Lake Martin Magazine

“It’s like being in an airplane without having to be in one.” That’s how Jerry Bynum describes how he feels standing 80 feet above Smith Mountain in the cab of the newly restored Smith Mountain Fire Tower.

When Don Hawkins discovered his lot on Lake Martin 18 years ago, there was no doubt that he had found his new home. In fact, he called wife Linda right then and there and said, “I’m at our new lot.”

Just south of the Highway 49 Bridge in the Blue Creek area of Lake Martin is “Niffer’s Place at the Lake” – a lake hotspot that has become famous over the years for, among other things, its corn nuggets and “Burger Night.”

Last month, the roadsides around Lake Martin burst into color – and the most eye-catching color was a bright Chinese orange. Each spring, the gawdy orange ditch lilies, which are also known as day lilies, tawny day lilies, common orange day lilies, outhouse lilies and (incorrectly) as tiger lilies greet the morning by opening their six-part flowers and facing the sun.

Singleton Marine Group’s Parker Creek Marina has a brand new look this month. The marina, located on the far northwest side of Lake Martin in Equality’s Real Island community, recently transformed its ship store into a pro shop.

Earlier this year, Alexander City native Jackson Dozier moved back to the Lake Martin area to serve the boating public with his business, TowBoatU.S. Lake Martin. Now, he and his wife Nicki hope to expand water opportunities in the area by partnering with Sea School to bring a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license course to the lake.

Churchill Downs’ infield could not have competed with the third annual Derby Day held at The Stables at Russell Crosswords on May 5. The preppy affair brought out around 75 guests, and one had to peek under the wide brims to decipher who was who.

Lake Martin Resource Association President Charles Borden has announced that he plans to retire from his role as president of the organization at the end of this year. Borden has been a member of LMRA since the 70s and was named president in 2008.

Song lyrics inspire Fairhope resident Heather Pappas to create a unique piece of art for her father, Lake Martin resident Mike Johnson.

Lake Martin’s Randy Baker is married to Sharon Baker and has five children and three grandchildren. “I am a life long resident of Alexander City, who in my 58 years has seen many changes in our city and surrounding area,” Baker says. “But one thing remains the same: we have one of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S.”