Lake Magazine April 2026

DESIGNING A LAKE HOME

LAKE MARTIN TURNS 100

Generational cabins on Lake Martin

THE RISE OF AIRBNB

Navigating short-term rental properties

Staff

“Remember when…?”

When a conversation begins with those two words, the best stories always seem to follow. For nearly 15 years, I have sat on the dock with my husband’s family, laughing at the memories they would share about Lake Martin over the decades, beginning in the 1940s. It is not beyond me how fortunate I am to be part of a family that has witnessed the lake’s transformation from its earliest days into the destination it is today – and now adding to those tales with fascinating stories of my own.

In celebration of Lake Martin’s 100-year anniversary, this year’s Builders & Buyers edition offers the opportunity to share stories from generational families – not only about their original lake cabins, but about the moments, traditions and connections that have shaped lifelong memories along the way. Turn to page 25 to step inside cabins where Lake Martin history lives on and each generation adds a new chapter to their family story.

Then, on page 52, meet one homeowner who, after nearly losing her beloved lake house, transformed an original Russell cabin into a place that honors its past while embracing a new chapter in her life.

While it’s always meaningful to reflect on the past, there’s no question that new trends are shaping the shorelines of Lake Martin today. One of the most notable shifts is the rise of short-term rental homes. On page 42, we spoke with two local professionals and homeowners about this growing trend and how to navigate the rental space.

And while the classic wooden dock will always hold a place in lake history, today’s designs are pushing boundaries in both form and function. On page 64, Sam Vise explores the latest in dock innovation and how these modern structures are changing the way families experience time on the water.

These are just a few of the stories our team has lined up in this exciting annual issue. As you turn each page, it’s my hope they spark inspiration, stir up old memories and encourage new traditions – the kind that begin with one simple question: “Remember when…?”

Shaylee Beck Moore, Editor-in-Chief

Chairman

KENNETH BOONE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

General Manager

TIPPY HUNTER tippy.hunter@alexcityoutlook.com

Editor-in-Chief

SHAYLEE BECK MOORE editor@lakemartinmagazine.com

Art Director

AUDRA SPEARS audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com

Business & Digital Development Director

ANGELA MULLINS angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com

Audience Development Manager

BAILY TERRY baily.terry@alexcityoutlook.com

Marketing RENEE TRICE renee.trice@alexcityoutlook.com

SAMANTHA HIMES sam.himes@alexcityoutlook.com

ERIN VICKERS erin.vickers@alexcityoutlook.com

ABBIE CLAYTON abbie.clayton@alexcityoutlook.com

Contributors

KENNETH BOONE

JULIE HUDSON

GREG VINSON

PETE MCKENNY

JODIE MCGIRT

AUDRA SPEARS SAM VISE

LIZI ARBOGAST

SAMUEL HIGGS

CLIFF WILLIAMS

GWEN BISHOP

SARAH CHASE ANA SOFIA MEYER

HENRY FOY

JOE BOBBA

On the Cover

Once an original Russell cabin, Dianne Davis saved the historical home from destruction and gave it new life, transforming the cabin into her dream Lake Martin escape and preserving a decade of memories along the way.

All content, including all stories and photos are copyright of: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011

256-234-4281 | lakemagazine.life

Subscriptions are $75 annually

20. A TROPICAL GUEST

A tropical red-footed booby made history at Lake Martin as the first of its species ever spotted in Alabama.

26. CABINS OF MEMORIES

In this month’s 100-year series, meet several families whose summers have been shaped by generations of memories along Lake Martin's shoreline.

34. DESIGNING A LAKE HOME

From luxury aesthetics to functional guest rooms, experts share what makes a lake house a retreat from daily life.

42. THE RISE OF AIRBNB

Lake Martin’s shores are transforming into a booming short-term rental market as homeowners turn their properties into a business.

52. THE HOUSE THAT HISTORY BUILT

Once on the verge of demolition, step inside a historic Russell cabin that was transformed into a dream lake house.

64. A GUIDE TO MODERN DOCK DESIGN

At Lake Martin, docks have become the centerpiece of lake living, evolving into modern retreats along the shoreline.

LAKE MAGAZINE’S MONTHLY FEATURES:

09. LAKE’S QUICK GUIDE TO THE LAKE

10. LAKE SCENES

14. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

18. LAKE MARTIN NEWS

48. LMRA

70. NATURE OF THE LAKE

76. HEALTHY LIVING

80. CHEF'S TABLE

84. BIG CATCHES

86. CHEERS!

90. THE ACE

98. PARTING SHOT

stay connected: @lakemartinmag @lakemartinmag

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LAKE also features an online edition, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. This edition is perfect to share with friends and family from anywhere in the world. View our digital edition today at lakemagazine.life.

Lake’s Quick Guide to the Lake

Lake Martin Area Real Estate Indicators

Where is LAKE?

The secret is out – Lake Martin has become a destination for travelers far and wide to visit, vacation, unwind and relax.

But while people journey here, LAKE has also made its way around the world. Since 2008, one of the magazine’s most beloved sections in each issue has been “Where’s Lake?” featuring the many places readers have carried their issues.

The tradition began when a local realtor packed the November 2007 issue for a medical mission trip to Guatemala. Alongside 27 other volunteers, the group treated more than 1,400 patients in four remote mountain villages. In the midst of their work, two volunteers paused for a photo with LAKE – a simple moment that sparked a lasting tradition.

As summer travel begins, bring your favorite stories from Lake Martin along for the ride and snap a photo with LAKE to share not only a snapshot of the trip, but your connection back home to the shorelines we love.

In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Lake Martin, we will also be featuring throwback photos from all decades of the lake – and we would love to see yours!

Send photos to editor@lakemartinmagazine.com and keep an eye out – the next “Where’s LAKE?” or “Lake Scenes” features just might include a familiar face.

Weather Outlook for April

April 2026 Forecast

Historically, the Lake Martin area experiences average high temperatures in the mid-70s with average lows in the higher 40s and about 4.64 inches of precipitation in the month of April. The National Weather Service has predicted that temperatures will be average and rainfall will be average this month.

Year-to-Date

Precipitation:

Summer: 491 MSL

Winter: 481 MSL

Highest: 488.04

Lowest: 485.15

Lake depth is measured in reference to mean sea level. For up-to-date water levels at the lake, visit lakes.alabamapower.com.

Lake elevations are subject to change. Individuals who recreate below Martin Dam and those with boats and water-related equipment on the lake should always stay alert to changing conditions.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) Serene February afternoon with fog developing on the banks. (2) Amber Mounce submitted this photo of her and her friends at the famous Peanut Point. (3) Finn loved visitIng with the goats when they were still on the island. Photo by Michael Ann Kelley. (4) RC is the best boat dog. Photo by Phillip Gorham. (5) The first time Shaylee got to try out wakeboarding with Russell Marine Aqua Charters and Adventures! (6) The beautiful Cahaba lillies in full bloom last year during a paddle down the Tallapoosa. (7) The sun was a ball of fire as it dipped behind a fire tower at Lake Martin. Photo by Tony Johnson.

READER SUBMISSIONS

(1) In 2025, Tony Johnson captured the beautiful fall colors setting in at Lake Martin. (2) Danielle Hart and a goat making duck face. (3) Delta loves riding in the foot well of the Sea Doo! (4) Gus and Gracie love when their dad takes them on an afternoon boat ride. (5) A stunning Lake Martin summer sunset. Photo by Lisa East. (6) The sun dipping beneath the lake's horizon on a still fall evening. Photo submitted by Tony Johnson.

April 3 & 4

Bunnies & Chicks

Celebrate the spirit of Easter with a heartwarming, family-friendly experience at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Lands. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday, this free event highlights the season’s themes of new life and renewal through the charm of bunnies and chicks. All ages are invited to bring their cameras and enjoy up-close interactions with these adorable animals while learning from the Russell Lands Naturalist. Visit russelllands.com/events for more details.

April 4 & 11

Boating Safety Course

Alabama Marine Police will conduct a boating safety course at The Ridge Marina from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help new and seasoned boaters alike. Hosted by Russell Marine, this course is NASBLA and Alabama Boating Safety certified. To secure a spot, contact Rhonda Perry at 256397-1300 or email rperry@ russelllands.com.

April 5

April

7

Wall Chime Hand Building Class

Get creative with One Oak Pottery in Dadeville. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., this unique, hands-on workshop invites you to unleash your creativity as you craft your very own clay wall chime. This class is perfect for all skill levels. Visit oneoakpottery.com or call the studio at 256-749-4043 to reserve your spot.

April

11

Cruising in at the Crossroads

Get ready for a morning of classic chrome and community spirit at the inaugural Cruising in at the Crossroads. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this free event invites car enthusiasts to showcase their rides or simply enjoy a nostalgic stroll through vintage automotive history. Beyond the cars, attendees can enjoy music, grab a bite to eat and participate in a 50/50 drawing. Contact Wayne Hooks at 334-3994314 for more details.

Dixie Sailing Club will host the Punch Bowl Regatta April 25 and 26

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON LAKE MARTIN

Painting in the Park

Experience the beauty of Lake Martin with Wind Creek State Park’s painting series. Join the Park Naturalist at the Clubhouse from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a relaxing afternoon painting lakeside views. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just looking to try something new, this inspiring outdoor session is perfect for all skill levels. Contact the park at 256-329-0845 for more details. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors.

April 5

Bunnies & Chicks on the SpringHouse Lawn

Celebrate the spirit of Easter with a heartwarming, family-friendly experience on the lawn at SpringHouse. From noon to 2 p.m., this free event highlights the season’s themes of new life and renewal through the charm of bunnies and chicks. All ages are invited to bring their cameras and enjoy up-close interactions with these adorable animals while learning from the Russell Lands Naturalist. Visit russelllands.com/events for more details.

April 17

Town Creek Ramblers

Enjoy an evening of lively music when the Town Creek Ramblers take the stage at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center at 6:30 p.m. Blending traditional bluegrass sounds with plenty of energy and charm, this talented group promises a toe-tapping performance that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages. Admission is by donation.

April 17

Spring Fling

Get ready to par-tee at Stillwaters Golf Course for its second annual Spring Fling – a spring wine expo in partnership with Prime Steakhouse and Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe. Enjoy tastings from more than 30 wines, savor delicious bites from Prime Steakhouse and explore unique shopping experiences. Tickets are $100 per person, with an exclusive VIP option available. Stop by Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe to purchase tickets.

April

17 & 18

She Seeks Retreat

Find renewal and encouragement at the She Seeks Women’s Retreat, a two-day spiritual gathering at Lake Community Church designed to help women grow in faith and purpose. Friday’s session takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a full day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With time for reflection, connection and spiritual growth, this meaningful event offers a welcoming space for women of all ages. Child care is available. Registration is $5; sign up at bit.ly/ SheSeeksWomensRetreat.

April

18

Women on Lake Martin Boating Course

Prepare for the upcoming boating season with a hands-on, down-to-earth review of the basics. Hosted by Russell Marine and geared specifically for women, this four-hour course covers essential boating safety and operation. Course begins at 9 a.m. at Russell MarineKowaliga Marina. For more information or to register, contact Kendra Naile at 256-397-1208 or knaile@ russelllands.com.

April 18

Lake Martin Dragon Boat Festival

Celebrate the lake’s centennial with Lake Martin’s first-ever Dragon Boat Race. Watch as teams paddle to the beat of the drum in colorful dragon boats, competing for glory while raising funds for local causes. Alongside the thrilling races, enjoy live music, great food and family-friendly fun. Teams are made up of 10 people. For more information or to register your team, visit explorelakemartin.com.

April 18 & 19

Old 280 Boogie

Dust off your dancing shoes and head to the Standard Deluxe in Waverly for the 25th annual Old 280 Boogie. This beloved two-day festival features an eclectic lineup of acclaimed artists, including Cedric Burnside, Shovels & Rope and The Band of Heathens, along with many more. Visit standarddeluxe.com for the full lineup or to purchase tickets.

April 19

Country Classics

with the Harlan Burton Band

Enjoy a night of timeless country tunes with the Harlan Burton Band, presented by Alex City Arts at Azalea Cove Waterside at 5 p.m. Tap your feet to favorite hits while savoring a classic fish fry, with a cash bar available to round out the evening. For more information, visit alexcityarts.org or follow @AlexCityArts on Facebook and Instagram.

April 21

Dadeville Community Chorus Concert

Celebrate music in all its colors at this beloved annual concert, led by the talented Lila Meadows. Dadeville’s own civic chorale takes the Dadeville Performing Arts Center stage with a vibrant mix of art music, pop/rock favorites and cherished traditional selections – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the concert starting at 6:30 p.m. Contact office@dadevilleperformingartscenter.com for more details.

April 22

Charity Golf Tournament

Tee up for a great cause as StillWaters Golf Course partners with the Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors for a special Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch. Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start. After play, enjoy lunch at Prime Steakhouse at 1 p.m., with awards presented during lunch at 1:30 p.m. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit lmaar.org/2026-golf-tournament for more.

April 24-26

In-Water Boat Show

Don’t miss the Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show in the Southeast. Hosted by Russell Marine at The Ridge Marina, this three-day event showcases more than 200 boats both in the water and on land from top manufacturers. Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From luxury cruisers and pontoons to sport boats and center consoles, there’s something for every level of boater. Visit russellmarine. net for more information.

April 25 & 26

Punch Bowl Regatta

Catch the excitement on the water at the annual Punch Bowl Regatta, hosted by the Dixie Sailing Club on Lake Martin. This two-day event brings together sailors from across the region for competitive racing, friendly camaraderie and plenty of action for spectators to enjoy. Open to a variety of sailboat classes, the regatta highlights skill, strategy and the vibrant sailing culture of Lake Martin. For more information, visit the Dixie Sailing Club Facebook page or dixiesailingclub. com.

April 25

Ranger Fest

Southern Preparatory Academy invites the community to a day of fun and adventure on their Camp Hill campus. Guests can kick off the morning with a

Ranger Battle Run 5K, followed by live music, a classic car show, festival games and more. To see a full itinerary, visit Southern Prep’s Facebook page. Contact Sierra Vickrey at 256-827-9556 or sierra.vickrey@southernprepacademy.org with questions or to get involved.

April 25

Red, White & Blue Tour

Enjoy a night of classic country and patriotic favorites when Ronnie McDowell brings The Red, White & Blue Tour to the Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center in Tallassee. Joined by Paulette Carlson and Jeff Bates, this high-energy show features timeless hits and powerful performances. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Visit mtvernonpac.com to purchase tickets.

April 25

Gospel Extravaganza

Experience an uplifting afternoon of music and fellowship at 3 p.m. at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. This inspiring gathering celebrates faith through song, bringing the community together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Admission is by donation to support community programs, and guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable items to benefit a local charity. Contact Jennifer Ford at 256-496-3195 for more information.

April 26

Superb Snake Class

Get to know the snakes of spring with a fun and informative program at Wind Creek State Park. As warmer weather brings these fascinating reptiles out of hiding, join the park naturalist from noon to 2 p.m. to learn how to identify both venomous and nonvenomous species. Call the park at 256-329-0845 for more information. Park entrance fees apply for day visitors.

April 28

Michael Mason & Friends

Enjoy an elegant evening of live music with Michael Mason & Friends at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center. Starting at 6:30 p.m., this captivating performance features classical guitar alongside talented vocalists and harp, showcasing a rich blend of musical styles and artistry. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Visit dadevilleperformingartscenter.com to purchase tickets.

April 30

Muse Live at Zazu's Verandah

Enjoy an intimate evening of live music with Muse from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Zazu’s Verandah. Known as one of the Auburn area’s most celebrated acts, Muse brings classic hits from the ’70s to today in a relaxed, listening-room setting. Guests can also enjoy beverages and charcuterie from Zazu’s, making it the perfect night out. A recommended $20 tip per person supports the band. This event is for guests 21 and older. Call Zazu’s at 256-3072188 for more details or to pre-order a charcuterie tray.

Season-long Events

Naturalist Presentations and Guided Tours

Come see Naturalist Marianne and her lively nature presentations at the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature. Visit russelllands.com/ events for the scheduled subject topics, dates and times.

Dulcimer Club

All levels of mountain dulcimer players and those blending traditional instruments are invited to gather at the Dadeville Performing Arts Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays to rehearse for performances at a variety of community events. The group plays oldtime, gospel and traditional music. Email kim.walls@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Lake Martin Artist Association

The Lake Martin Artist Association invites the community to an open studio each Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stillwaters Golf office. All skill levels are welcome. Contact Darla Sasser at 256-307-7531 for more information.

Acoustic Jam Session

Acoustic musicians of all skill levels are invited to gather on the second Saturday of each month to share music in a fun and welcoming environment. The acoustic jam session is free, and the public is invited to attend, listen or join in. The event takes place at 128 N. Broadnax Street in Dadeville. For more information, contact office@ dadevilleperformingartscenter.com.

Everything’s Art Classes

Dadeville Performing Arts Center will host this free program on Tuesdays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children in grades three through five will learn the elements of art as they complete projects in class with Everything’s Art teachers. Enroll and complete permission forms at dadevilleperformingartscenter.com/classes. For more information, email delaine.hanson@gmail.com.

Paint & Pour Night at Martin’s

Get ready for a creative and laid-back evening as One Oak Pottery teams up with Martin’s at Lake Martin. Held at Martin’s in Dadeville, this $45 event invites you to design a unique piece of pottery by picking your own glaze colors and using a fun paint-and-pour technique. After you finish your masterpiece, the team at One Oak will fire it in their kiln for you to pick up just a few weeks later. This event will recur on the last Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Spots are limited. Pre-register at oneoakpottery.com.

Prayer Meeting

Join members of the community for a monthly time of prayer on the first day of each month at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse in Dadeville. Local churches come together in unity to pray for the community, offering a meaningful opportunity for reflection, connection and shared faith. Contact Lisa Andrews at 205-381-1235.

Lake Martin News

Nautical nurse returns for Lake Martin’s 100 years

In 32 years of home healthcare, becoming the ‘nautical nurse’ is Donna Purcell’s favorite experience.

While visiting upstate New York, Purcell saw mail delivered via boat and thought it would be great to deliver healthcare the same way. In 2011, after presenting her idea, Ivy Creek Home Health began sending Purcell out on a boat to complete her home health duties to patients on Lake Martin.

“The weather is a real factor, and we really could bring supplies and you can always have a cooler,” Purcell said. “It is just a weather permitting thing and we do not have to go every visit, but just to slip a few in for some visit it really does get the buzz.”

As Lake Martin approaches its 100th birthday, Ivy Creek is putting Purcell back in the water for some of her visits, but she won’t be alone. Ivy Creek Home Health marketer Jessica Fuller is joining the return.

Although Purcell is not going to see every lakebased patient in the boat, she is excited for its return for the ones that appreciate the effort. It is a conversation piece between her patients as she builds relationships with them, and she said it also makes their day.

Purcell also said there is no worry about getting patients to the hospital in due time for drawing labs.

She is just excited to bring the joyful and fun method of providing care back to Ivy Creek Home Health patients.

“Some people live alone and they do not see anybody,” Purcell said. “Then you pull in, in this and they are going to want to see it if they are able. If they are not, they will look out the window. They tell their neighbor about it. They tell everybody. I just like to be upbeat and make people feel excited.”

Sarah Chase

Clean-up brings community together in Alexander City

March’s Second Saturday Clean Up is in the bag. Three groups met at Strand Park in Alexander City on March 14 for the clean-up hosted by Main Street Alexander City and the Lake Martin Resource Association.

The monthly clean up also gives awards for amount of trash collected and bagged off the sides of roads around the city.

March’s first place winner was Faith Christian Academy. Nine people volunteered their time, and 21 bags of trash were collected. First Baptist Youth won second place with two volunteers and six bags of trash. Main Street came in third with two people and five bags of trash.

Nonprofits, sports teams and church groups are welcome to participate each month. Cash awards between $400 and $1,000 are given based on the amount of trash collected.

The next clean-up day will be April 11.

Gwen Bishop

A Tropical Guest

Lake Martin's first red-footed booby sighting

STORY BY SAM VISE & PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIANNA TRAVIS

OOn a quiet Saturday afternoon near the shores of Lake Martin, Jimmy K. Lanier, founder of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association, was doing what he has done for decades: keeping watch over the land he loves. Sitting in a folding chair at the base of the newly dedicated fire tower that bears his name, Lanier expected nothing more than the rustle of Alabama pines and the steady hum of weekend hikers.

But at around 4:15 p.m., something extraordinary soared in the skies above the Jimmy K. Lanier Overlook Fire Tower.

“A large, unusual bird circled the tower a time or two,” Lanier recalled. “Then it leapt on the eastern side, right on a crossbeam about 80 feet up. I knew right then I hadn’t ever seen a bird like that.”

Lanier wasn’t alone for long. Steve Thomas, the current president of CRATA, was arriving with his wife, Julia, to visit Lanier at the fire tower. Julia, an avid bird watcher, grabbed her binoculars from the truck. What she saw through the lenses didn’t make sense for central Alabama.

“It looked like a goose with a weird pink head and a long, hooked beak,” Julia said. “It looked familiar, but it didn’t look like anything that belongs in America.”

As the trio watched from below, a young couple who’d arrived at the park began their ascent of the 110-foot fire tower. What happened next was, in Julia’s words, “a most unusual thing.”

As the couple climbed past the bird, coming within 2 or 3 feet of its perch, the creature didn’t flinch. It sat completely unfazed as they snapped photos of it on their way up and again on their way down.

The couple shared the photos with the trio on the ground, who then uploaded them into Merlin, the premier bird identification app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The response was immediate and disheartening: “Report no matches. Choose another picture.”

The app, designed for North American species, simply didn’t have the bird in its database. It wasn’t until Julia and Steve began cross-referencing descriptions through AI and Google that the truth emerged. They were looking at a red-footed booby, or Sula sula – a tropical seabird whose typical habitat is the Galapagos Islands and the deep blue of the South Pacific Ocean.

In the birding world, a red-footed booby in central Alabama is about as likely as a polar bear in the Sahara. These tropical travelers typically nest thousands of miles away, and while hurricanes occasionally blow seabirds toward the Gulf Coast, seeing one this far inland on a steel tower overlooking Lake Martin was unheard of.

It was the bird’s behavior that provided the definitive proof. Historically, sailors named the species “booby” because they were amazed by the bird’s silly lack of fear toward humans. Seeing the creature sit like

The red-footed booby in its natural tropical habitat

a stone statue as hikers passed just inches away wasn’t just quirky; it was the final clue that they had identified a world-class traveler that had traded the ocean spray for the Alabama clay.

Julia spent the next few days navigating the world of professional birding documentation. She first contacted the Auburn University Raptor Center, which issued a rare bird alert to the community.

Next came getting the sighting verified through eBird, the global database used by scientists to track avian populations.

“Awesome find,” said Steve McConnell, a reviewer for eBird. “This would be the first ever occurrence for this species documented in Alabama.”

Julia then filled out an Alabama Ornithological Society Rare Bird Documentation Form.

Greg Jackson, the bird records curator for AOS, received the documentation and photos, but said it could take months for it to be processed and made official; however, he doubts there will be a problem getting the sighting verified as the first in Alabama. The sighting was so significant that Jackson and his wife detoured on a trip to Florida just to climb the tower and see the spot where the unique visitor had landed.

There is a poetic symmetry in the bird choosing the Jimmy K. Lanier Overlook Fire Tower for its iconic rest. Much like the red-footed booby, the tower itself is a long-distance traveler.

The structure was originally located in Sedley, Virginia. A dedicated team of six CRATA volunteers, now known as the Sedley Six, spent four years disassembling, transporting, restoring and rebuilding the tower near Overlook Park.

The bird, affectionately named Sedley by Julia, was seen one last time the following Sunday morning. By the time the afternoon crowds arrived, he had vanished. Experts like Jackson noted that while the sighting is interesting, such birds often struggle to survive outside their tropical habitats.

Still, the impact remains. CRATA is currently planning educational signage for the tower, which will include a graphic of the red-footed booby at the exact spot where it landed.

“I can’t believe it,” Lanier said. “We just dedicated the tower in the fall, and then this bird comes to the tower named after me – I’m speechless.”

As the sun sets over Lake Martin, one can’t help but agree with Julia Thomas’s reflection: perhaps this world-traveling bird just wanted to sit and visit a while with Jimmy Lanier – one brave soul recognizing another – before heading back toward the horizon.

CABINS OF MEMORIES

There’s no question that houses on Lake Martin have come a long way. Over the course of the past 100 years, what started out as the simple, iconic cabins tucked into the woods have now grown into multi-million-dollar homes along the lake’s shoreline.

While many are recently discovering this slice of paradise and now setting roots for their own family memories, others have watched the lake grow from the very beginning – sharing their traditions and stories that have continued on for generations.

STORY BY SHAYLEE BECK MOORE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM MOORE, JANET AUSTIN, CHEYENNE BICE, CARY HOLLABAUGH AND ERNEST MOORE

THE BUILTMOORE & POP'S POINT

For many Lake Martin families, the most meaningful homes are rooted in tradition and built with a vision to last for generations.

That is especially true for Adam Moore, whose connection to the lake began with summers and weekends spent at his family’s cabin.

Affectionately nicknamed “The BuiltMoore,” the cabin was a small cinder block home leased on Alabama Power land and hand built in 1959 by his grandfather. It was designed as a simple place for family to gather and enjoy time together on the water.

The original cabin consisted of two small bedrooms, a bathroom and one common room used as a living space, bar and kitchen area.

“You had to technically walk outside to get to the bathroom,” Moore said. “But the cabin was just a place for sleeping. We spent all of our time outside.”

In the early 2000s, an addition was made to the cabin and the bathroom was enclosed into the home. An additional outdoor bathroom was also added – one Moore still prefers to use.

“As the family got bigger, we were outgrowing the cabin pretty quick,” Moore said. “So within the last few years my parents started adding on to make more room.”

One of Moore’s earliest memories at Lake Martin is running down the dock at the family cabin, the boards warm from the summer sun and the water stretching endlessly ahead. Back then, days were spent swimming, learning to ski, fishing off the dock and watching the sun set behind the trees.

“I’ve spent my whole life at Lake Martin,” Moore said. “I grew up fishing with my grandad a lot dur-

ing Spring Break. One memory that stands out is one time he said he would handle lunch and showed up with a bunch of egg salad, ham salad and Spam from Big Lots. I think I tried to eat the Spam.”

Along with water surfing, one of Moore’s favorite activities today is spending a day on the water boating. As a child, Moore reflected on how badly he wanted to own a Ski Nautique boat – a dream that he has now made possible at this point in his career.

“I bought a 1995 Ski Nautique,” Moore said. “So now I have kind of a classic car on the water.”

While those personal memories run deep, Moore said what made growing up at the lake even more meaningful was the connection his family shares with their neighbors along the same stretch of shoreline.

Grover Wendall Morriss purchased a neighboring cabin to The BuiltMoore in 1967, a home that was passed down to his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Cathi Morriss. The Morriss home today is lovingly called “Pop’s Point.”

Chad and Cathi’s sons, Robert and Austin, were part of those same summers growing up as Moore, bonding the families over shared Lake Martin experiences.

“We’ve all grown up together at the lake,” Moore said. “We’d all just play in the water all day long as kids. As we got older, Chad was always the one that was out there pulling the kids on the inner tubes and taking my kids for a boat ride.”

That bond made it especially difficult for the families when Chad passed away in 2023 following his battle with cancer.

“We lost a lot when we lost Chad,” Moore said.

Today, Moore’s connection to the lake carries even greater meaning. As of May 2025, he serves as superintendent of Martin Dam – protecting the same place that shaped so many of his childhood memories.

“I never would have imagined that I would have wound up here when I started my career with the power company,” Moore said. “To me, it’s a full circle moment. I am very protective of the lake; I don’t want to see anything hurt or change it. I watch things like that pretty closely.”

fourth generation of families are beginning to share their own experiences at The BuiltMoore and Pop's Point.

Moore and his wife, Brooke, have two young children, Erika and Jackson – named after his greatgrandfather who built the original cabin. Grove Morriss also shares his great grandfather’s name, a loving nod to the family history.

Moore’s commitment to protecting the lake carries an even deeper meaning as the

Sharing the home with his sister and her family, Moore’s hope is that his children will continue to enjoy the home and shorelines as much as he did growing up.

“It’s fun to watch them experience the same things we did as a kid at the lake,” Moore said. “As Lake Martin celebrates its centennial this year, marking 100 years since its creation in 1926, it has given our family a chance to reflect on just how much this place has meant to us... I would love for this to be as important to them as it was to me.”

ROCKY POINT & PELICAN POINT

In the 1940s, two Tallassee families started a legacy that has become a story almost as old as Lake Martin itself.

At the time, a man by the name of Bert Stumberg worked as the superintendent of the Mount Vernon Textile Mill, while Dr. Ernest Moore Sr. served as the town doctor of Tallassee. The two families befriended each other, creating a bond that would last beyond their lifetimes.

At the time, World War II was underway, and the textile mill was booming, producing canvas, camouflage and materials for soldiers. With the influx of production and workers, cabins were built along Lake Martin’s shorelines to help house the rising number of mill families.

In 1943, Bert and his wife, Myrtle, purchased one of the mill cabins in Tallassee Slough, along with 7 acres of waterfront property, for

$3,600 – a considerable investment at the time. But what unfolded from that purchase proved to be far more valuable.

A simple two-bedroom cabin, The Stumbergs named it “Rocky Point” and began inviting Ernest Sr. and his wife, Myrtice, to visit their cabin on the lake every week. The two families loved to play Bridge together, and made a routine of visiting Rocky Point on Sundays after church to play a round and unwind.

Bert soon found that without the Moores, he and Myrtle didn’t visit Lake Martin as often as they would like. He convinced Ernest Sr. to purchase the neighboring cabin and 3 acres of land – later expanded to 7.5 acres – next to theirs for $3,000. The Moores adopted the name “Rocky Point” for their new

cabin as well, and the two families began setting the roots for decades of memories together.

The Moore cabin was a modest one-bedroom home where, while it had electricity, there was no running water or refrigerator. Water came from a nearby well and blocks of ice from Tallassee were brought in each week to help preserve the food and keep glasses of sweet tea cold.

As time went on, Bert and Myrtle had a child by the name of Bert “Buddy” Stumberg, who later mar-

ried Shirley. Ernest Sr. had two children, Ernest Jr. and Margaret – now Maggie Hollabaugh – who grew up loving the lake as much as their parents.

Life at the lake was simple. The children spent their days swimming, inventing games in the water, searching for arrowheads and bringing friends along to share in the fun. The Moores often hosted Cub Scout outings, and at one point, the two families even kept chickens, a pony and a cow named Brownie on their lakefront property.

For both of the families, a favorite pastime at the lake was cooking dinner over a stone fire pit.

Buddy was known for being a grill master, perfecting tenderloins, ribs and steaks over the flames. Ernest Sr. also loved to cook steaks for the family and built a stone fire pit on the property to cook dinners – a relic of the past that still stands and can be used today.

“I would start the fire in the pit at 4 p.m.,” Ernest Jr. said. “And the wood would burn all the way down into embers for my father to cook dinner that night.”

Ernest Sr. loved the lake house and was known to set up a

project to expand on the home every year.

In addition, he was an avid swimmer. Every day, Ernest Sr. would incorporate a swim into his routine, marking off the exact distance in the lake as an Olympic swimming pool.

“My daddy would always take a dip before breakfast,” Ernest Jr. said. “Every morning, he would swim out and back before he went to work. He always thought swimming was a good way to exercise.”

As time went by, both households began to grow as the three families started having children of their own.

The Stumbergs added to the original Rocky Point cabin, eventually expanding it into the seven-bedroom home now seen today.

In the 1980s, Maggie and Ernest Jr. expanded in a different way, splitting the property between the

two siblings and building an additional lake home that Ernest Jr. would later name “Pelican Point” after his and his wife Sue’s favorite vacation spot, Pelican Beach Club in St. Thomas.

Now, more than 80 years later, the three households are seeing fourth and fifth generations of their family enjoying the same lake retreat that they once did as children.

“My daddy had a long range vision to think about buying property at the lake,” Ernest Jr. said. “He saw it as a place that his children could come and enjoy, and our children, and now our grandchildren. It’s unbelievable.”

For Shirley, her favorite memories over the years were sharing days on the water with her husband and children.

“Some of my happiest memories were when I would drive the boat and pull the kids on skis,” Shirley said. “Boating and skiing didn’t really come out until the 1950s. We had an old aluminum boat with a little motor on it, and when we got it, it was one of the only boats on

the lake at the time.”

Now, Shirley enjoys watching her 23 grandchildren and 25 greatgrandchildren jumping off the pier while Ernest Jr. and Maggie enjoy swapping stories of growing up at Lake Martin with their four children and grandchildren.

“The memories we have are just so wonderful,” Maggie said. “And we have just a million stories. Bringing friends to see the dam and jumping off Chimney Rock, water skiing and swimming in the lake. It’s just a lifetime of memories that make you smile.”

With each generation, the friendships between the Stumbergs and the Moores continued to hold strong, frequently keeping in touch with each other through phone calls and social media, and often asking

each other, “When will you be at the lake?”

The two families have also built off the traditions of their parents, now to include an annual friendly fireworks competition each Fourth of July and gathering together on the natural beach shoreline between the two properties.

Collectively, Shirley, Ernest Jr. and Maggie hope that as the homes are passed down, the bond between their families remains strong and each generation continues to share the stories that have shaped their time on Lake Martin.

“We have so much fun talking and remembering old times,” Maggie said. “We’re always talking about how amazing it is that what came from our mother and daddy, now we’ve given it to our children, and then our children have given it to their children. It’s not like you enjoy the house for a summer or two. We’re talking about generations.

“My hope is that the future will enjoy the lake just as much as the past, and it continues to bring smiles. That every time you think of the lake, it just makes you smile.”

THE HUT

For more than 80 years, The Hut has become an icon at Lake Martin, welcoming hundreds of visitors to its rustic porch on the shoreline.

With the property originally owned by the Louis Young family, the lake house was built in 1945 by Morris Hillman Forbus, who was the first to lease the land for $5 a month and used wood from his home to construct the cabin. Located down a long dirt road near Peanut Point, the Forbus family affectionately referred to the house as simply “The Cabin.”

“The Cabin is pretty much described as a place of gathering,” said Janet Austin, Forbus’ granddaughter. “It’s a place where people could come together and eat, feel safe, relax and enjoy the lake.”

The small, rustic cabin featured two rooms – one filled with cots for sleeping and one that served as the kitchen, complete with a long dining table and a refrigerator cooled solely by ice. Water was originally sourced from a nearby spring until 1949 when a well was added. From there, gravity carried water downhill to the cabin, where it was collected into two barrels for washing and daily use.

With limited power options at the time, the cabin was built without electricity – and still remains

that way today, adding to its historic, weathered charm.

Though simple, the cabin quickly became a hub for family gatherings. Austin’s grandfather was one of 12 siblings and later had five children of his own. As the family grew to have a third generation, Austin recalls The Cabin as a staple to long summer days spent reuniting with family.

“It was a place where we got to spend time with our cousins,” Austin said. “And there were lots and lots of cousins. I remember my granddaddy had a truck, and every weekend we would all load up and head to The Cabin.”

Over the years, the cabin evolved to include more beds, gas lanterns and eventually indoor plumbing, replacing the outhouse in the 1970s. Days were spent fishing, swimming, waterskiing and riding a homemade zip line along the shoreline.

It also became a gathering place for the lake community. Alongside hosting Girl Scout camps, the family was known for its annual Fourth of July fish fry, drawing hundreds of neighbors and friends to its primitive site.

As time passed, the fish fry tradition continued – just in a different place. In 1983, the Forbus family relinquished the property back to the Youngs and, ultimately, the cabin went with it.

“My parents bought their own place at the lake and started host-

ing the fish fry there,” Austin said. “And as we got older, we weren’t going to the cabin as much anymore. We decided it was time for someone else to begin enjoying it.”

While several different families enjoyed the cabin over the years, in the early 2000s a new chapter began with Jeff Smith and his family, who began referring to the cabin as “The Hut.”

For more than 20 years, the Smith family continued the legacy of the small lakeside retreat.

“For as long as I can remember, we would go every weekend to the lake,” said Cheyenne Bice, Smith’s daughter. “My family always had a big, 15 passenger church van. We would load up and drive down the dirt road to The Hut and stay all weekend.”

Without electricity, Bice said staying at The Hut felt much like camping, with visitors often pitching tents in the yard.

Some of her favorite memories include Fourth of July gatherings, grilling out and mornings spent in the kitchen with her grandmother and aunt making biscuits.

Bice also reflected on how much her father loved The Hut, often talking about the peacefulness of living off the grid and working on the cabin. He also taught Bice’s brother, Stihl, how to fish – a memory that helped shape his son’s path toward becoming a professional angler.

Following Jeff’s passing in

2023, the Smith family placed a large wooden cross on the shoreline in his memory – a quiet marker in a place that meant so much to him.

Now, a third generation of the Smith family is beginning to experience The Hut. Bice’s daughter, Smyth Ann, has already made her first visit – an emotional and impactful moment for her mother.

“The first time we took her, I cried,” Bice said. “I had Smyth Ann after my dad passed, and I know he would have really loved to have seen her there.”

The summer of 2025 marked the Smith family’s final season at The Hut. What comes next for the beloved, historic cabin remains uncertain, but its story is far from over. For every family that has passed through its doors, The Hut was never just a rustic retreat – it’s a cabin of memories that continue to live on through their stories.

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Rhythm of the Water Designing a lake home for the

STORY BY SAM VISE

PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE & COURTESY OF LEGACY NEW HOMES & CENTENNIAL HOMES

AAt a Lake Martin retreat, the transition from home life to a weekend escape happens in a single stride. From expansive leisure spaces and coffee nooks to infinity pools overlooking Lake Martin, it’s the luxury amenities and thoughtful designs that makes a lake house distinctly unique compared to a residential home.

For the designers and builders shaping Lake Martin’s shoreline, these getaways are the result of architecture that prioritizes two identities of a lake home, the ebb and flow of guests and a rugged brand of luxury that can withstand a summer’s worth of sunscreen and wet swimsuits.

Scott Underwood, co-founder of Centennial Homes, and Ashley Chancellor, a realtor with Lake Martin Realty and interior decorator at Legacy New Homes, have mastered this craft. According to these experts,

building a lake house isn’t about duplicating a primary residence; it’s about engineering a private resort.

In a standard suburban neighborhood, a house has one face – but on the water, it has two. Underwood explained that a true lake home must navigate this dual identity.

“Lake homes basically have two fronts,” Underwood said. “The street view, and then what people typically call the front of the house, which is what you see from the lake.”

To Underwood, every home is a custom puzzle designed to solve one primary goal: the view.

“We try to make sure that we’re keeping the view corridor from the front door to the lake open,” he said. “When you walk in, you want the ‘wow’ to be the lake.”

Chancellor agreed, emphasizing that the architecture should act as a transparent frame.

“You paid a lot of money for the water frontage you have, so maximize that view with windows,” she said. “Put as many windows as you can on the lake side.”

One of the most complex challenges in lake design is the fluctuating population of visitors. On a quiet Tuesday, the house must feel intimate for a couple; by Friday night, it needs to absorb a dozen guests and three dogs without feeling cramped.

Underwood described this as the resortstyle experience. The solution is often a vertical separation of responsibilities.

“A lot of the main space the owner would use is often all on the main level,” he said. “And then upstairs, there’s an area for people to get away. Then downstairs, there’s a big entertainment area.”

In some of Centennial Homes’ most innovative designs, this separation goes a step further with lock-off guest houses. These secondary structures are connected to the main house but can be completely sealed off with their own entrances.

“You can actually loan these areas to friends without them being in your house,” Underwood said. “It’s also great for adult children with children of their

own; everybody has their own spaces.”

This layout allows the owners to live small when they are alone, while the guest wings remain dormant until needed.

Central to this guest-friendly layout is the evolution of the bunk room. No longer just a collection of twin frames tucked into a corner, modern lake bunks are marvels of integrated cabinetry.

Underwood pointed to a growing trend of custom-built bunk systems where the beds are part of the room’s very foundation, featuring wide, sturdy steps built directly into the framework rather than precarious ladders. These “Ralph Laureninspired” suites prioritize both safety and sophistication.

Chancellor added a practical note for those guest spaces: keep them humble.

“I would keep bedrooms minimal,” she said. “People don’t spend a lot of time in the bedrooms when they’re at the lake. You wake up, get coffee and you’re on the water all day.”

Her advice is to invest square footage in common areas and storage rather than oversized guest suites.

If the living room is the heart of the

home, the lake house kitchen is its high-traffic intersection. Both Underwood and Chancellor noted that lake life revolves around snacking between boat sets.

“You can never have too much fridge space,” Chancellor said. “You don’t know how many friends you have until you have a lake house. For the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, at least two fridges are a must.”

Underwood has seen a similar trend toward massive utility, introducing a feature gaining popularity in high-end builds: the scullery.

“It’s kind of like a working pantry,” Underwood said. “In lake homes, pantries are rooms. You have lots of guests, and you need a lot of stuff here. It’s essential to have big refrigerators and freezers so you can stock up when all your friends are here.”

The most significant difference between a primary home and a lake retreat is the durability requirement. In a primary residence, a silk rug is a luxury; at the lake, it is a liability.

“I try to use performance everything,” Chancellor said. “You have wet bathing suits and sunscreen to deal with, so you want fabrics that allow you to use them fully, but are easy to clean.”

Underwood echoes this “high-end but not formal” sentiment. He pointed to natural textures – cedar ceilings, rock accents and soapstone countertops – as ways to signal luxury without making guests feel hesitant to relax.

“You want people to be able to come in and feel like they can jump on the sofa and fall in,” he said.

This luxury extends to wellness features that were once reserved for five-star hotels. Underwood noted that modern lake homeowners are increasingly requesting steam rooms and saunas. These amenities transform the home from a summer-only getaway into a year-round wellness retreat, allowing the resort-style experience to continue even when the water is too cold for a swim.

While the big-picture items like windows and floor plans are vital, the experts emphasize thoughtful details that make lake life seamless.

In contrast to a full-time residence, a lake house also needs to include plenty of storage space for water toys, outdoor patio furniture and bulky inflatables for storing in between visits. Additions of boathouses and dedicated lakeside storage facilities are commonly built into designs for easy access and protection from the elements.

For Chancellor, the biggest regret she sees from homeowners is underestimating the needs of a growing family.

“They don’t think ahead to grandkids, maybe,” she said. “Or they think, ‘Well, my kids live in Atlanta, they’re not going to come every weekend,’ and they end up coming every weekend. You’ll have more guests than you think.”

This means the house has to be built for performance – even the laundry room. While a city laundry handles daily wear, a lake laundry is practically a towel factory. Many Lake Martin homes today include a second laundry room in the guest suites.

“Little itty-bitty laundry rooms just don’t work,” Underwood said. “If you had

company all weekend, you’ve got to get all the beds made and all the towels from the boat and the pool. To have a big area for that is really nice.”

Ultimately, a lake house is an investment in a feeling. Whether it is Underwood’s vision of a private resort or Chancellor’s focus on the sense of calm and relaxation that comes from a wellmanaged view, the goal is to create a space that functions so perfectly the owner forgets about the world left behind on the highway.

STORY BY SAM VISE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MARTIN VIBE REALTY

FFor generations, the rhythm of Lake Martin followed a cherished, timeless beat. There was a soulful consistency to the seasons: Memorial Day sparked the first engines of summer, Fourth of July served as the lake’s roaring crescendo and by Labor Day, the hum of pontoon boats settled into a quiet, familiar slumber. For many, the lake wasn’t just a destination; it was a private sanctuary defined by knowing your neighbor and the slow, steady pace of tradition.

But walk into any local real estate office today, and you’ll find that the “Secret of the South” is officially out. The rise of shortterm-rentals – fueled by the global reach of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO – has added a new, high-energy layer to the local culture.

What was once a collection of primary residences and private weekend escapes has matured into a sophisticated hospitality market. From the rise of professional management firms to the dedicated rent-by-owner pioneers, the landscape of lake living is shifting to welcome a new generation of visitors.

According to Mindy McWhirter and Leeatra Vaughn of the newly formed Lake Martin Vibe Realty, the turning point was unmistakable.

“After 2020, during the pandemic, there weren’t a whole lot of rentals on Lake Martin,” McWhirter said. “People stepped away from condos and hotels. They wanted space.”

That desire for isolation sparked a frenzy. By 2023, the lake saw a staggering 30 percent increase in short-term rental properties. Today, that number has nearly doubled from pre-pandemic levels to more than 500 active rentals.

But as the market matures, Vaughn says the “easy money” era is cooling.

“It’s way more competitive now,” she said. “The secret is out.”

For homeowners looking to join the rental ranks, the first crossroads is management. Does one handle the midnight “the toilet is

Many homeowners are turning private escapes into year-round investment properties

From the experts:

If you’re considering putting your slice of para dise on the market, the experts agree on three things:

n Lose the emotional attachment: “If grand mother’s 200-year-old vase gets broken by a kid, you’re going to be heartbroken,” Vaughn said. “Keep the sentimental items at your pri mary residence.”

n Check the fine print: Before you buy, ensure the Homeowner’s Association or deed doesn’t restrict short-term rentals. “I have seen it where someone closed on a property and was told they could rent it, and I have to tell them, ‘No, you absolutely cannot,’” Vaughn said.

n Know your coffee: When asked the most frequent question from guests, Pace didn’t hesitate: “What kind of coffee maker do you have? We have both conventional and a Keurig. More than one of each!”

The Rise of Airbnb

Navigating the short-term rental boom on Lake Martin

leaking” calls themself, or do they hand over the keys to a pro?

At Lake Martin Vibe Realty, McWhirter and Vaughn represent the full-service model. They handle everything from professional photography and marketing to dispatching handymen and filing lodging taxes.

“To manage property in the state of Alabama other than your personal home, you are required to have a real estate license,” Vaughn said, pointing out a co-hosting loophole often used by unlicensed managers.

For their clients – many of whom live as far away as Pennsylvania or California – the peace of mind is worth the commission.

On the other side of the coin is Steven Pace, owner of The Pace Place at Lake Martin. Pace, who bought his property in 2018, chose the path of the self-managed “Superhost.”

“I really focused on trying to interact with people and do direct bookings,” Pace said. “Most of my renters today are repeat renters.”

By building a large following on social media, Pace has bypassed the heavy fees of third-party apps.

“About 90 percent of my bookings are direct now,” he said. “It saves the family money, which might mean they can stay another night.”

A common misconception among new buyers is that any

roof near the water is a guaranteed ATM. The reality is more nuanced.

“Just because you own a Lake Martin property doesn’t mean it’s rentable,” Vaughn said. “Today’s travelers demand resort-style amenities. They want the toys at the lake. They want updated things. You have to go above and beyond to set your property apart.”

Location is also key. The “Auburn side” of the lake thrives during football season – drawing fans who want a lake vacation tethered to a home game – and the summer hotspots remain Dadeville and Kowaliga Bay. These areas offer what renters crave most: proximity to restaurants by both land and water.

Beyond the aesthetics, the rules of the lake are often dictated by infrastructure – including septic systems. Homeowners are encour aged to consider capacity and usage, especially when hosting larger groups over an extended period of time.

Then there is the matter of insur ance and licensing. Pace empha sized that a standard homeowner’s policy won’t cut it.

“It’s more than just having regular insurance,” he said. “You have to protect the people staying there and the liability of the owner. Boats are also a big liability. We aren’t a boat rental company. There are a lot of protocols through the state for that.”

Despite the spreadsheets and tax filings, the heart of the Lake Martin rental market remains the experience. For Pace, the pros of renting are found in the guest book.

“I’ve really enjoyed people pouring some soul into the property,” he said. “There have been birthdays celebrated there, grandparents finding out they’re going to be great-grandparents. It feels like home.”

Pace even uses technology to ensure the harmony of the neighborhood, utilizing noise monitors that alert him if decibel levels get too high without infringing on guest privacy. It’s a delicate balance: keeping the guests happy while respecting the full-time residents who call the lake home year-round.

As Lake Martin enters its second century, the short-term rental market will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Whether through professional firms like Lake Martin Vibe Realty or dedicated individuals like Steven Pace, the goal remains the same – sharing the magic of the water, one rental at a time.

Buying, Building and Renovating on Lake Martin

Protecting the resource that protects your investment

FFor those building a home, remodeling or buying property on Lake Martin, the view is often what seals the deal. Miles of open water, wooded shorelines and families enjoying a day on the lake create a lifestyle that has made Lake Martin one of Alabama’s most treasured destinations.

But what many people don’t realize is that the beauty, safety and sustainability of Lake Martin require constant attention and stewardship. The conditions that make Lake Martin special – clean water, safe boating and a healthy environment – don’t happen by accident and require a community to maintain. For more than 55 years, the Lake Martin Resource Association has worked to ensure those qualities remain protected for residents, visitors and future generations.

Why builders and buyers should pay attention

For builders, developers and new property owners, the health of Lake Martin directly affects both quality of life and property value.

A well-managed lake attracts homeowners, supports tourism and sustains local businesses. Safe waterways reduce risk for families and visitors and increase their enjoyment of the lake. Clean water and responsible shoreline stewardship protect the long-term value of lakefront investments and maintain the quality of this Alabama treasure.

In short, protecting Lake Martin protects the community – and the investment – that surrounds it.

LMRA’s mission is simple but powerful: to protect, preserve and promote the health, recreational opportunities and prosperity of Lake Martin and surrounding communities, now and for future generations.

Protecting what happens on the water

One of LMRA’s most visible contributions to the lake is its buoy program, which plays a critical role in boating safety.

LMRA volunteers purchase, install and maintain hazard and “slow/no wake” buoys throughout Lake Martin. These markers identify shallow areas, rock hazards and navigation risks that may not be obvious to boaters – especially visitors or new property owners.

In addition to maintaining the buoy system, LMRA has also created GPS mapping of all hazard buoys, helping ensure that safety information remains accurate and accessible on its website, lmra.info.

Boating education is another major focus. LMRA

supports safety initiatives that include:

n Boater safety education videos

n “Women on Lake Martin” hands-on boating training in partnership with Russell Marine

n Vessel licensing training in partnership with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Every safe day on the water protects families and reinforces Lake Martin’s reputation as one of the Southeast’s premier recreational lakes.

Preserving the lake’s natural resources

Protecting Lake Martin goes beyond boating safety. Environmental stewardship is essential to maintaining the lake’s clarity, wildlife habitat and recreational value.

LMRA actively advocates for water quality and water quantity, two issues that directly affect both recreation and property values.

The organization also represents the Lake Martin community in important longterm decisions, including participation in the Martin Dam relicensing process, which determines how the lake will be managed for decades to come.

LMRA

BY JODIE MCGIRT

On the ground – or rather, on the water and surrounding shorelines – LMRA’s environmental initiatives include:

n Community lake and shoreline cleanups

n The Treasured Mile shoreline stewardship program

n The Adopt-an-Island initiative

n Annual fish habitat enhancement projects using recycled Christmas trees in partnership with Alabama Power

The next sanctioned cleanup is the Reuben Thornton Memorial Spring Cleanup on April 25. Breakfast and supplies will be provided at Red Hill Community Center to start the day, with the cleanup ending at Lake Martin Mini Mall, which will provide lunch with LakeScape providing live music. In addition, the annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup will be held November 6 and 7.

We are seeking volunteers to expand coordination efforts across all three counties for these cleanup initiatives around Lake Martin. Those interested are encouraged to reach out to LMRA.

These programs not only improve the lake’s ecosystem but also engage residents in taking an active

role in caring for the resource that makes Lake Martin unique.

Listening to the Lake Martin community

As Lake Martin continues to grow in popularity, LMRA is working to ensure its efforts evolve alongside the communities surrounding the lake.

This year, the organization launched a member survey as part of a broader rebranding initiative. The goal is simple: listen to the people who live, work and invest on Lake Martin and ensure LMRA focuses on the issues that matter most.

Feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders will help guide LMRA’s priorities moving forward – from boating safety and environmental stewardship to advocacy for the longterm sustainability of the lake.

The Lake Martin you love doesn’t protect itself

LMRA has served the Lake Martin community since 1970 as a member-supported nonprofit organization (501(c)(4)). Every buoy installed, cleanup organized, safety program delivered and advocacy effort undertaken is funded 100 percent by memberships and donations.

If you are building a home, remodeling, buying property or simply enjoying life on Lake Martin, supporting LMRA is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the resource that makes this community possible.

Lake Martin’s future depends on the people who care enough to protect it.

Join the effort

Become a member of the Lake Martin Resource Association and help protect the lake we all share. Your membership supports:

n Boating safety initiatives that save lives

n Environmental programs that protect water quality

n Advocacy efforts that ensure responsible water management

n Community partnerships that promote a thriving Lake Martin region

Whether you are a longtime resident, a new homeowner, a builder or a business serving the lake community, LMRA invites you to be part of protecting Lake Martin’s future. Learn more or join today at lmra.info.

Because protecting Lake Martin today ensures it will remain a place worth building, buying and enjoying for generations to come.

Jodie McGirt is president of LMRA. Visit lmra. info.

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House Built The that history

Sentimental in both structure and story, the bones of one Lake Martin home are filled with nostalgia and history

LLocated in what is now known as The Willows, the original cabin was built in the 1930s and recognized as the first Russell cabin on Lake Martin. Similar to many of the rustic lake homes of that era, the cabin was a modest two bedroom, two bathroom retreat with a large living area and a small screened-in back porch. While simple in design, it carried a sense of fond memories for those who remember Lake Martin in its earliest days.

Now owned by Alexander City resident Dianne Davis, the historic cabin is much more than just a piece of the lake’s history –it’s a piece of her own personal journey.

A Montgomery native, Davis began visiting Lake Martin as a child, often visiting her aunt’s place in Castaway.

In the early 1980s, Davis moved to Alexander City to begin practicing law. At that time, the lake was a much quieter destination and not as developed – a contrast to the shorelines seen today.

“The only development when I first got here was Willow Point,” Davis said. “Everything was different and much slower on the lake. It’s really changed a lot.”

Following a divorce after 31 years of marriage, Davis found herself in a transi-

tional period of life. In 2013, she turned to the lake for solitude and began searching for a cabin to rent – eventually finding peace in the old Russell cabin tucked away on the shoreline.

“I immediately fell in love with it,” Davis said. “It had hardwood floors and was on the side of the lake where all my friends are. It just felt like home.”

For a decade, Davis poured herself into the cabin, decorating, hosting friends and creating a space that carried her through a pivotal chapter of life.

Then, in 2018, Davis received devastating news. Russell Lands was planning to bring a new development to the area – The Willows – and notified Davis the cabin would need to be removed.

“It just broke my heart,” Davis said. “I had 10 years of all the great memories during that transitional period of my life. I just got really attached to this cabin and kept thinking, ‘How can I make this work?’ Whatever I could do, I was going to try to keep it.”

At the time, Russell Lands was offering individuals the option to purchase property in The Willows and construct new homes from preapproved plans. Determined to save

Davis incorporated original artwork into the home’s décor

Clockwise from Top Left: The redesign included an addition of two new wings to the original cabin; The kitchen features handcrafted cabinetry; The extended dock is a favorite place to catch sunsets; An elevated entryway welcomes guests.

the old cabin, Davis pleaded with Russell Lands to let her keep it, sharing her deep connection and attachment to the lake home.

“I may have cried about how much I loved the cabin,” Davis said. “It was the first thing I felt like I’d ever done truly on my own. I promised them that I would make it into a place that they wouldn’t be embarrassed about.”

After much negotiation, Russell Lands agreed to let Davis keep the cabin – with conditions. To remain in the development, the cabin would need to be significantly updated, with approvals by Russell Lands required throughout the process.

Davis turned to family for guidance. Her

brother and sister-in-laws, Mike and India Davis, connected her with designer Larry Furlong, who helped reimagine the space while preserving its character.

“We presented the draft to Russell Lands and they approved it,” Davis said. “But they stayed on me the whole time. One time I wanted to change the windows and they said, ‘No, you have to keep the integrity of the house.’ I’m so glad now, because it would have made a big difference.”

With plans in place, Davis contracted Lock Hunter to help with the creative transformation of the cabin into the three bedroom, three and a half bathroom lake home seen today.

The study has become a favorite retreat for

The first step in the process was to readjust the position of the cabin on the shoreline, requiring it to be lifted onto a semi-truck and repositioned for an improved waterfront view. The process was nerveracking, with Davis and Hunter not knowing if the 90-year-old cabin could withstand such a tedious task.

“Lock told me, ‘Either this falls in or it will last. We’re about to find out,’” Davis said.

The structure held, setting the foundation for the reimagined home to be completed in March 2024.

Inside, the original living room was transformed with vaulted ceilings, a gas-burning fireplace and an open, airy layout that draws in natural light.

One of the biggest improvements was the addition of two wings to the original structure of the cabin, creating additional bedrooms, a study and a spacious entryway.

“I really wanted a proper entrance hall,” Davis said. “The old place had a side entrance, so I wanted to keep it how it was originally.”

Just off the entry, a cozy study serves as a retreat for Davis’ husband, Bill Blount.

An avid reader, the shelves are lined with Blount’s books and personal mementos, quickly becoming one of the most used rooms in the home.

“Blount wanted the study,” Davis said. “He’s a reader, and every week he is bringing home new books. I debated adding the study but I am glad we did. We use it all the time and just sit here and drink our coffee and watch the news. It’s just cozy.”

Beyond the main living space is the west wing addition of the home, where the original cabin primary bedroom was reimagined into a laundry room, private bar, two guest suites and a primary bedroom, complete with a fireplace and sweeping views of Lake Martin.

While much of the house reflects a modern upgrade, the two guest suites preserve the timeless, rustic charm of the original cabin – an intentional design choice for Davis.

Exposed wooden beams, salvaged from the attic during renovations, now stretch across the ceilings, adding warmth to the space.

“I wanted to try and keep the feeling of the cabin as much as I could,” Davis said.

Throughout the home, custom hardwood flooring in a rich, dark stain gives a subtle tiger’s eye effect, complementing the natural textures of the space. Cabinetry and detailed woodwork by Curtis Wellborn further enhance the craftsmanship of the lake house.

Davis also recruited help from longtime friend LuAn Long Eddings for the décor. From bedroom furniture to artwork framing the walls, Eddings played an essential role in making the cabin feel like a home.

“I didn’t have a decorator, LuAn was my consultant on everything,” Davis said. “She would make decisions with Lock if I was away, such as in court. She

The Russell cabin was lifted onto a semi-truck and carefully relocated to make the most of its waterfront views.

really did such a great job.”

Today, surrounded by towering pine trees and the quiet waves of the lake, Davis and Blount find their favorite spot at the cabin on the newly extended back porch, watching the sunset slip beneath the horizon.

“It just feels like home,” Davis said. “And I am so grateful for Russell Lands. I don’t know anyone else who got to keep their cabin.”

“It’s the only Russell cabin at Russell Cabins at Willow Point,” Blount added with a laugh.

Nearly a century after it was first built, the little cabin still stands – not just as a piece of Lake Martin history, but as a reminder of Davis’ personal journey that was worth fighting for.

At the Water's Edge

A guide to modern dock design

STORY BY SAM VISE PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKESCAPE & SUNRISE DOCKS

BBuilding a home on the shores of Lake Martin is often the culmination of a lifelong dream – a process usually centered on floor plans, kitchen aesthetics and the perfect placement of windows to frame stunning views of the water.

Yet, according to Sunrise Docks and David and Jodie McGirt, the owners of LakeScape, the most vital room of a lake house isn’t actually inside the home at all. It sits 50

feet past the shoreline, anchored into the lakebed and stretching out toward the horizon.

For the modern lake homeowner, the dock has evolved from a simple wooden platform used to tie up a boat into a complex, multi-functional outdoor living room that serves as the true heart of the property. The McGirts, who have spent a decade navigating the construction industry of Lake Martin, suggest that while the house is where one sleeps and

showers, the dock is where the memories are made.

“What a lot of people find when they get a lake house is that they spend a lot of time and energy on the actual house, and ironically, they end up spending all their time on the dock,” David said.

This sentiment is echoed by the team at Sunrise Docks, where the consensus is that a dock is only as good as the family’s understanding of their own needs.

“The first step is learning about the family and what their use is going to primarily be, because every family uses the dock differently,” said Jim Bain with Sunrise Docks. “You’ve got young teens with sunbathing needs, and you’ve got older adults where all they want to do is have a safe place to go out and sit in the shade.”

This is the foundation of any successful project, and the McGirts emphasized that home-

owners must establish a vision early.

“That’s probably the most important starting point: how do you envision your weekend at the lake?” David said.

Once that vision is established, the conversation shifts to the structural and material choices that ensure the dock lasts for generations. On Lake Martin, where the water is becoming increasingly busy with watercrafts, the technical demands on a dock are higher than ever.

Traditionally, many lake homeowners relied on floating docks to accommodate seasonal water fluctuations, but that trend is rapidly shifting toward stationary struc tures.

“Floating docks were great 20 years ago when all the boat traffic and wakeboard boats didn’t exist,” David said. “Now, it’s like an amusement park ride if you actually wanted to step foot on those things, because you’re just jumping up and down.”

The team at Sunrise Docks agreed, noting that while floating docks are still useful in certain water condi tions or deep embayments, they see fewer of them in high-traffic areas.

“You’ll have all the TVs, a bar, firepits and chairs upstairs. It’s an enjoyable experience. Instead of sitting in someone’s house, you’re out on the water having a beautiful view.”

Beyond the layout, the industry is moving toward what Sunrise Docks call the “Forever Dock.” While composite decking – materials like Trex or WearDeck – has been popular for years, the newest frontier is the composite frame.

Unlike traditional pressure-

Instead, the pinnacle of modern design is the double-decker dock. A rising trend at Lake Martin, this design mirrors the footprint of the lower level and homeowners can effectively double their square footage without violating Alabama Power restrictions.

“The second story – the upper decks, the double deckers – are the premier experience here on Lake Martin,” David said.

treated lumber, structural composite is an engineered material typically made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and highdensity thermoplastics. Because it is nonporous, composite does not absorb water, meaning it won’t warp, rot or host the fungi that eventually destroy wooden joists.

This is a smarter move for the lake environment because it eliminates the ticking clock of a dock’s lifespan. While a

homeowner might put beautiful composite boards on top, a traditional wood frame underneath is still susceptible to the humid, wet conditions of the shoreline, often rotting out while the surface still looks brand new.

By using a structural composite frame, the entire structure of the dock becomes impenetrable to the elements, providing a

consistent strength that doesn’t weaken over time.

“We’re pushing composite frame docks now,” said Bill Baggett, general manager of Sunrise Docks. “Instead of your traditional wood frame, the whole dock is framed with composite.”

Hunter Harris, owner of Sunrise Docks, said that while a traditional wood frame will eventually rot, a structural composite frame offers a very strong warranty.

“You build it one time and you never have to worry about it again,” he said. “The composite decking 15 years ago was something that you had to really sell customers on. The next trend will be educating customers on the benefit of going with the composite frame.”

Even for those sticking with wood, small details like joist tape are being used more frequently to protect the underlying structure from the elements.

Additionally, new CoolDeck technology is solving the age-old complaint that dock boards get too hot for bare feet.

“There are boards now with CoolDeck technology that reflect

heat,” Harris said. “You’re not going to burn your feet stepping on the composite deck.”

Of course, no matter how grand the vision, every project on Lake Martin must adhere to the laws. Because the lake is a hydroelectric project, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission delegates authority to Alabama Power’s Shoreline Management Division.

“FERC has the overarching authority, and they have delegated that to Alabama Power Company Shoreline Management to maintain control of the land and the water,” Jodie said.

This means strict limits on square footage – currently capped at 1,510 square feet for most – and specific rules for different neighborhoods. For example, in Russell Lands developments, covered docks are prohibited. In these areas, homeowners often turn to automatic covers like the SwiftShield to protect their boats.

The McGirts warned against starting any dock project without permits from the proper authorities.

“We know of people who have not gotten the right permitting

and then had to remove structures that they put up because they didn’t meet the guidelines,” Jodie said. “You definitely want the approval of Alabama Power Company Shoreline Management before starting anything.”

The most critical, yet often overlooked, part of the process is the foundation.

“If you think about building a dock, the most important thing is the foundation,” Bain said. “Your pole driving capabilities are critical. If you were to build a house and not put footings on it, it’d be a concern. We have gone in before where someone built a dock, and when the owner put his boat on the lift, the boat house sank.”

Professional dock builders use heavy barges and specialized equipment to drive 40- to 50-foot poles to refusal, ensuring the structure can handle the weight of modern boats, which the Sunrise team notes are “on steroids” lately – getting longer, wider and heavier. This is why many experts recommend overinvesting in lift capacity from

the start.

“You’ll end up put ting a lift in, and your lift is too small,” Harris said. “It’s a lot more money to swap out the lift later.”

Ultimately, designing the perfect dock is about planning for the future, and the earlier a homeowner starts the conversation, the better. As the experts suggest, the goal is to build with a one-and-done approach.

By choosing the right materials, securing the proper permits and building on a solid foundation, homeowners can ensure that when they finally arrive at the lake on a Friday evening, their time is spent enjoying the sunset from their upper deck rather than worrying about the maintenance of the wood beneath their feet.

Waterfront & Water-Access

Homes Starting in the mid-$400,000s

The Trails is the newest waterfront enclave in The Village at Lake Martin. With HOA-managed perks like lawn care and on-site trash disposal, residents can spend their time enjoying the other amenities like swimming pools, nature trails, a fitness center and community boat ramp. Boating access—comes with an optional slip purchase.

Eastern Eyed Click Beetle

These beetles are named for the clicking sound they make

AA little beetle with big characteristics – that’s the eastern eyed click beetle.

This black-and-white beetle has big, black, white-rimmed eyespots on its back, or if you want to get technical about it, his pronotum, which is a shield-like section of the thorax directly behind an insect’s head. They’re not real eyes. Instead, they’re just markings to make him look bigger from above and – hopefully – scare away potential predators.

The eastern eyed click beetle maxes out at 1 to 1.5 inches long. It’s slender and covered with tiny black, white and gray scales. In its larval form, these beetles are known as wireworms, which are yellowish-brown segmented worms with a flattened body and sharp jaws.

Eyed click beetles are found around hardwoods, especially in rotting oak or fruit tree logs. When these beetles mate, the females lay eggs in soil or rotting wood, and the baby wireworms hatch in the spring. For their size, wireworms are fearsome predators that can capture and consume more than 200 wood-boring beetles or fly larvae in a lifetime. They spend two to five years as a wireworm before they pupate, but only live a few weeks as adults in their eyed click beetle form.

As click beetles, they are most active at night, and sometimes large groups are attracted

to house lights. They won’t harm people or pets, so don’t worry if you have a bunch of eastern eyed click beetles hanging out around your door light.

Probably the most notable characteristic of the eastern eyed click beetle is the behavior that it’s named for: “clicking.” This beetle has a noisy, surprisingly strong hinged joint between its head and thorax. If the beetle gets turned over on its back, it will violently snap its hinged body, launching itself up to 6 inches into the air. That’s four times its length – equivalent to a 6-foot-tall man high jumping 24 feet.

Another gutsy characteristic of these little beetles is its tendency to play dead when threatened. If you pick up a beetle, it will likely tuck its legs in close to its body and just lay belly-up without moving. This is because many predators don’t like eating dead prey.

If you keep harassing it, this beetle will probably snap its body and try to propel itself away from the threat and turn itself over. Or it may snap first, then play dead. In any case, it’s big “eyes,” its ability to make a loud, startling click and catapult itself high into the air and its ability convincingly appear dead are all tactics it uses to keep from becoming a meal.

Speaking of eating, eastern eyed click beetles only eat nectar and plant juices, and not much of that during their short adult lifespan.

The scientific name for the eastern eyed click beetle is Alaus oculatus. Other common names for this insect are eyed elater, bigeyed elater and eyed click beetle.

Its native range is across Central and North America.

Because they eat other beetles during most of their lifespan as larvae, these insects can help control wood-eating insects; however, sometimes wireworms may damage plant roots. But by and large, they don’t really affect people.

But if you see one when kids are around, it’s worth your time to bring them around and gently poke it to watch this beetle play dead … or loudly click and spring up into the air!

Information for this article came from the Animal Diversity Web, MinnesotaSeasons.com, the LSU Ag Center, and the UGA Cooperative Extension.

Eastern eyed click beetles can be identified by the large, white-rimmed eyespots on its pronotum

Nourishing a

SSpring brings a feeling of reawakening with the desire to lighten things up. We tidy up our homes and organize our routines, and we plant seeds to watch them grow. In this season of new possibilities, let’s be intentional when it comes to monitoring our stress. Smart nutrition choices can calm your mind, boost resilience and support a healthier life.

In today’s fast-moving world, stress has become an unavoidable part of daily life. Financial pressures, work deadlines, family responsibilities and constant digital connectivity can leave many people feeling overwhelmed. While occasional stress is normal, chronic stress can gradually affect both mental and physical health.

HEALTHY LIVING

BY JULIE HUDSON

Each April, National Stress Awareness Month highlights the importance of recognizing stress and finding effective ways to manage it. Among the many strategies recommended by health professionals, one of the most powerful but often overlooked is nutrition. The foods we eat don’t just fuel our bodies; they also influence our mood, energy levels and the way we respond to stress.

Our body has a complex stress response. When a person encounters a stressful situation, the body triggers a natural reaction known as the fight-orflight response. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, increasing heart rate and sharpening our focus or attention so the body can respond quickly. While this response can be useful in emergencies, constant activation can strain the body over time. Chronic stress has been associated with fatigue, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and a higher risk of illness such as heart disease and depression.

This is where nutrition plays an essential role in supporting the body during stressful periods. Food provides the nutrients our body needs to regulate hormones and maintain steady energy levels. Consistently eating balanced meals gives the body the tools to handle stress more effectively.

Stress will often influence our eating behaviors. Some people lose their appetite and skip meals when overwhelmed, while others reach for sugary or highly processed comfort foods. These foods may provide a temporary mood boost; however, they often lead to rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar that can worsen fatigue and irritability. This can cause increased feelings of anxiety. Highly processed foods can also cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which may leave you feeling more anxious or drained. Choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods will help stabilize energy and mood.

There are specific nutrients that are important for maintaining emotional balance and supporting the nervous system.

Magnesium is often called the relaxation mineral. It helps regulate the stress response and supports muscle relaxation. Good sources include spinach, avocado, black beans, dark chocolate, quinoa, almonds, pumpkin seeds and whole grains.

Omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and may help reduce inflammation associated with chronic stress. Fatty fish like salmon, along with walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds, are good sources.

Calmer Mind

B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism and the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive function. Whole grains, eggs, legumes and leafy greens supply important B vitamins that support the nervous system.

Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and may help lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli are rich dietary sources. Looking beyond specific nutrients to the broader picture, in addition to choosing nutrient-rich foods, consistent eating habits can influence how well the body handles stress and an overall sense of well-being.

Eat regularly

Skipping meals can cause blood sugar levels to drop, leading to irritability and fatigue. Balanced meals eaten at consistent times help maintain steady energy.

Stay hydrated

Even mild dehydration can affect mood and concentration. Drinking enough water throughout the day sup-

ports both mental and physical performance.

Limit caffeine and sugar

While caffeine and sugary snacks may provide a quick energy boost, they also increase anxiety and lead to energy crashes.

Practice mindful eating

Taking the time to enjoy meals without distractions can improve digestion and encourage a calmer relationship with food.

There are some foods that naturally promote calm. Some foods may naturally support relaxation and emotional well-being. Whole grains help the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and calm. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir and kimchi support gut health, which research shows is correlated with mood and mental health. Small indulgences can play a key role. Dark chocolate, in moderation, contains antioxidants that may help improve mood.

Healthy meals do not have to be complicated. A simple meal that includes vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats can go a long way to help stabilize energy and support the body through a stressful day.

Nutrition is a key component in managing stress; however, it works best when combined with other healthy lifestyle habits. Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and relaxation practices such as meditation and breathing can further strengthen emotional resilience. Spending time outdoors, connecting with supportive friends and family and engaging in enjoyable hobbies will also help lower stress levels.

Managing stress does not demand dramatic changes overnight. Small, simple adjustments such as adding an extra serving of vegetables, drinking more water or reducing processed foods can gradually improve energy, mood and overall health. Viewing nutrition as an essential part of stress management, you can take meaningful steps toward better well-being. As National Stress Awareness Month reminds us, the path to a calmer, healthier life may begin with something as simple as what is on your plate.

Julie Hudson is a dietician at Lake Martin Wellness Center in Dadeville.

Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients

2 pounds cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well), shredded

1 pack yellow corn tortillas

2 egg yolks mixed with 2 teaspoons cornstarch (making a paste)

2 yellow onions, sliced

6 to 10 cloves of garlic, chopped

2 guajillo peppers, seeded and torn into large pieces

1 ancho pepper, seeded and torn into large pieces

1 gallon chicken stock or bouillon

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 can diced tomatoes

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

RED CHILI SAUCE

Place the torn peppers in a skillet and toast over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside. Place the onions and garlic in a warm pot with 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook until translucent around the edges of the onions. Add the toasted peppers to the onion and garlic and pour the chicken stock in. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes and cumin, and cook for 45 minutes over medium heat. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain to catch any pulp and seeds that did not get blended.

TAQUITOS

Take the shredded chicken and toss with some red chili sauce. Let it sit for 15 minutes to make sure the chicken is moist. Place a damp towel down with 4 to 6 tortillas. Wrap and microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. The goal is to slightly steam the tortillas to make them rollable. Work in small batches; the shell will dry out quickly. Take the egg yolk and cornstarch mixture and rub a little on one end of the tortilla. Place a small amount of chicken on the opposite side and roll toward the egg. Make sure to seal the edge well and place it on a sheet with the seam side down. Warm the frying oil to 350 degrees and fry until golden brown.

AVOCADO CRÈME

Ingredients

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon white pepper

2 teaspoons salt

1 avocado

Directions

Blend all together and pour over the taquitos along with more red chili sauce.

CHEF'S TABLE

BY PETE MCKENNY

Pete McKenny, General Manager and Executive Chef at SpringHouse Restaurant, trained at four-star restaurants and Forbes four-star resorts in Ohio, Washington, Arizona and Vermont before returning to Russell Lands on Lake Martin, where he began his career as chef de cuisine at Willow Point Golf & Country Club.

Open 7 Days a Week 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM April 25th • 10 am - 5 pm

W Beat the Bank Now

Whether you’re targeting largemouth or spotted bass, there’s probably not a better time of year to beat the bank on Lake Martin than now. By April, surface water temperatures are generally near 70-75 degrees. This is a comfortable temperature for the bass in the shallows, and the threat of hard cold fronts that could cause temperatures to plummet is mostly gone.

There’s still a chance of some heavy fronts passing. We’ve seen some volatile weather in the past during April, but it’s more in the form of rain and wind with only mild fluctuations in temperature. Over time, the fish have adapted to this mid-spring pattern and seem to know that, for the most part, they are safe in the shallows whether they are still defending nests, actively spawning or feeding up to recover in the post-spawn phase.

the best action. Buzzbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, flukes and walking topwaters can all work for that early morning flurry. Keep color selections in natural shad patterns. If the water is mostly clear, as it often is by now, then use more translucent shad colors. If the water happens to be stained too muddy from a recent rain, baits in solid white will be hard to beat.

The bass feed heavily in the mornings this time of year. The only downside is that it can leave a lull in the bite at midmorning. Once the sun gets high, con-

For an angler, this presents a great opportunity to catch active fish around shallow targets, and many other fish will be cruising along the bank between stops around pieces of cover.

BIG CATCHES

BY GREG VINSON

Along with stabilizing water temperatures, there are many other reasons for the bass to be shallow. Threadfin shad and the few remaining blueback herring will be spawning early in the morning around cover like docks, rock walls and points. The early morning bite on baits that mimic shad can be fast and furious in that first hour or so after daybreak. As the early morning activity subsides, the bass often shift their focus to defending nests, active spawning and even stalking bream that are setting up to begin their spawn. This is one of the few times of year when the forage the bass are looking for is mostly in that zone of 10 feet or less. A few fish that spawned early may have moved deeper to recover, but the best feeding activity takes place within a cast’s length of the bank.

In an age of sonar, it’s an opportunity to get back to the basics of fishing, moving down the bank looking for anything and everything that a bass might use as an ambush point or even potentially still be spawning around. Rocks, logs, stumps, brush, flooded water willow and docks are all in play.

Knowing that the fish should be fairly active in the morning means we want to fish more aggressively. Use baits that cover water and mimic shad early for

sider slowing the presentation down and shifting to more subtle presentations that can trigger those fish to take another bite even though they’re full. Weightless stick worms like a Senko or trick worm can do the trick. Shift color selections to either green pumpkin, watermelon red or black. These same slow presentations can also trick spawning bass to take the bait if it crosses close to a nest.

Cast the bait past the target you most likely suspect a bass to be hanging around. Work the bait slowly with light twitches to get the attention of the bass. As it approaches their temporary home, they often swim up and take it. If you’re fortunate enough to see the bass bite, give it a couple of extra seconds to fully take the bait. Remember, they might not be as hungry as they were early in the morning, so the bite can be as much of a defensive or reaction bite as anything. In other words, they’re not working as hard to eat it. But with

a weightless presentation, they’re more likely to go ahead and fully take the bait if given a couple of extra seconds.

Baitcasting gear can work and is an advantage if a big fish bites, although spinning tackle makes casting and presentation with light baits much easier. And with the right setup, like a medium-heavy spinning rod and a 12- to 15-pound leader, it’s more than enough to move even a 5-pound-plus bass away from any cover it was hanging around.

If you enjoy fishing shallow on Lake Martin like I do, this is the time. There’s almost no wrong section of the lake to be in to catch both largemouth and spotted bass before they start moving deep again in May.

Greg Vinson is a full-time professional angler on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. He lives in Wetumpka and grew up fishing on Lake Martin.

Uncorking Curiosity

RRegular readers may recall that I ended the January article with the assertion that “few experiences can match the finesse of discovering and sharing an excellent wine.” What followed was a promise to do what this column has attempted to do for more than 20 years: to discover the essence of fine wine and make it more approachable, less intimidating and more enjoyable.

Wine is not for everyone, and if that is not an understatement, it is certainly understandable. The industry has only recently made any attempt to demystify or popularize the image of wine that has evolved over centuries. The classifications, rules and terminology can be a bit much. But take all that away and, surprise, surprise, it’s just fermented grape juice, which you can, if you like, serve in a Mason jar or Solo cup. I imagine that many of us, at some point of desperation, may have done worse. What is it about fermented grape juice that makes it so alluring?

When this journey began in the late spring of 2004, wine was relatively new to the local market; however, there was a budding thirst for knowledge, pun unintended but fitting. Our first wine tasting was a sit-down affair with 21 people who wanted to know more about what was what, what was available and what they might enjoy sharing with others. At a subsequent event, one of our most knowledgeable distributor representatives held the rapt attention of a similar group who encircled him as he presented a short lesson on the wines and regions of Spain. Some months later, the founder and winemaker of Vision Cellars, Mac MacDonald, in his trademark overalls and straw hat, enlightened, entertained and enthralled a Friday afternoon gathering with his experience creating and marketing his award-winning California Pinot Noirs.

we had to ask how they are similar and how they taste, which is the ultimate question. To avoid overwhelming the palate, the “standard” sequence for most wine tastings is to progress from the lighter wines to the heavier. Generally, that would be white before red, dry before sweet and young before old. Age was not a significant factor for this tasting, and with one exception, they were all red wines.

We started the evening with two California Pinots from opposite ends of the Russian River Valley. The vineyards of Bravium and La Crema are about 100 miles apart in the cooler climate north of San Francisco. Farther north, the mountains and valleys of the Willamette Valley region of Oregon are home to some of the world’s finest Pinots. We chose two more based on our target price of about $30: Rex Hill and Benton-Lane. All similar, but with nuances of flavor born in the location, use of oak, particular strain or clone of Pinot Noir grape and other factors that combine to make them noticeably different.

Then came the twist. You can’t do a class on Pinot Noir without knowing where it comes from. That would be Burgundy, and our next wine was the Damien Martin Bourgogne. The French and old world wines tend to be more dry than domestic or new world wines, so, yeah, we smashed the order to fit the story. The last wine really shattered the sequence: Sokol Blosser Rosé, another Willamette Valley 100 percent Pinot Noir. Normally a tasting would start with the rosé, but in the last position, the flavors would have been revealed in the first five wines.

The takeaway: people who enjoy wine often enjoy learning as much as drinking. It bears repeating: tasting and comparing different wines, either formally or casually, increases our understanding and broadens our awareness. We discover what and why we like this or don’t care for that.

This past January, we held our second-ever sit-down tasting. The focus on Pinot Noir answered my own question regarding a lineup of six similarly priced wines. I wanted to know what the difference was between this one or that one, and I wanted to share the observations with others. The sit-down format allows us to evaluate the wines in a more structured atmosphere, where some of the details and complexities can be brought into a perspective that makes the experience more, dare I say, palatable.

The original plan for that tasting was to compare a selection of wines that occupied shelf space next to each other, all at the same price, all the same varietal, Pinot Noir. To answer the question of how they are different,

Our March sit-down tasting followed the same format, focusing on the Chardonnay variety of grape. The different styles of Chardonnay are even greater than Pinot Noir. For this one, we explored the similar flavors and dramatic characteristics resulting from the application, or lack thereof, of oak aging. The unoaked selections included Mer Soleil and Christophe-Patrice Chablis, followed by three wines with varying amounts of oak aging. Stoller is a very lightly oaked Willamette wine, Bravium uses both French and Hungarian oak and La Crema Russian River is aged for nine months in 100 percent French oak barrels. The twist here was the final wine to be tasted: Argyle Blanc de Blanc, a 100 percent Chardonnay sparkling wine from the Willamette Valley. Again, to end with the sparkling wine is questionable but the experience and comparisons of the wines superseded protocol.

In the coming months, we will continue this journey with curated wines that allow us to truly understand what it is we are tasting and what influences our perceptions and appreciation. The list includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne, Italian, Spanish and a special session for those who consider themselves beginners. Who knew wine could be so much fun?

Interested in learning about wine? Henry Foy is the owner of Emporium Wine, Spirits and Cigars in downtown Alexander City. Join our mailing list at emporiumwine128@gmail.com, call 256-212-9463 or follow us on Facebook.

From Dinks to Drives

WWith the season going strong for builders and buyers, we are excited to see our racquet sports community building momentum for the spring season. The beautiful spring weather has been drawing some big crowds out to the courts. Going into the spring and summer season, we are hoping to see new players on the courts who may be deciding between starting a new hobby in pickleball or tennis.

Pickleball and tennis might look like cousins at a family reunion, but when it comes to learning them, they each teach your body and mind very different skills. After playing and teaching both, I believe that’s part of the fun.

Let’s start with the obvious: pickleball is easier to pick up. That is not a knock on it; it’s actually one of its biggest strengths. The court is smaller, the paddle is lighter and the ball moves slower. All of that combines into a game where beginners can rally pretty quickly. Within an hour, you might already be feeling like you “get it.”

BY JOE BOBBA

Tennis, on the other hand, doesn’t hand out confidence quite so fast. The court is bigger, the racquet has strings that add complexity and the ball can bounce and fly in ways that feel borderline disrespectful when you’re new. Early on, tennis is a lot about learning how not to miss. That might sound simple, but it is actually a serious skill.

One of the biggest differences in building skills between the two sports is timing. In pickleball, timing is forgiving. Because the ball moves slower and doesn’t bounce as aggressively, you have more time to react. You can be a little late or a little early and still make decent contact. That gives beginners room to experiment and adjust on the fly.

In tennis, timing is everything and it’s much less forgiving. The ball comes faster, the swing is longer and even a small mistake in timing can send the ball flying. Learning tennis often feels like trying to sync up with a moving target that refuses to cooperate. But once it clicks, it is incredibly satisfying.

Footwork is another area where the two sports diverge in interesting ways. Pickleball footwork is more about

quick, small adjustments. Because the court is compact, you are rarely sprinting long distances. Instead, you are shuffling, stepping in and reacting quickly at the net. It’s a lot like a dance where you’re always just a step or two away from where you need to be. Tennis footwork is a full-body workout. Doubles play is much more forgiving on the body than singles. You are covering much more ground, which means you need speed, endurance and the ability to recover quickly after each shot. Learning tennis footwork can feel like learning a new language for your legs.

Then there’s the swing itself. Pickleball swings are compact and efficient. You’re not taking huge backswings or trying to generate massive power. Instead, you’re focusing on control, placement and consistency. It is less about crushing the ball and more about outsmarting your opponent. This makes it easier for beginners to develop solid technique without feeling overwhelmed.

Tennis swings are a whole different story. They’re longer, more complex and require coordination between your arms, torso and legs. Generating power in tennis isn’t just about swinging harder – it’s about using your entire body

shots, such as dinks, that require touch and finesse. In tennis, the net is more of an opportunity to finish points aggressively. Volleys are quicker and often more punishing. While touch is still important, there’s generally more emphasis on putting the ball away rather than engaging in long, delicate exchanges.

Another big difference is how quickly you see progress. Pickleball gives you early wins. You can rally, score points and have fun games pretty quickly. This fast feedback loop is incredibly motivating and keeps people coming back. It feels social and, a lot of times, immediately rewarding. Tennis is overall more of a slow burn. Progress can feel gradual and sometimes even frustrating. But that also means the ceiling for improvement is incredibly high. There’s always something to improve, whether it’s your serve, your backhand or your footwork. For people who love a challenge, that is part of the appeal. Tennis builds deeper technical skills, physical endurance and precision over time. It demands more upfront, but it also offers a longterm sense of mastery that can be incredibly rewarding.

In the end, they’re less like competitors and more like different paths to becoming a better player. Pickleball teaches you how to play smart and stay sharp. Tennis teaches you how to move, grind and refine your technique. And if you’re lucky enough to get into both, you’ll probably find they make each other even more enjoyable.

Joseph “Joe” Bobba joins Willow Point with a strong background in tennis and a deep passion for the sport.

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Parting Shot

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