I need a Winni Winter Substitute

[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

[Dave R]

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]

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]

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

[Onshore]

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]

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.:coolsm:

[jlrm73]

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]

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

[Waterbaby]

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]

no rocks to worry about.
Excuse me, but where's the fun in that :D

[JasonG]

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