Fourth of July at The BARge: Lake Adventures, Family Fun & Good Life Moments
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 9
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About The BARge at Lucy's Branch Marina
Website: https://lucysbarge.com/
Address: 6049 Bay Village Drive, Athens, Alabama 35611 (Mile Marker #287)
Phone Number: (256) 729-1322
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Fourth of July at The BARge: Lake Adventures, Family Fun & Good Life Moments
Written by Nancy Fae for His, Hers & The Good Life
Introduction
There are lake days … and then there are Fourth of July lake days spent celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with family and friends, which automatically get bumped into the “core memory” category. We had already spent the long weekend jet skiing, tubing, and laughing ourselves breathless, but the day’s big adventure was our cross‑lake pilgrimage to The BARge at Lucy’s Branch Marina — a floating bar, restaurant, and good‑time magnet perched on Wheeler Lake.
We had a full flotilla: boats, jet skis, kids, adults, and enough sunscreen to protect a small army. The laughter started early and didn’t stop all day.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How the Day Unfolded
The journey across the lake took about 30 minutes, skippered by our favorite cast of characters. Jeff’s brother‑in‑law — known lovingly as Ham Bone — captained the family boat. Jim and Paige guided us on their pontoon, and Ashley & Matthew escorted the younger crowd on jet skis.
The weather? Absolutely perfect.
The water? Choppy enough to make Ashley question her life choices.
The vibes? Immaculate.
The Pontoon Panic Moment
As we approached the marina, Jim slowed the pontoon … and suddenly the front dipped just enough for water to start rushing in.
Cue the internal panic:
“Is this how we go out?”
“Where are the life jackets?”
“Should we start a group prayer?”
Thankfully, the experienced boaters among us called for a quick weight shift. We scooted to the back, the water drained out, and the crisis was over.
Arrival at The BARge
We tied up the boats and jet skis, and with about 22 of us, we arrived like a floating family reunion. The BARge was ready for us, though you could see the staff mentally bracing for impact.
We decided to stick to drinks and appetizers since a big dinner awaited us back at the lake house.
Jeff ordered a River Rat (Malibu Rum, strawberry, lemonade, Sprite) and followed it with a Wheeler Lake Rum Punch (Captain Morgan, Bacardi Silver, orange juice, pineapple juice).
I went straight for the Blue Hawaiian (Malibu Rum, pina colada mix, pineapple juice, Blue Curaçao).
Let me just say: The River Rat and Blue Hawaiian were the stars of the show. If they bottled those drinks, I’d buy them by the case.
The Food Fiasco
The BARge’s kitchen is in a separate building, so food arrives via golf cart. With our group size, the system … struggled. Orders were delayed, a few items went missing, and some folks didn’t get their food until much later.
Sabrina, the waitress, was a sweetheart, though, and we felt for her. At least the drinks were flowing and the atmosphere was unbeatable.
Jeff’s Perfect Moment
Jeff had visited The BARge before and loved it, so getting his entire family and friends there — by boat — was basically his Super Bowl. Watching him beam as everyone enjoyed the place was worth the whole trip.
Fueling Up & Heading Back
Before leaving, we pulled up to the dock and filled the pontoon with gas. There’s something undeniably cool about refueling on the water.
The ride back was smooth, beautifully lit by the late‑day sun, and perfectly balanced thanks to Jim’s newfound commitment to weight distribution. We made it home safely, grateful for the day, the company, and the memories.
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Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Joint Closing – Hers, Hers & the Good Life
His (Jeff):
Getting everyone over to The BARge was the best part of my day. I’d been wanting to share this spot with my family and friends, and pulling up by boat — drinks, laughter, and good company all around — made it even better. Days like this remind me how much I love being on the water with the people who matter most.
Hers (Nancy Fae):
There’s nothing better than spending time with the people you love — especially when it involves sunshine, lake water, and delicious drinks. The Blue Hawaiian alone was worth the trip, but the laughter, the stories, and the shared adventure made it unforgettable.
The Good Life:
This day perfectly captures what His, Hers & The Good Life is all about — celebrating experiences that bring people together, savoring the small joys (and the big cocktails), and finding adventure in everyday moments. Whether it’s a floating bar, a family boat ride, or a shared laugh over a near‑pontoon‑sinking, this is the good life we love to live.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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