6 of the Best Experiences Lake Oconee Has to Offer

With 374 miles of shoreline, Lake Oconee’s secrets are just begging to be discovered. Stake a claim anywhere on its rocky banks and spot the early-morning light glistening off its placid waters. Test your nautical know-how with watercraft rentals from Young Harris Water Sports & RV. The 10-person, double-decker tritoon is the ultimate party vessel, allowing you to laze around under its cozy cabana or take a ride down its rooftop slide. The boundless expanse of Lake Oconee is a natural playground for water skiers, wakeboarders, jet skiers and pontoon boats as well. With wave riders from Young Harris Water Sports, you can explore to your heart’s content with unfettered access to nearly 30 square miles of open water. If you’re flying solo, opt for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental and make your way to Jumping Rock. This 10-foot-tall rock formation is suspended over the lake, making for the perfect diving location. Finally, if you just want to soak up the views without lifting a finger, take a romantic ride with Oconee Classic Boats, the lake’s only captain-guided wooden-boat tour company.

Whether you’re looking to commune with nature or kick back in some of the state’s finest accommodations, Lake Oconee delivers. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee rests peacefully on the eastern shores of the lake amid the backdrop of Georgia’s lush forests. This AAA Four Diamond resort offers colonial-style cottages, three luxury pools, a 30,000-square-foot spa retreat and so much more. Take it easy with an al fresco lunch at Gaby’s by the Lake and partake in one of the many on-site activities like tennis, skeet shooting, archery and biking.  Enjoy evening delights with “Live at the Lake,” featuring live music and fireworks near the backyard fire pits. Nature lovers may find themselves more at home at one of three campgrounds: Parks Ferry Campground, Old Salem Campground and Lake Oconee KOA, a 55-acre campground decked out with a dog park, pool, playground, Wi-Fi and more. If you want a fun story to write home about, you can even spend the night in an authentic train car overlooking the lake.

In 1986, Lake Oconee began its foray into golf with the debut of its Bob Cupp-designed course, The Landing. Since then, Reynolds Lake Oconee has expanded its offering to include five championship courses and one of only two TaylorMade Kingdoms in the world. The National, crafted by Tom Fazio, is esteemed for its ability to capture the natural, undulating contours of the Lake Oconee landscape. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, “The Golden Bear” himself, Great Waters strikes the perfect balance between densely wooded areas and sprawling fairways that open up to picturesque lake views. This course was exalted by Golf Magazine as one of the top 100 golf courses in the country. Optimize your drive at TaylorMade Kingdom, an exclusive club-fitting program trusted by professionals like Jason Day and Rory Mcllroy. Test out custom-fitted clubs that match your swing style, and work one-on-one with the expert staff to improve the consistency and precision of your game. Lastly, the Harbor Club is Greensboro’s only public golf course. This Weiskopf- and Morrish-designed course has received numerous accolades, including the number-three spot on Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play in Georgia in 2017.

Founded in 1786, Greensboro is named after Georgia’s Revolutionary War hero, Nathanael Greene, who stood his ground against the British in the Battle of Guilford Court House. Despite enduring several wars, the Great Depression and a boll-weevil infestation that threatened the city’s most profitable industry (cotton), Greensboro has continuously risen from the ashes. Built in 1807, The Old Gaol is believed to be the state’s oldest jail. This small castle-like stone structure remains virtually unchanged since the day it was built (save for some moss and discoloration). Observe its sloping granite walls from afar or go inside to experience the Medieval-style living conditions of Greensboro’s earliest prisoners. Just a stone’s throw away, historic downtown offers up boutique shopping and enticing Southern comfort food. Stop by The Yesterday Cafe for a homemade country-fried steak or try a slice of their award-winning buttermilk pie.

Housed in a former cotton-mill warehouse, Oconee Brewing Company (OBC) is the heart and soul of Greensboro. You might know them as the folks who sent a beer into space or for their partnership with Waffle House, which spawned a delicious bacon-infused red ale. But to the local community, OBC is a cherished hub for live music, dancing classes, football watch parties and of course, beer! Grab a seat in the 3,600-square-foot event center or the outside patio and sip one of their flagship beers like Lion Lamm, an earthy and citrusy medium-bodied IPA. For something a little lighter, Hey Man is an approachable blonde ale that’s both smooth and refreshing. OBC’s permanent food truck, The Burch, serves up hunger-crushing eats like loaded nachos and fried PB&J, so be sure to grab a bite. And if you still have an appetite, ask about their “not-so-secret” secret menu, featuring the all-American doughnut burger.

Spearheaded by Justin Jones, an expert in elite resort-style skeet shooting, Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds is one of Georgia’s most exciting escapes for outdoor enthusiasts. On 100 acres of rolling hills, you’ll be escorted through a series of 20 unique skeet-shooting challenges designed to simulate real-life hunting scenarios. At the games area, you and up to four others will be tasked with taking down sustained flurries of clay pigeons, both on the ground and in the air. This exhilarating (and somewhat chaotic) challenge is a great way to build camaraderie while honing your marksmanship skills. When you’re not running the skeet-shooting circuit, try your hand at archery, air-rifle plinking, fishing on the 40-acre lake, kayaking and an off-road course. No matter which activity you choose, you’ll be outfitted with all the gear and instruction you need to make the most of your experience. All ages and skill levels are welcome at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds.    

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