Finding Smith

There’s something magical about escaping to the lake, arriving, unpacking and getting settled in. The smell of the house when you first walk through the door... right down to the first glimpse of the lake. Smith Lake is many things to many people, for my family it's the place memories are made. Memories of humid summer nights spent around the fire pit, boat picnics and lots of slough floating.  

Our lake home is the de facto setting for family gatherings, and has been the spot for many a boys' weekends, mama's get-a-ways, and, not to mention, the summer fun spot for several "friend weekends" for our oldest daughter. We've spent a lot of time cultivating an inviting feel, while ensuring it is functional at the same time. It always makes me smile when I see other families around us doing the same thing -- building memories and traditions with their loved ones. 

Growing up, the coast was home to me with many memories created on Alabama's beautiful sandy shores of Orange Beach. My husband and his five siblings grew up spending the summers in their family home on the bay in Fort Walton. The home is no more and the lot where the home once stood, has since been subdivided into multiple parcels, yet the memories and traditions created as a result, remain. 

The tradition of family time is something we both hold dear and are so fortunate others in our family feel the same. For many years our family came together on scenic 30A, in fact we were even married in Alys Beach. Many memories were made and I absolutely love going back. However, since first renting on Smith Lake in the summer of 2009, it has stolen my heart. Smith Lake is now the hub for our family getaways together and is the place our children and their cousins will make many memories. And while I love the Red Bar and many other restaurants in the area, I love the sights and sounds of our loud family all eating together on the dock, my brother kneeboarding with two artificial hips, teenage girls screaming because they saw a snake, 4th of July paddle board races  -- the list goes on. This list is one of the many reasons I love Smith Lake! Thank you, Alabama Power for building a dam!

Thanks for loving Smith Lake!