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For Comfort Food end of a peninsula. There are winds here, too, that can’t be detected from the tee. While the 14th and 17th holes, both par-3s, play over the lake, the 18th hole is a great par-5, with a large landing area. It’s one of the most scenic holes at the Reynolds Plantation. In warmer months, brilliant azaleas and blooming dogwood trees frame the green. “You can hit the drivers as hard as you want,” Lammi says with a warning. “If you feel like going for it in two, you have to carry the lake in front of the green.” In truth, all five courses at Reynolds Plantation are beautifully integrated with Lake Oconee and natural Georgia flora and fauna. Dogwoods and oaks line the fairways, and throughout there are towering Georgia pine trees that golfers can’t help associating with Augusta National Golf Club. During the spring months—especially April and May—guests will witness the height of nature in full bloom. As far as golf is concerned, the best time to play the Plantation’s courses is October, Lammi says. The Bermuda grass goes dormant and won’t come back fully until April or May, but between mid-September and mid-November, the surface is in “pristine shape.” But no matter what time of year you visit Reynolds Plantation, its amenities will keep you perfectly pampered, and its brilliantly designed courses on Lake Oconee will challenge and reward your game. A
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Tasting the Georgia Countryside, Southern Style For guests of Reynolds Plantation who want to make a foray off-property and explore the cuisine of the Georgia countryside, there are several excellent choices. It’s a good idea to ask for detailed driving directions from the concierge; one or two of the best restaurants in the area are nearby, but a bit hard to navigate to.
The Silver Moon, just a few miles outside the Plantation’s border, is definitely a restaurant you don’t want to judge by its cover. From the outside, it looks like a rural, neighborhood dive—but this is far from accurate. It’s very popular with locals and features an array of comfort foods, such as its famous fish and chips and indulgent Parmesan grits. It doesn’t get much more classically Southern than that. Additionally, locals say the restaurant’s steaks and seafood options are not to be overlooked, and the homemade desserts are the perfect way to round out a decadent meal.
For a Night Without the Kids Thanks to word-of-mouth from golfers who have visited the Plantation, The Richland Creek Restaurant has become a popular foodie hot spot. The menu is Southern gourmet. For example, the egg roll appetizer consists of pulled pork, collard greens and
carrots. For an entrée, locals like the Grilled Plantation Quail—locally farmed quail marinated, roasted and served over baked butternut squash gnocchi paired with spinach, wild mushrooms and roasted almonds in a sage brown butter sauce.
For True Southern Cuisine Dining is more casual at The Yesterday Café, smack in downtown Greensboro. There is history everywhere— thousands of photographs pasted on walls and doors depicting life in this Georgia community since the 1800s. The café is noted for two distinctly Southern dishes—The Real Dill, an appetizer consisting of breaded and deep-fried dill pickles served with a side of cool ranch dressing; and its most famous dessert, Buttermilk Pie. Rumor has it that celebrities have even ordered the pie to serve at wedding receptions. Guests who can’t get enough have a similar option, as packaged pies are available for sale.