With more than 700 miles of shoreline, Lake Martin has a swath of possibilities when it comes to checking items off your bucket list. There are even some lake traditions you don’t want to miss.
Peanut Point
The long summer days of cruising around the lake can often leave you with an appetite. For a fun snack by the water, many locals and visitors alike enjoy a stop at Peanut Point.
Peanut Point opens up shop every Memorial Day weekend through September with boiled peanuts and ice cream for everyone to enjoy.
This stop is mostly open just on the weekends. However, Peanut Point gives regular updates on its hours through its Facebook page. Peanut Point may not have a typical address, but it can be found between the mainland and Woods Island or at the coordinates Latitude 32.82905, Longitude -85.89551.
Acapulco and Chimney Rock
Cliff Williams / The Outlook Visitors jump from Chimney Rock Tuesday as everyone took advantage of Lake Martin for the Fourth of July.
This cluster of rocks is a staple for Lake Martin. Chimney Rock gets its fame from the shape of the rock mimicking that of a chimney. Nearby is Acapulco rock, where many daredevils have jumped into the water from.
Acapulco Rock is easily spotted by its graffiti artwork. Some of the artwork dates back to decades ago. While it’s nice to look at, it’s not legal to make your own mark on the rock.
However, the jump from Acapulco Rock can be dangerous at 60 feet. For those who still want a little fun, but might be cautious of the big jump, there’s also Chicken Rock. The 20-foot cliff is just below Acapulco Rock.
These rocks are located on the south end of the lake near the Ridge Marina.
Chuckwalla’s Pizza
Cliff Williams / The Outlook Adam Hood, Kristen Kelly and Charlie Argo perform at Chuck’s during the Second Annual Lake Martin Songwriters Festival.
By car or by boat, folks can stop by this marina for a slice of pizza. While its location along Blue Creek has been a place of business since 1961, it didn’t really start making its mark on the pizza world until much later.
Owners Greg and Jane Harris first bought the property in the 1990s and opened up Chuckwalla’s Pizza in 2016. Nearing its 10 year anniversary, the couple has made Chuck’s a lakeside tradition. During the summer months, their dock and parking lot are often crowded with eager customers.
Chuck’s also has regular live music to help set the mood even more. With your pizza pie, don’t forget to grab a t-shirt too. Each summer the owners create a handful of new t-shirt designs in honor of each lake season. A regular motif is the lizard mascot, Chuckwalla.
Chuckwalla’s Pizza is located at 237 Marina Road in Dadeville.
D.A.R.E. Power Park
This park has something for the whole family to enjoy. One of its main attractions is the beach. This is one of Lake Martin’s few public access beaches with rolling white sand, and you might even mistake it for the coast.
But that’s not all. There’s also the park’s playground for kids to enjoy. But for the grown-ups, there’s still the park’s fishing piers and walking trail. The walking trail is paved and can be an easy stroll for visitors. Like many of these destinations, the park can be accessed by car or by boat.
The park is located at 4633 Young’s Ferry Road and is maintained by Alabama Power.
Flinking
Sometimes just hanging out on the lake is the destination. A common activity on Lake Martin is flinking, coming from the combination of the words floating and drinking. Feel free to dock your boat by one of Lake Martin’s many islands and relax on the water.
Grab a tube, grab a noodle or even a bum float. Some other things to consider are floating cup holders or waterproof speakers. There are also all kinds of grocery stores or convenience shops around the lake to get your supplies whether it be sodas or something a bit stronger.
No matter your flinking method, be sure to grab some sunscreen and relax along the water.
