Fun on the Water

The popular “it” spot Nashville is full of honky Tonks and peddle taverns but when you are ready for a break head just a few minutes outside of town to Nashville Shores. It’s a 360+ acre family fun waterpark set along the backdrop of the beautiful Percy Priest Lake. With amazing waterslides, a ropes course, and a zip line course there is also a marina and boat rentals. The water park is not only comprised of slides, there is a wave pool, a lazy river, a beach on the lake, a water treehouse, and a splash pad. Plenty to do for a day of fun in the sun. 

Natural Fun: Mother Nature knew what she was doing 

A protected marine area, Snorkeling at  Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park. Located in Marathon, Florida these gorgeous and clear waters range from 5 to 15 feet allowing for all ages and levels to have a ton of fun. Most gain access to this snorkeling area by boat however, should you be crunched for time or want an extra adventure, seaplane arrivals are also possible. Aside from the breathtaking reefs – remember you can look but don't touch- there are also the South Coaling Dock ruins made up of piles of old metal coaling docks. Snorkeling at Fort Jefferson will not disappoint. 

Fishing the Elk River in West Virginia is some of the best fly fishing this side of the Mississippi. Just a hop-skip-and-jump from Charleston and nestled in the Allegheny Mountains it’s the perfect place to catch the native brook trout along with other trout species some upwards of 20+ inches. The Elk River is over 170 miles long and is home to thousands of fish. Though long, there are better spots than others to his, often those spots are the limestone creek beds allow for a higher elevation point in the river. In Monterville, there is a lovely bait shop and lodging, Elk Springs Resort, and Fly-Fishing Shop with no cell service and limited Wi-Fi, it can be a lovely disconnect from all the stresses of daily life.  

Lake Norfolk is in Mountain Home Arkansas and is the perfect lake to take in all the lake activities you can. Clean and clear set against the beautiful backdrop of Northern Arkansas it has just enough people to make it fun and just a few enough to make it safe and easy. From boats of every shape and size pulling skiers, people of tubes, and wakeboarders, Lake Norfolk has jet skiers, stand-up paddleboards, fisherman, kayakers, canoers, there is nothing that can’t be done on this lake. A great spot to head as a change-up from your normal lake or to see what this lake life is that everyone raves about, Lake Norfolk will not disappoint. 

Outside of Austin, Texas is Jacobs Well, it’s a large, completely submerged cave and is considered a perennial karstic spring. Located in an 80+ acre natural area it's free to visit unless you plan on jumping in. Those who want to swim will need to reserve a spot, sounds a little crazy but reservations are needed to swim in this naturally occurring phenomenon and are a little hard to come by. The water, which stays at a consistent 68 degrees, is refreshing and cool. Not for those unable to handle a trek, it takes about 10-12 minutes to hike to the swimming hole. There are tons of additional hiking options should you need to kill time before your swim.  

For those wanting a little luxury with their water adventure look no farther than the Waldorf Astoria and connecting Hilton in Orlando Florida. Technically on Disney property, these hotels don't even mention the park but what they do have is all the amenities and all the water fun needed for a good time. Both pools are full service with waitstaff and towel service and zero-entry options for the pools. The Waldorf's pool is expansive and hosts movies nights where guests can watch and play in the pool. The Hilton has a full-on lazy river with tubes and bridges that cross over the pool for ease of movement and for guests to wave and say hi to those floating in the river. The weekends often bring large inflatable slides between the two properties, manned by hotel staff, for guests to use at no extra charge. Looking for a place to stay where the water fun can be had in one place, this set of two hotels is it! 

Manufactured Fun: A little help from modern amenities 

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark in Austin Texas is the country's largest waterpark with over 220.000 square feet of indoor, out of the sun fun! Though the waterpark is attached to the Kalahari Resort a stay is not required, day passes are available for all! More than an average waterpark they've got every water attraction you can want: bodyboarding, surfing, slide races, lazy river, a grotto with a swim-up bar, water basketball, tandems waterslides, and much more with slides of kinds. Not just water there is bowling and an arcade for a little break or to let the food settle before zooming down some more rides.  

Opened to the public in 2006, the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte is a non-profit training facility the park holds the largest and most complex artificial and recirculating whitewater river which holds 12 million gallons of water. Great for all seasons – you can walk, do ziplines, mountain bike, and much more- but the real gem is the water sports. There are multiple types of rafting for ages 8 and up, kayaking and canoeing. Deep Water Solo is a form of rock offered and uses deep pool water instead of the usual climbing protection. There is also a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) offered along with kayaking and canoeing, taking place on different bodies of water. For smaller kiddos, there is a tandem option available. There is no shortage of water fun here! 

Sailfish Mariana Resort in Palm Beach claims it's "where the season never ends." A perfect place to get boat fever, Sailfish has boat slips for the day of the year all with shore power. Being only 45 minutes from the Bahamas Sailfish is a great spot to begin or end your journey. Full of the Old Florida charm that is so hard to come by, the marina has all the amenities needed: restaurants on the water, water taxis, a pool, charters, shopping, and provisions. With their main focus on fishing and Sailfish is home to many prized game fish records along with many waiting to be set! Loving it so much you want to stay? There are house rentals and a motel. 

Just outside of Charleston in Trophy Lakes in Johns Island, South Carolina. It’s a mecca for those wanting the thrill of water sports, specifically skiing. Intentionally designed for water skiers the small lake is 10 feet deep. Not exactly a water-skier, but would love to be one? This is the perfect place to hire an expert and learn to water or jet ski. With ample shade should you need it there is also a little beach with an area for swimming. Due to its design for skiers, wakeboarders have now become part of the mix. A perfect little slice of nature right around the corner! 

In the heat of the summer, a well-planned day or few days cooling of both in actuality and for peace of mind will be one of the best decisions made all summer! 

Links:

Hayscountytx.com 
Drytrotugasinfo.com 
Hilton.com 
Waldorfastoria.com 
Nashvilleshores.com 
Whitewater.org 
Sailfishmarina.org 
Kalahariresorts.com 
Wvtourism.com 
Arkansas.com