Warm weather, crystal clear water and sandy beaches are as convenient as a 45-minute drive from campus.
Lake Martin, the largest man-made lake in the world when it was filled in 1928, is a popular vacation spot for students and families alike.
There are several well-maintained beaches along the shores of Lake Martin that are open to the public year-round, and students can catch a birds' eye view of the lake from one of the highest points in the state.
Smith Mountain Firetower is located in Jackson's Gap, Alabama, right above Dadeville, on an inlet that juts into one of the smaller parts of the lake.
The tower was built in 1939 and fully restored in 2012. It stands 80 feet above the peak of Smith Mountain and boasts one of the best sunsets in the state.
There is a half-mile hike from the parking lot to the base of the tower, where students can climb up staircases to the cab.
According to an Alabama Tourism website, the tower is open seven days a week and is surrounded by pines and by spectacular panoramic views of Lake Martin.
For these reasons, Lake Martin is The Plainsman's choice for best weekend getaway.
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