On the Road with Pensacola Mom Collective
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Traveling to Lake Martin has been commonplace for my family. My husband’s family has a house on the southern side of the lake in Dadeville, AL. A tranquil getaway not too far away, but just far enough, if you know what I mean.
Taking a short three-hour drive (if you ask me, if you ask my father-in-law, it’s four hours), winding up through the back roads of inner Alabama, you will find a sprawling lake filled with bass for fishing, quaint local restaurants you can pull your boat up to, and a feeling of checking out that one can only do while on vacation.
Not only is the proximity to Pensacola a plus, but it gives you a new setting and change of scenery as well. In Pensacola, we are surrounded by beautiful beaches with white sand and emerald waters to swim. Up at the lake, you will get deep, cool, steady waters that are perfect for tubing, fishing, or just taking a sunset cruise. So while familiar, it is also a vastly different experience for Southerners than the beach.
We recently went to Lake Martin over Spring Break in mid-March. Going to Lake Martin this time of year is tricky because they “drain” the lake in the winter about 7-10 feet. Then around the end of March, they start to fill it back up.
So during this low time, you could possibly find yourself staying at a place that does not have water up to the dock, making it difficult to go out on a boat. Therefore, my first recommendation is to not go during these winter months, and if you are booking a place, personally ask the owner if there will be enough water at the dock for boating and/or fishing.
Where to Stay
In order to find a place on Lake Martin, the best place to go is Air BNB or Vrbo. Definitely compare the prices of these two as well, as they can be different. There are many great homes available on the lake, so it really depends on the area you want to find yourself staying. We stay in Dadeville, which is on the southeastern side of the lake, making it quicker to get to as well, and only a 30-minute drive from Auburn.
If you don’t want to rent a place, another great option in Dadeville, AL, is Still Waters, a local resort and community. There are condos for rent within Still Waters that provide you access to the golf course, a private pool (with a slide!), and tennis courts. Giving you some extra things to do in case you are there during the low months. Nestled in Still Waters is Copper’s Bar and Grill, a fun place with outdoor cornhole and live music on Friday nights to keep everyone entertained.
When to Go Out on the Water
During the high months, the number one thing for us is fishing! Now, this is best right when the lake goes up, so the beginning of April. If you wait, it will get hot and crowded, making it significantly more difficult to catch those bass hiding deep in the cool, sheltering waters. Again in early October, the fish are biting. However, they typically start draining the lake down in mid-October.
If fishing is not what you fancy, just a boat day on the lake is a wonderful way to spend your time at Lake Martin. Either on your own boat or a rented one, you can take in the real estate, pull the kids on the tube or skis, or really go big with some jet skis. Also, take time to check out all the Osprey nest built on top of stands in the lake and in trees.
Places to See on the Lake
Head over to Chimney Rock, a well-known landmark on Lake Martin, where you can tag your name on the rock. Another sightseeing opportunity is the Dam, located not too far by boat from Chimney Rock.
Another great adventure by boat is Goat Island. Unfortunately, there might not be any goats currently on the island due to people bringing their dogs onto the island. If you get lucky and they are back, the kids love to play and feed the goats with carrots and Cheetos (yes, these are their favorite!). You can also head over to Peanut Point, where you can pull up by boat and get some boiled peanuts. All of these are quintessential Lake Martin Experiences. Need a map? Download the free app Lake Martin Voice to help you navigate the large lake.
If you venture to the North Side of the lake, you should check out Wind Creek State Park. Take a zipline tour of the park or the slower approach by horseback. This is a great place to go camping, and of course, fishing, and even hosting a few tournaments per season. They even have an archery range! We’ve never been up this way, but after learning more, I plan to!
Where to Eat
Hungry and out on the lake? Pull up to Chuck’s, which is a great local pizza joint on the lake close to the Harbor Point Marina, where you can also get floating daiquiris with your gas!
It’s mostly local only in Dadeville, having to travel over to Alex City if you need a Walmart or any chain restaurants, including pizza! But no worries, Lake Martin Pizza on HWY 49 is some of the best you will ever eat!
There are some other great restaurants to check out in Dadeville, AL. If you are looking for something uber kid-friendly, outdoor games included, stop by Niffer’s. For a great time, order the Fish Bowl Drink! I’ve never been, but there is also a float-up Niffer’s on the lake as well.
A staple at Lake Martin is Oskars. I’d venture to say it is one of the first places at the lake (not really, but it’s always been there as long as my husband has been going) and the one place we always try to go when we are visiting.
Really, for me, the best part about taking time away at Lake Martin is watching the sunset.
Whether on a sunset cruise ending the day or sitting out on the dock with a glass of wine, finding those moments to relax is what going to Lake Martin is all about.
A short-hour trip from Birmingham or Montgomery, Lake Martin offers a quick, relaxing getaway.
