Living Large on the Lake

Living Large on the Lake By Deena C. Bouknight

Most 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 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.”

She pointed out that Clayton’s downtown merchants host First Fridays, which is an evening of live music, art exhibitions, networking opportunities, culinary showcases, and more. “Lots of people on the lake go to that,” noted Pledger. “Often there is attention focused on different nonprofits each month. For instance, Foxfire [Museum and Heritage Center] will be spotlighted the first Friday in June.” Pledger pointed out that for such a small town, Clayton provides stellar dining opportunities. Fromage’s chef, Jenny Wilson, is a “Best Chefs America Award Recipient.” Other casual spots include Fortify Pi, Dillard House, Grapes and Beans, Rusty Bike Café, Universal Joint, Mama G’s, and several more. Plus, Currahee Brewing Company, which started in Franklin, N.C., has a wide selection of craft beers. Ledger explained that events and community fundraisers sometimes take place at the brewery. And fine dining opportunities in and around Clayton involve Beechwood Inn, Fortify Kitchen and Bar, and Julep Farms – to name a few. Rabun Manor in Dillard must also be added to that list. gems. Timpson Creek Gallery, Black Bear Creek Antiques, The Farmhouse Market, and Lake Burton Café, are some main spots you won’t want to miss. The Farmhouse Market is operated by Chef Vince Scafiti. Selections are freshly prepared grab-and-go offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Farmhouse Market also caters. Lake residents are grateful to have this treasure so conveniently located. Lake Burton Café (touted as the “last of the dives”) is known for its signature burgers, pizza, wings, etc., its wine and beer selection, and also opportunities to listen to a jukebox and challenge someone to a game of pool. And places that officially have a Clarksville address, but are nearest to Lake Burton or Seed Lake, are worth checking out. For instance Bleu Canoe is not only a Cajun American restaurant, but the property boasts 23 acres of rental cabins, a tiny home campground, and communal fire pits, trails, and yard games such as bocce, corn hole, and badminton.

Out and About

Though not as large as Clayton, Lakemont delivers for quaintness, quality, and tradition when it comes to dining and shopping options. Kip Ramey is a local folk artist who completed renderings of the main buildings in Lakemont; the art appears in a brochure, “Welcome to Historic Lakemont Village at Lake Rabun” available at the Rabun County Welcome Center. For more on Lakemont be sure to read “Micheal on the Lake” in this issue (page 12), Michael Detrick is new to the Laurel team and featured Lake Rabun and Lakemont in his column for this issue. His column titled Michael on the Map takes Laurel readers to new destinations each month to learn about the vibe and local businesses. The main private club for the lake region is The Waterfall Club overlooking Lake Burton. Members and guests can use the Athletic Center with its full-service spa, fitness center, junior Olympic indoor swimming pool, and indoor and outdoor tennis; play the 18-hole golf course; and, enjoy upscale dining as well as dockside to-go food options. While all the docks and marinas at the lakes do not serve food, Rabun Boathouse (locally and affectionally known as Hall’s), right across the street, from Lake Rabun Hotel, has a concession shop equipped with some to-go packaged foods. And LaPrade’s Marina at Lake Burton has multiple food options, including The Chophouse, Hawg Wild, Milton Park Pizza, MPQ BBQ, and The Shak, which offers hand-dipped gourmet ice cream. LaPrade’s celebrated its centennial in 2020. According to C.J. Thompson, manager of marketing and tourism at Explore Rabun, the north end of Lake Burton has many hidden Outdoor recreation is definitely a major draw to visitors to the mountains and lake communities. Explore Rabun is an excellent resource for planning a stay. On the lakes, Bear Gap Outfitters offers a variety of rentals which include pontoons, canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards. They have offerings on all three lakes and can even help you plan your trip. They service Air BNBs and VRBOs and offer delivery to the dock. Bear Gap Outfitters sister company, Big Mountain Transportation Shuttles and Event Planning are valuable for reunions, weddings, and events hosted on or near the lakes. For more info visit www.beargapoutfitters.com.

“Hiking is huge,” added Pledger, who listed many hikes to smallto-large waterfalls, including Minnehaha Falls, Angel Falls, and Panther Creek Falls. Explore Rabun also lists in its “Waterfall in the Northeast Georgia Mountains” Horse Trough, Mill Creek, High Shoals, Raven Cliff, Martin Creek, Holcomb Creek, Mud Creek, Becky Branch, Dicks Creek, and Hemlock. The Bartram and Appalachian trails have stretches in the North Georgia area, while Black Mountain State Park is dubbed “Georgia’s highest state park,” with an altitude of 3,640 feet and 80-mile vistas. Concerning outdoor pursuits, local forest rangers and first responders encourage safety measures: life jackets when on the lakes, respect for wildlife – especially snakes and bears, and discernment when it comes to streams and waterfalls. Regarding the latter, Forward Rabun shares: “Do not try to climb the rocks around waterfall. They are covered with lichens and mosses that are slippery and can make you lose your grip. Many waterfalls are posted

Deena C. Bouknight has been a writer for local, regional, national, and international publications for more than 30 years. She has written a children’s book, Our Wintry Day Walk (Trafford), and contributed to several other books. She taught writing workshops to adults and children and senior thesis and literature to high schoolers. Currently she works as a freelance writer and editor out of her cottage in Western North Carolina where her view is the Appalachian Mountains.

with warning signs; please read them for your safety.” Anchorage Marina, Rabun Boathouse and LaPrade’s Marina each offer boat rentals and watercraft rentals and repair. Each has a store on-site with those last minute items you may need.

‘Tis the Season Starting in May, hordes of people converge on the area to celebrate such holidays as Memorial Day, Independence Day (i.e. July 4th), and Labor Day – as well as all the summer days in between. Anne Pledger pointed to July 4th weekend as a busy one, with official 5K and 10K races starting on Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 a.m. “[Ramble Run] is a serious race, not just a fun run, with a lot of the runners using the results of the race to gain entry into other races,” said Pledger. (Anyone can register at www.rabunramble.com.) Lake Burton’s two-mile Fun Run is also on Saturday, July 2, from 1-3 p.m. Interested individuals can sign up on the www.runsignup. com site. This event is very family oriented and benefits local fire departments and rescue services. Firework displays follow the races in the evening of July 2. And on July 3 is a Ski Patriots Salute to America Show at Lake Burton. Since 1980 the Wooden Boat Parade on Lake Rabun has been part of the Independence Day celebration. The summertime tradition takes place July 3, beginning at 10 a.m. “People dress up their boats with flags and banners to celebrate the holiday,” said Ben McCracken, a wooden boat restorer at Custom Wood Boats located at Hall’s. “About 30-40 boat owners participate each year, but there are 75-80 wooden boat owners on Lake Rabun,” he said. McCracken, who has lived on Lake Rabun for 45 years added, “It used to be called a regatta because it was judged, but now it is a parade. We parade the boats along the lower part of the lake.” He owns two wooden boats, Cris-Crafts. Lake Burton Civic Association’s Wooden Boat Parade, which always falls on the Sunday before Memorial Day, is May 29 this year. One of the organizers, Andrew Harris, said, “We will line up and depart as in past years at 11 a.m. in Timpson Cove and then cruise over to LaPrade’s Marina, where we will have refreshments and allow our vessels to be on display.” The Lake Burton Wooden Boat Parade began in 2020, the year of Lake Burton’s Centennial. The impetus for the parade came from Harris, who became a board member of the Lake Burton Civic Association. The Wooden Boat Parade at Lake Burton involves approximately 30 vintage wooden boats, some of which are 75-plus years old and have been in families for generations. Harris, who has owned wooden boats for the last 10 years, said that although the parade involves around 30 showcases boats, “it is estimated that there are close to 100 vintage wooden boats on Lake Burton alone.” He added, “I’ve made it a passion of mine to learn about wooden boats and where they came from. I’ve even been to Clayton, N.Y, which is like a mecca for wooden boats. There are some real beauties in the parade, like Cris-Crafts – which there are probably more of than any other brand. Cris-Craft just celebrated its 100 year anniversary. Hacker Crafts and Lymans are other wooden boats on the lake. People will sometimes restore the boats themselves, but in most cases the restoration process is accomplished by professionals.” Because wooden boats garner such appeal on the lakes, both the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia Senate have adopted resolutions designating Rabun County as the “Wooden Boat Capital Of Georgia.” Harris commented, “Many thanks to Representative Stan Gunter and Senator Bo Hatchett for their efforts in getting these resolutions passed.” For both boat parades, spectators either watch from the boats or from the shoreline.

Lake Burton’s 2022 event calendar is packed, with a schedule available at www.lbca.net/calendar. A Summer Vibes Concert series presents live music monthly, starting with the Border Collies band on May 28 and ending with Banks and Shane on September 4. Pledger remembers fun times at Mountain City Playhouse, which recently reopened – after a quiet season – and gives lake visitors and full-time residents alike a chance to participate in old-fashioned fun, like square dancing. “When I was a teenager in the late 1950s and ‘60s, I went to Mountain City to square dance,” she said. Mountain City Playhouse’s Facebook site has updates regarding activities offered this summer.

“Foxfire has a whole lot going on,” said Pledger, who urges anyone interested to visit www.foxfire.org for a listing of upcoming activities. Besides being an authentic Appalachian village made up of over 20 historic log structures, the outdoor, living museum has regular hands-on opportunities, such as spoon carving, woodstove cooking, and flintknapping classes in May. Foxfire ends the season in the fall with its Foxfire Mountaineer Festival, a full day of arts, crafts, music, and demonstrations. Further, Thompson reminds that the Rabun County Civic Center is replete with opportunities: Of These Mountains Spring Marketplace, with more than 80 local artists and makers; The North Georgia Sings, two days of concerts; a Big E Elvis Festival; and, much more. Finally, families and friends can load up on boats every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day and seek boat church, offered by First United Methodist Church in Clayton, on Lake Rabun at the Rabun Boat House, Hall’s, at 9 a.m. Rabun County’s lake community provides a multitude of additional options and opportunities for the spring-through-fall that cannot possibly fit within these pages. For additional information, The Rabun County Welcome Center at 10 Seed Tick Road has a plethora of maps, calendars, travel and accommodation guides and brochures, and more. A free, magazine-quality Welcome to Rabun County Travel Guide is also thorough regarding what is available in the area. Or, visit www.explorerabun.com. Living and vacationing in Rabun County’s communities is about more than fun and memories. Local associations, businesses, and individuals are serious about support for nonprofits.

For example, Steve Raeber, president of the Lake Rabun Foundation explained that The Lake Rabun Foundation Scholarship Program “thrives.” What began in 1987 as an effort to assist one student with a $1,000 scholarship for each of four years of education has become a busy Foundation that assists more than 200 Rabun County students with multi-year college scholarships. In fact, at least 45 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. are impacted, with scholarship fund monies exceeding $1,380,000. “We continue to grow,” said Raeber. “The scholarship award is currently $14,000 – $3,500/year for four years. We have approximately 45 Rabun County students receiving our scholarships each year beginning in their freshman year and ending upon graduation.” He added that since 2012, several grants from the Lake Rabun Foundation have been made to the North Georgia Technical College Foundation, which allow financial assistance for Rabun County students attending North Georgia Technical College. “Many students choose this route to prepare for technical careers or to complete their first two years of college and then transfer to other colleges to complete their degrees. Currently, students may receive direct scholarship assistance from the Lake Rabun Foundation for both their technical school degrees as well as their bachelor’s degrees.” In early 2021, the Foundation was recognized for having contributed more than $2 million in scholarships and grants in Rabun County. In addition to other efforts the Foundation oversees community outreach. During the worst of the pandemic, Raeber pointed out that the Foundation supported a Covid Relief Fund. Members provided funds that helped Rabun County families with necessities such as food, rent, utilities, and medical needs during that economically challenging time. Lake Burton Civic Association members are also very involved in supporting and giving back to the communities at large. Besides fundraisers, such as the annual Tour of Homes and LBCA Golf Tournament at Waterfall Country Club, both of which raise money for various charities and scholarship opportunities, the Association oversees such efforts as lake cleanup days to rid the lake and the shoreline of trash that could impact the lake water’s viability. Seed Lake Association also offers local students scholarship opportunities. All three lake associations have given generously not only to Rabun County students but to local charities. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by all.