ALL DRESSED UP AND READY FOR COMPANY

by
Maryann Miller

 

The Lake Store Marina on Lake Winnsboro has been a work in progress since Mike & Brenda Post bought it three years ago and started massive renovations and improvements. The couple, who live in Colorado but come to Winnsboro several times a year for extended vacations, started with a five-year plan for creating a resort and recreation area that families can enjoy, and they are well on the way, with improvements added every year.

One of the first things they did was renovate the marina store, where customers can buy snack items, drinks, bait, fishing and hunting licenses. This year, they added a kitchen and grill where they offer sandwiches, BBQ, combo baskets with burgers or fish, and Chinese food. Chinese was kind of a surprise, but according to Kathy Rogers who staffs the marina on weekends with her husband, James, people are enjoying the Oriental food. "The lady who cooks it is from the Philippines," Kathy said. "She has a stand near Quitman where she offers the food during the week, then is here on weekends.

"I think people like it because everything is fresh," Kathy continued. "She doesn't precook. And she gives really large portions for hungry folks. People could eat on it for two days."

People can order lunches and dinners to go by calling 903-629-3214

The marina has a courtesy dock where folks can pull up and go into the store. That was real important when Mike first put it in, as he wanted to offer that extra courtesy to boaters who wanted to come to the marina. This year, the area around the dock has been cleaned up, and it looks really inviting.

The road leading to the marina has been resurfaced and so have the drives that lead to the beach and the store. The beach area was also cleaned up and new sand put in by Wood County, and the lake looks better than it has in years.

Camping is available in the RV park to the right of the store, as well as beach camping. They have a steady stream of campers, and the beach was packed over the recent holiday. "It was wall to wall people," Kathy said. "But everyone cooperated and had a good time."

There are also rooms in the back of the store that are for rent, and cabins are being built. Future plans call for a pavilion and playground near the RV park. "We want this to be as family-friendly as we can make it," Brenda said. "We want people to be comfortable bringing their kids here and have plenty for them to do."

One of the big hits at the marina is the fishing barge where folks can bring a chair and throw a line in the water. It's good for older folks who can't handle fishing from a boat or being out in the sun for long periods of time, but anyone who wants a cool, comfortable spot to try their luck can use the barge.

A ramp provides easy access from the beach, and folks can set up inside or outside, depending on their preference. The fee for a day of fishing on the barge is only three dollars, but people do need a fishing license, which can be purchased at the marina store.

For those who don't care to fish, nothing beats a dip in the lake for some good old-fashioned summertime fun.

Come to think of it, a dip in the lake would sure feel good after a day of fishing, or even after a day of work. Lake Winnsboro is close enough to town that it's only a ten-minute drive to the Lake Store Marina, where you can relax, get a bite to eat, and cool off.