1. You meet new people.

Whether you are anchored out in the middle of the lake or camped out on the shore, chances are there is going to be someone doing the same thing you are. It doesn’t matter if you are a local or just visiting, everyone is super friendly and excited to get to know an unfamiliar face. For example, one day this past weekend, while I was visiting my aunt and uncle at their lake house, we decided to park the boat in a nearby cove and hang out there for the day. In less than an hour, there were four other boats tethered up next to us. One family grilled out hotdogs for everyone, another gave all the kids in attendance fishing poles, and the rest just sat around talking. As I took the whole scene in, I remember my aunt leaning over, smiling at me and saying, “You never meet a stranger on the lake.” And who knows, maybe you will find a new best friend or a potential summer fling.

2. You only need a weekend.

This factor is especially important for those of you who are too busy during the week with a job to take off on a week-long trip. When traveling to the beach, one needs at least three or four days to make it an enjoyable vacation, but if you have a lake somewhere within a couple hours of you, you only need the weekend! In my past experiences, one or two days out on the lake are about all you need to get your fill of water and sun. Plus, because you only need a short amount of time to take this trip, you can make plans for it last minute. Who doesn’t like a spontaneous vacation?

3. You can participate in exciting activities.

Obviously swimming is a popular activity that takes place at the lake, but there are so many other possibilities to choose from. My younger brother’s favorite part of visiting the lake is riding an innertube. There’s also waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing. If you want, can jam pack your weekend full of fun activities like these.

4. Or you can just chill.

For those of you who are looking to do more relaxing than rigorous recreation, the lake is also a great place to unwind. You can people/nature watch, read a good book, or just soak up some rays. I’m sure that you will find that the lake can be a pretty peaceful place.

5. The food.

There is just something epic about having a picnic of sandwiches, fruit, and chips on the lake. Actually, I’m pretty sure it is a scientific fact that homemade food tastes better when you are eating it on a boat with all your friends or family as you watch the sun set. Also, if you do not want to make your own food, there are most likely a few delicious dives you can visit to get your grub on.