Are you looking for a weekend getaway with plenty of sun, food and outdoor activities? If so, Lake Martin is a nearby option. Warm weather is almost here to stay, and if you are itching to spend time outside, the 44,000 acres of Lake Martin has multiple entertainment options to choose from.

The lake is approximately a 30 minute drive north of Auburn. Whether you are staying for the day or a week, there are accommodations for everyone’s plan. You can set up camp at "Wind Creek State Park" that spans more than 1400 acres along the lake’s shores. You can also go straight to one of the many marinas on the lake and rent a boat.

Kaitlyn Gregory, and Auburn resident, has made many trips to the lake.

“I’m from Florida originally, so I love the water and get out on it anytime I can,” says Gregory. “I first started going to Lake Martin three years ago when a friend asked me to go to her lake house with her. Now I go almost every weekend that I can when it is warm. I either go with a friend who has a boat, or since it so easy to rent, I will do that a lot too.”

Gregory went on to describe a popular island hangout that visitors and locals refer to as “Chimney Rock.” According to Gregory it is tradition to visit “Chimney Rock,” and everyone ties their boats together in front of this island and engages it a “floating party.”

In addition to boating, Lake Martin also boasts great fishing. As stated on http://www.lakemartinmagazine.com/)">Lake Martin Magazine’s official Website,” Lake Martin is one of the best freshwater fishing spots in the Southeast. ESPN Bass Masters, the Wal-Mart BFL Tour and several local fishing tournaments make their home here.”

Another way to enjoy Lake Martin is by hiking around it. "Horseshoe Bend History Trail" is one of the many trails on the lake. This trail meanders through the battle field of Horseshoe Bend National Military Park. You will find plaques punctuating this trail that provide historical facts about this battle.

Lake Martin resident, Paige Flaherty, says that living on the lake year-round is a great experience.

“I love living on the lake, mainly because it is so peaceful,” says Flaherty. “But there is also never a shortage of things to do. My favorite thing to do is go eat pizza at Chuck’s after being out on the boat all day. Chuck’s is so good, and they have really cool bands from time to time.”

Other causal restaurants similar to Chuck’s on the lake include, Kowaliga, Oskar’s and Cotton’s BBQ. However, there are lots of other eateries to choose from.

For more information about Lake Martin and what it has to offer, visit the http://www.lakemartin.com/)">lake’s Website. Here you can find everything from a map of the lake to information on boat rentals.