LakeLocate Blog

Easy ways to think outside the scrapbook.

Like me, you probably routinely preserve fond memories of your favorite lake vacations in photos, tucking them away in scrapbooks or digital albums only to look at them when it’s time to add more.

You may also collect souvenirs and postcards on your trips, or keep travel logs, which you then store away in keepsake boxes once you return home.

This Valentine’s, celebrate the day with the perfect gift for your lake-loving sweetie.

Flowers and chocolates? They’re okay, but if you’re shopping for lake enthusiasts this Valentine’s Day, why not select presents that are really apropos—you know, gifts that float, glow and/or bounce on water! They could be just what your lake-loving sweethearts want, and add some serious fun to your Valentine’s Day celebration.

This spring, stop and smell the flowers—at a spring flower festival.

From daffodil days to azalea fairs, there are lots of celebrations from which to choose, especially in the southern, eastern and midwestern portions of the U.S.A.

J. Strom Thurmond Lake happens to be the largest Corps of Engineers Lake that is east of the Mississippi. Located in a reservoir between the South Carolina and Georgia border, it was created back in 1951 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It also happens to be the second largest artificial lakes located on the east side of the Mississippi River, while being one of southeast’s most popular lakes for public recreation.

Longing for small-town life with an edge? Then you won’t want to miss these unique vacation spots.

What do Lewisburg, West Virginia; Ely, Minnesota; and Cayucos, California, have in common? Each was the number one pick by voters in Budget Travel Magazine’s Coolest Small Town competition. The contest, which allows online visitors to select their favorite small U.S. town, doesn’t reward the quaint or the cute. Although they’re small, these towns are nothing like Mayberry. They’re hip little burgs with personality plus. Although each has a population under 10,000, they’re packed with fun things to do. So if you’re looking for an exciting small-town vacation, check out these cool U.S. towns.

The next time you’re looking for a great vacation spot, think small.

Low taxes. Good weather. Beautiful beaches. And lots of things to do year round.

Those are just a few of the good reasons so many retirees head to Florida once their 9-5 days are done.

But the Sunshine State isn't just about ocean sand and surf. It’s also the perfect go-to place for lake enthusiasts.

Planning a Valentine’s Day trip for two or a romantic vacation, just because? For lake enthusiasts, nothing could be more ideal than a quick getaway to a lake resort. And these three lakes have just what couples want: beautiful settings; amenities with charm; and lots of activities sure to please lake lovers and other outdoorsy folk.

Looking for an outdoor vacation that’s fun for the whole family? Then be sure to check out the U.S. National Park System. National parks throughout the U.S. offer lots of fun activities for children as well as adults, especially during the summer. These three are among the most beautiful.

Once a private home built in 1865, the TC Smith Historic Inn is an exquisite Bed and Breakfast Inn located at picturesque Lake Geneva, WI. Located just to the north of downtown, it gives it's guests the opportunity to experience everything Lake Geneva has to offer without the hassle driving. For over a quarter century this family owned and operated Inn has welcomed guests and offered it's hospitality. The rooms have an authentic 19th century feel with furnishings and a fireplace in each room that date back to the time period giving the TC Smith Historic Inn. Contact them at (262) 248-1097.

For outdoor lovers, adventure is just a short drive from Milwaukee and Chicago to southeastern Wisconsin. Home to beautiful Geneva Lake and other renowned bodies of water like Lake Como and Shawano Lake, southeastern Wisconsin affords visitors lots of excitement. On its scenic lake shores, there’s cycling, hiking, golfing—even ziplining. On the water, there’s even more fun available, from fishing and swimming to parasailing and water skiing.

If you live in or near southeast Missouri, you’ll love Lake Wappapello. It’s easy to get to (it’s right off Highway 172 in Lake Wappapello State Park). And it’s also one of the nicest lakes in Missouri for a lake vacation.

Spend a day at Lake Wappapello or spend a week. You won’t run out of things to do. If you like swimming and sunbathing, fritter the day away at Allison Cove. Prefer to spend your time on the water instead of in it? Lake Wappapello has three concrete boat launches, one at Asher Creek Campground, another on Marina Road, and another at Allison Point. It also has a courtesy dock at Old Marina Launch. Bring your own boat or rent a personal watercraft from Breakin’ Waves Rentals.

While there are numerous locations throughout the US that offer camping and other outdoor activities, one of the most popular places to spend a week or weekend is at one of the many magnificent lakes throughout the country. If you're looking for breathtaking views Lake Isabella, located in Kern County California, might just fit the bill.

At just 16 acres, Long Branch Lake, located in Pipestem Resort State Park in Pipestem, WV, may be small in comparison to other area lakes, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less beautiful or interesting. In fact, if you’re looking for a lake vacation filled with freshwater fishing, hiking, paddleboating, or skimming serene waters in a canoe, you’ll love the Long Branch.

If you love water sports, like to fish and enjoy the great outdoors, make your next vacation a lake vacation, and spend it at Apache Lake. Located in Tonto National Forest, the Apache is 17 miles long. It’s one of four artificial lakes in Arizona that are situated on the Salt River.

The Loneliest Place on Earth
In Mono Basin National Forest, in a remote area east of the Sierra Nevada sits one of the most unusual lakes in California. In fact, many people call it one of the wonders of the world—Mono Lake. Mark Twain called it "the loneliest place on Earth."

Battered and fried over a campfire, roasted whole on sticks, baked in hobo packets on hot coals—no matter how it’s fixed, freshly caught fish can be the highlight of a meal enjoyed after a day of successful fishing, that is, if the catch is properly cared for before cooking.

Your bag is packed, your plane is booked, and your mail is on hold at the post office for the next couple weeks. You've put work out of your mind for your upcoming and highly anticipated vacation; but have you remembered to check everything off your list? In the hustle and bustle of preparing for travel, we often put our health on the back burner before we travel, throughout the duration of the trip, and once you return home. Here are a couple tips for maintaining great health on your travels.

Don’t Hit the Trail without These Hiking Must-Haves

The hiking trail around St. Mary’s Lake in southern Maryland isn’t an easy one. Substantial portions of the 7.5-mile trail are rutted, steep or overgrown with thick briars.

My friend and I began our hike at about 9 AM, little realizing that the temperature that day would skyrocket into the upper nineties well before noon. Not only was it hot, but it was also extremely humid, and there was no breeze.

Going backpacking? Then be sure to prepare beforehand. Whether you intend to spend one day or several hiking the great outdoors, if you plan ahead, you will have a more enjoyable experience. And you’ll definitely have a safer one.

One of the major ways you can prepare for your hike is by carefully assembling the food and other items that you will need to take with you.

There's nothing quite like the peace and calm that you experience while sitting on the shore of a lake, staring out into the rippling waters, and thinking about absolutely nothing. With the economic times the way they are, any outing that can bring about this serenity is most welcomed, especially if it's one that costs you next to nothing. Here are a few reasons why lakes are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the perfect getaway.

Stretch out beside a picnic lunch and watch a bald eagle slice the air. Hurtle through whitewater down the Merced River, safely tucked into a raft alongside an expert guide. Or circle a cool mountain lake on horseback. These and more outdoor delights await those who choose California’s Sierra Nevada, either for an exciting outdoor vacation or as a permanent residence.