Living Large on the Lake By Deena C. Bouknight
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ost everyone who lives in or visits Rabun County is familiar with one or all of the three lakes: Lake Rabun, Lake Burton, and Seed Lake. It was in July of 1925 that construction began on the Nacoochee development (often referred to as Seed) that was built between Burton Dam and the headwaters of Lake Rabun to take advantage of a 60-foot drop in the Tallulah River between the two lakes. Seed Lake consists of 240-acres, compared to the 2,775 acre reservoir with 62 miles of shoreline that makes up Lake Burton and the 835-acre reservoir with 25 miles of shoreline that is Lake Rabun. For generations, the three lakes have drawn countless people for short-to-lifetime stays. And catering to both permanent residents and part-timers are businesses and services galore. Hidden gems to local icons to trendy spots pique interests. Accommodating Spirit Anne Pledger has lived full-time on Lake Rabun for 20 years, but she has been visiting and vacationing in the area every summer since she was a little girl. Longevity and involvement with her husband, Bob, as members and sometimes leaders with Lake Rabun Association has solidified her place in the community. “Lake Rabun is very established … multi generations are here,” she said. This is a very close and active community.” And one of the places where people congregate is historic Lake Rabun Hotel, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Perched with a view of Lake Rabun, the hotel’s rustic sophistication, farm-to-table dining, and spa services attract patrons annually. “It’s definitely the destination place,” said Pledger. “If people don’t go anywhere else, they usually make it to the hotel at least
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one night to eat at the restaurant.” In fact, Lake Rabun Hotel kicked off its year-long anniversary celebration April 30th with music by the Foxfire Boys, dancing, and barbecue. However, Bonnie East, centennial project manager for the hotel, explained that on the first Sunday of each month from May through December, celebratory offerings include special events, demonstrations, culinary specials, and more. For more information visit www.lakerabunhotel.com. Also accommodating is The Barn at Lake Rabun, a restored and updated 100-plus-year-old barn in the style of a European hunting lodge that has seven bedrooms and a commercial-grade kitchen as well as a fire-pit, large deck, and spacious landscaped grounds. The Barn, with a view of Lake Rabun, is often rented for family reunions, corporate retreats, or multi-couple/family vacations. Nearby Clayton has such destination stays as White Birch Inn and The Parker Ranch, while a little farther away in Dillard is Rabun Manor Resort and the famous Dillard House, for example. Also, numerous short-term vacation rentals exist through Airbnb and VRBO for overflow guests and vacationers desiring playtime at all three lakes. Plus, for camping enthusiasts, a few private campgrounds exist in Lakemont and in nearby Clayton and Clarksville, and then there is Moccasin Creek State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park. The newest luxury campground, Willow Valley RV Resort is located in Rabun Gap north of Clayton. Culinary and Shopping Options Aplenty “Downtown Clayton has changed dramatically in recent years,” said Pledger. “The town appeals not only to tourists, but definitely to those of us who live here.”
