Being a pisces and growing up on the bay, I naturally have a strong connection to water. Water not only keeps me grounded and reminds me how small I am in this big, big world but reminds me that life will always keep flowing on. As a Florida girl, the water I'm used to consists of the Gulf, Bay, and Sound, but today I'd like to throw some appreciation to the lakes in my life.

The best part about lakes is they typically are surrounded by great hiking options. When at the lake, you truly are tucked away with few distractions and the stillness of the morning is unparalleled. In the summer leaves are vibrantly green and in the fall they possess the depth of an ocean.

My favorite lakes are as follows...

1. Lake Martin, Alabama

Chimney Rock

Sinclair's

Morning Coffee

The lake I went to as a child and learned to water-ski at, thought I was a dare-devil for jumping off the lowest stoop at chimney rock, and always enjoyed the spaghetti from Sinclair's. The most peaceful place to enjoy a morning coffee or watch the night stars with my pup and a perfect getaway for an Auburn game-day weekend.

2. Lake Norris, Tennessee

Afternoon Cruise

Norris Dam State Park

Big Ridge State Park

Striped Bass

While the time I've spent at Lake Norris was all in North Tennessee, it is actually huge with its 880 miles of shoreline and can be accessed in many more places. Nestled in foothills of Great Smoky Mountains it is surrounded by three state parks offering for incredible hiking: Cove Lake, my personal favorite, Big Ridge; and Norris Dam State Park. Norris is still beautiful in the wintertime and is a place where I have spent Christmases, learned to wake-surf, and caught my first striped bass. Being the deepest and cleanest lake in the Tennessee Valley Association, it holds waters with 25ft of visibility and is a great place for fishing.

3. Lake Hartwell, South Carolina

Fall Leaves

Issaqueena Falls

Stumphouse Tunnel

Cotton Candy Sky

I've only been here one time, but its beauty was so breathtaking I had to include it. The air here is so fresh and crisp with November leaves in full turn, there is beautiful hiking at Sumter National Forrest including the Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel, and then I viewed one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.

During this season of giving thanks, I am especially thankful for our earth and the beautiful creation we have the opportunity to experience... get out there and enjoy it.