Lakeside on Lanier December 2020 by Lakeside on Lanier

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December 2020

3292 Thompson Bridge Road #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 Phone: (770) 287-1444 Fax: (770) 287-1445 E-mail lakesidenews@mindspring.com

Vol. 26 Issue 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Atlanta Boat Show canceled Although the Atlanta Boat Show has been canceled for January 2021, that’s not stopping local boat dealers from riding the crest of the sales wave across the nation. Page 2

New event to welcome 2021 Those ready to run into a new year and symbolically wash away the stress of 2020 can gather at Lake Lanier Olympic Park beach Jan. 1 for a cool sprint into 2021. A Winter Beach Bash/Polar Bear Swim will replace the 25-plus year tradition of leaping off the docks into a new year. Page 14

Mobile’s Grand Hotel Though I was raised entirely in the South, I have traveled the world for so many years that the true warmth and friendliness of my early roots had faded into distant memory until I recently visited the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa on Mobile Bay in Alabama. Page 42 Also inside: Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Fishing news . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lake Lanier Olympic Park . . . . .Page Lake levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lanier map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Marinas information . . . . . . . .Page Outdoor activity calendar . . . .Page Sailing calendar . . . . . . . . . . .Page Columns: Curb Appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Design & Remodel . . . . . . . . . .Page Wines, Vines & Brews . . . . . . .Page Glenn Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page On the water . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Steve Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Vanderford’s travel . . . . . . . . .Page

Lakesidenews.com

26 47 10 14 20 44 32 30 26 34 41 40 20 16 17 42

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

The new Lakeside Lights Spectacular and License to Chill Snow Island are now open at Margaritaville. Story, page 8.

2 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Argument date for water lawsuit still not announced is published by Lanier Publishing, Inc., 3292 Thompson Bridge Rd. #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 287-1444 Publisher/Editor Alan Hope Production Susan Nish Susan Daniel Creative, Inc. Senior Writer Pamela A. Keene Contributing writers Jane Harrison, Millie Adcox Columnists Glenn Burns, Steve Johnson, Vinnie Mendes, Sara Bagwell, Don Duval Travel Editor Bill Vanderford Lakeside is published monthly by Lanier Publishing, Inc. based in Gainesville, GA, with distribution in some 300 locations around Lake Lanier and other areas. Opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of Lakeside, its staff or its advertisers. Manuscripts and photographs submitted will be considered for publication. Lakeside cannot be held responsible for such materials in case of damage or loss.

By Jane Harrison As of mid-November, the U.S. Supreme Court had not set a date for oral arguments in the Florida v. Georgia lawsuit over water in the Apalachicola-ChattahoocheeFlint River basin. Florida filed the suit in 2013 after the collapse of oyster fisheries during the 2012 drought that lowered water levels on three rivers that flow from north Georgia to the Florida Panhandle. Stakeholders in the Atlanta metropolitan area and around Lake Lanier initially feared Florida would seek to drain more water from Lanier, the largest reservoir on the rivers. However, Florida later targeted Georgia agriculture along the Flint River, which uses more water than all other entities combined. Two special masters have recommended justices deny Florida’s claims that Georgia hoards more than its share of water and causes economic and environmental harm downstream. The court in 2018 remanded the case for further consideration after it ruled that the first special master required too strict a standard for Florida to prove its case.

Last December, the second special master also recommended the court to drop the case, stating that the Georgia’s cost of cutting water use would be greater than the potential benefits to Florida. In October, the court put the water battle on its oral argument

calendar for this term, which extends through April 2021. However, the date for argument had not been announced by Lakeside deadline. The case will be heard by a different court than the one that sat for oral arguments in 2018.

Two of those who voted in the majority are no longer on the court. Justice Anthony Kennedy retired and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. Justices Brett Cavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett will hear the case for the first time.

Atlanta Boat Show canceled; local dealers planning events By Pamela A. Keene Although the Atlanta Boat Show has been canceled for January 2021, that’s not stopping local boat dealers from riding the crest of the sales wave across the nation. At Lake Lanier, many dealers are seeing a continuing surge in interest and boat sales, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There may be more boat events here on Lake Lanier in the coming months,” said Philip Burton with Gainesville Marina. “We have seen a significant increase in people buying new and used boats since last spring and even though we’re headed into winter and a slower season on the lake, we expect to see boat sales continue to be strong.” Jenny Serwitz, president of the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta and co-owner of Pull Watersports, agreed.

“The huge demand for boats of all kinds is still high,” she said. “We’re seeing manufacturers still playing catch up in getting inventory because so many manufacturers temporarily closed their plants when the pandemic began. Plus many parts are shipped from overseas.” Wait times for new boats has increased to anywhere from six to 12 weeks or longer, but dealers on Lanier are committed to making sure prospective buyers can select from a broad inventory. “The Atlanta Boat Show has always been an excellent place for boaters – new owners and those wanting to trade up – to

have a one-stop shop to see all the latest models,” she said. “Many of the local dealers, while they will miss the convenience of the Atlanta Boat Show this year, are already talking about partnering for various dealer and in-thewater events early in 2021. We want customers to come see us at our dealerships, but we also want to continue to support the boating community.” She said that having customers come to dealerships or visit localized boating events is a good way to practice social distancing and provide a safe environment. “Winter is a great time to buy a boat,” Serwitz said. “Even though the waiting period for a boat can be longer than in years past, we’re suggesting that people order early so they will have the boat they want in time for spring.”

December 2020

LAKESIDE 3

HOW MUCH IS YOUR HOME WORTH? CHECK YOUR VALUE AT:

TERESA SMITH

LivingOnLakeLanier.SmartHomePrice.com

Like our facebook page - www.facebook.com/LivingOnLakeLanier 5217 Driftwood Point, Gainesville

9055 Hayes Drive, Gainesville

CUTE AS A BUTTON 3/2 with lake view and a single slip dock. Nice open floor plan with kitchen and living room combination and a partially finished lower level with a rec room and bedroom. This little gem is on the calm north end of Lake Lanier on Little River. 1st time on the market! REDUCED $375K (Hall)

LOW CORP LINE & great views from .59 acre building site w/121’ of shoreline! Fantastic location on Lake Lanier in Cloister Cove on Chestatee Bay. EASY boat ride to marinas/restaurants. Aluminum SS dock w/party deck in beautiful water! Soil test, survey, covenants & owner's site plan available. $260K (Forsyth)

3728 & 3724 Griffin Drive, Gainesville

6602 Garrett Road, Buford

R U N D E T! RAC T N O C

! D L SO

Watermark Cove

FREE DEEDED SLIP in 24 Slip dock. 1.30-

MICHELE KAPLAN

2.63 acres lots. Gated subdivision. Interior and

678-677-5653

lakefront lots. $120K - $175K Gainesville (Hall)

michelekaplan@kw.com

3959 Mount Vernon Road, Gainesville

! D L SO

CORP line is close to the shoreline! 2 amazing lots (tax parceled separately) are being sold together. SS dock in place. The house to the left of the lots is a 3/2 with a beautiful lake view. (See 3732 Griffin Drive - being sold separately.) Close to the Olympic Rowing Venue. Build your DREAM home close to the lake. $299k (Hall)

SOUTH LAKE LANIER! Beautiful sunset views, large grassy yard that stretches almost to SS dock, large deck with views. 5BR/4BA. Finished terrace level. Many upgrades including new concrete driveway, covered patio with aluminum under-decking, a new roof, freshly painted interior and exterior, a new Lenox high efficiency heat/AC, hardwood floors on the main level and beautiful landscaping. $819,900 (Gwinnett)

3839 Mark Trail, Gainesville

3168 Alenes Drive, Gainesville

6346 Loco Vare Road, Gainesville

! D L O S

! D L SO

! D L O S

THESE SPECTACULAR waterfront lake lots have it all! Corp line close to deep water. Breathtaking, expansive, long and wide lake views, 93’ waterfront, gentle slope. Boat dock or boat dock permit. Quiet part of Lanier. Survey and level 3 soil test completed. Park like setting. 2 remaining lake lots. Build 1 large home or 2 homes for a little family compound. $148k (Hall) Lots 3839 & 3841 can be sold together for $299k

GRASS TO WATER! New kitchen, master bath and terrace level renovation! WONDERFUL lake views at a reasonable price. DEEP WATER at the dock. Movein ready. Master on main, 2 lg BRs on upper level. Additional garage on the lower level that is perfect for all of your lake toys. This location is close to the Olympic Rowing Venue! REDUCED $529k (Hall)

1762 Green Road, Buford

! D L SO CONTEMPORARY 4/3.5 on SOUTH end of Lake Lanier! AMAZING open floor plan with all the bells & whistles. Kitchen & great room w/ soaring ceilings. Fully finished terrace level w/ 2nd kitchenette. Master suite on main. Short, level walk to SS covered boat dock & 2 car garage. $799K (Gwinnett)

2536 Club Drive, Gainesville

! D L O S AMAZING 2 years young CUSTOM ESTATE home in Chattachoochee Country Club. This UNBELIEVABLE home is a 4/3.5 and is grass to the water with a S/S dock w party deck. 1st time on the market. Open concept with master and 2nd bedroom on the main level. You must see this home to appreciate all of the custom and handcrafted details. Please call for a private viewing. $1,650,000 (Hall)

5645 Harbor Pointe, Oakwood

7025 Lakeside Place, Gainesville

! D L O S

EXQUISITE 4 BR/4.5 BA 4 sided brick home w/Lake Lanier frontage & seasonal lake views. 5 mins from Sunrise Cove Marina where seller is offering $3000 toward a boat slip at the marina! Gourmet kitch, screened porch, MANY extras; massive unfinished terrace level. NEW ROOF! Enjoy the swim and tennis amenities of Pointe West, an exclusive, gated Lake Lanier community. $748K (Hall)

APPROVED for a 32x32 DOUBLE SLIP DOCK with a 60 foot ramp! 3BR/3BA. Lake views from most every room. Open concept/ finished terrace level. Chair lift from the main level to the basement level. Less than a 10 minute boat ride to Athens Boat Club Marina. This part of Lake Lanier is quieter than the south end & the water is absolutely GORGEOUS! $550K (Forsyth)

Lake Lanier Specialist teresasmith@kw.com 770-654-4173 LivingOnLakeLanier.com

3841 Mark Trail, Gainesville

! D L SO

HIDDEN GEM on Lake Lanier! Priced $135,000 below recent appraisal! Zoned Highway Business. 4 BR/3.5 BA, 3-level home with INCREDIBLE lake views from most every room. Grass to the water with a mowing permit on the dock permit. Sunroom overlooking the pool and lake. The HUGE detached garage is perfect for a car collector, RV storage or an AMAZING workshop. $1,050,000 (Hall)

THESE SPECTACULAR waterfront lake lots have it all! Corp line close to deep water. Breathtaking, expansive, long and wide lake views, 93’ waterfront, gentle slope. Boat dock or boat dock permit. Quiet part of Lanier. Survey and level 3 soil test completed. Park like setting. 2 remaining lake lots. Build 1 large home or 2 homes for a little family compound. $189k (Hall) Lots 3839 & 3841 can be sold together for $299k

3732 Griffin Drive, Gainesville

2.6 ACRES of rustic elegance! This is the ultimate resort style and private home that many are looking for. 5/6.5 with room for family or entertaining guests. The tongue and groove ceilings makes you feel like you are in a mountain lodge yet on Lake Lanier with a double slip dock. AMAZING salt water pool with a poolside Tiki bar and outdoor kitchen. $1,100,000 (Hall)

8910 Beaver Trail, Gainesville

! D L O S ONE OF THE BEST homes on Lake Lanier featured in Architectural Digest in 2008! Amazing wall of windows overlooks pool & lake! 1.95 acres of privacy & garages for 7 cars! This home has it ALL w/ new kitchen, plumbing, HVAC, roof, whole house generator, river rock rip rap, dbl slip dock...the list goes on. The master bedroom opens to a private covered patio, pool & hot tub. Partial terrace lvl has workout/rec rm, full bath & more. REDUCED $1,425,000 (Forsyth)

3928 Lake Court, Gainesville

! D L O S NEWLY REMODELED lake home with GREAT VIEWS, 5 minutes from 985/Olmpic Rowing Venue. Open concept flows beautifully for entertaining. 5BR/3BA. Garage and work shop area. HUGE fenced yard; easy walk to dock in deep water off main channel. Seller open to selling furnished. Don't miss this AMAZING opportunity. REDUCED $499K (Hall)

! D L O S IMMACULATE Lanier home w/ AMAZING views and a concrete drive to the dock & Corp line at the shoreline! Double slip dock. 2 viewing decks overlook the lake. Open kitchen and living room. 2BR/1BA on main; lower level w/rec room & LARGE BR. 2 additional lots next door w/ an acre+ with a low Corp line and a dock that the sellers are selling separately. $539k (Hall)

5745 Harbor N, Gainesville

! D L SO IMPECCABLE 3 BR/3.5 BA South Lake home with gorgeous lake views from most every room! Very low COE line & easy walk/golf cart ride to single slip dock in DEEP water. Enjoy sunset views on AMAZING covered deck. Master on main + office/4th BR. Gourmet kitch w/sitting rm, HUGE gr rm w/FP & dining rm! 2 BR & baths on terrace level plus living rm, office & workout rm. REDUCED $875,000 (Hall)

5822 N. Cove Road, Gainesville

! D L SO BEAUTIFUL contemporary lake house with yearround water views located between GA-400 and I-985 at Browns Bridge. 3 BR/3.5 BA /3-car garage. Large private peninsula with deep water and easy, level walk with lighted path to water. 24 x 36 Two level single slip boat dock with DEEP WATER ALWAYS, electricity and big water view. Located next to a 45-acre wooded park with walking and hiking trails. $599k ( Hall)

4 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Bev Knight 770-536-4416

Agent on Lake Lanier since 2012

770-503-7070

(cumulative sales)

Dani Burns

Darlene Plavcan

706-455-3076

678-300-1275

*** Featured Lake Home *** NEW L

! ISTING

Renovated, updated & ready to move in Live the good life from this beautifully updated, lakefront home just minutes away from Gainesville Marina, shopping & dining. Enjoy the private lot with Corps line nearly in the water & easy path or cart ride to single-slip dock in a cove just off BIG water. Tons of upgrades recently made including modern interiors with shiplap wall details & neutral color palate, barn doors, new closets, 12 new windows, 1 new AC unit, new appliances in both kitchens & a full basement remodel! Host guests with ease from the open floor plan on both levels, fun sunroom, 2 large back decks, rec & billiards room, & lots of sleeping arrangements including a great bunk room. Don't miss the workshop or new cedar details in the basement! $750k

*** Featured Lake Home *** NEW L

! ISTING

4+acre lux compound

Magazine-worthy updates & total privacy Luxury meets affordability in this modernized lakefront retreat complete with breathtaking Lake Lanier views. The property is tucked away on 4 private acres with a single-slip dock in deep water. Completely renovated from top to bottom in the last few years, features include a newer HVAC, rich hardwood flooring throughout, luxurious Restoration Hardware fixtures, & an epic master suite on the main with glorious lake views. Other notable details include a relaxing Koi pond, million-dollar entertaining kitchen with all Viking appliances, two en-suites upstairs with gorgeous, renovated baths & fantastic, finished terrace level with rustic lake flare. Possibly the best feature of this home is the large, multilevel entertaining deck—perfect for hosting lake days & overnight stays! $585k

Buckhead-style luxury

Open grass to water UNDER

Flowery Branch $3.5m

Gainesville $1.585m

Summer Crest

ACT CONTR

Gainesville $1.350m

Gainesville $975k

w w w. H o u s e s O n L a n i e r. n e t

December 2020

LAKESIDE 5

Donilyn Hodge

Angie Smart

404-271-4479

404-368-8880

New lux construction

Jamie Bishop

352-262-0389

South lake with pool UNDER

Gainesville $874k

Justin Sheffield

ACT CONTR

404-803-3231

Retro, grass to wtr UC IN

Flowery Branch $870k

UR 4 8 HO

Gainesville $650k

*** Build Your Dream Lake Home *** Summer Crest lots, luxury in North Hall 2 LOT S

770-503-7070

Forsyth fixer-upper

Cumming $600k

*** Featured Agent *** Donilyn Hodge Luxury Listing Agent & Buyer Specialist

LEFT!

Gainesville - Two lots, 2+ acres each. $400k each

Sgl slip, deep water

Private lot, sgl slip ACT CONTR UNDER

! ISTING NEW L

Experience & specialty: Marketing for a professional baseball agent; founded & sold an auto/commercial insurance agency; 4 years in real estate, specializing in lake & luxury properties, also including many properties sold in the Milton area and along the GA 400 corridor. Donilyn is a native Atlantan from the Milton area and knows no stranger. She loves boating with her husband, visiting her 3 grown children, all things UGA (graduated from UGA business school), and equestrian sports. She truly has a passion for helping people in any way she can, but found her calling doing so in real estate!

Gainesville $195k

Gainesville $285k

1.01 acres, deeded slip, big water views

Gainesville $225k

…when you’re ready for the good life!

6 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 sdavis@gonorton.com

770.536.1250

#1 in Lake Lanier Sales in 2020

Over $65 million SOLD! With “Home” being such an important sanctuary to all of us this year, we are genuinely grateful to all of the Sellers and Buyers we’ve had the opportunity to work with in 2020. We wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

ES GAIN

VILLE

ESV GAIN

$1,450,000 • EXQUISITE EXECUTIVE LAKE ESTATE – 1ST TIME ON THE MARKET. Surrounded by Estate-sized residential tracts, mesmerizing lake views, and peaceful, wooded Corp property with walking trails, this custom designed home, was built by Lee Wagner. 260 ft. of shore line, with 160 ft. of protected rip rap. 32 x 32 double slip dock in DEEP water with two jet ski lifts. Virtual tour: https://tinyturls.com/734510. FMLS# 6787776 3986 Hidden Hill Drive Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 or Linda Thompson 770-313-5446

$925,000 • PERFECT LAKEFRONT RETREAT - 6BR|4.5 BA South Lanier Craftsman style! Plenty of parking, a huge front yard, large front porch, vaulted great room w/stacked stone fireplace & wall of windows + double doors that lead out to a large back deck with a nice view of the water. Single-slip oversized dock w/ a sun porch located in deep water cove near Bald Ridge Marina. White kitchen w/gas range, granite countertops, walk in panty and a farmhouse sink that overlooks the screened-in porch. Terrace level w/ huge family room, workout room & large workshop. Fresh NEW interior paint, 2016 roof & decks. No HOA and Forsyth schools. FMLS# 6781498 5455 Linger Longer Road, Jennifer 770-356-2629

$450,000 • BEAUTIFUL BUILDING LOT in Pointe West on Lanier. Enjoy sunset views and gorgeous 40' deep water at the over-sized single slip dock, protected by waves and wind + a natural rock shoreline. Permitted for the largest allowable 32 x 32 twin slip dock. FMLS# 6755024 5685 Point West Dr Oakwood, Sheila 770-235-6907

$1,436,693 • SIDNEY ON LANIER, prime waterfront lot on deep, beautiful open water with rip rap shoreline, engineered sea wall, dock steps lead to 32' x 32' max sized dock. The Cambridge Plan, a “to be built” custom designed Arthur Ruttenburg Home by Lee Wagner. Build at the street or water's edge. Offering quality upgrades and luxury features. Pictured in French Country, also available in American Farmhouse and Traditional. Open concept kitchen, great room and casual dining, fireplace with walls of glass showcasing open water views bringing outdoors in from the covered porch. Master suite and guest room on the main level, plus a den (library). Upstairs features 2 BR/BA's plus large bonus room. Full daylight terrace level. Model home available for qualified buyers. FMLS# 6705205 2273A Sidney Drive Sheila Davis 770-235-6907

NVIL DAWSO

ING CUMM

$399,000 • SIDNEY ON LANIER Dream lake lot, wide open views and a portion of the property line in the water! Ready for your new build, deepest drought proof water, permitted for a 32'x32' twin slip dock FMLS# 6609607 2273 Sidney Drive, Gainesville Sheila 770-235-6907

ILLE

$597,900 • BEAUTIFUL NEW 4BR| 3BA home in The Reserve Club & Marina. Embry Hills plan by Frank Betz is a craftsman design with defining features such a covered front porch, shed dormer and steep gables. FMLS# 6753665 7550 Crestline Drive Stephanie 770-654-4161

$160,000 • ROGERS BAY ON LAKE LANIER S/D Great location in North Hall $295,000 • 1 ACRE BUILDING LOT ON school district.Deeded covered slip LAKE LANIER! Enclosed dock with party included in the deep water community deck in deep water cove. Build your dock. 324’ of water frontage, 1.06 acres, FMLS# 5896811 Lot #10, 4244 dream home. FMLS# 677059 Bayridge Dr, Gainesville 3501 Monroe Circle, Gainesville Stephanie Gillespie 770-654-4161 Michelle Sparks 404-379-5798

$115,000 • AFFORDABLE LAKE LANIER WATERFRONT LOT in North Hall County w/ single slip dock. 1.68 acre/147’of Corp front. FMLS# 6728711 4853 Lawson Circle, Gainesville

$109,000 • GATED DOCKSIDE COVE SD. Waterfront lot WITH Boat slip at community marina. FMLS# 6760506 6088 Bluewater Blvd, Gainesville Michelle 404-379-5798

$75,000 • 1.198 acre building lot in ‘The Reserve

Club

subdivision.

Marina’ gated

FMLS#6645996

Crestline Drive, Gainesville

L o c a l • G l o b a l • We l l C o n n e c t e d • P r o v e n R e s u l t s

6525

December 2020

LAKESIDE 7

Nicole Columbo 678-858-0265

Stephanie Gillespie 770-654-4161

Michelle Sparks 404-379-5798

Linda Thompson 770-313-5446

Jennifer Anderson 770-356-2629

Miranda Brooks Assistant 706-781-9410

Vicki Holland Marketing

770-235-6907

#1 in Lake Lanier Sales! Let Us Help You Sell or Buy! SOLD 5610 Point West Drive $1,995,000 • Sheila/Linda

SOLD 3317 Duckett Mill Road $1,350,000 • Sheila

SOLD 5161 Highland Road $1,100,000 • Sheila

SOLD 2736 High Vista Point $885,000 • Stephanie

SOLD 5567 Mallard Walk $737,000 • Nicole

SOLD 6320 Crestline Drive $690,162 • Stephanie

SOLD 9410 Chestatee Court $578,500 • Sheila

SOLD 2371 Stephens Circle $445,000 • Linda

SOLD 2519 Club Drive $1,970,000 • Sheila

SOLD 6723 Summer Crest Court $1,275,000 • Nicole

SOLD 5680 Chestatee Landing Drive $1,050,000 • Sheila/Stephanie

SOLD 6544 Yacht Club Road $1,885,999 • Nicole

SOLD 2532 Pemmican Run $1,250,0000 • Michelle

SOLD 5130 Laurel Drive $990,000 • Nicole

SOLD

6215 Grand Marina Circle $849,500 • Sheila/Michelle

4858 Habersham Court $849,000 • Sheila

SOLD

5215 Indian Circle $735,000 • Stephanie

2565 Wahoo Place $710,000 • Stephanie

SOLD

6310 Crestline Drive $683,625 • Michelle

5824 N Cove Road $675,000 • Jennifer

SOLD 260 Lake Circle $576,500 • Michelle

SOLD 2554 Vaughandale Circle $419,000 • Jennifer

SOLD 336 Toto Drive $545,000 • Michelle

SOLD 2100 Habersham Marina Rd, 101A $405,000 • Michelle

SOLD

5730 Point West Drive $1,879,000 • Sheila

5185 Young Deer Drive $1,775,000 • Sheila

288 Thompson Place $1,615,000 • Stephanie

3502 Lake Breeze Lane $1,427,500 • Sheila

SOLD

5954 Nachoochee Trail $1,250,0000 • Stephanie

4345 Mceachern Drive $1,170,600 • Sheila

SOLD

SOLD 3520 Fleming Drive $975,000 • Nicole/Stephanie

SOLD

SOLD 4249 Tall Hickory Trail $950,000 • Stephanie

SOLD

SOLD 5885 Nix Bridge Road $1,124,000 • Michelle

SOLD 5274 Forest Cove $950,000 • Sheila

SOLD

4016 Chapman Drive $1,100,000 • Stephanie/Sheila

SOLD 3466 Westhampton Way $895,900 • Sheila

SOLD

3176 Alenes Drive $846,845 • Sheila

9520 Lisa Circle $800,000 • Michelle

SOLD

NG PENDI

4205 Perry Drive $700,000 • Linda

4810 Amal Lane $699,000 • Stephanie

5989 Nachoochee Trail $699,000 • Nicole/Stephanie

6445 Waterscape Ridge $699,000 • Nicole

SOLD

NG PENDI

SOLD

7365 Crestline Drive $649,000 • Nicole

168 Overlook Circle $619,900 • Michelle

4155 Cherokee Trail $614,000 • Nicole

1416 Chandlers Ferry Road $580,000 • Sheila

SOLD

1005 Timber Lake Trail $520,000 • Sheila

SOLD

2074 Poplar Lane $745,000 • Nicole

SOLD

4002 Oak Harbour Court $745,000 • Sheila

NG PENDI

SOLD

2020 Riverwood Drive $510,000 • Sheila

3514 Maritime Glen $499,000 • Jennifer

5040 Mckenzie Lane $487,500 • Jennifer

SOLD

3339 Little Circle $375,000 • Linda

3762 Harbour Landing Drive $340,000 • Stephanie

3746 Harbour Landing $260,000 • Linda

SOLD Crestline Drive, Lot 54 $197,500 • Michelle

Call us to discuss how our Expertise & Marketing can best serve you!

8 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Snow, Lakeside Lights Spectacular mark the season at Margaritaville By Pamela A. Keene The holiday celebration has begun at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. With the advent of Lakeside Lights Spectacular illuminating the lakeside playground, visitors will experience a sparkling shoreside light extravaganza, family activities, holiday eats and a few tried-and-true favorites, including Santa. “Guests will be dazzled by the new light spectacular from the time they enter through the tunnel at License to Chill Snow Island,” said Bucky Perry, vice president of Islands Entertainment at Margaritaville. “The road to Snow Island will lead them to a winter wonderland at License to Chill Snow Island. Anticipation will build as the park takes on a new look along the main road lined with traditional hometown decorations. And it’s truly a holiday celebration once they arrive at Margaritaville.” The trip to Snow Island showcases Lanier Island’s towering 3story Christmas tree at the Clock Tower, plus holiday surprises, including swans, at the signature waterfall. “Of course we’ve honored the

icons of Christmas at Lanier Islands, by including the traditional lighted and animated carousel near the front gate,” he said. “It has long been a family favorite.” The destination’s interactive walk-through light show is just the start of the festivities.

Snow Island’s Blizzard Mountain features eight stories and multiple lanes of fun down one of Georgia’s longest and highest snow-tube experiences. At 575 feet long it’s the centerpiece of the seasonal wonderland. “This year’s License to Chill

Snow Island is even better than before,” Perry said. “Guests will be able to enjoy the new light show at their own pace as they stroll along the shorelines between the tunnel to Rudolph’s Landing, also known as LandShark Landing, where they will find even more holiday cheer, bright lights and plenty of holiday food and beverages along the way.” The event also includes a car-

nival of amusement rides, ice skating, a snow play area, plus fire pits and s’mores. Santa will be in his workshop near the slow play area. License to Chill Snow Island and the Lakeside Light Spectacular will be open daily through January 5, then weekends through February 21. For more information, visit www.margaritavilleresorts.com or call 470 323-3440.

Holiday’s Golf Classic has ‘best year’ ever

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

License to Chill Snow Island, with all sorts of new rides and attractions, is now open.

"Clark's Bridge Christmas” - available as a note card, by Anne Brodie Hill

Anne Brodie Hill, ASMA, GWS Lake Lanier Artist

Original Oils, Acrylics, Watercolors Prints, postcards, note cards of Lake Sidney Lanier & Gainesville Available at

www.LakeLanierArt.com • www.annebrodiehill.com • 770-886-6126 Frame-Tastic 565-B Shallowford Road, Gainesville, GA

Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA

Gallery On The Square 118 Main Street, Suite 2, Gainesville, GA

By Pamela A. Keene The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier were the real winners at the 22nd Annual Holiday Golf Tournament in November. The event raised $64,000. “We had our best year, from both the number of participants and the amount of money we raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier,” said Alex Laidlaw, with Holiday Marina. “We were nearly 30 percent up from last year’s funds raised.” Social distancing guidelines limited the number of players at Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course to 128. “People really

came through this year, even with the pandemic, and it was our best turnout ever,” Laidlaw said. “We are so grateful for all our sponsors and the players who supported us.” Brenda Bohn, development and communications director of the boys and girls clubs, said “We are grateful to Alex Laidlaw for his ongoing support and coordination of this year’s record breaking 22nd Annual Holiday Golf Classic. We continue to be incredibly humbled by the generous support of this wonderful community we serve.”

December 2020

LAKESIDE 9

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10 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Lake Lanier Fishing Report

A sampling of fishing information and tips from area experts Lake level: Down .62 feet Clarity: Main lake, creeks stained Temperature: 60s Bass fishing is fair. It has been off and on all week with the fronts. Now on the 30th is the full moon. The upcoming cold fronts should get the fish through their fall transition and positioned more in their winter locations and therefore more predictable. Look for areas with rock and quick access to deep water as well as ditches as primary locations. The early morning bite has been fair with the jig and the Mini Me spinnerbaits. Focus on rock and clay points in the mornings with the aforementioned lures. Look for bait in the area. If there is no bait, move on. The Davis Shaky Head with a Zoom finesse worm in green pumpkin has been producing some bites as well so don’t hesitate to throw any green worm out there if the bite slows. Fish are often in 15 to 20 feet or shallower when they are active but look for those fish to get deeper as the water gets colder. A jerk bait and a Fish Head Spin is starting to work in

the mornings as well. Steeper rock points and ditches are the key here. Use the Lowrance down scan with Fish Reveal so anglers can spot the fish from the structure. No other sonar has this deep water penetration with down scan and sonar all at one time. This bass report was filed by Buck Cannon Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778. Striper fishing is a hunting game in recent days. Stripers are getting bigger on Lanier this week we have had a 30 and 29 pounder and a couple of 28s. We might be on the way back to the good old days when bigger fish were more common. Fishing above Browns Bridge in the backs of creeks and coves have produced using blue backs on flat lines have produced 80 feet behind the boat. Planners will help get the spread out and fish 30 to 40 feet behind the boards. Always keep a top water tied on because you never know when they’ll pop up. Areas that have produced are River Forks up to Wahoo Creek. Watch for the birds they are showing up. This striper report was filed by

Buck Cannon Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778. Crappie fishing is excellent. The recent hot bite target zone is 10 to 15 feet deep. Be flexible in your technique to figure out what depth the crappie are biting and what they want to eat – jigs or minnows. Then concentrate on what they want. There’s no need in throwing 100 jigs if they only want minnows on that day. Recently the bite has been heavily on minnows, but we are still getting some on jigs. Look for open water brush in 15 to 25 feet of water. Plan on losing sev-

eral jigs and minnows because you have to be down there with them to catch them. Look under docks that are in 15 to 30 feet of water and have brush or structure. Use your electronic charts to locate these areas. Try down lining small crappie minnows with BBsized sinkers or set up slip bobbers. Jigs have been producing a few big guys recently. My Jig recommendation is baby shad green over chartreuse or an amber color with glitter single tail. Jigs can be used for short casting, vertical jigging or dock shooting. I’m using five pound test, high visi-

bility yellow K9 braid for my line and a Piscifun reel. Use scanning type sonar (e.g. Down and Side Imaging) to locate schooling fish, and complement this with the latest in live scanning sonar technology (e.g. Garmin’s LiveScope, Humminbird 360 or Lowrance’s LiveSight). Set waypoints on your electronic charts so that you can quickly return to productive locations. You can do this on a smartphone using the Navionics Boating app. This crappie report is from Captain Josh Thornton, 770 5306493.

Boat, fishing show slated for January 16 in Gwinnett By Pamela A. Keene The Southern Outdoor Expo will take place at the Infinite Energy Center in Gwinnett County on Saturday, January 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organized by Jim Mathley, owner of Jimbo’s Lake Lanier Guide Service, the event will feature a variety of outdoor recreation products and services. “For the past three years, we have held a show with vendors

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and seminars in Forsyth County, but we have outgrown the space, so we’re moving to the Infinite Energy Center to expand,” said Agenna Mathley. “Jimbo has been offering fishing seminars in January and again in the fall for eight years and has a good following. We expect to have plenty of vendors in our new location.” The expo will have seminars, classes, demonstrations, boat

dealers and children’s activities. Mathley said they are also targeting outdoor recreation vendors including camping and hunting. The show is still accepting vendors and exhibitors through early December. For more information, visit www.jimboonlanier.com. Vendors can apply through the website or call 703 346-2177.

December 2020

LAKESIDE 11

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12 LAKESIDE

December 2020

LAKESIDE 13

14 LAKESIDE

December 2020

New event to welcome new year’s celebrants By Jane Harrison Good riddance 2020! Those ready to run into a new year and symbolically wash away the stress of 2020 can gather, with appropriate spacing of course, at Lake Lanier Olympic Park beach Jan. 1 for a cool sprint into 2021. A Winter Beach Bash/Polar Bear Swim will replace the 25-plus year tradition of leaping off the docks into a new year. Instead of lining up behind the boathouse to take a plunge, 2021 “Polar Bears” and their fans can line up at food trucks for hot meals and sandwiches and swoosh through the sand to dip toes, dunk heads, or swim the buoy line in a relay race. The Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, event organizer, decided to change things up for 2021 due to several factors, according to program director Jim O’Dell. “In the first place, having everyone hanging around and gathering at the boat house, it’s seemingly harder to stay separated,” he said. Secondly, “It seemed like jumping off the docks was getting a little stale … numbers were dropping,” partially due to high water that postponed or canceled the dock jump a couple of years. And, finally, the beach offers

more flexibility for other festivities, such as food truck fare, a marshmallow snowman contest, fire pit, music and fun water relay. “We decided to make it more festive,” O’Dell said, hinting activities might also include bashing a red-spiked Covid pinata. In the main event, polar bears will jaunt into the water in groups of six or seven consisting of family members, friends or individuals. They don’t have to fully submerge to get a commemorative t-shirt. Every effort counts, from toe-dipping to lap swimming. O’Dell expects a relay marketed toward Cross-Fit members and athletic types will heat up some competition and bring on some laughs. Teams of three in

the Relay Challenge must wear personal flotation devices and two pairs of sweat pants (snuggly hitched at the waist) while they run one-at-a-time from the beach into the water. They must swim the buoy line, exit the water and tag a team member waiting on the sand. The fastest team to finish wins. Another contest offers a softer competition. The marshmallow snowman arena will showcase marshmallow creations participants assemble in advance to show off for a panel of judges. In mid-November organizers were still considering the t-shirt logo and competition prizes. O’Dell suggested the shirt might show a polar bear looking over its shoulder at a Covid image.

New Year’s Day Winter Beach Bash/Polar Bear Swim What: Food trucks, music, marshmallow snowman contest, swim relay, and small group runs into Lake Lanier from the beach Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville When: Beach Bash begins at 11 a.m.; run into lake starts at noon; festivities continue until around 2 p.m. Jan. 1. Registration: Pre-registration encouraged to qualify for commemorative t-shirt. Cost is $20 per Polar Bear participant. Register at www.lckc.org or Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club Facebook page. Information: www.lckc.org, 770-287-7888.

LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC PARK INFO Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Contact: Jim O'Dell, program director Phone: 770-287-7888 Email: info@lckc.org Website: www.lckc.org Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Park 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Club offerings: Recreational and competitive canoe and kayaking for ages 9 and up. Beginner to masters programs offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and summer camps. Also hosts local, regional, national and international competitions and is the training center for Team USA Canoe, Kayak and Dragon Boat Racing. Calendar of events: January 1 - Winter Beach Bash/Polar Bear Swim

Lake Lanier Rowing Club Contact: April Blair Phone: 770-287-0077 Email: office@lakelanierrowing.org Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Park 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Website: www.LakeLanierRowing.org Club offerings: Recreational and competitive rowing for ages 13 to 80+. Beginner to elite offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and camps. Hosting of local, regional, national and international rowing regattas. Calendar of events: Check website for events.

Other LLOP Events Check website for events. Venue seats +/-2,000; parking capacity +/- 400 cars. The boathouse and tower are available to rent for meetings and special occasions.

December 2020

LAKESIDE 15

Join us at LakeLanier.org

2020 - A YEAR OF WORK & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

North Georgia Community Foundation Building • 615F Oak St, #200 • Gainesville, Georgia 30501 • 770-503-7757

CLEAN LAKE

• Annual Shore Sweep: For 32 years, every September, the largest cleanup coordinated effort in the southeast! 80+ tons collected in 2020 with over 1000+ volunteers. • Adopt-a-Lake: For 20 years, water quality testing with 30+ volunteers testing 25 sites monthly. Results shared in monthly water index report. • New Spring Shore Sweep implemented resulting in a safe outdoor volunteer effort.

FULL LAKE

• New Erosion and Sedimentation Protections implemented in the Lake Lanier Watershed. • Island Erosion Control Projects – 9,600 tons of stone. Rip Rap installation completed on 5 more islands in 2020 with funding help from govt’s & others. • LLA members are the eyes and ears for potential safety, water quality and water quantity concerns on the lake. • Continuous water level monitoring and updates on Florida vs Georgia Water Wars.

SAFE LAKE

• Boating Safety Education: Boating Safety Week campaign, “WEAR IT” Life Jacket Campaign, 100’ Rule signs, Respect the Lake & Rules of the Road Education. • Swimming Safety: Installation of 2 Life Jacket Loaner Stations at Mary Alice Park. More to be implemented in 2021. • Abandoned and Derelict Docks and Vessels - Recommendations for how to safely dispose of or sell your dock. Continued joint efforts with USACE & members to resolve dumped docks issues. • Education Zoom Webinars: New DNR Boat Titling, Shelter in Place Implications to Lake Lanier. • 289 Lighted Hazard Markers - Monitored 7x year, with a push for more timely replacement and USACE online reporting system.

GIVE A GIFT OF LAKE LANIER! 2020 has been a year of surprises and disappointments as we all navigate through the pandemic. Many of our members have delayed renewing their memberships and we understand. Our programs are dependent on personal and business memberships. Please take this time to renew your membership with our Christmas program! THANK YOU for your support! This Christmas BUY 1, GET 1 FREE! MEMBERSHIP for a friend or neighbor!

JOIN or RENEW your 2021 membership in December and get a FREE

Go to www.LakeLanier.org and look for BUY1GET1 link under JOIN. Renewals will begin at your annual renewal date. Not sure if you or your friends are members? Email Jennifer Flowers at jflowers@lakelanier.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS AND BUSINESS MEMBERS!

16 LAKESIDE

December 2020

No more wood; be careful what you wish for I love old wooden boats. I’ve owned and maintained many of them over the years and never cease to be impressed by the craftsmanship that went into building them. Anyone can point a chopper gun at a mold and make a fiberglass boat. It takes a real carpenter to build a wooden one. Unfortunately, they take a lot of maintenance to keep them seaworthy. Constant paint and varnishing are required to stave off dry rot. On salt water you have electrolysis of the fastenings as well as many other problems not found on freshwater lakes like Lanier. Every year at the family marina up on the Jersey coast we had one or two old wooden boats that are 97 percent good, but the other three percent would cost more than the boat is worth to repair. Consequently, they are simply abandoned by the owners, and we have the problem of getting rid of them. Normally they would be cut up, put into a dumpster and hauled off to the county landfill. Now I had a marvelous fireplace that I used to supplement heating the house during the winter months. It had a “Heatalator,”

sions like when I’m having friends over for dinner. It’s quite Vinnie impressive to see the bow of a Mendes boat sticking out of the fireplace. I would simply kick it in another On the six inches every fifteen minutes Water or so. One year while I was hard at work breaking up a boat, a couple of guys came by and offered to i.e. a metal shell surrounding the cut it up if they could have the fire box with ducts running into brass fittings. I told them sure if other rooms. It put out a trementhey cut it into fireplace lengths. dous amount of heat and you had They said “Great, where do you a cheery fire to look at. The want it delivered?” I thought I’d downside is that it used lots of died and gone to heaven! Not firewood. only free firewood, but free delivOld boats make excellent fuel, ery and all I had to do was stack being all dried hardwood such as it! teak, oak, or mahogany, and the This worked great for several bronze and copper fastenings and seasons, then one year after they bottom paint make beautiful col- had delivered all the wood from ors as they burn. Solving two our marina, they asked if I could problems at once, every fall, I use any more. I told them “Sure, would take my woodchoppers I’ll take all you’ve got” (Silly maul and bust up the boats that me!) had been abandoned the previous Next week I came home from year. This would also inspire the work to find my front yard covboat owners to get their winter ered with wood! I figured great, storage fees in on time. Somenow I have enough to last this times if I found an interesting winter and into next. My sons and piece like a bow with the registra- I stacked it behind the house and tion numbers or a stern with the forgot about it, until the next boat’s name I would keep it week. I came home from work whole to burn on special occaand the front yard was covered

it did the trick. The wood stopped appearing. I left the sign there for another week or so, then four days before Christmas I figured it was safe and took it down. Yup, you guessed it. Next day the front lawn was covered with wood! Now I was on a mission! After stacking the wood in the back yard, I drove all along the south Jersey shore until I discovered the source of the wood, found the two guys and over several rounds of drinks, explained that although I was grateful for the free wood, I had no more room to store it. They told me that they understood and wishing me a Merry Christmas, said they’d get in touch next year. Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for the past 25 years. His family owns a marina/bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”

with wood! I was getting a funny feeling as I stacked it behind the house and, sure enough, one day the following week I came home from work and the front yard was covered with wood! The problem was I did not know who these guys were or how to get ahold of them. Asking around neighboring marinas one of the employees said there was a marina in south Jersey that was being converted into condos and it had several eighty-five-foot fishing boats that they were cutting up. By now I was getting desperate because it was getting close to Christmas and I had a dozen people coming to dinner. Feeling like the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” not being able to stop what I had started, I got a piece of four by eight plywood and a can of spray paint and made a sign saying “NO MORE WOOD” in big letters. I put it on the front lawn and

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December 2020

LAKESIDE 17

Blue-green algae found in Lanier; LLA urges caution By Pamela A. Keene Heavy rains from remnants of Hurricane Delta, combined with storm-water runoff and excess debris in Lake Lanier have caused

algae blooms in multiple locations. The Lake Lanier Association was notified and initiated testing of the green patch along the shoreline in Flat Creek.

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“This growth is likely due to the amount of nutrients washed into the lake from the intense storms,” said Jennifer Flowers, executive director of the group. “Additionally, the sunlight and the heavy debris layer impeding water movement have likely made ideal circumstances for growth.” In early November, the reported algae blooms were contained in isolated areas of the lake. Samples taken from the Flat Creek bloom were sent to the University of Georgia’s labs to be PHOTO COURTESY LLA tested. A closeup of the alge on Lake Lanier. Certain types of algae in weeks. Until now there have been green on the water,” she said. Lanier fluctuate with conditions. “They look like spilled paint and Algae is part of a healthy aquatic no documented instances of this type of algae blooms in the lake. typically occur on the shoreline, food chain, and many types are “There’s no cause for alarm; in coves and inlets.” harmless. However, some types we want the public to be aware of They are caused by excess can produce dangerous toxins. what’s going on around the lake phosphorus in the water, which “The test showed that it was can come from storm-water cyanobacteria, commonly known and be on the lookout for anyas blue-green algae that does pro- thing similar. Pets and some peo- runoff that washes fertilizers into ple can be more sensitive to algae the lake. duce harmful toxins, although The association issued a warnthis particular incident was below blooms and it’s wise to protect the level of toxicity for humans,” them by not allowing them in the ing for people and their pets. lake when there is visible blue“Anytime you or your furry Flowers said. “It still may be green algae present.” friends go into the lake, make harmful to pets. We’re asking Each month, the association’s sure that the water in the area is people to keep a lookout for similar algae blooms over the coming Adopt-a-Lake volunteer initiative free of discoloration, abundant tests for chlorophyll, a pigment in algae growth debris build up or months, although as the weather algae, as an indicator of what any odors. By way of exercising gets colder it will go away.” may be growing in the lake. caution, if any of these conditions Flowers said that there were “Blue-green algae blooms are are present, do not go into the nine sites that reported blue-green very apparent and appear bright water.” algae blooms in the past few

Watch for the dangerous curve ahead There are countless reasons for hazardous situations resulting in risk of collision or grounding while on the water. Most of them include one specific fundamental when it comes to safe control of your vessel. That fundamental is called advance and transfer. The diagram displays how this works. Let’s dissect this representation to its core and discover where the hazards reside in this important aspect of piloting. All watercraft behave differently when underway, even those of the same design and class. Factors for this behavior include weight distribution, position of the pivot point, height of the center of gravity, environment, and other influences that always play an integral part of maneuvering and behavior of the vessel. One of the most important responsibilities in navigation is to always know your position within reasonable accuracy, and be able to maneuver your vessel precisely. These tasks require three prime elements of safe naviga-

Steve Johnson Boating Safety

n MORE INFO:

Steve@CPOJohnson.com, www.cpojohnson.com

tion: speed, distance, and time. And the elements are constantly changing. This has an immediate effect resulting with a dynamic shift in the shape of the curve for “advance and transfer.” High speeds will give an extended “advance,” increasing the

distance traveled in the original direction. This is the zone or area where a great percentage of the maneuvering risk is located. One of the biggest misconceptions by inexperienced boat drivers is the vessel will act like a vehicle on a roadway. It may be similar in some respect, as if driving on ice or a slippery surface, but that’s where the resemblance ends. There is a remedy, a control point, to “advance and transfer” that is easy to master. It is directed in the USCG Rules of the Road in various sections. The most notable: Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision: If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion. Next time you are driving your boat please remember there might just be a dangerous curve ahead. This is a reprinted column that has appeared in Lakeside News. Steve Johnson, US Coast Guard (ret). is with CPO Johnson, Inc.

18 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Older is better when it comes to boats for Katie and Taylor Grimsley By Pamela A. Keene For Katie and Taylor Grimsley, when it comes to boats, older is simply better. And they haven’t let the pandemic, wildfires on the West Coast, high winds and hurricane rains prevent them from now owning the oldest boat on Lake Lanier. “It really seems like every time we buy a boat that’s new to us, the model years are older,” said Katie. “And now, we’ve bought the oldest of them all: a 1928 30-foot Vic Franck Sea Queen, and she’s the most beautiful of them all.” The couple, who moved to Forsyth County in 1999 from Rock Hill, South Carolina, were drawn to Lake Lanier because of their love of the water and boating. They own Creative Custom Tile in Gainesville just over the Forsyth County line, a business they began in October 1999. “Taylor and his uncle were avid sailors while he was growing up,” she said. “They raced and spent a great deal of time on the water.” One of their first boats was a 1986 Wellcraft 28-foot cruiser, which they purchased in 2006.

After several years, the couple bought a 1977 26-foot Carver. “We actually bought and sold that Carver twice in one year,” Katie said. Their next boat, a classic, was a late-1960s Lazy Days Houseboat, purchased in 2016. “It was one of the originals, but we only kept it four years. They sold it in 2020 as part of the downsizing that led to purchasing the Sea Queen. Their boats continued to get older when they fell for a 1967 Mark Twain runabout, which they owned for five years and used for cruises and dinners with friends. “We’ve always had a love of older boats because the craftsmanship is so fine,” she said. As if a 55-year old boat wasn’t old enough, they found a 1958 wooden Century Resort runabout, built of mahogany. “I found this boat in Ohio, because I wanted something a little faster than the Mark Twain,” Taylor said. “It’s a thoroughbred with a 292 Y block Ford Interceptor with dual sidedraft carburetors.” As the couple began looking for a smaller wooden boat to replace the houseboat in early 2020,

they discovered the Vic Frank during an internet search. “We fell in love with it because of the style and all the wood, even before we knew how old it was.” The challenge? Several: It was located in Seattle and the coronavirus outbreak was raging across the country. “We purchased the boat sight unseen, but from everything we’d read about it, it was love at first sight,” she said. Katie, who loves to do research, found out the boat’s history. It was one of only six or eight built in Seattle between 1928 and 1938 before the company burned. There were two models, one a 30-footer, the other 36 feet long. Theirs, a 30-foot boat, was built in 1928. “From what we could find, it was the only 30-foot Sea Queen built in 1928,” she said. The boat was owned by a Seattle man named Bob Irving, who bought it in 1993 and took 18 years to restore it from a rainfilled hull with rotted wood and no engine to a pristine vessel. It was no easy task to arrange for transportation across the country – finding a surveyor

Katie and Taylor Grimsley aboard Miracle.

long-distance, locating a transport company, securing transportation permits, lifting the boat out of the water. It all took time that was compounded by the wildfires in the Northwest, travel restrictions due to COVID-19 and various other delays. “She finally arrived about six weeks after we expected her,” Katie said. “But we immediately launched her and brought her home to Port Royale. We’ve had her out on the lake ever since.”

PHOTO COURTESY KATIE GRIMSLEY

The plan is to use the boat as much as possible, plus travel to other wooden and classic boat shows to show her off. They belong to the Lake Lanier Classic Boaters group, which has a Facebook page with photos and other information. Katie is reflective as she talks about her and Taylor’s “new” old boat. “You know, our boats just keep getting older, but that means they’re better, too.”

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December 2020

LAKESIDE 19

20 LAKESIDE

December 2020

2020 was tough weather year, too As we all know, 2020 has been horrible with the pandemic. It’s also been horrible in the weather arena as well. The 2020 season began early when Arthur formed on May 16. The extremely active season quickly went through the pre-determined list of 21 names, ending with Wilfred on September 18. Then for only the second time in history, the Greek alphabet was used for the remainder of the season, with Alpha forming the same day. We had a total of 30 named storms for 2020, which breaks the record for the highest number of tropical/subtropical storms in a single year. The previous record of 28 storms was set in 2005. Official records date to 1851. The Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on November 30, but additional storms could develop this month. Our team of meteorologists, along with forecasters at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center continuously monitor the tropics for storm development and activity. This time of year, we need to remain vigilant because storms tend to form more in the Gulf of Mexico. If you are asking why this year has been so active, you are asking a good question. There are several factors. The Atlantic Ocean has naturally been in a warmer phase since around 1995, some-

LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS

thing called the Atlantic Multi-Decadal OscillaAPR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV tion. This added warmth Glenn 1 1072.43 1071.85 1071.33 1071.31 1071.10 1071.15 1071.31 1072.03 creates more ideal con2 1072.36 1071.84 1071.30 1071.31 1071.11 1071.12 1071.21 1071.82 Burns ditions for hurricanes to 3 1072.30 1071.80 1071.28 1071.27 1071.22 1071.07 1071.17 1071.61 form. We’ve also had La 4 1072.25 1071.75 1071.36 1071.24 1071.24 1071.04 1071.09 1071.41 Nina, (ocean cooling in Lanier 5 1072.19 1071.73 1071.39 1071.22 1071.24 1071.02 1071.03 1071.20 the eastern equatorial Outlook 6 1072.11 1071.70 1071.41 1071.28 1071.25 1070.98 1070.91 1071.04 Pacific Ocean) which 7 1072.11 1071.70 1071.42 1071.28 1071.26 1070.99 1070.82 1070.88 8 1072.06 1071.72 1071.36 1071.29 1071.23 1070.96 1070.74 1070.70 brought to a halt the 9 1072.05 1071.72 1071.38 1071.30 1071.22 1070.92 1070.69 1070.52 strong east-driving winds blowing through 10 1072.02 1071.70 1071.39 1071.31 1071.32 1070.86 1071.56 1070.40 the Caribbean. These winds pummel hurri11 1072.01 1071.68 1071.36 1071.30 1071.32 1070.85 1073.80 1070.40 canes with “wind shear.” It shears or tears 12 1072.05 1071.65 1071.29 1071.27 1071.31 1070.87 1074.09 1070.52 apart storms or does not allow them to 13 1072.53 1071.61 1071.29 1071.24 1071.29 1070.87 1073.98 1070.48 form. This year, they had no obstacles. We 14 1072.39 1071.54 1071.28 1071.22 1071.27 1070.85 1073.71 1070.48 15 1072.23 1071.44 1071.37 1071.20 1071.33 1070.81 1073.39 1070.44 also had a strong West African monsoon 16 1072.09 1071.37 1071.35 1071.17 1071.37 1070.84 1073.04 1070.39 season. Most powerful Atlantic hurricanes 17 1071.93 1071.29 1071.34 1071.17 1071.31 1071.47 1072.73 1070.34 are seeded by unstable air and thunder18 1071.86 1071.42 1071.34 1071.16 1071.25 1071.61 1072.44 1070.34 storms traveling west from Africa. More 19 1071.85 1071.49 1071.35 1071.18 1071.25 1071.66 1072.14 1070.31 clouds and storm activity in West Africa 20 1071.91 1071.53 1071.35 1071.16 1071.20 1071.69 1071.91 1070.26 are linked to favorable conditions for hur21 1071.90 1071.51 1071.41 1071.12 1071.27 1071.59 1071.60 1070.22 ricanes. 22 1071.87 1071.61 1071.49 1071.20 1071.27 1071.51 1071.36 1070.16 23 1072.01 1071.68 1071.50 1071.18 1071.25 1071.46 1071.21 You may have also noted that Novem24 1072.05 1071.70 1071.47 1071.15 1071.24 1071.44 1071.37 ber was very warm! Indeed, it was and be25 1071.99 1071.72 1071.41 1071.17 1071.21 1071.46 1071.49 cause of the same La Nina that gave us the 26 1071.88 1071.69 1071.33 1071.14 1071.17 1071.46 1071.54 active hurricane season. La Nina is not fin27 1071.75 1071.62 1071.38 1071.15 1071.15 1071.52 1071.45 ished yet. The ocean cooling off South 28 1071.71 1071.54 1071.40 1071.11 1071.12 1071.49 1071.58 American changes atmospheric conditions 29 1071.82 1071.47 1071.37 1071.09 1071.09 1071.46 1072.36 30 1071.89 1071.44 1071.34 1071.08 1071.11 1071.40 1072.36 in such a way what we will likely have a 31 1071.42 1071.10 1071.15 1072.22 very warm and a very dry winter. I am not AV 1072.05 1071.61 1071.37 1071.22 1071.23 1071.21 1071.95 saying it’s not going to rain and be in the MAX 1072.53 1071.85 1071.50 1071.60 1071.37 1071.69 1074.09 80s every day. We will have cold periods MI 1071.71 1071.29 1071.28 1071.08 1071.09 1070.81 1070.69 and maybe even a shot at snow but overall, winter 2020-2021 will be warmer and drier Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist for I hope all of you have a wonderful WSB-TV in Atlanta. than usual. Christmas and I can’t wait until 2021!

View the online edition at www.lakesidenews.com.

December 2020

LAKESIDE 21

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22 LAKESIDE

December 2020

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December 2020

Lakeside Calendar December 2020 Please note: Some events may be postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call or visit website prior to your trip. n Dec. 1 – Elachee Virtual Science Night event features environmental education and discussion, a program best suited for adults. Free. Virtual event website: elachee.org. Info: 770-535-1976. Buford Community Center n Dec. 4 – The Barefoot Movement Christmas Show, 8 p.m., features Nashville based group, The Barefoot Movement. The band’s intention for members of their audience: sit back, relax, take your shoes off and stay awhile while listening to heartfelt, energetic and down-home music. Tickets: $25-$35. n Dec. 11, 12 – Holly Dolly Christmas features Katie Deal celebrating the spirit of Dolly and her music. Deal, known for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in two national tours, has performed in touring concerts honoring the greats Ella, Judy & Patsy and for the past four seasons in Classic Nashville Roadshow and Country Royalty with Jason Petty. Tickets: $30-$35. n Dec. 18 – Jaimee Paul & Leif Shires Christmas, 8 p.m., features an evening of a Jazz Christmas. In a world desperate for peace and sanity, Jaimee and Leif discover their mission – delivering tranquility and hope through the gift of music. Tickets: $25-$35. Info: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds n Thru Dec. 26 – Mountain Country Christ-

side Lights Spectacular for a night of nostalgic winter fun. The lights will take you on a magical walk through an amazing lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music. Tickets: $19.99/$24.99 regular (value/peak days); $14.99/$19.99, child (Age 3-7), military, senior and group (15+); Free for children 2 & younger. Times: 511 p.m., depending on days. Info: www.lanierislands.com.

mas in Lights features a spectacular and magical holiday light show, with special Christmas music provided by local churches, art & craft vendors, holiday food, hot chocolate and, of course, pictures with Santa. Show runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 6-9 p.m., starting Thanksgiving night (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Admission: $6 per person; under 12, free. Free parking, no pets allowed. n Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks begins at dusk. Hot chocolate, BBQ and hotdogs will be on sale. Free to attend. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds says, “We’ve all had enough of 2020, so come out to the (fairgrounds) and help us usher in 2021 with a bang!” Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Northeast Georgia History Center n Each Wednesday, at 2 p.m., The Northeast Georgia History Center presents a livestream for the general public to enjoy via Facebook or YouTube Live. Each Friday, the facility presents special Member Livestreams for local and digital members. Digital membership is $3/month or $35/year for member livestreams and more. Check negahc.org for the upcoming December digital event calendar. Info: 770-297-5900; www.negahc.org.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort n Thru Dec. 20 – Snow Island is open every Friday, 5-10 p.m. Go snow tubing, skating on the ice rink, hop on carnival rides and warm up with s’mores and hot cocoa and shop in Santa’s Workshop. Tickets: $39.99/$44.99 regular (value/peak days); $34.99/$39.99, child (Age 3-7), military, senior and group (15+); Free for children 2 & younger. n Thru Feb. 21 – Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular. Kick start your holidays with a visit to Margaritaville’s all-new Lake-

Quinlan Arts Center n Thru Dec. 5 – 73rd Annual Members Exhibition recently announced the results of its exhibition, which will run through Dec. 5. You can view the list of winners on qvac.org. Info: 770-536-2575; www.qvac.org.

University of North Georgia n Dec. 2 – Virtual Concert: Chamber Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 p.m. UNG’s Chamber Orchestra performs their Winter Concert. A link for the performance may be found on the events calendar of the UNG Music Department. Registration is required for all virtual events. n Dec. 4 – Virtual Concert: Holiday Choral Festival, 7:30-9 p.m. n Dec. 7 – Virtual Concert: ALNM – Itty Bitty Bluesopera, 7:30-9 p.m. n Dec. 7 – A Little Night(hawk) Music Series, 7:30-8:30- p.m. n Dec. 17 – Virtual Concert: Sinfonietta, 7:30-9 p.m. Info: ung.edu.

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December 2020

LAKESIDE 27

28 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Wuber Marine: “One call does it all,”most of the time By Pamela A. Keene If it’s related to boating, boat care and services on Lake Lanier, Chris Tyler’s Wuber Marine can probably help. Starting out in April 2018 as a water-taxi service, he has expanded the business to take care of boaters. The company recently opened a brick-and-mortar location in Gainesville and also works remotely. From weekly and monthly boat visits to inspect, start engines and perform regular maintenance to remodeling interiors and boat repairs, Wuber Marine serves boaters. “We have added so many ways to serve boaters, including our boat-monitoring service and concierge,” Tyler said. “People around the lake have asked for more than just a safe way home for themselves and their boats; they are now turning to us for audio and lighting, upgrades and even captained charters on the lake.” Tyler, a native of the Midwest who started boating around age 7 or 8, is a veteran of the US Navy, leaving the military in 2008. The

Navy transferred him to the Atlanta area and he liked it so much he decided to stay. With his time in the Navy and a degree in mechanical engineering, he’s become a jack-of-all trades. Along the way, he earned his US Coast Guard 100-ton Captain’s License with a towing endorsement. It allows him to hire out as a captain and to tow boats. “With the water taxi business, people call us for rides back to their docks or marinas for themselves and their boats,” he said. “Not only do we take people to their docks or cars, we bring their boats with them so that don’t have to go back later and pick them up. “Business was growing by word of mouth, but we started getting other requests for repairs, remodeling, cleaning and detailing. From there it has just blossomed.” Tyler’s new app, Wuber LLC, allows for quick communications, scheduling, lining up services and corresponding with his customers. His boat concierge service offers a regular schedule for inspec-

tions, battery checks, ensuring lines are secured, systems are working and other services. He also makes vinyl boat logos and other stickers. Before he set up his business on Lanier, he approached the Corps of Engineers about being approved. “The Corps approved our business model and our work, so it has made it much easier to run the business,” Tyler said. “I knew from the beginning that I had to go about it the right way and that’s just what we have done.” Tyler said the key to his service is attention to detail and prompt responses. “We may be operating on the lake, but we certainly don’t work on lake time. We’re punctual and professional,” he said. “If you’re not sure what you need, or if we do it, just ask,” he said. “It’s all about getting the work taken care of for our customers.” Wuber Marine is located at 1611 Oakbrook Drive, Gainesville. To contact Wuber Marine, go to Facebook and search for Wuber Marine,” or 470 323-1640. Chris Tyler of Wuber Marine.

CREDIT: WUBER MARINE

December 2020

LAKESIDE 29

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30 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Outdoor Activity Calendar n Dahlonega Old Fashioned Christmas. Downtown lights, Santa visits, carriage rides, wine tours, festival of trees, arts exhibits and more, various times through Jan. 1. Downtown Christmas parade, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12. www.dahlonegachristmas.com. n Holiday Tree Trail, Gainesville. Discover holiday trees decorated by artists, businesses and staff, through Jan. 3, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404888-4760. n Holiday Model Trolley, Gainesville. Model train trollies between two fairy villages, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Dec. 1, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404888-4760. n Cravin’ Bacon Walk, Braselton. Shops open late for walkers grazing on bacon treats and goodies, with VIP bourbon tasting option, 4-9 p.m. Dec. 3, Downtown Braselton. $35. www.braselton.net. n Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm, Sautee Nacoochee. See historic farm mansion in period holiday décor, learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in 1870s attire; includes live music, 4-7 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Dec. 419, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $7-$12, free to children 5 and younger, $5 parking. Registration required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077. n Christmas in the Park, Lula. Local businesses and churches serve free cookies, hot chocolate and more, 4 p.m., Dec. 5, Lula Train

Depot, 5911 Wall St; parade from Lula Elementary School through Downtown Lula, 6 p.m. 770-869-3801. n Christmas at the Gorge, Tallulah Falls. Kids see Santa, make crafts, enjoy refreshments, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 5, Tallulah Falls State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Limited space. Pre-registration required. $5 parking. 706-7547981, www.gastateparks.org. n Christmas Jingle 5K, Cumming. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5, across from Cumming Fairgrounds, 246 Castleberry Rd. Virtual option available. $30/$28. www.runnersfit.com. n Reindeer Run 5K/10K, Dawsonville. 9 a.m. Dec. 12, Downtown Dawsonville, 415 Hwy. 53. Virtual option available. $25-$35. www.fivestarntp.com n So You Want to be a Falconer? Helen. Master falconer/wildlife expert Buster Brown introduces his flock and equipment, training necessary for falconry, 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 12, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. Limited to 25. Register in advance. $10, plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087, www.gastateparks.org. n 17th Annual Vogel Tree Lighting, Blairsville. Hayrides, music, Christmas program, lighting of holiday tree, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. Bring chair and blanket, donate unwrapped gift for child 12 or younger. $5 parking. 706-7452628. www.gastateparks.org. n Sunset Candy Cane Hunt, Tallulah Falls. Hunt candy canes, enjoy s’mores, holiday movie, hot chocolate, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 12, Tallu-

lah Gorge State park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. Call office to sign up. 706-7547981, www.gastateparks.org. n White Elephant 5K, Sugar Hill. Christmas costume 5K, 6 p.m. Dec. 12, EE Robinson Park, 650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Virtual option available. $15-$25. Canned good donation suggested. www.fivestarntp.com. n Kayaking with Santa, Mountain City. Short paddle with Santa on Black Rock Mountain Lake, then hot chocolate and s’mores, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 14, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. Ages 6adults. Sign up for paddling at 1 or 2:30 p.m. 706-746-2141, www.gastateparks.org. n Swim with Santa, Gainesville. Decorate an ornament, swim indoors with Santa, 66:45 p.m. ages 5 and younger; 7-7:45 p.m. ages 6 and older, Dec. 4, Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way. $10 per child, adults free. Register in advance. www.gainesville.org, 770533-5850. n Elachee Last Day Hike, Gainesville. New Year’s Eve morning hike on 3-mile Bridge Loop Trail, 9-11 a.m. Dec. 31, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. No hike in rain. Ages 12 and older. $5 parking. Register in advance. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976. n First Night Dahlonega. Live music at four venues near the town square, family fun and entertainment on square and Hancock Park, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31-12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Children’s Nugget Drop 8:30

p.m.; traditional Nugget Drop midnight. $10 donation suggested. Children 12 and under free. www.dahlonegaumc.org. n New Year’s Day 5K, Cumming. 9 a.m. Jan. 1, North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Rd. $15-$25. www.fivestarntp.com n First Day Hike, Mountain City. Bring in new year with 3-mile slightly strenuous hike to Lookoff Mountain, 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 1, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. $5 parking. Register in advance. 706-746-2141, www.gastateparks.org. n Braselton Lifepath 5K/8K. 9 a.m. Jan. 2, NGMC Braselton, 1400 River Place. $35-$40. www.runnersfit.com On-Going n Christmas on the Farm, Gainesville/Cumming. Choose and cut Christmas trees, live trees, family activities, harvest shop, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $3 hayrides. 7170 Jot Em Down Rd, www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com, 770 887-6028. n First Visit Tour, Helen. Van tour to covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, and cottages, 10-11:30 a.m. first Saturdays through Dec., Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. 706-878-3087, www.gastateparks.org. - Compiled by Jane Harrison Please note: Some events may be postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call or visit website prior to your trip.

December 2020

LAKESIDE 31

Holiday festivities abound at Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas By Jane Harrison The pandemic can’t steal Christmas, at least not in Dahlonega, where the spirit of the season shines in the city’s traditional Old Fashioned Christmas. Holiday lights, carriage rides, a hometown parade, decorated trees, live nativity, and numerous festive activities hosted by local businesses greet visitors to the Georgia mountain town this month and into January. “You can still feel the spirit of Christmas even in this crazy year,” said “Christmas Cindy” Tomblin, 2020 Dahlonega Christmas Chairperson. The city’s Downtown Development Authority/Main Street in coordination with the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and city and county officials decided to deck the halls and ring in the season, with a few changes. “We’ve canceled so many festivals this year,” Tomblin said a few days after local government officials gave Old Fashioned Christmas the go ahead. “People are coming anyway,” she added. Despite the cancellation of seasonal festivals, like Gold Rush in Dahlonega, Oktoberfest in Helen, and the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, tourists have flocked to Georgia’s small mountain towns. There, they might experience a sense of normalcy and escapism from stressful times. And, in Dahlonega, Tomblin said, visitors can feel the Christmas season’s wonder and joy, in slightly different format. For instance, many restaurants and shops

annual festivities, Tomblin said. Visitors can warm up with a Christmas tea, buy gifts at a Candy Cane Market, mellow out with wine tastings, get a dose of local history in walking tours, and sip hot chocolate at an old timey pajama party. Tomblin encourages families to book activities to-

gether in advance. Registration is recommended, as space is limited. Tomblin noted that the event’s “Santa Sponsor,” the region’s main healthcare provider, Northeast Georgia Medical System, is providing hand sanitizing stations and disposable masks.

Plan ahead for Old Fashioned Christmas activities

PHOTO BY @VANE.A.RO

A scene from a recent Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega.

plan social distanced events in parking lots. Food trucks and restaurateurs can serve up “grab and go” specialties at a food court at the corner of West Main and Waters Street. The sparkle of downtown holiday lights expands for miles beyond the square. The parade route is longer. Visitors come from as far away as New York to bask in the small town charm during the holidays. “So many visit on drive throughs” from southern states, Tomblin said. “They enjoy seeing the lights and the historic architecture” of the town where prospectors found gold in the late 1820s,” she said. Long time downtown business owners looked forward to continuing holiday traditions. “We have so many wonderful businesses, many in business for 25-30 years” that have found a way to host their

Visitors to Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas are encouraged to make plans in advance to attend activities. Some require registration. Check calendar at www.dahlonegachristmas.com for updates. n Holiday Lights: Enjoy the beauty of Dahlonega’s Christmas lights and decorations thru January 10th. Historic District lights are on dusk to 11 p.m. n Carriage Rides: Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides will be giving carriage tours of the historic district, departing from visitor center and other locations on the square, if multiple carriages are in town, through New Year’s Eve. No rides on Christmas Day. See schedule at Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides Facebook page. n Old Fashioned Christmas Parade: Rescheduled to Saturday, Dec. 12, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Organizers will accept parade applications until a week before the event. Trophies will be awarded in four categories: cars/trucks, animals/walkers, golf carts, and floats. Parade entrants include marching bands, character groups (Christmas figures, elves, wisemen, shepherds, etc.), scouting groups, church groups and civic organizations.

n Food Court: Dec. 4-5 in former bank parking lot at corner of W. Main and Waters Street, NW. n Festival of Trees: Families enjoy taking holiday photos in front of trees decorated by local community members through Dec. 31 at Hancock Park, corner of North Park Street and Warwick Street. n Candy Cane Market: Treats and gifts provided by Dahlonega Woman’s Club at Community House, 111 Park St.. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12. n Live Nativity: Dahlonega United Methodist Church will be hosting a live nativity in front of the church at 107 South Park St., Dec. 12 & 19. n New Year’s Eve Nugget Drop: First Night Dahlonega New Year’s Celebration features live entertainment all evening (at indoor and outdoor locations around the Historic District) leading up to the midnight “nugget” drop. Purchase a $10 All Access Pass the evening of the event at Jeremiah’s Place tent on the square. An early children’s nugget drop will happen at 9 p.m. Proceeds support Jeremiah’s Place, Lumpkin County’s only transitional housing facility for the homeless.

32 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Lake Lanier Marinas Info

n BALD RIDGE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., marina has 24/7 access. Phone: 770-887-5309 Website: www.baldridgemarina.com Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: Covered & uncovered. Store: Sandwich shop; some boating supplies. Store hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat./Sun. Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.19; $2.99 diesel (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs.-Mon.; Closed Tues./Wed.) Security: 24/7 security, gated Additional amenities: Full-service department, parts department, boat body work and yacht repair.Boating supplies/commissary/dry goods/retail clothing.

n HOLIDAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week. Phone: 770-945-7201 Website: www.holidaylakelanier.com Location: 6900 Holiday Rd., Buford Types of slips available: 22-100' Uncovered including 80, 90, and 100' Breakwater Slips; 26-85' Covered Slips totalling 1238 Slips Store: Yes; Convenience items and basic boating supplies. Types of fuel: Premium, unleaded & diesel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20): $3.59 premium; $3.49 unleaded; $2.49 diesel (5 percent discount with Westrec advantage membership) On-site eatery: The Twisted Oar Menu: Fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak Phone: 678 714-7572 Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service, pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US

LAZY DAYS at Holiday on Lake Lanier

n GAINESVILLE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Phone: 770-536-2171 Website: www.gainesvillemarina.com Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville Types of slips available: 600 slips, dry stack covered up to 25', wet covered & uncovered up to 80'. Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.29 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; pay at pump until dark.) On-site eatery: Skogies Menu: BBQ, seafood and American fare. Phone: 678-450-1310 Security: 7 days a week Additional amenities: Parts department, land service shop, climate-controlled bath houses, pump-out stations, security 7 days a week/video surveillance. Sales of new, used and brokerage boats.

n HABERSHAM MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.Sat. Closed Sun. Phone: 770-887-5432 Website: www.habershammarina.com Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: 600 slips for dry storage up to 28’ Store: Yes Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.15 Security: Yes Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available. n HARBOR LANDING

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Phone: 470 323-3465 Website: www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Types of slips: Houseboats only. 18x60, 22x80 Types of fuel: Diesel, non ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) 3.49 non-ethanol; 2.75 diesel (Gas is not sold after 4:30 due to volume return of boats.) On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Margaritaville, daily pontoon boat rentals (no overnights). Luxury houseboat program. Call for details.

n LAZY DAYS (at Holiday on Lake Lanier) Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week. Phone: 770-945-1991 Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford Types of slips available: Concrete Wet Slips from 50 - 125 foot covered & 100 foot open slips; 554 covered dry stack spaces up to 36 feet Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol marine fuel treated with ValvTect; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.49 regular; $3.49 diesel Security: 24/7 surveillance monitoring Full Service Department: Barefoot Boating, 770-820-5949 Boat Club: Carefree Boat Club, 678-725-0730 Additional Amenities: Bath house facility with individual private units. Trailer storage, dock carts, ice available, boat detailing service, free pump out for customers; Dry Stack-Boat Cloud smartphone app to control launch/retrieval of boat. PreFueling service, wash racks; Wet Slips-gated/private parking, golf cart valet service, in-slip pump out,

n PORT OF INDECISION MARINA Hours of operation: Sun.-Thur.; 11:00 a.m -9:00 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. - 11:00 a.m -10:00 p.m. Phone: 470 323-3465 Website: www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Store: Yes; only open on weekends. Types of slips available: 14x32, 14x36, (spring 2020, 254 units, up to 40’), all covered Types of fuel: non ethanol. Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.49 non-ethanol; $2.75 diesel On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Margaritaville

n PORT ROYALE MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-887-5715 Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royale Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to

106' totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'. Store: Service Store & Ship Store Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.29 regular (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.) On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill Menu: Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings and more Security: Gated, 24/7 Additional amenities: Climate controlled bath house with showers, 24/7 self-service pump out, rental boats, courtesy dock for dry stack, two ship stores, full-service center, largest floating gas dock in Ga., 16 gas pumps, houseboat rentals.

n SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-967-6811 Website: www.aqualandmarina.com Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch Types of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers, & all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips, totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docks Store: Yes Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.09, members; $3.49 nonmembers (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon.; closed on Tuesday’s due to Covid-19) On-site eatery: Pig Tales Menu: BBQ, burgers, wings and more Security: 24/7, gated Additional amenities: Self service work yard with deep draft well & marine travel lift, houseboat launching ramp, pump-out station, bathhouses with showers, laundry facilities, wet slips with private gated parking.

n SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock - 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-967-5500 Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.com Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150) Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.19 On-site eatery: Fish Tales Lakeside Grille Menu: Grouper fingers, sandwiches, salads and more Security: 24/7 manned security Showroom: Atlanta Marine Additional amenities: Full Maintenance, Repair and Service on site: Harbor Marine & Associates. Bathhouse w/ locked showers and AC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage.

n SUNRISE COVE MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.Mon. Closed Tuesday. Phone: 770-536-8599 Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.com Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer). Store: Yes (Sandwiches and wraps only available in summer) Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/12/20) $3.49 with 5 percent off with Westrec Advantage Membership Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility and pump-out open 24/7.

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December 2020

Garden books make great presents (or gifts) For gardeners, there’s almost nothing better than having a couple of gardening books under the tree. During the winter, it’s fun to read, dream and plan about the coming year’s growing season. They provide an unlimited source for new ideas, plants to try and ways to make gardening more fun for the whole family. One of my favorites, “A Southern Woman’s Guide to Herbs,” written by my dear friend and author Jaclyn Weldon White, is a must have. Jackie, who lives in Braselton, is known for her true-crime, fiction and biographies, including “Whisper to the Black Candle,” the true story of Macon’s Anjette Lyles, and “Sidetracked – Two Women, Two Cameras, and Lunches on Sherman’s Trail.” “A Southern Woman’s Guide to Herbs,” is not fussy. It’s downto-earth and includes commonsense planting and growing tips, ways to use, preserve and enjoy herbs and common medical and cosmetic uses. Recipes range from shrimp and herb pasta and lavender cookies to cocktails. Check out her books at Amazon and visit

or building a sweet pea teepee. “The Half-Hour Allotment” Pamela A. by Lia Leendertz. When you only Keene have 30 minutes, here are great suggestions about how to spend it Curb making your garden more proAppeal ductive. It’s a practical guide for new and experienced gardeners and covers a broad range of subjects. “Herbal Adventures” by n MORE INFO: Email: Rachel Jepson Wolf. Fun outdoor pam@pamelakeene.com activities for adults and children that describes various cultivated her website at www.jaclynweland wild plants, suggests ways to donwhite.com. use plants medicinally, and even The Quarto Group publishers how to make edible dandelion always has excellent books about fritters. gardening. From helping kids get “DYI Hydroponic Gardens” their hands dirty growing plants by Tyler Baras. Design and build and vegetables to instructional an inexpensive way to grow books about hydroponic gardenplants in water without soil. With ing, the company’s selection is detailed instructions and diabroad-based and informative. grams, it’s suited for someone Here are some suggestions for just dabbling in hydroponics or this year’s Christmas gifts: the serious soil-less grower. “Gardening Lab for Kids” by “Living Décor” by Maria ColRenata Gossen Brown. Fifty two letti. Learn to use living plant mafun experiments for gardeners to terials and houseplants to bring engage youngsters in learning, new life to your home. Grow growing plants, harvesting, play- moss-jar gardens, terrariums and ing and enjoying the garden. succulents. Check out info about making bird And for our endangered and feeders, crafting stepping stones threatened pollinators, check out:

PHOTO BY PAMELA KEENE

“The Pollinator Victory Garden” by Kim Eierman. Pollinators, from birds, butterflies, insects, bees and bats, are responsible for more than 95 percent of the world’s food sources. Without them, we’d have no grains to feed animals, no vegetables or fruits, no way for plants to reproduce. This book is a comprehensive guide to the importance of pollinators and step-by-step ways to

ensure that pollinators can have habitats. For these and other books, visit www.quartoknows.com. There you’ll find a complete selection of books, plus blogs, ideas about crafts and engaging all members of the family in projects and quality time together. Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener.

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December 2020

Boat show set for mid-January By Alan Hope MarineMax Cumming, located at Baldridge Marina, is planning an on the water boat show for January 14-17. “Our goal is to use the unique environment of Bald Ridge Marina and host a tremendous event, says Collin Cordell of MarineMax. “We plan to invite all of the vendors from the (canceled) 2020 Atlanta World Congress Center show.” Cordell says he has plenty of space for vendors and will be weatherizing the vendor area with tents and temporary struc-

tures. “We will be doing everything possible to offer a safe and comfortable shopping experience for the customer,” he says, adding that food trucks and other activities for attendees are being planned. A potential big draw for vendors is that the company is not charging a setup fee. The Atlanta Boat Show was canceled due to the pandemic. Complete details of the MarineMax show, such as hours and vendors, will be forthcoming soon, Cordell says. For more information about the event, call 770 781-9370.

THE LAKESIDE STAFF WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

J. Christopher’s serves up breakfast and lunch By Pamela A. Keene Healthy choices and satisfying meals drive the businesses at J. Christopher’s in Flowery Branch. While most people think of the restaurant as a great place for breakfast, the menu includes a wide choice of salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers. “We actually opened the day after Christmas, but then the coronavirus interrupted everyone’s lives,” said Harvey Glass, area supervisor over four J. Christopher’s locations. “Since things opened up a bit this summer, our business is rebounding nicely.” J. Christopher’s began in Marietta in 1996 as a neighborhood daytime breakfast and lunch restaurant. Founders Jeff McCann and Chris Brogdon created a diverse menu of fresh-made items, from omelets and breakfast skillets to specialty sandwiches, pancakes and waffles. “We are known for our fresh food and selection,” Glass said. “But a great deal of our success lies in the commitment and dedication of our staff – the front end and in the kitchen. They’re friendly, young and you can really tell how much they care about our customers.”

Tim and Tiffany Taylor of Gainesville enjoy a recent meal at J. Christopher’s with their two children, Savannah, 1, and Deacon, 2.

Some of the most popular items are the blueberry crunch pancakes with fresh blueberries and homemade granola and the turkey avocado personal-sized cast iron skillet with jack cheese and two eggs on a bed of potatoes. Glass said his favorite is the Maple Toast. “My favorite menu item is the maple toast, made with thick Challah bread soaked in maple and vanilla batter, grilled and dusted with powdered sugar,” Glass said. “It’s one of our topselling entrees.” As a neighborhood eatery, J. Christopher’s supports the com-

munity, including the Girls Fishing Team at Buford High School, and projects with Flowery Branch High School, Cherokee Bluff High School and Davis Middle School. “It’s been great to connect with people in the area,” he said. “That’s one of the best things about our being here: the friendly people in the community.” J. Christopher’s is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located at 5857 Spout Springs Road, Suite A306, Flowery Branch. The website is www.jchristophers.com and the chain has 22 Georgia locations.

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By Jane Harrison One of the biggest and most prestigious rowing regattas traditionally held on Lake Lanier is moving to Oak Ridge, Tenn. in 2021. The American Collegiate Rowing Association board announced its national championships will be on Melton Lake May 21-23. It will be the Oak Ridge Rowing Association’s second time hosting the regatta, the last time being in 2009. The Lake Lanier Olympic venue, now Lake Lanier Olympic Park, has been the predominant site of the crown regatta for collegiate club programs since 2008. The Memorial Day weekend championship usually brings more than 1,500 athletes and spectators to Gainesville. Hotels and restaurants teem with crew members and fans in town for the regatta. ACRA had planned to be on Lanier for its 2020 championships but canceled due to coronavirus concerns. A press release from the ACRA board stated members unanimously accepted the Oak Ridge Rowing Association’s bid after reviewing offers from several venues. The Lake Lanier Rowing Club was among bidders for the 2021 event, according to Robyn Lynch, LLOP Executive Director and Gainesville Tourism

Director. LLRC president Cliff Ward did not respond to a request for comment prior to Lakeside’s deadline. Lynch indicated ACRA’s move was not completely unexpected. “There have been conversations over the past few years with ACRA and their interest in having several locations that alternate annually, so we were not completely surprised. We look forward to working with LLRC on bidding for 2022 and hope to have the event back soon,” she said. “The ACRA Championships mean so much to LLOP, the city of Gainesville, local hotels and restaurants and we look forward to this event each year,” Lynch said. “In addition, we know that the athletes and coaches consider Lake Lanier one of the top courses in the US. We look forward to having the championships back in the near future.” ACRA’s press release states that the Melton Lake venue provides many of the same amenities as LLOP, plus an added benefit. “An additional perk is that Melton Lake is closed to all other boat traffic and enforced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, eliminating pleasure boat wake,” it states. Such closures are not enforced on Lake Lanier, which is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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December 2020

Crane Creek Vineyards: a taste of Italy in Georgia In 2002, I won a sales trip to Napa Valley along with my better half; Mrs. Duvall. It was on that trip that we got the “wine bug” and a passion for visiting beautiful vineyards and developing a more refined palette. However, Napa Valley can be expensive and is a considerable distance from Georgia, so imagine our pleasant surprise to discover wonderful vineyards in our own backyard! At that time, North Georgia had only a handful of farm wineries. Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, one of the region’s oldest farm wineries, quickly became and remains one of our favorites. To us, Crane Creek is like a trusted old friend. Even if we don’t get to visit as often as we would like, when we do, we feel so welcomed and embraced! Although I have not had the pleasure of visiting Italy, this vineyard is exactly what I would picture in Tuscany. The owners, Eric and Deanne Seifarth, spent time in northern Italy while Eric was stationed there as an officer in the U.S. Army. It was there where he grew to love the “old world” style of making wine and the process of winegrowing in three of the four major Italian

Don Duval Wines, Vines & Brews

PHOTO BY CRANE CREEK VINEYARDS

Brasstown Red.

wine regions: Tuscany, Veneto, and the Friuli. Upon retirement, Eric settled back in his native Georgia and moved to the North Georgia mountains with Deanne, a fulltime veterinarian, to embark on a second career making fine wines. They planted their first grapevines in 1995 and opened Crane Creek Vineyards in 2000.

The boutique winery flourished, and now 25 years after planting those first vines, Eric’s son Peter, a theater major who graduated from Coastal Carolina College, has taken on a new leading role as head assistant winemaker at Crane Creek Vineyards. His charming wife, Jess, who also studied theater, plays many roles at the winery and can be found behind the scenes cleaning during the winemaking process, serving as a field hand, or on center stage welcoming guests and introducing them to delicious wines by the flight, glass, or bottle. During a recent visit to Crane Creek Vineyards, I had the pleasure of talking with Peter about his role and vision for the future of Crane Creek. Without hesitation he shared that his vision is, “to offer a humble and relaxed atmosphere for everyone.” Crane Creek strives to offer a selection of wines so that there is a wine for every visitor to enjoy. Over 90 percent of the wines are made from estate grapes, so they plant new vines every year to keep up with increasing demand. Something I greatly appreciate is their commitment to keeping their wines affordable so they can be

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Aperitivo Fridays are held at the vineyard between May and October.

paired with family meals or enjoyed during various occasions. David Sanford, part of the Crane Creek “family” and host extraordinaire once shared that they focus on “good wine, good times, and good friends.” This is certainly the case! The various outdoor seating areas with beautiful mountain and vineyard views provide a space for everyone to rest, relax, and rejuvenate over nice wine and even a game of Bocci ball. Years ago, my wife and I sat ourselves in their Adirondack chairs to share great Crane Creek wine and loving memories of our dog, Max, who had just passed away. Somehow

spending a little time at the vineyard that day helped us through that difficult time. At other times we have witnessed a joyful wedding proposal, enjoyed various special events, and taken many friends to experience the Crane Creek hospitality and charm, and of course, the “vino delizioso!” Upon our recent visit, there were 14 wines available to taste and enjoy: • Three dry whites: Gruner Veltliner, Zusa, and Enotah. • Two off-dry whites: Traminette and Vidal Blanc. • Two semi-sweet: Apfelwein and Mountain Harvest White. See Wine, page 46

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LAKESIDE 41

Innovative ways to create storage and organize the chaos In home remodeling, the frustration I hear all too often is clients having too much stuff and no way to organize or store it all, whether it be in the kitchen, bathroom, or the whole house in general. This time of year, with family and friends visiting for the holidays, people especially want to get organized. This can be a huge cause of stress, even if you don’t realize it. There are lots of innovative ways to create storage solutions at home and organize the chaos. Not every home has ample closets or unfinished space options, especially if you have an older home. But first, is the obvious option: store infrequently needed items in an attic, basement, or crawl space. Most often, these have already been considered and utilized, so this goes without saying. For a crawl space, make sure the space is encapsulated for better humidity or temperature regulation and less chance of creepy-crawlies getting in your boxes. Similarly, for an attic or basement, the better insulated it is, the better your things will be protected. With the obvious is out of the way, let’s talk about some cre-

ing. However, there are much more sophisticated systems out Sara there that have not only hooks, Bagwell but shelves, baskets, bins, and hanging rods, just to name a few. Design & Yet another place to find extra Remodel storage space is to think outside the box, or literally, think outside. Outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever with people spending more time at home, and nMORE INFO: tracytesmerremodeling.com there are ways to incorporate storage in these spaces. Bench seatative storage ideas. First, the ing can help create defined spaces space underneath a staircase can either in a porch or around a typically only partially be used firepit. Benches with a lift-up seat and is often turned into a small and hidden storage can house closet. But think about the space cushions, umbrellas, outdoor under each step or under the low- games, and any other items that est steps. This often just becomes are used outside and that there dead space. You can turn the ris- just isn’t room for inside the ers (the vertical part of each step) house. In addition to benches, into drawers or create a bookcase there are also ottomans, coffee tain the side of your staircase. Eibles, side tables, and chests that ther of these options allow for both look great in your outdoor more usable space under a stairliving area and can incorporate case. hidden storage. Another option is to utilize slat The kitchen is a common place walls, these could help organize where people struggle with findareas like a garage, basement, ing a place for everything. There utility room, playroom, or craft are so many gadgets and appliroom. Most people are familiar ances, that a lot of them end up with slat wall systems in a garage on the counters. Of course, the or commercial setting, which inideal place for these items would cludes hooks and pegs for hangbe in the cabinets or a pantry, but

if you don’t have any space in those left, try bringing in a piece of furniture. A hutch, cupboard, or buffet table that sits against a kitchen or dining room wall could easily store these items. You’ll be bringing in a statement piece, while also hiding away those items that you need easy access to but want out of sight. If it is in your budget to redo your kitchen cabinets, I always recommend putting in new cabinets to the ceiling. This will give you more storage while also eliminating the dreaded dustcatching space above cabinets that stop short of the ceiling. The last storage idea might seem like a simple one, but it can have a big impact: replace your builder grade wire shelving in all your closets with custom closet shelving systems. We all know the pain of pantry items falling through the opening between the wires and the closet floor being filled with all the items that don’t work or fit on a single wire shelf. By having closet systems in-

PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING

Sectioned cabinetry allows for an organized closet.

stalled, or even installing them yourselves, you’ll be able to customize where you have hanging rods, open shelving, drawers, dividers, baskets, shoe shelves, and even hampers or trash cans (depending on the area). This customization allows for easy organization and easy access when you need it. The thought of organization and storage can seem overwhelming when you don’t feel like you have the space or the time, but there are tons of smart storage solutions out there to help you! Sara Bagwell is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.

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December 2020

Grand Hotel is modern example of southern hospitality on Mobile Bay Though I was raised entirely in the South, I have traveled the world for so many years that the true warmth and friendliness of my early roots had faded into distant memory until I recently visited the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa on Mobile Bay in Alabama (www.grand1847.com). Southern hospitality is a wellworn set term that have enough definitions to fill a lengthy novel, but to those of us who lived it … it’s very simple. It always starts with a warm smile that is the same for everyone you meet with no pre-judgment. We keep family and friends close, open doors for ladies and children, enjoy great food and drink and do everything at a slower pace. Even before I got out of my car upon arriving at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa at Point Clear, Alabama, a smiling gentleman named George immediately revived that warm feeling of southern hospitality! Although later when I met with my host and hotel marketing director, Kevin Hellmich, he told me that here it’s called “Alabama Hospitality!” Like most first time visitors to the “Grand,” I went for a stroll among the huge live oak trees that give shade to the beautiful lagoon in the middle of the protected compound. Then I ventured out to the big water to enjoy a long walk along the edge of the picturesque and expansive Mobile Bay. One can feel the history of this magical place that has survived wars and hurricanes since its beginning in 1847 … especially every afternoon when the local historian gives a short talk complete with flag and drumbeat before firing the famous canon across the bay. Many wounded Southern soldiers stayed here during the Civil War when it served as a hospital. The hotel was used as a training base during World War II for U.S.

Bill Vanderford Travel Editor

n MORE INFO: JFish51@aol.com www.georgiafishing.com PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

Army and Air Force troops to practice amphibious landings. Upon entering the spacious and meticulously appointed lobby through a massive double door, one can see a double-sided fireplace and many comfortable chairs. However, seating is not important because anyone entering is met with a smile of Alabama Hospitality by the front desk staff. My guest room was in Building 3 which was a short drive along the backside of the lagoon to an inside parking spot and an elevator to the 4th floor. The room was well lighted and comfy including a balcony with a fabulous view of the hotel grounds, lagoon and Mobile Bay. Each room has a heavenly bed, chair, ottoman, desk for working, modern coffee maker and mini-refrigerator. The bathroom is large with lighted make-up mirror, a hair dryer. The best part is the roomy shower with instant warm water! Breakfast the next morning while gazing at Mobile Bay through the huge glass windows of the Grand Hall Restaurant inside the hotel brought other memorable moments. The meal was unique with ingredients that were locally caught or produced and woven into a mouth watering tapestry: The Grand Hotel Lump Crab Scramble is one of Al-

The daily firing of the historic cannon.

The beautiful lagoon between the entrance gate and the front of the Grand Hotel.

abama’s 100 Dishes to Try before You Die! However, it was the atmosphere and service created by a wonderful southern lady and restaurant manager, Aniese Harris, that made the experience unforgettable! After the great meal, I drove across the street to enjoy the first of two challenging Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail championship golf courses at the Lakewood Club which is part of the Grand Hotel Resort. The Dogwood course is a picturesque and meticulously maintained 7,104 yard, 18-hole, 72-par course that wanders through pines, magnolias and ancient oaks. It is also the home to a great number of rare browncolored fox squirrels and some of the fastest greens west of the Masters! What an adrenaline rush for any golfer or outdoor enthusiast! The evening was brought to a scrumptious crescendo after a magnificent sunset across Mobile Bay from the Grand’s signature restaurant … Southern Roots! The service was perfect and the beef tenderloin, crab cake and gumbo sent my taste buds into orbit! The next morning opened with another fabulous breakfast at the Grand Hall with Ms. Harris and her hospitable staff followed by golf at Azalea, which is the second course at the Lakewood Club. This 72-par course is 7,202 yards of rolling fairways and impeccably groomed, extremely fast greens that is somewhat different than Dogwood, but just as challenging and enjoyable! After a few days of breathtaking vistas, mouthwatering cuisine, historical education, challenging

Looking up the fairway at #1.

Looking at Mobile across the Bay from the Grand Hotel. Clockwise from left: Fishermen and boaters enjoy the pristine waters in the bay. Nearing sunset. The Grand Hotel lump crab scramble breakfast.

golf and plenty of Alabama Hospitality at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, the thought of returning to Atlanta was not my first choice. Nevertheless, like so many before me, another journey to this unforgettable destination

will be high on my bucket list! Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.

December 2020

LAKESIDE 43

ONE OF A KIND BEAUTIFUL GATED LAKEFRONT HOME! Coastal Breeze Meets Lakeside Manor

First floor open concept. Great room - eat in kitchen w/dining for 8-12. Guest room w/sitting room/office. 5 full baths. Family room w/rustic styled wood covered walls and see through FP. HOT (or cooled) Yoga room off of fam rm. overlooks Lake & Pool. Glassed/Screened heated & cooled Poker Room off of kitchen. Walls of windows overlooking Lake Lanier, Lagoon-style heated salt water pool & spa and outdoor kitchen w/bar seating for four. Festive lighting for this outdoor Oasis, for your entertaining pleasure. Second floor w/Three en-suites! Master has private balcony overlooking woods and Lake Lanier. One of three en suites has separate HVAC! Second stairway leads to finished bunk room w/separate HVAC! Terrace level W/Large LR, EatIn kitchen, Bedroom, Large bathroom and Laundry room w/more closet and storage space. Terrace level opens onto covered sitting & dining spaces, backyard Oasis! Gentle walk to single slip dock w/power,water and three 1 yr. new Jet Ski ports! Two car garage w/wall of cabinets (w/ approved plans as four car garage). This gated lakefront property is available fully furnished, including 2019 Regal Bow Rider and Three 2018 Yamaha WaveRunners.

All for Only $1.495 million!

Best deal on South end of Lake Lanier! â&#x20AC;˘ Owner/seller Melinda Miller (770) 855-5926

44 LAKESIDE

December 2020

EXIT 14

General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.......770 945-9531 Water Release Schedules ..............770 945-1466 Recreation/Water level Info ...........770 945-1467 DNR, Law Enforcement Division....800 241-4113 Lake Lanier Association Inc...........770 503-7757 Boating Safety Courses US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 29.....770 891-6362 Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron .....770 734-6412 Marinas 1. Aqualand .................................770 967-6811 2. Bald Ridge ...............................770 887-5309 3. Gainesville ...............................770 536-2171 4. Habersham ..............................770 887-5432 5. Holiday ....................................770 945-7201 6. Port Royale..............................770 887-5715 7. Lanier Harbor .............CLOSED AS OF 2/4/14 8. Lazy Days at Holiday ...............770-945-1991 9.Hideaway Bay ...........................770 967-5500 10.Sunrise Cove ............................770 536-8599 11.Sunset Cove .............................678 304-3157

December 2020

LAKESIDE 45 FORSYTH COUNTY

RUSTIC LAKE CABIN IN PROTECTED COVE SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

Jill Baugus Associate Broker, Realtor

678-776-0746 jill@LakeHomes.com

CAPTIVATING BIG WATER VIEWS THAT ARE ONLY MATCHED BY THIS MAGNIFICENT ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOME TO BE BUILT BY LEE WAGNER! Exclusive gated community of $million+ lakefront homes. This highly sought-after location features the largest allowable private double slip dock located in the clearest of deep waters with miles of spectacular longrange, open water views.

CAPTIVATING VIEWS!

AWESOME 4 BEDROOM RUSTIC LAKE CABIN in the beautiful and sought-after Chestatee Bay area of Lake Lanier in Forsyth County.Private 32'x32' double slip dock with full party deck in drought-proof water!

FORSYTH COUNTY LAKE LOT

BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY

PENDING

20+ Years of Representing Buyers and Sellers, and a Lifetime of Experience on Lake Lanier

Captivating Big Water Views That Will Absolutely Take Your Breath Away! 1st time on market. Build your dream home in this exclusive gated community overlooking Chestatee Bay. Large private DS dock located in the clearest of deep waters. $850,000 Forsyth

LAKE LOT WITH DOCK

1.24 ACRE LAKEFRONT LOT

Experience Matters.

JUST LISTED

Beautiful cul-de-sac lot in established upscale Hall County swim/tennis/lake neighborhood with a private 32'x 32' double slip dock in drought-proof water! $275,000

1.24 acre lakefront lot in a nice Gainesville lake neighborhood of upscale homes on larger sized lot. Private single slip dock and permit. No association dues. $199,000

First time on market in generations! Tremendous opportunity to have that picture perfect and rarest of lakefront homesites that offers completely clear wide open breathtaking views with gentle grass to water and grandfathered mowing permit AND grandfathered boathouse. $575,000

Nice Forsyth County lake lot with a Corps line close to the water to capture great water views! Gentle walk to existing Private Dock and Permit for a 28' x 30' single slip deep water dock. Great area of the lake off Chestatee Bay and nice area of homes. $330,000

LakeLanierLiving.com

1-866-LAKEHOMES

NORMAN MOOLENAAR Associate Vice President

770-539-1994 Cell • 770-718-5226 Office • nmoolenaar@gonorton.com

SELLING LAKE LANIER ONE DOCK AT A TIME 00 $895,0

770 536-1250

www.gonorton.com

First time on market! Exquisite peninsula lot. 3 sides of big water views. Very gentle terrain in a desirable close in location. S/S covered boat dock in drought proof deep water. Perfect for an executive gated lake estate. This is a prime Lake Lanier offering.

00 $600,0

D L O S 77,700) ($6

Gainesville intown Lake Lanier estate! 400 feet of Corp with panoramic big water lake views. 4BR / 3.5BA , updated kitchen, vaulted great room, sunroom, full finished terrace level with massive work shop. 4 car detached garage plus 2 car attached carport. Maintenance free 32X32 double slip covered boat dock with lifts. Home needs lots of TLC and renovations but sits on a 500k lake lot.

00 $375,0

$150k

SOLD

$95k

2.8 acre Lake Lanier lot in exclusive North Hall executive neighborhood. Amenities include tennis and clubhouse.Shaded lake views. Come build your lake estate! NO DOCK PERMIT.

Lake Laceola is a private, gated community outside Cleveland, GA. The lake is 4 miles long and 1/2 mile wide with deep water. There is a clubhouse w/pool and boat ramp for all residents of the Commnity along with boat storage facilities. The topography is stunning with high hills above a deep water lake with shaded lake views. Lots starting at $30k.

D L O S

One of the last estate sized lake lots (6.20 acres) on Lake Lanier. Very private with long Sunset Cove Views. Deep water cove was recently dredged and rip rapped. Graded building lot overlooking cove with almost new 32 x 32 aluminum covered dock with party deck. Two gated entrances, existing well and septic permit. Come finish the dream!

46 LAKESIDE

December 2020

Holiday Boat Parade set for December 12 By Pamela A. Keene Registration is open for the 2020 Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Lanier. It will take place December 12. The event will raise funds for the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Home and the Hall County Sheriff’s Dive Team. “This year we’re really focusing on making sure people can view the parade from many places along the shoreline,” said Richard Pickering, organizer of

the annual event. “All boats will gather near Port Royale then parade down the lake past the big marinas and several parks to the dam before ending up back at

Margaritaville.” Suggested donation amounts to enter the parade are $75 for boats under 30 feet, $125 for boats 30 to 35 feet, and $200 for boats larger than 35 feet. “We’re hoping to have even more participants this year,” Pickering said. “Last year almost 60 boats joined us.” To register or for more information, go to the group’s Facebook page at 2020 Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Lanier.

• Wine

Visit www.LakeLanierGear.com for Lake Lanier gifts, Hooded Sweatshirts, Long Sleeve Lake Map T's & more! We also do custom logo apparel & gifts! Check out our Lake Allatoona designs too!

Wishing YOU a very MERRY CHRISTMAS & Happy New Year!

678-662-9227 Like us on Facebook

In & Out Dock Dock Moving Specialist

Continued from Page 40 • One dry rose: Villard Noir. • One semi-sweet rose: Mountain Harvest Blush. • Two dry reds: Raven and Noiret. • One off-dry red: Mountain Harvest Red. • One sweet red: Red-Headed Stepchild (I like this one chilled). • One dry Bubbly: Sassafras Peter is currently creating some “small batch” wines. The next produced will be about 300 bottles of a sparkling red. As far as total annual production, Peter said Crane Creek produces about 5,000 cases of wine a year, consistent with a mid-size boutique

Short Sleeve - $15 Long Sleeve - $20 Crewneck Sweatshirts Lake Hoodies - $29 - $25 Hoodie - $29

winery. Future plans include a new Tuscan styled tasting room with a target date of Spring 2021. The building is already complete and sits on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful vineyard. COVID-19 caused a small lull in business, but business has picked back up during the fall with plenty of room to spread out at the vineyard. There is also an onsite restaurant, Paris & Company, that is described as fabulous. Quick Facts: Crane Creek Vineyards, 916 Crane Creek Rd., Young Harris, GA 30582. 706379-1236.

Tasting room hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1p.m.-5 p.m., closed Monday. Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com. Many years ago, it was Eric who taught me my tagline for this column: “Think Globally, Drink Locally!” Georgia native Don Duval grew up going to Lake Lanier and keeps a boat at one of the marinas. He and his wife have a passion for good wine, good food, and of course, the lake. He can be reached at lakesidenews@mindspring.com.

• Refloat, repaint, redeck • Pressure wash, stain or seal • Shoreline steps • Party decks • General repairs • Ramp wheels, anchor poles • Shoreline winches & cables

Swim Docks 16x16 w 20ft ramp. New decking, winches, cables, shore stakes and set up - $8,000 (Doesn't include removal of old dock.)

“We’ll move your dock anywhere and will watch it all year long”

Jeff Thomson • Cell: 770-310-9337 Email: inandoutdocks1@gmail.com

Martin Docks, Inc. Serving Lanier ‘In the Spirit of Excellence’ Since 1956

770-475-3252 Free Estimates • Grading • Hauling • Landscape installation • Lot clearing • Concrete removal • Timber or allan block retaining walls • Pathway clearing & maintenance • Commercial and residential demolition • Mulching (red, brown, cypress) • Fill dirt, topsoil, screened topsoil • Licensed & Insured • References Available

Grading • Hauling • Landscaping

Boat Lift, PWC Lift, Custom Lift Designs for Watercraft of All Kinds

Dealer for

5303 Browns Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30503

www.martindocksinc.com 770 536-0189 Fax: 770 536-4444 Toll-Free: 1-888-536-0189

• Year-Round Maintenance & Repair Service • Dockwatch - Year Long Maintenance Plan • Repairs, Re-decks, Adjustments, Refloats, Additions • Electrical Packages Available • Custom Built Boat Docks Aluminum & Steel • Residential, Commercial & Community Docks • Cellofoam & Formex Floats • Ramps and Gangways • Shoreline Steps • Rip Rap • Dredging • Dock Accessories • Used Docks, Consignments & Trade-Ins Welcome • Serving Lanier, Allatoona, Hartwell & Surrounding Lakes

December 2020

LAKESIDE 47

CLASSIFIEDS STORAGE

AUTOS Contact Rich Kemp, Your Car Guy, at 702 577-6777. Atlanta Luxury Motors, Mall of Georgia, for your next preowned vehicle.

Storage near Old Federal boat ramp Popstop. $60 per month, uncovered. 770-9679379.

FOR SALE

Thanks for using Lakeside classifieds!

Business for sale: Popstop, bed and breakfast. Fishcamp/bait store & convenience store. 770-967-9379.

MISCELLANEOUS Generator maintenance service available for Kohler, Onan, Northern Lights, Westerbeke and more. Flat rate troubleshooting! Reasonable hourly repair rate! Save money! Call John at 770 847-7176.

LIST YOUR CLASSIFIED: Lakeside on Lanier Classifieds Only $15 per Month! Up to 20 words, then only 25 cents per word after that! Call 770-287-1444 or online at www.lakesidenews.com.

Recreation Guide for Lake Lanier Provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers The Corps of Engineers welcomes you to beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier. Located just 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, the lake offers some of the finest camping opportunities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Info: www.lakesidenews.com/camping.

www.lakesidenews.com

n MORE INFO: Water release schedules - 770 945-1466 Lake information - 770 945-1467 Corps of Engineers - 770 945-9531 www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil Works/Recreation/LakeSidneyLanier.aspx

Search: Lakeside on Lanier

Vesper’s Marine Service “Quality and Service You Can Depend On”

Marine Repair at Your Location! • Expert Marine Repair

The Market for Classic Antiques & Collectibles, Unique Home & Garden Decor, Art & Jewelry Inclcluding Nautical & Lake Decor

• Over 25 Years Experience

December 4, 5, 6*

• Factory Trained Service on: Mercruiser, Mercury, OMC and Volvo Penta

Antiques and Christmas Gift Market * Held the 1st weekend of December not the 3rd.

• Service on Most Makes and Models Vesper’s Marine Service 548 Station Trail Dawsonville, GA 30534 Phone: 678-557-4468 Fax: 770-887-4468

Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-6 • Sun 10-5 Tickets: $3.00 • Good All Weekend Children Under 12 Free

www.lakewoodantiques.com

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market

1321 Atlanta Highway • Cumming, GA 30040

770-889-3400

48 LAKESIDE

December 2020

TRACY TESMER

Design • Remodeling

NORTHEAST GEORGIA'S PREMIER DESIGN/BUILD FIRM Custom designs and professional remodeling services including: Kitchens & Bathrooms | Home Additions | Basements | Age in Place Remodeling & Design

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION! 678-582-2085 | tracytesmerremodeling.com Voted “Best of Hall” 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019