“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”
That quote of course comes from the classic Dr. Suess holiday film, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” While we all can agree that quote is meant to encourage spending more time with family, friends, and loved ones for the holidays, it can also get you thinking about giving gifts that “mean a little more.” If you are looking for a present this year for a loved one, I suggest considering giving “experiences.”
Why Give an Experience as a Gift?
Experiences Give Us Something To Look Forward To
An experience is the gift that keeps on giving! Experiences give the recipient something fun to look forward to after the holidays are over, with the fun of planning and anticipation of the experience just starting.
Experiences Create Lasting Memories
Experiences provide the opportunity to make great memories! Positive memories increase our nostalgia and can ultimately make us feel happier and closer to the people around us. Many times experiences also encourage us to try something new. Whether it’s the chance to bond with a loved one, discover a new passion, or simply relax and take time for themselves, you are opening the doors for someone to create memories that they will cherish for years to come!
Experiences Are Perfect For The “Hard-To-Shop-For”
If you have someone on your Christmas list that is hard to shop for, experiences make the perfect gift. They are unique, thoughtful, and unusually unexpected. Whatsmore, you won’t have to worry about if they already have it – your experience will be a personal and meaningful gift!
Experiences Are Great For Last Minute Shopping
Purchasing an experience is great for anyone looking to buy a last-minute gift. You can simply go online and purchase a gift certificate – no shopping required! This makes it a hassle-free and easy way to buy for friends and family when it comes down to crunch time for the holidays.
Experiences Around the Lake Martin Area
If you are looking to add experiences to your shopping list this year, here are some of our suggestions for great local ideas in the Lake Martin area!
Glamping at The Destination Resort
What better way to create new memories than with a relaxing glamping trip at The Destination! Tucked away in the beautiful woods by Sandy Creek are luxury tents, where guests can enjoy all the perks of being in nature while feeling like they are staying at a 4-star resort. This is the perfect getaway for a couple on your Christmas list, or even a small family!
The Destination offers gift certificates for two-night stays at their glamps. Or, you can simply purchase a certificate for your own chosen amount and help kick-start a weekend getaway.
Learn more about the luxury of glamping at The Destination Resort here.
Guided Fishing Expedition with Alex City Guide Service
Lake Martin is known for its excellent fishing, especially this time of year. In fact, it is widely considered to be one of the best wintertime bass fisheries in the state.
Alex City Guide Service specializes in live bait fishing and hosts guests on some of the most sophisticated bass boats on the market. They provide all of the equipment and bait needed for the fishing trip, and can host experiences for individuals all the way up to groups of 40 people. The only thing that guests need to bring is food, drinks, and a fishing license.
With the Million Dollar Bass on the loose during the Spring and Summer months, this would be the perfect gift for the fisherman on your list!
See more about booking a guided fishing experience here: Alex City Guide Service
A Weekend of Fun at Wind Creek State Park
Wind Creek State Park stretches over 1,440 acres of beautiful Lake Martin and offers everyone’s favorite outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, ziplining, and even putt-putt golf. This would be the perfect gift for friends, family, or even a couple on your holiday list!
Gift cards for Wind Creek State Park can be purchased online and used for services such as camping, food, and gate fees. You can easily purchase a gift card online here: Alapark Gift Cards
Guided Horseback Ride Around Lake Martin
What better way to see the beautiful woods and waters around Lake Martin than with a guided horseback ride? Luckily, we have two excellent options in the area!
The Stables at Russell Crossroads offers amazing rides through Russell Forest and along the shores of Lake Martin. You can also check out their 8,000 square foot equestrian center, which is home to several prized horses including the Paints, Buckskins and Palomino Quarter horses. For gift certificates, give them a call at 256-794-1333.
Rockin’ K LLC takes smaller groups through the beautiful trails located at Wind Creek State Park. Depending on your level of experience and comfort, Rockin’ K offers 1 hour, 1.5 hour, and 2 hour guided trail rides filled with breathtaking views of the beautiful woods and shores of Lake Martin.
Gift certificates can be ordered by contacting Rockin’ K via call or text at 334-324-3537.
Lake Martin Machine Gun
I cannot say this enough… Lake Martin Machine Gun is a truly unique and exciting experience! The entire staff is extremely knowledgeable and makes your experience safe, fun, and extremely thrilling.
My recommendation for an experience gift at Lake Martin Machine Gun is what’s called a “Shooting Experience”. Guests are greeted by an LMMG Specialist, who leads a tour through the history of rare and iconic machine guns. Then, with assistance and guidance from the LMMG Specialist, guests are able to shoot these guns.
LMMG also has a private shooting range for pistols and rifles for the experienced shooter on your Christmas list! Gift Certificates are available for purchase on their website: LakeMartinMachineGun.com.
Book a Getaway at a Bed and Breakfast
If you are looking to give a relaxing gift to unwind and be pampered, Lake Martin is home to two dazzling Bed and Breakfast locations.
Mistletoe Bough is a charming, Victorian-era bed and breakfast located in Alexander City. Not only do they have several beautiful rooms to stay in, they also offer several add-on packages to enhance your experiences such as massages, romantic dinners, and even a sunset cruise on Lake Martin.
Paradise Bed and Breakfast is located on the waters of Lake Martin. Not only do they offer rooms that overlook the lake, they also have a paddle boat, kayak, and fishing equipment for use too. To top it off, you can even add on an evening boat cruise to your experience.
Dinner at SpringHouse
Everyone loves a great dining experience, and it doesn’t get much better than dinner at SpringHouse. Located at Russell Crossroads, guests can enjoy a variety of locally and regionally inspired Southern cuisine while enjoying beautiful views of rolling hills, The Stables, and even Lake Martin waters in the distance.
You can purchase gift cards from SpringHouse on their website.
Tickets to a Show at the Alexander City Arts
Everyone loves dinner and a show! If you are looking to pair up a dinner gift certificate, Alexander City Arts has multiple performances a year. You can check out some of their upcoming performances on their website.
This holiday season, be sure to support our local Lake Martin community and consider gifting your friends, family, and loved ones meaningful, unique experiences and memories that they will remember for a lifetime!
And if you need even more Christmas gift ideas, make sure to check out the 2022 Lake Martin Christmas Gift Guide.
Merry Christmas from the Lake Martin family!
