Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with lake

Cabins on Lake Mighigan

ztdavis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:53:26 -0800

Looking for a cabin for two on Lake Michigan, preferably the Wisconsin side. Does anyone have any specific recommendations? We'll be coming from the Chicago area, but we're willing to drive three or four hours for a cozy place.

Pretty much the traditional criteria:
1. Warm with a fireplace.
2. On or near the lake.
3. Bonus points for being near a park, but that isn't necessary.
4. Near a small town or grocery (at least 30 minutes near, so that shouldn't be too hard at all.
5. Not super expensive (if that is possible?)

This past post was helpful: http://ask.metafilter.com/107436/Winter-weekend-cabin-near-Chicago

But I'm looking for more specific "I have stayed here and it was great" type suggestions.

Thanks

Poke 'em with a stick!

Acacia — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:36:03 -0800

What is this slimy mess? Hubby and I plopped the canoe in Round Lake in Camas, Washington today and came upon these slimy masses hanging in the water from low branches. I've seen frogs eggs before, and they've looked nothing like this. There were a great many empty snail shells littering the shore, but Google images have snail eggs looking a lot different than these alien globs. I did the right thing, and poked them with a stick, but they weren't talking.
What the heck are those things?

forking over a good drive

yonation — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:04:28 -0800

i'm driving from nyc up to forked lake in the adirondacks tomorrow morning, following a pretty direct path from the city. can someone recommend some nice stops along the way and/or a nice drive that digresses from google's? i'm going with somebody who's never seen the region, but the thing is, its about a 6 hour drive according to google, and we dont want to spend all day in the car, so i would love something along the way OR a nice suggestion for how to drive back to the city where i can show this person a thing or two about the upstate region.

Creative people - teach me how to make my wedding magical.

semacd — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:48:42 -0800

Design our "First Summer's Night Eve" wedding, creative people! Ok, so I think we figured out where to hold our wedding (on a lawn in MA, by a lake). And when to hold it: Memorial Day weekend.

So now we're looking for some inspiration to make the night feel magical, special, romantic in a breezy flowing fabrics and candles and flowers sort of way. We're thinking we'd like to loosely use "Midsummer Night's Eve" (or in this case, "First Summer's Night Eve") as our theme (not the play, the ancient celebration). We're thinking this would involve lots of flickering candles, maybe something woodsy, mossy. Possibly lanterns. Possibly things our guests could float off into the lake bearing wishes (and candles) [I've done this as a grade schooler on Midsummer Night's Eve using handmade little boats and candles, and in India using flowers on the Ganges]. We're trying to evoke the headiness, magic of the first summer's night. I'm thinking maybe Art Nouveau style maybe could be integrated, or a Where the Wild Things Are sentiment for a bit of playfulness.

Can you think of anything we can do that could subtly suggest that theme: the magic of the first summer's night? What would our centerpieces look like (in a rather austere series of function-rooms, unfortunately, but adjoining the lake with huge glass windows everywhere)? How can we incorporate the lake and the lawn? There's a beautiful teensy stone bridge just around the corner too. What cool things can we do with candles? Would our save the dates and/or invitations have this element included? Would our wedding website? If so, how? Anything else we should be thinking of? (Band? Transportation? Attire? After party? Other events? Beverages? Appetizers? Food? Cake? Late night snack? Table names? Place cards?) What would our flowers look like, and would we use them in any unique ways? Gifts to bridal party?) Anything else?

I'm not very creative but I can take a spark of an idea and run with it, and I can execute directions. Help me out! We don't have unlimited funds, but we have a decent budget to work with.

The location is fairly fancy. There will be a band, open bar, decent food, etc.

Bonus points for links for where we can buy design elements/create our own design elements/examples of pictures for inspiration?

Bonus points for ideas that would surive a cold, rainy Boston Memorial Day evening.

Also, oh crap - is Memorial Day weekend in the Boston area too early for this fantasy?

Lake Como (sail)boat rental

patrad — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:21:59 -0800

Trying to rent a sail or motor boat on lake como in Italy. Preferably near mid-lake as I'm staying in varenna. Just looking for a small 2-3 seat sailboat ideally.

Going to Vermont!

Cat Pie Hurts — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:50:00 -0800

Help me plan my trip from Boston to Burlington, Vermont next weekend! Next weekend, I'm making my first trip ever to Burlington, VT to meet up with a long lost, now found friend, all by my lonesome. Our meetup isn't happening until Sunday afternoon (Downtown Burlington, Church St., wherever that is :)), but I'd still like to make a whole weekend out of it (at the very least, arrive early Saturday and stay over). I'll be driving up (I considered taking the train, but $88 round trip blows the budget and limits my exploratory options).

#1: I'm having difficulties finding reasonably priced lodging (reasonable being in the $75 - $100/night range - less would be better - the hotel is just going to be a place to sleep and nothing more). I had even thought about camping in the area, but it seems there are no decent campgrounds around with showering facilities (which I need if I'm going to meet a long lost friend!). Even staying on the NY side is an option (especially if it's cheaper!) Also, I don't necessarily need to stay right in the Burlington area. If something well priced and interesting is within an hour's drive, that would be OK, too (as long as I can make Burlington by 1pm on Sunday).

#2 What to do Saturday day, evening and Sunday morning? I keep forgetting to acquire a passport, so going up to Canada isn't an option, unfortunately (but I may drive as close to the border crossing as I can, just to see it) .
I'm more interested in outdoors type stuff (could be hiking, could be a scenic drive) on Saturday (day), especially things that allow me to explore the interesting things around the Lake.

Thanks!

Living in Salt Lake City during ski season

Calloused_Foot — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:44:39 -0800

I want to spend Jan-Apr of the 2010 season snowboarding in the Salt Lake City resorts. Can you guys help me figure out where to live in SLC (three months at a resort is just too much $$, and plus I'd like to be able to get away from the mountain on the days I don't ride) , and the best way to go about securing a place? There's really only two things I really need (that I can think of right away) as far as the apartment is concerned:
1) Must be on one of the bus routes that heads up to Snowbird/Solitude/Brighton (I don't care about Alta obviously). This part is non-negotiable, simply because I know it's anywhere from a 45-60min ride up to the mountain, and I am so not a morning person - I need to be able to stumble a couple of blocks to the bus stop after getting ready. Also, since my driving skills are non-existent (no driver's license - this was why Denver and the Colorado resorts were eliminated from consideration), acquiring a car is not an option.
2) Basic amenities (groceries, laundry, restaurants, bars) should be within an easy bike ride (I'll find a beater on craigslist), or short bus ride away, again because of the no car requirement. Walking distance would be nice, if possible.

I've been told by my airport shuttle driver (I was out there at the end of the season in April) I should look in Cottonwood Heights, and that rents for a studio or 1BR would run from about $750-900 a month, and that finding something short term should not be a problem. Is this where I should be looking? What other neighborhoods should I be aware of? Of course I'm going to be looking on craigslist for a place, but are there any real estate brokers I should know about? What other things do I need to know?

Wetsuit for lake swimming in Spring?

who else — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:53:44 -0800

I am thinking about getting a wetsuit to swim in the lake during the spring. I have never purchased or worn a wetsuit before. I don't know what features to look for, and I don't even really know how much of a difference it will make. I would hate to spend a bunch of money only to find out the lake is still too damn cold.
Bonus points for a website that shows lake temperatures for Ontario (Nottawasaga bay).

What are your favorite toys for the lake or pool side?

wrnealis — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:51:12 -0800

Lake toys! What are your favorite toys for the lake or pool side? Going to be spending some time at the lake house this summer and I'm looking for some toys that adults and kids would enjoy. We have dock with 13' off the end. Also have an upper deck that we can jump off of.

I was looking at some inflatable or fiberglass slides, maybe an air bag to launch the kids in the air. Water guns and rafts, whatever.

What toys do you keep coming back to?

Mysterious disappearing Google lake

UnclePlayground — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:50:55 -0800

What is the name of this body of water in southeast Ohio? What is the name of this body of water in southeast Ohio. It is east of Greasy Ridge, Ohio and south of Polka Dot, Ohio.
No, it is not "Scottown, Ohio". That's just what Google maps is calling this spot/area.

Bonus question: why does it appear on Google maps satellite view, but not on the "map" view as a blue body of water?

Bonus, Bonus question: who "owns" this body of water? I'd like to fish it and ask for permission. ;)

Thanks!

Where in the world can I find a tidal lake

Solomon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:58:43 -0800

Please help me find a nature documentary I saw once, about 5 years ago. I don't recall exactly when I saw the documentary, or who narrated it. The only thing I recall was a very unusual natural phenomenon.

There is a lake somewhere, the level of which changes regularly, due to (I think) the tides of the sea. When it's high tide, the lake gets an influx of sea water, and the water level rises, and the reverse happens when the tide goes out. I may have the concept wrong, but the water level definitely rose and fell. The one enduring image memory I have is that of an island in the middle of the lake, with the water about a meter higher on one side than the other, with some scientists saying how exciting/interesting it was to see this happen.

I'm pretty sure it was a UK TV based show, but on watching most of Attenborough's works, I haven't seen it.

Any ideas?

Parks & Lakes near Dallas, TX

4chrisd — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:08:20 -0800

Impress a girl in Dallas? This weekend I'm going to Dallas to pick up a girl at the airport and I need some ideas (locations) to impress her. She loves parks and water...so I was thinking of taking her there for a while. I would also like places in Dallas that have an awesome view (from up high)...even a roof top garden (if you knew of one). I'm open for ideas...Do you know of any cool parks near water that are beautiful?

Lake District Recommendations?

Elmore — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:03:08 -0800

UKFilter: Planning a camping trip to the Lake District in October looking for suggestions and recommendations of places to stay and things to do. My girlfriend and me are taking the car from Dublin to Holyhead and going to drive to Cumbria to see the Lake District in October. We're planning on camping for most of the trip, but may stay in a hotel/b&b/pub guesthouse type place for a night or two on the way back (thinking of Chester, but open to suggestions).

As far as camping in the Lake District there seem to be a lot of camp sites. Any recommendations? Are there some outstanding places - re facilities, location, people who run it, etc. Or any places to avoid?

As far as activities; well it will obviously be relatively active - plenty of walking, running, bike hire etc. Would like to get a bit more adventurous (thinking kayaking or climbing). Any good places for beginners to get stuck in without being overwhelmed or bored?

Are there any real gems out there - pubs, places to visit, museums, villages, etc., that don't get mentioned on the tourist websites? Any suggestions for a nice town to stay in for the last night before getting the ferry home - somewhere about an hour or so from Holyhead?

Tennessee Lakes? Which would you choose?

Kloryne — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:57:55 -0800

Tennessee lakes? Which lake is better for a week of house-boating at the end of August -- Lake Norris, Dale's Hollow, or Cumberland? Or are they all equally awesome?

We're current L.A. residents, looking to relax - maybe fish - maybe not. Certainly cooking, drinking, swimming, and staring at nature. Is there a distinct difference between the three mentioned that I should be aware of?

Thanks for any info. If it matters, I'm an Okie and used to nature - my man, well, he's a genius, but not so outdoorsy. It'd be nice to have a "general store" type place nearby to buy bug spray, etc. Also, it's only the two of us going there.

Girl to the North Country

lunasol — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:43:07 -0800

Where can I go for an inexpensive, lake-enriched overnight escape from Minneapolis? I'm getting a bit stir-crazy in the Twin Cities, and I'd like to get away for a day or two. Since I have no friends with lake cabins (so sad!), I need to find another way to escape. Here's what I'm looking for:

- Ideally, within a few hours of the Cities.
- Someplace woodsy, near a swimmable lake.
- Quiet is what I'm going for, so no Wisconsin Dells-type family cabin resorts.
- Someplace where I can get a room or small, bare-bones cabin under $100/night. I really don't need anything fancy. Actually, a hostel would be great if there are any that are nice and not in the middle of a town.
- Reasonably close proximity to a nice town would be good, but not necessary.
- Close to some good day hikes.

The idea is that I'd drive up in the early morning one day, spend two days reading, walking and swimming, and come back late on the second day.

I will be most likely doing this trip by myself in two weeks. I'd rather go on a weekend, but I do have some vacation days so I could go in the middle of the week if that would ensure a more peaceful trip.

Two boats, which one should we purchase?

justgary — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:11:19 -0800

I know nothing about boats, but I'll be buying one soon and have narrowed it down to two styles. Help me make a choice. We have a house on a very small lake that isn't big enough for anything other than canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, and small boats. Motors are not allowed (except small trolling motors). Residents around the lake use their small boats to visit other neighbors and take leisurely rides up and down the lake.

We'd like to buy a boat so that our mother, who loves the lake but is scared of water, would feel safe on. So the number one thing we're looking for is stability.

We've found 2 boats that we like, but they're slightly different and I have no idea if one is more stable than the other.

Boat 1

Boat 2

Does anyone knowledgeable regarding boats know if one would be appreciably more stable than the other?

We've already decided against paddle boats, small pontoon boats, etc

Give me the New York lake of my Texas youth!

youcancallmeal — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:52:38 -0800

Seeking swimming hole at lake around NYC like the ones I used to go to as a kid in Texas. I'm looking for the kind of lake where you drive up with a car full of food to a spot with a grill and a muddy-banked lake for swimming. Nothing fancy, just not one of these lakes-with-beaches things that seem so prevalent around here. A little hiking to get to the spot would be okay. Doesn't need to be near public transportation, would rather it not be super crowded. Preferably about an hour's drive from NYC.

An Ill Volvo

thesiameseffect — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:32:12 -0800

Los Angeles Volvo Filter: Does anyone know of an auto shop that specializes in Volvo service? I am looking specifically in the Silver Lake/Los Feliz area. However, I would be willing to travel outside that area for somewhere decent.

My '96 850 GLT needs a tune up and some new brakes!

Chiropractors in Salt Lake City, Utah

birdlips — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:39:37 -0800

Do you know of a good Chiropractor in Salt Lake City, Utah? I am trying to find a good Chiropractor in SLC and I am having a hard time. There are too many of them to make an uninformed choice and I don’t know anybody here with an opinion on the matter. I want to avoid the Chiropractors that use rocks and other more holistic techniques. I want the good old snap and pop types, however, in a modern environment and hopefully well versed in their industry.

Thanks!

HELP need cool texas getaway for fishing

madmamasmith — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:13:52 -0800

I want to plan a trip for my bf's birthday. I live in TEXAS and want to find a cool cabin that sleeps at least 6 people with access to fishing. I would prefer a secluded area where he and his standoutish tattooed buddies can be noisy and not have to deal with neighbors or uptight rednecks.. I have seen some cool places in Lake Buchanan and near Lake Travis, I just want to find the perfect one, with cool atmosphere, access to the water and affordable. I would like to spend less than 250 per night (other guests not included). I know he likes to fish in Rockport but the cottages all look kind of dingy...any ideas...I'll take whatever you got.

Driving from Austin to Salt Lake--NEED SUGGESTIONS!

jenlyn1123 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:05:30 -0800

I'm driving from Austin to Salt Lake City the last week of April and need suggestions on things to do, see, stay, eat and drink. All suggestions and ideas are appreciated as I've never been there before! We can't go through New Mexico due to a pact he made to a friend several years ago (don't ask) and are planning on driving up through Oklahoma and across Colorado to the Four Corners before heading up to Salt Lake.

We leave Austin on Monday and our flight home from Salt Lake is Saturday.

Do you have any recommendations on places to stay? I'd rather camp; he'd rather stay in cheap-o motels. Any must see places to see, eat, drink? Neither of us have been to this part of the country before (we're from the Northeast) so we're really excited. I'm a photographer so the more scenic places the better.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

A walk on the wild side

grrarrgh00 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:30:50 -0800

How do I know if my frozen lake is solid enough to walk on? I'd love to watch tonight's lunar eclipse out on Lake Calhoun tonight. It being the middle of February, I'm pretty sure the ice is OK; except for a warm spell last weekend, it's been well below the average temperature for most of the last two weeks. But is there a rule of thumb I could go by, or (even better) an official ice status tracker for MN lakes I could refer to?

Avoid frozen death

crapples — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:44:08 -0800

I grew up in the California Central Valley - so I know nothing about ice. Now I'm in the Midwest. My question is: How do I know when it's safe to walk on a frozen river or lake? I would like my margin of error to be small enough that I avoid being sucked into an under-ice river and dying while I claw frantically at an unrelenting ceiling of ice.

Also - are the rules different for rivers and lakes?

How do I get to Toronto from Rochester, NY?

scooterdman — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:35:04 -0800

What's the best way to get from Rochester, NY to Toronto? I will be up in Rochester for several days for business, and I have never been to Canada before. I have a passport, and I should have some time in the evening to explore.

I know a ferry used to run between the two cities, but I understand that it is not anymore. How do I get to Toronto? It seems so close...

Byke March 2001

moooshy — Mon, 14 May 2007 17:03:32 -0800

[ChicagoFilter] I am going to attempt to bike to work, which means biking along the lake from Andersonville to the Navy Pier area. Any tips? I haven't biked in 10 years, and don't want to be killed by racing pros. I want to get into this bike commuting thing, for health reasons and because it's fun. I'm just about to get a nice, comfy bike for the trip -- and will be biking from roughly the middle of Andersonville to Navy Pier. Is it a straight path down? How long do you think this will take? Are there any bike etiquette things I should be aware of? General as well as specific tips are most welcome. :)