in life. Our relationships with those we care about are priceless, and have to be nourished. We have to find ways to enjoy our tribe, have unforgettable experiences, great bonding time, and create opportunities to make awesome memories. Back in the old days, a family…
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April 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Surface Temperature: 62-64Lake Level: 489.58 (As of April 5-You can always keep up with the current lake level here.) Clarity: Slightly stained Lake Martin fishing in April has always been awesome. My parents always said that when the dogwoods are blooming, then the crappie were biting- and year after year that same saying holds true, and especially for the trophy striped bass here. April may be one of my favorite months here on our lake. Last year some of our biggest stripers came in March, but this year is different and I predict most of our 40+ pounders will be…
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Staying at a Cabin on Lake Martin
In a world of hotels and Airbnb’s, there is no shortage of unique places to stay when visiting Lake Martin. However, there is just something charming about sleeping in a cabin while visiting the lake. Here are a couple of unforgettable cabin options for rent on Lake Martin, Alabama. Cabins at Wind Creek State Park Wind Creek State Park is a beautiful, 1,440 acre land that stretches across the shorelines of Lake Martin, Alabama. Here guests can lay out on the private sandy beach, climb the historic silo, or enjoy endless activities such as ziplining, horseback riding, archery, putt putt,…
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One of the South’s Most Unique Churches-Church in the Pines
Church in the Pines is perhaps one of the most unique and iconic structures on Lake Martin. Built on the shorelines of the lake waters, this non-denominational church draws attention from visitors all across the country. It is not unusual to see all 800+ seats filled during the warm weather months, or guests pulling up by boat to catch a Sunday service. With its distinct, open-air structure and dramatic backdrop of the Kowaliga Bridge, it’s really no wonder why Church in the Pines is a treasured icon at Lake Martin. The Story Behind Church in the Pines Originally built in…
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How To Catch The Million Dollar Bass That is Swimming in Lake Martin
If I were to tell you that one fish could change your life…. would you believe me? What if I told you that fish was worth a cool million dollars? The first time I heard it, I thought that was great for the pros and I thought it would be exciting to hear about one of them catching it. Then, I realized that this little game of chance isn’t just for the pros. Of course, one of the pro anglers in their beautiful bass boats and immaculate tackle collection could be the one to catch it. However, a grandma and…
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March 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Lake Level: 484.72 feet (Please note that the lake level started increasing on February 18, as it makes it’s way toward Summer Pool, which is 491 feet. 484.72 feet is the lake level as of March 3, but you can always check the current lake level here.) Surface Temp: 48 on lake, 43 up riverClarity: Very stained on north end and partially stained in Kowaliga areaIt was a really good February for quantity and the occasional 15-20 lb. stripers, but in March, we will be on the 20-40 lb. class. March will definitely kick off trophy class stripers here on our…
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5 Free Things To Do At Lake Martin During Spring Break
Take a Hike and Get Started on the Lake Martin Hiking Challenge It is such a beautiful time to be outside enjoying the trails, and we have a variety of them for you to try. They are all unique, and have varying levels of difficulty. Hike just for fun, or start the Lake Martin Hiking Challenge-it is free to participate! If you hike a portion of all of the trails, you will earn a free patch and certificate. Get information on all of the trails, and the downloadable hiking log here. Visit Horseshoe Bend National Military Park This was not…
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Wedding Venues in the Lake Martin Area
Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life! And many will say picking out your venue is the first step to successfully start planning your big day. Here is your ultimate, all-in-one guide to some of the best wedding venues at Lake Martin, AL! The Stables at Russell Crossroads Location: Russell Crossroads-Alexander City, AL Holds: 250-300 Attendees Price: $$ Paint your wedding inspiration on the pastoral canvas of the rustic and charming yet refined and inspired backdrop of the scenic Stables. The Stables offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception sites. The Stables venue…
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How To Get Started Birding
Photo Credit: C & G Goss So you like to be out in nature, taking in the fresh air, smelling the flowers, and feeling the sun on your skin? You enjoy the peaceful serenity of it, and maybe it is your exercise outlet also. You may be a hiker, runner, boater, kayaker, or an explorer who just likes to get out and see what treasures you can find in the beautiful outdoors. However, what if I told you there is another awesome hobby you can enjoy simultaneously? If I told you that hobby was birding, I would probably get two…
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February 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Lake Level: 480 (You can always check the current lake level here.) Clarity: Lightly stained to clearSurface Temp: 52 degreesAs you see in picture of Brian Mancuso from Atlanta, we are already catching some trophy fish. This is one you would expect to be a springtime fish. The winter water temps have so far been warmer than normal, so we are catching very nice stripers both deep (downlining) and shallow (by pulling boards). The stripers are still feeding on smaller than normal bait fish, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon- probably not until March. In February there will be…
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Top 10 Places To Propose at Lake Martin
Lake Martin is a haven of special memories for many of us. It’s a place where folks come to unwind, create family bonding moments, and tell dock-side stories that last a lifetime. It’s a timeless destination- and no wonder why it would be a perfect choice for your engagement. When thinking of your dream place to propose, it is easy to get stumped on creative ideas. After all, it’s a story you two will share for years to come. And everyone will want to know, “how did you do it?” And I am excited to say, I am writing this…
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Celebrating National Plan For Vacation Day
With Christmas and New Year’s behind us, I bet you thought you were finished with the holidays for awhile. However, one of my favorite annual holidays is coming up, and I wanted to make sure you were aware of it too. Tuesday, January 25th is National Plan for Vacation Day! This is a special day started by the U. S. Travel Association several years ago where we are encouraged to plan our time off. We work hard, and we deserve that vacation time. Let’s face it though, as we get further into the year, and busy with work, school, and…
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Why We Love Winter At Lake Martin (And Why This Winter Is Extra Special)
Photo Credit: Harold Banks If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ve heard the phrase, “Winter is Coming.” Well, winter is here, and at Lake Martin, that is a good thing! It has brought with it a playground full of fun for us self-proclaimed adventurers and explorers. It’s no secret that we in Lake Martin live for those summer days on the lake. We love feeling that warm sun on our skin, and whether we are wakeboarding, skiing, boating, catching Friday on the Green at Russell Crossroads, chilling on the beach at Wind Creek State Park, or just hanging out…
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The Lake Martin Polar Plunge
Ahhh… the Polar Plunge. A classic and entertaining event where hundreds to possibly thousands of people across the globe strip down into their bare nothings and race into a freezing cold body of water. It’s thrilling, it’s daunting… and it’s for a good cause! Though I have always suspected the Polar Plunge was a decently newer event created by my generation, I couldn’t be more wrong. The concept has actually been around since the early 1900s, with the first one taking place in Boston, MA, in 1904. It has swept the world in popularity, with plunges in countries such as…
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January 2022-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Water Level: 482 (You can always check the current lake level here.) Surface Temp: 60 Clarity: Clear to lightly stained December was awesome striper fishing. We were catching them every single day- and lots of them! Yep it’s cold, but that just turns Lake Martin Stripers on!! The colder it is, the better the bite. Our best day ever so far (quantity wise) was 3 Januarys ago. I had 5 clients on my boat and they boated 92 in 5 hrs. (And no, we did not keep all of them.) This month I don’t see any reason we can’t do…
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4 Fun Things About The Alexander City Sportplex
Alexander City is home to some of the best local shopping, family entertainment, and events in the Lake Martin community. It is also home to the most diverse Sportplex in the region. Of course, when I hear the word “Sportplex,” athletic activities automatically come to mind. And even though it is a paradise for sports lovers, there are so many different activities you can do in addition to just, well, sports. If you are looking to pick up a hobby or try something new, here is my list of four fun things that I encourage you to try (that you…
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Ringing in the New Year at Lake Martin
Another wonderful year at Lake Martin is coming to an end and there is excitement as a new one is just around the corner. For everyone who is looking to ring in the new year at the lake, here are my suggestions for an unforgettable time this New Year’s Eve! For An Early Bird New Year’s Eve I have spent many a New Year out celebrating well beyond midnight. But to be honest, some of my favorite ones were spent at home and laying comfortably in bed by the time the ball dropped! This option is for those who still…
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5 Must Do’s When Day Hiking Solo
Peacefulness. Clarity. Creativeness. Appreciation for the world around me. Those are just a few of the things I feel when I experience nature in solitude. Don’t get me wrong-I love enjoying the great outdoors with my friends and family, and having those experiences with them. But just like in our everyday lives, we need that balance of companionship and alone time-and we need that in our time in nature as well. If you hike a trail with others, and go back and hike that same trail alone, and you will notice that you will have a completely different experience-and both…
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December 2021-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Water Level: 482 (as of 12/3/21) (As the lake level continues to decrease through December, you can always check the current level here.) Surface Temp: 68 Clarity: Clear With December now on us, we look back for a moment on how great the bite in November was. November never fails to produce large stringers of Lake Martin stripers . Moving forward to the December fishing report, the bite will just continue to be awesome. The striper will be schooled together in huge numbers throughout the lake. I have already been seeing sea gulls gathering here on the lake, which has…
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10 Free Things To Do Around Lake Martin This Christmas Season
It would be such an understatement to just say we love Christmas around here. Although we have a tendency to go all out on most holidays, Christmas is definitely one of our favorites! You’ve seen the Hallmark movies with the adorable little Christmas towns-well, that’s us! Fun activities abound around Lake Martin at Christmas time, and many of them are completely free. Our goal is to help make your holidays even more special, and below is our list of 10 free things that you can do around Lake Martin this Christmas. 1. A Walk Through The Trees At Pennington Park…
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Geocaching in the Lake Martin Area
Lake Martin is home to a variety of outdoors activities including hiking, boating, camping… and even the wildly popular treasure hunt, “geocaching”. Put on your tennis shoes and get out your thinking cap – this “secret” activity will have you hooked for hours of fun! What is Geocaching? Geocaching is a thrilling worldwide scavenger hunt filled with hiking, tracking, and following clues to find secret containers that are hidden all around you. There is probably a geocache near you right now and you don’t even know it! “Geocaches” are containers that are hidden in plain sight. They range not only…
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Wine Tasting at Whippoorwill Vineyards
There’s just so many cool things to do in the Lake Martin area. I mean, it is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, it can all be found here in our area-and if you know anything at all about our lake, it’s islands, and almost 900 miles of shoreline-that should come as no surprise to you. But one thing that may come as a surprise to you is the award-winning wine that comes from our area. Who would have thought it, right? But- it’s true-and whether you are an experienced sommelier or casual wine drinker-wine tasting is something…
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The Best View of Lake Martin-Smith Mountain Fire Tower
Smith Mountain Fire Tower is easily one of the most iconic attractions at Lake Martin! Located in Dadeville, AL the tower itself is surrounded by history and epic views, making this one bucket list item you won’t want to miss. The History The presence of the Smith Mountain Fire Tower has been a part of the local history of Lake Martin since the lake’s conception. Smith Mountain itself is the highest point of elevation at Lake Martin. Long before the dam was built or the waters of Lake Martin itself existed, the surrounding area of land where the tower sits…
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November 2021-Lake Martin Fishing Report
Surface Temperature: 71 (as of 11/1/21) Water Clarity: Very Clear Water Level: 487.8 feet (as of 11/1/21) The water level continues to drop to winter pool levels, but you can always check the current water level here. With water temps cooling down and water levels on a downward trend, Lake Martin is the place to be for all types of fish. November is awesome here for crappie, bass, and no doubt for stripers . The stripers will be settled in for the winter and not be as hard to stay on top of. There are several good things about November,…
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2021 Fall Festivities at Lake Martin
Fall is in the air at Lake Martin, Alabama, and we have your ultimate guide to all the must-do fall festivities around the lake! Water levels are dropping, leaves on trees are changing, and the spooky season is just around the corner. Last weekend was Wind Creek State Park’s annual Fall Festival. Guests enjoyed a pumpkin decorating contest, costume parade, trick or treating, and even a campsite decorating contest. It is always the third Saturday of October, and campsites sell out quickly. Reservations have to be made well in advance. There’s still more Fall fun to be had in our…
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My Strategy On How To Complete Two Hiking Challenges At One Time
Why Participate In A Hiking Challenge They say the best exercise you can get is the one that you stick with, and for me it is hiking. There are plenty of people who love the gym, and if that is what is right for you, do it! Everyone needs physical activity to stay healthy. For me though, I get no enjoyment or motivation by being on a treadmill in a gym on a literal road to nowhere- and looking at the back of someone’s head on the row in front of me, who is also on that same road that…