Alabama: Leesburg, Chesnut Bay Resort - Weiss Lake, Cherokee Rock Village and Sequoyah Caverns. Located in the mountains of Northeastern Alabama Chestnut Bay is a serene and quieting place; an ideal place to unwind and regroup. Perched on the shores of mirror-like Weiss Lake, the family friendly resort provides families comfortable lake houses and poolside villas outfitted to create a home away from home atmosphere which is ideal. Surrounded by lush forest lands and bird songs, cloaked by starry nights and cool mountain air, the resort offers guests an easy-paced vacation complete with lake toys, and fishing poles.

Our visit was brief but the stay quite pleasant. Owners Tim and Vicky Bell told us that they built the resort with families in mind. They had owned and rented vacation homes in the area and envisioned building a resort one day. Their dream is now a reality. The property, once a fishing camp, is now Chestnut Bay Resort.

Resort: There are several types of vacation homes. Each has a unique list of features to fit all individual needs. Currently there are more than a dozen units in the complex; more are on the drawing board. The 4/5 bedroom lakefront homes and villas are furnished with the usual items including TV/DVD. They use a keyless entry system which worked like a charm for us. Some lake units have a fireplace or private hot tub. Nine units are located directly on the lake each with their own pier. The swimming area has two large rafts along with a water slide. It’s a perfect place for kids of all ages to enjoy themselves. The children’s play area includes swings and a basketball court. There is also a tugboat revived as a snack shack open weekends. A well-marked walking trail surrounds the resort. Walk it eight times you’ve walked two miles. Bonus points: A large covered pavilion was being completed near the snack boat making the resort is a perfect setting for reunions. Need to know:  Pets are permitted but limited to one per house. Guests bringing a pet must get prior approval from management.

Amenities: The Bay offers families a large shallow lake ideal for swimming. For families the action is lake side where a 120- foot water flume allows those with energy to slide, glide and topple into the water. Huge rubber raft/ trampolines mark the shore line and provide younger guests bounce pads. It’s a place for families to relax and rejuvenate in a friendly safe environment. If the lake is not enough, there is also a swimming pool for guests. It is ideal for small children & even an occasional volleyball game. The lake is stocked with bass and crappies making fishing options abundant either from piers or boats. They also have kayaks and paddleboats perfect for enjoying 32,000-acre Weiss Lake. Bonus points: If the weather gets too hot, there is always the game room, with games like Pac-Man and Galaga. Need to know: There is WIFI available at the resort for those who must connect with other parts of the planet.

Activities: In addition to just chilling out at the resort the area offers many miles of hiking and biking trails with scenic waterfalls and majestic overlooks. Take a pontoon boat under the old railway bridge to the huge rocks forming the Yellow River Waterfall. Explore underground in a cave, rappel sheer rock cliffs, kayak a raging river, and fly fish from nearby streams and lakes. Go horseback riding, rappel from sheer rock cliffs, snow ski at Cloudmont, kayak the Little River or go underground to the "Looking Glass Lakes" of Sequoyah Caverns. Bonus points: Ten minutes away in Leesburg is an original 1957 drive-in theater. And Cherokee Rock Village (formally known as Little Rock City) was the location in 2006 for the movie, Failure to Launch, starring Matthew McConaughey & Sarah Jessica Parker.

Location on the planet. 4480 County Road 44, Leesburg, Alabama 35983. 1(256)526-7778 or www.chesnutbayresort.com

Content created based on a staff site visit. Copyright 2009.