People typically find Lake Martin one of three ways: word of mouth throughout the South, their kids go to Auburn, or by visiting Wind Creek State Park. This article adds a fourth way; it’s just too magical a lake not to share. Russell Lands is synonymous with Lake Martin. The multifaceted company owns, operates, and supports a vast chunk of lake life, so I sat down with two of their directors to learn more about this lake people seem to adore with almost cult-like devotion.
A little history of Russell Lands
“It all starts with Lake Martin,” Roger Holliday, Vice President of Russell Lands, tells me. “The lake is shaped like a capital J, and Russell Lands owns the 25,000 acres in the dead center, plus 330 of the nearly 900 miles of shoreline.” In 1834, Russell family settlers from England became enamored with a tract of land in central Alabama even before the announcement that a massive new lake would soon meander through their beloved forest. The Russell family is the same family who would eventually start Russell Athletic, a name you may remember from your days (or your kids’ days) of team sports.
“In 1964, Russell went public, and the timber business spun off, which morphed into the real estate development company that is now Russell Lands,” Roger says. “We started with these little fishing cabins on the lake. Social media — with a little s and a little m — started to drive up interest.” At cocktail parties in Birmingham, the who’s who would talk about their weekend plans to visit their lakeside cabins. “Over the last 40 years, we would pave a street that used to be a red dirt road and tear down the old, run-down shacks to build newer ‘cabins’ — four-beds-five-baths kind of ‘cabins,'” Roger says with a laugh.
The Heritage and its new golf course
Perhaps the most buzzworthy topic on the lake right now is The Heritage, a new 1,500-acre waterfront development along 12 miles of shoreline. The community features spectacular waterfront homesites and luxury interior homesites. “We put 52 properties on the market on July 18, 2022,” Janet Price, Director of Marketing, says, “And 47 of the 52 are already sold.”
Every Southern golfer is likely familiar with the beloved championship course at Willow Point. In 1964, the powers that be moved the golf course from outside of Alexander City to a protected tract on the lake, and Willow Point was born. “Over the last 15 or so years,” Roger says, “it’s completely morphed into what feels like a resort, but it’s still a private country club. And COVID created a huge demand for golf!” So it was time to build a second course.
At the center of The Heritage is Wicker Point Golf Club, a new private golf course slated to open at the end of summer 2023. “We wanted the best golf architect in the world, so we hired Coore & Crenshaw. They found a piece of land they loved, and it will hopefully open in about a year,” Roger says. “80% has been grassed, and we hope to finish the rest by Christmas. Then, it’s up to mother nature to keep the grass growing through next spring.”
Russell Crossroads: The cultural and culinary hub of the lake
Russell Crossroads is the central town hub of the Russell Lands, 25,000 acres part of Lake Martin. Today, the “town” consists of Catherine’s Market + BRU63 Coffee Shop, SpringHouse restaurant, The Stables, Kowaliga Restaurant, the Naturalist Cabin, and the Russell Forest.
Wildlife expert Marianne Gauldin and the Naturalist Cabin
Russell Lands has long championed conservation and thoughtful use of Lake Martin’s natural resources. Marianne Gauldin, Russell Lands’ Naturalist and Wildlife Educator, is a huge asset to that effort. Marianne leads an array of classes, hands-on demonstrations, and guided day and night hikes.
“She has all sorts of critters from the area — some that she has rescued,” Janet tells me. Marianne is the lake’s resident wildlife rehabilitator and used to train the raptors and eagles at Auburn University. Kids and kids at heart love her activities, and you can check them out on your next trip. Find her in Crossroad’s Naturalist Cabin.
BRU 63 coffee fuels your Lake Martin adventures
Lake Martin’s newest full-service coffee shop, BRU 63, is now open in the corner of Catherine’s Market. BRU 63 is quickly becoming a lake hotspot with its delicious espresso drinks, yummy food options, and elegant communal space. “The bakery has exploded, too,” Roger adds. “It’s the perfect place to get a cup of coffee and a pastry or a quiche. It’s complemented Catherine’s really well.”
Fanny Goldmine Diner to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner
A new dining option will soon open next door to Catherine’s, and it has the cutest darn name I’ve ever heard. “Fanny Goldmine Diner will serve all the cool breakfast stuff like omelets and pancakes, as well as faster lunch items like smash burgers and chicken tenders,” Roger says. “It will be more family-priced and family-oriented than SpringHouse for sure.” Fanny Goldmine Diner — I just had to say it once more — is slated to open by the end of the year.
The new chef at SpringHouse continues to excel
SpringHouse is an enchanting Southern dining destination that should top every foodie’s must-visit list. Executive chef Rob McDaniel manned the helm for the first 12 years, but he is now running a fantastic restaurant in Birmingham called Helen. “The new chef, Pete McKenny, and his team have found their footing, and the restaurant has never been better or busier,” Roger says. “The cold weather got the vegetables for the remainder of this year, so the famous vegetable plate (pictured below) isn’t currently on the menu,” he adds.”But it’ll be back soon!”
Packed calendar: concerts at The Amp and events at Crossroads
There’s always something happening at Lake Martin. “We try to have something big going on every weekend in the on-season and every month in the off-season,” Roger says. The Fall Family Festival on October 29 will feature a baking contest, a working grist mill, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, and more. “It’s kind of a throwback event,” Roger says. There is also an interactive play during which the kids dress up as different animals and walk through the forest at Turpentine Tales.
Christmas at Crossroads takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving in conjunction with a Holiday Bazaar in the town square — one of three big art shows hosted at the lake each year. Artisans from all over come to share and sell their wares. You can get a jump start on shopping while your little ones share their wishlist with the festival’s genuine Santa Claus.
How to visit Lake Martin without owning a home there
Before COVID, Russell Lands seriously considered opening public lodging like a hotel or resort but plans stalled. Many people hope they’ll spark that conversation again. Houses in many neighborhoods can’t be rented short-term if they are rented annually, but there are many options on Airbnb and VRBO around the lake. “We are welcoming people from Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolinas, and even California,” Janet says. Lake Martin Realty is a real estate brokerage under the Russell Lands umbrella. They have a rental database where you can find the perfect vacation or long-term rental if you’d like a taste of lake life before calling it home.
No boat? No problem! Rent boats and water toys through Russell Lands
Russell Marine operates four well-located marinas around the lake for all your water supply needs. “We rent out boats and water toys. So, if you visit and don’t have a boat, we can help,” Janet says.
Russell Lands will always look for ways to make Lake Martin happier and livelier. Whether that’s helping you find the perfect waterfront property to buy or rent, outfitting your trip with a boat and toys at Russell Marine, or setting the stage for some serious entertainment year-round, there is always new magic to behold on Lake Martin, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth.
Thanks to Roger Holliday and Janet Price for the lovely conversation. All photos courtesy of Russell Lands unless otherwise noted.
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