Fall, holidays and the water
The lake is a special place any time of year, but Fall seems to bring out an unrivaled quality. Autumn’s pallet of vibrant reds and golds underneath a brilliant, blue sky all seem to sparkle in the water’s reflection like precious gems meant to be treasured.
It’s the perfect prelude for the holidays ahead, a hint of special times to come. It’s like the sunset. The scene is never the same twice. And you never tire of catching a glimpse just before it mingles with the horizon to signal the end of another day in paradise.
It’s one of lake life’s greatest allures and if you’re lucky enough to live or visit here, you already know what I mean. There’s a certain magnetism to the water – drawing you to it. That’s why special places, people and events are drawn to it as well.
In this issue of LakeLife 24/7®, you’ll step inside one of those special places – The Venue at Coosa Landing. What a vision officials had for Gadsden’s stretch of the Coosa River. The Venue is 55,000 square feet of memories – big and small – to be made. Whether it’s a festival, a wedding reception, a conference or a concert, The Venue has accommodations tailor made for the perfect fit all of them and more.
Go back a few years, and Logan Martin boasted of one of the finest country clubs around in Pine Harbor with a restaurant, motel, swim and tennis club and an 18-hole golf course frequented by pros, celebrities and a host of events to make it the social center of the lake community.
Logan Martin’s Charlie Ard has a dozen or so special memories – boats he designed and built by hand. Inspired by his father, he has created floating works of art.
Special? Just ask champion paddlers who found plenty of special places and cheering fans along Neely Henry and Logan Martin as they passed through in September. They were vying for the championship in the world’s longest paddle race, the Alabama 650, which spans the state from Weiss Lake to Fort Morgan and Mobile Bay.
Lakeside is always the special place to be during the holidays, and this year is no different. Christmas boat parades are planned for Gadsden and Rainbow City-Southside, adding yet another sparkle to the water.
And Lights in the Park at Logan Martin’s Lakeside Park promises to be a special treat for young and old alike with brilliant, lighted displays lining the drive through the park. There’s even going to be a Christmas movie featured in the Civic Center next door with Santa as the guest of honor for an extra holiday treat.
Fall, the holidays and our lakes – they are gems to be treasured indeed. Turn the page and discover them all with us.
– Carol Pappas, editor and publisher
