The Local Tourist
by Mary Beard Grodsky
While the summer season is what attracts most visitors in and around Pickwick Lake, I find that the cooler weather is actually the best time to enjoy some of the attractions that don’t require the use of a boat. One of my favorites things to take advantage of is our access to the state parks. Pickwick Landing State Park is one of three nearby parks that is most known locally for it’s marina, water access, and sandy beach area. If you haven’t been to the park recently, you need to check out the new renovations to the hotel and restaurant. And with these brand new accommodations and amenities, The Friends of Pickwick Landing State Park are able to host various events year-round to continue to develop the area.
The Friends of Pickwick Landing State Park was formed in January 2006 and is a charitable organization dedicated to the development of the park. They work to improve the experience of all visitors through various fundraisers throughout the year that focus on enhancing the educational opportunities along with promoting the park’s facilities. The organization is comprised entirely of volunteers who donate their time and resources towards promoting the park and showing off how valuable of a local attraction it is.
Since inception, the volunteer group has helped develop the butterfly garden, information kiosk, the park entrance archway, bicycle racks, picnic tables, and the horse shelter. The Friends helped create the white sand beach, which is perfect for relaxing and feels as close to a tropical island as you can get in the area. You can also find classes and displays, lead by the park rangers, that feature boat and canoe tours. The park also has bird education events at the prey aviary thanks to the fundraising efforts of the committee.
One of the recent accomplishments of the Friends Group was the completion of a much needed local dog park. I have sold clients several lake homes which are either condos or zero lot line houses, and one of their priorities is to have a safe place that they could bring their furry friends for some exercise. The group was awarded the Tennessee Dog Park Dash grant that allowed them to bring this dream to a reality. This state of the art facility features pet waste stations, doggie fountains, and rest benches (for any human companions).
Their upcoming New Year’s Eve event is always one of their largest fundraisers each year. You can celebrate the holiday, and directly help improve the park, by purchasing a ticket to their 2023 Bash (while tickets last). With doors opening at 7:00pm at the Lodge Pickwick Landing, a live band will play from 8:30pm until 12:30am. Ring in the new year at one of the best locations in Pickwick with appetizers and drinks as well. This fundraiser will continue to go towards future projects and education, some of which are already in the planning phase.
Also not to be missed are the holiday lights in the park, which remain free of charge. The drive- through light show will be available through the end of the calendar year and goes every evening until 9:00pm. Check out the recent renovations inside the lodge if you haven’t had the chance to do so while visiting. The sweeping views on the water with the lights reflecting are one of the many reasons to enjoy Christmas at Pickwick Lake!
Click here to learn more about me and how I can help you with your real estate needs. Whether Memphis or Pickwick, primary home or investment, I’m happy to offer my services. Contact me at 901-468-7030 or Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike Realtors
E: Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
C: 901-468-7030
O: 901-756-8900
