Sadie’s Take on Delaware Ohio

Apple Valley Lake has become a popular play ground for central Ohioans. And it should be as it has everything - swimming, boating, hiking, community center, golf course, and lots more - but it is a private community.

No, there aren’t gates at the entrance that lock non-members out, but to access the benefits that Apple Valley offers you need to own land. You can purchase lots in Apple Valley from as low as $3,000 for the further out parcels or pay into the $100,000 range for a lake-front lot (Toby has a seasonal-lake view lot for sale). The Apple Valley Property Owners Association has a nice Web site outlining the duties and expectations of land owners in the development. By bein in good standing, property owners have access to:

• Lake with 3 beaches and 4 boat launches
• Floral Valley Community Center which houses the indoor pool
• Clubhouse with a Fitness Center and Outdoor Pool
• Apple Valley Marina
• Camper’s Village
• Bennett Park & Pond

Apple Valley Golf Course is one exception to the “members only” market as it is open to the public and tee times for one of Ohio’s premier courses can be done online for free with fees ranging from $20 - $43 depending on when and how you want to play.

And while it is a great golf course, the more-than 3,769 square-foot lake is what draws the crowds to the area on weekends. During the week fishing is the name of the game, but come weekends the high-powered boats come out to play with water skiiers galore.

Apple Valley Resort is a condo-community located within the Apple Valley Lake area. The Resort offers weekly rentals or seasonal sales.

If you go, be sure to stop by Lakefront Grill at the entrance for a great sandwich and salad.

Directions: From Mt. Vernon, take 36 east to the main entrance to Apple Valley which is about 10 minutes from the city’s east side.

Popularity: 21% [?]