Alexandria has many, many beautiful lakes. In fact, from most places of employment, you can walk out the door and be at a lake within 5 minutes (while Alexandria is a popular, bustling community, traffic isn't a factor in Alexandria). It is tough to choose one as a favorite, but if forced to do so, I'd choose Lake Carlos. Here are 5 reasons I like it. 1. County Road 11. Each time I turn onto it off Carlos Darling Drive, I immediately relax. 2. Three Havens Grocery. It is kitschy and is convenient for a newspaper and cup of coffee or missing ingredient for a recipe 3. It's big. It's the biggest on The Chain (2,520 acres). If it is a busy day on The Chain, just head to the northern end of Lake Carlos. Most boaters out for a tour will cut across Carlos half way up the lake. 4. Carlos State Park 5. Bike rides around the lake and through the Park.