Lanier Boat Tours offers boats, rides with drivers on the lake

By Pamela A. Keene

For people who want to spend time on the water without the responsibility of driving a boat, Gainesville resident Katie Copeland has the answer. She and her brother Lance have opened Lanier Boat Tours.

The company, based on the north side of the lake near Athens Boat Club, offers two tri-toon boats for rent, with or without drivers, for up to 12 passengers each.

“Growing up in Dahlonega, I have great memories of going to the lake with family and friends,” she said. “I started thinking that it would a great way for people to get out on the lake with someone else driving the boat.”

Most of the company’s clients are outof-towners who want to experience Lake Lanier on the water.

“They’re staying in AirBnBs and we can pick them up at their dock or at one of the nearby parks,” she said. “Often it’s a group that wants to have a good time with someone else being the designated driver.”

Copeland started Lanier Boat Tours earlier this year. She has been operating DSH Transportation since 2015, offering tours

In 2019, angler Nick O’Conor of Dallas, Ga. managed to reel in five black bass species and got his first Georgia Bass Slam.

Aware that there are 10 black bass species found in Georgia, Nick knew he wanted more. This began a journey of learning more about the various species and where they could be found, and the strategies needed to land them.

Nick now has four Bass Slams, and just submitted his 2023 Slam as he goes for year number five. Want to get your own Georgia Bass Slam? Keep reading!

The Georgia Bass Slam recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of bass in a variety of habitats across the state, while also stimulating interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

of area wineries, airport and wedding transportation.

For more information, visit www.lanierboattours.com or call 770 353-9757.

Georgia’s 10 recognized native black bass species are largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, Suwannee, spotted, redeye, Chattahoochee, Tallapoosa, Altamaha and Bartram’s.

Anglers can find out more about these eligible bass species, including images, location maps and more at BassSlam.com.

To qualify for the Georgia Bass Slam, fish must be caught within a calendar year, must be legally caught on waters See Bass, page 55

Many people think of home additions or renovations in terms of creating more indoor living space – a new bedroom, a remodeled master bath or even a sunroom. As summer gets into full swing, it’s a great time to envision how renovating or expanding living space outside can enhance your home.

Being outdoors allows you to experience all five senses in unique ways that you can’t always achieve inside. But despite what some may think, spending time outside doesn’t have to mean giving up the comforts of indoor living. Here’s how you can create an outdoor environment that’s both relaxing and entertaining.

Sight

Evaluating sight lines from various perspectives enables you to create a beautiful view, whether you’re indoors looking out toward the lake, or want an ability to keep an eye on guests or children at play. Lots of energy efficient glass from windows and sliding doors will help achieve this goal. Don’t forget to evaluate other

Bianca Bryant Design &

vantage points to ensure you’re maintaining a desired level of privacy. After all, the ability to have great views from your kitchen, great room or deck doesn’t mean you want passersby to have the same opportunities in reverse.

In addition to the overall view, there are ways to create visual, aesthetic patterns using paver patterns alternating with grass and gravel/pebbles, different colored tiles or even herringbone brick or outdoor rugs. Installing functional shaped zones can break up areas for seating and relaxing (think lounge chairs, hammocks, swings), from dining spaces and entertaining spots (for example, lawn games, a bar, poolside, outdoor TVs and fire features). Don’t forget about the ways well-placed lighting can elevate your space. String lights are all the patio rage these days and they do create a lovely effect, but sconces, posts and pathway lights bring a sense of elegance and allow flexibility for the mood you want to create. Additional ways to break up space or create privacy include using vines, canvas shades, curtains, screens, fencing, landscaping and partitions in key spots. In fact, the natural topography of the lake can even aid in multi-tiered design that helps achieve privacy. An experienced design-remodeling professional can help map out a beautiful, private and functional outdoor living area.

Sound

Fully enjoying the sounds of nature, from the wind rustling the leaves to area wildlife, is impossible if noise pollution from the road or loud music from boaters or neighbors is a problem. While some noises are harder to eliminate than others, creating relaxing sensory sounds by installing water features like a small waterfall or recirculating “creek” can help. Outdoor speakers are always a great idea, whether it’s to mask unwanted noise or for your own entertainment.

Smell

While living on the lake, you may want to include landscaping that includes flowers or plants with scents – but not too overpowering. Also consider smells when determining placement of fire pits or fireplaces as well as grills or food prep areas. You’ll want these features placed far enough away from seating and dining areas, so they don’t overwhelm you or guests while relaxing.

Taste

Staying far enough away from smoke is one thing, but you still

See Design, page 54