The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Relax at Lake Oconee with golf, spa, shopping
Serene setting in Greene County makes for a perfect getaway.
It’s springtime, and the greens are calling. Pack up your golf clubs because it’s time to escape the city and head to tranquil Lake Oconee. With 117 holes of golf plus spa treatments and shopping, this waterfront destination in Greene County is a great retreat for couples, families or even a long weekend with friends.
Located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, a stay at Lake Oconee is a must for golf lovers.
The golf is amazing by itself, but there’s so much more to do in Greene County than just hitting the courses. If antique shopping, spa treatments, archery, water sports and relaxing with a cocktail sound appealing to you, start planning your getaway now.
Championship courses await
The golf courses at Lake Oconee are designed by renowned golf course architects including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Bob Cupp, Rees Jones and Jim Engh.
With six signature courses between The Ritz-Carlton and Reynolds Lake Oconee, be sure to plan enough time to play every hole. Staying at these luxury properties will grant you access to golf courses that aren’t open to the public.
Reynolds’ Great Waters, designed by Nicklaus, finishes with a must-see view, as the course’s back nine skirts Lake Oconee. The other courses feature rolling terrain nestled among towering pines, picturesque creek crossings and more than a few challenging par-3s.
Try the Quick Six experience at Reynolds’ Preserve Course to squeeze in a late-afternoon round before meeting up with family and friends.
If you’re staying during Masters week (April 2-8), let The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee arrange private transportation for you to Augusta, just 90 minutes away. Gather your friends and celebrate with special Masters week events featuring wine, cigars, bourbon, spa treatments and more.
For those staying in nearby Madison, Eatonton or Greensboro, Harbor Club is the perfect destination for a golf outing.
This public course was third on Golfweek’s 2017 State-by-State Best Courses You Can Play in Georgia. Six of the course’s 18 holes touch the shoreline of Lake Oconee, which means the views are spectacular. Meet up with friends at the Harbor Club Restaurant, located in the 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, where you can unwind and enjoy the views of the 18th green and croquet lawn.
Practice makes perfect
For those looking to improve their golf games, Reynolds Lake Oconee has the Kingdom of Golf presented by TaylorMade, one of only two locations in the United States.
Where else can you go for world-class instruction and have golf clubs custom-made for you in the same day? Head in for your morning appointment where a professional TaylorMade master club builder will analyze your swing – with the help of advanced technology – and then build clubs perfectly suited to your height, swing and style of game.
Your new clubs will be delivered later that day so you’ll be able to hit the links at Reynolds the next morning.
Adventures on land
You’re sold on the idea of a golf-centered vacation, but maybe your friends aren’t. Fortunately, the Lake Oconee and Greene County area offer plenty of outdoor activities for everyone.
Reynolds features the newly opened Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, a 100-acre complex designed by Justin Jones, one of the world’s top experts in developing and managing elite resort shooting facilities. It includes a 20-station sporting clays course and instruction area, a five-stand shooting range, an air rifle range and an archery range.
If shooting doesn’t hit the mark, there are a myriad of other outdoor activities, such as fishing on the 19,000-acre lake, kayaking, canoeing and hiking. Tennis lovers staying at The Ritz-Carlton can meet their matches in two stadium-size and six champion-sized courts. Rent a bike and explore the area on two wheels – and burn off the calories from last night’s fabulous dessert.
Get your hair wet
A trip to the lake without taking a dip is like a trip to the spa without getting your nails done. From The Ritz you can drift leisurely around Lake Oconee while trying to spot bald eagles, herons and other wildlife. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards require no reservations.
Those seeking a little more speed should contact Young Harris Water Sports, which serves guests at Reynolds, The Ritz as well as those staying at other locations near Lake Oconee. Rent jet skis and all types of boats – even one with a water slide – or sign up for water skiing, wakeboarding and lake surfing lessons.
If lounging by a pool is your idea of “water sports,” then you might not want to leave the infinity pool at The Ritz. Relax with a coffee or a cocktail and enjoy the view, or take a dip in the pool, which is heated year-round. There’s even an indoor lap pool for serious swimmers and a separate pool for the kids.
Stroll down to the beach with a good book and close your eyes for a bit as you soak in the sun and sounds of nature.
Keep the kids busy
All aboard! Kids will love the Linger Longer Express, an eco-efficient locomotive that will take them on a tour around The Ritz’s property. Ritz-Kids Camp, with full-day and half-day options, will free up parents to play golf, explore downtown Greensboro or de-stress at the spa.
For a history lesson, take the kids to the Old Gaol, just behind Greensboro’s courthouse. Completed in 1807, the jail was used until the 1890s and remains mostly unchanged. Learn about life in the 19th century at historic Scull Shoals Mill Village, which hosts family-friendly events, as well as history lessons targeted to youngsters.
Have a need for speed? Check out Durhamtown Off Road Resort. Rent all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes to ride trails and dirt tracks. There’s even a Pee Wee track for the littlest riders.
Unwind and stay a while
Now that the kids are busy and your golfing pals have headed out, what better way to unwind than a day – or three – at the spa. The Southern-inspired luxury spa at The Ritz-Carlton includes lounges for relaxing, mani/pedi services, a 24-hour fitness center and a traditional barbershop called the Gents’ Den.
Spa treatments include age-defying facials, full body massages and even a golf ball massage – using a heated golf ball, of course – to work out your kinks from the links. The fitness center features traditional strength and cardio stations, but there’s also a variety of yoga classes, Body Sculpt, and even golf conditioning classes designed to improve your game.
If you’re lunching or shopping around town, head to Kali Yoga to get your om on. This boutique yoga studio offers weekly classes for all levels, workshops and even Thai bodywork sessions by appointment.
There’s no stopping the shopping
Downtown Greensboro is filled with cute shops to explore on leisurely afternoons. Pick up something special at one of the antique shops, clothing and jewelry boutiques, art galleries and more.
Be sure to check out Genuine Georgia, an artisan shop filled exclusively with the creations of Georgia artists, and Ripe Thing Market, which has fresh produce, jams and other locally made products.
Lake Oconee Village is a pedestrian-friendly shopping area located at the entrance of Reynolds Lake Oconee. Browse the
boutiques, pick up groceries or a bottle of wine, and catch a movie in one convenient location.
Tempt your taste buds
Whether you arrive by boat or by car, Gaby’s by the Lake offers the absolute best lakefront dining on Lake Oconee. Located at The Ritz, this family-friendly restaurant is great for those seeking a relaxed, casual dining experience.
One of the best dinner and night spots is The National Tavern at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Known for its huge bar, big screen TVs, live music, putting green and games for the kids, it’s a perfect place to unwind. Try the pizzas and one of its signature cocktails.
Craft beer fans can geek out at Oconee Brewing Company, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary in May. Welcoming to children and well-behaved pups, try a beer in the tasting room while kids keep busy with games. Pick up dinner from one of the food trucks located on site, and dine al fresco at a picnic table.
Head to downtown Greensboro or Eatonton for other casual dining options, with choices even the kids will love. If you have a fancy for award-winning buttermilk pie (who doesn’t?), then Yesterday Cafe is the place for you. This cute spot in Greensboro has a refreshing lunch and dinner menu, but it’s OK if you just eat the pie.