Lake Martin, Alabama

A popular second-home lake to Birmingham and Montgomery residents, Lake Martin also has a population of full-time lakeside dwellers. On the weekends, boats raft up at Chimney Rock, a prominent cliff-jumping spot near the dam. Rest up at Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast, a restored 1895 Victorian Mansion 10 minutes from the lake. Editor's tip: When it comes to happy hour, the same common sense applies, but the open container laws are somewhat more lax. For goodness sake, just designate a captain!

Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast: mistletoebough.com