Plug Day 2021 arrived March 1 with the clang of virtual symbols and hoarsely whispered cheers from lake lovers and locals alike. After COVID-19 drove thousands of people to quarantine at Lake Martin in mid-March of 2020, anxious lake lovers looked forward to the dropping of the virtual plug at midnight on March 1 that launched the 50-day countdown to summer pool and the return to the lake for many.

Though pandemic restrictions continue to limit large gatherings, cancel some events and lock visitors out of some venues, many lake area restaurants are open and ready to welcome patrons for dine-in, carry-out and, in some cases, delivery. In addition, most local shop and boutique owners have remained open and look forward to greeting customers who return as the water level rises to full pool now through April 19.