With more than 70 years in the marine insurance industry, our yacht department offers knowledgeable and personalized service to each and every boat owner. We can assist in reviewing your current insurance protection and provide a competitive quote for comparative and comprehensive coverages at the best bottom line.
Custom coverage from the waterline to the bottom line. The yacht and boat specialists at Jack Martin & Associates are boaters themselves, with decades of collective experience in the marine insurance industry. A professional marine agent, who will help you understand all of the aspects that make your account unique and assist you in choosing the coverage that is right for you, is a necessity you do not want to be without in today’s changing marketplace. To learn more, contact Jon Horton at Jack Martin & Associates at 1-800-497-5804 or www.jackmartin.com.
Proudly offering coverage through:
Š 2013 Insurance policies issued by ACE Recreational Marine Insurance are underwritten by the insurance companies of the ACE Group.
Scan this QR Code to learn more from Jon Horton, Associate Vice President and Sales Manager at Jack Martin & Associates.
You’ve been walking in circles, searching. Don’t drink by the water’s edge. Throw yourself in! Become the water. Only then will your thirst end. - Jeanette Berson -
photo: 2013 Photo Contest by James Vaccaro from Lake Hartwell, South Carolina.
fall 2013 contributors Southern ways. Sunshine days. Water is the canvas on which we Southerners paint our lives. Life on the Water explores and introduces with a blend of people, lakes, rivers, towns, food, history and culture. It’s life in the South…on the water.
publisher/editor | Christy Martin christy@lifeonthewater.com assistant editor | Chris Welch editor@lifeonthewater.com
designer | Cindy Young
art@lifeonthewater.com
sales | Sherry Proctor
256-777-4108 sherry@lifeonthewater.com
business | Mary Catherine Lee operations marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com
Craig Lamb is a 30-year outdoor journalist from Nashville, Tennessee and is an avid kayaker. He discovered the kayaking opportunities in Perdido Key when he became the public relations representative for Visit Pensacola with Bohan Group. Craig can be reached at 615-327-1189 or clamb@bohanideas.com.
Dana W. Todd writes about architecture and interior design projects across the country, and wishes she had the unlimited funds necessary to “steal” every good design idea she sees in the projects about which she writes. She lives and works on the shores of the Broad River in South Carolina and just a few miles from Lake Murray, which is a source of creativity for her writing projects and lots of delicious striped bass. Reach her at dana@danawtodd.com.
Being the designer behind Josie Wachi clothing, which had its debut in May 2013, Josie began her career designing party dresses. When we asked her to help us with a photo shoot about SEC football ‘boat-gating’, she jumped at the chance to feature her first mass product the Josie Wachi Stretch Jean. Photography: Steve Babin. See more from Josie Wachi and the full line at lifeonthewater.com/fashion.
consultant | Fred Myers contributing | Nichole Alred photographers Bobby Martin
Robin Conn Jessica Arnold Steve Babin
friend lifeonthewater
look for lifeonthewater
follow lifeonthewater
share on lifeonthewater
search lifeonthewatertv
follow livelifeonthewater
interns | Michelle Massey
Adam DeMaioribus intern@lifeonthewater.com
subscriptions | lifeonthewater.com/256-882-1972
marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com
special thanks to:
Bill and Kathy Jackson, for the use of their 55’ Gibson in our BOAT-GATING article, Ed Cook-Bama Navy, Richard Shivers-Boat Alabama, Kevin Andrew-Vol Navy, Ye Olde Steakhouse-Knoxville, Calhoun’s on the River-Knoxville, Dreamland-Tuscaloosa, our interns Michelle and Adam – they’re just cool.
find lifeonthewater
distribution
Now available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Books-A-Million stores, Hastings and other selected independent bookstores in the South. Visit lifeonthewater.com/distribution for a retailer near you. To become a distributor, call 256-882-1972 or contact Mary Catherine at marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com.
contact information
Daymarker Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 12171 • Huntsville, Alabama 35815 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite 108 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 256-882-1972 877-274-0767 – toll free 256-882-7809 – fax info@lifeonthewater.com
4
| lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
on the cover Our cover is a signpost for The Best SMALL TOWNS on the Water for 2013. We used our home port of Huntsville, Alabama on the Tennessee River as the reference point for direction.
All rights reserved. All advertisements and documents provided by LIFE ON THE WATER Magazine and Website and DAYMARKER ENTERPRISES, LLC (publisher) are solely owned and used by LIFE ON THE WATER Magazine and Website and DAYMARKER ENTERPRISES, LLC. Publisher may use any advertisement published in the Publication for its own promotion purposes in any media. Publisher shall remain sole owner of all art, designer and photographic work produced. Reproductions or use without written permission in any manner is strictly prohibited. The information in this magazine in not intended to replace authorized maps or information from official charts, maps, guides or educational sources. ©2013
Features
17 27
Lure of the Lake The beautiful shores of Lake Murray, South Carolina are the backdrop for our featured Home on the Water.
Best Small Towns on the Water The SMALL TOWNS on lakes, rivers and coastlines of the South our readers consider their favorite.
40
Boat-Gating in the South The Tennessee Vols. The Alabama Crimson Tide. Knoxville and Tuscaloosa don’t just tailgate on land...it spreads to the rivers. It’s boat-gating.
43
WIN SEC FOOTBALL TICKETS Through midnight September 30. fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com |
5
fall 2013
47
54
© Mitchel Osborne
Departments
In Every Issue
11 | Can’t Miss Calendar Three destinations with unexplained hauntings on the water
3 | Reflections Become one with the water
15 | Above Board Three of our readers test products on the water for tailgating and boat-gating
8 | Take Me to the River from Assistant Editor Chris Welch 9 | Voices Your letters, posts and tweets
38 | Q &A 5 reasons to kayak Florida’s Perdido Key
36 | Map Top 10 Best Small Towns on the Water
45 | Contests Win SEC FOOTBALL TICKETS enter by midnight September 30
54 | Scrapbook Best posts on Facebook, Tweet of the Summer, places we’ve been, people you should know
47 | Food Dock & Dine hot spots in Tuscaloosa and Knoxville make perfect tailgating... and boat-gating destinations
58 | Ship’s Store Services to make life on the water better
EASY DIP recipes for boat-gating gatherings
60 | Marketplace For sale on the water 69 | Resource Directory The companies that support Life on the Water…on the lakes, rivers and coastlines of the South 70 | Living Water remote control from publisher Christy Martin
6
| lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com |
7
take me to the river Paul “Bear” Bryant. Johnny Majors. Gene Stallings. Steve Spurrier. Jerry Clairbone. Rocky Felker. Steve Sloan. Pat Dye. Yep, when I think of fall, I still have wonderful memories of covering college football from 1975-93 for The Tuscaloosa News, Montgomery Advertiser and The Huntsville Times. I’m reminded of those times as Life on the Water takes a look at college football tailgating, or in our case, what we like to refer to as boat-gating – college football via the water. In this issue, we explore the passion of the fans in Knoxville and Tuscaloosa, combining their life on the water with college football. I knew the University of Tennessee in Knoxville threw a big party on the Tennessee River because it’s just a hop, skip and jump from Neyland Stadium, but I never knew the extent of it. Boats come from everywhere to experience rafting up and walking to the stadium…or just enjoying the game-day atmosphere without leaving their boats. Working in Tuscaloosa in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, it was my privilege to cover the Tide’s practices for The Tuscaloosa News when there WASN’T a mob of press there. At times, it was just me, the late sports information director Charley Thornton and “Bear” Bryant sitting in a tiny office underneath Coleman Coliseum. As Bryant drank from two small orange juice cartons and grumbled about this or that in practice, I sat there petrified to say a word, just trying to make sure I wrote down everything he said and didn’t get anything wrong. Back then, I knew the Black Warrior River was a great scenic spot. What I didn’t know -- and I wonder how many do -- is that boat-gating in Tuscaloosa on the nearby Black Warrior River with the Bama Navy has been a tradition for over 25 years. And they use a barge named ‘Big Al’ to dock the boats. You can’t say football without the word food in the same sentence. Read our Dock and Dine article that gives you the scoop on T-town and Knoxville tailgating destinations. We feature the original Dreamland and their brand new location on the water in Northport. And in Knoxville, read about several award-winning restaurants featured on the Food Network. We even outline some boat-gating etiquette do’s and don’ts. Read carefully if you’re a guest on someone’s boat. On small-town campuses like Athens, Georgia…Auburn and Tuscaloosa, Alabama…Starkville and Oxford, Mississippi, college football reigns. We also celebrate the Best SMALL TOWNS on the Water throughout the South. You may not have heard of some of these towns…but you’ll want to read about them from the perspective of the people that live there. Congratulations Dandridge, Tennessee…a wonderful, tight-knit community on Douglas Lake in Tennessee, just above Pigeon Forge that understands why living life on the water is just plain better. It’s just about time for kick-off. Let’s get our game face on.
8
| lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
voices I Like Your Pin… Loved your photos from Dock & Dine. Like the recipes even better. I think I’ll go make one of those drinks tonight! Susan Willis – Knoxville, Tennessee
Carp. You’re kidding? I am not and will not under any circumstances eat that flying fish. I do not like them. They really do hit you in the face. Maybe they would make good fertilizer for gardens. Karen Minor – Paducah, Kentucky
Snail Mail…and I Disagree I just received the Summer 2013 issue of Life on the Water. I was disappointed that we could not vote in the Best on the Water Awards. We’ve been to every town except Buford, Georgia. I do not know why my issue was delayed unless the magazine was late being mailed out. We are most definitely avid boaters. We have a 105’ Sternwheeler that we live on all summer. We travel the rivers averaging between 1000 and 2000 miles per year. We truly enjoy every moment of our travels on the “Dresden Belle”. We are not as optimistic about the future budget for the waterways as “How Will The Obama Budget Affect Your Life on the Water” sounds. It appears very positive overall; however, what we see on the water is power plants being closed down, the coal mining industry being eliminated, along with the amount of tow business being drastically reduced on the Ohio and the Great Kanawha Rivers. We also see lock operations being limited and in some cases just plain closed. The maintenance of the river operations is extremely limited and non-existent in some places. We do not see President Obama as an advocate of boaters or anything connected with boating. Connie Hines – Louisville, Kentucky
What’s on your mind? Submit a letter, email…facebook post or tweet that we use in VOICES and we’ll send you a SOUTHERN WAYS SUNSHINE DAYS cap.
What’s on your mind? editor@lifeonthewater.com
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com |
9
W h e e l e r L a k e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
10 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
can’t miss calendar
Complete list of festivals, concerts, events, fishing tournaments and more at lifeonthewater.com/calendar. E-mail your events to marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com
Hauntings….on the water Hales Bar Dam and Marina Guild, Tennessee • Tennessee River
Hales Bar Dam sits on Cherokee territory, and was cursed by Chief Dragging Canoe who vowed to turn the land ‘dark and bloody’ if anyone tried to settle there. In the late 1800’s, a dam was built to calm the whirlpools known as ‘The Suck’. Everything below the dam was flooded, including a known graveyard never relocated. In 1939, TVA took over the dam. A tunnel that goes under the river from the dam was used by workers and their children to go to and from home, school and work. Riddled with leaks, repairs and strange events, TVA ceased maintenance 20 years later. Some say the area is haunted with the souls of workers and children that lived here. In April 2011, the Travel Channel’s GHOST ADVENTURES was on-site for a paranormal investigation…just as historic tornadoes ripped through the marina. Ghost Hunter Chattanooga explores the paranormal activity at this haunted site. Contact them for tours in October. facebook.com/GhostHunterChattanooga
Bobby Mackey’s Nightclub Wilder, Kentucky • Licking River
This ‘haunted house’ is home to Bobby Mackey’s Music World, a local country music club featuring its owner and long-time performer Bobby Mackey. The bizarre history of hauntings date back to the 1800’s when the area was used for satanic worship on the banks of the river…which is one of two known rivers in the world that completely runs due north. In 1896, the murder and beheading of Pearl Bryan by Alonzo Walling and Scott Jackson, known Satan worshipers, designated the site as a ‘gateway to hell’. The paranormal activity at the club has been documented on the Travel Channel’s GHOST HUNTERS as one of the most haunted places on earth. Tours range from $10 to $25 with private investigations for $595. Read Douglas Hensley’s popular book on the subject – Hell’s Gate: Terror at Bobby Mackey’s Music World. Bobbymackey.com
Gaineswood Plantation Demopolis, Alabama • Tombigbee River
The Gaineswood Plantation is the most intriguing haunted plantation in the South. Designed and constructed by Nathan Bryan Whitfield, the plantation was completed on the eve of the Civil War. Spirits haunt this massive plantation and grounds for several reasons including Whitfield’s removal of the Choctaw Nation, the untimely death of his children’s nanny Evelyn Carter, and the deaths of over 200 people on the steamboat Eliza Battle on the nearby Tombigbee River. From towboat crews to plantation visitors, paranormal events are a common occurrence. Call for tours in October, $5. 805 South Cedar Avenue in Demopolis, Alabama (334) 289-4846. fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 11
Visit one of these SMALL TOWNS in the South, voted BEST ON THE WATER 2013.
12 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
J E F F E R S O N
C O U N T Y ,
T E N N E S S E E
COME EXPERIENCE t
LAKESIDE OF THE SMOKIES
• • • • • •
World class fishing (host to the B.A.S.S. Elite) Guided fishing trips Watersports (kayaking & skiing) Pontoon, jet ski and boat rentals RVing Private Cabins and Luxurious Inns along 513 miles of shoreline • Lakeside dining • Stunning views of Cherokee and Douglas Lakes
NESTLED IN THE FOOTHILLS
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS FOR MORE INFORMATION:
VacationJeffersonCounty.com fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 13 1-877-237-3847
14 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
above board 1 2 3 4 5
boat – don’t waste your money boats – it’s okay boats – maybe boats – we’d spend money on this within reason boats – a must-have product on the water, worth the money
Want to be a product tester? Contact editor@lifeonthewater.com.
Flare Down
$12 for 2 bottles • gratechef.com Justin Hornbuckle, a Life on the Water reader from Huntsville, Alabama, tried Flare Down, a food-safe spray by Grate Chef that neutralizes outdoor barbecue grill grease flare-ups. Justin says, “It claims to work better than water to keep the flames from coming back, without putting out your coals. I tested the product with two different charcoal grills. On one grill, I cooked steaks…on the other, I cooked hamburgers and hotdogs. To cut to the chase, the product is a gimmick. Will it put out a flare? Yes. Does it stay out? No. I could have used a spray bottle of water and it would have been free. The product also leaves an awkward white residue on the grates, after you spray it. I’m sure it’s completely harmless, but it’s unsettling to see on the grill while cooking. It will put out a flame, but you could save yourself $12 and put some water in a cup or spray bottle that you already have around the house.” gratechef.com/shop/set-of-2-bottles-flare-down
The Grocer
$25 • adkpackworks.com
Char-Broil Grill 2 Go ICE Portable grill/cooler $179.99 • charbroil.com
Life on the Water readers, Tina and Adam DeMaioribus, tested The Grocer. “This multi-functional bag works great for all of your carrying needs. It works as a backpack, shoulder-carry and side-carry bag and is easily convertible from one function to the other. With a sturdy metal frame and collapsible plastic base, this carrier can handle the heaviest of loads and then breakdown flat for easy storage when the job is done. We were pleasantly surprised with the comfort of the backpack with a heavy load (Kiwi the Chihuahua) and the straps effortlessly adjusted from one user to the next. It functions as your picnic basket, grocery bag, beach tote, boat carryon, and of course small dog carrier … and more. This versatile product does the work of many different bags and is a must in any household.” adkpackworks.com
Sherry Proctor, Life on the Water sales and marketing director, is also a big tailgater and reviewed the grill/ cooler: “Convenience is my first thought. Load up the cooler with hamburger patties, buns, pickles, lettuce, cheese, mayo, ketchup, mustard – and of course your favorite beverage – and roll it to the boat. The grill/cooler combo fits in the trunk of a car without a problem. It’s the most convenient tailgate item we own and the most used. Well worth the investment.” The grill/ cooler operates on either a 1-pound LP cylinder or a 20-pound LP tank. It has two 30-quart coolers with grip-loop handles and wrap-around zippers. charbroil.com
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 15
lifeonthewater . com Back in Time
We love this 1950s photo of Mrs. Ludelle Alred, matriarch on Lake Guntersville for more than 40 years. She and husband Gus welcomed boats from around the world. full story lifeonthewater.com/people
In July 1957, this group of boaters from Guntersville, Alabama travelled 650 miles on the Tennessee, Ohio and Cumberland Rivers. Read The Case for Aging Boats with commentary from brokers and dealers across the South. lifeonthewater.com/waterblogged
SIGN UP for our e-newsletters to get the latest events, news and contests...on the water.
The Tennessee River 600 raises $12,000 for Children’s Hospital and TWRA
Phil & Linda Carman’s Benton County Redneck Reunion Commodore Yacht Club Nashville, Tennessee
First-Time Lock-through
IN OUR NEXT ISSUE A Chat with Liz Choate from HISTORY Channel’s Swamp People
PLUS! 9 Stress-Free Christmas Getaways
escape to the bayou and Southwest Louisiana
New Year’s Eve…on the water
The Water-Lovers Gift Guide FOOD: Dock & Dine for the holidays and best SOUTHERN recipes for DRESSING
16 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Lure of the Lake
by Dana W. Todd
When Mike and Laura Meditz purchased a lot on the
shores of Lake Murray in Lexington, South Carolina, they had one goal in mind: to build a welcoming,
open home that showcases the natural beauty of Lake
Murray and emerse themselves in the joy of lake living.
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 17
H
However, when they received the first architectural blueprints -- as novice homebuilders -- they realized they needed assistance to bring their vision of an open floor plan to life. Interior designer Pam McPeak, a member of the American Society of Interior Decorators with Southern Places, Inc., reconceptualized the 4,750-square-foot space for the couple so the house’s finished layout could live up to its expectations as a grand, open space slated for weekend entertainment. “This eclectic, transitional style home is truly ‘Carolina Calm,’” says McPeak. “Its clean lines are tranquil. Its waterfront vibe is serene but youthful. When you walk into the ground level, which is the second floor, you can see lake views from the bank of windows on the back of the house.”
Challenge 1: Relocating a staircase To open the floor plan, the staircase needed to be relocated to lead down to the first level. The original architectural drawings situated a traditional staircase immediately to the right of the double entrance doors. In addition to interrupting the flow of the space, it closed off the kitchen from the rest of the main floor, sequestering the cook from the dining and living areas on that level. To open up the entire floor plan to lake views and achieve the Meditz’s desire for a wall-free entertainment space, McPeak moved the staircase to the central part of the main floor. Although non-traditional, she had the staircase built in glass to kick the open-air feel up a notch. With the new design, visitors who enter the front door immediately can see through the home to the back bank of windows featuring sunny Lake Murray country. They also have views of both dining areas, a seating area, a slate fireplace, and the kitchen.
18 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
“This eclectic transitional style is truly ‘Carolina Calm’.” Interior Designer Pam McPeak
clockwise from top: To open the floor plan to lakeviews, McPeak relocated the staircase from the entrance to the center of the home. Moving the staircase opened views of the dining area, too. Design matches Lake Murray’s simple and relaxing mood. This less-formal dining area boasts sunlight and lake-viewing galore.
top to bottom: McPeak brings the outside into the den with lots of windows, stone fireplace and rich color. Colors like “Accessible Beige” and “Gray Heron” in the kitchen enhance the Lake Murray views and compliment the Venetian Gold granite countertops.
20 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Challenge 2: Storage To provide the storage a growing family needs, McPeak designed several very creative built-ins on the main level, including a nook for the kitchen table, a banquette and shelving surrounding the kitchen to display art objects, accessories, and dishware. A particularly unique built-in area behind the fireplace enables the homeowners to hide all electronics and their unsightly accompanying wiring by using a radio frequency (RF) system. “My wife and I would not have thought of the builtins,” says Mike Meditz. “The house turned out nicer because Pam was involved.” “With the built-in buffet, the Meditz family will never need to buy more furniture. Plus, it serves as a divider from the rest of the space while housing the two single ovens on the kitchen side,” McPeak says. “As a young couple without a current need for excessive storage, they were willing to listen to me as the design professional. As life progresses in a house, extra storage is never too much.”
Challenge 3: Choosing colors that don’t detract from the views
In the kitchen, two colors of cabinetry – “Accessible Beige” on the main cabinets and “Gray Heron” on the island – are interesting yet still retain the neutrality necessary to let the views and artwork shine. New Venetian Gold granite countertops, cove molding, natural hardwood floors, a built-in island stovetop, and a pot-filler upgrade the kitchen’s ambiance.
Challenge 4: An Unexpected Event
In addition to the staircase challenge, the Meditz’s experienced a surprise that forced another floor plan change – the arrival of their first baby. Since the couple planned the master bedroom on the main floor with the remaining bedrooms downstairs on the first level, they needed a quick revision to the blueprint to accommodate the new addition. McPeak added a “bump out” to the master bedroom, which now serves as the nursery nook for the infant. The master suite’s hand carved nightstands, a patterned rug, and sea glass accent tiles in the bathroom add textural interest. An attached screened porch with water views provides a touch of luxury and maintains a connection with nature even in the house’s private spaces. The nursery addition will be a home office in the future since it has views of the water.
Entertainment Central
In addition to the three bedrooms, which the Meditz family happily fills with friends many weekends, the downstairs has two bathrooms, a gym area, a pool table and three big screen TVs in an entertainment lounge with built-in custom bar and kitchenette. The bar is topped with glass. Its front sparkles with Thibaut’s “Starbright” mica wallcovering in grey, which covers three recessed panels and is highlighted with rope lighting.
Lake Murray at a Glance • Covers four counties in South Carolina • Approximately 50,000 acres and 650 miles of shoreline • Good fishing: striped bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, white perch, redear sunfish, and redbreast sunfish • A large contingent of purple martins roosts on Lunch Island • I nterested in a vacation? Check out Dreher Island State Park at southcarolinaparks.com/dreherisland
Though the downstairs is an entertainment space, it is also practical. Flagstone flooring is stunning but impervious to wet feet that come in from the lake and pool a few steps outside the glass doors. McPeak omitted thresholds on this floor, ensuring the expanse of natural stone is unbroken and evokes the feel of an even larger space.
Bring on the Sunshine
Throughout both levels of the house, the Meditz family worked with the architect and designer to bring the outside inside. Just as importantly, they paid attention to the beautiful land and shoreline of their lake property to make the most of it. Miller Pools constructed a pool and spa with surrounding patio, which Mike says is the “best place” because the family has already hosted multiple lakeside parties there. The Meditz’s relied on Advanced Docks to build a roofed cabana and dock for the boat. This fall, the family is adding a personal watercraft lift and a natural gas fire pit for more outdoor enjoyment.
One more challenge…
It seems all the challenges did not lie in the interior design process. “We have a muskrat problem,” says Mike. “Muskrats eat the rubber part of the stairs attached to the dock, and they eat the boat fuel lines.” A problem in nature is best solved with a natural remedy. Mike combats the muskrats with his dog, Buddy, who is territorial enough to want the land all to himself.
A happy ending…
Overall, McPeak says the house is perfect for this growing family because of the naturalness and functionality of it. As the family matures in the house, it is designed to grow with them. “The house works for them and their weekend guests,” she says. “They got more than they anticipated, and it pleases me immensely.” fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 21
& S m a ll
R
seb
oat
enta
H ou
ls
We’ll let these colors
t a o B
Enjoy the true colors of the Lake at too good to be true prices.
s do all the talking.
1-800-844-8862 W W W. WAT E RWAYA DV E N T U R E S . C O M
K e n t u c k y L a k e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
24 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
W a y n e C o u n t y, T e n n e ss e e – K e n t u c k y L a k e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 25
26 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
#2 ROGERSVILLE, ALABAMA
Best
Small Towns
#1 Dandridge, Tennessee
#3 Guntersville, Alabama
#4 Ocean Springs, Mississippi
#5 Grand Rivers, Kentucky
#6 Clifton, Tennessee
#7 Aberdeen, Mississippi
#8 Clarksville, Tennessee
#9 Columbus, Mississippi
#10 Buford, Georgia
o n t h e Wat er by Chris Welch We asked our readers to vote on the BEST small towns on the water and the results are in. See how your favorite small town tallied up.
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 27
Top to bottom: Life in Dandridge revolves around Douglas Lake. One of signature structures in Dandridge is the walkway along the lake.
#1 Dandridge, Tennessee
Eddie and Nancy Collins are Dandridge’s biggest fans.
28 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Population: 2,825 in 2011 Location: About 45 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, on the banks of Douglas Lake, and 30 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Bet you didn’t know: Dandridge is the second-oldest town in Tennessee. Legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett got married and lived here. The town was named for George Washington’ wife, Martha Dandridge Washington. For more info: dandridgetn.us and jefferson-tn-chamber.org
E
ddie Collins has always been in love with the water and the small Tennessee town of Dandridge, about an hour from Knoxville. He lives on Douglas Lake. On Swan Island. That’s on Lake Ridge Drive. And has a dog named Buoy. So, of course, you know the first question he asked wife-to-be Nancy on their first date in 1989? “I asked her if she liked the lake. I knew if she did not it would only be one date,” Eddie must have said in a not-sosubtle way. Obviously, Nancy had the right answer because 24 years later the couple is still together, although she almost blew it. “She was from a bigger town and thought she was moving to the sticks, a
The small Tennessee town of Dandridge in the Great Smoky Mountains has been an underdog all its life – and was almost under water and washed away. Underdog is an under-statement. When TVA constructed the Douglas Dam in 1942, it flooded most of the farmland in Jefferson County and threatened to flood downtown Dandridge. But residents petitioned then First-Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to save the town, pointing out that Dandridge was named for George Washington’s wife Martha. TVA built a saddle dam between the dam and downtown Dandridge and residents call it the Dandridge Dike. “Our people interceded and preserved the town. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be here,” Adele Sensing said of the second-oldest town in Tennessee. Sensing is the savvy director of tourism and membership services for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, hired three years ago to captain the team and get Dandridge on peoples’ radar. Now, it’s beaten all the odds to earn Life on the Water’s Best Small Town on the Water for 2013. “Without everyone’s support and votes, this award would not have been possible,” Mayor George Gantte said. “Many business owners promoted the voting campaign through their websites, Facebook and e-mails. It was a great team effort.” “We are honored to be chosen,” Sensing said. “We recently had some exposure hosting the Bassmasters Series and we thought we had more of a chance than in previous years. The locals as well as people in nearby cities like Knoxville have always known Dandridge is a great little place. But we let the secret out and announced it to the rest of the world through our fishing tournaments.”
term used to describe the middle of nowhere,” Eddie said. “At that time, there weren’t any of the conveniences that we have now.” Dandridge has come a long way since having White’s Store, a couple of gas stations, some churches, a convenience store and two drug stores. The town is still small by most comparisons – 2,800 or so people – but it’s grown in many ways while still retaining its charm. That’s one of the reasons Dandridge was named the Top Small Town on the Water by Life on the Water magazine. “I was excited when the Mayor of Dandridge, George Ganett, came into my office and told me we’d won
Dandridge edged out voting favorite Guntersville, Alabama for first place in the Best on the Water Awards for 2013. “We go head to head with Guntersville for a lot of the fishing tournaments and events, so we know Guntersville very well. To be the underdog and win is wonderful.” The people of Dandridge not only plugged their collective fingers in the dike to save the town, they’ve also supported the city’s plan to use bass fishing as bait to lure tourists there. Along with the beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dandridge has hosted two Bassmasters events this year and Douglas Lake was named one of Bassmasters Top 100 Bass Lakes for 2012. “Here’s the skinny,” Adele says. “About three years ago, we started a tourism strategy to recruit professional anglers to the lake. Bass fishing is really where it’s at.” The Bassmasters Series got people buzzing about the small town that has lived in the shadow of Knoxville, but it’s not the only thing that got people hooked on Dandridge. There are 513 lakeshore miles around Douglas Lake, enticing antique car clubs and motorcyclists to ride along what’s called the Dandridge Scenic Driving Trail. There are also marinas, cabins, condos and restaurants around the water. The town hosts festivals nearly every weekend and next June plans to host a triathlon with the open water swim on the crystal clear waters there. With all that Dandridge offers, Sensing hopes to grab some of the visitors that traditionally head onto Gatlinburg and Sevier County. “That’s my goal,” Sensing said. “They have millions of visitors, so if I can get a little piece of what they’ve been doing the last 50 years I’ll be happy. That’s why I’m so thrilled with this honor. The timing couldn’t be better.”
the best small town on the water by Life on the Water magazine,” Eddie said. “Being able to grow up in Dandridge has been a blessing for our family. It’s hard for us to take a vacation anywhere else when we live in our vacation and retirement home. “In the fall, with the English and Smoky Mountains as the background, the leaves turning colors on the water is amazing. You can truly see God’s hand at work. Dandridge reminds me of Mayberry on ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’” Eddie was so excited the Mayor selected him to tell his story to Life on the Water that he spent hours meticulously writing a
detailed history of his love affair with Dandridge. He writes about Davy Crockett’s life in Dandridge and that the town was named for George Washington’s wife, Martha Dandridge Washington (you can read more of Eddie’s story at lifeonthewater.com). “It’s close to any type of activity you can imagine,” Eddie said. “The Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood…they’re all within a 30-minute drive. If you really want to see our great little town in East Tennessee and its surroundings, you may want to take a two- week vacation.”
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 29
#2 ROGERSVILLE, ALABAMA
rogersvillealabama.com
wooded acres and viewed from above the beautiful Elk River joining the mighty Tennessee and meandering toward its northern union with the Ohio,” Patterson read. This description of Rogersville came from the Genealogy Room of the Rogersville Library, but it’s something she’s seen time and time again on T-shirts, posters and other items in her shop. “I think this quote really fits Rogersville in that we’re located between these two rivers and we’re at a crossroads with many of the old roads,” Patterson said proudly. That civic pride helped propel Rogersville to the No. 2 spot in this year’s Top Small Towns on the Water. “This is so exciting,” Jana Whitley, office manager of the Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, told the Florence TimesDaily. “I was amazed that Dandridge finished only 30 votes ahead of us. That shows how much people think of our town.”
Lamb’s Ferry Road. U.S. 72 connects to Chattanooga and Memphis and was once part of an Indian trail from Ditto Landing on the Tennessee River in south Huntsville; Snake Road leads into Athens and Limestone County; and Lamb’s Ferry Road was an important river port for boats from Knoxville and other cities. Reader comments from the Best on the Water survey suggests that Joe Wheeler Marina’s hospitality is the reason they voted for Rogersville. Every October, the marina hosts as many as 100 boats from the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. These are boats that travel the eastern half of the United States. They’ve chosen Joe Wheeler Resort as their destination for their Fall Rendevous for the past 10 years. Rogersville is two hours from Birmingham and Nashville and one hour from Huntsville, making it a good summer destination for families like Patterson’s, who lived in
It’s safe to say Susan Patterson, owner of Village Interiors in Rogersville, Alabama, loves this quaint North Alabama town as much as the early settlers did back in the mid-1800s. The horse-drawn carriages have been replaced by the motorized versions and the roads have been paved and smoothed over with black asphalt. But some things haven’t changed that much in 160 years or so. Rogersville is still a crossroads, still a river town, still a destination for many people who continue on to bigger towns like Chattanooga and Memphis as well as people who love to come during the summer for its life on the water. Just listen to Patterson as she talks eloquently about her town. “Surely, they could not have selected a more correct spot had they been able to rise above its thickly
Mayor Richard Herston said many people may now find out what he and the citizens of Rogersville already know. “We’ve always felt like we’re a well-kept secret…maybe this means the secret is out,” Herston told The TimesDaily. Patterson said people come to Rogersville for the same reason they came in the mid-1800s when the town was founded. In addition to being situated on the Elk and Tennessee Rivers, Rogersville has three key thoroughfares -U.S. Highway 72, Snake Road and
Muscle Shoals with a lake home in Rogersville. She said many of the homes in Rogersville are part-time or vacation homes and the tourism business is big in the summer. But even when the tourists leave, having Joe Wheeler State Park nearby and plenty of fun events like a big antique car show and fall festivals keep the town busy throughout the year.
Population: 1200 in the city, 25,000-30,000 in the greater Rogersville area Location: North Alabama situated along the Elk and Tennessee Rivers, 50 miles from Huntsville, Alabama and two hours from Birmingham, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee. Bet you didn’t know: Rogersville is the home of Weston Stewart, 2011 National Banjo Champion. It is also near Joe Wheeler State Park and Wildlife Refuge, a 2,550 acre park that includes a resort lodge, marina, campground and golf course. Descendants of Joe Wheeler, a famed Confederate general in the Civil War, still live in the area.
Left to right: Susan Patterson and her daughter-in-law Michelle Patterson hold up one of the signs in Susan’s shop Village Interiors in Rogersville. Downtown Rogersville. photo: Chamber of Commerce
30 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
#3 Guntersville, Alabama
Population: 8,197 in 2010 Location: Guntersville in Marshall County is in the northeast portion of Alabama, 45 miles southeast of Huntsville, Alabama, and 65 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama. Bet you didn’t know: There are 949 miles of scenic shoreline in Marshall County, where Guntersville resides. You can also find a rare sight, the American bald eagle. Lake Guntersville State Park Resort offers an Eagle Watch program during January. Bass Anglers Sportsman Society considers Lake Guntersville as one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country. guntersvilleal.org, marshallcountycvb.com or lakeguntersville.org
Mayor Leigh Dollar admits the town of Guntersville, Alabama has a not-so-secret formula for its longtime success as a small town. It’s H20. “Oh, it’s the lake,” said Dollar, voted the town’s firstever female mayor in last year’s election. “The water. People love the water.” When you think of Guntersville, you usually think of Lake Guntersville, the waterway that stretches for 75 miles from the Guntersville Dam to the Nickajack Dam. And when you think of Lake Guntersville, you think of a great fishing hole for striped bass, crappie, largemouth bass and catfish that has drawn thousands of amateur and pro fishermen to the area for years and will bring the Bassmasters Classic here in 2014. But Dollar is a great example of how Guntersville is constantly changing and improving. Along with bringing a female voice to its top governmental position, Guntersville also has a newly renovated Lake Guntersville State Park, an updated downtown, more walking trails and parking areas, a busy farmer’s
Last year, Leigh Dollar became the first-ever female mayor in the city of Guntersville.
market, the Guntersville Historic Museum, an expanded cultural district and more focus on water recreation activities, Dollar said. The city is dedicating the new Errol Allan Park downtown, taking a previous eyesore of two vacant lots, and turning it into a nice area, including a water fountain and performing stage. “We’re a small community with that small town feel, but we have lots to offer people,” Dollar said, “more than the typical small town (of 8,000 people). For those and other reasons, Guntersville was voted by readers the No. 3 Small Town on the Water in Life on the Water’s 2013 contest. Dollar said two of the Bassmasters fishing pros – Chris Lane and Boyd Burkett -- liked Guntersville so much they stayed to raise families here. Former University of Alabama and Washington Redskins offensive tackle Willard Scissum of Huntsville, now head football coach at Morehouse State, also lives in Guntersville along with Jeff Cook, a member of the legendary band Alabama. “It shows you what a wonderful place we have,” Dollar said. “We are the best little city on the water. In our hearts we are champions.”
Mayor Leigh Dollar and her dad stroll down the dock in Guntersville.
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 31
#4 Ocean Springs, Mississippi
The Shed in Ocean Springs is a quirky dive known for its BBQ and blues, the subject of a new reality show on the Food Network that premiered August 5. photo: Cindy Mishon Population: 17,461 in 2012 for Ocean Springs, 140,000 for Jackson County Location: Ocean Springs is on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the eastern shore of Biloxi Bay Bet you didn’t know: It’s known as the City of Discovery in recognition of the French settlement here in 1699. Like the rest of the Mississippi Coast, Ocean Springs was affected by Hurricane Katrina but continues to rebuild. The city received the 2013 Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust for the Historic Preservation. oceanspringschamber.com
When Ocean Springs, Mississippi was isolated to the shoreline and the No. 4 Best Small Town on the Water incorporated as a town in 1854, Dr. downtown wasn’t hit as hard. in 2013. William Glover Austin came up with “In the aftermath, the town actually It came as no surprise to Moran. the name, thinking the springs in the blossomed. It was one of the towns Along with his wife and three kids, city had healing powers. that people could come for a meal, Moran has hundreds of close and Those on the Mississippi coast spend time and get their necessities. distant cousins living in Ocean who went through the devastation The people here really did want to Springs, because they love it that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 much. His cousin, Connie and the oil spill of 2009 would Moran, is even Mayor. probably say it’s not just in the “It’s always been a southern water … it’s in the people. Delta town that’s very Ocean Springs, on the eastern welcoming,” said Moran, coast of Biloxi Bay, wasn’t whose great grandfather immune to the destruction, started a real estate company losing the Biloxi Bay Bridge. in 1988 and his grandfather The downtown survived for the started a lumber company in most part because of the city’s 1925. “Ocean Springs is very elevation, according to Fred warm and friendly, not cold Moran, who owns a real estate or cliquish. My family has firm in Ocean Springs. The felt like it’s a melting pot on city was able to open arms and the ocean. We welcome our welcome those from nearby Bay military (Kessler Air Force St. Louis, Pascagoula, Biloxi Base is located in nearby and other coastal towns that Biloxi) and there’s always been weren’t as lucky. an openness and welcoming Bikers stop by one of the many restaurants in Ocean “People are resilient here,” aspect of Ocean Springs. said Moran, who knows a thing Springs, Mississippi. “It’s not a touristy town. or two about the town because You’ll find bankers and real his family has been part of it for the help and it was a good thing for estate offices on Main Street…my last 125 years. Ocean Springs to open its doors to office is there! It actually feels like “We’ve weathered a lot of storms the rest of the coast.” Mayberry on the water. I like raising and Oceans Springs is gifted with For that reason and many others, my children here because they can naturally good elevation. So, the readers of Life on the Water magazine walk or ride to my office. I feel brute force of the storm (Katrina) selected Ocean Springs as the perfectly safe here.”
32 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
#5 Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Population: 343 in the 2000 census Location: In Livingston County, located on the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley and north entrance to Land Between the Lakes Did you know: Grand Rivers is named for its location within sight of the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers and is called the Village Between the Lakes. The city has a total area of 1.9 square miles. Despite the size, Grand Rivers has twice as many boat slips as it does households (230 households, 630 boat slips), according to Kim Kraemer of the Grand Rivers Chamber of Commerce. Grand Rivers is home to two resort marinas – Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina and Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina. Along with fishing there’s hiking, biking, camping and great views. kim@grandrivers.org or call 888-493-0152
It takes a special person to be a mayor anywhere. It takes a real special person to be a volunteer mayor. You’d have to really love the town you’re working in to be a mayor for free, right? Just ask Tom Moodie, who has been the volunteer mayor in Grand Rivers, Kentucky for the last 11 years. “I’m paying off the debts from my youth,” Moodie said, laughing during a phone call. “I was on the town board probably as many years and the clerk when I was younger. I’ve just always been in city government.” Moodie loves the Kentucky town -- known as the “Village Between the Lakes” because it sits between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake – for the same reason many others voted Grand Rivers No. 5 as one of the Top 10 Small Towns on the Water. The closest big town is Paducah, Kentucky about 20 miles away. “I’ve been here for 50 years,” said the 51-year-old Moodie. “It’s kind of like living where you want to vacation. I go a lot of places I like, but there’s not any other place I want to live than this. It’s got everything I need.” Get this. The city has only 350 official residents in its 1.9 square miles, but there are 630 boat slips located at the two resort marinas and other locations. Talk about Life on the Water. The town also has Badgett Playhouse, an acclaimed theater for live productions, a main street shopping area called Grand River and restaurants like Patti’s 1800’s Settlement. Those are
some of the reasons Grand Rivers can go from 350 to 3,000 people on the weekends. “It’s a good area for families to do multiple things,” said Moodie, whose real paying job is working at Green Turtle Bay Resort. “It’s a perfect place for fishing, water sports and lots of things a family can do, plus within a short driving distance of other places. “I think the reason people come here really is to relax. Nobody is pushing you around in a hurry. The people who live here are nice people and will help you get wherever you need to get.” If you’re in a hurry when you get to Grand Rivers, the Mayor has some advice. “Calm down,” Moodie said. “It’s quiet here, but there are lots of things to do on the weekend. We’ve got a great playhouse in town that’s developed an awesome theater company. Our shows are just as good as you’ll see in Branson (Missouri) or Gatlinburg (Tennessee). “It’s just a nice place to walk around. You go get an ice cream, go to Patti’s for their famous pork chop and get out on the lake all in the same day.” Now, that sounds like Life on the Water. TOP: Grand Rivers has more boat slips than residential homes. Mayor Tom Moodie is Grand Rivers’s volunteer mayor. That’s right. Volunteer.
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 33
#6 Clifton, Tennessee Population: 2,690 in 2011 Location: Two hours southwest of Nashville, 2 hours east of Memphis Clifton Marina owner, Gene Davidson, sees hundreds of waterway tourists from all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. “Since we’re close to the TennTom Waterway, they stop here on their way to the Gulf.”
#7 Aberdeen, Mississippi Population: 5,500 Location: Off Highway 45, midway between Columbus, MS. (27 miles) and Tupelo, MS. People check out the Blues at Blue Bluff Festival in the town of Aberdeen, Mississippi.
#8 Clarksville, Tennessee Population: 132,929 in 2010 census Location: Middle Tennessee, directly off 1-24, 40 minutes from Nashville Beautiful new Marina located within the scenic Liberty Park, Clarksville, Tennessee.
#9 Columbus, Mississippi Population: 23,000 in the city, 50,000 in the county Location: 18 miles from Starkville, Mississippi, an hour from Tuscaloosa, Alabama The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is a big part of the success in Columbus, Mississippi.
#10 Buford, Georgia Population: 12,277 in 2011 Location: North Georgia, Gwinnett County, 25 miles north of Atlanta on the southern shores of Lake Lanier. The town of Buford is in eastern Georgia near beautiful Lake Lanier. photo: Jenna Bennett
34 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Bet you didn’t know: The town was named Clifton because it sits on a cliff high above the Tennessee River. It missed being the capital by just 2 votes. Noted Pulitzer Prize-winning author T.S. Stribling called Clifton his hometown. Clifton is the host of several festivals, including the Smoke on the River Barbeque Festival, the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival, and a Stroll Through Christmas. There are several Civil War-related events every year along with a Civil War Driving Trail. cityofclifton.com
Bet you didn’t know: Aberdeen celebrates its history and antebellum homes with the annual April Pilgrimage. Homeowners invite the public to tour their homes built as early as the mid-1800’s. April 4-6, 2014. Blue Bluff Recreation Area on Aberdeen Lake is one of the most scenic spots on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, named for the clay and limestone cliffs. aberdeenms.org or aberdeenms.us.
Bet you didn’t know: The Chamber of Commerce has a charming way of describing Clarksville: “Metropolitan mixed with a healthy dose of small town charm. Think Carrie Bradshaw (from Sex In the City) meets Dolly Parton (no introduction needed). That may be a stretch – but we do serve a mean martini and some mouthwatering barbeque.” Clarksville is the second-fastest growing metro in the nation. It is home to U.S. Army post Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and the 101st Airborne Unit which led to its international fame in 1966. The Monkees’ debut single ‘Last Train to Clarksville’ encouraged a woman to see her boyfriend at the post before he left for Vietnam. clarksvillechamber.com
Bet you didn’t know: Columbus is a very historic town on the river, boasting 650 properties on the National Registry of Historic Places, according to Nancy Carpenter, executive director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Columbus was named one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations and hosts several fishing tournaments on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The city also hosts the Mississippi University for Women and Columbus Air Force Base. Want to visit? No problem, there are over 900 hotel rooms in Columbus, Carpenter said. Columbus-ms.org
Bet you didn’t know: You may not have heard of Buford, but most people have heard of Lake Lanier, one of the most popular recreational areas in the southeast. The Buford Dam, a major source of power for the state, created Lake Lanier in 1958 and it brought many people to the area. Buford, once known as a huge leather center in the South, also has the Mall of Georgia located just outside the city limits. visitbuford.com and cityofbuford.com
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 35
5
Top 10 Small Towns in the South QUICK POINTS 1 Dandridge, Tennessee
Restaurants: Angelo’s on the Point. Get the 14 oz. prime rib… and Big Orange Martini Lodging: The Point Resort’s Butler Cabin, great views of the lake Median Home List: $114,050 Marinas: Mountain Harbor, Lighthouse Pointe, Indian Creek Boat Dock, Swann’s 2 Rogersville, Alabama
Restaurants: Café Savannah for lunch, Daniella’s on the River at Joe Wheeler Resort for dinner Lodging: Joe Wheeler Resort has cottages, cabins and newly remodeled lodge Median Home List: $144,000 Marinas: Joe Wheeler State Park 3 Guntersville, Alabama
Restaurants: Rockhouse Eatery, Café 336, Somewhere on the Lake, Sunset Bar & Grill (in the Holiday Inn), Wintzell’s Oyster House, Top O’ the River Lodging: Lake Guntersville Bed & Breakfast, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Lake Guntersville State Park Median Home List: $160,500 Marinas: Alred Marina, Guntersville Marina, Sunrise Marina-Erwin Marine
7
9
4 Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Restaurants: The Shed-BBQ is the best, Anthony’s Steak & Seafood - overlooks the bayou, Aunt Jenny’s Catfish-next door to Anthony’s, Chef Scott’s for sushi, Tatonut for doughnuts Lodging: Gulf Hills Hotel & Golf, The Inn at Ocean Springs Bed & Breakfast, Front Beach Cottages -The South meets the Carribean Median Home List: $192,500 Marinas: Ocean Springs Marine Mart-local fishing headquarters, Oak Glen Marina & Condominiums-private 5 Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Restaurants: St. Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, get the pork chop-it’s to die for!, Docker’s Bayside Grill at Green Turtle Bay-omelette for sure, Lite Side Bakery-sandwiches and baked goods Lodging: Green Turtle Bay cottages, Lighthouse Landing cottages, Patti’s Inn & Suites Median Home List: $303,000 Marinas: Green Turtle Bay, Lighthouse Landing
36 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
4
Deep South River Map is copyrighted, and property of DayMarker Enterprises, LLC. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without written permission. Map is not to be used for navigational purposes, general vicinity only. sources: restaurants-reader comments and recommendations, lodging-chamber of commerce for each city, home list prices-trulia.com, marinas-google.com
8
1
6 Clifton, Tennessee
6 10
2 3
Restaurants: Clifton Marina-burgers, Pirate’s Lair - live music, too, Ernie’s Smokehouse Grill-best beef brisket, The Flying Elbow-Ross’s Landing Golf Course Lodging: The Bear Inn Resort, Ross’s Landing Golf Course cabins on-site Median Home List: $92,000 Marinas: Clifton Marina, Riverstone Marina-across the river 7 Aberdeen, Mississippi
Restaurants: LeRoux Southern Creole on Meridian - Shrimp Creole OMG and Peach Cobbler, Cottage Tea Room Southern Soul-baked potato salad Lodging: 3 Goats Cottage - quirky and fun Median Home Sale: $394,000 Marinas: Aberdeen Marina, Columbus Marina - about 18 miles away 8 Clarksville, Tennessee
Restaurants: Blackhorse Pub and Brewery-beer selection is huge, beer cheese dip! And impressive brunch, Edward’s Steakhouse - steak medallions Lodging: Riverview Inn - historic river district with complimentary breakfast, Westgate Inn - large indoor pool minutes from downtown Median Home List: $204,000 Marinas: Clarksville Marina 9 Columbus, Mississippi
Restaurants: Harvey’s-Black & Bleu Salad, a marinated ribeye melts in your mouth, Front Door/Back Door Restaurant - homemade soups Lodging: Shadowlawn Bed & Breakfast - gorgeous 1848 mansion, The Jackie O House - amazing Median Home List: $166,000 Marinas: Columbus Marina 10 Buford, Georgia
Restaurants: Praise the Lard BBQ - we love the name, Adam’s Restaurant and Piano Bar - like a modern-day speakeasy, Sperata - spicy chicken livers ummmm Lodging: Lake Lanier Island Resort - coastal fun comes inland, Spring Hill Suites - close to Mall of Georgia Median Home List: $270,000 Marinas: Aquamarina Lazy Days, Holiday on Lake Lanier fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 37
Q&A
Five Reasons to Kayak Florida’s Perdido Key
Q: A:
”I’ve just moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee from Seattle, Washington. Any suggestions for kayaking in the area?” - Jo Beth Simpson
Perdido Key on the Panhandle of Florida is an under appreciated and under utilized destination for kayakers. Beaches of sugar-white sand that go for miles are the region’s top draw for most visitors, but paddlers can find it welcoming beyond what sunbathers seek. Few people realize that 60 percent of Perdido Key is undeveloped, making time on the water here unexpectedly pristine. Following are five reasons (and a bonus) for a kayaking trip at Perdido Key. 1. Perdido Key Kayak Launch. Perdido Key is so kayak friendly it has a public launch site for kayaks. It’s not a boat ramp, either. The site provides access to Perdido Bay and is located within protected water that is ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding. 2. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. It’s a mouthful to say and takes even more energy to complete. That’s because this trail stretches for 1,515 miles around the entire state. The trail begins at Big Lagoon State Park, where kayakers can paddle a portion of the trail. 3. Perdido Key Area Blueway Trail. Developed by the National Park Service and the Heritage Trails Partnership, the blueway offers unique nature viewing opportunities for kayakers. There are several historical points of interest, an extensive sea grass nursery, and superb light tackle angling opportunities.
We posed this question to Craig Lamb, an avid kayaker and outdoor writer from Nashville, Tennessee.
4. Big Lagoon and Perdido Key state parks. The 705-acre Big Lagoon State Park is the gateway for the Great Florida Birding Trail. At least 20 migratory shorebirds and a number of federally threatened or endangered species can be viewed within the park. Perdido Key State Park spans 247 acres and lies within a barrier island. White sand beaches and rolling dunes covered in sea oats make this park an attractive backdrop for kayaking. 5. Gulf Islands National Seashore. The shoreline encompasses the last undisturbed chain of islands stretching from Maine to Texas. Kayaking here offers an opportunity to paddle within federally protected waters. Four of the seven species of sea turtles nest on the Florida portion of the seashore, making it a prime destination for wildlife viewers. 6. Bonus. Paddle here on Tuesday and Wednesday (midMarch through October) and don’t be surprised if seven U.S. Navy F/A 18B Hornet jets pass overhead in inverted formation. You’ll be watching the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Team practicing for its world-renowned air shows. The Blue Angels flight team is stationed at the nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola. While everyone else is seated in the grandstands watching the show from afar, kayakers have the best seat anywhere.
Got a question? Ask us…you could get a Life on the Water cap if we publish your question… 38 | lifeonthewater.com | Fall 2013
S c o ttsb o r o , A l a b a m a – L a k e G u n t e rs v i l l e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
40 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
The Best Place to Stay, Play, Relax and Enjoy
50 ton travel lIFt
JUST GOT BETTER
Co l o n y Co u r s e I m pro v e m e nt s | n ew on-s It e l a und ry FaCIlI t y F r e e Co u r t e s y C a r | n ewly remod e led C a b Ins
Surrounded on three sides by beautiful Lake Guntersville, our 360-acre complex is your complete family recreation and vacation destination.
play our new miniverde greens at the plantation Course marIne repaIr
lake FIshIng
doCks restaurant
golF Course
find us on
417 Ed Hembree Drive | Scottsboro, AL The marina is located on the Tennessee River at mile marker 378.2.
800.268.2884 | 256.912.0592 | www.GoosePond.org Named by Life On The Water Readers Best Resort, Best Marina, Best Restaurant, Best Marine Repair, Most Beautiful Lake
Boat Gating in the South
42 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
by Chris Welch
N
early every school in the Southeastern Conference takes tailgating to a different level with their food and festivities, but the University of Tennessee fans in Knoxville and Alabama fans in Tuscaloosa really make a big splash before games. On the water, that is. Maybe you’ve heard about the orange and white Vol Navy that cruise into Knoxville on game days and docks on the Tennessee River just a block or so away from Neyland Stadium. But did you know the Crimson Tide also has a Bama Navy that boat-gates on the Black Warrior River before games? It may not get as much hype as the Vol Navy, but the Bama Navy has been coming to Tide games the last 24 years. “Oh yeah, it’s a big deal,” said Ed Cook, a member of the Pirates of the Warrior that organizes the Bama Navy every fall. Cook was among the first skippers to dock his boat for the Alabama games 24 years ago. “Most of the people get here on a Thursday or Friday and it lasts all weekend. Most stay on the barges, set up and watch the game on TV.” As Jamie Humphrys, secretary for the Pirates of the Warrior, says, “the group does events all year long, but football season is a special time.” “There’s football season, which here in Tuscaloosa is what we call glory days of the year,” Humphrys said. “We take the barge down to the riverwalk park in Tuscaloosa at the stadium. We all raft up to the barge and spend the whole weekend watching football, enjoying good food and fellowship on the water. Some of us venture up to the Quad -- the hang out on campus for everyone -- and spend some time there with more die-hard fans.” The last several years, the Bama Navy used an old barge called Big Al to dock the boats before games. Two years ago, Cook and others took an 84-foot house boat that had been destroyed in the tornadoes that caused death and destruction throughout the state and used it for something good – the Bama Navy’s new docking barge.
“It’s a lot bigger and better,” Cook said. “We can get about 30 boats on the barge itself. We’ve got boats that come from Texas, Memphis, all over.” Cook says even Alabama head coach Nick Saban has heard of the Bama Pirates. “He knows about it, but doesn’t have the time to come around. His time is all tied up,” Cook said understandingly. In Knoxville, they have one of the best throwdowns on the water anywhere. From 110-foot yachts to 10-foot john boats, fans come from all over Tennessee and the South to cruise in and raft up. Much like the RVs that invade stadiums everywhere, many of the boaters arrive as early as Tuesday on game-week and walk a short distance to Neyland Stadium for the game. Others stay on their boats and watch the game on big-screen TVs. Here’s the ultimate compliment from Gator Tailgating, a website that caters to the Florida Gators: “When traveling to Knoxville every other September for the Gators’ kickoff to their SEC schedule, there’s lots of things to enjoy: the Great Smoky Mountains, The Vol Walk and mullets (well, you didn’t expect the Gators to not thrown in a zinger or two, right?) “One of those things you shouldn’t miss is the Vol Navy. “As much fun as Tennessee fans get poked at them for their faded, yellowish ‘creamsicle’ team color, their fans’ sense of fashion (which seems to always include overalls) and their general consistency in non-forking family trees; they do have one thing Gators don’t. They tailgate on the water right outside the stadium.” It’s said the Vol Navy began in 1962 when thenTennessee broadcaster George Mooney began traveling to Neyland Stadium via the Tennessee River because the traffic was so bad in Knoxville. Others then caught on to Mooney’s route and became part of the Vol Navy, which, according to the group’s website, “is a loose-knit community of boaters and people that love the water who congregate at the docks outside Neyland Stadium. There is no formality to it yet all people that attend the Navy treat each other as a family. It is quite special.”
TOP: The Bama Navy on the Black Warrior River gets ready for Auburn. photo: Ed Cook BOTTOM: The Vol Navy is a main attraction at the University of Tennessee football games. photo: Christie Leigh Mueller, “A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie”, gridironbelles.com
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 43
photo: Steve Babin, courtesy Josie Wachi Designs
Boat Gating Etiquette 101 for Guests
44 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
do DO wear boat shoes. Please, for goodness sake. Spike heels, no. Black soles, no. You need non-skid soles. Think good traction. DO bring your own drinks. It’s just polite. Ask the boat owner about bringing your own cooler. Space can be a problem. DO ask the boat owner if you can help with fuel. Even if they’re docked, it took fuel to bring the boat to the dock. Believe me, if you ask a boat owner that, you’ll get invited back. DO bring a boat-warming gift. A bottle of wine. A football flower arrangement. Anything football team-oriented like napkins, cups, pom poms. A nice gift for the host. DO expect something to go wrong. Someone will be ‘out of sorts’. Something will get broken. Go with the flow and offer to make things better. DO smell the cocktail someone offers you. If you smell smoke from your nosehairs, man-up and prepare for the burn in your throat as you swallow. But you’ll need to drink it to be polite. DO pace yourself. The guy or gal that doesn’t will get the ‘most LIKES’ on Facebook the next day.
don't DON’T forget to ask if you can bring something. A dish, as we say in the South, is preferred. A dip…that’s good, too. (check out our recipes in this issue) DON’T use the head without asking the owner the correct procedure. And nothing…I mean nothing goes in the head that hasn’t been consumed in the form of a drink. If you HAVE eaten it, kindly excuse yourself and go to land. DON’T do anything involving body paint. Sunbrella, canvas, and other marine upholstery fabrics do not like it at all. You’ll get sweaty and the paint will start running. Not pretty. DON’T bring chocolate. It will not go with any drink onboard. It melts and it’s messy. Just don’t. DON’T even think about tossing the football to add to the ambiance of the party. It does not work on a boat. You will go in the water. Or your wife will go in the water. Just don’t. DON’T go skimpy on crackers, chips or nuts. Bread is also good. Soaks up the alcohol.
Get down and dirty to win SEC tickets Enter online at lifeonthewater.com. If you’re a subscriber… do nothing…you’re already entered. No purchase necessary
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 45
W i l s o n L a k e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
46 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Dock & Dine
food
Boat-Gating Hot Spots by Chris Welch
Two river towns take SEC football and tailgating to a new level. Knoxville, Tennessee on the Tennessee River and Tuscaloosa, Alabama on the Black Warrior River.
photo: Tuscaloosa Dining
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 47
food
I
If you’re in Knoxville, Tennessee for a University of Tennessee football game, tradition reigns -- hearing “Rocky Top” from the Vols band, the Vol Navy cruising the Tennessee River and eating half a cow at Ye Olde Steak House. Well, that last one may be a little exaggeration, but not by much. Ye Olde Steak House got its start in 1968 when Bunt King told his wife Helen he’d found the perfect spot for a steak house. Over four decades later, Ye Olde Steak House is still owned and operated by the King family. Steaks include porterhouse, prime rib, and sirloin strip or steak burgers. Consistently, Ye Olde Steak House wins Best Steak House in Knoxville awards and is on the list of 100 Best Things about Tennessee Football and 100 Best Secrets of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’d like something other than beef, try one of the signature seafood dishes with shrimp, flounder and swordfish. Friends and I were introduced to Ye Olde Steak House back in the 1970s and ‘80s when I covered Alabama and Auburn football as a writer for The Huntsville Times. The sports information directors would always take us to Ye Olde Steak House when the teams played in Knoxville and it was always a special dinner.
48 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
food photos: Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation
Knoxville
Best of all, you can order bigger steaks than listed on the menu if you’re really hungry (so, yes, you really can order almost half a cow). Like the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” host Adam Richman did when they made a visit during Season 3. He ordered a 60-ounce New York Strip and loved it! (travelchannel.com/ video/adam-orders-a-60-oz-steak). Ye Olde Steak House isn’t the only restaurant that’s gone Hollywood in Knoxville. Richman and “Man vs. Food” also made a visit to Dixon’s BBQ at 1201 Magnolia Avenue, home of the Pig Burger. This is a pork patty, served on white bread, with a slice of Vidalia onion and Dixon’s Famous BBQ Sauce. At $3, it’s one of the best bargains in town. At another Knoxville eatery, Sweet P’s BBQ, Richman took on a 4-pound burrito, with sides and banana pudding. The Food Network’s “Guy’s Big Bite,” starring Guy Fieri made a stop at The Pizza Palace on Magnolia Boulevard in Knoxville. The Palace has been in business for over 50 years and is a drive-in spot that serves spaghetti, pizza and homemade pies (visitpizzapalace.com). But you can’t mention tailgating before and after Tennessee football games without talking about Calhoun’s on the River at 400 Neyland Drive (calhouns.com) on Knoxville’s historic waterfront. Along with great ribs and beer from its own microbrewery, Calhoun’s is accessible by boat with its own dock for mooring vessels. The outside deck and an additional enclosed deck provide a panoramic view of the Tennessee River. My dock and dine tailgating conclusion for Knoxville, Tennessee…if you can’t find a good place for food, you aren’t looking hard enough.
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 49
food It started almost 40 years ago when a few college buddies and I at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa would head out for this little barbecue spot off the beaten path.
50 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
W
food
Tuscaloosa
We didn’t know exactly where it was. We turned at the McDonald’s off Highway 82 near McFarland Boulevard and started looking in the woods for a two-lane road. Usually, we just drove around until we found it -- this shack of a place out in the boonies. Yep, the original Dreamland at 5535 15th Avenue has come a long way since then and is a great place before and after football games for Alabama tailgaters. This year, Forbes named Dreamland the “Best Pork Out” among its “50 of America’s Best.” Just a small shack with a few tables and a fire pit then, it was already starting to get some notoriety for its ribs and sauce from the broadcasters and celebrities that came for Alabama football games (not to mention for its sign above the door, “No farting.”) Started in 1958, the same year Paul “Bear” Bryant arrived at Alabama, the franchise now has stores all over Alabama, including Birmingham and Huntsville, along with locations in Georgia. The restaurant was started in 1958 by John “Big Daddy” Bishop, who we used to see from time to time cooking the ribs in the restaurant. The story goes that Bishop was a brick mason for many years and decided he wanted to do something else -- open a mortuary or a restaurant. Legend has it that Bishop prayed about his decision and God told him in a dream that night to build a café on the land next to his home in an area known as Jerusalem Heights. The menu was limited -- ribs and a stack of white bread -- although the website said Dreamland “served many things, from sandwiches to postage stamps.” Hmmm, wonder how the stamps tasted? Now, the menu offers pulled pork, bar-b-que chicken, hickory smoked sausage, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, house salads and banana pudding. The original restaurant is a long way from the water and Bryant-Denny Stadium, but recently Dreamland added a new restaurant on the Black Warrior River at 1 Bridge Avenue in Northport. You can actually dock at the nearby Wintzell’s Oyster House in Tuscaloosa and walk to the Dreamland, according to folks at the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce. Of course, you can’t forget the Cypress Inn, 501 Rice Mine Road, on the Black Warrior River, which was featured in the spring edition of Life on the Water. Another place to check out for tailgating near the river is Another Broken Egg at1650 Jack Warner Parkway.
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 51
food
Easy boat-gating DIPS Warm Turnip Green Dip INGREDIENTS 5 bacon slices (chopped) 1/2 sweet onion (chopped) 2 garlic cloves (chopped) 14 cup dry white wine One (1) 16 oz. package turnip greens (frozen chopped, thawed) 12 ozs cream cheese (cut into pieces) 8 ozs sour cream 12 tsp crushed red pepper (dried) 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan And one bag of pork rinds for dipping
Buffalo Chicken Dip INGREDIENTS Two (2) cans (12.5 oz. each) chicken (drained) 8 oz package cream cheese (softened) 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing 1/2 cup pepper sauce (Frank’s Red Hot is best) 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese 1 bunch celery (cleaned and cut into 4 inch pieces) 8 ozs crackers
Hot Crab Dip INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup salsa 3 packages cream cheese, cubed, 8 oz 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 cans, 8 oz. each crabmeat (canned, drained) 4 tbsps minced onion 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce
DIRECTIONS Mix and put in slow cooker set on WARM so guests can enjoy this creamy dip throughout your party. Your favorite hot sauce on the side makes it even more Southern. - Marlene Simmons, My Time Orange Beach, Alabama
DIRECTIONS Combine ingredients in slow cooker. Cover pot. Heat on HIGH setting for 1 1/2 hours until hot and bubbly or on LOW setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir. Serve with celery sticks and crackers. - Katie Bonner, Winds of Change Memphis, Tennessee
DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine milk and salsa. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Put in slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Serve with crackers. Yield: about 5 cups. - Joan DeFord, Tiger Pause Thibodaux, Louisiana
Check out TAILGATING TODDIES at lifeonthewater.com 52 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
HI W A S S EE R IVE R
D ALE HOLLO W LAKE
O C OEE R IVE R
W ata u g a L a k e
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 53
scrapbook Facebook Favorites Mitchel Osborne of Stryker, Ohio posted this historic photo of the Mississippi Queen, the American Queen and the Delta Queen in a steamboat race near St. Louis, Missouri. The year is unknown…but this part of American river history should be preserved. Visit SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN.
© Mitchel Osborne
Gotta love little boys. photo: Roxanne Green, Lake Guntersville
Slice of heaven on Pickwick. photo: Jessica Estess
Little riverrats. photo: Cynthia Kirkpatrick at Fat Daddys Resort, Kentucky Lake
Tweet of the Summer Mary Catherine Lee, our business manager, shared this photo of her exhausted son Matthew after a day at the lake. Best sleep mechanism on earth…a boat ride. 54 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Lake Guntersville, Tennessee River
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 55
L a k e G u n t e rs v i l l e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
L a k e G u n t e rs v i l l e , T e n n e ss e e R i v e r
ship’s store | services you’ll need on the water
58 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
ship’s store | services you’ll need on the water
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 59
ship’s store | services you’ll need on the water
RugPilot 3.75x4.9 outline.indd 1
60 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
4/26/13 10:49 AM
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 61
marketplace | for sale on the water
LIST WITH US as low as $150 for 6 months. lifeonthewater.com/ marketplace or call 877-274-0767
62 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Boats
DON’T BUY NEWBUY SMART !
Marquis Yachts 4 to Choose From - 55’ LS, 59’ PH 59’ Sky Lounge & 65’ Pilot House
Sedan Bridges Several to Choose From - 30’ to 50’ Gas & Diesel Available
Aft Cabin Motor Yachts Several Manufacturers to Choose From Diesel & Gas - 30’ to 50’
Largest selection of pre-owned , late model, freshwater Carvers, Marquis & and more on Pickwick Lake! ! CAPTAIN’S CHOICE OFFERS:
2002 Cruiser’s 5000 Sport Sedan Diesels, Hydraulic Swim Platform, Bridge Air • Reduced to $3299,900
Certified Pre-Owned Yachts Gibson House Boats Seven to Choose From - 36’ - 59’ $35,500 - $299,000
Traditional House Boats Several Manufacturers Available Gas & Diesel - 60’ - 112’
Buyer/Seller Services From 1st Time Buyers to Experienced Yachtsmen Yacht Delivery Services
Silverton Sport Bridges 38’ Gas & 43’ Diesel $179,900 & $299,900
RARE 1989 Ocean Alexander 48 MY Diesels, Freshwater, One Owner $289,900
Carver Super Sports Four to Choose From - 38’ to 42’ $169,900 - $299,900
The Best Financing & Insurance Options Consulting Services Over 30 Media Resources Used to Sell Your Boat Over 30 Years of Combined Experience in the Yacht Industry
Sundancers & Cruisers Several Manufacturers to Choose From Gas & Diesel - 30’ to 50’
1988 Hyundai 49 Elegant MY Diesels, Inverter, Great Liveaboard $149,900
Sail Boats Four to Choose From - 25’ to 40’ $5,900 - $99,900
marketplace | for sale on the water
A shot like this could win you $500.
Send photos NOW for the 2014 Photo Contest. Deadline January 20, 2014.
photo: Nichole Alred
64 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
marketplace | for sale on the water 353 Till Davis Road, Langston AL - $539,500 3225 Sunrise Drive, Guntersville, AL Spacious 4BR/4.5BA Waterfront Home featuring 5000 plus sq. ft., approximately 112 ft. shoreline, seawall, 2 slip boathouse, 9ft ceilings, heated salt water pool with pool house, back yard basket ball court and putting green. Hardwood and tile floors, granite counters. $729,500
Main Channel Waterfront Home offering a 2 slip boathouse with 2 electric roll up doors and 1 manual roll up door and boat ramp. This house has 2,577 sqft+/-, 3 bedroom / 4 bath, bonus room, eat in kitchen, living room with stacked stone fireplace and built-in entertainment center, lake side deck & screened in porch, lake fed irrigation, & 2 car front entry garage. $539,500
2356 Buck Island Drive, Guntersville, AL 1491 Signal Point Road, Guntersville, AL Magnificent Newly Remodeled Main Channel Waterfront Home featuring 310+/- ft. of shoreline and gorgeous lake view. This beautiful 3 story home offers 7,400 +/- total sq. ft., 4 Bedroom / 4.5 bath, Boat House with 2 electric boat hoists and a jet ski lift, heated swimming pool and pool house. $1,199,500
60 Goodwin Street, Scottsboro, AL Main Channel Waterfront Custom Built Home featuring 102+/- ft. of shoreline, 2 slip boat house with electric hoists/roll-up doors, stacked stone seawall, 2516+/- sq. ft. 4BR/3BA, great room with gas log fireplace, hardwood floor, vaulted ceiling and view, lakeside walk-out family room with gas log fireplace, breakfast/dining room with vaulted ceiling & view, open kitchen with hardwood floor, center island and casual dining bar. $629,500
147 Carlton Road, Scottsboro AL 4 br/3ba Waterfront Home featuring 100 +/- ft shoreline, good water to a 2 slip boat house w/ 30x8 covered deck. Inside the home you will find 3200 +/- sqft offering hdw & tl flooring, kt with vaulted ceilings, stack stone gas fp, built in cabinets/shelves, kt w/ granite counter tops and breakfast area, master br with lake view and oversized master bath, laundry with built in cabinets and sink area. Porch on 3 sides of house, lake side deck and very nice 53x9 heated/cooled lake side sun room. $659,500
244 Browns Creek Road, Guntersville, AL 4 BR/5.5 Bath Main Channel Waterfront Home on 1.74 acre level lot. Home offers 171+/-ft of shoreline, 2 slip open boat house, rock seawall, in ground salt water pool, professional gourmet kitchen, hardwood, slate flooring, 3 fireplaces, 3 car garage. $749,500 b
130 Pine Island Drive, Scottsboro, AL Main Channel Waterfront Home featuring gated entrance, aggregate circle driveway, Full Guest House, 2+ Acres, 450 ft of water frontage, 2 slip boat house with electric hoists and electric roll-up doors and amazing panoramic view of Lake Guntersville, Kitchen with solid surface counters, 5 Star Gas Cook top, range oven, and second oven, Bosch dishwasher, kitchen Aid Refrigerator, and Microwave, Master suit with granite double vanity, whirlpool tub, walk-in double head tile shower, heated floors, surround sound, and built in wardrobe. Too Many amenities to List! $1,399,500
871 Signal Point Road, Guntersville, AL
770 Snug Harbor Road, Grant, AL
SOLD
Custom Built fully furnished Main Channel Waterfront Home on Prestigious Buck Island professionally landscaped 4.6+/- acres featuring 310+/-ft manicured shoreline w/stone seawall,2slip boathouse, 5,969+/-SQFT,5BR/7BA, private tennis court. MUST SEE! $2,399,500
Talk about waking up to a view! This 3 bedroom / 2 bath main channel waterfront home has one! With its rustic feel and functional layout, this waterfront home could be a weekend or year round home. Large concrete composite deck on the lake side, sun room, 2 slip boat house with electric doors and lifts, seawall and concrete walk way stretching the length of the property, patio on the lake, covered deck area & 2 sun decks on the boathouse. Must see!!! $589,500
2660 Buck Island Drive, Guntersville, AL Beautifully remodeled premier main channel waterfront estate featuring 6.95+/- acres, point lot w/1060+/- ft. on the water w/seawall, 2 slip boathouse, excellent water, 5841+/- sf, 4BR/ 6BA, gourmet kit, new master suite & bath, new whole property professional landscaping, keyless gated entry & much more. $2,995,000
Main Channel Waterfront Home offers 4br/3.5ba, eat in kitchen, hardwood floors, 9ft ceilings, master suite w/ laundry room & sun room w/ fire place and view of lake, 2slip boathouse w/ 2 electric hoist and gazebo, good water and seawall. $619,500
1897 White Elephant Road, Grant, AL Beautiful 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath waterfront home featuring 3,300+/-sq.ft, Hardy Plank & Stone, good water, landscaped shoreline with rock seawall, extra nice vinyl sided 2 slip boat house with 2 heavy duty electric hoists, roll-up doors, covered & open side decks, and professionally landscaped lawn with lake fed irrigation. $639,500
THE KEN WILLIAMS SALES TEAM LAKE GUNTERSVILLE REAL ESTATE • YOUR LAKEFRONT SPECIALISTS 237 Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976 • Cell: 256-302-1510 Email: Ken@DiscoverOurLake.com Visit Our Website at: DiscoverOurLake.com
It’s a perfect time to Live Life on the Water...
marketplace | for sale on the water
Clubs and Organizations
Tennessee Marina Association Kentucky Marina Association
Providing strong communication in the marine industry in Kentucky and Tennessee, KMA and TMA work with federal and state organizations on behalf of their membership to promote the benefits and economic impact of recreational boating on our communities. For a list of member marinas, affiliated companies or membership information, kentucky-marinas.com and tennesseemarina.com. Director, Michele Edwards 270-388-2532.
JOIN the North Alabama Boaters’ Association NABA is a non-profit organization established to give North Alabama boaters a network on the water. • promotes safe boating • give back to our community • network with other boating clubs • host social events • donate to local charities • BoatU.S. discounted membership. northalabamaboating.com
66 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
Boat insurance has changed over the last few years. Listen to LIFE ON THE WATER’S MARINE INSURANCE PODCAST with Jon Horton of Jack Martin & Associates. (Please see ad on inside front cover) Visit lifeonthewater.com RESOURCES page, or scan your smartphone here.
CryeHLeike Pickwick Serving the tri-state areas of AL, MS and TN 25 Old South Road Counce, Tennessee 38326 (731) 689-8000
cryeleikepickwick.com 55 Point Grand Bluff $595,000 Waterfront home secluded in gated Points of Pickwick. 5BR/3.5BA home with an extra waterfront lot. Each lot has its own boat dock & a total of 3 slips & 2 lifts. Short tram to both slips. Randy Rinks 731-926-5058
703 Carter Lane - $199,000 Deep water year round with this 3BR/2BA brick home located on Pickwick Lake. Located 2 1/4 hours from Memphis. Make this your lake home and enjoy your two kitchens. Hank Thomas 731-926-5051
8535 Riverton Rosetrail $780,000 Picturesque 4BR/3.5BA
110 Riviera Cove $499,000 Beautiful waterfront
waterfront home with a gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, rock fireplace & some of the best views on Pickwick Lake. Slip with lift & dock for up to 50’ boat. Randy Rinks 731-926-5058
4BR/3.5BA home located in a cove on Pickwick Lake. Includes 2 covered boat slips & a community boat ramp. Enjoy the privacy and scenic views of this area. Hank Thomas 731-926-5051
75 Harbor View Cove $499,500 Water View 3BR/3BA home
309 Sportsmans Drive $695,000 Pickwick Lake Waterfront
at Pickwick within walking distance of the lake. Includes covered boat slip and lift. Excellent views from front deck & back patio. Double garage a plus. David Harbin 731-926-1737
3BR/2.5BA home with 200 feet of waterfront that is deep year round. Includes a boat storage with a rail system for your boat & your own private dock. Features a view of Pickwick Lake second to none. Hank Thomas 731-926-5051
7 Cedar Ridge - $229,000
55 Buck Rub Drive $415,000 5BR/3BA home features
3BR/2BA home with good views of Pickwick Lake. Master bedroom on main level. Open floor plan plus a new glassed in porch. Extra lot included with price. Adjoining TVA contour & lake access. David Harbin 731-926-1737
3 levels of living space. Large den/dining/ kitchen combination on main level. Game/ Media room downstairs with walkout access to covered deck. Mostly furnished. Libby Adams 731-607-1353
84 CR 345 - $489,900
145 St. Andrews - $229,000
Totally re-built Goat Island beauty! Water access via private dock. Enjoy the double decks overlooking the water. Easy walk to lakefront. David Harbin 731-926-1737
Shiloh Falls Villa with golf course frontage. Recent upgrades include new roof, new central unit & granite counters in kitchen. Extra lot included for more privacy. Libby Adams 731-607-1353
129 Wild Fern Lane $995,000 Fabulous views of Pickwick
510 Catfish Lane - $154,500
Lake from this 5BR/4.5BA home located in the Lands of Pickwick. Designed by award winning architect, Coleman Coker. Covered boat dock with 25 ft. pontoon boat & lift. All redwood decks and siding. Randy Rinks 731-926-5058
No more daydreaming about living on the water when you own this 2BR/2.5BA home. Enjoy lots of natural sunlight. Large deck and/or screened in porch provide great outdoor entertaining. Sadonnah Gant 731-607-4422
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 67
Discover Tishomingo County, Mississippi Lakes • Marinas • Cave s MuseuMs • Parks • arts & C raf t s Cannons • s w inging Br id g e Covered Bridge Lots of special events – few places are packed with so much to see & do!
America’s only Apron Museum, Downtown Iuka, 100’s of vintage aprons from centuries past, arts & crafts, quilts, birdhouses, apronmuseum.com.
Rated Mississippi’s Best Hiking Destination & Rated Top 25 in the USA, Tishomingo State Park, mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/ ms-state-parks/tishomingo.aspx
August 31-september 1 – Battle of Iuka Reenactment, battleofiuka.com september 7 – Bear Creek Festival & Car Show, Belmont, (662) 454-3381 september 28 – Waterway Festival & Car Show, Burnsville, (662) 427-9526 OctOber 4-5 – Trash & Treasures along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, 50 miles of yard sales, (800) 386-4373, tishomingofunhere.org
1-800-FUN-HERE (386-4373) tishomingofunhere.org facebook.com/visittishomingo 68 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
RESOURCE DIRECTORY THANK YOU for doing business with the companies that support Life on the Water. Find our magazine at these locations and Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Hastings and other water-loving bookstores. Resource Page # CUMBERLAND RIVER Clarksville Marina at Liberty Park 12 DALE HOLLOW LAKE Sunset Marina 53 DOUGLAS LAKE Jefferson County, Tennessee 13 HIWASSEE RIVER Mountain View Marina 53 Jack Martin & Associates Insurance inside front cover KENTUCKY LAKE 24 Norman’s Marina Service Riverstone Estates & Marina 24 Perryville Marina 24 Cuba Landing Marina 24 KENTUCKY LAKE - Wayne County, Tennessee 25 Clifton Marina Roger Smith Financial 25 Tennessee Fitness Spa 25 Wayne County, TN Chamber of Commerce 25 LAKE BARKLEY 12 Grand Rivers, Kentucky Green Turtle Bay Resort 26 LAKE CUMBERLAND State Dock Houseboat Rental 9 Houseboats Buy Terry 59 LAKE GUNTERSVILLE Alred Marina & Marine Service 7 Freedom Marine Center, LLC 55 Marshall County, Alabama 56 Somewhere on the Lake 56 Chalakee Cabins 56 Café 336 56 Rock House Eatery 56 Guntersville Marina 57 Aqua Services, Inc. 57 Gunter’s Landing 57 Ken Williams Lake Guntersville Real Estate 65 Erwin Marine Sales inside back cover lifeonthewater.com 16 Mama Wilson’s Southern-made Cookies & Cakes 9 MARKETPLACE for sale Boats 62-64 Waterfront Property and Homes 65, 67 Clubs & Organizations 66 Products 66 OCOEE RIVER Lake Ocoee Inn, Marina and Rafting 53 PICKWICK LAKE 14 Florence Harbor Marina Marine Sales of Pickwick 39 Captain’s Choice 63 Crye-Leike Realty 67 Hardin County, Tennessee 69 SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA - LAKE GUNTERSVILLE The Docks Restaurant 40 Angler Marine 40 Goose Pond Colony Plantation 41 Shinerz Showcar Cleaning Supplies 66 SHIP’S STORE services Yacht Surveyors, Inc. 58 Diesel Don 58 Performance Propeller 58 GDS Services, LLC (marine surveys) 58 America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association 59 Norman’s Marine Service (salvage) 59 Honor Marine Services (surveyor) 59 Southern Marine Towing & Salvage 59 The Rug Pilot 60 Aqua Lantern Solar Lighted Buoys 60 Merco Marine 60 TENN-TOM WATERWAY Aberdeen, Mississippi 12 Columbus, Mississippi 12 Tishomingo County, Mississippi 68 True Course Captain’s School 14 back cover TowBoatU.S. WATAUGA LAKE Watauga Lakeshore Resort & Marina 53 WaterWay Adventures 22-23 WHEELER LAKE River City Marine 10 Ingall’s Harbor - City of Decatur, Alabama 10 Joe Wheeler State Park 10 Rogersville, Alabama 12 Trouble Free Docks & Lifts, LLC 61 Ditto Landing Marina 68 WILSON LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER J’s Landing 46 Waterfront Marina & Dry Storage 46 YachtSouth subscription cards
fall 2013 | lifeonthewater.com | 69
living water
remote control It was 6 a.m. Here’s a sample of just two minutes spent surfing with the remote control. • pill to increase sexual stamina for men • non-stop coverage of the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin murder trial by Christy Martin, publisher
• set of DVD’s to teach you how to deal with difficult children • make-up to make you look younger • detective show interrogating a suspect for 63 murders of torture and rape • businessman bribing politicians to purchase city land • crazed woman tries to murder her lover and his new girlfriend • rich wives whining about their lives • some guy running for Mayor of New York that sends out naked photos of himself on Twitter • debt consolidation company can save me from the IRS • comedian whose entire act is based on God and Jesus not existing • TV show with nothing but videos of grandmothers fighting • music video with lyrics ‘let’s get drunk. I’m going to do you.’
And we wonder why we have so much unrest in the world. Our personality can take on the characteristics of that which we surround ourselves. Our lingo, our belief systems, our mannerisms start to mimmick the images we see in a 22” screen. Or a 2 inch by 4 inch phone. The bombardment of messages we absorb every day from commercials, the news, TV shows and yes, social media can condition us to believe that we’re not good enough without this pill, deception wins if you don’t get caught or we don’t think you’re smart enough to make it in the real world so we’ll send you this check. It’s media. And sometimes, I have to reach deep inside my soul and change the channel on my inner remote control. Being at the river’s edge, the lake’s walking trail or on a bench in front of a fountain, gives me an inner remote control. I think more clearly. Smile a bit wider. Laugh out loud. Maybe it’s the ripples, the current, or the shiny sparkles. But being near water, I can think about life, not in terms of what is bad in the world but rather what it can be. “You have to feel and see darkness to ever respect and run to the Light,” said a very wise towboat cook in my life. Without challenge, there is no success. Without difficulty, we cannot feel joy. At the water’s edge, I hear tree frogs, fish jumping, deer rustling, and leaves blowing in the wind. Those are the same sounds I heard growing up on Pickwick Lake, a simpler time before 24-hour news and a pill that will fix everything. The water gives me that remote control.
Change the channel at a body of water near you.
70 | lifeonthewater.com | fall 2013
PRST STD US Postage PAID Huntsville, AL Permit 336
Take us
WITH YOU on the water TowBoatU.S. Captains assist THOUSANDS of Members a year.
THOUSANDS OF TOWS AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE work in your favor—we’ve been there, done that, and seen it all! Our captains are licensed and trustworthy. With over 600 boats in 300 ports nationwide, we’re only a quick call away to assist you on the water when you need it most. Get Unlimited Towing for $149 and just show your BoatU.S. Membership card for payment on the water.
Call or go online now to join!
1-800-888-4869 BoatUS.com/towing Unlimited towing details and exclusions can be found online at BoatUS.com/towing or by calling.
Download the FREE BoatU.S. Towing App!
Southern ways.
Sunshine days.
RENEW!
We believe success is good.
Use this card or visit lifeonthewater.com BEST VALUE – 2 years (8 issues) for $29.95
We believe hard work should be rewarded.
1 year (4 issues) for just $16.95
Name
Address
We believe boating is the best investment you’ll ever make for yourself and your family.
City State Zip
Email Phone We’ll bill you later
Southern ways.
Sunshine days.
Call now to begin your dream.
Subscribe Now! Use this card or visit lifeonthewater.com
BEST VALUE – 2 years (8 issues) for $29.95
1 year (4 issues) for just $16.95
Name
Address
City State Zip
Email Phone We’ll bill you later
Southern ways.
Sunshine days.
Give a Gift! Use this card or visit lifeonthewater.com
BEST VALUE – 2 years (8 issues) for $29.95
Listing and selling distinguished yachts worldwide
1 year (4 issues) for just $16.95
FROM:
GIFT TO:
Name
Name
Address
Address
yachtsouth.com Local 256-882-1972 International 877-274-0767
City State Zip
City State Zip
Email Phone
Email Phone
We’ll bill you later