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  • Home
  • LOCAL INFO
    • Local Info Directory
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    • Churches
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    • Emergency and Important Numbers
    • Events
    • Fishing
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      • Hotels
      • RV and Camping
      • Smith Lake Rentals
    • Map of Smith Lake
    • Smith Lake Marinas
    • Real Estate
    • Rentals >
      • Rentals - Boats
      • Rentals - Towables, Watersports Equipment and Lake Toys
      • Smith Lake Rentals - Homes, Cabins, Condos, and other Properties
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    • Storm Damage/Clean-up Resources
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    • Utilities
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    • Venues
    • Watersports
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Smith Lake Alabama | Lewis Smith Lake Alabama

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7/5/2024 2 Comments

Boat Show Season 2025

A favorite time of year for all those who LAKE is Boat Show Season - occurring at the beginning of every year, usually in January, sometimes into March.  For us, it means SPRING is just around the corner.  The lake area begins to be in high gear for the next boating season as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve!  It's certainly the case for us.

Most of the folks in our area enjoy attending several boat shows each year.  Favorite shows are within about a 3 hour driving range.  Attending shows allows a fun reason to get out and go visit another city, reconnect with other boating friends aka "your lake people," and getting excited for a new season by checking out the vendors - favorite boat brands, marinas, lake life brands and lake-oriented businesses.  

Attached is the list of 2024 boat shows you might like to attend - in order by date.  All shows are a short drive from the lake area.  (we'll try to update this listing each year as soon as we get confirmed info, but also keep the contact information at hand so that you know how to reach out annually for additional information, vendor apps, vendor lists, floorplans/maps and tickets.)
The Discover Boating Nashville Boat Show
Music City Center
201 Fifth Avenue South
Nashville, TN  37203
CONTACT:
Kim Muncy
502-957-0471
[email protected]
nashvilleboatshow.com
Facebook:  @nashvilleboatshow
Instagram:  @nashboatshow
HOSTS:  Discover Boating, Nashville Boat Show, Music City Center
SPONSORS:  Progressive, Lake and Coast Real Estate, TMobile, Summit Finance Group, Alpha Electrical Contractor, Jupiter Bike, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Spades Cosmetics, NMMA Certified using ABYC Standards

​2025 DATES: 2024 dates were cancelled, so we await new dates for 2025 or confirmation of future cancellations of the event.
SCHEDULE:
​JAN ? - Thursday - 2pm-9pm

JAN ? - Friday - 12pm-9pm
JAN ? - Saturday- 10am-9pm
JAN ? - Sunday - 11am-5pm
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Photo: Nashville Boat Show (Facebook)

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The Huntsville Boat Show
Von Braun Center
700 Monroe Street SW
Huntsville, AL  36801
​256-533-1953
[email protected]
​huntsvilleboatshow.com
Facebook:  @huntsvilleboatshow
Instagram:  @huntsvilleboatshow
2025 DATES:  January 16-19, 2025
SCHEDULE:
JAN 16 - Thursday - 2pm-8pm
JAN 17 - Friday - 12pm-8pm
JAN 18 - Saturday - 10am-8pm
JAN 19 - Sunday - 11pm-5pm  ​

The 51st Annual Birmingham Boat Show
Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center ("The BJCC")
LOCATION ADDRESS:
​2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N
Birmingham, AL 35203
CONTACT:
Birmingham Sport & Boat Show Inc.
P.O. Box 2675
Rockport, Texas 78381
361-446-4040
[email protected]
birminghamboatshow.com
Facebook: Birmingham Sport and Boat Show

Instagram:  @birminghamboatshow
​HOSTS:  Birmingham Boat Show, The BJCC
SPONSORS:  AmFirst, Big #1 Motorsports, CBS 42, Sylacauga Marine & ATV Inc., Tracker Boats, Yamaha, Ranger Boats, The Lakeside Life Magazine
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2025 DATES:  January 23-26, 2025
SCHEDULE:
JAN 23 - Thursday - 12pm-8pm
JAN 24 - Friday - 12pm-8pm
JAN 25 - Saturday - 11am-8pm
JAN 26 - Sunday - 12pm-5pm  ​​

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2025 DATES:  March ?-?, 2025 - To be announced later
SCHEDULE:
MAR ? - Friday - 11pm-7pm
MAR ? - Saturday - 11am-7pm
MAR ? - Sunday - 12pm-5pm
Alabama Boat Show and Expo
Barber Motorsports Park
LOCATION ADDRESS:
​6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy
Leeds, AL 35094
CONTACT:
Johnathon Burton, Show Operator

205-447-3773
[email protected]
alabamaboatshow.net
Facebook:  @alboatshow
​Instagram:  @alboatshow
HOSTS:  Alabama Boat Show and Expo, Barber Motorsports Park
SPONSORS:  AmFirst Credit Union

For information on more boat shows further away like the Nashville, Atlanta, and Orlando, FL areas, just Google 'boat show' info for the states you're visiting.    

Now, just grab your favorite lake folks, pack up the car and head out to the boat shows of your choice.  ENJOY!
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2 Comments

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

3/18/2018 0 Comments

FISHING - JOIN the LEE CHEERING SECTION

PicturePhoto Credit: FB pages of Abby & Cindy Myrex
​The Lee Brothers, Matt and Jordan, are Cullman natives who have made their fishing career dreams come to reality. At an early age the Lee brothers had a passion for fishing. They would fish at their grandparents' house, off of docks, the boat, wherever they could cast a line. Competing from an early age, as most brothers do. And that has not changed - this weekend they have competed against each other in the Bassmaster Classic.  Let's cheer them on this last day, in hopes they return home with high placement!   Check out the Facebook page for Bassmaster:  ​https://www.bassmaster.com

PicturePhoto Credit: from @mattleefishing FB page
The Lee’s last competition day is today, placements announcing in hours - they are in Greenville, South Carolina on Lake Hartwell fishing in this Bassmaster Classic. They have been in SC for over a week getting ready for the competition. They are only the 4th set of brothers to fish the Classic out of the 48 years it has been established. Jordan won last year receiving huge heartfelt congrats, especially from big brother Matt, after the announcement. They have a fantastic support system headed up by Matt’s fiancé, Abby Myrex, and all their friends & family, and fans far & wide.

The Lakeside Life Team wants to do what we can to grow the Lee Brothers' fan bases, and send them lots of luck in hopes they bring home 1st and 2nd place! After all, their fishing career started right here on our very own Lewis Smith Lake.  Check out their social media accounts - let's support our hometown guys!  

​Matt's IG:  @mattleefishing , FB:  @mattleefishing and website:   www.mattleefishing.com
Jordan's IG:  @jleefishing , FB:  @Jleefishing , and website:  www.jordanleefishing.com
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Photo Credit: from @mattleefishing FB page
Feel free to send them messages of encouragement.  WAY TO GO Matt and Jordan! Also, let's extend prayers for all those traveling as a result of this exciting event. Feel free to post pictures to be shared with The Lakeside Community Group or The Lakeside Life Facebook page!  
PicturePhoto Credit: from FB page of Abby Myrex
Be sure to look for an upcoming article about Matt Lee, and his journey to the Classic, in our Spring edition of The Lakeside Life Magazine. We might even share some fun details on his proposal and upcoming wedding to Abby Myrex as well! Stay tuned!

See ya lakeside!

Photo Credits:  All photos from FB pages of Matt Lee, Jordan Lee, Abby & Cindy Myrex

UPDATE 3/18/18 - 6:30 PM - Bassmaster Classic 2018 @ Lake Hartwell SC - WINNER JORDAN LEE - 2nd year in a row!!!  4th PLACE - MATT LEE!!!  Final 5 in the photo below.  CONGRATS TO THE LEE BROTHERS!!!!  ​
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