With temperatures hitting 100 degrees during the summer, it can be difficult to stay cool in Alabama. Thankfully, our lakes will always be open to families, including Smith Lake near Cullman. Smith Lake offers overnight stays and has a few restaurants you can drive your boat to. If you are more adventurous, you can sign up for charter fishing or stop at a nearby park.
Red Rooster Retreat
Located near Crane Hill, Red Rooster Retreat offers a place for large groups to stay overnight. This quaint house holds up to 24 guests, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served each day. There is lake access and a boating dock in case you want to rent a boat or bring your own, or you can enjoy your time by the swimming pool. Red Rooster has satellite television and a masseuse for you to enjoy during your stay.
More information and booking: www.redroosterretreat.com
Grace’s Retreat
For a smaller group, Grace’s Retreat may be the perfect place. Located on the lake with a boating dock and a spacious living room, Grace’s can hold up to six people comfortably. It is a private home with a kitchen that features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The living space has an unusual feature: It contains large garage doors that are screened to help more air come in. Grace’s Retreat is also in walking distance to Smith Lake Park.
Smith Lake Park
From waterslides to putt-putt, Smith Lake Park can entertain families on the weekend. The park is on the water and has enough room to park your RV, so you will never have to leave this gorgeous spot. There are bike and boat rentals along with playgrounds and recreational sports to suit every member of the family. Fireworks and music festivals are also at this location on specific dates.
Boat rentals
Whether it’s for a family reunion or you are by yourself, Smith Lake has every type of boat. Each vessel can seat a minimum of eight people and can be rented for an entire day. From pontoons to deck boats and even Bayliners, you can cruise across the open water without a worry.
To rent your boat today: www.boatrentalsatsmithlake.com.
Whitlock’s Cafe
Open seven days a week, Whitlock’s Café may be your next stop on Smith Lake. From omelets to burgers and barbecue, Whitlock’s has a meal for you. It also carries appliances and fishing lures, and if you just need a night in, you can rent a movie. This general store has it all, even a post office.
For a list of everything that Whitlock’s offers and a menu: www.whitlockstoreandcafe.com.
Son’s of Arley
When you are running low on snacks, Son’s of Arley can help you stock up, and it is only a short boat ride down the lake. This local grocery store has the food items you will need during your stay, with a lunch menu as well. You can stop here and grab a Smith Lake souvenir T-shirt or hat for keepsakes and memories.
Charter fishing tours
Smith Lake is known for its striper fishing and Rock Creek Stripers wants you along for the ride to catch a large mouth. They will pick you up and drop you off back at your dock, and you are only asked to bring a cooler if you plan to keep your catch of the day. The charter fishing package includes everything you will need for a day on the water.
To book your tour: www.rockcreekstripers.com.
– Molly Vines
Cover photo by David Warren.
