Happy October! Big congratulations to Emily and John McFarlin for winning our referral challenge! You’ve got a gift card to your favorite lakeside restaurant coming your way. And don’t forget, every successful referral still earns you a free month of dues!

Events

Mark your calendar for Oktoberfest in downtown Hickory, October 10th through the 12th. We will have a tent set up, stop by and say hello. Enjoy live music on multiple stages, Kidsfest, beer tents, and plenty of food and craft vendors. We hope to see you there!

On October 25, stop by our tent at Fall Fest in Baxter Village! The festival will have live music, fun activities, giveaways, and plenty of food and drinks.

Member Housekeeping

This past boating season has kept TowBoatUS busy, and it’s a good reminder of how valuable coverage can be. We only cover towing costs related to mechanical breakdowns, groundings are not included. For non-members, the average tow is around $600, and fuel drops start at $200. With a TowBoatUS membership, you’ll have 24/7 assistance plus services like water towing, fuel delivery, jump-starts, ungroundings, and 25+ other BoatUS benefits. And just like our club, TowBoatUS offers reciprocity, providing you with peace of mind and assistance even when you’re exploring other locations they service.  Many of our members count on their membership for peace of mind on the water. Best of all, Carefree members receive a special discount, rather than the regular $109 annual fee, you’ll pay only $84 for a full year of coverage! For questions or to sign up, Captain Thomas will be happy to help: Call/ text (803) 681-0911 or email logan@southforkmarine.com.

With the sun setting earlier each day, the return time for afternoon boat trips will also be earlier. All boats need to be returned to the dock approximately 15 minutes before sunset. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please check with the dock staff regarding the current return times.

Other News

Thank you to everyone who purchased a Hurricane Helene T-shirt. While the storm brought devastating effects to our area, it’s been incredible to see our community come together in support. We’ll be sending out an email soon with pick-up details. Plus, everyone who purchased a shirt will be entered to win a neon sign, thanks to our friends at Lake Hickory Pub and Marina.

October on the lake is a season all on its own. Ask any angler and they will tell you: fall is one of the best times to fish in Tennessee. As lake temperatures drop, species like largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish become more active, feeding heavily before winter sets in. October mornings are particularly successful fishing times, the water is still and quiet, but the afternoons may be just as productive, especially when the sun heats the surface of the water and the fish are on the move. Our members consider fall the hidden gem of fishing, as they no longer have to battle for the best spots to set up, and the stillness of the lake makes it easy to spot even the smallest tug on their lines. Fall may be the perfect time to get your little ones set up with their very own poles. Shop our favorite kid-friendly option!

Of course, October isn’t just about fishing. It’s also about slowing down to appreciate all that nature has to offer. Fall often brings about a busy season of school sports, homework, work deadlines, and social commitments. The lake provides the perfect counterbalance, a chance to unplug from the constant hustle and find stillness on the water. It’s those slower moments, taking in the beauty around us, that we get to enjoy the quiet that is so rare this time of year. 

At Carefree Boat Club of Tennessee, it is our mission to take care of every little detail while you have the fun. One of the biggest reasons why our members love being a part of the club is the access they have to boating during any season. For many, fall boating means boat ownership. And owning a boat in the fall means storage, prep, and maintenance. With Carefree Boat Club of Tennessee, we take that off your plate, handling every hassle of boat ownership and leaving the fun to you. This October, join us on the water, you’ll find that fall boating and fall relaxation go hand in hand. 

As always, don’t forget to tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured on our social media pages! Check out our Instagram and Facebook to see how our members are making the most of their October!

Happy Labor Day! As we sail into September, we’re enjoying the last days of summer and the long weekend. We hope each of you take a well-deserved pause to relax, recharge, and make the most of the lake. Whether you’re dropping anchor with friends or enjoying a quiet morning cruise, we’ll see you out on the docks!

New Location

We’re excited to announce that our Charlotte-area boating adventures just got even better. We’ve expanded to Lake Hickory! As a Carefree Charlotte member, you now have unlimited access to one of North Carolina’s most scenic lakes with a center console, bowrider, and pontoons. Lake Hickory offers sparkling waters, beautiful mountain views, and plenty of spots for fishing, watersports, or simply cruising and relaxing. We’re based out of Lake Hickory Pub & Marina, making it easy to grab a delicious bite or a refreshing drink before or after your time on the water. Your next Carefree boat day is waiting, now on Lake Hickory!

Events

We’ve got some exciting events coming up this fall! We’ll be hosting a tailgate on September 28th, stay tuned for your official invite with all the details. Here’s to a great season… Go Panthers!

Mark your calendar for Oktoberfest in downtown Hickory, October 10th through the 12th. We will have a tent set up, stop by and say hello. Enjoy live music on multiple stages, Kidsfest, beer tents, and plenty of food and craft vendors. We hope to see you there!

On October 25, stop by our tent at the Fall Fest in Baxter Village! The festival will have live music, fun activities, giveaways, and plenty of food and drinks.

Member Housekeeping

As the seasons change, so does the time of sunset! With the sun setting earlier each day, the return time for afternoon boat trips will also be earlier. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please check with the dock staff regarding the current return times.

With most of our dock staff back in school, we are short staffed. If possible, please give us extra notice for spur-of-the-moment reservations during the week. This will help us make sure your boat is ready and your day on the water goes as smoothly as possible.

September 27th marks one year since Hurricane Helene devastated our area, and we’re honoring the occasion by giving back to the community. We’ve created a special T-shirt, with all the proceeds going to a local charity supporting recovery efforts. Shirts are $20 each, and orders must be placed by September 15. 

Other News

We are excited to announce that our dockhand, Emelia Rockefeller, has been selected as this year’s scholarship recipient. For the past few years, we’ve been honored to offer the Patricia “Gigi” Graveline Memorial Scholarship, which allows our high school seniors and college student staff to reflect on and share what they have learned while working at Carefree through a short essay. Congratulations, Emelia we hope you have a great year at Chapel Hill!

The True Cost of Ownership

Buying a boat isn’t just about the purchase price. Add in storage fees, taxes, insurance, cleaning, routine maintenance, and those surprise breakdowns—and ownership can quickly drain both your wallet and your free time.

With a boat club, your membership is predictable. Straightforward costs cover access to the entire fleet, professional upkeep, and all the routine maintenance that comes with ownership. You don’t have to worry about storage, cleaning, or service appointments—just show up and enjoy the water. At Carefree Boat Club, this peace of mind is built into every membership.

Variety Over One Vessel

Buying a boat locks you into one style—maybe a center console, maybe a pontoon. But what if you want to fish one day, cruise with friends the next, and take the family tubing on the weekend? Boat clubs offer variety. Members can choose from different types of boats depending on the outing, season, or mood. Carefree members enjoy access to center consoles, twin engines, pontoons, bowriders, and more—all included in one membership.

Convenience Is King

Time on the water is supposed to be relaxing—but traditional ownership often means hours of prep, cleaning, towing, launching, and maintenance before and after each trip. In a boat club, the boats are fueled, cleaned, and ready to go. Members simply show up, boat, and walk away at the end of the day. Carefree staff handle the details so you can focus on the experience.

Accessibility Without the Hassle

For many first-time boaters, the learning curve can feel intimidating. Boat clubs typically provide training, safety courses, and on-the-water orientation so that new members feel confident behind the helm. Carefree makes this a priority, giving every member the training they need to enjoy boating safely and confidently.

Expanding the Lifestyle

Perhaps the biggest draw of a club is that it’s more than access to boats—it’s access to a lifestyle. Many clubs are part of larger networks, giving members the ability to boat in different cities or even on vacation without the stress of transport or logistics. With over 150+ locations worldwide, Carefree Boat Club members can boat at home or explore waters across the globe. Plus, our social events, dock parties, and fishing clinics bring members together both on and off the water.

The Bottom Line

Boat ownership will always make sense for some, but for many, a boat club is the smarter choice. It delivers all the joy of boating without the ongoing costs and hassle of ownership. Instead of managing storage, cleaning, and maintenance, your straightforward membership costs give you more time on the water, more variety, and a lifestyle that fits your schedule—not your to-do list.

Ready to spend more time boating and less time maintaining? Carefree Boat Club gives you access to a fleet of boats, professional training, and a community of fellow boaters—all without the stress of traditional ownership. Learn more about joining Carefree today.

A Different Kind of Beauty

Crisp air, golden sunsets, and fall foliage lining the rivers and bays create a backdrop you simply won’t find in July. Imagine cruising down the Navesink with vibrant leaves reflecting on the water or anchoring at Sandy Hook with clear autumn skies overhead. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and far less crowded than summer.

Perfect Conditions

Fall brings cooler temperatures, but the water is still comfortable. The winds are often calmer, and with fewer boats competing for space, you’ll feel like you have the river to yourself. Fishing also heats up in the fall—striped bass and bluefish are active in our waters, making it a great time to cast a line.

Local Flavors by Boat

Boating this time of year isn’t just about the ride. It’s about where the water can take you. Dock and dine at Red Bank’s waterfront restaurants, or plan a trip toward Sandy Hook and the Jersey Shore for a seafood lunch. Afterward, cruise back while enjoying a spectacular sunset—it’s the kind of day that makes you fall in love with boating all over again.

Why Wait for Summer?

At Carefree Boat Club of Red Bank, members enjoy boating well beyond the summer months. Our fleet is in the water through the fall, so you don’t have to miss out on some of the most beautiful boating days of the year. Whether you’re fishing, sightseeing, or just enjoying a quiet cruise, autumn on the water is something every boater should experience.

The Bottom Line: Don’t store away the adventure just because the calendar says “fall.” Around Red Bank, this is boating season at its finest—and at Carefree Boat Club, there’s a boat for that.

Ready to Experience Fall Boating in Red Bank?

Don’t wait until next summer to get out on the water—some of the best boating days are happening right now. With Carefree Boat Club of Red Bank, you’ll enjoy access to a fleet of premium boats without the hassle of ownership. Just reserve your boat, show up, and go.

View Our Fleet
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Schedule a Tour Today

The best part? You don’t have to say goodbye to boating when summer ends—at Carefree, the season is always in full swing.

The Best Light of the Year

September and October bring earlier sunsets, painting the skies over Virginia Beach, the Elizabeth River, and Lynnhaven Inlet with brilliant orange, pink, and purple. Cooler, drier air means the views are sharper and the colors more vivid — perfect for photos that capture the magic.

Calm Waters, Relaxed Vibes

Fall evenings often bring calmer winds and glassy water, making for a smoother ride. With summer traffic gone, you’ll feel like you have the water to yourself. It’s boating at its most peaceful.

Best Local Spots for Fall Sunsets

Some of our favorite places to catch Coastal Virginia sunsets by boat include:

• The Narrows (between Broad Bay & Linkhorn Bay) – Framed by marsh grasses and calm water.

• Cape Charles – A perfect Chesapeake Bay sunset paired with waterfront dining.

• Hampton River – Dock and dine, then watch the colors spill across the sky.

• Sandbridge & False Cape – Wide-open horizons, often with dolphins at dusk.

Ready to plan your next outing? Check out our fleet!

Extend Your Summer Feelings

Sunset cruises aren’t just beautiful — they’re a reminder that boating in Coastal Virginia doesn’t stop when school starts or Labor Day passes. With a Carefree Boat Club membership, you’ll enjoy year-round boating access in Virginia Beach and beyond.

Smart Boater’s Tip: Bring a light jacket, your camera, and maybe even a thermos of hot cider. The evenings cool down quickly, but that only adds to the cozy fall experience.

The Bottom Line

While many think boating season ends on Labor Day, the truth is the best sunsets are still ahead. Fall in Coastal Virginia offers calmer waters, spectacular skies, and unforgettable evenings on the water. Don’t miss your chance to experience Sunset Season with Carefree Boat Club.

Where’s your favorite place to catch a Coastal Virginia sunset from the water? Share it with us in the comments!