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Smith Lake Alabama | Lewis Smith Lake Alabama

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2/20/2023 0 Comments

Boating Etiquette on Smith Lake

The dawn of a new lake season arrives with an official kick-off around spring break each year. The fact that many schools start spring vacations annually at the end of March means the lake gets busy well before summer.  Those of us who live on Smith Lake full time have the good fortune to be able to enjoy a very calm and serene lake during the many months off-season, but the inevitable long on-season period often lasts from late March well into October, sometimes later depending on weather in a given year.  There are years when our family can remember waterskiing, kayaking or paddleboarding into early December, but it's not every year that happens.  

Early spring is a good time for all of us to reflect on how we’ll react to the rush of more people, boats and activity overall.  The words we cherish most are TOLERANCE and RESPECT.  Every single one of us has a different way that we experience lake life.  But that is not to say that we cannot appreciate the ways that others enjoy their lake experience in their short summer season of primarily late May through early August.  Everyone is doing their own thing, in their own way, and it’s all good.  We like to think that collectively, we simply make a silent pact as a community to stay drama free and tolerant of one another.  Having respect for others is the key to making sure we can keep that pact intact.
 
It’s simple, and listed below are just a few ways to exhibit respect showing basic good boating etiquette, and therefore earning tolerance from others as we all enjoy lake days in our individual ways.

​Don’t be “that guy” - get your good boating etiquette hat ON well ahead of season!
PicturePhoto from ALEA Marine Patrol Division page on X
  • Obey boating laws at all times always. Look them up online before the season starts and check out our Boat Safety Tips.  Most importantly, check out the boating rules & regulations at this link for Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Marine Division:  alea.gov
  • Practice ramp readiness and respect. Launching or retrieving a boat at a ramp? Do it fast and efficiently. Always load-up and prepare the boat in the parking lot in a “make ready” spot off the ramp area.  Please do not load and prepare a boat at the ramp delaying others. When launched, pull the boat to a designated dock area to pick up passengers and gear. After pulling the boat out, don’t drain it, clean it, or otherwise waste time on the ramp.  To do those things, get away to a spot away from others who are in a hurry to get on their way. Everyone wants to be either on the water or off the water fast, just like you. Think in advance about how you can cut down your ramp time altogether. Delegate responsibilities to your crew and practice them before you get to the ramp.

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  • ​Do not be afraid to ask another boater for help on the ramp for any reason, especially if you need help backing in your boat or loading one in.  It's better to ask than to have everyone in line waiting anxiously not knowing what your problem is.  You’ll find other boaters to be very thoughtful and helpful when simply asked.  Don’t wait for them to ask you if you need help, you might already have waited too long at that point, and folks are just ready to have a slow boater out of the way.  Don’t get offended when a boater asks to assist.  They are just trying to help you learn, and help you in and out of the ramp area so that everything runs smoothly for all.
  • Practice courtesy at the fuel pump. Get fueled, pay the bill and move out of the way. Leaving a boat at the fuel dock as a parking spot is a big no-no anywhere.  If you need to get snacks, ice, a map, fishing tackle, or just want to "shoot the breeze" with others, please relocate your boat to a temporary dock and tie up. Again, fueling is a necessary part of the boating experience and everyone else’s as well, but be considerate of other boaters who would rather be out on the water than waiting on someone who hasn't thought these things through. 
  • Lend a hand. This is one of the unwritten laws that can say more about you as a boater than almost anything else. If you see someone in trouble on the water or on the shore, lend a helping hand immediately.  If you do not, you are creating what we boaters all know as “boating karma" - meaning it will come back to haunt you.  
  • PRO TIP:  Get an annual membership with your local towing company - TowBoatUS Smith Lake's Captain Terry Russeau can help you get your annual membership secured so you can boat worry free and with full confidence that you've got help if needed.   CALL 256-385-1966!

  • Please be careful that you don't find yourself in legal trouble by posting a photo of someone or their family or property onto social media, without their permission, and creating a false narrative about a situation, their vessel or the people involved, especially if there are children involved.  How would you like that done to you or your children?  Those type of photos might consist of people having trouble on their boat, being towed, undergoing a marine officer stop, going about their day leisurely on their dock, while they are boating or participating in routine lake activities like sunbathing, fishing or watersports.  Don't be UN-COOL - just mind your own business before you get labeled as a nosy neighbor, tattletale or drama diva on local social media pages.  We certainly don't allow that on our private Smith Lake Community Facebook group.  It's a group built to support everyone in every way they like to enjoy the lake, and to encourage a community environment welcoming to others.
  • Keep your boat, the lake, and marina area tidy.  NO LITTERING in Lewis Smith Lake. Marinas have enough hazards without having to step over draining coolers, wet towels, shoes, watersports gear, sloppy dock lines, and random trash from a boat. At marina docks, leave the dock area in such a way that no one will ever know you were there, and your slot is ready for the next boater to dock. Furthermore, guests on your boat shouldn’t have to complete an obstacle course to get from one end to the other–bags, shoes, gear and other items need to be stowed properly.  This can also be very helpful for safety when an issue arises and you need to get to something or someone quickly.  Orderliness is your friend in boating. Keep a trash receptacle on your boat at all times, and deposit that trash in the proper receptacles around the lake at the marinas or other designated areas.  Worst case, double bag it and take it away from the lake area to dispose of in a proper receptacle.
  • Stay a legal distance from docks if your boat is creating a wake.  This applies to all boats, ANY boat going slow and not trimmed correctly will be pulling a wake, so be sure that you are not close to docks, shorelines and bouy-marked areas when creating a wake.  This is important to keep you from being liable for damage to the property of others, and for the safety of all.  If using an enhanced wake purposefully, be mindful of staying in the middle area of the large open channels.  The 2023 Alabama Bill HB422/S272 (read entire bill here:  HB422) on wake proximity basically states that wake boats (boats that are creating an enhanced wake for specific watersports activities - i.e. wakesurfing and wakeboarding) must operate at least 200ft from shorelines/docks/structures, and ALL boats must operate at least 100ft away from same when making a wake.  Any closer and a marine vessel must be in idle only.  Always try to seek out wider areas where there is less traffic and docks when you plan to be doing water activities on enhanced wakes.  However, always make the best possible boating decisions putting human life above all else.
  • ​Smith Lake is very narrow in most areas, even along the large channels of Ryan Creek, Rock Creek and Sipsey.  Treat it like a road when navigating and stay to the right side of center of the lake on average, and especially when passing oncoming traffic, it’s just the way we do things here on Smith.  The narrow lake can be traversed much in the way you would operate your vehicle on a highway.  Other boating laws are available at www.alea.gov/dps/marine-patrol/boating-rules-and-regulation.
  • PWCs – these vessels are small, fast and maneuverable, much more than any regular boat.  Therefore, operate them much as if you are on a motorcycle on a major highway, and along with staying to the right of center on all channels, also yield to larger vessels at all times.  As tempting as it is to jump a boat’s wake, refrain from doing so too closely, and especially when a skier is in tow.  If that skier falls, you could risk running over the individual causing serious bodily harm to both the skier and yourself.  Again, read the boating laws in the link above.
  • DO NOT EVER AT ANY TIME follow another boat closely in its wake.  These days, in general, there are many young small children wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and skiing, etc., and due to a large wake blocking their height, you may not even realize there is a skier in tow until it is dangerously too late.  And, even mature experienced skiers can ski low while doing tricks, or fall while in tow and risk having you run over them by not seeing them in the water in time.  There are stiff fines for disobedience.  If there is a person on board the boat in front of you that you can see waving arms and pointing for you to get out of the wake, you are already too close, DO NOT FOLLOW TOO CLOSELY, EVER.  Just make it a hard rule in your mind as captain and among your crew.
  • DO NOT pull a tuber in wild patterns in lake areas that are narrow and hard to negotiate under the best conditions.  This stirs up the water causing excessive wake and disrupting the regular safe driving pattern for other boaters.  Like wakesurfing and wakeboarding, please try to gravitate to larger open bodies of water, and stay to the middle of the channels.  PLEASE keep your eyes on your driving and don’t get distracted by the tubers behind you causing you to look back at them to long and to not look forward enough.  There should be a rearview mirror on your boat, if not, it's a good investment, so use it!  Leave the rear view watching for the observer in your boat who will likely be videotaping the action for your enjoyment later.  You need to focus on driving and keeping your passengers and those being towed safe at all times.
  • Remember, Smith Lake is not only a recreational reservoir, but also a highly popular fishery. Fishermen who visit here are die-hard lakers no matter the season or the weather.  Therefore, be kind to the fishermen as they are parked fishing, and try to veer away from them to alleviate a large wake unexpectedly throwing them towards the shoreline or off the course they are setting with a trolling motor.  Smith Lake loves our fishermen, and we want to show them proper respect and give them a wide berth so they return often to contribute to the community.  Remember that most fishermen are not “racing” around the lake for no reason.  Often they are either practicing for a tournament or in a tournament where there are time restraints that they must operate under.  Many locals just simply offer fishermen the right of way all the time as a kind gesture, but at the very least, just be thoughtful. Fishermen bring a lot of tourism and commerce to our area.  Let’s let them know they are welcome here, and we want them to come back.
  • DO raise up your hand and WAVE to fellow boaters.  It’s the southern way, and the way of life on Smith.  There is nothing more unpleasant in the south than an arrogant or unfriendly boater.  
Again, these are all just some favorite community ideas collected from our surveys in the Smith Lake Community Facebook group about how to have a wonderful time on Smith Lake while being conscious of community etiquette.  

Written by The Lakeside LIfe Team
Photography by Terry Turner

Updated:  5/16/24
​Original Article Date:  3/1/19
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12/1/2022 1 Comment

Things to Do at Smith Lake

Access:  First of all you have to get here.  Traveling to the lake is quick and easy:
  • Cullman - access the Cullman County side of the lake primarily from I-65 from Exits 299 (to Hwy 69), 304 (to Hwy 437, Hwy 438 & Hwy 222) & 309 (to Hwy 278)
  • Walker - enter the Walker side from I-22 into Jasper and through Curry AL
  • Winston - the Winston side can be accessed through Cullman and Walker, both the Curry Highway (Hwy 41) and Helicon Road from Hwy 278 eventually intersect in Arley, AL (The Heart of Smith Lake), and Hwy 278 on the far northwest side accesses the furthest area from major interstates - the Double Springs, AL area.  ​
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  • For reference, distances are (from the popular 299 Exit from I65):  
    • ​about 40 minutes to Birmingham AL (40 miles)
    • about 1 hour to Huntsville AL (60 miles)
    • about 2 hours & 20 mins to Nashville, TN (150 miles)​

Once you have an address of where you want to go, everything is accessible via GPS, but keep in mind that most of the lake is still very rural, so traveling around can be tricky.  There are still some dirt/gravel roads in the area, as well as some hard pack roads.  If you're veering off main highways and don't have a 4-wheel-drive, just be mindful of road conditions in inclement weather.

Activities:  there are so many activities to enjoy on Smith Lake.  We'll list a few of our favorites below.  
  • Boating - all types of motor operated or man powered vehicles (i.e. cabin cruisers, wakeboard boats, wakesurf boats, pontoons, jet boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, jet-skis, even sailboats in designated areas, etc.).  Check our list of boat ramps if you're not sure where to launch or recover your boat.  The landings we highly recommend for newbies are located at Smith Lake Park, The Dam, Duskin Point Marina, and Duncan Bridge Marina.  Looking for a marina to purchase a boat - try Russell Marine-Smith Lake and Duskin Point Marina, they're happy to help you - see our list of marinas in the area.  Looking to rent a boat - try Duskin Point Marina - see our listing of rentals.  
  • Watersports - enjoy anything you like such as wakeboarding, wakesurfing, wakeskating, waterskiing, slalom, kneeboarding, barefooting, hydrofoiling, wakefoiling, surf foiling, efoiling  tubing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), etc. (and be sure to check out local watersports shop Lakeside Gear @lakesidegear for great pricing on special orders delivered locally to your door and Pine Valley Outdoor Living @pvoutdoorliving for rentals of lots of watersports equipment and recreational equipment.)
  • Fishing - enjoy angling on the reservoir or fly fishing below the reservoir on the peaceful waters of the Black Warrior River.  You will find the lake area provides great fishing.  Common catches are:  Crappie, Bream, Striped Bass, Spotted Bass, White and Largemouth Bass;  Channel & Flathead Catfish, and there are Rainbow Trout provided in the area below the dam for those who love fly-fishing - be sure to check out lessons at well-known Riverside Fly Shop.  For fishing gear, we highly recommend Jasper's Pat's Archery & Outdoors.  Pat's offers equipment for all outdoor sports, from fishing, camping, hiking, hunting to watersports.  You'll find everything you need.  
  • Wildlife - there are abundant common wildlife in the area such as deer, fox, raccoons, groundhogs, chipmunks, wild turkey, etc.  It has been reported there are small mountain lions, coyotes and small black bear in the area too, but those animals need a wide range and are seen more often in the northwest end of the lake into the Bankhead National Forest.  
  • Birdwatching - gorgeous birds commonly found in the southeast are proliferate here as well as Eagles, Blue Herons, Mallard Ducks, Canadian Geese, Loons, Kingfishers, many songbirds, hummingbirds, etc.
  • There are so many more general lake activities - swimming, camping, hiking - the possibilities are simply endless.  Be sure to check out our RV campsites in the area.  
  • Visit Smith Lake Landmarks aka #spotsonsmith - find many of the favorite spots on Smith Lake through maps on our MAP page in the LOCAL INFO tab.  We often cover these favorite spots in our magazine, and soon we'll have a page dedicated to these spots.  
  • Adjoining the lake on the far northwest end is the celebrated William B. Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness that are simply a MUST SEE.  There are facebook pages dedicated to traversing this treasured area from many different trailheads.  Its nickname is "The Land of a Thousand Waterfalls" - just a quick Google search or search on social media will show you just why it has that name.  A heavenly gorge/cavern and mountain area full of creeks, streams, waterfalls, and riverbeds (such as Sipsey Fork River, Smith Lake's west side headwater, feeds the lake on the west side).  Here you'll find an abundance of well-kept trails along natural rock bluff walls, hills and valleys with not only hiking trails, but biking, horseback and off-road riding trails as well.  The area is massive, and best not to go off-trail unless you are a very experienced hiker or are hiking with a group that is.  The area is absolutely STUNNING.  Just "Google it," and be prepared to go down the proverbial "rabbit hole" of beautiful photography and scenery like nothing you've ever seen.
  • AND... that's just ON the lake - the three counties that surround the lake offer so much more to do outside the lake area year round - such as shopping Jasper Main Street in Jasper's historical downtown area, and the Cullman Warehouse District in the historical area of Cullman that lies near the old Train Depot, Depot Park where most of Cullman's annual magical events occur, and all are right beside Cullman's famous downtown railroad tracks. Within those counties are other natural and manmade parks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, historical sites, and incredible landmarks - all very close to the area.  A visit to the local Chamber of Commerces in Cullman or Jasper, as well as area museums, offer a wealth of information about the counties that surround the lake (see links below). 

Also, check out the bottom of our blog on Lewis Smith Dam and Powerhouse for information about visiting the Alabama Power Company Powerhouse.  

If you would like more information about our area, we encourage you to check with the local Chamber of Commerce for each city/county you plan to visit and/or the tourism boards in those areas.  In true southern style and hospitality, they will all graciously provide even more detailed and factual information about their specific areas.  
  • Cullman Area - Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and Cullman Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Visit Cullman
  • ​​Walker Area - The Chamber of Commerce of Walker County
  • Winston Area - Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce

We have gathered these facts from numerous sources for the benefit of our community, so please feel free to offer any edits.  Call/text us at 256-708-7679 or email us at [email protected]
1 Comment

3/31/2018 0 Comments

Smith Lake Locals - Artisans/Crafters - MARCH 2018 - National Craft Month

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Did you know March is National Craft Month?  We have many talented crafters right here in the Smith Lake area, not to mention all over the State of Alabama. Spring craft shows will be in full swing soon.  We hope you find time to get out and enjoy a few festivals this season.  You will LOVE what they have to offer, unique custom products made lovingly by hand, and with a talented artistic eye for detail.  Hard to come by in an age of mass production.  

In fact, one particular local festival will have MANY regional crafters in attendance very soon - The 34th Annual Bloomin' Festival on the grounds of gorgeous St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, AL. Mark the dates, April 21-22, 2018, and plan to attend.  It's a must-do in our area.  You can get more information about the festival on their Facebook page:  @bloominfestival

We also want to take a moment to shout out at least a FEW of our Smith Lake area crafters as well.  There are many - but these are a few in particular that we have noticed on social media just recently.  We have found they are extremely talented in their niche, and fortunately for us, they are accessible and convenient - right here in the area - lakeside!  

Picture2016 Alaska vacation - Connor, Audrey, Jill & John Strickland
Meet John & Jill Strickland - Cullman area residents - Jill is a wife & mother, a crafter and so much more.  Not only can Jill sew all kinds of beautiful custom items, but she and her husband John also build small wooden furniture such as adirondack chairs, benches, picnic tables, swings and bedswings.  John enjoys the wood work, and he puts a lot of hours and love into each piece he creates.  They have a special personal reason behind much of their work, it is a loving grief therapy for this incredible family.  Look for an upcoming article in The Lakeside Life magazine about the Stricklands, their little growing company, and their family journey.  Proceeds from their work benefit the WSCC Future Foundation Scholarship Fund in the name of John Connor Strickland.  Contact them now, and they can help create you a one-of-a-kind piece that you'll treasure for many years to come.  You can find them on Instagram:  @johnwjill  - please look them up very soon!  

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Meet Sandra Heaven "Heaven & Earth Pottery" & Diane Sharron "Creations in Clay" #brushycreekpotter - These two lovely ladies are residents of the Arley community, and they are volunteer pottery teachers at Meek High School & Middle School.  Sandra has been an art instructor most of her life, having taught art classes at Wallace State for over 25 years.  A few years ago, not long after moving to Smith Lake from Mississippi, Diane signed up for a class as a student with Sandra, and became a quick study.  The two ladies formed a bond and a pottery partnership.  

PictureSandra Heaven
They enjoy different styles, Sandra primarily enjoys turning clay pieces on the pottery wheel, and Diane enjoys free form clay design.  All of their pieces are so unique and detailed.  The glazes are painstakingly hand mixed - there's an art just in the chemistry of these mixes.  They can obtain glazes from traditional colors & types to deep, rich, rustic tones and styles of "dipping" - the possibilities are endless with these artists.  It seems there is nothing they can’t do with the glazes that help take the pieces to that next level of beauty.  ​All pieces are lovingly designed with the artists' fine eye for detail - incredibly beautiful!  In addition to the classes they offer for the Arley school system, they also offer private group lessons as well.  

PictureDiane Sharron
Obviously you can request custom pieces, but even better - sign up for a class very soon - no better therapy in the world than "arting" - AND you get to take your very own handiwork home.   Their shop is located on the school grounds, and they offer very reasonable rates, with class times that are sure to match your schedule.  Contact them any time - Sandra Heaven @ 205-384-4332 www.heavenandearthpottery.com and Diane Sharron @ 601-260-9697 or on Instagram: @dianesharron - be sure to watch for a future article in the magazine on this local studio, you'll be amazed other awesome things these ladies do for our community!  ​​

PictureChristine Williamson
Christine Williamson - a spicy Cajun transplant in our midst - originally from New Orleans, but now, luckily for all of us, she made her way to this area and is now a part of our Smith Lake family.  She still has family in New Orleans, and it will always be “home" as well, but home is where the heart is, and she's definitely got a soft spot now for the lake community.  Christine is an incredible seamstress, we think that she could execute nearly any item you can imagine involving sewing.  She is currently completing her new sewing studio as we write this.  She'll finally have a designated space all her own so her creativity has room to breathe.  We can't wait for our studio visit soon, she's very close to moving in all her supplies right now, and getting everything nicely organized.  

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As she awaits the completion of the new studio, she is excited to plan new projects for the future, and has already taken on some custom quilt designs.  She obviously makes quilts for sale, and builds commissioned quilts, but also sews custom items like tote bags, coasters, ornaments and stockings.  Custom orders are always welcome!  Her artistic goal is to combine function and beauty, she is always looking for vintage and unique fabrics, and will advise you what can be done with your own materials upon consultation. Make plans to go visit Christine as soon as you can.  Find her on Instagram and Facebook: @upclearcreek - or try email [email protected]

PictureBryan & Carol McFee hiking in the William Bankhead National Forest
McFee's Wodshop is the creation of Bryan and Carol McFee in Crane Hill, AL. They are both wood turners.  Carol is a "spindle" turner.  She makes bud vases, handles for bottle openers, ice cream scoops, pizza cutters, back scratchers, and similar items. The vases are all sizes, and we recently did a giveaway for a matched pair that were hard to let go.  They were small, dainty and so beautifully detailed.  We fell in love.  Bryan primarily turns bowls.  GORGEOUS bowls with veins of surprising colors in the wood grain, each one unique and precariously turned and polished to perfection.  He also makes coffee tables and end tables.  He takes special orders if it is something that he feels he can "do justice to."

They use only local hardwoods that they harvest themselves. Most of the trees that they use are dead, dying, or already on the ground. Occasionally they will remove a tree when asked to.  As the trees die, decay sets in.  In wood turner parlance this is called spalting.  It creates the beautiful colors and lines that are so prominent in their work. Bryan jokes "We throw the wood out in the front yard until it starts to grow mushrooms, then we know that the wood is ready!" This does sometimes create problems if the decay goes too far.  Then it gets "punky". This means that it is too rotten to work with.  It is always a fine line between "just right" and "too far gone."  

​They love for people to drop by and visit them in their shop.  In true southern fashion, they have a lot of extra chairs for company.  They are a beautiful couple, you will love every second of time you get with them.  Check them out on Facebook today:  
@McFees Woodshop and you may contact Bryan by email:  [email protected] or phone:  205-541-0658.  

Again, please look up ALL of these fine artisans on social media, and make sure you tell them you were sent by The Lakeside Life Team.  We love our local crafters and artists - all of them - far and wide throughout Alabama!  If you know of someone we haven't met yet, please send them our way by emailing us at [email protected] or send us a PM/DM on Facebook or Instagram: @thelakesidelife .

Also, be on the watch for more information on these fine Smith Lake people in future content from The Lakeside Life Team.  It's fun for us to learn more about the talented folks in our midst - but take it a step further - reach out to them for some custom unique pieces that will become treasured family heirlooms in years to come.  

​See ya lakeside!
​The Lakeside Life Team
0 Comments

3/12/2018 1 Comment

Lakeside Breakfast Burrito

Often at the lake, a breakfast needs to serve as a great source of energy while being super quick but also healthy. For a fast paced lake lifestyle, our plan is usually that during the week we try to keep it quick, but make wholesome substitutes in normal recipes to cut calories, fat, and sugars, and other BAD things from our diets so there is less guilt to splurge a little on the weekends for BBQs with friends and neighbors and not fret the expected s'mores around the fire pit.  So, below, find a couple of GO TO options for a quick healthy breakfast option.
Picture
COFFEE

​Start with coffee! Trader Joes and Aldi have excellent selections of coffee, either ground or whole bean which can be fresh ground in the store or at home. Skip the cream and sugar, and try lightening up your beverage with some almond or coconut milk instead, or even better, learn to love a great coffee black - naked with no additives, which can help you learn to appreciate the actual 
test of a really good coffee.

Picture
BREAKFAST BURRITO

Organic or whole foods are always the best, but try to make choices that align with a pre-planned budget.  The following is a great easy recipe for those mornings when everyone just wants to get out the door and onto the lake.

INGREDIENTS:
2 eggs (either whole or whites)
¼ cup of milk
1 oz shredded cheese mix (try Sargento's mixes)
¼ cup of spinach leaves (Publix in Cullman AL has a great selection)
1 Tortilla (we used Mission) 

Picture
​DIRECTIONS
  • Crack eggs and put contents in a microwave safe bowl.
  • Mix with a fork then add milk.
  • Continue to mix all together.
  • Place bowl and contents in microwave and cook for about 3 and a half minutes (depending on your microwave setting) or until no longer runny.
  • Place eggs in a tortilla.
  • Top with shredded cheese mix and spinach leaves.

Add your choice of bacon, deli meat, or breakfast sausage for a little more protein. A couple of slices of avocado, to top it off, makes this burrito fast, wholesome and packs enough energy to get you through a hectic morning.

ENJOY  ...and see ya Lakeside!  


Subscribe to our magazine at  http://www.thelakesidelife.com/subscription.html. ​
​
​Updated 04/2020

1 Comment

11/27/2017 0 Comments

recipe: White turkey & sausage chili

PictureWhite Turkey & Sausage Chili
There are quite a few holiday traditions in our household, some that are purposely done and others, like this one...just happen year after year. When the luscious Thanksgiving leftovers have lost their luster,  we find another way to continue enjoying the turkey! This recipe is sure to hit the spot! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of smoked turkey, coarsely chopped
  • 2 small onions, chopped
  • 2 poblano peppers, chopped
  • 2 (16 oz) cans of navy beans, drained & washed
  • 1 tablespoon of canola oil
  • 16 oz of Italian chicken sausage, casing removed
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can of reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup of 2% milk
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bundle of fresh cilantro

Steps:
1. Chop the turkey, onion, and peppers. Drain beans. Preheat a large stockpot on medium high for 2-3 minutes. Place oil in pot, then add peppers and onions, cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until tender. 

2. Reduce heat to medium. Remove casing from sausage and add sausage to the pot. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring to crumble or until sausage has browned.

3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, pepper, beans, and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cook and stir for another 10-15 minutes or until thickened. 

4. Stir in turkey and milk; cook 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. 

5. Top with shredded cheddar, cilantro and serve! 

0 Comments

11/17/2017 1 Comment

Fall on Smith: An Apple Cider Margarita

PictureBest Served Fireside
This Apple Cider Margarita is perfectly festive for a fall night. It has a wonderful taste, and is a great way to savor the last few days of fall! 

Apple Cider Margarita Recipe:
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1 1/2 ounces gold tequila
  • 5 ounces sweet apple cider
  • orange or apple slices
  • cinnamon, cane sugar and coarse white sugar for rimming the glass
  • cinnamon sticks for garnish

Combine the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider in a shaker. Next, in a small bowl, prepare the rim mixture by combining the cinnamon and sugars together. Dip the rim of each glass in a bowl of water, then press the rims into the sugar mixture to cling. Carefully place ice into the glasses, and pour the combined beverage, from the shaker, into the glasses over the ice.  Garnish with an apple slice and/or cinnamon stick. Enjoy lakeside by a warm fire! 

1 Comment

11/6/2017 0 Comments

Subscriptions

You asked and we listened! Subscriptions are now available to The Lakeside Life. Since our publication is free, your cost is essentially paying for convenience, shipping and handling - the magazines are thick and heavy, so they cost more to ship and handle than most. 

The Lakeside Life is presently published tri-annually - Spring, Summer and Fall/Winter.  Pre-COVID we released traditional quarterly style - in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter. We may eventually return to a 4-times-a-year conventional quarterly magazine, but honestly we've enjoyed the larger 3 issues a year, so who knows?  3 does kind of fit our brand after all (i.e. - triangle logo).  Anyway, to subscribe, simply click here. 

See you lakeside,
The Lakeside Life Team 

Article originally dated 11/6/2017, updated 4/6/2023.

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