Date Archives: June 2015

Indian Lake is a beautiful place for boating and family fun. However, it's a good idea to remember that no matter how much boating experience you have, it never hurts to review a few basics before launching.

Safety Tips to Keep Your Family Safe

Be Weather-Wise

Because Indian Lake is shallow with large open zone areas, it can get rough quickly with changes in weather conditions. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist

Being prepared for any possibility on the water is a big part of boating safety. By following a pre-departure checklist you can make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten. Here is a great one to print and use:CHECKLIST

Learn to Swim

A strong swimmer is a survivor. Local organizations usually offer training for all ages and abilities. Check to see what classes are offered in your area if you aren't comfortable in the water.

Use Common Sense

• Extended sun and wind exposure causes fatigue

• Slower boats have the right away

• Operate at safe speeds—particularly in crowded areas. Observe Indian Lake's 10 mph speed limit for night boating.

• Stay alert at all times

• Steer clear of large vessels or watercraft which might be restrictive in stopping or turning.

• Be conscience of buoys and other navigational aids

• Don't Drink and Sail. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved. Studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind.

Designate an Assistant Skipper

Don't be the only one aboard who knows all aspects of handling and operating the vessel, and general boating safety. Should the Captain become injured or incapacitated in any way, it's important someone else can get everyone else back to shore.

Develop a Float Plan

Always be sure to let someone else—who will be on shore—know your float plan. This should include your destination, how long you anticipate being gone, names and phone numbers of all passengers, and boat details including communication equipment on board. Should you run into trouble, this will assist authorities in searching for you. Here is a map of Indian Lake to help you plan:MAP

Make Proper Use of Lifejackets

Don't become part of a tragic drowning statistic. Be sure all passengers on board are outfitted in properly fitted lifejackets. Children under ten years of age on a boat less than eighteen feet in length MUST wear a personal flotation device.

Take a Boating Course and Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check

Indian Lake Boat Courses

U.S.C.G. Auxiliary Offering Boating Safety Classes N.A.S.B.A. approved. Successful completion satisfies the State of Ohio educational requirements for boaters operating a powerboat faster than 10 hp. and born on or after Jan. 1, 1982.

The US Coast Guard offers complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations—take advantage of it!

DID YOU KNOW?

The cause of most deaths amongst boaters is capsizing, falling overboard, and drowning.

Be safe. Be smart. Stay Alive.

FYI:

Per the Indian Lakewebsite: There is no alcohol permitted on the lake. Patrol boats navigate the lake to help boaters, monitor speed, and look for safety violations. The Indian Lake Auxiliary Coast Guard is also available on weekends to assist boaters.

As the fireworks displays loom near in our imaginations, we're all a little excited by the greatest summer holiday there is: Independence Day! This time of year usually means outdoor barbeques and family gatherings beneath an open sky as we watch a brilliant display of fireworks to commemorate the urge toward freedom and community that has always defined the American people.

Logan County and the surrounding Indian Lake community is well known for its welcoming personality and ties to the land and history of the region.  That's never more true than during the 4th of July celebrations that abound around the lake. As one of the busiest times of year for the Indian Lake community, we welcome our fellow countrymen to the celebration and raise a cold drink to the Land of the Free!

Enjoy the fireworks and remember that it's always a great time to buy a house in Indian Lake!

Summer is in full swing in Central Ohio and our locals can't get enough of the sunshine and great outdoors. When the winter is so long and cold, it's always nice to break the ice with some fun, family-friendly summer activities right here on home turf.  Here are three of our favorites for you to consider.  Whatever you do, get out there and have some fun in the sun!

Get on the Lake

Indian Lake offers a wealth of activity for the whole family. Swimming and enjoying the lakeside park areas are a great way to spend a few hours together without spending too much.  For the more adventurous types, check out Spend a Day Marina for boat andwatercraft rentals.  Nothing beats buzzing around on the lake with a Jet Ski or speed boat.  If you're up for fishing there are some great spots around the lake for catching bluegill, yellow perch, and largemouth bass.  From a boat or the shore, you're sure to get something on the end of your line.

Family Camping

The Welcome Woods Family Campground offers you and yours a chance to get outside and camp under the stars for a few days this summer.  18 acres of open land offers plenty of camping spots from the primitive setups, where it's just you and a tent, to recreational parking with water and electrical hookups.  The campground is on the south side of Indian Lake so you can walk over for a swim or fishing, or just hang out by the fire pit roasting hot dogs and s'mores!  The great outdoors is the iconic summer family experience.

Horseback Riding

Living in the Midwest has its own quaint country charm but nothing says America like a rural horseback tour.  Our friends at Marmon Valley Farm off horseback riding adventures and trail rides, plus camps and lessons for all ages.  Let your kids experience the wonders of a fully functioning farm with animals, pets, crops, and of course… horses! 

Make memories to last a lifetime right here in Logan County.

People often ask us what defines the culture of Logan County and why Indian Lake is such a great place to live. The truth is, it's all about the people. 

Living in a place as beautiful as Ohio, nestled next to Indian Lake and surrounded by state parks and farmlands; this is what it means to live in the American Midwest.  But when it comes right down to it, the thing that makes Indian Lake one of the best places to live, is that our people still maintain the same small town charm that has always been a staple of rural life.  There is a kindness and sense of community rarely found in other parts of the country.  It's a remnant of the early settler days when central Ohio was booming with early industry and advanced agriculture. 

We have a lot of fast food restaurants and chain department stores today, just like every other town in the USA.  But we also have a wealth of small businesses and local establishments that cater to locals and visitors alike.  Living in Logan County means being a part of the group that calls this place home. Saying hello to the neighbor you see at the grocery store and knowing the parents of your kids' friends.  These are the real deal purpose of community and the way life is meant to be lived.

The neighborhoods and houses in Bellefontaine or Russells Point are comprised of a nice mix of families, some who have lived in these parts for generations and others who have relocated here to find something fresh and welcoming for their families.  We encourage you to browse the homes of Bellefontaine and greater Logan County to see what we mean by small town charm and a sense of community.

Living in America's Heartland means a deep appreciation for the people and culture that makes small town life feel like home.

You're always welcome in Logan County!

Central Ohio is full of amazing summer festivals for all ages and we're happy to promote some of these to the residents and visitors of our community.  There's always something to do when you live in Logan County.  Get out there and enjoy all the cultural entertainment offered in summer time!

• Comfest – June 26, 27, 28
• Easton Art Affair – June 26, 27, 28
• Powell Festival – June 26 and 27
• Bratwurst Fest, Red White and Brats – July 3
• BoomFest – July 3
• Red White & Boom – July 3
• Doo Dah Parade – July 4
• All Good Music Festival & Campout – July 9, 10, 11
• Ohio Brew Week Festival – July 10 through 18
• Heritage Concert Series – July 9 through August 27 on Thursdays
• Westgate's Summer Jam – July 11
• North Market Ohio Wine Festival – July 10, 11, and 12
• AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days – July 10, 11, and 12
• Cultural Wall Music Festival – July 11
• Westerville Music and Arts Festival – July 11 and 12
• Sommerfest (II) – July 17
• Jazz and Rib Fest – July 17, 18, and 19
• Wooden Keels Vintage Wheels Show – July 18
• Small Press Alternative Comics EXPO (S.P.A.C.E) – July 18 and 19
• Franklin County Fair – July 18 through 25
• Art Crawl in German Village – July 18
• 2X2 Hip-Hop Festival – July 25
• Lazy Daze of Summer Festival – July 25
• Nashville Hitmakers at Indian Lake High School – July 25
• Union County Fair – July 26 through August 1
• Ohio State Fair – July 29 through August 9
• Pickerington Violet Festival – July 29, 30, 31, August 1
• Indian Lake Catfish Tournament – July 30, 31, August 1, 2
• Dublin Irish Festival – July 31, August 1 and 2
• ProMusica Summer Music Series – August 6, 8, and 9
• Hot Rod Hula Hop – a tiki themed event – August 7 and 8
• Pelotonia – August 7, 8, and 9
• Taste the Future – August 11
• All Ohio Balloon Festival – August 13, 14, and 15
• Columbus Summer Beerfest – August 14 and 15
• MatsuriCon – August 14, 15, and 16
• Columbus Food Truck Festival – August 14, 15, and 16
• African Village Arts Festival – dates not listed yet
• Sangria Festival – August 15
• Cruise the Ville – August 15
• Sommerfest (III) – August 21
• Craft Brew at the Zoo – August 21
• Ganther's Place Harvest and Jazz Festival – August 22
• CrestFest – August 22
• Arch City Comedy Festival – September 3, 4, 5
• Greek Festival – September 4, 5, 6, and 7
• Ohio Renaissance Festival – September 5 through October 25, Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day Monday
• Ohio Craft Brew Festival – September 11 and 12
• Hot Times Community Festival – September 11, 12, and 13
• Creative Control Fest – September 11 and 12
• Fiesta Mexicana – No date listed yet
• Country Living Fair – September 18, 19, and 20
• Germania Oktoberfest – September 18, 19, 20
• Backwoods Fest, Thronville – September 18, 19, and 20
• Union County Covered Bridge and Bluegrass Festival – September 18, 19, and 20
• Ohiolina Music Festival – September 19
• Delaware County Fair – September 19 through 26
• ReelAbilities Film Festival – September 25 through 29
• Columbus Oktoberfest – September 25, 26, and 27
• Route 40 Festival, Hebron – September 25 and 26

If you enjoy the local happenings in central Ohio and Indian Lake, be sure to talk to one of our award-winning real estate agents about the best place to live in Logan County!