I need a Winni Winter Substitute

JasonG · 12-01-2006, 12:24 AM

So where in the great Nation of ours can one go for some big lake boating in the winter? I am looking for a lake like Winni. Places to go, things for the kids to do, etc.
thanks!
Jason

Dave R · 12-01-2006, 10:34 AM

Speaking from limited experience here...

Lake Norman in NC and Lake Lewisville in TX would be similar. Both are a bit smaller than Winnipesaukee though. Lake of the Ozarks in MO and Lake Cumberalnd in KY look pretty nice and are a bit bigger than Winnipesaukee.

There's some nice lakes in TN. Old Hickory is about half the size of Winnipesaukee and looks nice. It's quite close to Nashville.

Lake Meade NV and Lake Powell in AZ/UT would make for a very different lake experience. Both are nearly 4 times bigger than Winnipesaukee and the scenery could not be much different.

Although they don't freeze, none of these lakes will be warm in Winter. For warm water, you'll probably need to go into alligator country.

Janet · 12-01-2006, 10:52 AM

Jason G, I'd stay away from lakes in Texas. We've had a severe drought for the past few years and the lake levels are very low. Plus, lakes in Texas are no comparison to Winni. Can anything compare to our beautiful Winni???!!!!! Most of the lakes are man made, holes in the ground filled with water. My family went to Lake of the Ozarks this past summer. Nice lake but very crowded with lots of boating accidents.

mg2107 · 12-01-2006, 11:11 AM

Fontana Lake in Robbinsville,NC. Big and beautiful in the mountains.

Onshore · 12-01-2006, 12:44 PM

Well, Smith Mountian Lake in VA was close enough to play the role of Lake Winnipesaukee in "What About Bob?"... Seems like a logical choice.

SAMIAM · 12-01-2006, 03:06 PM

I don't think you'll find the equal anywhere in the south.Most of the southern lakes are man made mudholes full of stumps and brackish water.
Why not try Florida's west coast.We boat around Ft Myers and it is wonderful.Easy to find a deserted beach on Sannibel or Captiva islands.Lots of restaurants to go to by boat.The surf is not bad because it is fairly shallow and no rocks to worry about.

jlrm73 · 12-01-2006, 05:10 PM

Lake Mead is wonderful! We went last October and it is beautiful, lake temps in 70's, air temps in 90's...it has an "other planet" type feel with the striking surroundings, no trees, etc. It's about 1/2 hour from Las Vegas, and about 2 hrs from the Grand Canyon (where we were)...There were so many boats on it, fishermen, and a lot of houseboats, too.

pmj · 12-01-2006, 08:13 PM

I have heard that Kentucky Lake is a great place for boating

Waterbaby · 12-01-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonG

So where in the great Nation of ours can one go for some big lake boating in the winter? I am looking for a lake like Winni. Places to go, things for the kids to do, etc.
thanks!
Jason

Where are you from? And what are your resources? I mean, do you have a motorhome that you can attach a boat and boat trailer to to cross the country to find a similar Lake? Do you boat on the Lake? And what kinds of things are you looking for your kids to do, how old are they? Just curious, because that may narrow things down for you.

Paugus Bay Resident · 12-01-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

no rocks to worry about.

Excuse me, but where's the fun in that

JasonG · 12-02-2006, 05:41 PM

I live in NH. No motor home but a trailerable boat. Too far away you can rent one for the day. Kids, yes ages 3-14. They all love the water so no complaint there.

Thanks!
Jason

12-01-2006, 12:24 AM	#1
JasonG Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 310 Thanks: 48 Thanked 45 Times in 33 Posts	I need a Winni Winter Substitute So where in the great Nation of ours can one go for some big lake boating in the winter? I am looking for a lake like Winni. Places to go, things for the kids to do, etc. thanks! Jason

12-01-2006, 10:52 AM	#3
Janet Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 470 Thanks: 233 Thanked 134 Times in 91 Posts	Lake Lewisville Jason G, I'd stay away from lakes in Texas. We've had a severe drought for the past few years and the lake levels are very low. Plus, lakes in Texas are no comparison to Winni. Can anything compare to our beautiful Winni???!!!!! Most of the lakes are man made, holes in the ground filled with water. My family went to Lake of the Ozarks this past summer. Nice lake but very crowded with lots of boating accidents.

12-01-2006, 10:34 AM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Speaking from limited experience here... Lake Norman in NC and Lake Lewisville in TX would be similar. Both are a bit smaller than Winnipesaukee though. Lake of the Ozarks in MO and Lake Cumberalnd in KY look pretty nice and are a bit bigger than Winnipesaukee. There's some nice lakes in TN. Old Hickory is about half the size of Winnipesaukee and looks nice. It's quite close to Nashville. Lake Meade NV and Lake Powell in AZ/UT would make for a very different lake experience. Both are nearly 4 times bigger than Winnipesaukee and the scenery could not be much different. Although they don't freeze, none of these lakes will be warm in Winter. For warm water, you'll probably need to go into alligator country.

12-01-2006, 11:11 AM	#4
mg2107 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 169 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Fontana Lake in Robbinsville,NC. Big and beautiful in the mountains.

12-01-2006, 12:44 PM	#5
Onshore Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 503 Thanks: 12 Thanked 425 Times in 146 Posts	Well, Smith Mountian Lake in VA was close enough to play the role of Lake Winnipesaukee in "What About Bob?"... Seems like a logical choice.

12-01-2006, 03:06 PM	#6
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,915 Thanks: 338 Thanked 1,692 Times in 594 Posts	I don't think you'll find the equal anywhere in the south.Most of the southern lakes are man made mudholes full of stumps and brackish water. Why not try Florida's west coast.We boat around Ft Myers and it is wonderful.Easy to find a deserted beach on Sannibel or Captiva islands.Lots of restaurants to go to by boat.The surf is not bad because it is fairly shallow and no rocks to worry about.

12-01-2006, 05:10 PM	#7
jlrm73 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 62 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lake Mead is wonderful! We went last October and it is beautiful, lake temps in 70's, air temps in 90's...it has an "other planet" type feel with the striking surroundings, no trees, etc. It's about 1/2 hour from Las Vegas, and about 2 hrs from the Grand Canyon (where we were)...There were so many boats on it, fishermen, and a lot of houseboats, too.

12-01-2006, 08:13 PM	#8
pmj Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 240 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have heard that Kentucky Lake is a great place for boating

12-02-2006, 05:41 PM	#11
JasonG Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 310 Thanks: 48 Thanked 45 Times in 33 Posts	I live in NH. No motor home but a trailerable boat. Too far away you can rent one for the day. Kids, yes ages 3-14. They all love the water so no complaint there. Thanks! Jason