Lake Oconee Living - Summer 2024

Since 1987, Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties has represented buyers and sellers alike in the sale of thousands of properties, all of them only at Reynolds Lake Oconee.  Our team is connected every day with club operations; plugged in daily with the social rhythms of clubs and events; and not distracted by, or obligated to buyers and sellers of any properties beyond the gates of Reynolds.

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Realtors Who Know the Community By Heart

With

volume xxvii , no . 2 , summer 2024

The magazine that reflects the lifestyle of residents of the Lake Oconee area and beyond.

PUBLISHER OTIS BRUMBY III

GENERAL MANAGER LEE GARRETT

EDITOR ANDREA GABLE

ART DIRECTOR DANIELLE HAWKINS

SALES & MARKETING BARBARA AYCOX

CIRCULATION DAVE GOSSETT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHIP BELL, JUDY GARRISON, TIA LYNN IVEY, CRYSTAL JACKSON, KRISTA WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS LEN GARRISON, DENNIS MCDANIEL, ROBERT PETERSON, CRYSTAL PITTMAN, ROXY STONE, MATT WILKEY, KRISTA WILLIAMS

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Please visit our website at www.loliving.com.

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Lake Oconee Living, 259 N. Second Street, Madison Ga. 30650, or call 706.342.7440 or fax 706.342.2140.

©2024 Times-Journal, Inc.

Lake Oconee Living

32

Waterway Soiree

Lake Oconee’s newest community event sets sail this summer.

STORY BY ANDREA GABLE

42

Relaxed Refinement

Rachael Bell adds comfort and charm to a lakeside retreat through elevated design.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT PETERSON

50

‘I Do’ Destinations

Three couples bring their enchanting wedding day visions to life at Lake Oconee.

STORY BY ANDREA GABLE

Dogs in Business

58

70

Meet the furry faces that greet customers each day at local businesses throughout the lake area.

COMPILED BY ANDREA GABLE

Writing Herself Well

Eatonton author pours heart and soul into Southern food memoir.

STORY BY TIA LYNN IVEY

In the Spirit

‘Esse est bibere’

ESSĒ elevates the imbibing experience at The Landing with a fresh menu of handcrafted cocktails.

At the Table

Coastal Cuisine

Bring the flavors of the sea into your kitchen this summer with these seafood delights.

In the Garden

Natural Pest Control

Discourage unwanted pests this summer by adding these repellents to your garden design.

By the Book

Literary Pets

The dogs, cats, and fowl of famous Georgia authors.

From the Heart

Unleashing new beginnings Riverbend Jail Dog Program gives inmates and rescue dogs a second chance.

Backyard Traveler

The South’s Grand City Go ‘Walking in Memphis’ with the Seeing Southern travel team.

ABOUT THE COVER:

Friends gather on the dock of Waterway Soiree organizer Cindy Spritzer in anticipation of the three-day event coming to Lake Oconee in August. Sponsor Zeb Grant Design styled a charming and welcoming setting on the water and Oconee Classic Boats brought its luxury Hacker-Craft mahogany boat by the dock for a visit.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENNIS

MCDANIEL

Lake Oconee’s

Premier Shopping Destination

SUMMER

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Lake Oconee. Summer has finally arrived and this issue is chock-full of stories that reflect the region and celebrate the season.

In compiling this issue, I am filled with a bittersweet mix of emotions. After an incredible 13-year journey at the helm of Lake Oconee Living, the time has come for me to embark on a new adventure.

When I took the reins over a decade ago, I never could have imagined the impact this role would have on my life. What I thought would simply be reporting on the happenings around our beloved lake community evolved into something far deeper – a profound connection to the people who make this place so extraordinary.

community. You welcomed me into your homes, treated me as family, and told me your stories. That’s the magic of storytelling and of being a part of a community deeply rooted in connectivity.

Issue after issue, I’ve had the privilege of sharing your stories - your triumphs, your challenges, your acts of kindness that make our tight-knit community shine. With each interview I transcribed onto these pages, I gained a new appreciation for the vibrancy and heart of the Lake Oconee

As I prepare to bid this chapter farewell and pass the torch back to Patrick Yost, the talented writer and publisher who created Lake Oconee Living 26 years ago, I’m overcome with immense gratitude. I’ve worked alongside talented writers, innovative photographers and amazing designers, but none as in sync with me as my art director for the last several years, Danielle Hawkins. Thank you for being the other half of this dynamic duo for so long. To all the readers, many thanks for allowing me to capture the memories that make Lake Oconee so special. They’ll be written on my heart forever.

While I’m enthusiastic about the new challenges that await, please know that I will remain a part of this slice of paradise and its incredible people. Lake Oconee isn’t just where I worked – it’s home.

bibere’ ‘esse est

ESSĒ elevates the imbibing experience at The Landing with a fresh menu of handcrafted cocktails.

The allnew ESSĒ restaurant at The Landing Clubhouse at Reynolds Lake Oconee is raising a glass to good living at Lake Oconee with a fresh, reimagined cocktail menu.

Drawing its name from the Latin meaning “to be,” ESSĒ embodies the philosophy that gathering over food and drink has come to define the character of cultures and families alike and has become nourishment

for both the body and the soul. It was designed to celebrate these moments as the essence of good living in a vibrant community. Following a total transformation, the modern, airy space invites guests to gather at the octagonal central bar beneath vaulted ceilings and blown-glass spheres to enjoy handcrafted cocktails from ESSĒ’s new drink menu. Here, mixologists at ESSĒ share some of the menu’s inspired takes on timeless classics and innovative originals, shaken or stirred to perfection.

STORY AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE

Anchor Bae All Day

• 1.5 oz Lalo Blanco Tequila

• .5 oz Gozio Amaretto

• .5 oz Cointreau Noir

• 1 oz Pineapple Syrup

• .75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• 2 dashes Regan’s No. 6 Orange Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain over fresh ice in rocks glass. Garnish with torched pineapple slice.

Sundown Serenity

• 1.5 oz Remy Martin 1738

• .5 oz Tia Maria

• .25 oz Cointreau Noir

• 2 oz Fresh espresso or cold brew

Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into Nick & Nora or Coupe. Garnish with three espresso beans – “Health, Wealth & Happiness.”

Minted Mariner

• 1.5 oz Ketel One Cucumber & Mint

• .75 oz Fresh lime juice

• .75 oz Agave syrup

• 2 slices Fresh jalapeno

• 5-6 drops Green Tabasco

• 4-5 Mint leaves

Muddle mint and jalapeno with Tabasco. Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain over fresh ice in rocks glass rimmed with Tajin. Garnish with lime wheel and mint bouquet.

Greenside Gimlet

• 1.5 oz The Botanist

• 1 oz Thatcher’s Elderflower

• .75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

• .5 oz Simple Syrup

• 2-3 Basil leaves

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into Coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with Basil leaf.

Minter Mariner

Smooth Landing

• 2 oz Four Roses Small Batch

• .5 oz Cherry Herring

• .25 oz Spiced Demerara Syrup

• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

• 1 dash Regan’s No. 6 Orange Bitters

Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled/ diluted. Strain over large cube in rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel and Hotel Starlino cherry spear.

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coastal

cuisine

Bring the flavors of the sea into your kitchen this summer with these seafood delights.

If you’re looking to savor the flavors of the sea while relaxing at the lake, you’re in luck. Chef Krista Williams of Harvey & Honey in Rutledge has shared three of her favorite seafood recipes that are perfect for backyard entertaining or a cozy night in. From succulent shrimp skewered and glazed with a coconut lime sauce, to fresh mussels bathed in a creamy wine broth – along with her signature beer batter for frying up some flaky whitefish –these dishes celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients that allow their flavors to shine.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CHEF KRISTA WILLIAMS, HARVEST & HONEY

Sweet & sour shrimp kabobs with coconut lime sauce

• 1.5 lbs. raw jumbo shrimp, cleaned

Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup chili sauce

• 2 TBS honey

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 green onions, chopped

Combine all ingredients and place shrimp in a large bowl. Cover with ½ cup of marinade and toss well. Let the shrimp sit for 30 minutes. Use wooden skewers that have soaked in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning. Skewer your marinated shrimp to your liking. Grill skewers for about 5 minutes per side over medium heat or until shrimp are firm. While waiting for skewers to finish, reduce the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Baste the reduction over the skewers before serving.

Coconut Sauce:

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 TBS lime juice

• 1 TBS lime zest

• 1 tsp light brown sugar

Dissolve sugar in lime juice, then whisk with all other ingredients. Drizzle over skewers before serving.

Steamed mussels with white wine and

creamy lemon sauce

• 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large shallot, minced

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• ½ cup white wine

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 2 TBS unsalted butter

• 1 lb mussels (rinsed in cold water)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 TBS chopped parsley

• 1 lemon juiced

• Green onion, chopped, for garnish

Rinse and clean mussels under cold water and place off to the side. In a large sauté pan or medium side pot, sauté shallots and garlic for 2 minutes until translucent. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne. Add white wine and reduce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Once reduced, add butter and cream. Once the sauce is all combined and the butter is fully melted, add mussels and stir well to coat. Cover and steam for 4-5 mins. Once the mussels open, turn off the heat, add lemon juice and parsley. Transfer mussels to a bowl and ladle sauce over them. Garnish with green onions and a pinch of paprika.

natural pest control

Discourage unwanted pests this summer by adding these repellents to your garden design

STORY BY CRYSTAL JACKSON

Sustainable gardening is gaining traction as more gardeners reduce their reliance on chemicals to improve both their health and ecological impact. It’s possible to maintain beautiful gardens that are healthy for humans, plants, and wildlife. When it comes to pest control solutions, chemicals are an answer, but certainly not the best or only one.

Like any Southerner, I hate mosquitoes and reserve the right to complain about them throughout the season. However, I found that chemical solutions for mosquitoes also target desirable insects like butterflies and fireflies. I began to look for natural pest repellents to discourage unwanted pests without hurting area pollinators. Marigolds discourage mosquitoes, aphids, greenflies, roundworms, wasps, and other garden pests. Marigolds in the garden can

attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while keeping unwanted insects away.

Lavender will repel cicadas, fleas, mosquitoes, moths, flies, and other pests. The scent is soothing to humans and will add beauty to any garden while actively discouraging garden pests.

Rosemary is known to repel flies, wasps, mosquitoes, and moths. This culinary herb is great for any kitchen garden and can do double duty as aromatherapy. Add it to the grill during a summer barbecue to discourage mosquitos.

Planting nasturtium is a great way to get rid of whiteflies, aphids, squash bugs, beetles, greenflies, and other garden pests. Plus, it doubles as a flower that can be added to salads making it a must-have for kitchen gardens.

A banana peel is another secret weapon against garden pests. Aphids, in particular, can be the bane of a gardener’s existence. Find the plant at risk, and plant a banana peel in the soil near the stem. The banana peel will compost down into fertilizer while keeping pests at bay.

Coffee grounds can be a great addition to any compost bin, but it can also work as a pest repellent. Simply add those grounds around your home and garden to keep unwanted pests away. Ants, mosquitos, beetles, and fruit flies hate the smell. You can even place coffee grounds near your patio to enjoy a pest-free summer gathering.

Installing a bat house is a natural form of pest control. I installed one on my property and offered any bats who moved in an all-you-can-eat buffet of mosquitos in my yard. (It worked!)

Mint is another herb that people tend to love–

and pests hate. It drives away ants, ticks, fleas, flies, wasps, moths, mice, and mosquitoes. It can be added to a recipe, used as aromatherapy, brewed into a soothing herbal tea, or used to top off a mint julep while admiring the fireflies flickering in the garden. While chemical pesticides may seem effective, there are many

easy, natural, and affordable ways to keep pests out of your home and garden. Making the switch isn’t just better for your health and the health of your family, it’s also better for our ecosystem. It’s possible to keep the pests away while attracting the butterflies, fireflies, birds, and bees that help our gardens thrive.

literary

Visitors to Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West might leave most remembering the many descendants of Snow White, Hemingway’s sixtoed cat, a gift from a sea captain. A visit to Mark Twain’s home in Hartford, Conn., reveals his adoration for his cat, Bambino, one of 32 cats he kept. Charles Dickens’ raven, Grip, was likely the inspiration for Edger Allan Poe’s famous poem, “The Raven” following a visit with Dickens and Grip. And John Steinbeck’s dog, Charlie, ate his “Of Mice and Men” manuscript.

Authors and their menagerie of pets have always fascinated their readers. Some researchers point to the appeal of a pet’s non-judgmental nature in an author-world filled with critique and review. Others point to the attraction of a constant silent listener, always open to hearing creative ideas. Poet Emily Dickinson claimed pets were better than people “because they know but do not tell.” Authors’ adoration of their dog, cat, or foul is often highlighted in their literary works.

Truman Capote had an English bull-

dog named Maggie, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a cocker spaniel named Flush, Gertrude Stein, a white poodle named Basket, and scary man Stephen King, a corgi named Molly. However, some authors preferred pets other than dogs.

The dogs, cats, and fowl of famous Georgia authors

pets

Sidney Lanier wrote a book on his mockingbird named Bob, Louisa May Alcott eulogized her cat named S.B. Pat Paw, and William Faulkner had a cat named Colette. But what about famous authors of Lake Country?

Joel Chandler Harris’ Sunshine

During General Sherman’s devastating march through Georgia in 1864, his Union troops ransacked Turnwold Plantation, stealing horses and livestock. Turnwold in Putnam County was where teenager Joel Chandler Harris lived and worked as a printer’s assistant.

Dodging bullets, young Harris rode his pet pony, Sunshine, into a nearby swamp to save him from capture. He tied him with a rope with length so he

could access water and cane. Union soldiers never found Harris’ pony but finally arrested him. But they were so impressed by his boldness and wit they quickly released him. Life at Turnwold would be the literary source of Harris’ Uncle Remus’ stories read around the world.

Flannery O’Connor’s Mary Grace and Manley Pointer

Southern gothic author, Flannery O’Connor’s love for fowl began when she was five years old and taught a bantam chicken to walk backward. A reporter picked up the story and she quickly was in newsreels in theatres worldwide.

Her collection of fowl expanded to turkeys, geese, pheasants, quail, ducks, emus, and ostriches. However, she is best known for her love of peafowl. After seeing a newspaper ad for the

STORY BY CHIP BELL

“Kings of the Birds,” as she called them, she mail-ordered four peacocks, which grew to a flock of 40 and later populated her fiction, seeing them as great symbols of pride. Her Andalusia home near Milledgeville sports peacocks perhaps descended from her early peacocks, Mary Grace and Manley Pointer

Alice Walker’s Marley, Miles, Frida, Charlie, and Oakland, USA

Alice Walker not only kept pet chickens but also wrote a whole book about her relationship with her chickens called “The Chicken Chronicles.” The book details their daily lives, her insights from them, and her relationship with them, referring to herself as their “Mommy.” Characteristic of her “I did it my way” view of life, she “married” her cat, Surprise, and her dog, Marley, in a ceremony overseen by a priestess. She comically reported the cat was completely bored. “In a sense, I was raised wild,” she said in an interview. “And why wouldn’t I be? Why would I attempt to ‘conform’ to a society that doesn’t value my existence…” She also had a steady stream of dogs with names like Miles, Charlie, and Oakland USA.

Terry Kay’s White Dog

Terry Kay’s most renowned book, “To Dance with the White Dog,” was ground-

ed in the true story of the unexpected appearance of a white dog on his father’s farm after Terry’s mother died. In the book, the children of Sam Peak, the character of T.H. Kay, are worried about whether he can take care of himself. The white dog becomes his constant companion, even though no one besides Sam has seen the dog.

The book originated from a column Terry wrote for the Atlanta Weekly Magazine. His book sold millions of copies and became a hit Hallmark movie starring Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn and a white dog named Crystal. How significant was the dog in Terry’s life? His tombstone near his hometown of Royston reads: “Now dancing with the white dog.”

Pets provide powerful grounding. They are the remedy for arrogance, the epitome of loyalty, and the essence of generosity – features all authors need. Or, as Dereke Bruce wrote, “In order to keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.”

– Chip R. Bell is an award-winning, best-selling author who serves on the board of Georgia Writers Museum. He is also the managing editor of the museum’s magazine, Page Turner.

LEFT: Flannery O’Connor grew her flock to 40 peacocks at one time at her home, Andalusia, near Milledgeville. MIDDLE: Renowned author Alice Walker with her dog, Marley. RIGHT: Terry Kay’s book, ‘To Dance with the White Dog,’ sold millions of copies and became a hit Hallmark movie starring Jessica Tandy.

unleashing beginnings

new

At Riverbend Correctional Facility in Milledgeville, an innovative program is transforming lives through the power of mutual rehabilitation and second chances.

The Riverbend Jail Dog Program, directed by Deborah Campbell, is providing inmates with a source of rehabilitation, responsibility, and purpose through an unexpected medium – rescue dogs.

The premise is simple but powerful: Rescue dogs from local shelters are paired with inmate trainers, who teach them obedience commands and skills to become canine companions or service dogs for individuals with

Riverbend Jail Dog Program

gives inmates and rescue dogs a second chance

disabilities. The dogs live alongside the inmates 24/7 for months until they complete their training.

“These dogs change lives,” said Campbell, who started the program nine years ago after moving to Georgia from California. “They give these inmates a purpose. The recidivism rate for trainers in my program is almost none.”

A 2016 study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that inmates who trained service dogs had just a 2.3% return-to-prison rate, compared to the national average of over 50% for formerly incarcerated individuals.

For many of the Riverbend trainers,

Mr. Gosdin and Oakley, above. Mr. Hahn and Maggie, below.

Penny’s cuddles with her

mom. MIDDLE: Mr. Tate sends

off to her new home with love.

Deb Campbell has coordinated the Riverbend Jail Dogs for the past nine years, volunteering her time each week to facilitate the training program and find forever homes for its graduates. BELOW: Boomer completes his training and graduates from the program.

who are often serving life sentences, the dogs provide an invaluable lifeline of companionship and responsibility.

“Most of my trainers are lifers,” Campbell explained. “So this is really important to them, to have a purpose, to get up, a reason to keep going.”

The program’s impact on the inmates is nothing short of transformative, says Campbell, who has watched reclusive, rudderless men blossom into proud and confident trainers. “They’re able to show these dogs the kind of love that they may have never been able show before or were never shown as a kid,” she says.

The dogs never judge, says Campbell. They don’t care how many tattoos you have, how many piercings. They only care about connection. Their presence has a profound humanizing effect, even amongst hardened criminals. As one inmate wrote to Campbell, “It just brings a little bit of home to prison.”

While the dogs provide emotional support, they also instill critical life skills in the inmates – patience, responsibility, empathy. And for those transitioning back into society, those skills are invaluable.

“You’ve got to give them a purpose,” Campbell asserted. “These dogs change lives out there. They change the inmates’ lives.”

Of course, the program is equally impactful for the rescued dogs, who get a second chance at a purposeful life serving those in need of a loyal companion. As the dogs “graduate” and get adopted into their forever homes, it’s a bittersweet moment for their trainer, but ultimately a joyous one.

“There’s tears, some more than others,” Campbell said. “But it’s happy tears, especially when they get reports back and pictures back.”

These photos chronicle the journey of what once were discarded lives – both canine and human – that are now full of potential, love, and second chances. To find out more, visit www.facebook. com/RiverbendJailDogs.

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soireeWATERWAY WATERWAY

Lake Oconee’s newest community event sets sail this summer

STORY BY ANDREA GABLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DENNIS MCDANIEL

The inaugural Waterway Soiree is making a splash at Lake Oconee this August, promising an elevated experience that brings the community together to celebrate its most cherished natural resource.

The weekend-long event on Aug. 23-25 will feature creatively themed “lake hops,” raffles, curated parties, live entertainment, fresh food and drink offerings, and exclusive headliners, all designed to gather friends and neighbors together in appreciation of all the area has to offer.

“We feel this is such a beautiful place to live, and we really wanted to do something that was open to the entire community and would bring people out on the water,” says event organizer Cindy Spritzer. “It’s just another way to showcase Lake Oconee’s natural beauty.”

With an “elevated” approach, the event aspires to be a destination experience. National sponsors like Sperry, SeaBags, and Maui Jim are helping the soiree make serious waves, and with the community rallying behind Spritzer’s vision, the Waterway Soiree

promises an extraordinary weekend showcasing the best of Lake Oconee. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kirby smart foundation for children’s advocacy and Greene County Habitat for Humanity.

Spritzer says she had been involved with similar events in Ft. Lauderdale, including a major “Yacht Hop” event for a children’s charity. “I thought, ‘What if we did a lake hop and retrofit that idea here?’” she says.

The more she talked about it, the more friends jumped on board, says Spritzer, especially her tennis teammates, the “Wimbledon Wandas.” “They’re just an amazing group of friends and have been a great band of volunteers. We’ve gotten so much community support and everyone is so excited about it.”

Fellow Ft. Lauderdale transplant, Lisa Krumper, says she can’t wait to see the vision come to fruition this August..

“Launching the first one is exciting,” she says. “It’s just a feel-good way to bring people together, which is what we want to do here on Lake Oconee.”

Friday, 23 August

The weekend’s festivities kick off on Friday with the “Livin’ La Vida Laka” party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Sixty-Two event venue in Madison.

Sponsored by Zeb Grant Design and Artisan Built, this anchors aweigh affair will feature a culinary tour of MAD Hospitality’s local restaurants, with small bites and a special boxed dessert from the Patisserie on Main. Greensboro’s new distillery, Infamous Whiskey, will be on hand to showcase their local brands, and mixologist Parker Woods will be curating signature drinks and mocktails from Camp Craft Cocktails and New Creations Soda Works. A Super Bowl DJ will have everyone on the dance floor.

Spritzer says guests are invited to don “nautical chic” attire for this elevated cocktail party. Each will leave with an impressive “swag bag” filled with items like drink totes by SeaBags, customized shirts by Lake Life Brand apparel company, a handcrafted pewter bracelet by Chart Metal Works, and more.

“We will roll out the gold carpet and provide swag bags and many more surprises for this exclusive event,” says Spritzer.

The kick-off will be held at The Sixty-Two, right, and is sponsored by Artisan Built and Zeb Grant Design, who styled the lavish 'dock hop,' above.

When it comes to champions of the barbecue circuit, Myron Mixon has certainly made a name for himself.

The five-time World Champion and Barbecue Hall of Famer learned the sacred art of smoked meats from his father, growing up in South Georgia. He has gone on to become not only the mayor of his hometown, Unadilla, but one of the most celebrated pitmasters on

the planet. His first contest in Augusta in 1996, where he swept top honors in whole hog and pork ribs, lit a spark that quickly flamed into a pursuit of perfection over the smoker.

Fast forward nearly three decades, and Mixon’s trophy case overflows with over 1,800 wins across 200 grand championships, 30 state titles, 11 national crowns, and 8 Team of the Year awards. His

team is the only one to ever “triple crown” with Grand Championships from Memphis in May, Kansas City, and Florida - all in the same year.

Mixon has since authored five bestselling cookbooks, opened a cooking school, made global TV appearances, and crafted a line of smokers, sauces, and rubs sold nationwide.

In 2013, Mixon took his place in the Barbecue Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a King of ‘Cue for generations to come.

Mark about Mixon

Saturday, 24August

On Saturday, the real journey begins with four distinct “Lake Hops” throughout Lake Oconee. Chart your course through a day filled with dockside delights, each offering unique experiences and activities.

“Meat and Greet” at Oconee Brewing Co.

Kick things off at Oconee Brewing Co. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the official declaration of “Waterway Soiree Day” by Greensboro Mayor Corey Williams.

Guests can then enjoy a “Meat and Greet” with legendary BBQ pitmaster Myron Mixon, a 5-time world champion who will dish up tried and true tips and tricks during his grilling demonstrations.

OBC will also unveil a special smallbatch beer brewed with Mixon’s signature spices.:

“Jamaican me Crazy” at Old Salem Park

This Island Hop will transport revelers to the tropics with the sounds of steel drum bands, Polynesian dancers, and dazzling fire performers from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Renowned Jamaican chef Mark Cameron will be serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Cameron says he plans to immerse guests in the full Jamaican experience, featuring his world-famous jerk chicken and pork smoked for six hours using traditional methods. He will also create a custom lamb dish using locally-sourced meat from Choate Farm in Madison. His famous Ital vegan stew with chickpeas, vegetables and coconut milk will provide a healthy, meat-free option.

“I’m looking forward to the event as an opportunity for us to showcase the

best of the Caribbean,” says Cameron, “not just jerk dishes, but a true taste of the Caribbean experience.”

Cameron will also offer a taste of Jamaica’s cultural and artistic flair, showcasing his vibrant paintings on site at the event.

Fiesta Hop at Parks Ferry

A Mariachi band will serenade guests while they kick up their heels on the dance floor and nosh on delicious street tacos and tapas from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..

With plenty of open spaces at the scenic park, pet lovers can visit with Oconee Regional Humane Society and their adoptable pets and watch the Central Georgia K9 Search and Rescue team in action.

Adam Hart, a dog trainer in Madison, will join fellow members of the Search

and Rescue team to demonstrate the talents of their four-legged crew members.

“These dogs are amazing,” says Hart, describing the variety of breeds that make up the team. Hart says they will be setting up scenarios and showing the different ways the dogs are able to assist in finding missing persons or identifying the location of cadavers.

While most of their demonstrations are geared toward law enforcement and fire departments, Hart says civilians, especially kids, are excited to be a part of the show. “We’ll have someone in the crowd go out and hide and let the dogs come and find them,” he says. “It’s really neat. Kids love it.”

Waterway Soiree ticket holders will have free access to both Georgia Power recreational areas – Old Salem and Parks Ferry.

“Georgia Power has been a dream to work with while planning the Waterway Soiree and they couldn’t be any nicer,” said Spritzer. “People are going to be so amazed to see what’s in our backyard. These parks are really unbelievable.”

Dessert Hop at Sun Life Marina

Dessert enthusiasts will want to drop anchor at the Sun Life Marina for the sweetest Lake Hop of all from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..

This decadent dock will offer ice cream, gelato, cakes, and assorted baked goods to savor on site or take away, live soul and Motown music, kid-friendly activities, and art event headlined by artist Bridgette Waldau of Venice, Fla., who created the official Waterway Soiree poster with the 50’s style pin up model on the classic Chris-Craft wooden boat.

“Sun Life is probably the prettiest marina on the lake in my opinion,” says Spitzer. “They have beautiful views of the lake and plenty of docking space.”

Also throughout the day on Saturday, residents can take part in a dock decorating contest for a chance to win prizes.

“It will be a really fun way to get everyone involved and out on their dock, having parties, talking to neighbors, going dock to dock with their friends,” says Spitzer. “The goal is to inspire a sense of community, to get people outside and enjoying a celebration of the day.”

Participants can upload photos of their dock decorations for judging. First prize is a $1,000 gift card for Zeb Grant Home in Madison. Second prize is an Oconee Classic Boat Tour valued at $500 and third place is a $100 collectible poster for the Waterway Soiree.

For Chef Mark Cameron, his culinary artistry extends far beyond the kitchen.

Born in Jamaica, Cameron’s passion for vibrant flavors and cultural celebration is ingrained in his very being as an artist, entrepreneur and culinary ambassador.

Cameron’s international resume showcases his versatility, from operating the Caribbean Grill in California for 14 years to launching his own line of seasonings in over 400 U.S. stores.

He’s made numerous TV appearances cooking Jamaican fusion fare on

FOX, NBC and CBS and served as the official vendor for the Reggae Sunsplash tour, where his jerk chicken captivated palates nationwide.

Despite his culinary success, “I’m really a fine artist at heart,” says Cameron.

His diverse talents as a painter, sculptor and designer complement his creative flair in the kitchen. From designing the Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen in Miami to hand-welding liquor cabinets, he adds an artist’s touch to all his

projects. Cameron’s art will be on display at the Island Hop destination during the Waterway Soiree on Saturday.

For Cameron, the Waterway Soiree offers a chance to share the many layers of Jamaica’s rich cuisine and culture.

“I plan to bring Jamaica with me, the whole Caribbean flavor and environment,” Cameron says. “I consider myself a culinary and cultural ambassador for what we’re doing at the event.”

Mark Cameron about

The festivities culminate on Sunday with the “Rock the Dock” wrap party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Oconee Brewing Company. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment by a Super Bowl DJ sponsored by Nice Entertainment, raffle giveaways, and more.

Guests can collect raffle tickets by visiting each of the four “Dock Hops” on Saturday and winners will be announced Sunday at the brewery event. “There’s going to be some really great prizes,” promises Spritzer.

Local farm-to-table purveyors including Madison’s Choate Farms and

Milledgeville’s Sprouts & Spores will be on site and the Burch Food Truck at OBC is working with Myron Mixon on customizing new recipes for the event.

Oconee Brewing Co. will serve up its exclusive “Rock the Dock” beer and “Waterway Soiree” seltzer created especially for the Soiree. Tickets for “Rock the Dock” are available at oconeebrewingco. com. Kids 12 and under are admitted free.

Spritzer has worked to bring together different facets of the communities surrounding Lake Oconee to showcase the region and all it has to offer.

“The focus of the event is really to embrace our lake community, it’s really what it’s all

sunday

Guests can collect raffle tickets at each Lake Hop on Saturday for chances to win impressive prizes like sunset cruises on Oconee Classic Boats' luxury Hacker-Craft mahogany boat, above.

Event Chair Cindy Spritzer took the helm of the inaugural Waterway Soiree.

about,” Spritzer says.

“Bringing an event like the Waterway Soiree to Lake Oconee is long overdue as a way to connect water and land activity with attraction to our community,” says Maggie Milner, president of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. “This will continue to elevate the appeal of the Lake Country and bring incredible support to our local businesses.”

For tickets or more information, visit www.thewaterwaysoiree.com.

ABOVE: Maggie Milner, president of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, stepped up to the task of capturing a classic 50s pin-up vibe in a vintage swimsuit curated especially for the Waterway Soiree. LEFT: A team of volunteers is working with Cindy Spritzer on the three-day event, including many of her tennis teammates, the 'Wimbledon Wandas.'

Artist: Bridgette Waldau -Venice, Florida - Waterway Poster ©2024 -(Digital Art)

refinement relaxed

Adding comfort and charm to a lakeside retreat through elevated design

STORY BY ANDREA GABLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT PETERSON/RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

For interior designer Rachael Bell, creating a lakehouse retreat means striking the ideal balance between laid-back living and elevated style. Her recent project in Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Richland Pointe community embodies that philosophy to perfection.”We call this home ‘This Must Be the Place’ because it’s a little more colorful and playful – more representative of the kind of work I like to do,” Bell says of the new-construction residence she designed for a family of multi-generational lake lovers.

From its transitional aesthetic blending simple lines with natural textures to the thoughtful functionality woven throughout its open floor plan, Bell’s design approach nurtures the relaxed yet refined sensibility her clients desired when envisioning their second home at Lake Oconee.”

Our firm’s motto is ‘creating spaces that nurture, encourage and inspire,’” she said. “It’s not just about the final

look, but aligning a home’s makeup with how a family truly lives. It’s a personalized approach that drives our design process so we can create something that really speaks to the homeowner and the family that lives there.”Bell’s penchant for warm minimalism is evident from the entry, where visitors are greeted by a staircase floating before a striking two-story glass window. Rustic nickel gap planking adds texture alongside the custom iron

spindles to set the tone for the home’s approachable elegance.”We wanted every room to feel comfortable for all ages,” Bell says. “Nine times out of ten at the lake, that’s how we design. It’s about relaxed, everyday living with performance upholstery that looks nice but is easily cleanable too.”The spacious kitchen, open to the living and dining areas, epitomizes this ethos, blending form and function with an oversized island with seating on

three sides that flows seamlessly between zones. A custom window folds completely open to a screened porch – ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining no matter the season.”It’s a nice big, open-concept space,” Bell says. “The island was sized proportionally for the room’s scale and provides plenty of seating for the whole family to congregate.”Thoughtful color is utilized throughout the home to balance its overarching neutral palette. In the main bedroom suite, for instance, an abstracted floral wallpaper makes a subdued yet intriguing statement, punctuated by pops of color from the mustard lamps, pillow fabrics, and the rusty red of a

custom-made upholstered bench. Large windows capitalize on picturesque lakeside vistas from all angles.

For the whimsical flex room above the garage, Bell enveloped every nook-andcranny of the bonus space in a refreshing blue-green hue that captures the feeling of being “suspended in the treetops overlooking the lake.” Foregoing bunk beds, Bell used ample free-standing beds to foster a summer camp spirit perfect for the owners’ grandchildren to experience for years to come.

Building a personalized sanctuary like this requires a collaborative effort between the designer’s vision and the builder’s execution. Bell worked with contractor Frank Herdzina of H&H Quality Homes to bring that vision to life.“I’ve worked with the H&H team on a number of new builds and they bring a level of experience and expertise to the design process that not all contractors have the ability to do,” says Bell. “Frank is often involved in the architectural planning stage, as he was on this project, to ensure a thoughtful, well-designed home. He executes our vision perfectly

and is a great partner to collaborate with for an elevated end result.” The home’s striking architectural details are enhanced by Bell’s thoughtful balance of functional needs and the just-right injection of whimsy to suit the relaxed atmosphere. She

peppered in “little happy moments” throughout – from bold wallpapers and custom furniture to statement lighting and sculptural decor accents.

In the powder room, a bold wallpaper serves as the focal point for

an avant-garde floating vanity crafted in white oak by local artisan Toby Logan. The adjacent wet bar adds a touch of sophistication thanks to archival art prints by famed Athens artist Susan Hable, whose playful yet refined designs complement Bell’s aesthetic.

Whether opting for splashy accents or soft neutrals, Bell was able to identify and interpret her client’s personal style and vision.”The homeowners were drawn to color but

still wanted things to feel timeless,” Bell says regarding this project’s palette.

“So using color in refined ways throughout becomes little happy moments that give the home a timeless but fun personality through art and furniture and textiles.”With its open, airy interiors, modern yet approachable finishes, thoughtful details and curated design moments, this lakeside retreat evolved beautifully into a place where elegant living feels second-nature.

HIGH STYLE, COMFY KICKS

ENCHANTING'I DO ' DESTINAT

I O NS

Three couples bring enchanting yet distinct visions to life for their wedding day at Lake Oconee. From charming country barns to stately historic manors, see how they made their special day unforgettable.

When Kelsey Harper said “I do” to her longtime love Pierce Reaves at the picturesque Sandy Creek Barn, her vision of rustic elegance came to life in stunning fashion. The charming country venue provided the perfect backdrop for their refined, yet relaxed, celebration.

“The barn was my kind of atmosphere,” Kelsey says. “We looked at different places around Lake Oconee, but as soon as I saw Sandy Creek Barn, I just fell in love with it. It fit us perfectly.”

Sandy Creek Barn’s sprawling grounds offered an idyllic setting from start to finish. The couple’s day unfolded on the waterfront, as Pierce waited on the dock to see Kelsey for the first time. Friends and family looked on from the boathouse above and were able to share in the moment.

“The reveal spot up on the boathouse was perfect – our guests could see and hear us, but it felt unobtrusive,” Kelsey says. Their vows were exchanged beneath the soaring rafters of the barn’s elegant interior.

The space’s natural beauty was enhanced by lush greenery and stunning floral arrangement by Designs by Kent.

country CHARM

Kelsey Harper & Pierce Reaves

place they first met.

Kelsey opted for all white florals and “tons of greenery.” “I wanted something subtle, but also timeless and elegant,” the bride explains. “Kent made everything absolutely gorgeous.”

Her bouquet incorporated a sentimental wrap made from her mother-in-law’s own wedding dress, along with the ring bearer pillow and a bridal robe. Other personal touches abounded, including the groom’s cake that referenced the

Guests raved about the savory Southern staples served up by the Reynolds Lake Oconee team with Dawn Leonetti at the helm, and Kelsey said the four-tiered cake by Slice Custom Cakes was delectable.

“Everyone just made it simple and easy when it could have been hectic,” Kelsey says of the team who made her day unforgettable. “I would do it all over again at Lake Oconee in a heartbeat.”

Venue: Sandy Creek Barn, Greensboro

Coordinator: Gilly Francis Events

Cake: Slice Custom Cakes

Florist: Designs by Kent

Photographer: Crystal Pittman

Caterer: Reynolds Lake Oconee

Tent/Tables: Lake Oconee Events

Ceremony Music: Candace Watts, Violin/Cello duo

Entertainment: Accent: Music Garden Bands

natural

ELEGANCE

Emily Caulfield & Arthur Thompson

For Emily Caulfield and Arthur Thompson, tying the knot amidst the pastoral beauty of The Stables at Harbor Club delivered the perfect combination of rustic romance and whimsical elegance they had envisioned.

The equestrian-themed venue on Lake Oconee provided an idyllic backdrop for their wedding day in early May, from the picturesque outdoor cedar chapel to the fireworks grand finale that capped off the evening’s festivities.

“Emily wanted to be near her parents who live in Harbor Club, but she was looking for something a bit more rustic and natural than the typical Lake Oconee venue,” says Gilly Francis of Gilly Francis Events who manages the rental program at Harbor Club. “She was actually barefoot most of the time – she’s a whimsical girl who really wanted that free-spirited, outdoorsy vibe.”

Francis worked closely with the couple to infuse their laid-back personalities into the celebration’s thoughtful details. The event achieved “natural elegance with a touch of whimsy,” she described, from the woodland-inspired florals to the mix of vintage china and rustic wood accents.

“Emily selected beautiful green glass goblets that worked perfectly alongside the

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL PITTMAN

compote centerpieces on each table,” Francis said. “She worked with Susan Lack on the florals and I loved how they hung greenery from the chandeliers inside the stables – it created such a romantic, enchanted feel.”

After the outdoor ceremony, the newlyweds slipped away for an intimate “just-married” moment, sipping cocktails and savoring appetizers inside the quaint wooden chapel built from cedar trees while guests mingled at the tented cocktail hour in The Meadow. An Epting Events buffet dinner followed, accompanied by lively music from The Emerald Empire Band.

The décor’s understated elegance extended to the dessert display with a delectable macaron tower created by Chef Deborah Johnson. The tower was topped with a small cutting cake created for the couple and a chocolate red velvet groom’s

cake was nearby.

As day turned into evening, the 102 guests split between the indoor digs of the historic Stables and twinkling atmospheric lighting – a magical setup no matter where revelers gathered to celebrate.

“One of the nicest things about hosting an event here is the bar options through Harbor Club,” Francis says. “They operate the bar based on your selections, which is unusual - couples can choose their own wines, beers and specific liquors.”

The night of revelry was punctuated by a dazzling fireworks display. Francis says that while fireworks may not be terribly common for a send-off, it is definitely one of the best “bangs for your buck” when celebrating such a joyous affair.

Between its storybook setting and flexible event spaces, The Stables at Harbor Club delivered a picture-perfect backdrop for Emily and Arthur’s unforgettable day.

Venue: The Stables at Harbor Club

Coordinator: Gilly Francis Events

Cake: Chef Deborah Johnson

Florist: Susan Lack Floral

Photographer: Crystal Pittman

Caterer: Epting Events

Bar: Harbor Club

Tent/Tables: Lake Oconee Events Band: Emerald Empire Ceremony music: Sunny Albrecht Fireworks: Pyro Enterprises

something old, SOMETHING NEW

Margaret Anne Tarleton and Anthony Bristol

When Margaret Anne Tarleton walked down the aisle on May 4 at Heritage Hall in Madison, she was following in the footsteps of generations before her.

The Greek Revival masterpiece constructed in 1811, also known as the Jones-Turnell-Manley House, once belonged to her great-great-grandmother, Susan Reid Walton Manley. After serving as a private residence for more than 150 years, the home was donated by her granddaughter, Susan Reid Manley Law, to the Morgan County Historical Society, Inc., in 1977. Today, the house museum remains a cherished community asset, open for guided tours and available for private events.

On a beautiful Saturday in May, the home served as the picturesque backdrop for the wedding ceremony of Margaret Anne and Anthony Bristol. The couple’s union continued the time-honored tradition initiated by Margaret Anne’s grandmother, Susan Reid Manley Law, of holding family weddings at the former home of Susan Reid Walton Manley, Margaret Anne’s great-great grandmother.

“We were thrilled that the first wedding of the season at Heritage Hall carried such profound historical significance,” says Stephanie Donelson, Director of the Morgan County Historical Society, “The descendants of Susan Reid Manley Law have been instrumental in preserving and celebrating this historic landmark.”

In homage to Mrs. Manley Law, Margaret Anne and Anthony exchanged their vows in the front parlor of Heritage Hall, surrounded by cherished portraits of the bride’s ancestors. Following the nuptials, guests gathered in the newly revitalized garden courtyard behind Heritage Hall for a celebratory reception. The garden was adorned with lighted tents, setting the stage for an evening

of elegance and festivity. The bride and groom made a grand exit from Heritage Hall via horse and carriage, adding a touch of timeless charm to their special day.

Sara Lynn Holbert, the wedding planner for the event and former director of the Morgan County Historical Society, ensured every detail of this historic occasion was meticulously executed.

The wedding festivities kicked off with a bridesmaid luncheon on Friday at another of Madison’s esteemed historic homes, Walton’s White Lily, built by Peter Walton, great-great-great grandfather of the bride. Susan Reid Walton Manley, the last resident of Heritage Hall and great-great grandmother of the bride, was married at Walton’s

White Lily. This prelude set a tone of refinement and sophistication for the wedding weekend.

Florist:

Photographer:

Caterer:

Tent/Tables:

Venue: Heritage Hall, Madison

Coordinator: Sara Lynn Holbert

Cake: Bakery Blessings

Matriarch Florals and Stems

Matt Wilkey Photography

Ricardo’s Kouzzina Catering

Madison Rentals

Music: Kenny Head, Athens

Luncheon caterer: Harvest & Honey

Luncheon florals: Jean Triplett

DOGS DOGS in business

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA GABLE

For some businesses around Lake Oconee, every day is a delightful “Take Your Dog to Work Day.” These entrepreneurial pet lovers understand that life is simply better with a furry friend by your side, and the workplace is no exception.

Studies have shown that interacting with our canine companions can lower stress levels, boost morale, and spread an infectious sense of joy and playfulness. These four-legged co-workers are

natural mood enhancers, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously and to embrace the simple pleasures in life – like a well-timed belly rub or a spontaneous game of fetch.

More than just adorable distractions, these pups are essential members of the team. They welcome customers with enthusiastic tail wags, creating an instant sense of warmth and comfort. Their lovable antics often provide much-needed comic relief during

hectic workdays, and their boundless energy is a source of inspiration for their human co-workers.

So, it should come as no surprise that customers and clients have come to expect – and even look forward to – the familiar sight of these furry ambassadors greeting them at the door. Here, we introduce a few of these hard-working, tail-wagging employees who undoubtedly deserve a raise in the form of extra treats and belly scratches.

If there’s one employee at Harmony Crossing Animal Hospital who truly embodies the “work like a dog” mentality, it’s Brewski, the clinic’s yellow Labrador therapy dog. This good boy’s dedication is driven by his desire to shower the world with kindness.

Taylor Richter, the clinic’s hospital administrator, got her beloved Brewski 12 years ago while in college at Georgia Southern University. “He never missed a party,” she says, laughing. “I think that’s why he became such a really good dog because he was dealing with college kids all the time and had to be tolerant and responsible.”

It was Brewski who inspired Taylor to go on to pursue a master’s degree in veterinary social work at the University of Tennessee which focuses on the human-animal bond and utilizing therapy dogs. ”Just seeing what a good doggie he was in-

spired me to go into counseling where I could use him to help other people,” says Taylor.

Brewski continued his education as well, getting certified and more and more therapy programs. “He’s more educated than I am,” jokes Taylor. “We’ve got the same amount of degrees at this point.”

When not on call at the clinic, Brewski can be found at local hospitals, schools, or the Boys & Girls Club, providing comfort to everyone from cancer patients to kids learning to read aloud. Taylor says he has a perfect temperament for the job.

“He is just very calm, very intuitive, and reacts naturally to people’s emotions,” says Taylor. “He’s really special. I always say, ‘If I was half as good of a person as my dog is, the world would be a better place.’”

Between greeting clients, providing emotional support, and taste-testing way too many treats, Brewski lives out his mission of spreading joy to everyone at the clinic. He may be getting up there in “dog years,” but this pup’s nowhere near ready to retire.

With a work ethic built on pure love, Brewski and his mom are examples that choosing a job you’re passionate about leads to a dog-gone great career.

Harmony Crossing Animal Hospital

ALFIE ALFIE

Luxury Lake Oconee

If you’re in the market for a home at Lake Oconee, one local agent can help you sniff out the perfect location.  Alfie, a pint-sized bundle of fluffy white fur, often puts in his office hours at Luxury Lake Oconee, a leading real estate firm in the area.

This spirited 6-month-old Maltese belongs to Nicole Richard, the firm’s office manager. After getting Alfie this past Christmas from her husband,

Chris, Nicole wasted no time integrating him into her busy work life.

“He likes running the office. He’s our little mascot,” Nicole says.

While he doesn’t have his own office yet, Alfie has a little “house” of his own underneath Nicole’s desk where he likes to hang out. He’s got his own TikTok account too, where everyone can enjoy “A day in the life of Alfie.” “He’s even got his very own Luxury Lake Oconee shirt to wear while he’s on the job.”

Despite his diminutive stature, Alfie boasts an outsized personality that lights up the workplace. His most important job duty is to play energetic greeter to whoever walks through the door.

“Alfie has a big personality and loves other dogs and people,” Nicole says. “He’ll hear the door open and come running.”

His co-workers agree this bitty boss provides excellent morale-boosting on the job.

According to Rachel Deal, the firm’s marketing coordinator, “I love it when Alfie comes in. He makes a beeline for my room, first thing, and it just makes my day.”

OLIVER OLIVER

Lake Oconee Dentistry

While Newfoundlands were historically bred to have plenty of jobs – hauling nets for fishermen, pulling carts, and even lifeguarding – these gentle giants are perhaps best suited for therapy work these days.

One local business, Lake Oconee Dentistry, hired Oliver, a 180-pound Newfoundland, for a temporary gig last year to sit with veterans and hometown heroes while they received free dental care during the Stars, Stripes & Smiles event.

“It was such a great event and it was really fun to meet some of the veterans and just be a part of it,” says Oliver’s mom Sabrina Sweeney, who participated

with fellow members of the local K9 Angels program. “Going to the dentist can be terrifying so I think it’s great they bring in the dogs and give them a distraction.”

After she and Oliver got certified by the National Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2022, Sabrina was connected to Ginny Spurlock, one of the founders of K9 Angels. The volunteer group serves the surrounding counties by sharing their therapy dogs with local hospitals, schools, and assisted living facilities.

“We just love the therapy work,” says Sabrina of her five-yearold Newfoundland. And who wouldn’t love Oliver? “People are really drawn to him which I think is why he’s such a good therapy dog. He

has a calm, even temperament that’s standard for the breed. He’s just a big ol’ bear.”

And, he’s also a celebrity – a real, paid actor with an agent in Atlanta. Oliver was featured in Jeep’s “Going on a Bear Hunt” commercial which aired nationally. He has also been in a couple of upcoming TV shows and movies that are awaiting release.

And, he’s a grand champion show dog. Oliver was invited to the esteemed Westminster Dog Show in 2023 and

competed well for his first visit to the Kennel Club. A few months later he won a competition close to home in Lawrenceville, earning Grand Champion status.

“When I got him, I didn’t plan on any of this,” says Sweeney. “If you had told me five years ago we’d be on TV and trotting around show rings, I’d say you were crazy. But when I saw his personality and began to learn the extent of what they’re bred to do, I wanted to share him with the world.”

Dr. Shelly Pound with Oliver, one of the K9 Angels that helped greet patients and put them at ease during last year’s Stars, Stripes & Smiles event at Lake Oconee Dentistry.

DAISY DAISY

Morgan County Citizen

At the Morgan County Citizen and Lake Oconee Living, a sweet little bundle of energy is giving new meaning to the term “paper trained.”

Daisy, a dainty, yet spunky, “Maltipoo” – Maltese and Toy Poodle cross breed – works part-time in the sales department under Barbara Aycox, director of marketing for the newspaper and magazine. Barbara got Daisy for her daughter, Piper, two years ago and while Piper is in school, Barbara gets to bring Daisy into the office.

The pint-sized pup has become the office’s mascot, showering everyone she meets with loving licks and excited tail wags. “She’s such a great stress reliever,” says Barbara. “She gets so excited to go everywhere with me and it just brings me so much joy.” When not greeting customers or napping under a desk, Daisy basks in attention from her co-workers.As compensation, Daisy gets paid in plenty of belly rubs, and often earns bonus treats when she’s out delivering the paper. “She loves to ride in the car,” says Barbara. After the work day is done, the sales team heads home to their idyllic home in the Madison countryside where Daisy likes to play with her big Labrador brother, Whisky, and chase chickens until the sun goes down. If she ever catches one, it will certainly make headlines in the Morgan County Citizen.

First we built Main Street Vet in 2016 as the areas fi rst and only state of the art clinic, devoted to the care, comfort and wellness of each pet and the education and support of families and our community.

First we built Main Street Vet in 2016 as the areas first and only state of the art clinic, devoted to the care, comfort and wellness of each pet and the education and support of families and our community.

Next we added The Lodge at Main Street Vet. Opened in 2021, family pets are pampered and loved by pet professionals in a clean, safe and expertly designed and operated facility

Now URGENT CARE

Now URGENT CARE

VETERINARY PARTNERS is now under construction within our existing campus. Our vision is to provide local after hours veterinary care to cherished pets when they need it most.

VETERINARY PARTNERS is now under construction within our existing campus. Our vision is to provide local after hours veterinary care to cherished pets when they need it most.

THE

VETERINARY PARTNERS

My Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook is available at Empire South at Lake Oconee, Ripe Thing Market in downtown Greensboro, Georgia Writers Museum, Holloway’s Ace Hardware, Taylor’s Flowers and Gifts in downtown Eatonton, Scratchers Creek Premium Meats and also on Amazon.

well HERWRITING S ELF

Eatonton author pours heart and soul into Southern food memoir

STORY BY Tia Lynn Ivey

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Roxy Stone

When Tara Rocker found herself deep in the throws of a lingering depression, she decided to write – and cook – her way back to wellness.

The end result is a touching food memoir, on bookshelves now, chronicling the heartwarming tales of Rocker’s personal life and the traditional southern recipes she’s perfected along the way.

“The Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook” is the culmination of decades of cherished family recipes, home-cooking experimentations, and special moments with friends and family sharing a meal during holidays, birthdays, and even funerals.

“When I was just 22-years-old, I had a dream of writing this book, documenting our family story through food and recipes. It’s taken a lifetime,” says Rocker, now 43.

Rocker’s book idea rattled around her mind for nearly 20 years before she first put a pen

Tara Rocker is a writer based in Eatonton. In her recent food memoir, My Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook, she shares stories about family and friends, and how food has brought them together over the years.

to paper at the encouragement of her therapist.

“I was going through this season of depression, and this book helped me write myself well,” says Rocker. “My therapist told me I had to write this book I kept talking about in our sessions. So one day in 2021, I came home and I wrote the introduction. It just clicked and I knew what this book was going to be and what I was doing. It’s a cookbook about southern food and southern families, really good recipes and all that, but it is also a book about hope.”

Tara and her husband, Walt Rocker, and three children, Ford, 14, Isabelle, 13, and Eleanor, 8, live in Eatonton as the fifth generation of Rockers to reside on their quaint small town street.

“We absolutely love it,” says Rocker. “I wanted to show people what our lives are like living in a small Georgia town, and how food is a part of so much of what we do.”

According to Rocker, her book includes her own spin on classic southern cuisine, detailing proper dishes to serve for a variety of occasions. The book has a chapter dedicated to Halloween meals, summer suppers, and even a chapter on funerals – serving up the best comfort foods during times of mourning and grief.

“When I was in college, I took one of those tests to determine what career I would be best suited for, and it came back as a funeral director,” laughs Rocker. “There I was, just

21 years old, not having a whole lot of experience with death and the test said I would make a great funeral director. What I learned through time and age and losing loved ones is that I actually would be excellent at it. When people are in mourning, there is an element of food people turn to for comfort. People don’t have the energy to cook while they are grieving, so loved ones show up at their door with all kinds of food to help them through it.”

According to Rocker, crispy, golden fried chicken and a platter of creamy macaroni and cheese are must-haves after any funeral.

“They are the ultimate comfort foods,” says Rocker. “Of course, any of the recipes could be used for Easter, a wedding, or any other gathering, too.”

Rocker also pays homage to the matriarchs of her family, including recipes from both of her grandmothers.

“My grandmother’s chocolate cake is my favorite recipe in the dessert section of the book,” says Rocker. “We used to make it together in her kitchen, so it is very special to me.”

“My other grandmother, who is no longer with us, was able to sit down with me to teach me how to make her macaroni and cheese recipe before she died. And that one is the most popular in our family that everyone asks me to make. It meant so much that she was able to teach me how to get it just right,” says Rocker.

Rocker set out to incorpo-

rate classic cuisines from all across Georgia, drawing from her coastal roots in Savannah, including a section on creating the ultimate oyster roast. She also includes how-to’s for a low country boil, dinners after a duck hunt, and feasting on a classic fish fry.

“I like to joke that I married my husband because he was the only guy I ever dated whose family did a fish fry just like mine,” says Rocker. “That’s an important thing.”

Rocker hopes her book will help others reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.

“Cooking good food really helped me become creative in the kitchen. Then I started cooking with my husband and my children, and it was very cathartic to come together, work together, and create meals together. Then, it led to having people over and creating community. Home-cooked meals are about so much more than just good food, it’s about sharing love and sharing time with the people you care about in this world.”

“My Sweet Home Georgia Cookbook” is on sale now at local outlets including Empire South at Lake Oconee, Ripe Thing Market in downtown Greensboro, and Georgia Writers Museum, Holloway’s Ace Hardware, Taylor’s Flowers and Gifts in downtown Eatonton, and is also available on Amazon.

“The amount of support I have received for this book from my community in Eatonton and Greensboro has just been overwhelming,” says Rocker. “I know I will look back on this time as one of the sweetest in my entire life and I will be forever grateful.”

Tara and her husband, Walt Rocker, and three children, Ford, 14, Isabelle, 13, and Eleanor, 8, live in Eatonton alongside five generations of Rockers.

Cheese Macaroni &

This is my Granny Cheney’s most famous recipe. It fills a 9x13-inch casserole dish, or a deep round baking dish such as the one shown. Using a deep dish prevents dripping. And be sure to let the pasta mixture rest for the full 10 minutes, per the recipe below. This is a very important step. You will want the casserole to be very soupy when you put it in the oven. If you need extra moisture, stir in ½ cup of pasta water or milk, or as much as needed before baking. And remember, always grate your own cheese! It melts so much more evenly, and has more moisture.

• 2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 (16-ounce) box ziti

• 2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar, divided

• 2 cups grated Colby cheddar, divided

• 2 eggs beaten

• ½ cup milk

• 3 tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise

• ¾ cup of butter (12 tablespoons)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 4 tablespoons sour cream

• ¼ teaspoon of pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, and cook the ziti until is just past al dente. Drain most of the pasta, saving 2 cups of the pasta water. Keep the cooked pasta in the warm pot. Beat the eggs in small bowl. Add the milk and beat to combine.

To the warm pasta, add 1 cup of each cheese, the beaten eggs and milk, mayo,

butter, sugar, sour cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper. Stir until the cheese and butter have melted a bit, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

The ingredients should still be soupy after 10 minutes. If needed, add the remaining pasta water in ½ cup increments to achieve the desired moisture. Then cover the top with the remaining two cups of cheese. Bake for 50-55 minutes. When the sides of the macaroni and cheese begin to bubble and brown, the casserole is ready. Serves 12.

With the Bone-Hawkins Team, It’s More Than A Transaction They Can Do It All

To Robin Bone and Lisa Hawkins, Realtors at Madison-based Breco Realty, it is more than selling real estate.

That matters, for sure, they say. With almost 40 years of combined experience in the real estate business, both Bone and Hawkins have learned along the way that representing both buyers and sellers comes with unique opportunities.

“Every day is different,” says Hawkins. “But that is what we love about our business,” says Bone.

Together, their team provides a wealth of experience and knowledge that has led to successful transactions all across the State of Georgia. Together they provide clients with an intimate knowledge of both existing properties and off-market properties. They are well-versed in selling residential homes, land, farms and commercial properties. In addition, they are members of three Board of Realtors and have access to Athens MLS, East Metro MLS and the Lake Oconee MLS . “Our clients,” says Bone, “love that they get triple exposure.”

Both are well-tested and multiple million dollar producers and both utilize the unique advantages of working through their partnership

with their Auction Division which enables them to coordinate both the sale of personal property as well as the real estate. Sometimes, Hawkins says, the prospect of removing personal items “can be overwhelming.” The auctions include an on-line component, preview days and eventual sales and property pickup days, all handled through them.

It all works, they say, because of the inherent trust they have in their clients and the trust that their clients have in the team.

“You have to be able to trust each other,” says Hawkins. “This is what we do, this is who we are, really,” says Bone.

But it’s more than a sale.

“To help someone find a perfect property, or to sell a property to a buyer is incredibly fulfilling,” says Hawkins.

What sets this team apart from the rest? It is their unique ability to not only handle your real estate transaction but the liquidation of your personal property as well. This service can provide a great relief in several life situations. Call Robin Bone (706-474-8223) or Lisa Hawkins (706-474-7289) to discuss what they can do for YOU!

Delve into the music scene at the Memphis Listening Lab, located in

The lab’s collection features 35,000 45 rpm singles, 15,000 LP, 25,000 book and over 1,000 unique pieces of musical history. A vinyl

Crosstown Concourse.

lover’s nirvana.

“[It’s] about more than just a place; it’s about a kind of spiritual awakening, One of those trips where you’re different when you leave.”

- Marc Cohn, “Walking in Memphis”

STORY BY JUDY GARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEEING SOUTHERN

city grand the south

Get out of town to where the music is non-stop, the history runs as deep at the Mississippi River, and the eats beg for seconds. Memphis, Tennessee, is waiting for you.

As far as road trips go, it’s only a sixhour drive from the Athens area; but if getting there quickly and taking advantage of every second is paramount, a flight from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport will have you arriving in as little as two hours. Even consider Linear Air for a quick flight from Ben Epps Airport in Athens to Hartsfield-Jackson. No matter how you choose to get there, put Memphis on your travel destination of choice. By no means a complete list, allow these offerings to entice your journey to the heart of the South where Grand Dames still exist, barbecue is the official king –other than Elvis Presley or B.B. King – and defining moments in American history are chronicled. Memphis will change the way you look at the world.

| backyard traveler |

STAY HERE

The Peabody Memphis

149 Union Avenue

She’s the South’s Grand Hotel, perched proudly on Union Avenue with her rich history as her foundation. Although the original structure was built in 1869 on the corner of Main and Monroe, The Peabody of today, built in 1925 at its present location, remains true to the legacy of its predecessor. Featuring exceptional experiences, legendary charm and elegance, the hotel is the grand dame of the South. And, she has ducks.

In 1933, when ducks were placed in the lobby fountain, this became a primary motive to visit The Peabody. For the last 85 years, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, the famous Peabody Duckmaster parades the ducks to-and-from their Duck Palace on the roof, down the elevator, on the red carpet, to the lobby fountain where they happily jump into the water. An audience of onlookers, standing room only, cheer as the ducks make their daily stroll. If you want a close-up view, arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the show.

The grand lobby, “the living room of Memphis,” welcomes guests and locals alike to experience its good fellowship. After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the guest rooms are fresh, modern and timeless. Neutral colors complement the Memphis “blues” in décor and furnishings. Onsite dining includes Capriccio Grill and Chez Philippe. For reservations, special events, and offers, visit www.peabodymemphis. com.

Big Cypress Lodge

1 Bass Pro Drive

It doesn’t get more impressive than the Big Cypress Lodge at the iconic Memphis Pyramid. Bringing the outdoors inside, this wilderness hotel is suspended among Cypress trees and overlooks the Bass Pro Shops. Everything is possible at this outdoors-inspired lodge.

Rooms are vast, ranging from treehouse retreats, private cabins to mas-

TOP: Catherine and Mary’s, located in downtown Memphis, is the creation of Andy Ticer and Michel Hudman. The restaurant fuses a blend of their grandmother’s cooking, the Italian dining philosophy and best of Southern ingredients. ABOVE: Featuring a globally inspired dining experience, Amelia Gene’s produces a culinary experience seasoned with hospitality. RIGHT: Old Dominick’s Distillery showcases its 150-year history in every bottle of spirits produced.

sive suites. The screened-in porches usher in views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River. From the smaller spaces to the full living spaces (fully equipped kitchen), all rooms have electric fireplaces. Offering the same amenities, ADA rooms are available. Take a virtual tour online and book your nature-inspired visit.

Enjoy the rooftop Mississippi Terrace at night while taking in the city in lights. The lodge also provides complimentary shuttle service to downtown spots. For more information, promotions, and reservations, visit www.big-cypress.com.

James Lee House

690 Adams Avenue

Located in the heart of

Memphis, the James Lee House, a boutique bed and breakfast, showers guests with hospitality and the rich heritage of the area. This refined Victorian home presents hand-painted frescoes on the dining room ceiling, an ornate parlor for relaxation, and five suites that will transport to another place and time.

The home, itself, is a reflection of the early prominence and opulence that was found along the Mississippi River. Originally a two-story farmhouse built in 1848, its story, as many turn-of-the-century homes do, evolved from one of prominence to one of neglect. In 2013, the Velazquez and Gibson families partnered to restore the home to its once-upona-time glory.

Breathtakingly elegant, each suite has a history. The Harasson Suite is the oldest section of the house (circa 1848) and retains the farmhouse feel. Visit www. jamesleehouse.com for more information.

DO THIS

Soft as a Feather

Feathers Spa at The Peabody, 149 Union Avenue

Named one of the top 10 spas in the United States and the number one spa experience in Tennessee by Spas of America, Feathers at the Peabody elevates

wellness travel. Open daily, services include massages (individual or couple), body wraps, and facials. A highlighted treatment is the Vichy Shower Bed (steam massage, chromo light and aromatherapy) and is the only one in the state. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended.

For more information, visit www.peabodymemphis.com/feathers-spa.

Enjoy a Spa Day

Gould’s Salon & Spa at Big Cypress, 1 Bass Pro Drive

Send the men to Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid where over 535,000-square-feet of retail space whets the adventurers’ appetite. An archery and pistol range test skills while the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Heritage provides an education in wetlands and waterfowl along the Mississippi River.

As for the ladies, it’s a day at the Gould’s Spa inside the Pyramid where relaxation is as close as one’s fingertips. Enjoy a mini spa day or a spa escape; the staff also provides for a gentleman’s escape as well. From facials to massage therapy to body treatments and specialty services, choose the service that will erase the world’s worries. For reservations, visit www.gouldsalonspa.com.

TOP: As iconic as the hotel itself, The Peabody neon lights the Memphis sky each night. ABOVE: The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel traces the history of the Civil Rights movement in the US. RIGHT: Tour the Civil Rights Museum and walk into the Lorraine Hotel and the rooms occupied by Martin Luther King Jr and his staff.

Live music happens every night at the B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street.

Tea for Two

Chez Philippe for Afternoon Tea, The Peabody, 149 Union Avenue

There’s nothing quite as traditional or elegant as afternoon tea. Dating to the early 1600s, afternoon tea created an event that was framed with grace, elegance, and relaxation. It’s the only spot in the city that showcases a traditional English afternoon tea with a three-course menu featuring tea sandwiches, a variety of sweets, and warm scones.

Enjoy Southern hospitality at its finest Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended. With a variety of teas offered, the only missing element is the glass of champagne, which can be added.

For more details and reservations, www. peabodymemphis.com/dine.

Here Comes the Sun Sun Studios, 706 Union Avenue

If music defines life, then Sun Studios crafted the narrative from which the music world was built. Coining the title of “The Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll,” the recording studio discovered musical geniuses that went on to define multiple genres, including country music.

Open for guided 40-minute tours daily, Sun Studio displays memorabilia from artists as well as outtakes from recording sessions. And if you’re feeling inspired, request a recording session and be one of the next discoveries.

Visit www.sunstudio.com for more information.

Visit the King’s Home

Graceland, Elvis Presley Boulevard

Graceland, the now sprawling estate of Elvis Presley, will always be synonymous with the city of Memphis. Each year, nearly 600,000 visitors make a pilgrimage to the king’s home, considered one of the most significant homes of the 20th century. Walk into the mansion and into his world: through the kitchen, into the famous Jungle Room with its fake waterfall and lush avocado green carpet, and end outside in the Meditation Garden, which includes the burial sites of Presley and his family – the most hallowed part of the estate. Don’t forget your Sharpie to sign the Graceland wall.

Step aboard Elvis’ airplanes, the biggest and most luxurious, the Lisa Marie, donned with gold-plated seatbelts and 24-karat gold-flecked sinks. His smaller craft, the Hound Dog II still speaks to his luxurious style.

Before you leave, take a seat in Gladys’ Diner for the King’s favorite sandwich –peanut butter and banana. Stay onsite at the Guest House at Graceland which also provides complimentary shuttles from Memphis International Airport. Also, it’s well-worth a day trip detour, two hours south to Tupelo, Mississippi, to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum.

For more information, visit www. graceland.com and www.elvispresleybirthplace.com.

Walking in Memphis

Considered the “Home of the Blues,”

Beale Street can’t be missed. No matter how experienced, whether through its live music from end to end, its restaurants and bars, or its eclectic crowd, Beale Street confirms the city’s love of music.

At the top corner of Beale is B. B. King’s Blues Club, a great starting point if you can get in the door. The kitchen dishes out Southern favorites, the bar keeps the crowd cool, and of all the places on Beale, it’s a sure bet to find live music by the house band and local talent, seven-daysa-week.

After 8 p.m., all patrons must be over 21 or accompanied by a parent or guardian. After 11 p.m., everyone must be over 21 and show an I.D. A security fee of $5 begins at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Visit the official website at www.bealestreet.com.

Old Dominick Distillery

305 S. Front Street

It’s 150-years old, if not a day. Old Dominick’s “brand” began in 1843 far, far away, and arrived in Memphis in the late-1800s. When Domenico Canale developed the Dominick Toddy – a bourbon-based cordial – the life of the former fruit stand operator changed. When prohibition rolled around, it didn’t stop Canale.

Fast forward to 2013, when the family discovered an unopened bottle of the toddy, identified the ingredients, and in 2017, produced their first batch of Tennessee whiskey. It would be the first time that whiskey has been legally distilled in

Memphis.

Raise a glass to the family heritage, to Memphis spirits, and to the female master distiller who describes herself as a “restless experimenter.”

A member of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail Passport, Old Dominick’s offers tours daily. Book online at www.olddominick.com.

A Moment in Time

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, 450 Mulberry Street

It’s shocking when the Lorraine Motel comes into view upon arrival at the museum. The site of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assissination. On that balcony. Above where those cars are parked. Connected to the motel is the National Civil Rights Museum which mightily displays the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, both the good, the bad, and the incomprehensible. Through permanent and traveling exhibits, the museum allows visitors to walk through history. Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this location chronicles the Civil Rights movement and the 400-year struggle for human rights. The bus where Rosa Parks remained seated is featured. The most moving walk is to Room 306 where Dr. King spent his last hours.

For more information on the museum, including events and tickets, visit www. civilrightsmuseum.org.

EAT HERE

Catherine and Mary’s

272 S. Main Street, Suite 105-A

Bringing the essence of a Sicilian grandmother and the heart of Tuscany to downtown Memphis creates a dining experience crafted by James Beard nominated chefs. The experience is legendary.

Open nightly for dinner, Catherine and Mary’s serves a pasta experience that transports one to Italy. The iconic cacio e pepe, the carbonara, the rigatoni, and Sunday gravy – and you pinch yourself because you are in the heart of the South. How can this be?

Dine as the Italians do. Linger longer and enjoy the experience. Visit www.catherineandmarys.wordpress.com for reservations and a complete menu.

Gus’s Fried Chicken

310 S. Front Street

It’s not fine dining, but it’s must-dining. Open daily, Gus’s Fried Chicken serves Southern spicy fried chicken made fresh daily. It’s like being at grandma’s house for Sunday supper when the coleslaw and potato salad is rolled out. Wash it down with a sweet tea, “a really big beer,” or a bottle of DOM, as instructed on their website.

Get hungry at www.gusfriedchicken.com.

Central BBQ

147 E. Butler Avenue

It’s not rocket science when it comes to knowing that Memphis is BBQ country. And, Central BBQ serves snacks, plates, and sandwiches that have people returning day after day. With four Memphis locations, Central BBQ leaves the sauce on the table and lets the combination of dry-rub spices and 24-hour all-day meat marinade do the convincing.

Whether pork, beef, chicken or turkey, it’s about as good as it gets. And then there’s the BBQ Bologna. Now, you’re hooked.

Visit www.eatcbq.com for locations.

Amelia Gene’s

255 S. Front Street

Considered as the city’s most fine dining experience, Amelia Gene’s takes your expectations and elevates them to a divine level.

Globally inspired dishes, this culinary journey propels guests from buttermilk biscuits to charred octopus salad to Massachusetts Black Sea Bass. And when the meal is complete, indulge in salted caramel Crème Brulé or an ice cream sundae.

Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Secure reservations at www.ameliagenes.com

LEFT: Bringing the outdoors inside, the Big Cypress Lodge, located inside the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, features views of the Mississippi River. MIDDLE: Duckmaster Keon Walker begins corralling the ducks for the 5 p.m. return to their home on the top of the hotel, The Duck Palace. RIGHT: Amelia Gene’s features fine wines, classic cocktails and a true elevated dining experience.

sounds of

6 summer

June

June 1

The annual Dairy Festival, hosted by the Pilot Club of Eatonton, returns to downtown Eatonton from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtowneatonton.com

June 1

The Artisans Village Art Gallery in downtown Eatonton holds a Beginning Oils painting class led by April Hendricks. theartisanvillage.org

June 3-7

The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton presents Camp Broadway for rising 3rd-8th graders from noon to 4 p.m. each day with a performance on the evening of June 7. plazacenter.org

June 4

The Georgia Writers Museum hosts a “Meet the Author” event with Janisse Ray on her new book, “The Woods of Fannin County,” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40. georgiawritersmuseum.org

June 7

The Alabama Troubadours perform at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

June 8

Hughes Taylor performs on Eatonton’s City Center Stage as part of Downtown GetDown Concert Series. Downtowneatonton.com

June 8

The Artisans Village Art Gallery in downtown Eatonton holds a Drawing Skills I class led by Gail Vail. theartisanvillage.org

June 9

An opening reception celebrating the works of the late Madison artist Eugene Swain is held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. The exhibition, part of the “Madison Collects” visual arts series, will be on display through July 13. mmcc-arts.org

June 14

Diane Durrett & Junebug perform at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

June 15

The Artisans Village Art Gallery in downtown Eatonton holds a Beginning Acrylic painting class led by Linda Foster. theartisanvillage.org

June 15

The Humane Society of Morgan County holds its 30th Anniversary Festival at the Lions Club Fairground from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring kid and dog-friendly activities and vendors. Admission is $5. humanemorgan.org

June 18

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens presents The Original Splitz Band at 7 p.m. as part of its Sunflower Concert Series. botgarden.uga.edu.

June 20

An opening reception for the annual Lake Country Juried Art Show is held from 5

p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barrel 118 in downtown Eatonton. The show will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Barrel 118. theartisansvillage.org

June 21

Moonlight on Main returns to Downtown Greensboro from 7-10 p.m. featuring live music from Jay Wingfield and the Blaq Berry Band and a fireworks finale.

June 21

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center presents a concert by Shayna Steele at 7:30 p.m. as part of its Mainstage concert series. Tickets are $35. mmcc-arts.org

June 21

The Justin Kennedy Band performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

June 22

The Georgia Writers Museum hosts a “Crime & Wine” event with McCrackin Poston, author of “Zenith Man,” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40. georgiawritersmuseum.org

June 28

Doug Deluxe & the Rodeo Clowns perform at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

July

July 3

The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center holds its annual Independence Day Concert & Picnic on the front lawn of the

Center from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mmcc-arts.org

July 5

Reckless Abandon performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

July 12

Singer/songwriter/fiddler Wyatt Espalin performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed.

Rutledgega.us

July 12-14 and July 18-21

The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton presents “Working: The Musical” at 7 p.m. nightly with Sunday matinee shows at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $20 and $15 with student discounts available. plazacenter.org

July 13

The Groove Crew Band performs on Eatonton’s City Center Stage as part of Downtown GetDown Concert Series. Downtowneatonton.com

July 15-19

The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton presents a summer Art Camp for rising 1st-5th graders from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.

plazacenter.org

July 16

The Georgia Writers Museum hosts a “Meet the Author” event with Lynn Cullen on her new book, “The Woman With A Cure,” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40. georgiawritersmuseum.org

July 16

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens presents The New Orleans Jazz Stompers at 7 p.m. as part of its Sunflower Concert Series. botgarden.uga.edu.

July 19

Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean perform at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed.

Rutledgega.us

July 25-28

The Lake Country Players presents the Tony Award winning musical “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” at Festival Hall in downtown Greensboro. lakecountryplayers.org.

July 26

Madison’s Firefly Festival “Kids Night” is held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Town Park, featuring activities, crafts, and family entertainment for ages 12 and under. Tickets are $5 per child and parents are admitted free.

madisonga.com

July 27

Madison’s Firefly Festival “Date Night” concert featuring the Sensational Sounds of Motown is held in Town Park from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.Tickets are $15 at the gate. Blankets, chairs, and coolers are welcome.

madisonga.com

August

Aug. 2

Campbell Harrison Music performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

Aug. 6

The Georgia Writers Museum hosts a “Meet the Author” event with Lo Patrick on her new book, “The Floating Girls” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40. georgiawritersmuseum.org

Aug. 9

Blue Velvet Atlanta performs at City Park

at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

Aug. 10

The Dynamic Sounds of Phunk with special guests John Dunn & The Jazzman Band performs on Eatonton’s City Center Stage as part of Downtown GetDown Concert Series.

Downtowneatonton.com

Aug. 13

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens presents Abbey Road Live at 7 p.m. as part of its Sunflower Concert Series.

botgarden.uga.edu.

Aug. 16

EG Kight performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

Aug. 20

The Mike Veal Band performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed.

Rutledgega.us

Aug. 23-25

The Waterway Soiree is held throughout the Lake Oconee community beginning with a Livin’ La Vida Laka kickoff party at The Sixty-Two in Madison on Friday, featuring a variety of themed “Dock Hops”

MONDAY CLOSED 4 PM to 8:30 PM

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY 11 AM to 2 PM 4 PM to 8:30 PM

THURSDAY - SATURDAY 11 AM to 2 PM 4 PM to 9 PM

SUNDAY

with celebrity chefs and family-friendly activities on Saturday, and ending with a Rock the Dock party on Sunday at the Oconee Brewing Co. in downtown Greensboro. thewaterwaysoiree.com

Aug. 23

The Silver Strings Bluegrass Band performs at City Park at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 Rutledge Summer Concert Series. The event is free and chairs, food and coolers are allowed. Rutledgega.us

Aug. 24

The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton presents a concert by Satisfaction – A Rolling Stones Tribute at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45, $55 and $65. Plazacenter.org

September

Sept. 3

The Georgia Writers Museum hosts a “Meet the Author” event with Jan Slimming on her new book, “Code Breaker Girls,” at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. Tickets are $40. georgiawritersmuseum. org

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