The summer is upon us and a lake getaway may be on your mind. We’ve got you covered! We’ve listed the #1 lake (compiled by Readers Digest) from each state bordering Virginia and included a link with more information. There’s never been a better time to plan an outdoor trip that this summer. Happy boating, fishing, and relaxing!
West Virginia: Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake’s gorgeous clear water earned it the nickname “the little Bahamas of the East”—and a spot on this list. It also boasts stunning rock formations that can be enjoyed above water or even from a scuba dive below. Considered one of the clearest lakes in the East, it’s also a lovely destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling. With 60 miles of shoreline and more than 2,700 acres of water, this man-made reservoir also happens to be the largest lake in West Virginia. Check out more about Summersville Lake here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/333
Tennessee: Douglas Lake
The majestic Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee provide the backdrop for Douglas Lake, near Sevierville. It’s the perfect setting for a fall road trip, and birders will also enjoy the many bald eagles in the region, which are bred and released by the American Eagle Foundation. Well known for its bass and crappie fishing, Douglas Lake can also be enjoyed from a boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or simply by swimming in its sprawling green depths. Formed by the damming of the French Broad River, this reservoir spreads out for 28,000 acres, making it the 10th largest body of water by surface area in Tennessee. Check out more about Douglas Lake here: https://www.visitmysmokies.com/douglas-lake-tn/
North Carolina: Lake James
At the base of the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Linville Gorge, you’ll find North Carolina’s prettiest lake, the Lake James reservoir. Set within the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 6,000-acre lake—which also boasts more than 150 miles of scenic shoreline—should not be skipped. Nearby Lake James State Park also offers a bevy of hiking trails, roughly four miles or less in length, as well as lake activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Check out more about Lake James here: https://www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park/home
Kentucky: Laurel River Lake
This pretty lake is more than 5,000 acres in size and boasts almost 200 miles of stunning shoreline. Camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and birding are just some of the activities one can enjoy. Birders will rejoice at the wintering bald eagles. Check out more about Laurel River Lake here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=64851
Maryland: Deep Creek Lake
The only U.S. state with no natural lakes, Maryland thankfully has beautiful bay shores as well as dammed rivers that form man-made lakes and reservoirs to make up for this fact. One of these is Deep Creek Lake, which clocks in at 3,900 acres and is actually the largest inland body of water in the state. The surrounding area is encompassed within Deep Creek Lake State Park and the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The large lake (and land beyond) are prime destinations for fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, swimming, and camping. There’s even an indoor Discovery Center with animal exhibits, historic displays, and a gift shop. Deep Creek Lake’s high water quality and tree-lined shores make it the prettiest lake in the state. Check out more about Deep Creek Lake here: https://deepcreeklake.com/
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter. Chase, as a fiduciary, believes in putting his clients interests first, and building out plans for his clients where they can have a happy and fruitful retirement. He married his beautiful wife in February 2022 and both use most of their free time chasing around their little pup, Aurora.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.