For our publisher January Alexander, some of life’s sweetest memories were made dockside, cruising calm waters, or laughing with family on a houseboat at Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club. With decades of cherished moments spent on Center Hill Lake—first as a child and now as a mom—January reflects on the timeless magic of lake life, the power of storytelling, and why those sun-soaked summers continue to shape her work and worldview. From bologna sandwiches to Alan Jackson sightings, join us as she shares her heart for the water and the community that made it unforgettable.
What are some of your earliest or most vivid memories of spending summers at Center Hill Lake?
My parents raised my three sisters and I on the lake… several actually, since we live near many great lakes, but Center Hill Lake (CHL) has always been my favorite. We had a houseboat at Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club (CHM) for almost 20 years, so you can imagine lots of weekends and summer fun was had there. I remember beach combing for treasures, crates of food Mom packed for us to grill and snack on, and that feeling you get as the boat first takes off. The breeze, the sunshine, the music playing—just that overwhelming feeling summer had arrived. My parents were big entertainers, so our boat was always full of friends and family making the laughs, the fellowship, and the fun priceless.
What did a typical summer day at the marina look like for you growing up?
It started with early morning sounds—ducks quacking, fish jumping, footsteps on the dock. The lake doesn't allow for sleeping in. Everyone’s up early. The morning fog on the water was always beautiful. I loved the slight morning chill and the calm of dawn. Mom would cook us a huge breakfast—she owned a catering business—so we’d eat and then beg my Dad to hit the water to kneeboard, cruise, tube, and explore. She packed thick-cut bologna sandwiches, Fritos, French onion dip, Cokes, and watermelon. We loved cruising by Alan Jackson’s house, hoping to see him... Mom adored his music. Funny story—he often came to The Coppertop restaurant at CHM and would say hello. He drove this little wooden boat called Chattahoochee and once even gave my mom a small wooden replica of it. I still have it displayed in my bathroom.
Was there a spot on the lake that felt like your happy place or held a special tradition?
CHL always settled my nerves and was an escape. The water comforts me, and I see the same in my son. Center Hill Marina was special for us, as was Goo Goo Cove off the river in Lebanon. We’d gather there with family and friends—music, food, laughter, swimming. Another special place is my fiancé Scott’s family cabin in the Ozarks. It’s peaceful and reminds me a lot of CHL.
How have those summer experiences shaped how you view community, nature, or even your work as our publisher?
Hugely. Growing up on the lake—tying boats together, socializing, sharing meals—created a deep sense of community. It feels like home. I also loved listening quietly to my mom and her friends—their stories, laughter, struggles. I never wanted to play with other kids as much as I wanted to hear the adults talk. That love for stories and connection definitely shaped who I am today as a publisher. I find joy in helping others share their voice.
Tell us about how your lake adventures changed over the years.
My sisters and lots of girlfriends tagged along together on lake weekends as teens, we also loved the lake and being together. Those experiences were so fun and special that I carry them on with our own kids—boating, fishing, and exploring the gifts of being outdoors and on the water. Now that I’m a mom and bonus mom, I love spending time on the lake and sharing those childhood stories. I think getting kids on the water early is great for them. They learn about nature, boating, wildlife, and water safety—but most importantly, they make priceless memories.
Do you still get out on the lake now, and if so, what’s different—and still the same—about Center Hill Marina today?
Absolutely—as much as we can. We bought another boat a couple of years ago and go to CHM often. It still feels the same to me—even after 40 years—but it also has so many great updates. New cabins, a new ship store, upgraded rentals and amenities... Growing up we would gas up and get supplies at the marina and we would eat dinner at the old dock restaurant called The Coppertop. Now I'm taking my family to Center Hill Marina's newly renovated Mexican food restaurant, El Lago, so it's a full circle memory.
Each year, it gets better.
What advice would you give to families about making lasting summer memories together—on or off the water?
Be present. Take videos, capture moments, unplug. Be adventurous, be a kid, be free. These are the good old days—live them.
Anything else you’d like readers to know?
I’m so grateful for partnerships like ours with Center Hill Marina and Yacht Club. Reconnecting with them as an adult and working with them now is really special and full circle for me. They offer so many incredible ways for families to have fun...pontoon rentals, cabin rentals, houseboat rentals, a great shipstore, restaurant and place to visit. A dock for a kid can be a great childhood memory and I am so grateful for mine. Our kids, I hope, will cherish their memories we are building as well. I love sharing local places and experiences for our readers to enjoy, too. We are truly blessed CHM is just right down the road from Lebanon...a pretty drive full of fun ahead. I hope to see you all on the lake this summer visiting our friends at CHM. Book that cabin, you won't regret it!
"Center Hill Marina was more than a dock, it's where I learned community—through laughter, storytelling, and boats tied side-by-side."