A Holiday Guide to Lake Oconee
Experience the joy of the season in one of the most magical destinations in the South
Words by Paige Townley
The magic of the Christmas is everywhere to be found at Lake Oconee. Located just a short drive from Atlanta, this small town is shining bright this holiday season, from the charming main street covered with twinkling lights to all of the shops and restaurants brimming with cheer. And not to be overlooked is the town’s long list of activities and attractions that are sure to make everyone’s holiday merry and bright.
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee will be hosting everyone’s favorite North Pole resident with its Breakfast with Santa. To be hosted twice on December 23, children of all ages can get an opportunity to spend some time with Old Saint Nick—and share their Christmas wish lists—while enjoying a breakfast buffet of miniature pancakes, muffins, waffles, and other pint-sized breakfast items and traditional brunch favorites.
PJ’s Coffee provides a warm respite in the winter wonderland of Lake Oconee with its fabulous seasonal beverages. Already well known for its iced coffee, this Greensboro institution is featuring a few of its favorite holiday beverages this season, including Peppermint Bark Velvet Ice, Peppermint Bark Latte, Butterrum Latte, and Gingerbread Latte.
In between activities and shops a visit—or two or three!—to Oconee Brewing Company is a must. A local favorite, Oconee Brewing has a variety of specials available this holiday season, including a milk stout, peppermint stout, peanut butter stout and even a coffee stout.
Shopping for the Season
The shops found throughout Lake Oconee are sure to have something to please your loved ones of any age. There’s Bend The Trend, a luxury boutique with high-end furniture and home goods, or The Pink Stitch, a family-owned and operated boutique featuring a variety of gifts, jewelry, and fashion forward clothing. At Paper Soiree, you’re sure to find a wide variety of gift options for the whole family, including children’s toys and games. Looking for something more locally made? Check out Genuine Georgia, which features fun, hands-on gifts made by local Georgia artists.
Holiday Activities Abound
Lake Oconee offers plenty of options to keep the calendar full this holiday season. The season just isn’t complete without a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee for ice skating at its 5,000-square-foot ice rink. Before or after gliding around the ice you can relax at the Ice Lounge with its soft sofas and creative drinks or check out the Sand Bar, a retro trailer decked out with holiday cheer and all sorts of warm beverages such as hot cocoa, apple ciders, and hot toddies. Incorporate a colorful experience into your holiday with Drip and Dip, a laid back and fun painting experience that’s led by a trained instructor. And of course a must-visit while in town is Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, which boasts 100 acres of beautiful countryside and brimming with outdoor opportunity.
Whatever you choose to partake in, whether it’s some or all of these fabulous opportunities, one thing is clear: Lake Oconee is the place to be this holiday season and beyond.