Lake Martin is a 40,000-acre reservoir created in the 1930s when a dam was built across the Tallapoosa River for flood control. With over 700 miles of shoreline, it is one of Alabama's premier spots for boating, fishing, and lazy lake weekends.
The lake sits between Alexander City and Dadeville, about an hour east of Montgomery and 90 minutes southeast of Birmingham. The bass fishing is excellent -- several tournament organizations hold events here regularly. The lake is less than 20% developed along its shoreline, which keeps it feeling uncrowded even in summer.
The culture is typically Southern -- friendly and gracious. Visitors should expect to be invited to church by the locals. Several restaurants cluster around the Dadeville side, including spots inside the StillWaters gated community and casual places like Niffer's on the Lake.