Marinas information

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. On-site eatery: Smokey Q BBQ Store hours: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat./Sun. Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 11/17/22) $4.79; $4.79 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.

GAINESVILLE MARINA Hours of operation: Office, 8 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 11/17/22) $5.59 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.) Ship Store Seasonal: Open May-September 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.

HABERSHAM MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Dock/Store, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Closed on Sundays 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 11/17/22) $4.69 Security: Yes Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available.

HARBOR LANDING Hours of operation:Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week 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 11/17/22) $6.79 non-ethanol, $6.29 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. 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 11/17/22) $6.49 premium; $6.59 unleaded; $6.99 diesel 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

LAZY DAYS (at Holiday on Lake Lanier) Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 6 days a week. Closed on Tuesdays.. 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 11/17/22) $6.49 regular 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. Pre-Fueling service, wash racks; Wet Slips-gated/private parking, golf cart valet service, in-slip pump out.

PORT OF INDECISION MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week (Call 470-323-3490 prior to arrival) 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, (254 units, up to 40’), all covered Types of fuel: non ethanol. Price of fuel: (as of 11/17/22) $6.49 regular, non-ethanol On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Margaritaville

PORT ROYALE MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Leasing/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Service Store/Ship Store, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week (Closed Dec. 24-31) 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'. Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 11/17/22) $5.49 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.

SAFEHARBORAQUALAND MARINA Hours of operation:Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; Closed Sundays 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 11/17/22) $6.49, non-members; $5.99, members (Dock/Ship Store open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 days a week.) 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.

SAFEHARBORHIDEAWAY BAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock - 9 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 11/17/22) $6.49, non-members; $5.99, members 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.

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 11/17/22) $6.59 with 5 percent off with Advantage Membership. Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility. Pump out open only during office hours.

$375 $80/hr $135+ for labor only

By Pamela A. Keene

If you haven’t driven through downtown Flowery Branch lately, do it. You’ll find that the formerly single-street community has blossomed with new buildings, an airy pavilion, an amphitheater and an explosion of residential development from apartments above retail space, luxury townhomes and infill housing.

The Thursday afternoon farmers’ markets have been augmented by weekend festivals, concerts and outdoor activities, intended to draw area residents and visitors to downtown.

“We love our charm here but we’re bringing more events and activities to the community. This has been our vision since 2014 when we began working on our comprehensive plan,” said Mayor Ed Asbridge, who has served on the Flowery Branch City Council since June 2019. “It’s all starting to come together and we continue to receive accolades from people around the county.”

About a year ago, the city hired Renee Carden as downtown director. With her long-time experience in tourism and marketing development she has been a driving force in creating downtownfocused events throughout the year, as well as coordinating with new businesses and restaurants who want to make downtown Flowery Branch home.

Several new restaurants are opening in the next few months, including El Sabor Consteno Mexican food and 4 Elephants featuring Laotian specialties. They’ll join restaurants Antebellum, Peyton’s Pies, Beer Me taproom and Whole Bean Café.

The city’s landmark retail locations include Liberty Candy Company and Sample Pleasures, plus several service businesses include Carpe Diem Salon, Edward Jones Investments and a child psychologist’s practice.

“The new farmers’ market pavilion and our new amphitheater are both big draws to bring people downtown,” Carden said. “And our goal is to create more festivals and activities here. There are so many people with a Flowery Branch mailing address who have never been to downtown. We hope to change that.”

Several years ago, the south side of Main Street was rebuilt with street-level retail and restaurant space and second-floor apartments. “The apartments are all leased, and we’re making great progress in the retail space,” she said.

The area has attracted residential growth as well. The Gibson Apartments at the intersection of Phil Niekro Boulevard and I-985 have a high occupancy rate. Two rows of luxury townhomes on the west side of downtown are seeing traction with buyers.

“More than a half-dozen of the 19 row houses are under contract already,” she said. “New infill housing and remodeling of existing single-family homes is going on at a good pace as well.”

Carden points to the town’s proximity to Lake Lanier as a benefit for residents. “The lake is only about a half-mile from downtown, an easy walk,” she said. “Along with our access to I985, Flowery Branch is an excel-

lent place to live.” Flowery Branch’s commercial development along Thurmon Tanner Parkway provides jobs as well as improving the tax base for the city. Retail shopping centers Village Shops of Flowery Branch and Stone Bridge Village on the east side of I-985 make it possible for residents to shop local. “Part of our vision is to help balance commercial and residenAsbridge tial growth here in Flowery Branch,” he said. “This will help us keep taxes down and benefit the city and the people living here. It will take some time but getting people involved and active in what we’re doing is a big part of our plan.”

Housing is becoming more available downtown. Historic Downtown Flowery Branch.

PHOTOS BY PAMELA A KEENE

Waterfowl hunting season open

By Pamela A. Keene

A signed posted at Thompson Bridge Park, aka Dunlap’s Landing, reads, “Caution: Goose Hunting Season, September through January.” Yes, it’s true. Waterfowl hunting is allowed on Lake Lanier.

“Goose and waterfowl hunting has always been allowed in certain closed parks in accordance with state hunting regulations and laws,” said Tim Rainey, operations project manager at the Lake Lanier Corps of Engineers Project Management Office. “Our staff and the department of Natural Resources Staff discuss and agree which closed areas are suitable for hunting each year.”

Dan Barnes, chief of natural resources for the Corps of Engineers at Lake Lanier, explained further.

“Waterfowl hunting is an annual activity on certain public lands,” Barnes said. “We work with the state to help expand hunting opportunities in accordance with state law.”

Here is the list of Corps’ parks that allow waterfowl hunting: • Allowed in the following closed campgrounds: Duckett Mill, Old Federal, Bald Ridge, Sawnee and Bolding Mill. • Allowed in the closed portion of the following Day Use Recreation Areas: Lanier Park (located in Gwinnett County), Keith’s Bridge, Mountain View, Belton Bridge, Long Hollow, Robinson Park, Nix Bridge, Old Federal, Sardis Creek, Thompson Bridge and Lumpkin County Park.

The intent, Barnes clarified, is to allow people to hunt waterfowl as a food source.

“Since additional parks were closed this year, those parks were added to the discussion,” Rainey said. “Some were identified as suitable and some were not.”

Georgia hunting seasons and limits summaries can be found at eregulations.com/georgia/hunting/hunting-seasons-limits-summary.

PHOTO BY VICKI HOPE Thompson Bridge Park is closed for goose hunting.

First Responders honored at COE appreciation lunch

By Pamela A. Keene

It has become a tradition for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host an appreciation lunch for the area’s First Responders.

“More than 50 First Responders from various agencies around Lake Lanier attended our event this year,” said Tim Baker, treasurer of Friends of Lake Lanier Inc., a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that supports projects of the Corps. “It is just one way that we’re able to show the people who work tirelessly to keep the lake a fun and safe place to live and to enjoy how much they are appreciated.”

Agencies invited to the luncheon included Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, fire department and 911 operators; Gwinnett City police, fire department and 911 operators; Hall County Sheriff’s Office, fire department and 911 operators; Gainesville City Police Department; Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, fire department and 911 operators; Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, fire department and 911 opera-

CREDIT US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Members of the Corps of Engineers’ staff chatted with First Responders at the recent appreciation luncheon. tors; plus Georgia Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Held at Landshark Landing at Margaritaville, the luncheon was funded by Friends of Lake Lanier and area donors.

“By virtue of our Cooperating Association Agreement, we work closely with the Corps at Lake Lanier to support initiatives that they deem essential in the areas of recreation in the campgrounds and parks, water safety, and natural resources,” Baker said. “Our mission aligns with theirs.”

Friends of Lake Lanier funds several events each year, including the three Water Safety Meetings with area First Responders in advance of major holidays. It also spearheads the annual Life Jacket Donation/Loaner program, collecting new and gently used life jackets that supply the Corp’s 20 Life Jacket Loaner stations located in the parks and campgrounds around the lake. For more information or to make a donation to Friends of Lake Lanier, visit group’s Facebook page. It maintains a website at www.friendsoflakelanier. org that includes details about its initiatives and how to volunteer.