The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lake Oconee: A world away
Make a summer getaway, only an hour from Atlanta.
It’s a place where long, leisurely days give way to starry nights, and where the sounds of traffic, crowds and construction are replaced by the laughter of children, the tinkling of ice in glasses and the murmur of casual conversation. Lake Oconee, in Greene County, may be just an hour from the hustle and bustle of metro Atlanta, but it feels a world away.
And this summer, Lake Oconee offers an ideal spot for families looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet among the tall pines and shorelines. Full of outdoor pursuits that run the gamut from stimulating to sedate, Lake Oconee also presents activities like golf, hiking and fishing that allow visitors to relish the solitude that comes with getting away from it all.
Ready to plan your summer fun on Lake Oconee? Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Water sports
With 374 miles of shoreline, the cool waters of Lake Oconee prove irresistible when summer nears its peak. Greene County offers several ways to take advantage of the region’s most prominent natural feature, beginning with Young Harris Watersports, which offers everything from jet skis to pontoon boats. Their four Lake Oconee locations include one at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, the area’s only lakefront luxury resort.
For those who prefer their watercraft less motorized, Young Harris Watersports also offers access to canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. If you’re interested in doing some angling while on the water, Captain Mark Smith at Reel Time Guide Service has the boats and the experience to ensure that guests will be catching stripers or crappie in no time.
Off the water
Greene County offers just as much fun on dry land. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds offers everything from complementary bike rentals to a fully staffed tennis center. The Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, meanwhile, is a 100-acre paradise for clay shooting, archery and offroad driving.
Ramp up the RPMs with a visit to Durhamtown, where guests can spend the day on dirt bikes, ATVs and other power equipment, both on trails and on dirt tracks.
Golf
Water may be the main attraction, but at Lake Oconee, golf is king. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds have their choice of five golf courses, designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones and Tom Fazio, that offer a variety of topographical challenges for players of all skill levels. The crown jewel of Lake Oconee is the Nicklaus-created Great Waters course, which offers stunning scenery and has been modernized by an 18-month renovation.
Golf instruction of all types is available at The Reynolds Kingdom of Golf Presented by TaylorMade, where guests can have clubs fitted and swings analyzed.
Dining
Evenings on Lake Oconee mean sunsets over the water and a wide array of dining options for families and couples alike. Guests at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds can enjoy a casual atmosphere and regionally sourced fare at Georgia’s, where the menu includes favorites such as shrimp and grits. For an even more relaxed setting, Gaby’s offers items like short ribs or salmon outdoors with a view of the lake.
A quick drive into Greensboro offers local favorites such as Holcomb’s Bar-B-Cue and Ripe Thing Market. At the heart of the Reynolds golf community is The National Tavern, where innovative dishes are served in a casual setting. And for breakfast or baked goods, Café 44 in Greensboro has been voted among the region’s best.
Lodging
With its recently renovated guest rooms and a redesigned Club Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds is the pinnacle of luxury in the Lake Oconee region, featuring amenities like an outdoor infinity pool, spa and expanded pool deck. The resort offers a tranquil retreat for the entire family, with its lakefront setting and abundance of dining, golf and water sports options comprising a getaway all by themselves.
For those seeking true solitude, the area offers cottage rentals and campsites that combine the fun of vacation with the benefits of a private home. For the best of both worlds, check out the lake-view cottages available through The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, which offer the space and privacy of home, but with the amenities (including room service!) of The Ritz-Carlton.
Closer to town, you’ll find the historic Goodwin Manor bed and breakfast and the new Tru by Hilton.
Make Lake Oconee your family’s summer getaway— not just this year, but year after year.