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Double Your Pleasure
by Leslee Jaquette
10 great places to enjoy boating – and more
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Mention Las Vegas and people automatically think “gambling.” If Sun Valley enters the conversation, skiing comes to mind. Likewise, our top 10 “Double Delight” trailerboat destinations will conjure immediate images in your mind, even if you’ve never been there before.
For example, Lake Michigan boaters naturally gravitate to Chicago’s famous pizzerias and steakhouses. Lake of the Ozarks’ boaters inevitably succumb to the lure of Bass Pro Shops’ Outdoor World in nearby Springfield, Missouri. And what Chesapeake Bay boater could resist a historic tour of Williamsburg and Jamestown?
As you travel across the country, we suggest you consider combining trailerboating with these premier destinations’ signature activity. Oil your baseball glove for spring training in Orlando, and carry beads to throw during New Orleans’ own on-the-water Mardi Gras celebration.
The result will be a fun-filled, two-in-one delight: a destination adventure on and off the water that you’ll long remember with a smile.
Lake of the Ozarks – A Sportsmen’s Paradise
Spring and fall remain the best times to go boating on 92-mile-long Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri. When the dogwoods are blooming or when the leaves are turning scarlet and gold, boaters can easily see why this enormous, snaking lake has been a favorite Midwest boating destination for 70 years.
During these two seasons, the lake is less crowded, the weather is warm and sunny, the landscape is especially scenic, and camping, hiking, hunting and fishing are at their best.
One of the highlights of any boating holiday on the Lake of the Ozarks is cruising its 1,375 miles of shoreline – more shoreline than California, Florida or Lake Michigan. Follow the 9-mile Aquatic Trail to view the lake’s rock outcroppings and ancient reefs, or spend the day prowling Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which includes 15 caves and miles of hardwood forest trails.
Fishing peaks during spring and fall, when hungry bass move into shallower water to feed.
While in the area, avid anglers will want to make the 84-mile pilgrimage south to Springfield -- to Bass Pro Shops’ 300,000-square-foot Outdoor World, the world’s largest sporting goods store. Here, the “faithful” can spend hours or even days shopping for gear, dining at Hemingway’s, watching divers feed bass in a giant aquarium and firing off a few rounds at the range.
The 17,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops Fish and Wildlife Museum is next door. Visitors to the museum are invited to view antique lure displays, dioramas and an incredible collection of mounted wildlife from around the world.
INFORMATION:
Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau: (800) 325-0213 or (314) 365-3371.
Bass Pro Shops: (800) BASS-PRO or (417) 887-7334; www.basspro.com.Okanagan Lake – Home of the Mysterious Ogopogo
Although Ogopogo, Okanagan Lake’s resident sea monster, is rarely seen these days, the creature lends an air of mystery to this narrow, 100-mile-long lake in central British Columbia. Located in the fertile Okanagan Valley, amid scores of vineyards and orchards, this desert oasis boasts one of the driest and warmest climates in Canada.
While cruising, sunbathing on sand beaches or fishing for kokanee salmon, be sure to visit Squally Point, where Ogopogo is said to live in a cave. Although this benign sea serpent prefers its lair, trailerboaters find this large and mostly abandoned lake an amazing getaway in summer when the lake warms to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lake and mountain-rimmed valley enjoy 90- to 100-degree Fahrenheit days and clear, cool nights. Boaters will find more than a dozen public launch ramps and 40 provincial parks (many with camping facilities) in the surrounding area.
The nearby communities of Penticton and Kelowna provide boaters with every amenity, including shopping, watersports area and a variety of local attractions.
Many of the 53 wineries that dot the shoreline pick boaters up at marinas for tours and tastings. But beware: If a little “bubbly” goes to your head, you just might spot Okanagan Lake’s lovable Ogopogo.
INFORMATION:
Super Natural British Columbia Travel: (800) HELLO-BC; www.hellobc.com.Washington’s San Juans – Untamed Wildlife
Bald eagles stand sentinel along San Juan Island’s western shore, overlooking current-rich Haro Strait. Here, off Lime Kiln State Park in Washington’s San Juan Islands, boaters and shoreside daytrippers watch orca pods jump through the waves. Closer to shore, sea lions sun themselves on the rocks, while curious harbor seals shadow trailerboaters as they moor at the islands’ numerous state parks and cozy moorages.
Throughout the 172 islands, boaters discover an unparalleled summer getaway. The islands’ protected anchorages welcome new boaters as well as old salts to partake of nature’s seascape and the bountiful wildlife. Summer offers the greatest potential for whale sightings and the warmest, calmest weather.
To fully appreciate the San Juans, trailerboaters need to load up with water toys, buckets, shovels and bait. Pull out the rods and pots for excellent salmon fishing, crabbing and shrimping. The San Juans are also a great place for tidepooling, clamdigging and beachcombing.
While cruising the San Juans, keep your eyes peeled and listen for a telltale “whoosh!” You never know when a pod of the magnificent black-and-white whales, some with babies by their sides, will travel past your trailerboat.
INFORMATION:
San Juan Islands Visitors Information: (888) 468-3701; www.guidetosanjuans.com.
Anacortes Chamber of Commerce: (360) 293-3832; www.anacortes-chamber.com; anacortes@sos.net.
Lake Michigan – Chicago’s Culinary Delights
Although it doesn’t help the appetite to know that Lake Michigan was once called “Lake of the Stinking Water,” these days, the 307-mile-long lake is home to Chicago -- and a bevy of great restaurants. In summer, when trailerboating the second largest Great Lake (by volume, 1,180 cubic miles of water), visitors will want to combine cruising and fishing with dining at Chicago’s famous pizzerias and steakhouses.
After climbing the world’s largest freshwater dunes along Lake Michigan’s vast shoreline, moor at any of a dozen marinas to make dinner forays into this Heartland city.
Those interested in Chicago-style pizza can choose from one of 40 locations to sample Giordano’s famous stuffed pizza and famous thin crust pizza. Giordano’s will deliver to your hotel or boat.
Purists will want to hop a taxi to The Original Gino’s East. Celebrating 30 years in Chicago, Gino’s East serves legendary deep-dish pizza with the chunky tomato sauce that got it voted #1 in Bon Appetit magazine.
After exploring Chicago’s museums, downtown and waterfront, take your gnawing appetite to the world-renowned Chicago Chop House, located on West Ontario Street. Considered the top independent steakhouse in the country, it features steaks, chops, seafood and chicken. Chicago Magazine recently awarded the Chicago Chop House “Best New York Strip” and “Best Wine List.”
INFORMATION:
Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau: (312) 567-8500; www.choosechicago.com.Lake Pontchartrain – Mardi Gras Madness
In February, the weekend before New Orleans’ Krewe of Rex -- the “King of Mardi Gras” – celebration, local boaters celebrate with their own “Krewe of Wrecks.”
This free-for-all floating parade starts at Warsaw Landing on the Blood River, just outside Springfield, Louisiana, and concludes at Leisure Landing, a riverfront saloon, for a raft-up party that lasts well into the night.
Located on the northern shore of New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain is 40 miles long and 25 miles wide. While exploring this shallow (10 to 16 feet deep), brackish lake, trailerboaters can warm up at the crazy “Krewe of Wrecks” before launching into a tour of fabulous New Orleans and more Mardi Gras revelry.
As part of the ragtag flotilla -- which consists of all sorts of craft, from pirogues to shallow-draft Cajun canoes to decorated pontoon boats -- visiting boaters are invited to parade with the locals. Out-of-town crews need to bring plenty of “throws,” such as plastic beads, fake doubloons, trinkets and candy, to throw to the crowds lining the banks.
INFORMATION:
Springfield City Hall: (225) 294-3150.
New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc.: (800) 676-6124.
Lake Sebago – Golf Course Cruising
Golf and Boat on Maine’s Lake Sebago
After the rigors of a Maine winter, 47-square-mile Lake Sebago blossoms into a summer and fall trailerboat mecca. Located near Casco, on Southern Maine’s largest lake, 750-acre Point Sebago Resort offers boaters access to a full range of watersports, sandy beaches, tennis, volleyball and lakefront dining. Still, the biggest attraction on the 12-mile-long lake is the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course.
Visiting boaters are encouraged to tie up or haul out at the marina and indulge in a round of golf. Many couples take advantage of the resort’s all-inclusive golf package that includes unlimited play, accommodations, meals and golf cart rental. Recognized as one of the best new courses in North America by Golf Digest, the course winds through 500 acres of birch and pine forests near the lake.
Between rounds, boaters often cruise from Lake Sebago, via a series of navigable locks, to 8-square-mile Long Lake. While the lakes offer great wildlife viewing and loads of watersports, the kids will clamor to return to Point Sebago Resort. While Mom and Dad practice driving at the range, the children can play miniature golf.
INFORMATION:
Point Sebago Resort: 261 Point Sebago Road, Casco, ME 04015; (207) 655-3821 or (800) 530-1555; www.pointsebago.com; info@pointsebago.com.
Mission Bay – San Diego Kid’s Play
San Diego’s mild climate and continual sunshine make a trailerboat trip to Mission Bay and the area’s many attractions a great choice year-round. This Southern California destination offers easy access to 4,600-acre Mission Bay, with its designated watersports areas, as well as nearby, family-friendly activities such as SeaWorld San Diego.
Kids of all ages appreciate Misson Bay’s 27 miles of public beaches and free parking. Waterskiers have their own 1.5-mile straight course, and personal watercraft enjoy a special area free from boat traffic. At the city-owned aquatic park’s many marinas, visitors can buy, rent, charter, dock and store a full range of watercraft.
Trailerboaters will want to drive to many other local attractions. The world-famous San Diego Zoo, with nearly 4,000 animals of 800 species, is high on everyone’s list. Visits to attractions, such as the San Diego Wild Animal Park and LEGOLAND California, add variety and fun to any boating vacation.
INFORMATION:
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau: 401 B St., Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92101; (619) 232-3101; www.sandiego.org; sunshine@sdvb.org.
Lake Mead – A Playground for Adults
Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the country, is situated 25 miles from the adult entertainment capital of the world – Las Vegas.
Although the 110-mile-long lake promises cooler air temperatures in the fall and winter, Lake Mead sees the most use in the summer. In combination with Lake Mohave, the Lake Mead Recreation Area stretches along nearly 140 miles of the Colorado River.
Six concession-operated marinas on Lake Mead and three on Lake Mohave offer a full range of boating services, watersports, boat rentals and launch ramps.
Due to the lakes’ proximity to the round-the-clock communities of Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada, the park is not only a year-round center of activity, it is a 24-hour park as well. During the summer, boaters can be found on the lakes at all hours of the day and night.
When not boating, many Lake Mead visitors drive to Vegas for some adult entertainment. Here, they can try their hands at games of chance -- such as blackjack, baccarat or poker -- or any of hundreds of “themed” slot machine games.
Others take in shows at famous hotels such as The Venetian, Caesar’s Palace or the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Most people marvel at quintessential Las Vegas sights like the eruption of the Mirage volcano and the Battle of Buccaneer Bay in front of the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area: 601 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, NV 89005-2426; (702) 293-9806; www.nps.gov/lame.INFORMATION:Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau: (800) 332-5333; www.lasvegas24hours.com.Chesapeake Bay – Where History Lives On
All told, Chesapeake Bay enfolds the Potomac River Basin for a total of 8,000 miles of shoreline. Following the Potomac south from Washington, D.C., past Arlington and Yorktown to Williamsburg in Virginia, trailerboaters can participate in a living, breathing history lesson. The dozens of marinas and parks in the region make it easy to cruise the Chesapeake’s historical attractions or park the rig during car trip excursions.
The first stops on the Potomac River include the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. About 100 miles south by water, boaters discover George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument and Robert E. Lee’s Birthplace near Oak Grove, Virginia.
On a driving trip to Fredericksburg, about 20 miles east of the Potomac, visitors can tour George Washington’s Ferry Farm, the father of our country’s boyhood home. The James Monroe Museum can also be toured.
At the south end of Chesapeake Bay, most people stop to tour Yorktown Victory Center, with its re-created Continental Army camp and 18th century farm. This is the site of the Yorktown Battlefield, where independence was won.
Accessed from either the York or James rivers, Williamsburg remains the perfect finale to a Chesapeake Bay historical tour. Here, visitors spend hours touring the Jamestown Settlement, America’s first permanent English colony. Nearby, they can also tour Virginia’s oldest plantation, the Shirley Plantation built in 1613.
INFORMATION:
Virginia Tourism Corporation: 901 E. Byrd St., Richmond, VA 23219-4048; (804) 786-2051; www.virginia.org.Washington, D.C. Convention & Visitors Bureau: 1212 New York Ave., N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005; (202) 789-7000; www.washington.org.
Orlando Area Lakes – Spring Training
Beyond Disney World, Orlando is known for its many great trailerboat lakes and baseball spring training. The best time to participate in this Orlando “doubleheader,” when the lakes are less crowded and the stands are packed with fans, is during spring.
March means baseball across Florida, when the Grapefruit League -- some 20 teams statewide -- fires up and players hone their games. Teams that train in the Orlando area include: the Braves, in Orlando; the Astros, in Kissimmee and the Tigers, in Lakeland.
Annually, spring training contributes more than $224 million to the state’s economy. The best way to plan a boating trip that combines a day at the ballpark is to contact TicketMaster or each team’s Web site for the current game schedule.
Several of the most popular trailerboating destinations in the Orlando area include three chains of lakes: Lake Butler, Conway Lakes and Lake Kissimmee.
The Lake Butler chain consists of nine interconnected lakes. Here, the bass are slow-growing, but occasionally a “big’un” is taken.
The Conway chain is made up of four interconnected lakes in the South Orlando area. Large bass are taken fall through spring.
The Lake Kissimmee chain is comprised of six shallow lakes that are also known for good bass fishing.
INFORMATION:
Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau: (407) 363-5800; www.goorlando.guide@about.com.
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This article first appeared in the June 1, 2001 issue of GoBoating Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
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