THE LAKE IS OPEN

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH & PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE

WWith spring officially sprung and summer right around the corner, Lake Martin is preparing for its busiest season of the year. Local restaurants, small businesses and attractions open their doors after months of being shut for the winter. New and old businesses alike are teeming to open their doors. Customers and lake goers are on their toes, ready to dive into the excitement that this summer on Lake Martin is sure to bring. Locations and opening dates for several businesses around the lake are as follows:

Yellow Top Ice Cream Shop opened on March 22. A new lake treat on the water this year, Yellow Top will cruise the waters offering all sorts of delectable goodies to lake goers. Just look for the yellow boat.

Wind Creek State Park recently opened up several exciting activities that could make a day worth remembering. Start the day with a round of mini golf; take a trail ride with Rockin’ K Guided Trail Rides; grab an ice cream cone or frozen yogurt from Creem at the Creek; and then, finish off the afternoon with a zip through the treetops with Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures, all centrally located in

Wind Creek State Park.

Then on April 1, pack a cooler or come early and grab a bite. Either way, bring a blanket or chairs to Strand Park because Strand Sessions kicks off at 6 p.m. on the hillside with an excellent lineup for the summer. This is a family-friendly event that takes place the first Thursday of every month, April through August.

But the fun does not stop there! Just a few short days after Strand Sessions begins, Chuckwalla’s Pizza opens its doors for the season. There will be live music every weekend, delicious pizza and an electric atmosphere. If you are looking for an experience, this is one to write home about.

On April 10, travel to Dadeville to celebrate the grand opening of the garden center at Floyd’s Lawn and Garden Center. There will be door prizes, food and fun. Rumor has it gardening is the newest and most calming trend today.

Then on April 16, The Landing on Parker Creek will resume with games as usual. Feel free to arrive by car, truck,or boat, as they are an open-air restaurant with a full-service bar, delicious food and a beach area to take a swim or relax and have a little summertime fun.

Nibblers Lake Martin will be out and about April 24. They are an on-the-water food service. It’s like a food truck, but on the water. They sell everything from burgers to Hawaiian shaved ice. There is no need to go hungry on the lake.

And when you thought it couldn’t get cooler, Lake Martin Creamery opens its doors. On April 30, chill out with LMC and try one of their frozen treats – frozen, soft-serve custard and shaved ice – or some candy to add a little more fun to your day at Lake Martin.

This summer is bound to be a remarkable experience at Lake Martin, especially once May 14 rolls around and Friday on the Green begins at Russell Crossroads. There will be loads of family fun, great music and what we’ve all been missing since the onslaught of the pandemic, spending time with friends.

There are a couple of other places opening in the coming weeks that did not have dates available at Lake magazine’s presstime. The Social at Lake Martin will open in the old Harbor Docks Restaurant at Anchor Bay Marina. They will offer breakfast, brunch and dinner by boat and live music. Visiting this new establishment is an absolute must. Also, do not forget Lakeside Marina Bay Pines will have a daiquiri bar & live entertainment coming soon. They have pizza, burgers, hotdogs and more to fill you up and get you back on the lake in no time.

There is all of this and so much more happening on the lake this summer. So pack your bags for a day trip, a weekend or a few weeks and head on down to the water. Lake Martin is calling.