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 want to go out and celebrate ringing in the new year, but like me, sometimes prefer to be home early with our own bottle of champagne. For the early bird New Year’s Eve goers, Zazu’s Verandah has you covered!
Zazu’s Verandah is a cozy and newly restored event space located in the Dadeville Town Square. They will be rocking this New Year’s Eve with live music starting at 7pm as well as plenty of wine and beer for sale. The best part is, the ball drops at 10pm at Zazu’s Verandah, so you can call it an early night and still have a great evening of memories to remember New Year’s Eve.
For additional information on Zazu’s Verandah New Year’s celebrations, you can call 256-307-2188.
For A New Year’s Eve With Kids
I remember several years growing up as a kid where my siblings and I would stay up late to watch the ball drop with our parents. It was always an exciting experience to try and keep our eyes open till midnight and finally reach the big countdown! I have also heard hilarious stories of my friends, now grown up and parents themselves, faking a ball drop at 8pm so they could send their kids off to bed early.
Luckily for all of the parents reading this, I found a fun New Year’s Eve option that you can do together with your kids this year. Niffer’s Place is hosting a family-friendly countdown celebration on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve never been to Niffer’s Place on Lake Martin, now is the time to try it out. It is located in Dadeville, and is known to have the best burger menu on the lake as well as a fun, vibrant atmosphere which makes it perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
The New Year’s Eve family-friendly countdown is their most popular event of the year, complete with party hats, great food, and tons of excitement for parents and kiddos. And if you are looking for an early night, you’re in luck. Niffer’s holds their countdown at 7pm and tops off their event off with a sparkling juice toast!
If a family fun New Year’s Eve is just what you are looking for, then be sure to reserve your table now for December 31st as they go quickly. You can check out more information on their Facebook page.
For A Casual New Year’s Eve
I have done my fair share of dressing up for New Year’s Eve, but sometimes I just want to leave the heels at home and have a good old-fashion night out. If this is a little more up your alley, I have two perfect places for you to check out.
The first one on my list is Alexander City’s newest bar-The Local at 41 Main. It’s located right in the heart of Downtown Alex City and has a charming, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the front door.
I put this one first on my list as they get started early on New Year’s Eve. The Local opens their doors at 2pm and will have all the college football games on television-and they will be serving up plenty of cocktails to get you warmed up for the night. One drink in particular that caught my attention on social media was their “Skrewball Smores” drink – a hot chocolate and peanut butter whiskey cocktail topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumbles. I could easily have a few of those before starting my New Year’s resolution to lose a few pounds! Then starting at 8pm on New Year’s Eve, The Local will have live music gearing up with Bo Jones, and will be handing out party favors for guests. And of course, the evening will be topped off with a champagne toast at midnight to ring in the new year! This is the perfect spot to spend your NYE on the Alexander City side of the lake. Check out more about The Local on their Facebook page.
The second option on my list for a casual New Year’s Eve is spending the evening at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters. Copper’s Grill is located at the Stillwaters golf course and is a beautiful venue overlooking the green. They are known for their delicious food menu, great service, and my favorite – live music.
For New Year’s Eve this year, Copper’s Grill is offering an exclusive experience for ticketed guests starting at 6pm. This will include a delicious food buffet as well as an open bar. Then starting at 9pm, Copper’s Grill turns into a come one, come all atmosphere! Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration with lots of dancing, party favors, and DJ Marky Mark rocking the tunes until the ball drops at midnight. And of course, a complimentary champagne toast will have us all cheering, “Happy New Year!”
I may leave my heels at home, but I’ll be sure to bring my boogie shoes! Copper’s Grill attire for the night is casual and comfortable, but they welcome anyone to come dressed in their New Year’s best if they choose!
For more information on their NYE celebrations or to reserve tickets for the exclusive portion of their event, call: 256-373-3536. You can also stay up to date on their Facebook page.
For A Fancy New Year’s Eve
One of the best ways to celebrate December 31st is going all out, dressing to the nines, and completely pampering yourself. And why not? It’s an evening designed to reflect on the year past and celebrate a new beginning.
If this style of celebration is more your speed of things for New Year’s Eve, SpringHouse at Russell Crossroads is my suggestion for you. SpringHouse prides themselves on being a dining experience unlike any other, with foods inspired by the history of the region and flavors locally sourced to create their own masterpieces of southern classical cuisine. And of course, their New Year’s Eve dinner is no exception.
This year SpringHouse is hosting a lavish eight-course wine dinner to celebrate the New Year, featuring an array of their favorite dishes to date and promising to be their best experience yet! The evening kicks off at 5:30pm with traditional seating for guests to gather and share this elaborate experience together.
If a wine and dine night out is what you are looking for this New Year’s Eve, be sure to secure your seat early by contacting (256) 215-7080. You can also find the New Year’s Eve menu posted on the SpringHouse Facebook page.
For An Outdoor New Year’s
There is nothing like kicking off a brand-new year with a refreshing hike and taking in the beautiful views of Lake Martin! And as an avid hiker myself, this is perhaps my favorite option of all.
Wind Creek State Park is hosting hikers of all ages on New Year’s Day to join in the fun of their annual First Day Hike along the Campfire Trail. This is especially exciting, as the Campfire Trail winds not only through the beautiful forest at Wind Creek State Park, but it also peaks around the shorelines of Lake Martin, so hikers are able to take in all the beautiful waterfront views as well.
Speaking from experience, be sure to bring your cameras so you can snap photos of all the wonderful wildlife and stunning views to remember your first day of 2022 by. You can also bring along a pair of binoculars to catch birds and animals at play. You may even spot an eagle or osprey!
On January 1st, 2022, hikers will be meeting at the North Picnic Trailhead at 11am for the 1.8-mile loop. The trail difficulty is moderate and suggested for persons 4 years and older. And of course, leashed pets are welcome! For more information, please call 256-329-0845 or email Scottie.Jackson@dcnr.alabama.gov
And those are my top New Year’s suggestions for you! Hopefully with all of these options, you will surely find the perfect way to celebrate the new year! And as 2021 comes to an end, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very prosperous and happy New Year filled with joy, cheer, and adventure!
