Potential Magazine March 2015 | Page 44

travel lake fun LAKE GUNTERSVILLE GETAWAY Looking for a relaxing place to get away with the family for a few days? North Alabama’s Lake Guntersville area offers plenty of opportunities for the whole family to unplug and unwind. Surrounding Lake Guntersville are small Southern towns that are a recreation bonanza. You could spend an entire weekend just enjoying the serene atmosphere at the lake, or take a short drive to experience one of numerous nearby attractions (the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is about an hour away, for instance). DO & SEE: Lake Guntersville State Park Enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking trails, picnicking, fabulous vistas and numerous sites for viewing wildlife. It is a winter home of the American bald eagle. Lodging and camping options are available inside the park, along with a full-service restaurant and 18-hole golf course. Boat rentals, a beach complex, hiking and biking trails and an outdoor nature center are just some of the ways to relax and enjoy the beautiful Lake Guntersville area. alapark.com/LakeGuntersville 44 Unclaimed Baggage Center Ever wondered what happens to lost luggage and things people leave behind on planes? Discover for yourself America’s best-kept shopping secret, more than 7000 new items arrive daily at this treasure-trove located in nearby Scottsboro. TIP: Visitors can get the true Unclaimed Baggage experience Monday-Saturday at 2:30 p.m., when staff open newly arrived unprocessed bags and unveil the contents. unclaimedbaggage.com STAY: Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge & Convention Center With 112 hotel rooms and suites, and newly renovated facilities, the Lodge is a comfortable and convenient place to stay and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer at beautiful Lake Guntersville State Park. The park also offers chalets and cottages, along with camping and cabins available on the lake. alapark.com/LakeGuntersville www.potentialmagazine.com Lake Guntersville Bed & Breakfast Experience Southern hospitality at this bed and breakfast with a gorgeous view of the lake from wraparound porches. Walk to shops, restaurants and the marina. Conveniently located to a walking trail, Civil War Sites, North Alabama Birding Trail and Cathedral Caverns. lakeguntersvillebedandbreakfast.com EAT: Mud Creek Fishing Camp Known for its catfish, the restaurant also serves noteworthy barbecue pork and ribs at old-fashioned prices with some of the best food and service in the Scottsboro area. Located in nearby Hollywood. For more great weekend getaway ideas, check out the Alabama Tourism website at alabama.travel Info courtesy of Alabama Tourism Department. Photos courtesy of (Left) Alabama Tourism Department and (Top Right) Gin McCrary, Browns Creek Sailing Marina/ www.sailbrownscreek.com.