Every time I sit down to write an Editor’s Letter, it feels a bit like sharing a page out of my own personal Lake Martin travel journal with the world. With each new adventure I have with Lake magazine, my excitement grows to share the people, places and stories that make this destination so extraordinary.
This past month, our magazine team has been living the dream, diving into exciting projects, sipping frozen cocktails for story research and getting a front-row seat to all that’s new and upcoming around the lake. There’s no shortage of stories to tell, and we’re thrilled to bring you what’s new on the horizon for Lake Martin.
At the top of my list for recent thrilling adventures, I had the opportunity to visit the brand new fire tower currently being reconstructed at Overlook Park. Escorted by the CRATA team, I was one of the first people to climb this new historical fire tower – a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience. And I can tell you personally, the views are absolutely stunning. While the tower is still under construction and not open to the public until later this summer, CRATA shares about the journey it took to restore this remarkable structure on page 20.
And that’s not the only big news. Lake Martin has been nominated as one of USA Today’s Best Lakes for Water Sports in the country. That’s right – we’re in the running alongside iconic destinations like Lake Tahoe and Lake of the Ozarks. In fact, Lake Martin received three 2025 travel nominations from USA Today this year. On page 26, Austin Elliott breaks down what makes our lake standout on the national stage.
One of the features I’ve been especially excited to share in this issue is an interview with someone whose ties to Lake Martin run deep. While this lake is known for its award-winning beauty and iconic attractions, it’s also a place where music legends find home.
I had the chance to sit down with American Idol winner Taylor Hicks right here at Lake Martin, just ahead of his upcoming performance at The AMP. We talked about his musical journey, his Dadeville roots and why Lake Martin still feels like home after all these years. Before he takes the stage this Fourth of July, you can get to know more about the man behind the music on page 34.
In addition, on page 72, music sensations the Red Clay Strays are kicking off a fishing tournament this month to benefit one of their favorite places to perform in the world – Camp ASCCA.
Whether you’re looking for the best pickleball courts, dogfriendly excursions or the ultimate map to find a Bushwacker around the lake, our team has filled these pages with inspiration to kick off a fun-filled June.
All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life Subscriptions are $50 annually
Shaylee Beck Moore, Editor-in-Chief
the Cover
Matthew Dauphin shows off his skills as he catches air during a wakeboarding session on Alabama's treasured lake. Lake Martin continues to climb in the rankings as one of USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Award nominees for Best Lake for Water Sports in the country.
Photo by Kenneth Boone
20. CLIMBING NEW HEIGHTS
CRATA debuts a thrilling new outdoor attraction at Overlook Park, opening to the public this summer.
26. BEST LAKE FOR WATER SPORTS
Lake Martin is sweeping the rankings as USA Today nominates the treasured lake for three top 10 categories.
32. STAR-SPANGLED & SOULFUL
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks shares his musical journey and passion for Lake Martin ahead of his upcoming Fourth of July performance at The AMP.
38. THE BUSHWACKER DIARIES
These Lake Martin hangouts have their own twist on the iconic summer cocktail.
42. DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Explore all the dog-friendly activities to do around Lake Martin this summer.
48. ROCKIN' & REELIN'
Strumming up more than hit songs, the Red Clay Strays kick off a sentimental fundraiser to benefit Camp ASCCA.
50. BOATING IN BAD WEATHER
Learn how to be well-prepared when a pop-up thunderstorm changes your boating plans.
54. FROM THE PLAINS TO PARADISE
Auburn fans find their lake home paradise at the new Magnolia Cove development on Lake Martin.
70. PICKLEBALL AT LAKE MARTIN
Grab a racket and jump into the fastest-growing sport at these Lake Martin locations.
LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:
LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE
LAKE SCENES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
LAKE MARTIN NEWS
NATURE OF THE LAKE
Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake
Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators
Prep Your Water Toys and Gear for Summer
Summer’s nearly here and the lake is calling, so it’s time to dust off those water toys and gear up for action. But before you race into the waves, a little prep can go a long way in ensuring your water sports equipment is safe, functional and ready for fun. Start by inspecting your watercraft – jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks or towables – for signs of wear, cracks or mold. Inflate anything that needs air and listen for leaks; patch kits are your best friend here.
Don’t forget to check engine fluids and battery life for motorized toys like jet skis or wakeboards with propulsion systems. These often need a charge and a fresh oil change after sitting idle through winter. Give everything a good rinse and scrub,
especially if it’s been stored in a garage or shed. Life jackets and tow ropes should also be examined for frays, mold, broken zippers or sun damage. It’s a great time to upgrade or restock sunscreen, waterproof storage bags and even grab a Bluetooth speaker for those lake-day playlists.
Finally, double-check your trailer, tie-downs and dock lines because nothing ruins the first lake day like a forgotten strap or dead battery. A little early prep not only ensures safety but also makes that first splash of the season feel as carefree as it should. With your gear tuned up and ready, you’ll hit the lake with confidence, because nothing should come between you and that first splash of summer.
Weather Outlook for June
June 2025 Forecast
Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the high 80s with average lows in the upper 60s and about 4.76 inches of precipitation in the month of June. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures and rainfall will be higher than average this month.
Year-to-Date
Precipitation:
Our Normal June Precipitation: 4.57 inches
Summer: 491 MSL Winter: 481 MSL Highest: 490.28 Lowest: 489.02
Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.
Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and waterrelated equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.
A quick gear check can help ensure a fun summer on the water
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Chase Nickles braves the heights as he leaps from Chimney Rock. Photo captured by Lyle Nickles. (2) Tony Johnson captured this heartwarming moment of a family of geese exploring Lake Martin. (3) Golden retriever brothers Tucker and Scottie enjoy a day at the lake, photo by Taylor Jinright. (4) Isiah Thornton and Kathryn Pemberton enjoy a summer night at Lake Martin. (5) Clancy loves boat rides on his way to Chuck's. Photo by Nita Heederik. (6) A stunning sunrise at Smith Mountain in early May, photo by Tony Johnson.
READER SUBMISSIONS
(1) Lacey Bacchus and her dog McGee enjoy riding in the pontoon boat. Photo by Ken Bacchus. (2) Finn flies his kite from behind Pop's boat, moment captured by Laura Broome. (3) Linda and Freddie Daughtry made this handmade sign so they always know which way the fun is on Lake Martin. (4) This group of friends loves playing horseshoes and helping keep Big Beach clean. Photo by Patricia Sanford. (5) Bonnie Bea watches as the sun sets over Lake Martin. Photo by Sara Amonette. (6) Richard Daugherty caught this stunning sunrise at Bay Pine.
June
6-14
Sun Festival
Alexander City celebrates the summer season with eight days of fun, games, activities and events, including the popular Tykes in Trucks, 5K run, pickleball tournament, medallion hunt and more. For the full schedule of events, visit the Sun Festival Alexander City Facebook page.
June 7
Black Jacket Symphony
The Black Jacket Symphony will be returning to rock The AMP on Lake Martin for its Eagles’ Hotel California performance. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit blackjacketsymphony. com/tour-dates for tickets and more information.
June 7
Backyard Boilers
Crawfish Boil
Enjoy live music, good food and support a great cause at the 3rd annual Backyard Boilers Crawfish Boil fundraiser, benefiting the Reeltown Volunteer Fire Department. Held at the Lions Club Arena in Notasulga, attendees can enjoy vendors, giveaways, auction items and family-friendly fun. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate, available through Reeltown VFD members, Kowaliga Country 97.5 offices or online at eventbrite. com. Food is sold separately, and coolers are welcome. For more information, contact Jimmy Browning at 334-415-9611.
June 7
June 7
Tykes in Trucks
As part of the Sun Festival, kids can explore firetrucks, street sweepers, ambulances, tow trucks and more at this free, family-friendly event. Hosted in downtown Alexander City from 10 a.m. to noon, the event will also include face painting, kids’ games and a bubble party. Visit the Sun Festival Alexander City Facebook page for more details.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN
Cast and Catch Intro to Fishing at Wind Creek State Park
Anglers eager to cast a line at Lake Martin can join a beginner-friendly fishing program at Wind Creek State Park, led by park naturalist Dylan Ogle. Open to over night guests and day visitors, the session begins at 8 a.m. on the fishing pier and covers basic techniques for catching bluegill, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass. All gear is provided, and participants ages 16 to 64 must carry a valid Alabama freshwater fishing license. Park entrance fees apply. Call 256-827-9540 or contact Dylan Ogle at dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.gov for more details.
June 8
Moonlit Hike at Wind Creek State Park
Join Wind Creek State Park naturalist Dylan Ogle on a moonlit hike along the Alabama Reunion Trail.
Interested hikers can meet at the front parking lot near the admissions office at 8:30 p.m. It is recommended to bring flashlights to aid in navigation, along with water and bug spray. Visit alapark.com/ events and search Wind Creek for more information.
June 10-13
Youth Sailing Camps
Set sail this summer with the Dixie Sailing Club’s Youth Sailing Camps, held June 10-13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 767 New Hope Church Road in Alexander City. Open to ages 7 to 17, each session combines recreational sailing with handson instruction in boating, seamanship, water safety, navigation and STEM-focused marine science. The cost is $125 per session, per child, with sibling discounts available. For details, visit dixiesailingclub.com or contact Jim Simons at dscypmail@gmail.com.
June 10
Glow-in-the-Dark Golf Tournament
Get ready to tee off under the stars. The one-of-a-kind golf experience starts at 5:30 p.m. at Lakewinds Golf Course, with participants playing in a 4-person scramble format. The entry fee is $45 and includes a cart, dinner and glow supplies. Call 256-234-3461 to reserve your spot.
June 13-14
Jazz Fest
Alexander City Jazz Festival returns for a weekend of free live performances Friday evening at Strand Park and Saturday evening at The AMP. The lineup spans a wide range of genres, including blues, jazz, funk, soul,
Enjoy free live music at the annual Alexander City Jazz Fest
Americana, bluegrass and rock ‘n’ roll, offering something for every music fan. Admission is free. For more information visit alexcityjazzfest.com.
June 17
Summer BBQ Social
Join the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber for its annual Summer BBQ Social at 5 p.m. at New Water Farms. Tickets are $30 and include food and beverages, along with live music from Blackberry Breeze. The last day to purchase tickets is June 10 at noon. For more information and tickets, visit chamber@dadeville.com or call 256-825-4019.
June 18
Wine Dinner featuring Holloran Winery
Join The Waverly Local as it celebrates the wonderful wines curated by Holloran Winery. Nestled in Oregon’s beautiful wine country, Holloran wines combine unique soils and terroir with careful farming to produce wonderful wines that speak to their origins. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Call The Waverly Local at 334-539-6077 for more information and reservations.
June 20
Town Creek Ramblers Bluegrass Band
Enjoy bluegrass music portrayed by the talented Town Creek Ramblers. Known for their toe-tapping, soul-touching bluegrass and new grass music, each show features special artists from the region. Advance tickets are $10 or $15 at the door. Kids attend free. For more information, visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.
June 21
ALEA Boating Safety Course
The Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners Association will sponsor an ALEA boating safety course at First Baptist Church in Dadeville. The class will begin at 8:30 a.m. Participants who pass the test at the end of the course will receive their Alabama boating certificate by mail. Registration is required and can be completed on the HOBO website. Space is limited due to facility capacity.
June 24-27
Youth Sailing Camps
Set sail this summer with the Dixie Sailing Club’s Youth Sailing Camps, held June 24-27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 767 New Hope Church Road in Alexander City. Open to ages 7 to 17, the cost is $125 per session, per child, with sibling discounts available. For details, contact Jim Simons at dscypmail@gmail.com or visit the website dixiesailingclub.com.
July 4
4th of July Boat Parade
Enjoy a star-spangled celebration at one of Lake Martin’s most beloved holiday traditions – the annual Fourth of July Boat Parade, hosted by Russell Marine.
Beginning at 10 a.m. from Kowaliga Marina, the parade cruises toward Children’s Harbor in a festive display of patriotic spirit and creativity. Prizes will be awarded for Tallest Flag, Largest Flag, Most Creative Theme and Most Patriotic Crew, with two winners in each category. For more information, call Kowaliga Marina at 256-397-1210.
July 4
4th of July Concert and Fireworks at The AMP
Celebrate the Fourth of July with an unforgettable evening at The AMP on Lake Martin featuring live music, family fun and the Southeast’s largest fireworks display. Festivities begin with musical performance by The Bank Walkers at 6:30 p.m., followed by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks at 8:00 p.m. Then enjoy a stirring presentation of the National Anthem at 9 p.m. as a spectacular 30-minute fireworks show lights up the sky. After the show, the music continues with another high-energy set to close out the night. For more information and to purchase tickets visit theamponlakemartin.com.
July 18-20
101 Dalmatians KIDS Musical
Come see the musical adaptation of Disney’s classic animated film 101 Dalmatians. Directed by ACT II, children from the community will star in this delightful and lively musical filled with comedy and the joy of family, both human and canine. Held at Benjamin Russell High School auditorium, the show starts at 6 p.m. July 18 and July 19 and 2 p.m. July 20. Admission is free. For more information visit actheatre2.com or the Alexander City Theatre II Facebook page.
July 19
Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run
Support local charities and the pursuit of cash prizes on the water with the 22nd Annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run. Russell Marine invites Lake Martin to travel the lake drawing cards at Kowaliga Marina, Real Island Marina, BoonDocks at Bay Pine, River North Marina and The Ridge Marina in hopes of scoring the winning hand. Live music from Shades of Gray and food from Chick-fil-A at The Ridge Marina will be included as well. The entry fee is $200, and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 11 a.m. Poker Run winners will be announced at The Ridge Marina at 4 p.m. (Winners must be present). Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for more information.
July 24-27
Lake Martin Songwriters Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience at the 5th Annual Lake Martin Songwriters Festival, happening July 24-27. This nationally recognized event will feature 30 talented songwriters from across the Southeast, performing at 15 unique venues throughout the Lake Martin area. The festival will wrap up with a grand finale concert
at The AMP. For the full live music schedule and participating venues, visit the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival Facebook page or lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com.
Season-long Events
Naturalist Presentations and Guided Tours
Come see naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Check the calendar of scheduled subject matter, dates and times by visiting russelllands.com/blog/events.
Weekly Birdwatching Adventure
Join the Wind Creek State Park naturalist on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. to learn about feathered friends that call Lake Martin home. The experience is open to camping guests and day visitors. Park entrance fees apply. For more information contact dylan.ogle@dcnr.alabama.
Friday On The Green
Every Friday night all summer long (with the exception of RXR Fest, Jazz Festival, Fourth of July, Lake Martin Songwriter’s Festival and Labor Day weekends), Russell Lands hosts free music and lawn games on the Town Green from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, kids and the pup on a leash to start your weekend at the lake with family and friends. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for more details.
Covered Dish Social
The Real Island Community hosts a monthly covered dish social on the third Friday of each month at the RIVFD Training and Community Center at 6:30 p.m. at 1495 Real Island Road in Equality. Whether you’re a longtime resident, visiting or new to the area, everyone is welcome to come fellowship. Call 334-857-3233 for more details.
Yoga On The Green
Join the Yoga gang Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Yoga On The Green is designed for all levels from beginner to advanced, led by certified instructors. It is free to participate, all you need to bring is your mat and water bottle. For more details visit russelllands.com/blog/events.
Music in the Air at Zazu’s Verandah
Enjoy free live music every Thursday evening at Zazu’s Verandah. The Music in the Air series runs through July 24, with performances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests ages 21 and older are welcome. Tips for musicians are appreciated. Charcuterie snack trays, serving two, are available for pre-order for $15, with glutenfree and vegetarian options upon request. For more information visit zazusverandah.com.
Clean Community Partnership Cleanups
Pick up trash in Alexander City to win money for your favorite charity. Volunteers meet at Strand Park at 8:30 a.m. to pick up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. Turn in your collected trash and earn points for each person on your cleanup team and each bag of trash you collect. The team with the most points gets a $500 check made out to the nonprofit charity of its choice. Second place receives $200, and third place also receives $200. For more information, contact Michelle West at 256-786-0584 or John Thompson at 334-399-3289.
In Dadeville, a monthly cleanup is held on the second Saturday of the month, and volunteers can pick up sanitized pickers and bags at 8 a.m. at Dadeville City Hall. Contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.
Stillwaters Dog Fight Golf
Join golfers of all ages and abilities at Stillwaters Golf Club at 10 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for an open golf event. In addition to regular golf fees, players pay a small entry fee of $7 or $15, depending on the day. For details, call the golf shop at 256-825-1353.
Acoustic Jam Session
Acoustic musicians of all skill levels are invited to gather on the second Saturday of each month to share music in a fun and welcoming environment. The acoustic jam session is free, and the public is invited to attend, listen or join in. The event takes place at 128 N. Broadnax Street in Dadeville. For more information, contact office@dadevilleperformingartcenter.com.
Pastry & Paint
Join local painter Kay Fincher for a painting event from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Thursday of each month at The Grand Bakery on Broadnax Street in Dadeville. All materials will be provided to complete a canvas picture. No previous painting experience is necessary; however, reservations are required. The class is $30 for each person and is limited to 10 participants. Call Kay Fincher at 256-825-2506 to reserve a spot.
Cocktail Class at The Local at 41 Main
Come learn to create and enjoy delicious handcrafted cocktails at The Local at 41 Main. Participants receive hands-on training in addition to an inside look behind the history of the cocktails. Classes are $35 and held every third Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Contact The Local at 41 Main on Facebook for more information.
Alexander City Kiwanis Club
The Alexander City Kiwanis Club meets at noon every Thursday in the boardroom of the Betty Carol Graham Building on the CACC campus, except on the fourth Thursday of the month. For more information, call Mike Lucas at 256-596-0104.
Lake Martin News
Children's Harbor partners with Auburn University
Children’s Harbor, an Alabama nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the families of seriously ill children, has entered into a formal partnership with Auburn University Outreach. According to a news release, the partnership aims to provide meaningful educational and service opportunities for university students while enhancing support for families in need.
The partnership, outlined in a signed memorandum of agreement, will allow Auburn students to complete supervised internships and clinical placements at Children’s Harbor. In return, the nonprofit will provide access to real-world learning experiences that align with both organizations’ missions of education, service and community impact.
“This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when higher education and mission-driven nonprofits come together,” said Cat Outzen, chief executive officer of Children’s Harbor. “We are not only creating pathways for Auburn students to serve and grow but also reinforcing our commitment to families who need a safe harbor during difficult times.”
Key components of the agreement include internships and clinical placements, where Auburn students will receive hands-on training and mentorship opportunities while supporting
Children’s Harbor programs.
The partnership also includes shared resources. Auburn Outreach will provide support in grant writing and access to university expertise, while Children’s Harbor will offer meeting space and collaboration opportunities.
Although the partnership was recently formalized, Children’s Harbor and Auburn have previously collaborated on various initiatives. Children’s Harbor has hosted Auburn’s dietetic interns and nursing students at camps; students in Auburn’s Apparel Merchandising and Design Association have created adaptable Halloween costumes for children; and Frank Hu, an assistant professor of landscape architecture at Auburn, is leading a design studio focused on master facility planning for Children’s Harbor’s Harbor Lodge for winter/spring 2025.
“This collaboration puts our shared mission into action,” said Royrickers Cook, vice president for University Outreach and associate provost at Auburn. “Our students benefit from real-world experience, and families facing medical hardship receive increased support.”
~TPI Staff Report
SpringHouse comeback earns national spotlight
Despite experiencing a fire on Dec. 23, 2023, no time was wasted getting SpringHouse back open – and those efforts have been recognized on a national level.
MarketBeat recently named SpringHouse one
of the most inspiring businesses of 2025. After the restaurant caught fire, it was repaired and reopened in just eight months, making it one of the most inspiring small businesses in the United States. MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed 3,104 people to determine which businesses across the country had the best comebacks after a disaster. SpringHouse was one of two recognized in Alabama; the other was a family restaurant in Dothan that also caught fire.
Russell Lands President David Sturdivant attributed the restaurant’s comeback to the people who worked behind the scenes to get it back up and running.
“(Russell Lands construction manager) Chad Calhoun was the main driving force behind the speed at which it came back,” Sturdivant said. “He and all the different (people) he worked with to get SpringHouse back open had this amazing laser focus, and they did an amazing job.”
Following the fire, SpringHouse temporarily stopped operating; however, the team still wanted to serve customers despite the building being under repair. Just three months later, SpringHouse
180 Birmingham Rd
Eclectic, AL 36024
334-857-2443
sales@lakescape.com
employees began operating out of Fanny Goldmine Diner, now known as Fanny’s, in Russell Lands.
“The SpringHouse team transformed themselves,” Sturdivant said. “They were able to operate out of the Fanny Goldmine location. They did a great job taking care of our customers and allowed everybody to keep working, so it was a win-win – both for us and the Lake Martin community in general.”
The restaurant reopened in August 2024.
The speedy recovery wouldn’t have been possible, Sturdivant said, without the help of multiple fire departments and their quick response. Fire departments from Alexander City, Our Town/ Willow Point, Ray and Kowaliga responded to the scene.
~ Melody Rathel
Martin homeowners seeking to enhance their lakefront from the front door to the waterline with docks, decks, boathouses, hard and soft scapes, irrigation, lighting and other features or to renovate or service existing ones.
Docks & Seawalls
Decks & Patios
Landscaping
Lighting & Electrical
Lake
Repairs & Maintenance
A Climbing New Heights
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
A thrilling new landmark and outdoor attraction has risen above the treetops and hiking trails around Lake Martin, already making a huge impression throughout the community.
Soaring 110 feet above the landscape, the newly constructed Overlook Fire Tower offers sweeping panoramic views stretching across Kowaliga Bay, where visitors can spot Chimney Rock, the Kowaliga Bridge and even the iconic Smith Mountain Fire Tower in the distance. The structure stands as a feat of engineering and community spirit, brought to life by the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association.
Built literally bolt by bolt, the Overlook Fire Tower is the result of countless volunteer hours and unwavering determination. CRATA, a nonprofit group formed in 2004, is best known for designing many of Lake Martin’s most scenic hiking trails, including the James M. Scott Deadening Alpine Trail and the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail at Overlook Park. The group also restored the Smith Mountain Fire Tower, an effort that inspired this newest project.
Having envisioned the addition of another fire tower at Lake Martin for some time, CRATA knew it wanted one that mirrored the style of the beloved Smith Mountain structure. The Aermotor LS-40 design, used for Smith Mountain, was exactly what they had in mind. With access to the original tower engineering plans, CRATA had a clear blueprint for the project – but first, it needed to find the right tower to bring back to life. That’s when Davana LLC Fire Tower Restoration stepped in.
David Vanna, who helped restore the Smith Mountain Tower, notified CRATA that a tower was for sale in Bloomingdale, New York. Before committing to the purchase, CRATA negotiated with two groups for land access around Lake Martin, ultimately securing 12.4 acres off Overlook Drive from Alabama Power.
The spot was an ideal location, as it was easily accessible from the road and would allow the general public to visit more easily than the remote location of Smith Mountain. Unfortunately, while negotiations
Jerry Bynum stands atop the new Overlook Fire Tower
The 110-foot fire tower is scheduled to be completed and opened to the public this summer
were underway, the Bloomingdale Tower sold.
By luck, in October 2021, Vanna alerted CRATA to another available LS-40 tower, this one located in Virginia. The owners were willing to donate it to anyone who could remove it.
“I called them and they donated the tower free of charge if we would come and take it down,” said Jimmy Lanier, founder of CRATA. “So five of us old men and one young man in his 30s drove a flatbed truck and pulled a 20-foot trailer to Virginia to get it.”
Six CRATA members, including President Steve Thomas, made the 13-hour drive north to acquire the new tower. Thomas remembers the moment they laid eyes on it.
“We went from our hotel the next morning to look at the tower,” said Thomas. “It was huge, and I thought, there’s no way we’re getting this thing down. No way.”
But in just five days, the group dismantled the massive steel structure and hauled it back to Alabama, where the hard work of rebuilding it began.
That process has been anything but simple. CRATA volunteers replaced all 2,000 of the tower’s bolts – ranging from just an inch to 7 feet long – and swapped out rusted X-braces and diagonals with new ones twice as thick for added stability. Each of the tower’s footings is 5 feet wide at the base and9 feet deep, held in place by 28,000 pounds of concrete.
“Not to say we haven’t had a lot of problems,” said Lanier. “But we’ve worked them out. The footings were just really difficult to put in, but we did it. One of the worst days I’ve ever had was up there laying some block and brick inside those 10-by-10-foot holes.”
Remarkably, the finished tower is nearly perfect, off by just one-eighth of an inch on one concrete slab.
The project has been a labor of love, fueled not only by CRATA volunteers but also by generous support from the community. Local businesses and residents donated everything from dirt and gravel to cement and clearing services.
In May, a crane lifted the final piece of the tower into place. CRATA plans to install educational signage on its various landing platforms, similar to the displays at Smith Mountain. The group also hopes to open the tower to the public later this summer – once final safety features, such as guardrails along the landings, are in place.
While it may look finished, CRATA urges visitors to wait until the tower is officially opened to climb it. The final safety enhancements are essential before public access can begin.
For those looking to support the project, CRATA is still offering donors of $250 or more the opportunity to have their names engraved on a permanent cast aluminum plaque. This offer will remain open
Crews placed the final piece on top of the new tower in May, marking a major milestone
CRATA volunteers put in countless hours to recontruct the tower
View of Chimney Rock from the Overlook Fire Tower
for a few more months ahead of an official dedication ceremony.
CRATA member Jerry Bynum, who played a key role in the restoration of Smith Mountain and the new Overlook Tower, sees the effort as a vital part of community building.
“I believe that if we provide great outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and destination points like the towers, we’re going to encourage people not only to visit but for our youth to stay here,” said Bynum. “Alabama has some of the best biodiversity and some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities anywhere in the country, and that includes Lake Martin.”
For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit CRATA.org or follow Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association on Facebook for updates.
Thomas shows that the new tower has been leveled with precision
The tower will offer unique views of the Kowaliga Bridge and the surrounding area
CRATA worked to replace much of the original structure while adding safety measures
Lake Martin is an increasingly popular destination for water sports and outdoor recreation
"BEST LAKE FOR WATER SPORTS"
Lake Martin receives three USA TODAY10Best Readers’ Choice Award nominations
STORY BY AUSTIN ELLIOTT & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
AAt this point, it’s hard to say that Lake Martin is still the “South’s best kept secret.”
USA Today has Lake Martin nominated for three separate categories as part of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, where a panel of experts, including editors from USA Today and 10Best.com, makes nominations in each category. Editors then review the nominations and select the final list of the best of the best options for the public to vote on. The categories include food and drink, shopping, sports and outdoors, travel destinations, lodging attractions and many more.
For the first time in its history, Lake Martin was nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in the category of “Best Lake for Water Sports,” competing with some of the most renowned lakes in the country, such as Lake Tahoe, Lake Travis and Lake Michigan.
Wilson Hayes has been on the waters of Lake Martin since his infancy and has been an avid wakeboarder for quite some time.
A resident of Lake Martin for most of his life, Hayes has maintained a steady pulse on the climate of wakeboarding on the lake. Hayes believes a lot of the “woah” factor about Lake Martin is not so much the water but instead the people in the community who create an icon like Lake Martin.
prime location for water sports; however, the lake has seen an incredible surge in water sports popularity since 2020. The lake now hosts multiple teams and events that bring incredibly talented aqua athletes, including playing host to the Dixie Sailing Club regattas and Auburn University’s Water Ski Club, which have perfected their craft on Lake Martin in the past, utilizing the close proximity between the lake and Auburn.
In addition, fishing events have become a mainstay on Lake Martin. With its abundance of spotted, largemouth and striped bass, the community has had the opportunity to host several marquee events in the competitive world of fishing recently, including the Alabama High School Bass Club State Championships and an American Bass Anglers event. The St. Croix Bassmaster Open was also held on Lake Martin in 2024 after Hurricane Helene damaged the initial location for the tournament, Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
“The community around it is awesome,” Hayes said. “I’ve met so many people, not just on this lake, but other lakes, and everybody seems to just be leaning more toward here, because of good people, good families, good friends, a lot of places to meet out and good sloughs to ride in.”
Since its early days, Lake Martin has served as a
Sandra Fuller, director of Explore Lake Martin, has served in leadership roles guiding tourism efforts at Lake Martin for the past six years.
This caliber of recognition by USA Today is something that Fuller understands the magnitude of for the lake area.
“The higher we rank, the more visible we are to people who don’t live here and want to know what Lake Martin is all about,” said Fuller. “We have more than 30 fishing tournaments on Lake Martin, as well as different recreational sporting activities that people love to get into, like wakeboarding.”
For context, each of these awards presented by
Matthew Dauphin catches air on his wakeboard at Lake Martin
USA Today are voted on regarding being the best in whichever particular category of the nomination. While fishing has always been prevalent on Lake Martin, it is wakeboarding that has caught fire in the last few years. Wakeboarding is a massive entity in its own right now at Lake Martin. Whether recreationally or competitively, wakeboarding has a presence on the beautiful lake. The 880 miles of shoreline make for an ideal setting to shred waves or do 360 flips over them.
In a sense, Lake Martin is one of the most diverse atmospheres in the world. The award nominations shine a light on and display all of the various vast opportunities at Lake Martin.
“I love Lake Martin getting recognized in many different things,” said Fuller. “We compete with the rest of the United States and all of the lakes and beaches, so that’s a huge compliment for us.”
“Best Lake for Water Sports” isn’t the only nomination Lake Martin is up for this year.
The Destination is receiving recognition as one of the best settings for a getaway on the lake. Located in Dadeville, the luxury camping resort received the No. 4 “Best Glamping Spot in 2025” by USA TODAY 10Best Reader Choice Awards in May. And it’s easy to see why. Sitting on more than 75 acres of woodlands, guests are greeted with hiking trails, hot tubs,
stargazing, kayaking and more during their glamping experience.
In addition, Alex City Guide Service has been nominated for “Best Fishing Charter” in this year’s window, offering experiences for anglers at Lake Martin that are unparalleled with any other sort of venture in the country. Guests are provided with expert instruction and live bait fishing for some of the most prized stripers in the Southeast. Alex City Guide Service offers single trips or group charters with a maximum capacity of 40 mates on board.
There is still time to cast a vote and help name Lake Martin “Best Lake for Water Sports” and “Best Fishing Charter.”
Voting for Alex City Guide Service ends May 24, and the top 10 winners will be announced June 4. Voting for “Best Lake for Water Sports” ends June 2 at noon ET. The 10 winning lakes will be announced June 11.
The public can cast their vote at 10best.usatoday. com/awards/best-lake-for-water-sports.
Being nominated alone for awards like the three above is a motivating element for the whole community at Lake Martin. Do your part to put our treasured lake on the map as the best in the country and vote today.
The final day to cast a vote for Lake Martin is June 2
Star-Spangled & Soulful
Taylor Hicks returns to headline Lake Martin's Fourth of July celebration
BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
SStar-spangled and dazzling the night sky, Lake Martin’s iconic Fourth of July celebration returns to The AMP this summer, bringing fireworks, live music and the homegrown sounds of one of Alabama’s own.
As a true highlight of the season, the Fourth of July at The AMP has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Crowds gather on the hillside with blankets and coolers, tapping their feet to a star-studded lineup that has, over the years, included Sister Hazel, Kansas, Corey Smith, Blackberry Smoke and The Charlie Daniels Band. It’s a pictureperfect scene capped off by the largest fireworks show in the Southeast.
This year’s celebration promises another unforgettable evening as American Idol winner and Alabama native Taylor Hicks returns for his second year as headliner.
“I love it,” said Hicks. “Coming back down here, I get to see a lot of friends and family that still live in the area. And I feel like I’ve kind of become the Fourth of July house band for Lake Martin. This is a really special night for me because it’s home.”
Though now living in Nashville, Hicks was born and raised in Birmingham and spent much of his childhood at Lake Martin. With family in Dadeville, Hicks grew up jumping from Chimney Rock, hunting in the woods and grabbing meals at longtime local favorite Oskar’s Cafe.
“I have so many fond memories of
coming down here,” Hicks said. “I grew up on this lake back when there were only a couple of gas stations where you could get food, and Chimney Rock was the place to be. Now there are all kinds of things to do, which is fun, but I feel like I’m a part of the old-school Lake Martin.”
Hicks’ signature soulful, blues-driven style was shaped by musical legends from an early age. At just 7 years old, he discovered Ray Charles – whom he considers the root of his musical tree. From there, his taste branched into the singer-songwriter stylings of Bob Seger and Van Morrison.
Attributing his musical talents to his Dadeville side of the family, Hicks taught himself to play the harmonica at a young age, using the hums and drones of everyday life as inspiration and learning moments.
“I taught myself how to play the harmonica in an unconventional way,” said Hicks. “I would practice and learn keys from everyday things that made sound, like air conditioners, engines of 18-wheelers that passed by and airplanes that flew overhead. Everything in life is in a key of some sort.”
From harmonica, he moved on to teaching himself guitar and then to the B3 organ. He didn’t just study the albums by his musical icons – he studied the performances of the musicians he aspired to be.
“I would study the visual aspects, such as how did they dance? How did
Taylor Hicks returns to his roots at Lake Martin ahead of his summer performance
they move on stage?” said Hicks. “All of those put together were a sign that God wanted me to be an entertainer.”
While a student at Auburn University, Hicks regularly played harmonica at Colonel Tom’s in Dadeville, often sitting in with the house band. While Colonel Tom’s no longer exists, the dive bar has legendary status among longtime Lake Martin locals and musicians who played there in the 1990s and early 2000s. It’s known as one of the places that helped shape the area’s grassroots music scene.
Hicks attributes his late nights at the laid-back music spot as a starting point for his musical journey.
“That was a pretty amazing time on this lake,” said Hicks. “Colonel Tom’s and Flora-Bama are really where I learned how to play music.”
In 2005, Hicks’ American Idol journey began unexpectedly during Hurricane Katrina. While in New Orleans for a friend’s wedding, Hicks evacuated just before the storm hit, driving 13 hours through contraflow traffic to West Monroe, Louisiana, in one of the last taxi cabs out of town.
After the storm passed, Hicks rented a car and drove to Birmingham to catch a flight home to Nashville. But in a twist of fate, Southwest canceled his flight and offered him a free ticket to anywhere in the country.
That detour changed the course of his life, and Hicks chose to fly to Las Vegas on a whim. After landing at 12:30 a.m., Hicks’ brother called shortly after to say American Idol auditions were taking place nearby in just two hours.
“I had no plans. I had no clothing,” Hicks said. “I just
had a harmonica and a voice, and I went and got in line. The rest is history, they say.”
He credits much of his success to timing and spiritual readiness for the moment.
“You have to put yourself in interesting places for interesting things to happen,” Hicks said. “But I also like to say that you have to have your ducks in a row upstairs as much as downstairs. I think spiritually, the stars aligned for me too. I’m very blessed that this happened and to still be in show business 20 years later.”
During his time on American Idol, Hicks captured hearts across the state and brought together even the most intense football rivals.
“I am very blessed to be able to have the support of Alabama,” said Hicks. “During my run on American Idol, I always tell people that it’s one of the only nights that Alabama and Auburn fans ever agreed on something.”
Today, Hicks continues to tour, record and appear on television with his food and travel series State Plate. He also makes time to support local causes. Most recently, he returned to Lake Martin to participate in a celebrity golf tournament at Wicker Point Golf Club, helping raise money for Auburn athletic scholarships.
Hicks is also a partner in SAW’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, a natural fit for someone who has always been surrounded by smoke and soul.
“Being in the heart of Dixie, I feel like our food and music is the heart of all the good things of the South,” Hicks said. “A lot of my music comes from here.”
Returning to the stage at Lake Martin this Fourth of July, Hicks plans to deliver a crowd-pleasing set that blends his own hit songs along with favorites by Bob Seger and a patriotic tribute to veterans and troops.
“It just makes for an AllAmerican night,” said Hicks. Russell Lands’ Fourth of July celebration at The AMP kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with local favorites The Bank Walkers, followed by Taylor Hicks at 8:00 p.m. The evening continues with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the skies over Lake Martin, and concludes with a final performance by the Taylor Hicks and his band at 9:30 p.m.
For tickets and details, visit theamponlakemartin. com/events/july-fourth.
Hicks taught himself to play the harmonica at a young age
The Grammy Award winner has become a music icon
Hicks returns to The AMP to headline Russell Lands’ Fourth of July celebration
The Social blends several flavor variations of this iconic frozen cocktail
The Bushwacker Diaries
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE
PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS AND SHAYLEE BECK MOORE
FFifty years ago, on the sun-soaked shores of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a bartender named Angie Conigliaro and pub manager Tom Brokamp were experimenting with a blender and a few bottles of booze while befriending a dog named Bushwack. What came out of that blender and friendship would become an iconic summer cocktail known as the Bushwacker – a frozen, boozy concoction that drinks like a chocolate milkshake and hits like a beachside breeze.
Originally crafted at the Sapphire Pub, the Bushwacker quickly caught on with locals and tourists alike. Its creamy blend of dark rum, Kahlúa, dark crème de cacao, cream of coconut and milk or half-and-half was irresistible, especially when served in a hurricane glass with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. The drink’s name, inspired by the pup belonging to a group of visiting flight attendants, only added to its laidback lore.
Soon enough, the Bushwacker made its way stateside. Linda Murphy, a bar owner in Pensacola, Florida, remembered the drink so vividly from a trip to St. Thomas that she recreated it at her bar, the Sandshaker. From there, the Bushwacker spread like sunscreen at the beach, becoming a staple from the Florida Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. Today, it’s often hailed as “Florida’s
gift to the cocktail world.”
But in Alabama, there’s another place that’s claimed the Bushwacker as its own: Lake Martin. This treasured lake, dotted with coves, boats and waterfront bars, has become a second home for the frozen drink. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the hum of blenders becomes part of the lake’s soundtrack, churning out frosty takes on the original recipe.
While the core ingredients stay mostly the same, each lakeside bar has put its own spin on the classic. Here are five Lake Martin favorites where Bushwackers are as essential as sunscreen and a koozie.
The Social
Known for its live music and energetic crowds, The Social serves up not just one Bushwacker, but three variations: classic chocolate, strawberry and banana. It also offers peanut butter whiskey toppers, and guests would be hard-pressed to find a bad combination.
Whether stopping by for a sunny afternoon or a night under the string lights, The Social is a great place to mix and match flavors and enjoy a little music while you sip.
BoonDocks at Bay Pine
Tucked away on the north end of the lake in Jackson’s Gap, BoonDocks at
Bay Pine feels like a mix between a beach shack and a lake house hangout. Its open-air bar and waterside deck set the perfect scene for sipping a summertime cocktail.
Their Bushwacker is thick, rich and made with real ice cream, rum, vanilla and chocolate syrup. Pair it with a slice of pizza or chicken wings, and guests are in for the full lake-day experience.
The Landing at Parker Creek & The Landing at Harbor Pointe
Known for its shipping container architecture and waterfront views, The Landing at Parker Creek has become one of the most popular destinations on the lake. Its sister location, The Landing at Harbor Pointe, shares the same breezy, open-air atmosphere.
Here, Bushwackers are made to order with a handcrafted mix of rum, Kahlúa, Baileys and an ice cream base, finished off with
chocolate drizzle. The result is a dangerously delicious frozen cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. For those looking to kick it up a notch, they also offer what is known as a “topper”an additional shot of flavored liquor such as peanut butter whiskey or 151 rum.
While there, explore the chef-driven menu and enjoy the waterfront views of Lake Martin.
Bluffs Daiquiri Bar at Harbor Pointe Marina
Floating right on the water in Dadeville, Bluffs Daiquiri Bar is a unique gem. Their Bushwacker pays homage to the original Sandshaker recipe, but with a local twist. Served straight from a frozen drink machine into a Styrofoam cup, it’s quick, cold and full of flavor. Made with real ice cream and a noticeable hit of coconut rum, it captures the essence of summer in every sip. The bartenders recommend topping it with peanut butter whiskey – their most requested add-on.
At Bluffs, guests can sip their Bushwackers at a picnic table on the patio, listen to live music and watch the boats cruise by. It doesn’t get more Lake Martin than that.
So, this summer, as the Bushwacker turns 50, raise a glass – or a Styrofoam cup – to the drink that started on a Caribbean beach and found a second life in the heart of Alabama. Whether you’re new to Lake Martin or a seasoned regular, there’s never been a better excuse to sample your way across the lake, one frozen cocktail at a time.
The Landing at Harbor Pointe
Dogs can't resist splashing into lake life at Lake Martin
Dog Days of Summer
Tail-wagging adventures for man's best friend at Lake Martin
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE
IIt’s hard to imagine enjoying Lake Martin without man’s best friend by your side. With more than 800 miles of dazzling shoreline and endless dog-friendly activities – from lakeside dips and wooded walks to breezy boat rides – this scenic destination offers something for every pup’s personality. Planning a visit is easy, and the variety of ways to explore the lake together means every dog can find their perfect adventure.
Hit the Open Water
If there’s one thing dogs love as much as a car ride, it’s a boat ride. With the breeze in their fur and noses in the air, bringing your pup out on the water is a tail-wagging way to explore the lake’s many unique destinations together. For the more adventurous pups out here, taking your dog for a ride on a paddle board or kayaking adventure in one of Lake Martin’s coves can be a great bonding experience. Be sure to pack fresh water and a collapsible
bowl, along with a few treats and toys to keep your pup happy if you’re planning a long day on the water. If your dog isn’t a confident swimmer, a dogspecific life jacket is a smart addition to help them stay safe and enjoy the ride. And don’t forget an extra towel – chances are, there’s a splash or swim in your near future.
Camp at Wind Creek State Park
With the glow of a campfire and stars overhead, there’s no better place to unplug with your pup than Wind Creek State Park. Nestled along the Lake Martin shoreline, this sprawling state park offers miles of scenic hiking trails, wooded campsites and easy lake access for swimming or paddling. It’s one of the most dog-friendly spots around, with open space to explore and plenty of fresh air to share. If pitching a tent or bringing the RV isn’t in the plans, Wind Creek also offers pet-friendly cabins
Pack a spare towel for your pup for impromptu swims; Photo submitted by Cheryl Tyndall
Memories made at Lake Martin last a lifetime; Photo submitted by Adam Moore
Dogs love the feeling of wind in their fur during a boat ride; Photo submitted by Jane Busby
just steps from the water. To make the most of your camping experience, always pack a long leash and keep your dog close at night – those rustling leaves aren’t always squirrels, and it helps keep your campsite neighborly. And while a bandana is sure to make their dog-scout outfit complete, it is also a good idea to ensure their collar is secure with updated ID tags. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a spontaneous night under the stars, this park makes camping with your four-legged friend a breeze.
Explore the Hiking Trails
Hitting the hiking trails with your dog is one of the best ways to enjoy Lake Martin’s natural beauty while enjoying fresh air and exercise for both of you.
From lakeside strolls to more rugged climbs, the area is home to a variety of dog-friendly trails suited for every pace. Wind Creek State Park offers several shaded paths with lake views and easy access points, making it a popular spot for dog walkers and campers alike. For more of a challenge, explore the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association routes or venture into the Russell Forest trail system, both known for their peaceful scenery and wildlife sightings.
When hiking with your pup, always bring a leash, waste bags and extra water – and consider dog booties for rougher terrain. Whether you’re chasing views or just out for a sniff-filled wander, Lake Martin has a trail worth exploring.
Dog Approved Dining
After a full day of boating, hiking or soaking up the sun, Lake Martin offers plenty of dog-friendly spots where you and your pup can unwind together. From waterfront patios to casual marinas, several local favorites welcome four-legged guests. Grab a slice at Chuckwalla’s Pizza at Chuck’s Marina, or enjoy laid-back lakeside vibes at The Landing at Parker Creek and Harbor Pointe. Niffer’s Place at Lake Martin is another popular pick, while The Social offers a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and hounds.
Keeping your dog leashed will ensure a relaxing experience for you and other diners, and bringing along a blanket or toy to help them settle in is a great way to keep your dog entertained while you enjoy your meal. A little extra tip for staff who go out of their way to accommodate your furry friend never hurts either – and might just make your pup a new favorite regular.
No matter the experience that suits you and your beloved companion, Lake Martin is full of tail-wagging adventures. Just don’t be surprised if your fourlegged friend starts loving lake days as much or more than you do.
Pet-designed life jackets make adventures at the lake a breeze;
Photo submitted by Amy Gerards
Hiking Lake Martin trails is a great way to bond with your canine companion; Photo submitted by Sara Amonette
From patios to piers, Lake Martin is full of dog-friendly dining; Photo submitted by Amy Gerards
Even dogs can't resist a day of water sports at the lake;
Photo submitted by Lyle Nickles
Sportsman Boats builds the fastest growing line of family-friendly center console boats in-class. Built with the latest designs, procedures and materials to give you and your family unparalleled performance with a dry, safe and comfortable ride.
Come visit our Performance Shop featuring our most exclusive and high-end watersports equipment. Book your chartered sunset cruise. Plan your teambuilding adventure. Learn from the best to surf or wakeboard.
Rockin' and Reelin' for Summer Camp
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMP ASCCA
TThe Red Clay Strays are strumming up more than just hit songs and summer tours this season. This June, the Southern rock band is casting its support behind a cause close to its heart with a nationwide fishing tournament to benefit Camp ASCCA, bringing the dreams of attending camp to life for children and adults with disabilities.
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, the Red Clay Strays have become a music phenomenon with their blend of country rock, Delta blues, gospel and soul. Their breakout moment came in 2023 when their single, Wondering Why, went viral on the social media platform TikTok, ultimately landing on the Billboard Hot 100. In the years since, they’ve performed at music festivals such as Lollapalooza and CMA Fest, made their Grand Ole Opry debut and recently opened for the Rolling Stones on their 2024 tour.
Despite its growing fame, the band has kept its roots grounded. For the past five years, the band has returned to Camp ASCCA each summer as part of the camp’s Summer Concert Series, performing private shows for campers on-site.
These performances deliver the full thrill of a concert experience without the barriers that often come with traditional venues. With thoughtful accommodations and a welcoming environment, Camp ASCCA ensures that
every camper, regardless of their needs, gets to take part in the magic of a live show.
That connection has left a lasting impression on the band.
“The best part of playing for Camp ASCCA are the campers,” said Andy Bishop, bass player for the Red Clay Strays. “Most of the campers are adults with special needs who would need special accommodations at a traditional music venue, which are very rare to come by. It really is our favorite place in the world to play. ASCCA invests a lot into these concerts and provides a top-notch experience for the camp.”
The idea for a fishing tournament to benefit Camp ASCCA was inspired by one of Bishop’s friends, Garrett Walters, who is a successful content creator on Instagram and TikTok. He mentioned the idea to Bishop while the two were fishing in Mobile, sparking the casual conversation between casts into a full-fledged event. In addition, Walters helped the band bring the Summer Slam tournament to life through the popular Fishing Chaos platform.
“Fishing for me is a passion, behind playing music, of course,” said Bishop. “I think it’s also a unique opportunity for the Red Clay Strays to do something outside of the music world and see what happens. All of us in
the band are outdoorsmen in one way or another, so any unique opportunity like this, we’re all about it.”
The Red Clay Strays Summer Slam runs from June 1 to June 30. The tournament is open to anglers anywhere in the U.S. and of all skill levels, with chances to win prizes whether fishing for fun or making a donation to the cause. Participants are eligible for prize drawings that include concert tickets, an autographed Red Clay Strays guitar, cash payouts and gear from outdoor companies like YETI, Strike King and Waterland Sunglasses. The first 100 participants to donate $50 or more will also receive Red Clay Strays merchandise.
With a band goal of raising $25,000, all proceeds raised from the tournament will go toward Camp ASCCA’s Campership Fund, which helps cover the cost of attendance for families in need. A single week at camp costs around $1,200 per camper – a meaningful reminder of just how impactful support from the fishing tournament can be.
Thanks to this fund, no eligible camper has ever been turned away because of financial hardship.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this event and deeply appreciate the band selecting Camp ASCCA as the beneficiary,” said Dana Rickman, director of development at Camp ASCCA. “This is a unique opportunity for us, and we’re eager to see the outcome. The generosity of groups like the Red Clay Strays, Fishing Chaos and all the spon-
sors is what has allowed Camp ASCCA to serve individuals with disabilities for nearly 50 years.”
For the band, the mission goes beyond fundraising. It’s about shining a spotlight on a place that has made a true impact in their lives.
“Camp ASCCA is just a special place to us,” said Bishop. “Our goal in life is to put good out in this world, and that’s exactly what Camp ASCCA does. The staff there work endlessly and selflessly to build that community, and we want to do whatever we can to help that last forever.”
Visit fishingchaos.com/RCS to register and find additional details. The tournament casts off June 1, reeling in more than just fish – it’s a monthlong effort to create unforgettable summer moments for those who need them the most.
The Red Clay Strays aim to raise funds for Camp ASCCA
Boating in Bad Weather
Safety tips for weathering the waves in unexpected conditions
BOATING 101
BY AUSTIN ELLIOTT & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS
Unpredictable summer storms are a common occurrence in Alabama's forecast
DDark clouds invade the sky, and a sudden brisk chill squeezes the thick summer air. A storm is brewing, but are you prepared for it? Could you have prevented this situation entirely? Perhaps handling severe weather threats while on the water is not discussed enough.
There are several steps to put into action in order to ensure safety against Mother Nature’s jabs. First, it may seem like an elementary concept but could not be more important. All vessels that occupy Lake Martin must be properly equipped with a fire extinguisher, life jackets, a boater operator’s license, validation decals and navigation lights. Marine police have made strong efforts to limit any sort of mishap on the water by emphasizing boating safety. Having your vessel properly equipped will allow you to avoid any citations while also being handy during a time of need.
Checking the weather forecast frequently can help prevent getting caught in a storm
lenging conditions on the water.
Sticky situations like being stranded on the lake during a storm require critical thinking skills in pursuit of a solution. If a storm rolls in while you’re on the water, be sure to reduce your speed to maintain control in rough conditions. Steer into oncoming waves at a 45-degree angle to avoid capsizing, and make sure everyone on board is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. This is essential for safety, especially in rough conditions.
Before hitting the water, it is also important to be aware of the potential shift in the weather, as Alabama can become a perfect foundation for pop-up thunderstorms during the summer months. The weather is unpredictable, but expanding your knowledge of what to do in this potentially dangerous situation could assist you in a time of need.
Like most other scenarios, preparation is the ultimate aid in storm safety on the water.
Chief Matt Brooks, with the Marine Patrol Division of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, is an Alexander City native working in the front office at ALEA’s Montgomery headquarters. Brooks is very familiar with the current state of boater safety on Lake Martin.
“It all starts with preparation,” Chief Brooks said. “The first thing that any boater needs to do is check the weather early and often to make sure that there’s no forecast of bad weather that they’re heading into. That entails keeping a cell phone handy, some type of radio or any other devices that can be used to get their weather information.”
Even with a close watch on the radar, Alabama’s sudden rain showers can surprise boaters and create chal-
Chief Brooks explains that critical thinking does not always have to be complex.
“The first thing you want to do, and it seems like a commonsense answer, is to seek shelter or head for the nearest shoreline, marina or protected area urgently,” Chief Brooks said.
In addition, Brooks encourages boaters to stow or secure any loose items that could become hazards or cause damage during the storm. Boaters should also activate navigation lights to increase visibility to other boaters, especially in low-light conditions, and immediately head to the nearest shore or dock to seek shelter until the storm passes.
Last summer gave way to optimism as Lake Martin saw a summer in which accidents occurred only at a mild pace.
“It’s a fairly small percentage of the overall reported accidents related to bad weather because, in this day and age, people are so used to being in tune and connected with information,” said Chief Brooks. “Something as simple as having a weather alert on our phones at home to tell us how far rain is away from us and how soon we can expect it. So I think that’s playing a definite role for people to be more automatically attached to that information.”
Make this summer safe for everyone on board your boat this season. For additional information on boating or in case of emergency, contact the Marine Police (Alexander City) at 256-329-2268 or TowBoatUS Lake Martin at 256-307-1313.
Seek shelter and head to the shore at the first signs of bad weather
Twenty-foot vaulted ceilings make the lake home feel welcoming and spacious
From The Plains to Paradise
STORY BY AUSTIN ELLIOTT & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE
OOne of the most prized aspects of beautiful Lake Martin is its peace and tranquility.
Chris Spraggins and Traci Kantor found their perfect peace in Magnolia Cove, located in the Blue Creek area of Lake Martin near StillWaters. Previous Lake Martin residents, Spraggins and Kantor took their years of living at The Ridge and Crown Pointe together to culminate their oasis in the slough. Spraggins was born and raised in Alexander City. After meeting Kantor in 2013 at a restaurant in Auburn, the duo have become inseparable ever since. They have grown incredibly close since fate brought them together that first day in Auburn. The city holds a special place in their hearts, as they
share a deep passion for the university and its athletics. Their new lake home, just 30 minutes from their primary residences on The Plains, makes Magnolia Cove an especially ideal location.
“We met in Auburn years ago and are both huge Auburn fans,” said Spraggins. “We like to host watch parties and wanted to be closer to Auburn, so we really wanted to be over here.”
Just a couple skips past Niffer’s restaurant in Blue Creek and a right turn off the inlet two-lane road leads into Magnolia Cove, one of Lake Martin’s newest and most sought-after residential developments.
The perfect location was only half of the puzzle, though. Spraggins and Kantor knew that this was
The names of each Spraggins family member are painted into this artwork of Chimney Rock
Natural light and marble countertops were emphasized in the lake home's design
Clockwise from Top: Lake Martin artwork by local friend and artist Jim Denney is featured in the lake home; The single-level living space creates an inclusive environment; Magnolia Cove is one of Lake Martin's most sought-after new residential developments; This sentimental piece of art traveled with the couple to each of their lake homes and now hangs in the primary bedroom.
going to be a retreat for comrades, colleagues and family to enjoy. With that in mind, the couple strategically went about the design process to perfectly accommodate and entertain their guests from the moment they arrive.
Slightly declining toward water level, the dual driveway allows guests to have exclusive spots to park while also creating a vibrant space for Kantor’s show plants.
Approaching the home, visitors are greeted by a striking front door featuring a large-scale window perfectly centered within its 8-foot frame – offering an inviting preview of the bright, open space inside. The main-level living area immediately reveals itself,
designed to create a spacious, inclusive environment where guests feel instantly welcomed. To achieve this, the house was custom designed to incorporate soaring 20-foot vaulted ceilings in the main room, an intentional architectural feature that opens up the space and draws attention to the expansive lake views just beyond the windows.
Every detail was thoughtfully crafted to foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere that connects visitors with both the home and its stunning natural surroundings.
“We like to entertain our family, so we wanted a space with warm tones and a warm, welcoming environment, so that’s why this is one level,” Kantor said.
Clockwise from Top: The Auburn fans wanted a lake home near The Plains; Cedar wood bunk beds make a welcoming space for the grandchildren; Spraggins has an appreciation for the aesthetics of older wooden boats; The customized floor plan was designed to emphasize the view of Lake Martin; Warm tones and accents were incorporated throughout the home. Facing page: The front entrance opens to a stunning waterfront view.
“As soon as you walk in, you’re kind of involved in everything. That’s the feeling we wanted.”
With family at the heart of the home, Spraggins included a personal touch to the lake house décor – a personalized painting of Lake Martin’s iconic Chimney Rock. Originally a gift from a local artist to Spraggins’ father, the artwork uniquely incorporates the names of each family member onto the rock’s design. Upon his father’s passing, Spraggins’ inherited the stunning piece of artwork, which now hangs on the walls and adds a sentimental touch to the Magnolia Cove retreat.
Simple elegance best illustrates how effective the choice of paint color is for the overall personality of the home.
“I like really warm wood colors because it’s just comfortable,” Kantor said. “I’m a warm-tone person, and we wanted it to feel like home on the lake. We do feel very at home here.”
Just to the right of the main entrance, the expansive kitchen immediately draws attention with its striking centerpiece – a generously sized island that anchors the room. Kantor’s only specific request for the space was a large marble-topped island designed for socializing, along with windows above the sink to frame the scenic outdoor views.
Just beside the kitchen, Spraggins’ bourbon collection is displayed on elegant cedar shelves that
complement the neutral-toned painted paneling. Continuing along the same side is the living room –the heart of the home. The kitchen and living areas flow seamlessly together, connected by a large dining table that anchors the space and subtly defines each room.
“We wanted the kitchen and the dining room to be ultimately the great room,” Kantor said. “Now we mostly entertain family, but we still have a grand space for lots of friends and family parties. We each were blessed with a grandbaby this year, so we’re looking forward to more little kids in the home.”
Giving way to the living room, natural light from the seemingly endless sunshine showcases beautiful wood-stained flooring and an extra-large southwestern-style rug. A standard honey-stained coffee table sits atop the rug in front of the immaculate large wool sofa. The sofa and rug mutually portray sentimental feelings with a cool gray color concept.
One of the most eye-catching aspects of the house is the lake’s visibility from virtually anywhere in the house. Guests are greeted with waterfront views that make Lake Martin only steps away from the front door.
Home is where you make it. While Spraggins and Kantor have called several locations “home,” they would tell you that their Lake Martin house on Magnolia Lane is top-tier.
The back patio offers a relaxing space and sweeping views of Lake Martin
Waterfront & Water-Access
Homes Starting in the mid-$400,000s
The Trails is the newest waterfront enclave in The Village at Lake Martin. With HOA-managed perks like lawn care and on-site trash disposal, residents can spend their time enjoying the other amenities like swimming pools, nature trails, a fitness center and community boat ramp. Boating access—comes with an optional slip purchase.
Polyphemus Moth
Rooted in Greek mythology, the moth is named for its distinctive eyespot feature used to ward off predators
NATURE OF THE LAKE
BY KENNETH BOONE
IIf you see a huge, hairy moth in the Lake Martin area, it is part of the giant silkworm moth family, Saturniidae. Although most scientific names are hard to remember, this one is easy because it is based on the planet Saturn, which is famous for its rings. Members of this moth family usually have ringed markings called eyespots on their wings – which look like big eyes to scare off predators. This particular species, Antheraea polyphemus, is called the Polyphemus Moth – another reference to eyes. In Greek mythology, Poseidon, the god of the sea, had a son with one eye, Polyphemus the Cyclops. Odysseus blinded Polyphemus with a wooden stake to escape being eaten by the cycloptic shepherd in Homer’s Odyssey
In any case, the Polyphemus Moth is certainly an eyeful.
It’s an impressive, hand-sized, hairy moth, up to six inches wide. The moth’s primary color can range from tan to reddish brown to dark brown, with white, tan, gray, yellow and black markings.
It has four distinctive eyespots on the top of its wings. The two largest eyespots are on the Polyphemus Moth’s hind wings. They are yellow with black outlines within larger light and black smudges. Down below the eyespots is a black and light-colored wing stripe, and if you use your imagination, you can make the entire lower part of this moth look like a big, smiling snake face – which would surely frighten would-be predator birds.
The two smaller eyespots on the upper wings are also yellow and black.
The Polyphemus Moth pictured here is a male, which is easy to tell from its bushy antennae.
In their largest caterpillar form, Polyphemus Moths are large, green and fleshy with brown faces.
Once this insect becomes a moth, it is entering its final stage of life and will live no more than four days.
When Polyphemus Moths break out of the top of their cocoons, their wings unfold and harden. By the late afternoon, they are flying. Females emit strong pheromones that attract males, sometimes from miles away.
Usually, the females mate in the evening of the first day they emerge from their cocoons, emitting pheromones from roughly 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Shortly after mating, Polyphemus females begin laying up to 300 eggs in small groups on the underside of tree leaves. The eggs are round and flat, light brown on the top and bottom with a dark brown stripe in the middle that some people say looks like tiny hamburgers.
Eggs are deposited on leaves that the young caterpillars will eat, usually on trees like sweetgum, hickory, elm, maple, willow, oak and others. Tiny yellow caterpillars emerge and begin eating quickly. As they grow, they will molt five times before becoming big, meaty, green caterpillars. The fifth molt, or instar, is when Polyphemus caterpillars spin brown silk cocoons that look papery and incorporate leaves. The total lifespan of a Polyphemus Moth is less than three months: four days as moths, 10 days as eggs, five to six weeks as caterpillars, and two weeks as a pupa in a cocoon. Insects that begin life late in the year and overwinter in their cocoon have a longer
Polyphemus Moths have only a few days’ lifespan once they emerge from their cocoon
A found cocoon was kept in a Bell jar until the Polyphemus moth hatched
lifespan.
In the South, two or more broods of Polyphemus Moths hatch each year, usually in the spring and late summer.
In the moth stage, the Polyphemus is most active at night, like most other moths, and it usually spends the daylight hours resting on branches.
Ants, yellowjackets, squirrels and raccoons prey on these insects during different stages of their lives.
These moths are native across almost all of the United States and Canada, with the exception of Arizona and Nevada, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. They are found in hardwood forests across their range.
The Polyphemus Moth pictured in this story was found by my son, Christopher Boone, as a cocoon on the ground near an oak tree. The cocoon was warm when he found it, and sometimes it vibrated, so it was obvious the insect was alive inside. We tied the cocoon to a string and stretched the string across the mouth of a Ball jar, using just the ring of the top to hold the string in place. The jar was left on our screen porch. Five days later, the Polyphemus Moth emerged and was hanging onto the cocoon when we discovered it. We eased it out of the Ball jar and were attempting to move the cocoon and moth outside when the moth fell to our deck. It sat still for a few minutes and then started flopping, and in less than a minute, its wings caught the air and our new Polyphemus male flew off into the forest in search of a mate.
Some information for this story came from the Animal Diversity Web from the University of Michigan, BugGuide.net and BreedingButterflies. com.
Lake Martin Pickleball Courts & Clubs
STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE & AUSTIN ELLIOTT
AAs the fastest-growing sport in the United States, pickleball is quickly becoming a sensation in communities across Lake Martin.
According to a recent report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, the game has seen a remarkable 311% increase in participation across the nation since 2021. That explosive popularity is being felt throughout Lake Martin, where a growing number of communities and clubs are embracing the game with new facilities, clinics and social events.
Though many have only recently picked up a paddle, pickleball has been around for nearly 60 years. The crazed phenomenon began just outside of Seattle in the summer of 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, returning from a round of golf, found Pritchard’s kids restless and bored. Improvising with spare badminton equipment, the two fashioned a casual backyard game that would eventually become a national sensation. By 1967, the first permanent court was built. Today, it has been deemed the official sport of Washington state.
The game is played on a smaller court than tennis, with shorter paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Scoring is unique to pickleball, and for many beginners, it can be
the toughest thing to grasp.
“One of the hardest parts is keeping score with pickleball,” said Joe Bobba, director of racquet sports at Willow Point Golf & Country Club. “I think actually playing the sport and having a group there that simulates real doubles is probably the best way to learn.”
Bobba, a Birmingham native, joined Willow Point as its first full-time tennis professional in May. He brings 15 years of experience teaching at elite clubs, including Old Overton Country Club, Riverchase Country Club and Pelham Racquet Club. He also played collegiate tennis at Coastal Alabama Community College, formerly Faulkner State.
Now, Bobba oversees both tennis and pickleball programming at the Willow Point Racquet Complex, which boasts eight hydro tennis courts and eight new pickleball courts for members and guests.
“It’s awesome being here and in this position because any given session can go from teaching a tennis lesson to this could be the biggest part of the person’s life today,” Bobba said.
Bobba offers private lessons and group clinics for Willow Point members of all skill levels. On weekends, open clinics focus
PHOTOS BY SAMUEL HIGGS & COURTESY OF JIM LAWS
Pickleball expands at Lake Martin as it remains the country's fastest-growing sport
on the basics – scoring, positioning and live play – making them a great starting point for newcomers. For players looking for more social fun, Willow Point also hosts pickleball socials from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Up to 32 members can participate at once, creating an energetic and engaging environment.
Members interested in joining a social session can reserve a spot by contacting Bobba at the Willow Point Racquet Complex Pro Shop.
The Ridge was ahead of the curve when it came to embracing pickleball. Four years ago, four pickleball courts were installed alongside two hydro tennis courts. Since then, The Ridge homeowners and their guests have built a thriving pickleball community. The Ridge Club’s games are self-organized through the homeowners association, allowing for a casual but connected group dynamic.
Not far behind is the brand-new Benjamin Lake Club at The Heritage, which officially opened Memorial Day weekend. This state-ofthe-art facility features eight pickleball courts and eight hydro tennis courts, offering another premier setting for The Heritage homeowners, club members and their guests to play.
Pickleball also continues to thrive at StillWaters, where courts have welcomed players of all levels for several years. From beginners to advanced players, the community offers multiple ways to get involved and stay active. StillWaters is open to the public for play, as long as a resident is present. With four dedicated courts, it remains a popular spot for casual games and structured practice alike.
Jim Laws, a certified pickleball coach, leads the StillWaters men’s group, which often includes female players as well. The group currently has 51 members and meets four to five times a week.
All three locations –Willow Point, The Ridge and The Benjamin Lake Club – feature some of the most advanced court technology in the game. Their tennis courts utilize a hydro court system, a subsurface irrigation method that waters the court from below. This creates consistent moisture levels and reduces water waste, all while keeping the courts in play regardless of recent weather.
The hydro court’s drainage system is designed to retain the perfect level of clay moisture. Rain or shine, the underground irrigation helps maintain a firm, reliable playing surface for athletes at every level.
Laws offers both private and group lessons, along with a senior-focused program for players ages 50 and older. These sessions emphasize skill building and tournament preparation for all ability levels.
While the group offers plenty of opportunities for competitive play, Laws said the main focus is on creating a welcoming, lowpressure environment.
“It’s a good exercise, but it is an even better social activity,” said Laws. “There’s a good community that’s being developed out of this that is a good opportunity to get to know different people and get to play on a regular group basis.”
For those in the Alexander City area, Laws also recommends the group Lake Martin Pickleball, which meets Monday evenings at Central Alabama Community College.
Players for StillWaters pickleball coordinate weekly meetups through a GroupMe chat. To learn more or get involved, contact Jim Laws at 205-317-4868 or jklaws1020@gmail.com.
As pickleball continues to carve out a permanent place at Lake Martin, its appeal shows no sign of slowing down. With high-quality facilities, expert instruction and strong community engagement, there’s never been a better time to jump into the nation’s hottest sport.
StillWaters hosts pickleball games several days a week
My Top Four Questions
What to ask about lake
property sales
TThe preseason is over. By the time you read this article, we will be past Memorial Day, which is the unofficial start of “lake season.” This is the time of year people are at the lake – they fall in love with the lake (again), and they shop for lake property. In my business, we spend more time showing property between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time of year. This is also the time of year when I am asked a number of questions. How is the market? What do you think will happen in the market? What do I think this property is worth? What is Russell Lands going to develop next? Those are the top questions that I get this time of year, so I thought I would try to answer all of them in one article.
How is the market?
I have a report that I rely upon to help me answer that question. My very capable assistant, Ann Funderburk, compiles data each month from the local multiple listing service, and we then compare the most recent 12-month sales period with the same period last year. (For this article, I am using the period ending April 30, 2025.) This report is so important to me that I call it Vital Signs. It gives me the metrics that I have found to be the key data points regarding market health. The answer to this question depends on your point of view. If you are in real estate sales, you would say that the market is good but not great. That is because those in sales want to see a record number of transactions every year. While we did not set any records, we do note that
the number of waterfront sales increased 6% over last year to 256 properties sold. I think that is a great result because I thought last year was a good market.
I think a better metric is the overall sales volume because it gives me a look at the overall value of the market. This most recent report indicates that the overall sales volume increased 12.7% over last year to $347,163,045. I think most businesses would be thrilled with a sales increase in that range, especially when the prior year was a good year.
For property owners, especially those who purchased a year ago, their primary interest would be the average residential sales price. The average price increased 6.7% over last year to $1,314,012. That was a $77,418 perproperty increase. Given the combination of those metrics, I would have to say the market is very healthy.
What do I think will happen in the market?
The best way to predict this summer’s market is to look at the recent trajectory, up or down. Given the healthy data above, I think this summer will be a good market for those in the business. I do think that potential buyers will have an easier time finding a lake property, especially compared to 2020 through 2023.
Inventory levels for all property types, except waterfront lots, have increased over last year. There are 20 more residential waterfront properties for sale this year than last year (currently, there are 165 properties on
The real estate market at Lake Martin is at its busiest from Memorial Day to Labor Day
the market). While that is a nice increase, it is still well below the “pre-COVID” level of 350 properties for sale.
We have also noted that the average sales-price-to-list price ratio currently is 95.8% compared to 97.6% last year. That means that a property listed for $1,000,000 will sell for about $18,000 less this year. That is a good indicator that buyers have a reasonable negotiating spread compared to the pandemic period when the ratio stood at 98%.
What do I think a property is worth?
While I am not an appraiser, I do give my opinion on property values to our sales group and their clientele. This can be a fairly lengthy answer, but generally, given the larger number of closed sales, this question is a bit easier to answer.
BY STEVE ARNBERG
A personal tour of a property will ascertain the features, benefits, or best use of a property. Once those are determined, one must then find other very similar properties that have sold in the last 6 to 12 months. Then I would make an aesthetic comparison along with adjustments for size, age, and features to arrive at a reasonable value. (You may be thinking that sounds too easy. It does take a bit of data gathering, for sure.)
More recent sales are best since they will give you a price without the need to use an appreciation factor. I tend to downplay the use of “for sale” properties to determine value. Asking price is not selling price, and
1,200,000 1,300,000 1,400,000
not every listed property will sell.
The good news for property owners, especially those who have owned for 5 years or more, is that they are going to love my answer. In that time frame, average prices have increased from roughly $725,000 to $1,314,012! (See chart below).
What is Russell Lands going to release next?
Since I am on the development team at Russell Lands, and I have the privilege of leading the sales effort, I am “in the know” on this matter. Recently, we released Russell Cabins at Kowaliga Phase 1. This was a small batch of lot-and-new-cabin packages that our construction team, Classic Homes, has made very popular in four other Russell Lands neighborhoods. On opening day, April 30, 2025, we were able to sell six lot-and-cabin packages. The locations of these neighborhoods and designs have resulted in a very successful property type for us.
In the near future, we will release a new collection of waterfront lots in The Heritage. This collection, which we call Phase 4, will consist of just over 30 lots adjacent to The Benjamin Lake Club and Wicker Point Golf Club. This beautiful property will bring our total number of properties released since 2022 to nearly 160, with all but five of the previously released properties being sold already.
We have a few more exciting things in the hopper as well. If you want details on those projects, you will have to stay tuned.
Steve Arnberg is Vice President of Real Estate Sales for Russell Lands.
1,315,012
LAKE PROPERTY
MAJESTIC MENACE The trouble with trees
FFor those of us who are blessed to live around our treasured Lake Martin, we enjoy a terrific canopy of beautiful trees, and the shade and natural beauty they provide.
In a modern world, trees also come with a cost of damage to infrastructure. This past winter and spring has reminded us of the cost and inconvenience of repairing the damage caused by trees falling on power lines. Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners have received several complaints concerning this issue. We are not sure of whom to contact concerning this issue. Therefore, we thought we would write this article and ask for the community’s point of view.
We believe Alabama Power would be involved in keeping the trees away from the power lines.
our community into action to resolve these issues and develop an action plan. There may be an action plan already in place; the author of this article is not aware of one.
Again, from a casual observer’s point of view, dead trees need to be removed from areas where they can fall across power lines. That would fall to the responsibility of the power company. There seems to be a large number of dead trees on Alabama Power Company land that fall on power lines, which affect lake residents’ power source. Culling out these dead trees would be a service to the lake residents.
We know it has been involved in the past and has done an excellent job. Recently, our power has been off quite a bit. We are not sure of the cause of this disruption but have noticed our power disruptions have seemed to increase. From casual observation, it appears to us tree maintenance around the power lines deserves more attention.
In addition to the tree damage and corresponding power disruption, we have also had complaints of electrical power spikes that have damaged electrical appliances in our homes from our membership. Again, we are not sure whom to contact concerning these issues.
We are writing this article to stir
A couple of years ago, Alabama Power conducted a survey of the Hwy 34 corridor concerning burying the power lines. We were told they were considering burying the power lines due to the number of power outages caused by trees falling on the power lines. We don’t know the outcome of that survey. As of now, no changes have been implemented.
We are requesting that the power company be more communicative about its plans and resolving these issues. We have enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Alabama Power and will continue to support its efforts.
Harry DeNegre is president of Lake Martin HOBO's. Visit lakemartinhobos.com to learn more about HOBOs.
HOBO
BY HARRY DENEGRE
I Everything Avocado
If avocados are not a staple in your house, please think twice. Avocados are a tasty, versatile superfood. Although an avocado is not sweet, you may be surprised to hear that it is regarded as a member of the fruit family, more specifically the subtropical fruit family.
Avocados have been cultivated dating back to 5000 B.C. Beginning in the first century, avocados were grown in large quantities in Central America. They were one of the first three staple crops, along with corn and beans. All three of these crops provided a healthy diet consisting of starch, protein and fat. As late as the 17th century, avocados remained small, with a large seed and provided very little flesh.
As time went by, generations of farmers evolved avocados into a tastier fruit that was larger in size. The process of evolving the avocado from the wild version to our modern type improved the flavor and increased the amount of edible while retaining all the original nutrients like those of its wild counterpart. In 1962, the first Hass avocado tree was planted in California, and today remains the most popular avocado in the state, unique in that they are grown all year round. Mexico is the leading producer of avocados around the world.
HEALTHY LIVING
BY JULIE HUDSON
Avocados are known as a nutrient-dense superfood, providing nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. One-third of an avocado contributes 80 calories, no cholesterol, no sugar, no sodium, 3 grams of fiber, 6 grams of monounsaturated fats (good fats), 1 gram of protein, 45 micrograms of folate, 250 milligrams of potassium, 3 grams of fiber, 6% of our daily vitamin E, 4% of our daily thiamin and 10 milligrams of calcium.
Studies have shown that this fruit can be extremely beneficial to an already established healthy diet. The most current research states that including avocados in your diet can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Avocados are also very high in antioxidants, which are substances that prevent damage to the body’s cells. Antioxidants protect us against diseases such as heart disease and cancer. These antioxidants provide cholesterol-lowering plant sterols that help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
Avocados provide high amounts of vitamin E, folate, potassium and magnesium.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect our cells against cell damage and ultimately protects us against diseases. Folate is a B vitamin that functions in cell growth and metabolism and is especially important for pregnant women. Folate is what we get naturally from food. Folic acid is the supplement or manmade version added to food. Both of these provide the same effect.
Potassium is a mineral that is critical to life.
It helps our kidneys, heart and other organs function
normally. A healthy diet will usually provide enough potassium.
Magnesium is a mineral that is also crucial to life. Magnesium regulates blood pressure, helps keep bones strong and keeps our heart pumping in a normal rhythm. A lot of adults do not get enough magnesium.
In addition, avocados supply a significant amount of fiber, par ticularly soluble fiber. This type of fiber attracts water and turns into a gel-like consistency. Soluble fiber slows digestion and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber is also found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits and vegetables. Half of a medium avocado delivers 6 grams of soluble fiber, which is more than a bowl of oat meal.
The biggest deterrent for most people not eating avocado is most likely the amount of fat it provides. It is especially important to know that the fat in an avocado is in the form of monounsaturated fats. This is the “good” fat that olive oil provides. These good fats help aid the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients and help improve cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk for heart disease. Monounsaturated fats benefit insulin levels and help control blood sugar. Studies are showing that avocados also provide prebiotic benefits by improving gut microbiota.
A more diverse bacteria in our gut will help decrease health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. All varieties of avocado should not be treated equally. The Hass avocado, a black, bumpy-skinned variety that
we see in our stores, delivers two to four times the antioxidant power of other store varieties. To purchase an avocado, look for green, hard, unripe ones unless you plan to use them immediately. A Hass avocado will turn black as it ripens and usually takes about three to four days. An avocado is ready to eat when the fruit feels firm, gives to gentle pressure and is free of dents. Whole ripened avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days without losing their nutritional value. Cut avocados do not store well due to the flesh oxidizing and browning rapidly.
Avocados offer a creamy, buttery taste. The obvious use for an avocado is in guacamole, sliced plain on a hot or cold sandwich or burger, inside a taco, on a salad, in a wrap or blended into a smoothie. Less obvious uses include eating the avocado by itself, stuffing an avocado half with chicken, tuna or crab salad and sprinkling it with lemon or lime juice.
A less obvious use may be a breakfast sandwich starting with a piece of whole-grain toast topped with avocado slices that have been mashed into a spread and topped with a tomato slice and an egg. Another option is to add arugula to the sandwich and substitute the egg with another meat and serve it for lunch.
The least obvious use for an avocado, but nonetheless delicious, is preparing chicken or tuna salad with mashed avocado in place of mayonnaise. There are recipes that substitute avocado in cookie recipes.
If avocados are not a staple in your kitchen, I challenge you to start incorporating them into your daily meal plan. This nutrient dense fruit offers endless health benefits.
Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.
Beet Ravioli
Stuffed with lemon and herb ricotta
Roasted Beets
1 to 2 large red beets
3 shallots, chopped
2 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 sprig thyme
1 sprig rosemary (4 to 6 inches long)
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup grapeseed oil (any vegetable, seed or canola oil will do)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon salt and pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and place in an ovenproof pan. Cover with foil. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should slide through the beet easily.
Transfer beets from the hot pan to a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let steam for 45 to 60 minutes. Carefully remove the plastic; it may be steamy. Peel back the skins with a towel or peeler. Chill completely. Slice beets as thinly as possible and set aside for later use.
Herb Ricotta Filling
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Zest of 1/4 orange and juice of 1 orange
2 tablespoons chopped thyme
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
2 to 3 teaspoons chopped oregano
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
Splash of your favorite hot sauce
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix all of the
ingredients listed in a bowl and adjust seasoning to your liking. Take the sliced beets and fill one slice with the mix and place another thin slice of beet on top to form a ravioli.
Honey Orange Vinaigrette
1 shallot
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup honey
Zest of 1/4 orange and juice of 1 orange
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 cup white balsamic vinegar (or other light, slightly sweet vinegar)
1 cup grapeseed oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Add all ingredients except oil to a blender and blend until smooth. With the blender on medium speed, very slowly drizzle in the oil. Taste and adjust seasoning. If too vinegary, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup more oil. Mix with any salad mix.
Crispy Fried Shallots
2 to 4 shallots, very thinly sliced
1/4 cup hot sauce
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions
Mix the shallots with all of the ingredients and let them marinate for 3 to 4 hours.
For Breading
1 cup all-purpose flour
Additional dry seasonings (same measurements as above for shallot recipe)
Directions
Drain shallots and squeeze to remove excess liquid. You want them on the drier side. Toss in seasoned flour and break them apart carefully. Ensure they’re fully coated with the flour and not sticking together. Add a dusting of more flour if needed. Fry at 350 degrees until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and salt immediately.
Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio,Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.
CHEF'S TABLE BY PETE MCKENNY
Kowaliga Sunset
CHEERS! KOWALIGA RESTAURANT
Ingredients
1 1/4 ounce silver tequila
1 ounce orange juice
2 ounces pineapple juice
1/2 ounce grenadine
1 lime slice
1 orange slice
1 spoon
Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Add the tequila, orange juice and pineapple juice. To layer the grenadine, hold a spoon upside down just above the surface of the drink, with the back of the spoon facing up and the tip touching the inside of the glass. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of the spoon. It will sink and settle at the bottom, creating a beautiful, layered effect. Garnish with a lime and an orange slice and serve.
The Plastic Worm
TTo this day, there’s likely never been more bass caught on another rig besides a plastic worm. These days, bass have seen it all. We’re presenting more baits to more fish at more times of the year than ever before. Whether “fishing” has grown as a sport is an ongoing debate, but what goes without question is that “fishing pressure”
First, the setup. Texas rigging is the most common setup. It involves a bullet-shaped sinker above a hook where the worm will be attached. Then rigged to keep it free from snags but able to hook a fish with a good hookset. The weight of the sinker matters as well as the size of the hook. Choose a weight that will get the bait to the
This bass fisherman's go-to bait comes to life when it swims through the water
worms and a 4/0 for any standard worms. It’s still hard to beat an “offset shank – round bend” hook for worm fishing. The L-shaped bend at the top will help hold the worm up the hook while the round bend will maximize the “bite” the hook
Tip
If deciding whether you’re getting a bite or just stuck on something on the
Father's Day on the links
HHello, Lake Martin!
It’s hard to believe we have made it to the midpoint of the year 2025. Summer is in full swing, the kids are having fun and Lake Martin is entertaining the community. June also brings us World Parents’ Day on the first, Father’s Day on June 15, and summer officially begins on June 20.
We enjoyed celebrating our mothers last month and turn our attention to the other half of the parenting team by celebrating Father’s Day this month. I was blessed to grow up in a very loving home and was No. 5 out of six children in the family. Each of my siblings had different interests, and I was always motivated by sports. My father was the same way, and this became a special bond between us that I truly enjoyed.
Initially, I was mainly focused on baseball. My father would play catch with me in the yard, teach me how to field balls and eventually taught me how to throw a curveball once I became a pitcher. When I hit the age of 14, I tried golf for the first time and absolutely fell in love with the game. I gave up all other organized sports and let my parents know that golf was going to be my focus from now on.
My father continued his support of me in golf, but he had no knowledge of the game. He would make sure I got to practice and made it to my junior high team matches. He watched the others on the team as a point of reference and was able to deliver some good advice that helped me improve. It didn’t take long for him to decide to try golf, and he took me to the range to hit some balls. He was hooked immediately! From that point on, golf was a huge part of his life, and I was able to return the support as an adult, becoming a PGA golf professional.
As I look forward to hosting my junior clinic the last week of June, I think about my father’s example of sup-
port and focus on developing these young golfers for the future. The kids are full of energy and enthusiasm, and I focus on matching that as I instruct and entertain them. Their joy in discovery helps to fuel my passion as I teach. I understand that only a few will take up golf as a focus, but if they have an early understanding of the game, they can return to it in the future as adults.
THE SCRAMBLE BY
ROB WITHERINGTON
In reading this article, I hope it reminds you of special moments with your father growing up. If he is still here, be sure to take a moment to express your love and admiration for his parental support. If he has passed, like my father, I say a prayer of thanks and then try to be a living example of all that he represented while he was living.
My father enjoyed playing golf until the very end of his life. Bobby Jones once said, “Take pleasure not in the score, but in the game.” This is the way that my father enjoyed his time with friends on the golf course. I am still learning from his example even to this day. In my youth, I was always too focused on the score. But with age comes wisdom and now the pleasure comes from the friends I enjoy golf with while I give my best effort to score. The great Harvey Penick stated, “Playing golf is a privilege, not a sentence.”
Thanks again, Dad, and happy Father’s Day!
Rob "Gabby" Witherington is a 35-year PGA Professional – retired.
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COACH KRAFT UPHOLSTERY
Parting
"Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong."
