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atamascolily · 5 years ago

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lily liveblogs “terminator 2: judgement day” for the first time

Nothing says "Christmas season" like watching bloody action movies! Well, there is "Die Hard," but I'm watching Terminator 2: Judgement Day, aka "James Cameron Was Mad He Didn't Put Those Ten Minutes of Subplot He Filmed Into the Theatrical Cut of the First Terminator, So He Made An Entire Movie About It Instead Because He Could”.

Ok, so I have the "Extreme Edition", whatever that means. The menu options for the DVD include "Sensory Control" (for subtitle options) and "Jump Into Timeline". Every now and then a super-creepy T-2 metallic head drops into frame to remind you to press play. I'm loving this.

Cars in L.A. traffic. Children laughing on a playground in the '90s. Cut to the Apocalyptic Nightmare Future with the busted cars and skeletons for drivers. Everything's STILL IN PLACE the way it was when Judgement Day happened. Oooh, yeah, just cut to the wrecked playground with a pile of human skulls, in case we didn't get the memo.

(for the record, I'm pretty sure nuclear winter would actually NOT WORK LIKE THIS, but it looks cool, and James Cameron seems to be really good at this kind of parallels between present and future, so I'm rolling with it.)

Sarah Connor narrates the introductory spiel, and we're treated to basically the same opening as T1, except much higher budget everything. Lots of laser beams and explosions and fireballs, plus scary metal Terminators roaming around that the last movie did NOT have the budget for. (plus the audiences have already seen that in T1, so it's okay to show them in the intro, since I assume an EVEN SCARIER TERMINATOR FINAL FORM is coming).

We're only 3 minutes into the movie and the filmmakers have already spent like a tenth of their total budget on SFX and twice the total costs of the first movie.

It occurs to me as Sarah is narrating, who is she narrating to? Just us, or some other characters? I strongly suspect we'll see some other characters when this film finally cuts to her.

How does Sarah know about a second strike? Didn't we establish in the last movie that there was only one Terminator that went through the portal before the humans got to it?? Are they retconning that now?

Instead of '80s synth and logo during the credits, we get a more symphonic treatment of the main theme, plus THE PLAYGROUND ON FIRE because SYMBOLISM for the destruction of CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE, amirite?? And then we cut to the SCARY METALLIC RED-EYED TERMINATOR SKELETON IN FLAMES because THAT is the defining image of this francise, the one that James Cameron had NIGHTMARES about that he decided to give to EVERYBODY ELSE by making these films.

I just realized how much the Terminator head in that shot looks like a human skull, THAT'S SO INTENTIONAL AAAAAH.

Cut to a truck driving off without its cargo, trash on the ground. Sparks fly, a wind picks up, it's night, we've been here before... This time the budget is higher, so we actually get to SEE the sphere instead of people just kind of appearing... and it carves a hole in one of the trucks. This ALSO didn't happen in T1. Nudity is still mandatory, though. It's still Arnold. You can tell it's an upgraded model Terminator based on his computer system menus. He still beats up tattooed punks to steal their clothes, only instead of stoned punks, these are long-haired motorcycle dudes in some sort of pool bar.

Oh, wow, there are a lot of people in this bar. A woman with a cigarette and a nose ring is checking the Terminator out. This is going to go well. Country music blares on the soundtrack.

He's looking for the dude with the best motorcycle. Tells him to give him his stuff. This is just like the first movie, but different. The dude is unimpressed, though why I'm not sure, because the Terminator is super-intense, and super-buff.

But the motorcycle dude blows smoke in his face--the T2 model scan says "carcinogen vapors", which is a) hilarious, and b) SO DIFFERENT FROM THE "EVERYBODY IS ALWAYS SMOKING EVERYWHERE" vibe of 1984--a sign of the evolving social norms. Then the motorcycle dude grinds his cigar into the Terminator's bare skin... and of course there's no reaction.

One dude goes through a window onto the front window of what may well be his car(?). The original dude goes flying into the kitchen and lands on a stove, which is horrific, but also karmic payback. Another gets stabbed with his own knife. I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE, CAMERON. Burned guy tries to pull a gun on the Terminator, but surrenders his keys and his clothes without a fight. Terminator goes outside in record time, because the dude he tossed on the car window is still there.

The bartender comes out with a gun, fires a shot into the air, and tells the Terminator to get off the bike. This is going to end poorly for him, especially since "Bad to the Bone" is playing in the background. Terminator takes both the gun and the guy's shades while the dude just watches, incredulously. YOU GOT LUCKY YOU'RE NOT HIS TARGET/MISSION, pal.

(also: this movie is such an obvious social commentary about how being armed really doesn't help you against a real threat, American fantasies to the contrary)

Cut to more blowing trash, more buildings, more trucks, a police car, electricity. The future is calling! (Oh good, this person's either going to be chased by the police OR Take their stuff.)

Dramatic hole in the fence from the future sphere thing. Yeah, this definitely wasn't a thing in the first movie, but it does look cool in this shot! Yep, there goes the policeman!

New dude's first order of business is to look up John Connor's name in the computer in the police car. Apparently, John Connor has a criminal record - trespassing, shoplifting, disturbing the peace, vandalism. He doesn't live with Sarah... he's got a guardian, and the address is in the computer.

Cut to the suburbs. It's wholesome, white-bread America. His foster mother yells at him. John is a teenage motorcycle punk, but in a clean, wholesome way. His friend has very '90s hair, though.

John's friend thinks that his foster mom is a "dick," but frankly, I see no evidence why we should hate her thus far. Her husband comes out to tell John to clean his room, but he and his little friend are already zipping away on their motorcycle, and the little friend is holding a miniature boombox, and it's so '90s, I have to pause so I can laugh for a while. Also, this rebelliousness is what's going to save his life when the Terminator comes for him. I guess the foster parents are framed as nagging assholes so we don't care so much when they die??

(also, what do you want to bet Sarah taught John to ride a motorcycle??)

John Connor is a little dick who thinks he's so clever, and he doesn't have to do anything because these aren't his real parents. His foster dad smokes, and doesn't say anything, probably because he's already made it clear to his wife that room cleaning is not high on his priority list. Fuck him.

Sarah's doing pull-ups in her cell. THOSE ARM MUSCLES, OH MY GOD. She's 29 years old. SUCH A CHANGE from the waitress with the '80s hair from the first film. Everything's so white, it's a state psychiatric ward for women. Men in suits discussing Sarah's case.

THIS IS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO KYLE IF THE TERMINATOR HADN'T BUSTED THE POLICE STATION. *sob*

Is Silbermann - the psychiatrist who examined Kyle in T1 still around? He left the police station right before the Terminator's attack, so I assume he lived... what does he make of Sarah's case? Does he ever follow up? I wonder what's going through his head.

I like how we don't see Sarah's face until she turns to face the doctors. I like how wild and unhinged she looks, how feral. She's changed so much in what, ten years? Thirteen? I think it's 1997, just before Judgement Day, but idk if that's been confirmed yet. Thirteen looks about right for John Connor, so I'm going with that.

Oh, god IT IS DR. SILBERMANN, THAT ASSHOLE!!! How does he explain how both Sarah AND Kyle have schizophrenia, when Sarah was perfectly normal before? And he *know* someone was murdering other Sarah Connors and seemed to be gunning for her, so why...? Was he really that much of an asshole not to suspect that *something* was going on, and Sarah wasn't crazy??

Also, I love "How's the knee?" because she totally hurt him, and I love her. I love how calm she sounds, like she's the one in control not them, because she can hurt them more than they can hurt her.

Sarah stares at the female doctors, and I realize now that Silbermann is doing a tour of the facility LIKE IT'S A ZOO, and... yeah, wow, he really is an asshole. He's the one with delusions, who can't see outside his own sheltered bubble...

I wonder what would happen if Sarah could talk to one of the female doctors? If they could make a connection? Maybe they would believe her. God knows Silbermann isn't going to listen to anyone who doesn't already agree with him.

God, the orderlies are sadist assholes. I fucking hate them. That shot of Sarah lying crumpled on the floor is so beautiful because everything is angelic pristine white and sunny, and so horrifying.

The police dude shows up at John's foster parents' house. We're supposed to think he's good because he's not Arnold, but this person has no facial expressions and he's too calm - compare with Kyle's frantic fumblings. This is not somebody from the human resistance of T1, at least not without some serious retconning. He's too poised and professional, too adept at the 1990s, whereas Kyle Reese had the social skills of a feral racoon and wore pants he stole from a homeless man. Totally different vibe going here.

The knock on the door sequence is so parallel to the original Terminator going to the first Sarah Connor's house in T1... same suburban paradise... and you can get anything when you're a clean-shaven, short-haired white cop, can't you??

Cut to: '90s tech. John and his little friend hacking an ATM. God. Their clothes, their hair, the ATM... everything is peak early '90s, and I can't handle it. We learn that Sarah Connor taught her son how to hack, because of course she does.

John keeps the photo of Sarah in his backpack, awwww. John is so not impressed by his mother, calls her crazy because she took the war to Cyberdyne and WENT BACK AND TRIED TO BLOW UP THE COMPUTER FACTORY AGAIN AFTER KYLE DIED!! (and her son was born)

Q: what did she do with John while she did that? Was he outside waiting for her somewhere? How did the police find him??

It doesn't matter who your parents are, EVERY teenager thinks their parents are "total losers". John has a chip on his shoulder a mile wide. His little punk friend thinks Sarah is so cool, and he doesn't know any of this, so I guess they're not THAT good friends??? Since it's John's motorcycle, John's driving, and John's stolen money, I guess the little unnamed punk friend is only hanging out with John because John is so much cooler than him, and needs someone to exposit to??

That shot of a drugged Sarah slumped over her knees on her bed in the shaft of sunlight, with her hair combed is SO BEAUTIFUL, too bad she's a drugged shadow of her usual self...

OH MY GOD, MICHAEL BIEHN IS IN THIS MOVIE, AND HE COMES TO HER, AND HE'S WEARING HIS TRENCH COAT AND TELLING HER SHE HAS TO WAKE UP OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG MY SHIPPER HEART asfhgfkgkfdgjkfdlgf *incoherent screaming* I need a thousand GIF sets of this scene PRONTO.

Kyle: "Where's our son???"

god, Sarah's EYES when she says they took him from her

Kyle is so earnest, so desperate, so much less bedraggled than he ever was in T1... god, he's even wearing that stupid gown under his trench coat that he got in the police station in T1, that detail wrecks me, oh my god, oh my god, this scene is so beautiful, I just want an entire movie of THIS, oh my god...

Sarah is begging Kyle for help, and he grabs her shoulders and tells her she's strong, stronger than she ever thought she could be, LIKE HE'S ALWAYS DONE, OH MY GOD, beautiful cinnamon roll, too good for this world, I love him.

AHHHHHHHHHHH, and then he says "On your feet, soldier!" which is what she said to HIM right before he DIED, and he forces her UP and they EMBRACE and she's sobbing into his shoulder and he hells her he loves her and he always will, and HKGKSFJALFNDBJNJN

I am a melting pile of shipper goo right now, this shot of them in the sunlight is so fucking beautiful, James Cameron HOW DARE YOU THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANTED IN A MOVIE EXCEPT THAT KYLE IS STILL DEAD, DAMN IT, YOU DIDN'T RETCON THAT.

He says he'll always be with her... and he is, because he's a voice in her head, a memory.... ahhhhhhhh my heart...

And he tells her "The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves," which is what SHE SAID TO HIM, oh my GODDDDDDDD.

And they hug and kiss and I could watch a whole movie about this, and then she slumps back and she's alone in her cell in a shaft of sunlight and I just want to cry. whhhhhyyyyy do you have to hurt me this way, why, why why why why whyyyyyy?

Oh wait, he's at the door to the cell, and it's open, telling her there's not much time... and walking away, and she goes out to follow him as he's walking down the hall and everything's so eerily perfect white and shiny and beautiful and SURREAL, fuck, I am so HERE FOR THIS!

God, this is all beautifully shot as she chases after him - and we get a good view of her amazing forearm muscles without objectifying her. The nightgown she's wearing is NOT standard institutional outfit - it looks more like lingerie than State Mental Hospital Standard Issue - but it's not especially revealing, either.

She opens the doors and she's outside and there's that playground again with all the children playing... SYMBOLISM AGAIN.... Sarah is locked out, away from the children, yelling to save them... and then fire.

And she wakes up in her cell and her hair is a mess again, so this time we know it's real -- and her outfit's changed, too, back to the tank top she was originally wearing, so I guess her outfit was part of the dream, too.

(ngl, I wasn't expecting even THIS MUCH of Michael Biehn in this movie, so I will happily take it, but stilllllllll... I WANT MORE, GODDAMN IT!!!)

(this got long, so I’m breaking it up into parts)

#Movie Reviews #terminator 2 #terminator #MY SHIPPER HEART

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jamesbvck · 6 years ago

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change your mind | one

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader (Modern AU, High School!Bucky) Summary: Senior Year: the last year to be a somebody or a nobody. A chance to fall in love, ace that final exam and make memories. After a terrible first impression, Bucky makes it his mission to fix the mistake he made with the new girl. Will they get their chance? Warnings: swearing, teen drinking, smoking, mention of drugs A/N: Hello! Welcome to a new Bucky story! A few notes: this story is totally meant to have a cheesy, extra teen movie vibe. Also, Bucky has short hair in this fic. Feedback in encouraged!

CYM MASTERLIST | NEXT

Forty-five minutes outside of New York City sits a quaint town called Valhalla. The oak trees are tall and mature, the rows of houses sit one by one identical to the next. Banners hang in store windows exclaiming the town’s pride and joy of their local high school football team. Neighbours are friendly and smiles are bright. This was your new home, at least for a little while.

The final moving box was placed in the corner on top of an old dresser that had been passed down through generations. The large bay window streamed in afternoon sunlight and warmed the room. This was it, another new beginning. You were used to it by now; new town, new school, new people to stare at you in the hallways. You weren’t a stranger to introducing yourself over and over again, retelling your story of how you had been now to five schools in seven years. No place was truly a home though this time your mother promised this new job of hers was a means to an end. You wanted to believe her, truly you did, but the consequence was that it truly didn’t matter. You were going into your senior year of high school and any friends you could hopefully make would move off to college and disappear. It was bittersweet.

A slow, deep breath exhaled through your nose as your eyes explored the room. It was forest green, not your ideal colour so painting was on the to do list. For now it was unpacking and getting familiar with the neighbourhood. Your packing mainly consisted of unpacking t-shirts and mostly laying on your bed with your phone. You decided that perhaps it was best to take a walk. Your mother was busying herself with kitchen boxes and hummed along to Rick Springfield. The doorbell chimed through the home. Your mother perked up in curiosity, hurriedly making her way to answer the door.

Neighbours, you thought. And were correct. Your mother loved meeting the neighbours.

She welcomed them inside, already there was laughter and smiles. You sighed hearing your name being called. This was cake walk but you weren’t necessarily ready to meet people today after you had driven days from Indiana. So, you emerged from the kitchen.

“There she is!”

In the makeshift living room stood three individuals with welcoming smiles on their face. They looked like a family from a catalog, prim and proper.

“Sweetheart, our neighbours have kindly stopped by. These are the Carter’s: Arthur, Polly and their daughter Peggy. She’s goes to Valhalla.”

Here was the thing about being new: you had to be open to people or else it was going to be hard to adapt. High school was hard enough especially bouncing around from state to state, but there was always one person that could make it worthwhile. So you plastered on your most friendly smile and waved to them. The Carter’s waved in return and Polly Carter began to speak.

“It’s always nice to have new people in the neighbourhood. The previous homeowners were a little less than kind.” Polly commented with a pristine British accent. That caught you off guard for a moment but her voice was soothing.

“Why don’t you show Peggy around?” Your mother was beaming. She liked when you had friends around. She always wanted you to have new experiences.

You nodded and Peggy followed you. It was a quick tour through to the kitchen and a glimpse of the backyard before you took Peggy upstairs: mom’s room, bathroom, tiny guest spot and then, finally, your domain.

“I’m guessing you didn’t paint your room this horrendous green colour?”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. “Absolutely not.”

“Good. I would have questioned your sensibility.”

Peggy offered to unbox your books as you continued with your clothes. She was terrific help alphabetizing the titles and making sure it was pleasing to the eye. You hadn’t met anyone like Peggy before; she was smart, humourous with hints of sarcasm and she seemed like one tough cookie. Not to mention her beauty was incredible. She dressed in soft pink structured shorts with a white blouse that had the tiniest black polka dots on them. Her brown hair had soft waves and with a beret clipping back bangs. Her lipstick even matched her shorts.

“Five schools in seven years?” Peggy’s perfectly arched brows nearly rose to her hairline as she glanced over her shoulder. “That’s exhausting.”

“It’s not at bad as it sounds.”

It wasn’t, not really. You never got too attached to things to begin with. The only thing constant in your life was good music, books, and movies. Sure, the packing and driving across state lines was taxing but it didn’t kill you.

Peggy finished with the book boxes and you finished folding the last t-shirt. You made a good team and thanked your new friend for helping you out.

“Do you think you could show me around? I was going to go out and explore before you and your parents arrived.” You never had a tour guide in new place before. You sort of just went with the flow and read whatever you could online. Peggy agreed, expression vibrant as she nearly pulled you out the door.

The rows of lookalike houses ended at a park with a jungle gym and splash pad. Children were running around and laughing, soaking in their last few days of summer. On paper and in person this town was shaping up to be something from a novel you had once read: colourful, lively and welcoming.

“I was an exchange student freshman year. My parents thought it’d be a great time for me to explore another place. At first I didn’t want to leave home, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to make friends and fit in,” Peggy told her story. “Luckily I’ve been able to become friends with some lovely people, and my parents had decided to move to America as well.”

Peggy’s dad worked for a large corporation that had headquarters in New York, California, England and France. She had lucked out in being able to stay and probably live through a high school experience. You admired her for that.

You and Peggy walked in a loop and found the quickest route to your new school: Valhalla High School, home of the Panthers. The school was exceptionally large from the outside and from what you could see their football field was top notch accompanied with a scoreboard and a vast metal grandstand for spectators. You had read it was a football town, state champions five years in a row. Impressive, really. There were a few boys out in the field tossing the football around with one of them howling about something. Your eyes lingered on the old 1940s architecture for another moment.

“I was terrified when I first walked in those doors,” Peggy caught your attention. “I wished I had someone to help me navigate, so I always said I would help someone who was in my shoes. Valhalla’s a great school with some good people. You just have to weed out the dim ones. I’ve already done that for you.”

You laughed. That might have solved some of your issues but you still had to deal with the other ninety-five percent of people that attended the school. But you were thankful, hopefully they would like you like Peggy seemed to.

It truly turned into a friendship between you and Peggy. All week she showed you her favourite spots like the bookstore she liked to get lost in. There were a few corner stores, some food joints and a bowling alley up the road. She told you about Happy Hogan’s Diner, a place her and her friends visited quite frequently. It was the hottest spot in town besides Thunder Bowling Alley. Peggy stayed for dinner multiple nights and you lounged in her immaculately clean and organized bedroom. It was an easy and quick friendship and you were beyond content. Maybe it wasn’t going to be such a strange school year afterall.

“There’s a party happening tomorrow, a ‘last summer hooray’ as some of my friends say,” Peggy’s tone was easy, unsure if you were into that sort of thing. You had been to your fair share of high school parties, so another one couldn’t hurt. “My friend Natasha wants to meet you.”

“Sure, Peggy,” you smiled with a nod. “Sounds like fun.”

Peggy hadn’t spoken much about her friends. Some of them were coming back from summer end vacations or were busy working most days.

You must have stared at your closet for thirty minutes. Time was ticking down as to when Peggy was going to come get you and you had zero clue what to wear. It wasn’t some fancy party, you thought. It was summer, still plenty humid and sticky. You would be just fine in shorts and a tank top. You hated to admit it, but you did want to make some sort of good impression. These people were going to be your peers! High school was tricky; one slip up and it’s talked about for a solid month. You dragged your hand down your face, quickly deciding on a romper and pulled it on. That was fine, it was cute and the outfit made you feel good. After a few more finishing touches, Peggy was downstairs accompanied by your mother who was telling her some story about the 80s and a party she had went to.

Peggy wore a red wrap dress with flecks of white lines. They almost looked like cupcake sprinkles, nonetheless you decided that your new friend could pull anything off and look fantastic. “Ready?” you asked, taking the last step down the stairs. Peggy grinned. “I know, mom, be safe and don’t talk to creepy men.”

“As long as you know.” You mother placed a kiss to your forehead, telling you to have fun.

Peggy promised the walk wasn’t too long (it was precisely a 26 minute uphill walk, but you refrained from complaining) and you ended up in a beautiful neighbourhood you had not explored yet. The homes were wealthy looking, the curb appeal was bougie and the expensive cars in the driveways clearly indicated that this had to be the cash zone of the town.

“Whose house is this?” You were curious, eyes wide.

“Family friend, the Starks.”

You followed her up the delicately laid pavers to the frosted glass front door. Already you could feel the music vibrating the frame of the home (more like mansion). Peggy swung open the door and the bass of the song playing struck your core. There seemed to be an infinity worth of people gathered inside and pouring outside into the rolling backyard. You stuck close to Peggy as she maneuvered through the gaggle of teenagers. You couldn’t help but dart your eyes in each direction of the place; wall to wall, ceiling to floor. The two of you broke free once there was a gap and you found yourself in the grand kitchen. There were munchies splayed on the marble island, open bottles of Coke and Sprite, empty beer cans, liquor bottles and some unmentionables.

“Figured you’d be in here.”

Sitting on the countertop was a redhead with hair cropped at her shoulders. She wore all black and a solo cup was dangling from her fingers. Her eyes were soft for Peggy yet death defying when they flickered to you. Damn, this girl could kill you with just one look.

“This your new friend you’ve been raving about?”

Peggy nodded, moving on to introductions. “This is Natasha, or Nat.”

“You got a preference?” You asked her.

Natasha shrugged, solo cup to lips. “Not particularly.” She stared for another for moments. You felt like you were silently being interrogated and you already knew never to piss Natasha off. Ever. “What do you drink?”

“Anything but tequila.”

“Probably a smart decision.” Natasha hopped off the counter and whipped up whiskey and coke, handing it over to you with what you think might have been a smile. You weren’t entirely sure but it was something. You tipped the cup to her in appreciation, then took a long swig of the alcoholic mixture.

Peggy had her arms lightly folded over her chest, pushing herself on the tips of her toes to look around. That’s when you saw Natasha smirk. “He’s outside playing beer pong with the boys. ”

You peaked interest, looking between each of them. Nothing was said but you could see Peggy had blushed. “Naturally.” She murmured.

The mixture of music kept you moving. It was a completely random compilation of old school rock mixed with new hip hop, 90s classics and disco hits. It should have been something to complain about but in fact it all weirdly worked together. Whoever was in charge had an ear for this sort of thing. You mainly stuck around with the girls, meeting a few people as you weaved through the home. You met the party host, at least briefly. Tony Stark was a guy with a devilish smirk and had an ego that radiated off of him. There were few words spoken before he was distracted by a group of three girls wearing the bare minimum of clothing and had some colourful pills. Peggy had rolled her eyes and Natasha had somehow swiped a half drank bottle of vodka from a passerby.

“I’m not drunk enough for a Stark party.” She tossed the cap and gulped down the clear liquid. You winced wondering if it burned her throat. She didn’t seem fazed.

“Where’s the bathroom?” You called to Peggy. She pointed you up the stairs and to the right, and informed you that they’d probably be outside.

You slipped away and took the dark hardwood steps up to the second floor. There were people in the hallway chatting, a couple aggressively making out, and a girl was already crying about God knows what. You slipped into the bathroom thankful there’s wasn’t a porno scene occurring. You locked the door and sighed, closing your eyes for a moment. This party was a little more extreme then previous house parties you had been too For starters, the house. Never in your life had you been in a place so colossal. There were probably a zillion rooms you hadn’t visited. But the vibe was the same. The party really wasn’t that bad. Everyone so far was decent, there wasn’t any unnecessary fights with testosterone filled boys to prove their manhood. You looked in the bottom of your cup seeing less than a sip left. Natasha had made you three of these and each time they got better; you felt pretty good. You checked yourself in the mirror before exiting the bathroom.

Finding your way to the backyard was less than a task and you weren’t even surprised seeing a ginormous pool, hot tub, and tables set up for flip cup and beer pong. There were a sea of people surrounding the area. Honestly, was the whole teenage population of Valhalla in Tony Stark’s backyard?

You began to search again, avoiding being smacked with a blown up beach ball and smushed by bodies. The smell of marijuana was potent, thick clouds as you passed a group of stoners. Your phone vibrated twice with an incoming text.

Peggy Carter: Where are you?

You squeezed passed two sweaty, drunk bodies and fumbled with your phone. You hit reply, letters incorrect as you tried to tell her that you were by the hot tub. You were struck forcefully in a head on collision. You bounced back, falling into a few people. The front of you was entirely soaked with beer; face dampened and phone flown from your hands.

“What the fuck?”

A kind stranger had brought you back onto your feet. You were drenched. You looked up seeing two guys, one appearing to be less than amused with the situation. He was clad in a letterman’s jacket, short coiffed hair and he smelled of beer and booze.

“Watch where you’re fucking walk!” You shouted at him.

“You talkin’ to me?”

“Let me see: douchebag who spilled his drink on me… Yeah I'm talking to you.”

Now he was intrigued. A smug lopsided grin was pulling at his lips. “What’s your name, dollface?”

“Fuck you.” You cursed, snatching your phone from the too perfect lush grass.

“You gotta at least buy me dinner first. I ain’t cheap,” he quipped. He took a moment to explore your chest. “The wet t-shirt contest doesn’t start for another ten minutes but I think we already have a winner.”

His pathetic and gross comment got a few howls from other guys. Some people had their phones in hands, some whispering and pointing. You were on display; a pedestal that you really didn’t want to be on tonight especially like this. Your clothes were soggy, reeking of beer and now you were in a foul mood. You immediately removed yourself from the entire situation and attempted to cover your body with your arms. Okay, this party turned out fucking awful.

You could hear him call after you with a mixture of laughter and profanity. Peggy’s voice echoed through the street. You wanted to stomp home but she hadn’t done anything wrong. Your pace slowed and Peggy’s sandals slapped against the pavement to catch up.

“Are you alright? I am so sorry.” Peggy was frowning, taking in your poor appearance.

“You didn’t do anything,” you shook your head, letting out a half hearted laugh in hopes she’d let it go. “Go back to the party. Don’t worry about it.”

“It’s okay…” Peggy shifted. Something in her own eyes looked sad about something else. “Wasn’t having too great of a time and now I’d rather watch a movie and eat pizza.”

You wanted to ask her what happened, but the look in her eye said not to. So you began to walk again, motioning for Peggy to follow. “What’s a good pizza place around here? We’ll get extra cheese on them.”

Before you knew it, the first day of school approached and like all the years before, you were plagued with nerves. You tacked it up to be that this was the final year before the rest of your life, as your mother would say anyway. And it was a new school. But you had Peggy, and possibly Natasha. You weren’t too sure but you think she liked you, Peggy said she did. There was no real dress code minus the banishment of spaghetti strapped shirts and short shorts, so you were pretty safe clothing wise. Shorts and a t-shirt were going to work perfectly. You tugged on a t-shirt that dipped pretty low. Your chest wasn’t out on display but there was visible minimal cleavage apparent. Slowly your face faltered, remembering the wet t-shirt comment that asshole had made. It shouldn’t have affected you, yet here you were flinging out t-shirts that covered your skin more.

Shoes on and backpack zipped, you were out the door. Peggy was waiting at the corner, waving as you approached. She took you on the quick route to school chatting the entire way. The school grounds were absolute mayhem: parents dropping off their kids, freshman already lost and confused, bundles of students crowding the parking lot and stairs. You stuck to Peggy closely when you headed in through the front doors. She lead you to your locker and made sure you got into it okay.

“So your history class will down the hall, turn right and it’s the third door. English Lit on the second floor, then I’ll see you at lunch.”

You yanked open the blue painted metal door, slipping off your bag and took out some notebooks. “Thanks, Peggy, for everything.”

She smiled, waving it off. “Don’t be late for lunch!”

You sorted out your locker when Peggy left, taking out your notebooks for the first two classes. This high school was a lot more boisterous compared to your previous one. You glanced around observing your now peers crowding the hallway. Suddenly the students parted like the red sea. Your brows furrowed at the scene; students squishing themselves against each other and lockers. There were a group of four boys clad in Valhalla Panthers letterman jackets. You blinked a few times trying to figure out if they were actually walking in slow motion or if you had seen way too many shitty teen movies. You could practically hear Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back in Town playing. The boy in the front was blonde, had nearly perfect skin, and a model’s jawline that could cut someone. His smile was angelic.

The one on his left had Denzel eyes, a toothy grin and confidence that oozed from him. He stood tall, upper body fit and well built. Tall, dark, and handsome was an understatement. The farthest one appeared slightly older, had a sloppy smile but overall didn’t appear to care too much. He had some rips in his jeans, converse dirty and drumsticks tucked into his back pocket. Then it was him: douchebag boy from Stark’s party. Immediately resentment bubbled in your stomach and you wanted to lay a firm punch against his jaw to knock off his stupid Ray Bans he was wearing inside. You turned away, not bothering to stare any longer.

You gathered your supplies and checked the time: two minutes until the bell rang. You shut the door, startled by douche boy resting against the lockers. He remove his sunglasses, looking at you. “You’re the girl from the party right? The one I said should win the—“

“What do you want?” You latched on the padlock and began to stalk away. He was quick, keeping in time with your pacing.

“I wanted to apologize,” he started. You scoffed. “Honest. Look I was a fucking jerk. I was drunk and didn’t even know what I was saying. Sometimes I say stupid shit.”

He fixed his immaculate coiffed hair which you knew he spent more than five minutes on. You didn’t care for his apology or whatever else he had to say. The bell rang and kids started to scatter. “You done? I gotta go to class.”

You darted away, going into your history class. You were one of the first ones in, taking a seat in the third row by the window. He followed, persistent as hell and occupied the seat next to yours. You shot a glare.

“I don’t care for your apology so you can get lost and go to class.”

He chuckled, setting his sunglasses on the desktop and took out a pen from his pocket. “This is my class.”

“Fuck off.”

You weren’t in the mood for boys and their desperation for a girl’s attention. It was pathetic and he seemed pretty dense.

“You think I’m jokin’?” He flipped open his spiral spine notebook and took out a folded piece of paper handing it to you. You snatched it, unfolding it. Low and behold there it was, first period AP American History in room 109.

When was the deadline to switch classes?

You also couldn’t help but notice he had AP Physics in the afternoon. Your forehead crinkled at the thought that this guy who made a sexist comment could have some intellect. There was no fucking way.

The door slammed shut causing you to jolt at the sudden noise. You dropped the paper back down on the boy’s desk catching his facial expression flounder. His shoulders became rigid and he looked pissed off.

“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath, grumbling to himself.

Your attention turned back to the older man who wore a grey suit. Chalk screeched down the board with the name MR A. PIERCE in all capitals. The room’s chatter was quickly tabled as he turned around and surveyed the classroom. He unbuttoned his suit and stuck his hands into his pants beginning to pace behind his desk.

“As you can see, I am not Mr Phillips. Due to an accident, I will be your teacher for this semester. If you think this class is going to be watching movies and filling in the blank sheets, you may leave. If you think in this class you can sit and gossip with your friends, you may leave. If you think you can slide by and not do any homework, you can leave now.”

The room was pin drop silent. Mr Pierce continued to pace. “This is the start of your final year. I will not tolerate anything below a seventy-five percent average.”

The boy shifted in his seat next to you, more muttering and swears.

“Do we have a problem. Mr Barnes?” Pierce called out.

His eyes narrowed, a firm grip on his pen. “No sir.”

“Excellent. Let’s begin.”

Barnes was out of his seat the second the bell rang. You packed up your books and shook your head. The class wasn’t that bad, but Pierce was intimidating as hell. English Lit flew by in what seemed like minutes. The cafeteria was packed like sardines and you were glad to get your food and head outside. Peggy had sent you a text letting you know she was sat at round table on the east end. You found her easily this time, sitting down with a sigh.

“Going alright?” She asked. Peggy had some books open already highlighting and underlining. You shrugged, picking at your food.

Natasha came with a huff, sitting down on your other side. Her bag dropped to the ground and she set her tray on the table. “First day of school and I already want to stab Clint for telling the same story fifty times.”

Peggy smiled, jotting something down in her notebook. “Didn’t even last five minutes at their table.”

“Not sitting with us today Romanoff?”

You glanced up seeing angelic boy. Perhaps it was the sun but you swore their might have been a halo floating over his perfect head. He had one hand shoved into the front pocket of his jeans, a relaxed posture. His shirt looked too tight under that jacket.

“Choosing to sit with people who aren’t talking about Katie Bishop for the umptheenth time.”

He chuckled, shaking his head before looking at you. “We’re in Coulson’s English Lit together right? I think I was sitting in front of you. I’m Steve.”

Angel boy had a name: Steve. Steve Rogers, in fact. You gave him a kind smile, introducing yourself. Then the dynamic changed. Peggy was trying not to chew on her pen, shielding her eyes away from Steve as he turned to her.

“Hey Pegs,” he greeted sweetly. “Classes going okay?”

“You know…” Peggy shrugged casually. “They’re as good as they can be.”

Steve was nodding along to every word, shifting his weight from leg to leg. You looked between the two as silence formed amongst the background chatter. High suspicious.

“Hey Cap!”

Steve broke his eye contact with Peggy to see one of his friends waving him over. “I’ll see you guys later.” He waved, parting ways to the table under the large oak tree.

“Jesus Christ,” Natasha laughed. “You both are so dense.”

You looked at Peggy, brows arched. She straightened up, shaking off the simple (yet impactful) conversation she had with Steve. She wasn’t going to budge so you switched gears. “Why do they call him Cap?”

“Steve’s the quarterback of the football team, the captain, hence the nickname Cap,” Peggy explained. “So, Sam Wilson, they guy sitting on his left is one of his best friends. Genuine person, good for talks. Runningback on the team. Then there’s Clint--”

“Ugh.” Natasha joked.

Peggy laughed. “Clint’s actually doing senior year again due to an incident that shall not be named. He’s a guard, also plays the drums. And then--”

“Douchebag boy from the party.” You muttered. “He’s in my history class.”

Peggy frowned. “Bucky. He’s really not that bad once you get past, well, everything. He’s Steve’s best friend since they were kids. Wide Receiver, probably the best in the state.”

You glanced over. Their table was a little rowdy with the boys talking and some girls joining. Bucky caught your gaze and held you for a moment, tipping his head with a smile in a hello. Your eyes rolled and you saw him laugh. Clint patted Bucky’s shoulder and he got up from the table, sticking a cigarette in between his lips as he walked off to the smoker’s pit near the student parking.

“Two things to know: One, football is the only thing driving this town. And two, they’re treated like royalty. While some of them have egos, perks of knowing them aren’t so bad.” Natasha’s information was interesting.

You recalled that this team was five-time champions, so yeah, there was bound to be some small town fame to it. Besides, you didn’t have to be friends with Bucky.

Days seemed to roll on, but the first two weeks went by in the blink of an eye. Peggy had gotten you to join the Yearbook committee that met twice a week after school. It was something to look good on paper for whatever the future held. Steve had become your buddy in English Lit which made the boring class a little less dull. Bucky was still, well, Bucky. The title of douchebag was still crowned to him but it wasn’t as bad. Perhaps you got good at ignoring him or you just didn’t care. He was still persistent as ever to try and talk. According to Natasha via Sam, Bucky had made it his goal to try and make it up to you. Whatever the hell that meant. You wanted no part of it.

Peggy was staying late after Yearbook meeting on a Thursday. You gathered your things and headed out, dreading the essay you had to write for Pierce’s class that was due on Monday. You hadn’t been hit with so much work for one class in your life. Sure, it was nearing October and there was no more time for relaxing but Pierce was a heavyweight teacher. You sighed, pushing open the side doors to start on home. At least it was pizza night for dinner.

You jogged down the steps and detoured to the sidewalk. Your name was called and you glanced over your shoulder seeing none other than Bucky. He flicked the end of his cigarette before taking long strides to catch up.

“How was Yearbook?” He asked easily.

“Stalking me, Barnes?”

He laughed. “Nah, Peggy’s in the club and Steve told me you joined too. Plus, practice just ended so I was on my way home.”

You nodded. “Well, goodbye.”

“Wait! I wanted to ask you something,” Bucky gently tugged at your elbow. You breathed out, stopping to look at him. You were impatient, blinking to indicate you didn’t have all day. “First game of the season is tomorrow. Are you going to come watch?”

You scanned over Bucky’s face. It appeared to be a genuine question, no hidden agenda and his expression was neutral. He was curious.

“Don’t know. Might have other plans.”

“Well, if you change your mind, we all go out to eat after so you’re welcomed to join us. Happy Hogan’s has the best burgers.” Bucky took a step back, finished with his spiel. “Think about it.”

He walked backwards momentarily, fishing car keys from his pocket. You lingered as he climbed into a granite coloured Jeep Wrangler. He peeled off shortly after, heading west. Peggy had spoken to you earlier about the game tomorrow night and before you could even reply she was making plans to carpool and pick up Natasha along the way. It was settled before you could think.

Peggy was in her father’s car at 6:15pm. You grabbed your jean jacket and shrugged it on before getting in the passenger's seat. Her exterior was giddy. You hadn’t taken Peggy as being a football fan but you had a small hunch as to why she was in a smiley mood. Natasha was waiting at the end of the driveway, climbing into the backseat with her upper half clad in a leather jacket.

The parking lot at school was filled. Peggy managed to find a spot next to science wing of the building. You took in the exterior of the night. It was dusk and the flood lights of the field were switched on. It illuminated the entire field as well as the grandstands. The scoreboard was lit up: VISITOR VS PANTHERS and a countdown timer until official kick off. You followed Peggy and Natasha, crossing in front of the Panthers cheerleaders. You didn’t know details, but you knew Natasha had been a cheerleader up until the middle of junior year. There was an altercation with another girl that got her suspended for three days and kicked off the team. A few girls whispered as she passed by.

Luckily there was some room on the bench in the third row. Peggy sat in the middle with you on her left. The left side of the field was blank while the right had the town rivals, Ria High Kronans, warming up. The wind was cool, blowing around the spectators. It was nearing seven. The music from the surrounding speakers lowered in volume and antipatiation built up. In the far corner a bustle of fog erupted from the locker room entrance. The trusty Panther mascot cut through the fog, pretending to sneak around and quiet down the crowd with a finger to the mouth of the panther head. Everyone seemed to oblige. Slowly music started to build up and the panther started to count down with his large paw from five, four, three, two… The panther raised his arms up and the crowded exploded with cheers.

Here are your five time state champions, the Valhalla Panthers!

More cheers and whistling. The team barrelled through the fog and onto the field; a cluster of boys being praised by townsfolk. It was like Natasha had said: this town was driven by football. A song picked by Sam Wilson was playing as their pump up track. Sam along with Steve, Bucky, and Clint walked to the center of the field with the giant panther logo. They were met with four Ria players and a referee for the coin toss.

Peggy breathed out slowly. “Let’s hope it doesn’t end in a fight.”

Brock Rumlow was the quarterback for Kronans. There was definitely hostility and egos between the two teams. The coin flipped and it appeared that the Panthers had first possession of the ball. The ref walked off but the boys lingered. Sam backed off first, then Clint. Bucky and Rumlow seemed to exchange some words with Steve having to yank on Bucky’s jersey to fallback.

Steve let go of Bucky, shaking his head and Bucky shrugged his shoulders. Clearly Bucky was an instigator. Peggy straightened up as Steve glanced over to the stands. She wiggled a few of her fingers at him and gladly, Steve waved in return. You turned to look at her, Natasha snickering on her other side.

“Not a word from either of you.” Peggy instructed.

It was pretty obvious after the first day of school that Peggy and Steve were smitten. Even worse that it had been nearly three years and nothing had happened. You smiled to yourself, laughing on the inside. It was going to be an interesting four quarters.

You were quick to register who everyone was. Steve was number four, Clint sixty-nine (this was more of a joke than anything else to him), Sam twenty-three and Bucky ten. The audience knew the cheers by heart, stomping their feet and clapping their hands. You nearly covered your ears when Bucky was running down the sidelines, wide open, and caught a 30-yard pass from Steve.

Touchdown: Panthers, #10: Bucky Barnes.

The victory was given to Valhalla, score of 21-10. Admittedly, it was an exhilarating game to watch. And you quite liked the small town vibe of people coming together to be one. You could feel the rush and excitement from the atmosphere, even finding yourself fully into the game and learning the cheers. Honestly? You sort of couldn’t wait for the next home game.

People descended from the stands and poured out into the field and parking lot. Peggy and Natasha had a spot by the field gate where they’d wait for the boys. You sat on top of the picnic table and watched the flood of cars exit the school.

“Rumlow was going to fucking deck you!” Sam laughed.

You glanced over seeing the boys walking out of the doors. Bucky had his head down, short dark hair wet and messy. He had a cheeky smile and a cool surface, both hands shoved into his pockets with his gym bag over his shoulders.

“We goin’ go Happy’s? Fuckin’ starving.” Clint slumped down next to Natasha, leaning his head back.

“Holding back big burly boys makes you hungry?” Nat asked.

Clint smirked, “Famished.”

Bucky parked himself next to you, adjusting the strap of his bag. “Looks like you changed your mind.”

“Couldn’t say no to Peggy,” you shrugged. “Plus it was a free ride.”

He hummed in response. He had a lingering gaze and you felt slightly heated, quickly glancing away at Sam who sat down. “I’m glad you came.” Bucky replied sincerely. “Next time if you need a ride, let me know.”

Your lips parted but nothing came out. Instead there was a collective decision to go to Happy’s before it got packed. The boys headed to Bucky’s Jeep and you gathered back into Peggy’s car.

“Careful where you tread. Waters rougher than it looks.” Nat nudged your ribs.

Your brow rose, puzzled with her words. “What do you mean?”

Natasha was silent, only a smirk gracing her red lips as she slipped into the passenger’s seat. Your head shook, getting into the backseat. As far as you were considered, you were on the shore watching everyone from the sand.

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realtor10036 · 8 years ago

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Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America

iStock; realtor.com

Are you an ocean person or a lake person? During most of the year, this would qualify as little more than idle chit-chat, but not in the most ferocious dog days of summer. No, when the air is thick, the clothes are sweat-soaked, and the days seem endless, everyone, it seems, craves a home on the water.

But where?

The sound of ocean waves from the bedroom of a beach house may be a life-affirming wonder, but for roughly 80% of the country, a seaside escape is simply not in the picture. That’s where lake towns come into play. And as it turns out, the differences between these two types of waterfront locations go way beyond saltwater vs. freshwater. If popular ocean beaches sometimes evoke jam-packed frat houses or singles scenes drenched in SPF, the lake milieu seems more like summer camp—for grown-ups as well as kids. Think of floating tranquilly on an inner tube, or skimming along in a kayak, then heading ashore to enjoy local wineries or craft breweries.

Now that’s summer.

So where do you find the best lake towns, for your enjoyment as well as a smart home-buying investment? The data team at realtor.com® ran the numbers to come up with the spots where there are both plenty of things to do (besides getting a sunburn) and rapidly rising prices that are a good indication that your purchase will appreciate.

Lake towns are generally “a calmer, less tourist-driven culture than the beach,” says Brian Cauble, director of market engagement for Lake Homes Realty, based in Pelham, AL. “It’s not uncommon for people who own them to be there every weekend in summer.” And much of the rest of the year, too.

About 70% of lake homes purchased are used as second homes, approximately half of which are located within a three-hour drive of the owner’s primary residence, according to the company’s statistics, pulled from the 13 states it covers.

To trim down our selection from the country’s thousands of lake towns, we looked at more than 3,000 locations with listings, using the keywords “lake,” “lakefront,” or “lake view,” and analyzed the following:

Price appreciation from the first quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2017, according to realtor.com data

The number of restaurants and bars per capita, according to Yelp data

The number of outdoor activities per capita, according to TripAdvisor data

(To avoid a monopoly by, say, towns on the Great Lakes, we limited our list to two destinations per state, for some geographic diversity.)

Got it? Let’s jump in.

1. Chelan, WA

Median price in 2017: $585,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 13.6%

Chillin’ on Lake Chelan

tness74/iStock

Just a three-hour drive east from Seattle, with 300 days of sunshine per year, this high-desert town is a bright escape from the notoriously overcast Emerald City.

Set in a picturesque glacial valley, the town straddles Lake Chelan, a 55-mile-long body of water that is so clear you can see 40 feet below the surface. In the summer months, boaters cruise around checking out historic cabins and palatial estates. Many traverse the lake to Stehekin, an old miners’ and trappers’ town that is only accessible by boat, ferry, or plane.

In the winter, water sports like wakeboarding give way to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

“Basically, it’s Seattle’s playground,” says Justin Skaar, luxury property specialist for Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties.

But Chelan is not just for outdoor obsessives. The town is filled with blocks of mom-and-pop restaurants, gastropubs, and boutiques. What’s more, the pastoral countryside is dotted with more than 38 vineyards, some of which look as if they’ve been plucked straight out from under the Tuscan sun.

Many of the wineries now feature acclaimed on site restaurants, such as Tsillan Cellars’ Sorrento’s Ristorante. “It’s not just burgers and shakes on the lake anymore,” Skaar says.

Buyers can find condos starting around the mid-$200,000s. However, homes with private waterfront access start at $1.2 million.

2. Frankfort, MI

Median price in 2017: $375,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 11.6%

Point Betsie lighthouse

Matt Hansen Photography. Dynamic Wildlife Photography via Getty Images

This port town on the Great Lake of Lake Michigan, just south of Point Betsie Lighthouse, is a beacon for Chicago’s boating crowd.

The area offers everything one would expect of Michigan’s west coast: miles of pristine beach right near a cute downtown, and plenty of water sports. Lake Michigan gets lots of wind, attracting sailors, windsurfers, kite boarders, and even surfers. But, for those who prefer a calmer spot to hang out, there are other smaller, inland lakes nearby. Frankfort is also just a short trip away from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The town was hit hard by the recession, and for years, bargains abounded. However, Frankfort’s home values have been rebounding.

“Just about everything under $200,000 got sold” when prices were low during the recession, says Faye Finch, a local realtor with Century 21 Sleeping Bear Realty. Now, she adds, “our higher-priced properties are selling.”

3. Bigfork, MT

Median price in 2017: $592,500 Price appreciation since 2014: 9.6%

Flathead Lake in Bigfork, MT

Tamra Hamilton / EyeEm via Getty Images

The sister towns of Lakeside and Bigfork, MT, showcase different types of quintessential lake towns. Quiet Lakeside attracts those looking to channel their inner Henry David Thoreau, reveling in rustic solitude. But just across Flathead Lake, Bigfork is ideal for those who vibe better with��Ernest Hemingway: It’s wild, beautiful, and there’s plenty to drink at the local microdistillery.

In fact, the entire Flathead Lake area has among the highest density of microbreweries per capita in the world, says local broker David Fetveit of Purewest Christie’s International Real Estate. Bigfork’s historic downtown also offers an array of cultural offerings, with restaurants and bars, some nightlife, a performing arts center, and a couple of resorts.

Bigfork properties start in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, but “you can’t be on the water for less than a million,” Fetveit says.

4. Grand Haven, MI

Median price in 2017: $312,400 Price appreciation since 2014: 14.5%

Lake Michigan in Grand Haven

stevegeer/iStock

Tree-lined dunes? Check. Iconic lighthouse? Yep. Romantic pier? Of course.

Grand Haven, MI, has all the requisites of a lakeside resort town, and it’s completely walkable—the beach and downtown are just a mile apart. That’s one reason prices have steadily climbed over the last few years.

“A lot of people who rent seasonally end up retiring here,” says Julie Tardani of Unsalted Vacations, a local getaway rental business.

Visitors sail, paddleboard, water ski, and surf during the day, then head out for sushi or New American restaurants and hopping bars by evening. There’s approximately one watering hole for every 138 people in town. Sweet!

Grand Haven has a variety of waterfront homes overlooking either the lake or river, starting in the high $200,000s and stretching well beyond the $1 million mark. (Even empty lots can run north of $3 million.) But prices come down dramatically just a few blocks away from the water.

5. Lake Lure, NC

Median price in 2017: $310,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 5.5%

Chimney Rock State Park

ehrlif/iStock

Surrounded by lush mountains and the sheer granite cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure is one of the most alluring man-made lakes in the United States.

The scenery is so beguiling, it looks as if it could be straight from a movie. It is, actually! Classics like “Dirty Dancing,” “Forrest Gump,” and “The Last of the Mohicans” all had scenes filmed here.

Chimney Rock, the famous 500-million-year-old monolith, is known for its easy to strenuous hikes and impressive views. There are multiple greenways throughout the area, including Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, which combines a historic 1925 bridge with thousands of vivid blooms. There’s a golf course, a zip line, beachside water slide, and a wide range of international restaurants.

And it’s just 27 miles from the acclaimed eateries, craft breweries, and airport in the hippie mecca of Asheville, NC.

Houses start right around $200,000, but there are plenty of multistory mountain retreats selling for upwards of $1 million.

6. Lake Placid, NY

Median price in 2017: $419,900 Price appreciation since 2014: 3.8%

Adirondack chairs in their natural environment.

AlbertPego/iStock

This serene Adirondack mountain town is best known as the home of the 1980 Winter Olympics—and it embraces its athletic history wholeheartedly. The town has an informative museum on the Games as well as international ski jump, bobsled, and luge training facilities.

But you don’t have to be an honest-to-God athlete to enjoy Lake Placid. The area offers hundreds of hiking trails for all levels of ability, motor boating, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and, for those seeking some summer adrenaline, whitewater rafting.

Just as diverse as the activities, real estate is available at most price points. That means buyers can scoop up time-shares starting at $40,000 in luxury resorts with a pool, hot tub, and tennis courts, to $10 million mansions—and just about everything in between.

7. Mount Dora, FL

Median price in 2017: $325,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 17.1%

Mount Dora, FL

Education Images/UIG via Getty Images

Affectionately known as the Festival City, this lakeside town hosts more than 30 outdoor events a year, ranging from art fairs and music festivals to the annual Scottish Highland Festival and the Lighted Boat Christmas Parade.

Mount Dora sits beside a large freshwater lake, surrounded by pristine, 72-degree springs. When locals aren’t getting their festival on, they’re most likely on the water—kayaking, waterskiing, and dragon boat racing.

The historic downtown features shops, art galleries, museums, and about 30 locally owned restaurants located just 40 minutes from downtown Orlando. So it’s not surprising to find multimillion-dollar mansions on the water, as well as plenty of single-family houses in the community in the $200,000 to $300,000 range.

Mount Dora’s real estate market is heating up like the rest of the Sunshine State, says Brian Young, events and promotions director of Visit Mount Dora. And it’s only expected to get hotter.

“The new highway, when complete this fall, will further increase the values, as Orlando will be only minutes away,” Young says of the Wekiva Parkway, which will connect Interstate 4 with State Road 429 in 2021.

8. Sandpoint, ID

Median price in 2017: $374,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 10.8%

Sunrise in Sandpoint

Silvrshootr/iStock

Those in search of a home with a view need look no further than this charming Idaho town and the three mountain ranges surrounding Lake Pend Oreille.

White sand beaches are framed by snowcapped peaks, which offer miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as fly-fishing, zip-lining, and more. Plus, the area features a slew of festivals, wineries, breweries, tasting rooms, coffeehouses, and dozens of restaurants.

All that activity, however, doesn’t come cheap. Homes start around $300,000, with multimillion-dollar mansions and townhomes on the water offering stunning views running into six-figure prices.

But there are still deals to be found, including this two-bedroom condo with waterfront access, going for less than $200,000.

9. South Lake Tahoe, CA

Median price in 2017: $539,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 7.9%

South Lake Tahoe

Tom_Skrivan/iStock

Lake Tahoe is known as one of the country’s premier ski destinations. But the local adage goes, “You come for the winter, stay for the summer.”

Summer hiking is stunning, with vivid evergreens, rocky peaks, cerulean skies, and the glassy lake just outside the door of many of the area’s stunning, single-family getaways.

The city is in the midst of a revitalization spree, having spent more than $750 million on capital investments in the past three years, with an influx of high-end lodgings, local craft breweries—including a South Shore Beer Trail—and awesome new dining options.

That growth is helping the real estate market. Prices may be rising, but that doesn’t mean buyers still can’t find a deal. Condos near the lake can still be found in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. For now.

10. Lakeside, MT 

Median price in 2017: $699,000

Growth since 2014: 21%

Volunteer Park in Lakeside

Martina Nolte/Wikipedia CC

Located on the largest natural, freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, the appropriately named Lakeside is like stepping back in time to the days of the frontier. The town is squished between National Forest Service land and Flathead Lake, which comes straight down from Glacier National Park. Towering mountains loom over the landscape.

There are no lakeside resorts, no waterfront restaurants, and not a single hotel in town. If you want to visit here, you need to rent out a whole house.

“It’s so huge, it feels like you have it all to yourself,” broker Fetveit, of Purewest Christie’s International Real Estate, says of the landscape.

The town offers 10 restaurants and 7 bars, but outdoor activities are the real draw—not just the requisite water sports, but also four-wheeling, hunting, and berry-picking.

In the winter, locals ski nearby Blacktail Mountain or Whitefish Mountain resort, about an hour away. A top local attraction is the annual skijoring competition, when skiers or snowboarders are pulled through obstacles by a person riding a horse. Yes, you read that correctly.

The perks don’t come cheap, though. Properties a few blocks in from the lake start at around $450,000, according to Fetveit. But even a vacant waterfront lot is going to cost at least $750,000.

Those on a budget may want to consider renting instead. Short-term summer rental homes can fetch between $3,000 to $5,000 a week.

The post Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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realestate63141 · 8 years ago

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Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America

iStock; realtor.com

But where?

Now that’s summer.

Price appreciation from the first quarter of 2014 to the first quarter of 2017, according to realtor.com data

The number of restaurants and bars per capita, according to Yelp data

The number of outdoor activities per capita, according to TripAdvisor data

(To avoid a monopoly by, say, towns on the Great Lakes, we limited our list to two destinations per state, for some geographic diversity.)

Got it? Let’s jump in.

1. Chelan, WA

Median price in 2017: $585,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 13.6%

Chillin’ on Lake Chelan

tness74/iStock

Just a three-hour drive east from Seattle, with 300 days of sunshine per year, this high-desert town is a bright escape from the notoriously overcast Emerald City.

In the winter, water sports like wakeboarding give way to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

“Basically, it’s Seattle’s playground,” says Justin Skaar, luxury property specialist for Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties.

Many of the wineries now feature acclaimed on site restaurants, such as Tsillan Cellars’ Sorrento’s Ristorante. “It’s not just burgers and shakes on the lake anymore,” Skaar says.

Buyers can find condos starting around the mid-$200,000s. However, homes with private waterfront access start at $1.2 million.

2. Frankfort, MI

Median price in 2017: $375,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 11.6%

Point Betsie lighthouse

Matt Hansen Photography. Dynamic Wildlife Photography via Getty Images

This port town on the Great Lake of Lake Michigan, just south of Point Betsie Lighthouse, is a beacon for Chicago’s boating crowd.

The town was hit hard by the recession, and for years, bargains abounded. However, Frankfort’s home values have been rebounding.

3. Bigfork, MT

Median price in 2017: $592,500 Price appreciation since 2014: 9.6%

Flathead Lake in Bigfork, MT

Tamra Hamilton / EyeEm via Getty Images

The sister towns of Lakeside and Bigfork, MT, showcase different types of quintessential lake towns. Quiet Lakeside attracts those looking to channel their inner Henry David Thoreau, reveling in rustic solitude. But just across Flathead Lake, Bigfork is ideal for those who vibe better with Ernest Hemingway: It’s wild, beautiful, and there’s plenty to drink at the local microdistillery.

Bigfork properties start in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, but “you can’t be on the water for less than a million,” Fetveit says.

4. Grand Haven, MI

Median price in 2017: $312,400 Price appreciation since 2014: 14.5%

Lake Michigan in Grand Haven

stevegeer/iStock

Tree-lined dunes? Check. Iconic lighthouse? Yep. Romantic pier? Of course.

“A lot of people who rent seasonally end up retiring here,” says Julie Tardani of Unsalted Vacations, a local getaway rental business.

5. Lake Lure, NC

Median price in 2017: $310,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 5.5%

Chimney Rock State Park

ehrlif/iStock

Surrounded by lush mountains and the sheer granite cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure is one of the most alluring man-made lakes in the United States.

And it’s just 27 miles from the acclaimed eateries, craft breweries, and airport in the hippie mecca of Asheville, NC.

Houses start right around $200,000, but there are plenty of multistory mountain retreats selling for upwards of $1 million.

6. Lake Placid, NY

Median price in 2017: $419,900 Price appreciation since 2014: 3.8%

Adirondack chairs in their natural environment.

AlbertPego/iStock

7. Mount Dora, FL

Median price in 2017: $325,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 17.1%

Mount Dora, FL

Education Images/UIG via Getty Images

Mount Dora’s real estate market is heating up like the rest of the Sunshine State, says Brian Young, events and promotions director of Visit Mount Dora. And it’s only expected to get hotter.

8. Sandpoint, ID

Median price in 2017: $374,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 10.8%

Sunrise in Sandpoint

Silvrshootr/iStock

Those in search of a home with a view need look no further than this charming Idaho town and the three mountain ranges surrounding Lake Pend Oreille.

All that activity, however, doesn’t come cheap. Homes start around $300,000, with multimillion-dollar mansions and townhomes on the water offering stunning views running into six-figure prices.

But there are still deals to be found, including this two-bedroom condo with waterfront access, going for less than $200,000.

9. South Lake Tahoe, CA

Median price in 2017: $539,000 Price appreciation since 2014: 7.9%

South Lake Tahoe

Tom_Skrivan/iStock

Lake Tahoe is known as one of the country’s premier ski destinations. But the local adage goes, “You come for the winter, stay for the summer.”

Summer hiking is stunning, with vivid evergreens, rocky peaks, cerulean skies, and the glassy lake just outside the door of many of the area’s stunning, single-family getaways.

10. Lakeside, MT 

Median price in 2017: $699,000

Growth since 2014: 21%

Volunteer Park in Lakeside

Martina Nolte/Wikipedia CC

There are no lakeside resorts, no waterfront restaurants, and not a single hotel in town. If you want to visit here, you need to rent out a whole house.

“It’s so huge, it feels like you have it all to yourself,” broker Fetveit, of Purewest Christie’s International Real Estate, says of the landscape.

The town offers 10 restaurants and 7 bars, but outdoor activities are the real draw—not just the requisite water sports, but also four-wheeling, hunting, and berry-picking.

The perks don’t come cheap, though. Properties a few blocks in from the lake start at around $450,000, according to Fetveit. But even a vacant waterfront lot is going to cost at least $750,000.

Those on a budget may want to consider renting instead. Short-term summer rental homes can fetch between $3,000 to $5,000 a week.

The post Ready, Set, Splash: The Top 10 Lake Towns in America appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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the2travel · 8 years ago

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* World Travel Tips : The Best Vacation Spots in Every U.S. State

Travel Tips -

Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or a serious vacation five months out, you don’t have to jet-set across the globe to get away from it all. As a matter of fact, you don’t even have to look much further than your own backyard. Here, the best vacation spots in every single U.S. state.

Related: Here’s Where to Travel Every Month in 2017

ALABAMA: THE GULF SHORES

Sandy dunes, white beaches, clear water and world-class golf courses are just a few of the attractions that lure vacationers to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, just south of Mobile.

ALASKA: ANCHORAGE

Anchorage gives visitors access to Alaska’s gorgeous wildlife ― striking mountains, salmon fishing, hiking and biking ― plus the sophisticated, urban comforts of fine dining and shopping.

ARIZONA: SEDONA

Think: Gorgeous red-rock vortexes and sharp canyons surrounded by idyllic desert scenery. Add to that world-class spas and art galleries and you’ve got the best spot in the whole entire state. Plus, it’s the perfect starting point for a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Related: These Are the 50 Most Instagrammed Spots in Every State

ARKANSAS: PONCA

If you need a rest from city life, nowhere is quite like this small mountain town nestled right up against the Buffalo River. Come in the summer to white-water raft in the rapids and zip-line through the lush Ozarks.

CALIFORNIA: SANTA BARBARA

About an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, this coastal city stretches before the Santa Ynez Mountains. The “American Riviera,” as it’s sometimes called, Santa Barbara is saturated with celebs, and is known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, great restaurants and gorgeous beaches.

Related: The Ultimate “Big Little Lies” Travel Guide

COLORADO: ASPEN

Glitz and glamour aside, this Colorado village is a stunning place to visit any time of year. (The bustling ski town turns into a green Rocky Mountain retreat come summer.)

CONNECTICUT: MADISON

This slow-paced seaside town on Connecticut’s Gold Coast has a totally different vibe from the fancy Greenwich lifestyle you might associate with the state. In Madison, you’ll find simple summer pleasures like lobster shacks, ice-cream stands and quiet beaches like Hammonasset Beach State Park.

DELAWARE: REHOBOTH BEACH

Set on the Atlantic coast, Rehoboth’s pristine beaches are a popular getaway for folks fleeing hot D.C., Maryland and Delaware summers. Rent a bike and stroll down the charming boardwalk lined with bars, funky shops, live music and restaurants.

FLORIDA: SANIBEL ISLAND

In a state full of oceanside vacation towns, Sanibel (off Florida’s peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico) is a paradise above the rest. Its white beaches are swept with some of the most beautiful patterned seashells you can find in the country, and the crystal waters are perfect for boating, fishing and snorkeling.

Related: 8 Island Vacations You Can Take Without Leaving the Country

GEORGIA: TYBEE ISLAND

Set 18 miles east of Savannah, this barrier island is a popular southern vacation destination. Here, you’ll find quaint bed-and-breakfasts, a historic lighthouse, three miles of sandy beaches and a long stretch of pier popular among fishermen and and musicians.

HAWAII: MAUI

OK, Hawaii kinda isn’t fair, since the whole state is a vacation haven. But since we had to pick one spot, we went with Maui, known for sprawling golden shores and secret snorkeling coves. The road to Hana--a winding and narrow 65-mile stretch along the Pacific--might be the most scenic route we’ve ever come across.

Related: The Guide to Kauai

IDAHO: COEUR D’ALENE

Surrounded by dozens of scenic lakes and located just 30 miles east of Washington state, Coeur d’Alene is an outdoorsy haven. During the summer, there’s great golfing, watersports and hiking, and during the winter it’s all about that #skilife.

ILLINOIS: GALENA

Midwesterners head to this small town on the Illinois-Wisconsin border to escape the summer heat. Galena contains one of America’s cutest main streets, as well as family-owned, local wineries and rolling hills. Don’t miss your chance to take a sunset hot-air-balloon tour.

Related: The 6 Cutest Main Streets in America

INDIANA: CHESTERTON

Make a trip to Chesterton to visit the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 15 miles of large sand dunes that border Lake Michigan’s Southern shore. With beaches, hiking trails, camping sites and cabin rentals, it’s basically everything you want from a relaxing getaway.

IOWA: OKOBOJI

Who knew Iowa is home to five terrific lakes? At the center of them is West Lake Okoboji, known for waterskiing, tubing, golfing and sailing. Oh, and did we mention the outdoor movie screenings?

KANSAS: MONUMENT ROCKS

At the Monument Rocks National Monument 25 miles south of Oakley, you can examine giant chalk formations covered with fossils that are 80 million years old. (Who knows, you might even see evidence of a dinosaur.) While you're sightseeing in the area, check out Castle Rock, an ancient pillar of limestone.

KENTUCKY: LOUISVILLE

There’s more to Louisville than the Kentucky Derby. Here, you’ll find live bluegrass music, art galleries, bourbon distilleries and wine trails.

LOUISIANA: NEW ORLEANS

Come for the jazz clubs, French-Creole-style architecture and swamp tours. Stay for the po’ boys, jambalaya and beignets.

Related: 21 Things You Absolutely Must Eat When You’re in New Orleans

MAINE: KENNEBUNKPORT

Blueberry farms, rocky coastline, sandy beaches, clam shacks and picturesque cottages are just some of the things that make this coastal town the quintessential New England vacation spot.

MARYLAND: ST. MICHAELS

You might recognize this adorable Chesapeake town from the movie Wedding Crashers. The red-brick streets are lined with Victorian homes and boutiques, and the pier is scattered with blue crab restaurants and docked boats.

MASSACHUSETTS: CAPE COD

Drive over the Bourne Bridge and you’ll find yourself in the jewel of Massachusetts, where birch and beech forests give way to sandy dunes, lighthouses and quaint clam shacks as far as the eye can see.

Related: America’s Best Beach Towns

MICHIGAN: TRAVERSE CITY

There’s a reason why top chefs like Mario Batali love Traverse City. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, farmland, vineyards and dunes, this hip, small town in northern Michigan is a short driving distance away from the state’s best wineries. Plan a visit to 2 Lads Winery to taste local Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

Related: The Best Wine Made in Every Single U.S. State

MINNESOTA: GRAND MARAIS

Grand Marais is one of the most charming small towns on Minnesota’s North Shore. Book a cabin at Gunflint Lodge, a family summer camp with outdoor activities for all ages.

Related: The Best Lake Towns in America

MISSISSIPPI: BILOXI

Biloxi, on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, draws tourists year-round for its warm climate, casinos and resorts. Take a ferry ride to nearby Ship Island and keep a lookout for dolphins along the way.

MISSOURI: LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Ever wonder what total relaxation looks like? We’re pretty sure it’s this lake, where you can fish for walleye, catfish and largemouth bass.

MONTANA: BIG SKY

This mountain town just southwest of Bozeman is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Visit during the winter for some of the best (and least crowded) skiing in the States.

NEBRASKA: OMAHA

Located on the Missouri River, this city on the Lewis and Clark Trail is worth a visit. One highlight is the Old Market, where brick warehouses dating back to the 1880s have since been converted into a row of galleries and farm-to-table restaurants.

NEVADA: LAKE TAHOE

So, you’ve already taken the obligatory trip to Sin City. Now, head to South Lake Tahoe, a stunning, year-round setting for outdoor activity. (Don’t worry, you can still gamble.)

NEW HAMPSHIRE: PORTSMOUTH

You might not realize that Portsmouth ― with its brick streets, colonial-style houses and bustling Market Square ― is the third-oldest city in the country. The highlight of this lively port city is the waterfront, which is lined with upscale restaurants, pubs, seafood shacks and ice cream parlors.

NEW JERSEY: CAPE MAY

This darling seaside town at the southernmost tip of New Jersey is pretty far from the world of Snooki and The Situation. Think: colorful Victorian homes, old lighthouses, tranquil beaches and horse-drawn carriages ambling up the streets.

Related: 30 Things You’ll Get Only If You’re from New Jersey

NEW MEXICO: SANTA FE

At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains sits Santa Fe, an enchanting city with a small-town vibe. Art lovers go gaga for the many craft shops selling New Mexican turquoise and pottery, and the charming restaurants with sculpture gardens in the back.

NEW YORK: MONTAUK

Nicknamed “The End,” Montauk is a small seaside town full of natural beauty and pristine shores. While not entirely free from the throngs of New Yorkers escaping the city, Montauk remains a down-to-earth haven for artists and fishermen.

Related: 7 Gorgeous Hamptons rentals to Lock Down Now

NORTH CAROLINA: COROLLA

You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit, T-shirt and flip-flops for a trip to this carefree beach town in the Outer Banks. You might even spot a wild horse as you stroll along the shoreline.

NORTH DAKOTA: FARGO

News flash: Fargo, the largest city in North Dakota, is actually pretty hip. In recent years, it’s attracted a techy and entrepreneurial crowd, and as a result, the downtown streets are filled with hip bars and restaurants (like the new hot spot Würst Beer Hall).

OHIO: PUT-IN-BAY

This summer village is found on a small Lake Erie island not far from the Canadian border--and it’s known for an adorable Victorian-era downtown and vibrant nightly party scene.

OKLAHOMA: OKLAHOMA CITY

This friendly capital city is on the rise. Just look at 21c Museum Hotel, a trendy boutique that sprung up in a derelict Ford Motor Company assembly plant. Of course, that’s the norm in Bricktown, where restored, red-brick warehouse buildings line the riverwalk.

OREGON: BEND

Twenty years ago, Bend was virtually unheard of. But today, this up-and-coming city attracts crowds for its gorgeous landscapes and blossoming cultural scene. Above all, Bend is known for craft breweries (you’ll find over two dozen) and easy access to the great outdoors.

PENNSYLVANIA: JIM THORPE

This yearlong tourist destination in the Pocono Mountains is the perfect spot for white-water rafting during summer or a romantic cottage getaway during the snowy winter. (Just be sure to book a room with a fireplace.)

RHODE ISLAND: LITTLE COMPTON

Little Compton is one of the Ocean State’s best kept secrets. Driving toward the beach, you’ll pass rolling farms, Sakonnet vineyards, clam shacks and bait and tackle shops.

SOUTH CAROLINA: BEAUFORT

Antebellum mansions, Spanish moss and lowcountry cooking are just a few of the selling points for this historic, coastal Carolina town. Book a stay at the Cuthbert House Inn (it’s the epitome of Southern hospitality) and soak in the charm.

SOUTH DAKOTA: DEADWOOD

In the heart of the Black Hills mountain range, Deadwood is a real rough-and-tumble Western town, where legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock once walked. Now saloons, rodeos and parades transport visitors back in time to the Gold Rush years.

TENNESSEE: NASHVILLE

It’s called the country capital of the world for a reason. For a vacation full of live music, honkey-tonk and lots of bourbon drinking, head immediately to this bustling town.

Related: Guide to Nashville: The Music City

TEXAS: HILL COUNTRY

Stretching just north of Austin to San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country is known for fields of wild bluebonnets, stellar country music and barbecue that’ll blow your mind. The towns of Bandera and Fredericksburg are two highlights along the 200-mile stretch of country.

UTAH: MOAB

You might be surprised how much this tiny southwestern town has to offer, but there’s much more than blue skies and red-rock canyons. Take a short drive from Moab’s adorable brewery- and bakery-clad main street to find Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, where you can hike and climb around the rock formations.

VERMONT: BURLINGTON

This progressive, Birkenstock-wearing, tofu-eating college town is home to a thriving art scene and an outdoorsy community. Nature-seekers will enjoy Burlington’s hiking and biking trails on the Lake Champlain shoreline with views of the Adirondacks.

VIRGINIA: RICHMOND

Teeming with galleries, craft breweries and public art, there’s no doubt that Virginia’s capital city is experiencing a serious revival. Richmond is also one of the most exciting culinary destinations right now, thanks to hip, new restaurants serving everything from local oysters to small-batch ciders.

WASHINGTON: SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan are the four largest of the San Juan Islands, located between Seattle and Vancouver Island. Each is a nature-lover’s paradise, home to lush forests, rocky coastlines and orcas that swim around the channels.

WEST VIRGINIA: FAYETTEVILLE

Many travelers visit Fayetteville to go rock climbing or white-water rafting in the New River Gorge. But don’t underestimate the charming downtown, lined with interesting restaurants, coffee shops and craft stores filled with pottery and artwork.

WISCONSIN: BAYFIELD

In Bayfield, on the shores of Lake Superior, charming fishing village meets cosmopolitan hot spot. Don’t miss a kayaking day trip or guided boat tour to the carved rock formations found on the nearby 21 Apostle Islands.

WYOMING: JACKSON HOLE

In the heart of the American West, majestic Jackson Hole is surrounded by the snow-capped Teton Mountains and wild Snake River. But don’t worry, indoor gals: There are also luxurious five-star hotels, top spas and trendy restaurants.

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