18 minute read
No fantasy, just fun on these islands
The number one place to stay on Lake Lanier is a secluded, 1,200-acre hideaway on the southernmost shore, where golf, DISE of an island luxurious lakeside lodging, multiple dining options, white sandy beaches and activities for young and old await.
rom its headwaters in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the Chattahoochee River flows southwesterly to Atlanta and on to its confluence with the Apalachicola River in Florida. Along its route, reservoirs like Lake Lanier were created to provide hydroelectricity, navigation, flood control and a water supply for the city of Atlanta. In addition to accomplishing all the above, Lake Lanier’s 59 square miles and 692 miles of shoreline have boosted north Georgia’s economy, becoming the go-to place for boaters, jet skiers and houseboats. Over 10 million people come to the lake annually, visiting its marinas and over 90 parks, 23 of which provide swim beaches — all accessible by land and some by water. But the number one place to stay and play is Lanier Islands, home to Legacy Lodge and Legacy Golf Course, the only resort hotel and golf course on the lake.
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Lake Lanier was created and the concept of a resort was formed in 1962, but it wasn’t until the ’70s that the infrastructure for Lake Lanier Islands Resort was built. Since the island’s iconic bridge was completed in 1969, the complex has gone through multiple stages of development to become the luxury resort it is today.
The Emerald Pointe Hotel and Conference Center (now Legacy Lodge) and the Legacy Golf Course dawned in the 1980s. A massive renovation and rebranding took place in 2007, and a year later accommodations like the Villas and miles of paved paths and roads were added. Lakeside restaurant Sunset Cove opened in 2010 and, in 2018, Margaritaville came to fruition creating what Lanier Islands calls “A Different World, Close to Home.”
{above} Luxurious accommodations come in several forms at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.
{below} The Villas were built as part of a 2008 expansion. Each has luxury accommodations, including microwaves, mini-fridges and access to the pool and business and fitness centers.
Legacy Lodge is a hub of activity, housing 282 guest rooms, two restaurants, a snack bar, spa, business and fitness centers and this year-round heated pool.
Crossing from the mainland, one leaves the hustle and bustle of strip malls and marinas behind and enters a secluded, 1,200-acre hideaway on the southernmost shores of Lake Lanier. Beautifully manicured landscaping, gorgeous golf holes along the shoreline, and a commanding clock tower at the roundabout highlight an introductory drive to the resort where golf, luxurious lakeside amenities and lodging, multiple dining options, white sandy beaches and activities for young and old await.
Lanier Islands’ accommodations are plentiful and varied. The Legacy Lodge, Legacy Villas and Legacy Houses are located on the largest of the four Lanier Islands. The lodging options are positioned to enhance panoramic vistas of the lake and to provide breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. For guests choosing to “rough it,” the Margaritaville RV Resort Campsites and Shoal Creek campgrounds offer “glamping” alternatives.
The Legacy Lodge is a hub of activity, housing two restaurants, a snack bar, a year-round heated pool, luxurious spa, business and fitness centers and 282 wonderfully furnished guest rooms. A massive stone fireplace greets visitors in the lobby, and a complimentary shuttle provides service to the Islands’ recreational sites.
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Rooms in the lodge feature complimentary coffee and tea and a mini-fridge. The Villas have microwaves and mini-fridges, and the Lake Houses have fully equipped kitchens. Staying at any of these three locations affords guests 24/7 access to the pool and fitness and business centers.
There are ample dining and activity options without ever leaving the island. Bullfrogs Bar & Grille on the pool level features a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrees, as well as a well-stocked bar. On weekends and for breakfast, Sidney’s, on the lobby level, provides a more upscale and quiet dining experience with spectacular views of Lake Lanier. If you are adventurous, the LandShark Bar & Grill in Margaritaville offers typical bar food and appetizers in a lively setting on the lake.
Swimmers and sunbathers can remain at the heated pool or venture to Margaritaville’s Paradise Beach near the Water Park and Family
In 2018, Margaritaville came to fruition creating a diverse new entertainment venue on Lanier Island, the center of which is Paradise Beach.
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Fun Zone. Water slides, a wave pool, white sand beaches and calm waters await in a protected cove. Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria and the Shark Shack eliminate the need to pack a lunch. Boaters can take advantage of ample dock space at Lanier Islands’ private marina.
Indulging yourself at Tranquility the Spa, a fullservice body treatment center in a tucked away setting off the main level of the Lodge, is another option. Open Wednesday thru Sunday by appointment, Tranquility’s menu includes a host of facials, massages and body treatments designed to rejuvenate, invigorate and top off your resort experience.
Getting to this hideaway is easy via I-85 to Gainesville where signs begin to point you to the Islands’ bridge and entrance. Lanier Islands website is a place to view photos and videos of the resort and learn of special seasonal offers and upcoming events: https://www.lanierislands.com. n
A greater overview of the resort is also available at: lanierislands.com/lake_resort_georgia.
{left to right} Tubing and water slides, a wave pool and white sand beaches can be part of the Lanier Islands experience. • There are many options for dining at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, including delicious burgers at Landshark’s, which is part of the Margaritaville complex.
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A ‘legacy’ of fun awaits at Lanier Islands course
story by Bill Bauer | photos courtesy of Lanier Islands
I’ve always wanted to play golf at Pebble Beach, where the Pacific Ocean pounds the seashore bordering a golf course with breathtaking views. Alas, the fees are a bit much for my budget, and California is a little too far of a drive.
Fortunately, a mere 90 minutes down the pike, there’s a golf course that is in many ways equally impressive and vastly more affordable.
Tucked away on the shores of Lake Lanier, Legacy Golf Course is a state-owned facility on Lanier Islands that features a masterful Billy Fuller re-design that winds its way along the shores of North Georgia’s go-to destination. The lake’s pristine waters roll into coves and bays, beautifully defining the fairways and greens that cover two-thirds of the layout. The combination of gentle breezes throughout the day, the superb condition of the course and one of the friendliest staffs you’ll find, make a round at The Legacy a fantastic experience.
As you drive onto the Islands, you get an initial glimpse of what to expect as you pass three picturesque holes seemingly surrounded by Lake Lanier’s shoreline. In all, there are 13 water holes that require either full carries to the green or accurately placed shots to the fairway if you plan to stay dry. The Legacy is not the place for the hydrophobic golfer but, in return for daring, it offers some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll find on any golf course.
“Bermuda grass from tee to green, generous flat lies, short but tight, and a lot of risk and reward,” is the way Chase Powell, assistant professional at the Pro Shop, describes the 6,580-yard layout.
While he finds it hard to identify a signature
hole, Chase calls numbers 12 through 15 “Neptune’s Quad,” referring to a fourhole sequence where the lake seemingly engulfs the course.
But you don’t have to wait that long for water to come into play.
Starter and scratch golfer Chris Hoyak greets players coming off the putting green or driving range and provides a quick overview of what to expect.
“Number one is a routine par-5, although you best stay to the left on your second shot, or you’ll roll into the shoreline grass. The par-3 second hole is a 139- to 166-yard, full carry.”
Get your pencil and scorecard ready and take a few notes from Chris.
Number one is just the beginning of a unique journey. Hole after hole, Fuller’s redesign of the
Hole after hole, the lake is either a scenic backdrop or a potential hazard to players on the Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course.
Photo Credit: Ken Scar
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original Joe Lee layout utilizes the lake as either a scenic backdrop or a potential hazard. The absence of homes and property lines means there are no boundary markers. If you miss the fairway and can find your ball, you can take your chances at mashing it out of the rough or take an unplayable lie and a one-stroke penalty — not the two strokes or stroke-and-distance penalty required when going out of bounds.
PGA Head Golf Professional Gary Clarkson has been at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course since 2009 and has an interesting take on the risk and reward aspect of the course.
“It’s hard to avoid the risk part of that question as there are many shots you must execute here, whether you want to or not,” he said, noting that number three is probably the best example since players do have the option to layup or attempt to drive the par-4 green that lies 280 yards over Lake Lanier. “I’ve had eagle putts and nines there!”
Golf courses can be difficult, and scores can soar well beyond the norm. That might be the case at LILGC. However, as Clarkson points out, “There is not a more fun golf course to play. It’s challenging but a ton of fun. A scratch golfer can shoot 70 or 90.”
The entire team at LILGC is determined to see that players enjoy their round of golf.
“We are a very organized operation in terms of starting tee times and pace of play. However, we maintain a relaxed casual atmosphere that our resort golfers seem to enjoy,” Clarkson said.
Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course — recently awarded a Golf Advisor’s Choice Award as the number nine course among Georgia’s 500+ public and private golf courses — is a must play, whether you make it a day trip or a stay-and-play overnight. n
Make your tee time online at the Lanier Islands website — www. lanierislands.com/things_to_do_lake_lanier/golf_course — or call Lanier Islands at 770.945.8787 or the Pro Shop directly at 678.318.7861. While LILGC operates on a cashless payment system for green fees and all items purchased in the pro shop, there’s no need to worry about cash or credit when it comes to hospitality as the hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, water and sodas are complimentary.
Antebellum: Where the old order meets modern cuisine
story by Bill Bauer | photos courtesy of Antebellum
{above} Atlantic salmon is served atop a crispy cheddar grit cake surrounded by smoked vinaigrette pepper jelly and spiked with a country ham chip.
{inset} The Fried Green Tomato Tower appetizer features generous slices of green tomatoes, layered with bacon jam, brioche and hot sauce, and topped with a fried egg. A mimosa ice cleanses the palate for the next inspiration of Antebellum Chef Nick St. Clair. On the outskirts of Gainesville near the shores of Lake Lanier, is Flowery Branch, perhaps best known as the site of the NFL Atlanta Falcons’ training camp.
Although officially a city, its population of less than 10,000 and a host of historic buildings dating back to the early 1800s, give it a distinct quaint, Southern town feel. Strolling the few blocks that make up “downtown” Flowery Branch, old-time charm envelops you, prompting images of the days when “Cotton was king.”
Given the feel Flowery Branch evokes, it’s no wonder Chef Nick St. Clair chose the name Antebellum for his Flowery Branch restaurant. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, Antebellum has slowly become a toptier, fine dining destination, and is, in fact, the sole Georgia restaurant to make Open Table’s prestigious Top 100 list three times.
“I always wanted to work for myself,” St. Clair said. “My mother got me a job as a dishwasher when I was a teenager. So, I’ve sort of been in the restaurant business my whole life.”
St. Clair cut his culinary teeth in California, before heading to south Atlanta with his wife Alison, where he worked as a sous chef and went to pastry school before taking a giant leap by opening Antebellum.
“We purchased the 1890s home that formerly housed the Flowery Branch Yacht Club in 2012,
tossed around a few names and came up with Antebellum,” he said, explaining that the house had been vacant since 2008. “Here, I am my own boss and have the freedom to be creative.”
During a recent visit to nearby Lanier Island (See related story.), we went to Antebellum to sample St. Clair’s creativity. We were not disappointed.
Ascending the stairs to a huge wraparound porch was the beginning of an elegant dining experience. We arrived early for our 5:30 reservation. (Reservations are highly recommended.) We cozied up to Antebellum’s pub-like bar. The wide selection of Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as other wines, champagnes and cleverly crafted cocktails, was impressive.
My wife is a Chardonnay gal and having been to Yonah Mountain Winery in Georgia, was happy to see their Estate Chardonnay on the list. Her generous pour was chilled to perfection. Being a bourbon guy, I had to give the Southern Reserve Manhattan a try. Created with Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth and Creole Bitters, it comes with a cherry Kool-Aid pickle, not your typical maraschino. Our mixologist and soon to be server, Charity, described how they marinate sweet gherkin pickles in cherry Kool-Aid specifically for this cocktail.
Antebellum’s interior seats 55-60 guests in a cozy, comfortable setting. We were ushered to our table where Charity reviewed the menu and recommended two appetizers that define St. Clair’s imaginative and resourceful genius.
The chef describes his cuisine as contemporary Southern, with a blend of signature and seasonally rotating items.
“We try to use as many local products as possible, from Cooks family farms to Haywood’s provisions. We even have a server who forages for wild mushrooms and keeps us stocked with a steady supply.”
We decided to take the signature route, which began with a Fried Green Tomato Tower. The presentation involved generous slices of green tomatoes, layered with bacon jam, brioche and hot sauce, and topped with a fried egg. After cleaning the plate, a mimosa ice cleansed the palate for our next Chef Nick creation — grilled bread. Wild arugula, pickled red onions
A favorite entree at Antebellum is the braised beef Bolognese served with house-made potato gnocchi, goat cheese and peppadews, garnished with lemon and basil.
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A sweet gherkin pickle marinated in cherry Kool-Aid, not your typical maraschino cherry, tops the Manhattans at Antebellum.
{left} Fall-off-the-bone lamb is served amid a bed of saffron onions, pearl pasta and pomegranate, all dotted with preserved lemon and fresh mint. • {right} The grilled bread appetizer involves wild arugula, pickled red onions and horseradish cream spread over sourdough bread that has been smothered with pimento cheese and Benton’s country ham.
and horseradish cream are spread over sourdough bread that has been smothered with pimento cheese and Benton’s country ham. Like the Tower, the generous dish was easily shareable.
Charity explained in detail each of the evening’s three meat and seafood entrees — pan seared scallops, grilled Atlantic salmon, and wild shrimp and grits, along with roasted tenderloin of beef shoulder, Moroccan braised lamb and pan-seared duck breast. Each entrée featured a unique blend of sauces and sides.
We chose the salmon and lamb and were not disappointed. Both preparation and presentation brought home the chef’s zest for crafting distinctive dishes.
“I think as a creative person,” he said. “The more work you put in; the more ideas just pop into your head. Then it’s just a matter of putting them into the ‘oven’ and seeing if they work.”
The Atlantic salmon was grilled perfectly and served atop a crispy cheddar grit cake surrounded by a smoked vinaigrette pepper jelly and spiked with a country ham chip. Arriving with my Moroccan style braised lamb shank was a perfectly paired, medium body Cabernet Sauvignon. It was Charity’s suggestion and as expected, she was spot on. The fall-off-the-bone lamb was surrounded by saffron onions, pearl pasta and pomegranate, and dotted with preserved lemon and fresh mint. A datealmond relish topped the lamb.
Despite the two appetizers and two entrees, there was room for dessert, a course not to be left out at Antebellum.
“I specialized in pastry when I was in school, and all my desserts are made from scratch,” St. Clair said. We passed on one of our favorites, crème brulee, which, at Antebellum, is an espresso brulee served with house-made caramel, vanilla whipped cream and chocolate covered espresso beans. Instead, we went with the signature chocolate bread pudding, served with Jack Daniels bourbon, vanilla whipped cream and caramel. Like the appetizers, it was shared, and we didn’t leave a drop on the plate!
“The most satisfying part of being a chef is cooking great food that makes people happy,” St. Clair said. “As a chef there is nothing better than going into the dining room and seeing happy faces all around.” n
Antebellum is located at 5510 Church St. and is open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday with the first seating at 5 p.m. Final seatings are Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30, and Friday and Saturday at 9:30. Reserve a table at www. antebellumrestaurant.com/contact or by calling 770.965.8100.
