July is here, school is out, boats are in the water, and High Rock Lake’s recreational season is in full swing.
Recently, I visited the busiest place on earth over the July 4th holiday weekend, or so it seemed, Tamarac Marina & Restaurant at 9120 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC.
I have been here countess times, but with the holiday weekend, I saw much more than a local store/fuel stop. Perhaps owner Dan Black could rename it to “Tamarac Marina & Campground, Bait Shop, Quik Mart, Karaoke Bar, Beach & Picnic Area, Pontoon Rental, and Camping Supplies Super Store.” The offerings are endless making them a one-stop-shop for all your lake day necessities.
I ran in just for a few summer lake day must-haves – ice, propane, and fuel for the boat (I have a gas caddy, so I can go by car and pump directly into the boat). I knew it would be busy as it was the Saturday of the holiday weekend. As I traveled across the Bringle Ferry Bridge, I saw a plethora boats filling up at the dock fuel pump and happy customers grabbing snacks and supplies needed for a day on the lake.
There were families seated at the picnic tables, a few folks fishing off the edge of the property, and more hanging out on the gazebo watching the boats go by. Seats inside the restaurant were just about filled with folks enjoying breakfast and getting ready for the day with family and friends.
Tamarac Marina on High Rock Lake
Even through the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend, Dan Black was in his office, and he gave me a few minutes of his time. We were joined by employee, Sandy Mullins, and chatted about what Tamarac Marina means to the lake community.
“The vision for Tamarac has always been a convenient lakeside location for High Rock Lake, good food at an affordable price, especially the seafood and steaks, and to be the first place you think of for your lake recreational needs from camping and BBQ supplies, to fishing bait and tackle, or if you find out that you are in need of last-minute boat registration and fishing licenses. We have it here at Tamarac,” said Black.
Trucks and boat trailers at Tamarac Marina.
Convenient Lakeside Location – Pontoon Rentals, Camping Sites, and even Karaoke!
“Pontoon boat rentals range from half days to full weekends, and our camping sites have something for everyone, including full hook-ups to tent camping. Like any outdoor activity, weather determines visitors’ plans. Folks just need to call to reserve in advance,” continued Black.
Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, as lake enthusiasts are getting ready for their weekend activities. Sundays are busy, but normally customers are stopping in for lunch or a few groceries. “We pride ourselves on a friendly atmosphere here. Customers are valued and we treat them like friends,” commented Mullins. “That’s why Facebook is such an important tool for us. We can let folks know what the specials are or if there is a concert or fishing tournament. So, they can plan their day.”
Karaoke is alive and well at Tamarac Marina on Friday nights. Whether you can sing like Johnny Cash or Nancy Sinatra or simply just want to watch and enjoy a beautiful night of entertainment, come on in! There was even an unofficial Elvis competition one evening!
Check out Tamarac’s Facebook page for dinner specials, special events, and more here. Call 704-636-1918 for information on rentals and events.
Come enjoy what High Rock Lake has to offer as the second largest lake in North Carolina.
Though the summer is at its mid-way point, there is still lots of time and activities to enjoy including the High Rock Lake River Rats Poker Run on Saturday, July 12; the Rowan Chamber Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, July 27; and the High Rock Lake Clean Sweep, Saturday, September 21.
Thank you to everyone at Tamarac Marina for contributing to an awesome 4th of July at High Rock Lake!
