Words by Ashley Locke
There’s something about summer at Lake Oconee that just hits different. Maybe it’s the sound of cicadas in the trees or the way the sunlight dances across the water. Maybe it’s the simplicity of playing cards while kids chase each other barefoot through the grass. Whatever it is, it feels like the kind of summer we all remember—and the kind we want to give our kids.
At Lake Oconee, just an hour east of Atlanta, summer feels like it used to. Like cannonballs off the dock. Like s’mores with sticky fingers. Like fireflies and front porch swings and long afternoons that turn into late-night laughs around the firepit.
Start with the Water
This is a lake town, after all. Mornings here start with coffee on the dock and end with someone jumping in fully clothed just because it felt like the right thing to do. Rent a pontoon from Young Harris Water Sports and cruise around until you find the perfect cove. Or venture out in a kayak with nothing but the sound of your paddle cutting through still water.
If you’re feeling a little nostalgic, book a ride on the lake’s vintage wooden Hacker-Craft boat.
It’s like stepping into a 1950s postcard—mahogany wood, leather seats, and all the charm of a classic Southern summer.
Bring the Whole Crew
Lake Oconee was made for families. It’s the kind of place where every generation can find their favorite thing. The kids will love Jumping Rock, a rite-of-passage-style ledge where the splash is just as satisfying as the jump. Grandparents might opt for a scenic lake cruise or a peaceful afternoon fishing at the pier. And when it’s time to regroup, nothing beats grilling out at the campsite while everyone recounts their day.
Campgrounds like Old Salem Park and Parks Ferry offer sandy swimming beaches, shady picnic spots, and that can’t-be-bought feeling of togetherness. Let the kids chase fireflies with mason jars while you lean back in your camp chair, listening to crickets and the crackle of a fire.
Fuel the Fun
You can’t have a proper summer without great food, and Lake Oconee doesn’t disappoint. Start your morning with pancakes from Café 44, then grab barbecue from Holcomb’s for lunch. When that sweet tooth kicks in, head to Bonnie’s Coffee Shop for an ice cream cone, or try the famous buttermilk pie at The Yesterday Café. Trust us—one bite and you’ll understand the hype.
As the sun sets, make your way to Table at the Lake, where you can enjoy dinner under twinkle lights in their enchanting courtyard.
It’s relaxed, beautiful, and the perfect exhale at the end of a full day.
Make It a Tradition
Pick blueberries at Hemi Blueberry Farm, shop the Lake Oconee Farmers Market, take a slow stroll through historic downtown Greensboro with a Polaroid in hand. These are the moments your kids will remember. Not because they were flashy, but because they were real. Unhurried. Full of wonder. The way summer is supposed to be.
And if you’re staying at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, be sure to carve out time for the Summer Concert Series. Set on the lawn at The Backyard, the resort’s lakeside music nights bring an extra dose of magic. From mid-May through Labor Day, live music floats through the evening air, turning every summer night into a celebration. Select weekends even end with fireworks that light up the lake.
Here’s the thing—Lake Oconee isn’t just the place to make memories. It’s the place to slow down enough to actually feel them. Whether you’re going for the weekend or settling in for a full week of unplugged joy, the classic Georgia summer you’ve been craving is alive and well here.
So grab your crew. Pack the bug spray and the marshmallows. And get ready for a summer that feels like coming home.
The good old days aren’t just memories. They’re waiting for you at Lake Oconee.
