Lakeside on Lanier November 2022

PHOTO BY VICKI HOPE

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, Vinnie Mendes, Sara Bagwell, O’Neill Williams, Frank Taylor

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 Lake side, its staff or its advertisers. Manuscripts and photographs sub mitted will be considered for publi cation. Lakeside cannot be held responsible for such materials in case of damage or loss.

Clarifying this year’s upcoming lake levels

By Pamela A. Keene

Let’s address the information head-on about lake levels.

“We intentionally dropped the lake level to 1069’ msl in late July to finish the erosion control work at Old Federal Camp ground. This action was within our normal operating authorities and procedures. Current water re leases are supporting downstream needs and have been reduced to 1-2 hours of generation per day.

This action is also within our nor mal operating authorities and pro cedures,” said Tim Rainey, operations project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engi neers’ Buford Dam office.

As of mid-October, lake levels were in the 1066 range the week of October 17, according to offi cials. The current 4-week forecast (as of mid-October) projects a drop of another foot to 1065.5 by the middle of November.

“Right now, we’re really just waiting for rain and continuing reduced releases,” Rainey said.

Rainey also addressed delivery of services at the Buford Project Office and Lake Lanier.

“We’re essentially at the same budget level as we were 10 years dago – the same dollar amount –but because of no increases, even in consideration of inflation and the continued increase in visita tion, we are not able to provide

the same level of service as we did,” he said. “Our operations and maintenance have remained flat for the past decade.

“It would seem logical that with increased visitation and the collection of more fees, our budget would be larger, but re member that the fees collected at Lake Lanier are not kept here,” he continued.

“The fees generated here are sent to the US Treasury.”

GRAPHIC: USACOE

and her team were

Ken &

Michelle

Vicki

Snow comes to Margaritaville November 19 for holiday events

By Pamela A. Keene

Bundle up and get ready to celebrate the season at Margari taville with two holiday events –Lakeside Lights Spectacular

License to Chill Snow Island.

Both opening November 19, these celebrations call for a good chance of snow through early in 2023.

“Next to Blizzard Mountain and Snow Island’s walkable Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Margaritaville will be decked out in holiday finery for the whole family,” said Bucky Perry, vice president of operations for Islands Entertainment, which manages Margaritaville. “We’ll have snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides and millions of sparkling lights, plus festive food and visits with Santa.”

Now in its second year, Lake side Lights Spectacular is an elab orate holiday light display along the beach from Landshark Land

ing to Blizzard Mountain. Along the way, visitors can stroll through holiday light features that range from traditional displays to high-tech images and Margari taville-themed scenes.

License to Chill Snow Island includes the destination’s snow tubing on the 575-foot-long 8story-high Blizzard Mountain, Snowball Alley and skating at Frosty’s Ice Rink. Carnival rides fill the area with more brightly colored lights, a carousel, Ferris wheel and bumper cars.

Landshark Landing will be open for full-service dining. Gla cier Café near the Snowball Alley and Blizzard Mountain will serve hamburgers and hotdogs. “Spots for quick bites, beverages and snacks like popcorn and candied apples, have been set up through

out the area and guests can visit the firepits to make s’mores and just enjoy the spirit of the sea son,” Perry said. “This is one of our favorite times of the year at Margaritaville when we can transport guests to a winter won

derland.”

Visitors are greeted at Lanier Islands by its traditional animated holiday carousel just outside the gates. Holiday festivities begin on Saturday, November 19. Lakeside Lights Spectacular will be open

until mid-January. License to Chill Snow Island will remain open through late February. Spe cially priced season tickets are available for purchase until No vember 18 at www.margaritavil lelanierislands.com.

Gallery

Ann Alexander,

Prints,

Visual Arts

at:

Green Street, Gainesville,

565-B Shallowford

Anne Brodie Hill, ASMA, GWS

"Browns Bridge 1995, Lake Sidney Lanier” by Anne Brodie Hill

Lake

Lake

of fishing information and tips from area experts

majority of our bites. There has been a jig bite on shallow rocky points as well as around brush.

Bass fishing on Lake Lanier is fair. Finding the bass has not been hard but getting them to commit to a bait has been

The water temperature has been hanging in the low 70s to high 60s in recent days with the water level continuing to drop.

The shad are starting to school up and there is some top water ac tion happening but it is scattered and often just a single fish chas ing bait. We have been able to draw strikes on moving baits but often it is just a swing and a miss.

I had one bass recently hit a Gun fish six times on one retrieval without hooking up. The fish we have caught have come on a vari ety of lures. The Jerk shad has been steady for drawing strikes. A Slick Stick, Sebile and Gunfish have also caught fish. When you see suspended fish the Spotchoker with a three Keitech is a good bait to count down to the depth of the fish. We have been working these baits over humps and long points for the

Don’t forget to try the drop shot around deeper brush piles and humps using a Sweet Rosy or a Morning Dawn color. With the colder weather forecast to come in there should be some changes coming to the lake. The true fall schooling activity should be steadily picking up as well as the shallower jig and worm bite. The shad will continue to migrant to the backs of the creeks so be pre pared to follow them.

It seems that there is turnover going on across the lake so if you are in an area that you are seeing bubbles or the water is a dark dingy color move to a different area for more success. It is scat tered so there are still clean areas to fish.

This bass fishing report is by Phil Johnson, pjohnson15@hot mail.com, 770 366-8845.

Striper fishing Stripers are still using the river channel so your best bet is from Big Creek to Browns Bridge in the deep water.

Weighted flat lines and planet

boards seem to work the best. Blue backs and medium shiners and gizzards are working. Locate an area near a bend in the river and put your baits 60 to 120 feet back and staggered to cover as much water as possible. Top water has produced some fish. Remember to wear your life jackets.

This striper report is by Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide Serv ice, 404 510-1778.

Other fishing news Tournament: There will be a bass and crappie tournament on November 5, 2022 at War Hill Park. There is a 49-boat limit for this tournament. For more infor mation go to www.crappieon lanier.com. Contact Captain Josh Thornton at 770 530-6493 or jet9323@yahoo.com this is a ben efit tournament for www.fishing witheverydayheros.org.

Class: The Forsyth County Li brary will host a SONAR class on November 13, 2022, at 3 p.m. Address: Hampton Park Library at 5345 Settingdown Rd. Classes are subject to change without no tice. More info: www.southern fishing.com, 770 889 2654.

ENJOY SAFE FISHING ON THE LAKE!

Winter is a tough time of the year for fishing

Yes, I’ve been around the sun a few times and yes, for the fish erman, winter can be tough. If you’re a deer and bird hunter, you’re good.

Fishing? Tough. So, what can you do? For a significant bunch of time, you can ride over the bridges, look at the lakes, plan for and dream of crappie in the shal lows in February and largemouths and spots ranging in their spawn ing rituals.

Well, for you guys, here’s an idea that you can handle easily for a few days and fill some wel coming practice casts. Head South. Lake Seminole’s grassy flats and off colored water can and will produce dozens of hearty strikes. Full moon in December and January can get you through your obvious dreary moods.

Feeling aggressive? Pack up and give Okeechobee a few tries. Best Guide on ‘the big “O”’ is Tom Mann. He was a champion on Lanier a couple of decades ago and now is in residence in South Florida. Check out his website and place yourself holding a few of the eight pounders he catches daily. Bet you’ll be smiling.

Here’s an interesting note:

Okeechobee at about 500,000 acres is the largest freshwater lake in the US that is land bound. Great Lakes are larger but eventu ally connect by water to Canada’s land borders.

Then, too, how would you feel about a Georgia coastal adventure

for giant redfish and flashy speck led trout? Captain Mark Noble at Sea Island can handle that for you for sure. I’ve fished among those Georgia Islands with Mark many times and the “catch” can be as tounding with many days catch ing and releasing over 500 pounds of beautiful reds.

The minimum length for a red to keep is 14 inches and Mark’s advised minimum limit is 20 inches. In 10 trips with Mark, I’ve never caught a red small enough to legally keep. I’ve caught many over 40 pounds, however.

If heading to saltwater or south for gamers is not enough, let’s change species. Catfish! Where in the winter months is that worth while?

Captain Darryl Smith is the avenue to travel. You and three other guys can fish with Capt. Darryl on his 30-foot pontoon dragging cut bait over the sub merged islands and channel breaks at Santee Cooper Lakes but be prepared to harvest at least 200 to 700 pounds of giant whiskered faces.

Darryl holds 17 “line class” records and has caught many cats

of 100-plus pounds. I fished with Darryl about 10 times and was al ways glad that I’d brought along an extra-large cooler for the trip home. My biggest cat following Darryl’s instructions: 63 pounds.

O’Neill Williams has been a television, radio and print per sonality for more than 40 years and more recently has added pod casts

on demand to his repertoire.

How about this cat!

PHOTO PROVIDED BY O’NEILL WILLIAMS

O’Neill Williams O’Neill Outside

n MORE

Mark Noble.

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home w/ Dock & 4.91 Acres

Enjoying the autumn season – when our coast is clear

I grew up on the North Jersey shore, and when I was offered a job transfer to Georgia, it took quite a bit of soul searching to make the move. Four generations of us had grown up on top of that hill, just under the Twinlights Lighthouse, the highest point on the Atlantic Coast for a thousand miles each way. I thought about my ancestors. One grandfather left Armenia, another had left Poland and back in the 1840s an other had left Ireland, so I made the move. I love Georgia, but this time of year I sort of miss the Jer sey Coast in the off-season. In the summertime, the roads and restaurants, and beaches are all clogged with tourists. We were close enough to New York City that a bunch of people could pile into a car and drive down for the day. They blasted loud music and tossed beer cans and McDonald’s wrappers out the windows and were a general nuisance. Unfortu nately, the local economy de pended on tourist dollars, so we all put up with it. I kept trying to figure out how to get the tourists to just send their checks down without having to deliver the money in person, but it never worked out.

However, after Labor Day, just as if someone had pulled a switch, the influx of foreigners would stop, and we had the place to ourselves! Jimmy Buffet has a song called “When Our Coast Is Clear,” which just about describes it. There are no more cars clog ging the roads. The miles and miles of sandy beaches are free of people, except for an occasional surf fisherman, and the water is still warm enough to swim in. Once again, we could get around driving at the speed limit and get a parking space at the grocery store.

During the off-season, local bars and restaurants went way out of their way to provide excellent service and good prices, so they could keep their staff working and be able to pay the mortgage.

My brother’s bar was closed on Mondays to allow his staff to re

cuperate from the weekend, so we would check out the competition. One of our favorite places offered an all-you-can-eat steak special Monday nights.

Casey Jones was a casual restaurant with a railroad motif, containing a lot of old memora bilia and pictures of steam trains. The management loved us be cause we were more or less well behaved and drank enough beer that they didn’t lose any money on us. The waitresses loved us be cause we were good tippers and we loved it because it was always a good time.

We would each order a steak dinner. A nice cut of meat, well prepared with a baked potato, a big, tossed salad, and even a bas ket of freshly baked rolls. When we were done, we’d order another steak, and it would be just as good as the first, except it might be a slightly different cut of meat. (These were the pieces that would usually be sliced up for beef stroganoff or ground into ham burger.)

They didn’t provide to-go boxes on Monday nights, so I got this great idea to bring along a bunch of zip lock bags. I’d order my steak rare, and take one bite,

then it would quietly disappear into a bag. I’d ask the waitress if she would think I was a pig if I had just one more. Pretty soon the pockets of my windbreaker were bulging with bags of juicy meat. I told my buddies to keep close to me as we walked out of the restaurant so no one would no tice. But they kept bumping into me. Each time, my pockets would go “squish, squish, squish.” I did n’t know that when I was in the restroom, they had taken a steak knife and poked a bunch of holes

in my zip lock bags!

Now there were usually some stray dogs hanging around the dumpsters of restaurants and this one was no exception. I was halfway across the parking lot when the whole pack took off after me! I managed to scramble up on top of my car in time, but then I was stuck there. (This was long before we all had remote clickers on our key fobs to unlock the doors).

My buddies, meantime were

Vinnie Mendes

On the Water

The Jersey Shore off season. View looking north from Highlands and Sea Bright along the beaches of Sandy Hook.

The yearly metamorphosis has begun in North Georgia

Old man winter’s cold breath has descended on the North Geor gia Mountains and is opening the door to the annual beauty in the hills that changes everything. This natural conversion brings with it a kaleidoscope of gor geous colors that is a special gift for those who love nature, the mountains, wildlife, fishing and spectacular scenery.

Georgia’s northeastern moun tains are part of the Blue Ridge range, an extension of the Ap palachians, which runs from Vir ginia through North Carolina and continues for almost a hundred miles into Georgia. In the fall, thousands of people visit this ele vated region for breathtaking vis tas, traditional crafts and outdoor adventures.

When most of the boating ac tivity and mass humanity of sum mer have gone, and the cooler weather brings a quietness to the mountains, it becomes an entirely different environment. The sounds of loons, geese, ducks and other waterfowl fill the fall air with a symphony of song and nat ural beauty that again brings san ity to the beautiful outdoors. Most kids are back in school, hunters have taken to the woods, football is again a part of the weekly rou tine, and the cooler, receding wa ters have many people putting their boats in storage until next spring. For folks who love the peace and quiet, are interested in the diverse flora and fauna, or simply enjoy fishing, the fall sea son is the best time of year!

Because of the lack of rain lately, this year’s receding waters will expose many excellent tar gets of opportunity for anglers and trigger a faster fall transition … this cornucopia of colored leaves, hungry bass and wildlife make it a wonderful time for a day trip into the higher levels of Georgia. The unique colors that are seen in these mountains are partly due to the altitude, but mostly because of the variety of

n MORE INFO: JFish51@aol.com

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

plants and trees in this part of the Appalachian chain of mountains. In fact, more different species of trees and other flora exist here than in all of Europe ... from the fjords of Norway to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.

Many great picnic areas, campsites, waterfalls, rivers and trails allow visitors to enjoy the palette of fall colors inside North Georgia State Parks! Here are a few:

• Amicalola Falls State Park the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall

• Fort Mountain State Park stone fire tower

• Tallulah Gorge State Park rim overlooks and suspension bridge

• Unicoi State Park Anna Ruby Falls

• Vogel State Park Lake Trahlyta

As the sun slowly rises over the Georgia mountains during au tumn, a misty fog eerily engulfs the blue-tinted hills bringing a slight chill to the air that causes enough of a shiver to don a jacket. The cool breeze rustles the trees evoking a slight shaking of the changing leaves that makes a distinct, melodic sound. Soon sunlight filters in through the thick canopy of branches high lighting the gorgeous colors of fall. There is suddenly a relaxing feeling that is perfect for dispers ing stress and allowing peace and

An old farm in the north Georgia mountains, above. Fall fishing, below.

tranquility to enter one’s being. This is what continually brings myself and so many others back to the North Georgia Mountains every fall to experience this pic turesque majesty one more time!

Bill Vanderford has won nu merous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Fresh water Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.

Bill Vanderford

Travel Editor

heron skims

Color at Mt. Yonah.

Geese, young fox, blue heron, female mallard and a fall bass catch, clock wise from left.

great weather inaugural Lake Lanier Boat Show draws crowds

By Pamela A. Keene

Nearly 2,000 people attended the inaugural Lake Lanier Boat Show the weekend of October 1416. Organizers and boat dealers said they are pleased with the turnout.

“It was an amazing show for our first time,” said Tabor Reins, president of the Marine Trade As sociation of Metropolitan Atlanta. “The turnout was great, the weather cooperated and attendees were engaged with our dealers.”

“It gave us as dealers a chance to get back to the basics of con necting boaters with boats, plus it allowed people to see boats in the water, and that’s how it should be,” he said. “It was a fun atmos phere for visitors and with such great weather, we’re hearing that everyone had a successful show.”

Dealers brought more than 200 boats, including 2022 in-stock in ventory and preview boats for the 2023 model year.

Atlanta Marine sold or placed orders for 16 boats, a combina tion of 2022 and 2023 boats.

“We had a great deal of foot traffic and that’s just what we wanted,” said Kelly Seagroves, marketing manager for Atlanta Marine’s six locations. There was

The boat show was held at Lanier Islands’ Landshark Landing.

a steady flow of people and they were really interested in the new models. “When I told people that we’d be back again in March, they were so excited,” she said.

Atlanta Marine’s Vice Presi dent of Sales Larry Sosnow agrees. “The company set goals for this show and it exceeded our expectations. We’re really excited for the March show.”

The beautiful weather con tributed to the success of the show.

“Everything really came to gether for the weekend,” said Grass Shack co-owner Michael Prince. “All our 2022 models were sold before we got there, so

it was a great time to showcase our new 2023 products. Many people placed orders for next spring.”

The show has given the organ ization insight into further possi ble expansion and improvements for the weekend of March 3-5, 2023, also to be held at Margari taville.

“We’re already at work for the March show, bringing in more marine-related vendors for acces

sories and other boating needs, plus more food trucks and activi ties for families,” said Heidi Moore with the Marine Trade As sociation of Metropolitan Atlanta and general manager of Skier’s Marine.

“March will be the perfect time for people to purchase or order their boats for the 2023 sea son,” Reins said. “And it’s a great way to kick-off recreation for next spring, summer and fall.”

Visitors have a bird’s eye view from a dock at the boat show.

Clear water, blue skies and comfortable temperatures lasted through out the weekend.

PHOTOS BY VICKI HOPE

Tips for staying safe when boating in the wintertime

As a lover of the water, this time of year brings about mixed feelings for me. Yes, it’s beautiful outside and that can make for some wonderful days on the water. The chill in the air is also a reminder that winter is not far away. I do use my boat during the colder months, but of course it is not the same. One of the big dif ferences is how I prepare for a day of boating in winter. Let’s face it, a day on the water in Jan uary is different than a day in July. An unexpected fall over board can be very different and can end up in disaster.

So how do you still enjoy your boat safely when its cold outside?

Here are a few tips:

• Dress warmly This seems ob vious, but it is amazing how many people ignore it. It’s easy to just throw on a light jacket as if we were taking a quick trip to the convenience store up the street. You should dress as if you will be out in the cold for the entire day. Staying warm allows you to focus on what you are doing and makes the trip more enjoyable.

• Wear a life jacket – Let’s face it. Most of us have life jackets on our boats but we don’t often wear them unless we are using them to

The Careful Captain

and no one knows where you are, it could be hours or days before assistance arrives.

• Check the weather – Make sure you are ready for what Mother Nature is going to do that day. You don’t want to get out on the water and realize that it is much colder, windier and/or wet ter than expected.

A few extra minutes preparing for your trip can give you peace of mind while out on the water.

Frank is past commander of

• Mendes

Continued from Page 14

America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”

float in the water or unless we get into a situation where we feel we might actually need to have one on. If you are boating in winter, it is a good idea to always have it on, especially if you are alone.

Falling in cold water when it is 45 degrees outside is no joke. Often the shock of the cold water causes your muscles to freeze making swimming difficult to almost im possible. Having a life jacket on can save your life.

• Have a float plan – This just means you need to let someone know where you are going. In summertime, there are plenty of boats on the lake. If something unfortunate happens to you, there will most likely be someone near who can render assistance. Dur ing colder months, boat traffic can be fairly sparse. If you are victim to an unfortunate event

• Carry a VHF radio We all use cell phones for communica tions these days, but they have their limitations. They often don’t do well when wet and they don’t float. A good VHF radio is de signed for use in harsh conditions and many of the handheld models also float. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t take your cell phone but take a radio as well.

• Make sure your vessel is ready

This is important anytime you go out on the water, but it is espe cially important in winter. Check fuel, batteries, fluid levels, etc. There is never a good time to have an equipment breakdown on the water but having one in cold weather is the worst.

Cold weather does not have to hinder you from boating. It sim ply means that you should take some extra precautions to ensure safety.

convulsed with laughter, thinking it was the best enter tainment they’d seen in weeks!

Finally, I took one of the bags and heaved it as far as I could across the parking lot, and when the dogs took off after it, I scrambled down into the safety of the car and made my escape. The story made the rounds, and I was a folk hero for a couple of weeks until some other idiot took over the title.

Here on Lake Lanier, there is no real cut off between the seasons. They all just slide gracefully into one another. We get some of our best sail ing in the fall due to the

winds, but hardly anyone no tices the missing power boats. There are still comparatively warm days in winter when we hop into the boats and go out, just because we can. For diehard sailors, all the local sailing clubs schedule races and parties throughout the year.

Yeah, I miss those days up north, but some parts not so much as others!

Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for the past 25 years. His fam ily owns a marina/bar/restau rant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”

ENJOY SAFE BOATING ON THE LAKE!

Winter Fun at Margaritaville Lanier Islands

Enjoy the winter season with a visit to License to Chill Snow Island and the Lakeside Lights Spectacular at Margaritaville Lanier Islands for a time of wintry fun! Create special memories for the whole family with snow tubing, amusement rides, ice skating, and playing in the snow.

Frank Taylor

LLOP nets Regional US Rowing Youth Championships next May

By Pamela A. Keene

Youth rowers from across the Southeast will compete for re gional honors at Lake Lanier Olympic Park next May.

The venue continues to wel come world-class athletes and competitions more than 25 years after it hosted the 1996 Summer Games.

Six regional youth champi onships will take place in the Central, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and South east on the same weekend of May 13-14. They are qualifiers for the USRowing Youth National Championships June 8-11 in Sarasota, Fla.

The event marks a return to the championship rotation for the Lake Lanier venue. The six youth regional events will allow closer access to young paddlers across the country.

“Reconnecting with USRow ing will not only help the organi zation achieve its mission of breathing new life into summer competition, it will play an im portant role to help Gainesville and Lake Lanier be catalysts for that change,” said Robyn Lunch, director of tourism for the city.

“It is exciting for us to once

again host a youth rowing event of this caliber.”

Officials estimate that the event will bring in more than 1,300 athletes and have a $750,000 economic impact to benefit local businesses and hote liers and those providing goods and services.

“The City of Gainesville and the Gainesville Sports Alliance have continued to invest in the venue and it is drawing national attention,” Lynch said.

“With the newly renovated boathouse slated for completion in spring 2024, we will be wellpositioned to stage even more world-class athletes in a facility that will be among the best in the world.”

The park has long been a train ing site for teams from across the nation who come South to train in milder winters. From January to early April 2023, officials antici pate more than 18-20 collegiate teams will come to Gainesville from such places as Notre Dame, Michigan and Virginia.

Additionally, events like Sep tember’s Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Festival, the John Ferriss Regatta and the American Youth Cup keep Gainesville and Lake Lanier at the forefront of both competitive sports.

To learn more about Lake Lanier Olympic Park and the Greater Gainesville Sports Al liance, visit exploregainesville.org.

Contractor named for Lanier Islands Conference Center

By Pamela A. Keene

Carroll Daniel/New South has been chosen as the general con tractor for the Lanier Islands Con ference Center at the October meeting of the Lake Lanier Is lands Development Authority Board.

“Eight firms responded to the RFQ/RFP; five firms made the shortlist firms, four firms made a presentation to the Conference Center subcommittee,” said Bill Donohue, executive director of LLIDA. “The board approved the selection of the highest ranked firm, Carroll Daniel Construc tion/New South and authorized the next step of developing the contract language on the project.”

The contracting process will be overseen by the Georgia State Financing and Investment Com mission. The commission’s Chief of Staff Gerald Pilgrim and Deputy Executive Director Gifton Passley were introduced to the

board at the meeting.

The board approved a costsharing partnership for the Impact Project Management Inc. invoice – LLIDA, will provide 45 percent of the costs; Lake Lanier Islands Management will fund 55 per cent. The project, which includes the 115,000-square-foot confer ence center and a separate 300room hotel to be built on the site of the former PineIsle Hotel, has been in the works for five years. The state has invested $62 million in the public-private partnership with Lake Lanier Islands Man agement, which operates Lanier Islands.

In May, LLIM contracted with Benchmark Resorts and Hotels to manage Legacy Lodge. The hos pitality firm operates projects in nearly two dozen states.

Grier Todd, COO of Lake Lanier Islands Management, re ported that the resort had strong business for the past two months.

“We’ve seen a shift in our business sectors, with our meet ing and group travel coming back to 2019 levels and our leisure numbers slowing a bit,” he said. “We’re looking forward to Christ mas with the packages we are of fering.”

“We’re very excited about adding a whole new dimension of entertainment space for our guests in the coming months,” Virgil Williams, CEO of Lake Lanier Islands Management said. “And we’re especially pleased about how the new conference center is coming together.”

Bucky Perry, vice president of operations at Margaritaville, re ported that the new dry-stack boat storage is approximately 45 per cent filled with about 100 boats, and boat slip rentals on four docks are 95 percent occupied.

The next LLIDA meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 13.

Previous rowing event at LLOP.

FILE PHOTO

Mixed signals complicate winter forecast

With the drier than nor mal conditions across much of the Southeast this autumn, our fall foliage was some of the most beautiful I have seen in many years. As the last of the fall color leaves us (no pun intended) our atten tion is now directed to the onslaught of winter.

As you saw in last month’s column, the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting warmer than normal winter temperatures. It is also calling for equal chances for above or below normal rainfall. However, I have seen some things happening in nature that contradict these predictions.

I have seen a great many deer with gray and dark gray coats. I’ve read a few articles on this and found out when a deer’s coat turns gray in October, it’s a sign of a harsh winter ahead. Lots of acorns on the ground doesn’t necessarily mean the squirrels can predict the weather this winter. What it usu ally means is it’s a mast crop season. A

mast crop, or overabun dance of nuts, happens in a two- to five-year cycle.

LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS

MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

Glenn Burns Lanier Outlook

What triggers it is largely a mystery, even though scientists speculate cli mate is a factor. Squirrels drop the plentiful nuts at a rapid pace, but not be cause they know a bad winter is coming.

Tree leaves that fall early indicate winter will be mild. When leaves fall late, winter will be wild. If the leaves wither on the branches in October instead of falling, an extra cold winter is in store.

Then we have the persimmon seeds. Many of you have sent me pictures of the seeds if your yard. Most have the “spoons” which is supposed to indicate a snowy win ter. In all honesty, November is too early to predict a snowy winter.

It’s really been a while since we’ve seen a significant snowstorm. However, when we have a La Nina year, like we’re having again for the third year in a row, it’s not too

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6 1071.36 1071.49 1071.05 1070.84 1069.90 1069.03 1068.88 1067.37

7 1071.26 1071.54 1071.05 1070.80 1069.92 1069.00 1068.74 1067.32

8 1071.40 1071.53 1071.05 1070.74 1069.92 1068.98 1068.68 1067.27

9 1071.69 1071.49 1071.05 1070.79 1070.08 1068.97 1068.66 1067.25

10 1071.72 1071.47 1071.00 1070.79 1070.13 1069.00 1068.66 1067.22

11 1071.69 1071.40 1070.98 1070.79 1070.10 1068.99 1068.64 1067.17

12 1071.66 1071.31 1070.95 1070.78 1070.04 1068.97 1068.53 1067.12

13 1071.57 1071.26 1070.92 1070.76 1070.08 1068.89 1068.45 1067.10

14 1071.51 1071.18 1070.90 1070.76 1070.01 1068.86 1068.44 1067.07

15 1071.46 1071.16 1070.90 1070.70 1069.96 1068.80 1068.40 1067.02

16 1071.60 1071.27 1070.86 1070.69 1069.90 1068.77 1068.34 1066.98

17 1071.59 1071.31 1070.81 1070.65 1069.87 1068.72 1068.32 1066.93

18 1071.67 1071.27 1070.75 1070.66 1069.80 1068.73 1068.29 1066.86

19 1071.66 1071.20 1070.66 1070.61 1069.79 1068.69 1068.26 1066.80

20 1071.63 1071.21 1070.60 1070.58 1069.76 1068.71 1068.24 1066.76

21 1071.58 1071.24 1070.59 1070.52 1069.74 1068.73 1068.20 1066.71

22 1071.46 1071.25 1070.59 1070.47 1069.67 1068.70 1068.14 1066.69

23 1071.76 1071.25 1070.77 1070.42 1069.63 1068.68 1068.06 1066.64

24 1071.82 1071.25 1070.84 1070.35 1069.62 1068.67 1068.00 1066.60

25 1071.86 1071.17 1070.85 1070.33 1069.53 1068.68 1067.92

26 1071.82 1071.14 1071.16 1070.31 1069.45 1068.67 1067.87

27 1071.63 1071.14 1071.38 1070.30 1069.36 1068.64 1067.81

28 1071.41 1071.11 1071.39 1070.21 1069.25 1068.61 1067.78

29 1071.31 1071.11 1071.37 1070.13 1069.17 1068.56 1067.73

30 1071.22 1071.09 1071.34 1070.04 1069.17 1068.45 1067.64

31 1071.23 1071.27 1069.17 1068.42

AV 1071.55 1071.25 1070.98 1070.63 1069.78 1068.82 1068.31

MAX 1071.86 1071.54 1071.39 1071.14 1070.13 1069.14 1068.88

MI 1071.22 1071.01 1070.59 1070.04 1069.17 1068.42 1067.64

conducive to snow. Here’s a map show ing the mean position of a La Nina Jet Stream. It may bring is some very cold weather but not necessarily snow. By the

way, winter officially begins Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 4:48 p.m. EST.

Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist for WSB-TV in Atlanta

A persimmon seed “spoon.”

Lakeside Calendar November 2022

o Nov. 4-6, 11-13 – Over the River and Through the Woods presented at The Eagle Theatre, 5039 West Broad St., Sugar Hill. This heart-warming comedy follows Nick, a young man who must choose between his close-knit Italian-American family in New Jersey and his dream job across the country. Times: 8 p.m., Fri./Sat.; 3 p.m., Sat./Sun. Tickets: $23-$27, discounts available for students and seniors.

Info: 770-945-6716; www.pgatsh.com.

o Nov. 5 – Fall Craft Bazaar Indoor, 9 a.m.3 p.m. held at First Baptist Church Cumming, 1597 Sawnee Dr., Cumming. The 28th Annual Fall Craft Bazaar and Silent Auction will fea ture more than 70 vendors providing handmade and artisan crafts, home décor and holiday gifts. Breakfast, lunch and bake sale.

Info: 770-887-2428.

o Nov. 12 – 1980s Adult Prom, Rock Good bye Angel’s 1st Annual Community Prom Event to be held 6-10 p.m., at Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St., NE, Gainesville. Cut loose at this fundraiser and come to have a night of fun with the Fly Betty Band, light bites from the Food Factory, a cash bar from Down town Drafts and a photo booth to capture all the nostalgia with Snapper Photobooths.

Info: 470-252-9884.

o Nov. 13 – Christmas Concert by Earnie Haase & Signature Sound, 6-8 p.m., at Lake wood Baptist Church, 2235 Thompsons Bridge Rd., Gainesville, presents A Jazzy Little Christ mas Tour. Free.

Info: 678-617-5527.

o Nov. 18-20 –The Nutcracker, Gainesville Ballet Company’s annual production, which was revised last year, will be presented at Bre nau’s Pearce Auditorium, 202 Boulevard NE, Gainesville. Times: 7:30-9:30, Nov. 18; 1-3 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 19; 2-4 p.m., Nov. 20. Tickets: $15-$25, adult/child tickets avail

able.

Info: 770-866-5353.

o Nov. 19 – Jingle Mingle held 4-8 p.m. in Historic Gainesville Square, 301 Main St. The Downtown Square will be hopping with holi day spirit including open houses in downtown businesses, live music, carriage ride, kiddie train rides, Santa and his arrival on a Gainesville Fire Engine and the grand Lighting of the Chicken.

Info: 770-535-6860; www.gainesville.org.

Brenau University

o Nov. 3-5 – ABLAZE, an Evening of Dance Concert, presented by the Brenau Dance De partment from 7:30 -9:30 p.m. in Pearce Audi torium, 202 Boulevard NE, Gainesville. The concert features guest artists Jennifer Archibald, Jesse Zarritt, Kaitlin Arena and Pytron Parker presenting a range of styles from contemporary modern, hip-hop, tap and classi cal ballet. Tickets: $10, general admission; $5 seniors, children under 12.

Info: 770-534-6249

o Nov. 11, 18 – A Graphic Journey: Prints by Pablo Picasso – the Tim Collins Collection continues its display from 2-4 p.m. in Brenau’s Sellars Gallery, Simmons Visual Arts Center, 200 Boulevard, Gainesville. Free.

Info: ashields2@brenau.edu.

Buford Community Center

o Nov. 11-13 – Art-Tiques Holiday Festival held at the Buford Town Center. Some 200 ven dors will set up on the lawn selling such things as antiques, artwork jewelry, handcrafted holi day gifts and more. Event will also feature food trucks and live music. Free parking and free ad mission. Times: noon-6 p.m., Nov. 11; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Nov. 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov.13.

Info: 706-824-7204; www.vintagemarkets.net.

o Nov. 18 – Rockin’ Jason D. Williams per forms at 8 p.m. in Sylvia Beard Theatre. Williams has spent a lifetime behind the piano connecting with country and rock ‘n’ roll greats. Tickets: $30-$40.

o Nov. 19 – Jake Owen is center stage at the BCC’s annual Fall concert on the center’s Con cert Lawn. Owen has 10 #1 songs, numerous #1 albums and multi-Platinum hits to his name. Joining Owen will be Frank Ray and Leah Belle Faser. Free.

Info: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com

Clarkesville’s Historic Habersham Community Theater o Dec. 1-4, 8-11 – It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play brings this beloved American holiday classic to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Times: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1-3, 8-10; 2 p.m., Dec. 4, 11.

Info: 706-839-1315; www.habershamtheater.org

Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater o Nov. 4-6 – “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a Holly Performance Academy Christ mas Production, tells the story of six misfit children who volunteer to star in their town's Sunday school Christmas pageant and end up teaching the town the true meaning of Christ mas. Times: Fri./Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Tick ets: $14, adults; $10, students and children. o Nov. 26 – Silver Belles, Classic Country with Katie Deal, features songs from Brenda Lee, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. Times: 2 p.m./7:30 p.m. Tickets: $37 (Proceeds benefit The Holly Theatre Endowment Fund). Info: 706-530-5162; www.hollytheater.com

Gainesville Theatre Alliance

o Nov. 11-19 – Urinetown (The Musical) (rec ommended for ages 13+) is set in a not-so dis tant drought-stricken future, where a malevolent company profits by charging admis sion for a basic human need. Funny and touch ingly honest, this Tony-Award winning musical is an irreverent satire in which no one is safe. Presented in Hosch Theatre, 429 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Times: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11-12, 15-19; 2:30 p.m., 12-13, 19. Tickets: $18-$30. Info: 678-717-3624; wwwgainesvilletheatreal liance.org.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

o Nov. 9 – ZZ Top and that Little Ol’ Band from Texas performs 7 p.m. Tickets: $75.

o Nov. 12 – Mitchell Tenpenny performs 7 p.m. Tickets: $35.

o Nov. 24-Dec. 23 – Mountain Country Christmas in Lights, a holiday treat along the shores of Lake Chatuge in Northeast Georgia mountains. Times: Show runs every Thursday and Friday, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Open every night from Dec. 18-24 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission: $7; chil dren under 12 free.

Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

Interactive Neighborhood Kids

o Thru Nov. 6 – Candy Corn Craft Week, create a craft of this yummy fall treat!

o Nov. 7-13 – Polar Bear Craft Week, create cute polar bear out of fun craft materials.

o Nov. 14-20 – Alligator Craft Week, have fun with an alligator craft week.

o Nov. 21-27 – Thanksgiving Craft Week, make a fun craft to celebrate this special holi day.

o Nov. 21 – Holly Jolly Holiday Event, bring See Calendar, page 46

Holiday festivities

By Jane Harrison

Beginning this month, holiday festivities will light up the communities on Lake Lanier and mountain towns in the headwaters. Pa rades, Santa visits, tree lightings, snow tubing, and Victorian Christmas re-enactments are among the offerings in Christmas celebrations throughout the region. Here’s a sample:

o Jingle Mingle, Gainesville. Annual “Light ing of the Chicken” event to begin the holidays, includes carriage rides, live music, kiddie train rides, and Santa’s arrival on fire en gine, 4-8 p.m. Nov. 19, Downtown Square. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Celebrate the Holidays, Braselton. Parade, tree lighting and more, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 19, Downtown Braselton. www.braselton.net.

o Christmas Tree Lighting/Block Party, Flowery Branch. Tree lighting ceremony, Santa visits, kids’ activities, music, vendors, tentative Christmas parade, 2-8 p.m. Nov. 19, Downtown Flowery Branch, 5302 Railroad St. https://branchblockparty.com.

o Dawsonville Christmas Parade/Tree Lighting. Downtown parade, live music, danc ing, cookie decorating, food trucks and more, 4-8 p.m. Nov. 19, Downtown Dawsonville/ Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 415 Ga. Hwy 53. www.business.dawson.org.

o License to Chill Snow Island/Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Buford. Snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, s’more making, plus

walk-through holiday light extravaganza with festive music; Snow Island 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 19-Feb. 26, Lights Spectacular 5-9 p.m. Nov. 19-Jan. 16, Margaritaville at Lanier Is lands, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Various prices.

www.margaritavilleresorts.com.

o Lighting of the Village, Helen. Holiday lighting celebration with Santa’s arrival, choral groups and more, 5-7 p.m. Nov. 25, Riverside Village, 1074 Edel weiss Strauss. www.helenga.org.

o Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Cler mont. Small town holiday parade and tree light ing ceremony, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 26, Main Street. www.clermontga.com.

o Old Fashioned Christmas, Dahlonega. An nual holiday festival begins with Lighting of the Square celebration with live music and ac tivities Nov. 26; downtown tree lighting at 6 p.m. Holiday events include Festival of Trees beginning Dec. 3 at Hancock Park, Christmas Parade Dec. 10, carriage rides, Santa visits, live music and more through Dec. 31. Downtown Dahlonega. www.dahlonegachristmas.com.

o Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, Gainesville. Walk through beloved Wilshire Trails Park decorated with holiday lights, Nov. 26-Dec. 31. Free. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm,Holiday Sautee Nacoochee. See historic farm mansion decorated in 1877 holiday style, learn about Victorian hol iday traditions from reen actors in traditional holiday attire, plus live music, cookies, s’mores around the campfire, 4-7 p.m. Fridays and Sat urdays Dec. 3-17, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. Registration required. $20 adults, $15 ages 6-17, free to children 5 and younger, $45 family rate 2 adults with children younger than 17. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.

o Holiday Tree Trail, Gainesville. Local busi nesses, families and organizations decorate and display holiday trees with nature-based themes, Nov. 29-Jan. 1, Gainesville Garden of the At lanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantabg.org, 404-8884760.

o Christmas at the Gorge, Tallulah Falls. See Santa, make

crafts, enjoy holiday music, eat a snack, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 3, Tallulah Falls State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking.

www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Christmas Parade & Festival, Cumming. Parade on Tribble Gap Rd. from Forsyth Cen tral High School to Cumming Fair grounds, followed by tree lighting, vendors, crafts, Santa visits and more, parade 5 p.m., festival 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3, Cumming Fair grounds, 235 Castleberry Rd.

https://cummingfair.squarespace.com.

o Christmas in the Mountains Festival & Lighted Parade, Cleveland. Parade, open houses, market on downtown square, Cleveland County Courthouse, 5 p.m. Dec. 3, intersection Ga. 129/115.

www.whitecountychamber.org.

o Christmas on Green Street, Gainesville.

Annual Christmas parade, tours of historic homes, strolling magicians, Santa’s arrival, musical groups performing on front porches, food trucks, minitrain rides, and tree lighting; begins with Christmas at the Civic Center 2 p.m., 4 p.m. pa rade, tree lighting 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Parade on Green Street from Civic Center to West Acad emy St.; tree lighting at intersection of West Academy/Green St. www.gainesville.org.

Thousands turn out for Gainesville Chicken Festival at LLOP

The Gainesville Chicken Festi val held at Lake Lanier Olympic Park for the second year was a huge hit as teams tossed, basted, brushed, and barbequed their dishes vying to be come the cook-off king.

In the end, Gainesville Fire Depart ment was named grand champion with other teams winning or placing in the various categories, split between Backyard and Professional divi sions.

The October 22 event was mostly about the food but in cluded fun for kids and vibes

from The Murphs.

“This was the second year at Lake Lanier Olympic Park and we are very pleased with the location,” said Robyn Lynch, tourism director for Gainesville.

“We plan to keep the festival at this location.”

She said some 4,000 turned out for the festi val and potential park ing issues were eased by Gainesville’s Trolley. “(It) was such a hit with the community and we were pleased that we could add this service to the event.”

Clockwise from left:

sit under the partially built shade structure.

firefighters were kept busy all day. A youngster gets a pat from the official chicken. A young girl takes home her "pet" chicken.

Outdoor activities

See Don Carter State Park Facebook page for park activities.

o Campfire Treat Series, Tallulah Falls. Make and eat sweet treats around campfire, 3-4 p.m. Nov. 4, 11 & 18, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $2, $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Dogs on the Run 5K, Cumming. Run with your dog (or not), 9 a.m. Nov. 5, North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Dr. $3035. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Tree Identification Hike, Clarkesville. Join park ranger for hikes on Wildlife and CCC Camp Trails to learn forest ecology, tree identi fication, and southern Appalachian history, 910:30 a.m. Nov. 5, Moccasin Creek State Park, 3655 Hwy. 197. $5 parking. www.gas tateparks.org, 706-947-3194.

o Fall Leaf Peeping, Gainesville. Canoe/kayak paddle on peaceful section of Lake Lanier for viewing fall colors, 9-11 a.m. Nov. 5, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20. www.explore gainesville.org, 770-287-7888.

o Intro to Fly Fishing in Appalachia, Clarkesville. Ranger-led class in trout behavior, knot tying, casting and more, 1:30-3 p.m. Nov. 5, Moccasin Creek State Park, 3655 Hwy. 197. $10, $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706947-3194.

o Wilshire Trails Group Run, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 6 & 26, Wilshire Trails Park, 849 Wilshire Rd. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Whitewater Watch Hikes, Tallulah Falls. Strenuous hike down to Bridal Veil Falls to watch kayakers paddle the drop during seasonal whitewater release on Tallulah River, noon-3 p.m. Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 6, 12, 13, 19

& 20, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, $5 parking.

www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallu lah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 6-7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Regis ter in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-7547981.

o Steam Engine, Antique Tractor, Gas En gine Exposition, Cumming. Annual event shows off motorized equipment of the past, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Nov. 11 & 12, Cumming Fair grounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. https://cumming fair.squarespace.com/

o CLASH Endurance Atlanta, Braselton. Half marathon trail run, 5K on raceway and mountain bike race & festival at Fox Factory Proving Grounds at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, solo and relay categories, camping available, various times and entry prices, Nov. 11-13, Michelin Raceway, 5300 Winder Hwy. https://clash-usa.com/clash-atlanta.

o Laurel Ridge Hike, Helen. Guided hike to learn about native laurel; views of Yonah

Mountain, 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 12, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Midland Greenway Group Run, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 12, Wild Wing Café, 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Clay Dragon Kids Class, Gainesville. Kids ages 6 and older sculpt clay at garden, 1-3 p.m. Nov. 12, Gainesville Garden of the Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, $29 mem bers. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Fidelis Militus Obstacle 5K, Tallulah Falls. 5K race with optional obstacles, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Tallulah Falls School Farm Course, 295 Tallulah Gorge Scenic Loop Rd. $30. www.ac tive.com.

o Run for Rangers 10K/5K, Dahlonega. 10K road/trail run 9 a.m., 5K road run 9:15 a.m., Nov. 12, Hancock Park, North Meadors/War wick St. $30-$36. www.active.com.

o Mountain Half Marathon, Dahlonega. Run mainly on gravel forest roads where US Rangers train, 11:30 a.m. Nov. 13, Camp Mer rill, 1 Merrill Dr. $60-$65. www.active.com.

o Floral Design, Gainesville. Make holiday

floral arrangement, 11 a.m.-noon Nov. 19, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, $29 mem bers. www.atlantabg,org, 404-888-4760.

o Farm Animal Fun Day, Sautee Nacoochee. Learn about livestock kept at historic farm, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 19, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy 17. $6, free to children younger than 6. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.

o Beginner Archery, Tallulah Falls. Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Must be strong enough to pull 30-pound bow. $5 parking. www.gas tateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Family Yoga, Gainesville. People of all ages practice joyful, uplifting experience, 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. $36-$40. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.

o Dirty Spokes Chateau Elan Muscadine Trail Run, Braselton. 3/5.5-mile vineyard and trail runs, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 20, Chateau Elan, 100 Rue Charlemagne. $35-$50. www.dirtyspokes.com.

o Get Basted Turkey Trot 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon, Cumming. 8 a.m. Nov. 20, North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Dr. $21-$25. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Limestone Shirt Factory Turkey Trot 5K/10K/Half Marathon, Gainesville. 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, Riverside Military Academy Track, 2001 Riverside Dr. $35-$50, plus suggested three canned goods. www.run nersfit.com.

o Lantern Walk: Tinkergarden Pop-Up Trail Class, Gainesville. Families make lanterns and walk the garden, 3-4 p.m. Dec. 1,

PHOTOS BY VICKI HOPE

Lake Lanier Marinas Info

106' totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.

Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol

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 10/20/22) $4.79; $4.79 diesel (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

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.

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 10/20/22) $6.49 premium; $6.49 unleaded; $6.79 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

Price of fuel: (as of 10/20/22) $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.

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 10/20/22) $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.

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 10/20/22) $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.

SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; Closed Sun.

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 10/20/22) $6.49, non-members; $5.99, members (Dock/Ship Store open 9 a.m.-5 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.

HABERSHAM MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Dock/Store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week

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 10/20/22) $4.69

Security: Yes

Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available.

PORT OF INDECISION MARINA

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.

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 10/20/22) $6.49 regular, non-ethanol

On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar

Security: 24/7

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 10/20/22) $6.49 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.

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

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

SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY 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 10/20/22) $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 10/20/22) $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.

at Holiday on Lake Lanier

Instant

By Pamela A. Keene

From fire pits to one-stop cus tomized outdoor kitchens don’t need to be complicated. Paradise Grills, which opened recently in Buford, can design a functional expanded outdoor living space to increase property values and rea sons to entertain. “If you have a particular style and budget in mind, we can help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen for your lifestyle,” said Jonathan McKay, salesperson with the company’s newest retail showroom. “And once we’ve developed your de

sign in store with our FlexBuild system, we can have it installed at your home in as little as 10 to 14 business days.”

Headquartered in Orlando, Paradise Grills is the nation’s largest manufacturer of outdoor kitchens. With 40 retail stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Texas, the company is planning to add at least 10 more retail loca tions in early 2023.

Kitchens include professional refrigerators, grills, cooktops and storage, plus island seating, coun tertops for food preparation and

serving. Choose from six differ ent bar systems with wine and liquor storage, sinks, professional grills and entertainment packages.

“Our kitchens are turn-key with exclusive professional fea tures such as rapid installation, quick-leveling system and plug-nplay electrical system, no permit ting required,” McKay said. “The refrigerators and other electrical components can be connected to a power source by regular house

hold outlets or extension cords, because they are prewired.”

Constructed of welded tubular aluminum frames, the kitchens are durable. They can be installed on concrete pads, decks, patios or pavers and range from four to 14 feet long. Countertops of Avel laero Italian stone are available in three shades of neutral colors.

“Basic designs can be galleyor L-shaped,” he said. “And the generously sized islands can be

purchased with bar stools to cre ate an inviting seating and con versation area.”

In addition to custom outdoor kitchens, Paradise Grills sells out door and patio furniture, umbrel las and fire features.

Paradise Grills, located at 1695 Mall of Georgia Blvd. in Buford, is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info, visit www.paradis egrills.com or 770 886-0704.

Lanier real estate agents receive national awards

By Pamela A. Keene

Three Lake Lanier real estate agents brought home awards from the recent Lake Homes Realty’s 9th Annual National Agent Sum mit, held October 4-6 in Birming ham, Ala.

Agents Josh Grindle and Robin Cole were given the Big Wave Award for their achieve ments in real es tate.

Between the two, they were honored for a total transaction volume of $6 million or greater between Sept. 1, 2021,

and Aug. 31, 2022.

Cole has been selling Lanier properties since 1998. Josh, her son, followed in her footsteps and founded Grindle Real Estate in 2009.

Jill Baugus re ceived the Aqua Award at Lake Homes Realty’s National Agent Summit. It’s given to agents with a total trans action volume be

tween $3.5 million and $10 mil lion with 20 or more transition sides with a total transaction vol ume of $2.5 million or greater be tween Sept. 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022.

She has been selling homes on Lanier for nearly 30 years.

Lake Homes Realty (Lake Homes.com) is a multi-state real estate company focused on lake homes and land.

The Alabama-based brokerage has been named six consecutive times as one of the fastest-grow ing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine. Lake Homes Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage in 35 states.

Paradise Grills outdoor kitchen option.

PHOTO: PARADISE GRILLS

Grindle

Cole Baugus

If you grew up in the rural South, you may remember your grandparents Old Farmer’s Al manac calendar hanging on the wall of the farmhouse kitchen or the chicken house. If you’re too young to remember, you can still reap the benefits of the sage and time-tested wisdom that this cal endar and the little paper book that is still issued every year.

Filled with so much more than gardening wisdom, it can tell you everything from what days of the month to move to a new home, and the phases of the moon and other astronomical events. Stories in the 2023 issue bust myths about spiders, explain why birds feather their nests and give pretty darned accurate weather forecasts across the nation.

Known for its accuracy in forecasting the weather across North America – there’s even a page that compares last year’s predictions with actual weather conditions – it’s not only helpful for planting, but also for planning vacations and trips. The colorful weather maps and the accompa nying prose regional seasonal predictions can be pretty specific.

Check out some award-win ning recipes, like “Banana-

Pamela A. Keene Curb Appeal

A section that de-mystifies old sayings like “How mad is a wet hen?” “How much is a hill of beans worth?” and “How fast is greased lightning?” can’t help but cause at least a chuckle.

Here are some other gems –some applicable, some merely to make you smile – included in this year’s edition:

“You must be angry when planting peppers or they won’t grow.”

Stuffed Peanut Butter French Toast” and “Spicy Banana Shrimp Stir-Fry” that tied for the firstplace prize in the most recent recipe contest featuring bananas. Other winners include “Go Ba nanas Pops” and “Easy Sticky Banana Squares.” Sadly, calorie counts and nutritional values aren’t revealed, but when it comes to bananas, does it really matter?

Other info includes the best times to catch (or not catch) fish in your area, which days are best each month for having dental work done, painting or washing windows, beginning a diet to lose weight (or on a separate day to gain weight), or even get married or ask for a loan.

“Cucumbers and watermelons planted on May 1 before sunrise yield prolifically. Folklore says that if you wear your nightclothes while sowing, the plants will be insect free.”

“When planting peach trees, bury old leather shoes or boots near the roots to give the plant a nutrient boost.”

“If there’s a storm when eggs are setting, they will not hatch.”

Even if you’re not a gardener, the 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac has something for just about everyone.

Buy it at local box retailers, like Target and Wal-Mart, or bet ter yet, order it online at www.al manac.com to learn about other goodies, special clubs – garden ing, the Almanac Club and the

1792 Society – that include help ful booklets about food and flower gardening, calendars, replicas of 100- and 200-year-old almanacs, and more.

To learn more, visit www.al manac.com. You can spend a cou ple of hours just browsing the website, or better yet, you can order your own 2023 edition and thumb through it for all kinds of home, health, finance and garden ing tidbits.

Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a

CREDIT: PAMELA A KEENE

Hall County Master Gardener. She also writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, covering features, travel and gardening.

Our Advertisers make Lakeside on Lanier Possible! Please let them know you saw their ad here!

n MORE INFO: Email: pam@pamelakeene.com

Open floor plan vs. traditional: which is better?

There has been a lot of discus sion about open concept house plans versus traditional over the past couple of decades. With the explosion of popular HGTV shows, everyone was knocking down as many walls as possible to create open floor plans, it seemed. But once people lived in the spaces for a while, they started to realize that maybe walls weren’t so bad after all. Let’s look at some pros and cons of each style option.

An open concept plan is a home design that (typically) has the main living area, kitchen, and dining area all in one large space without walls. If you have an older home, this can be created by adding beams and/or columns in place of existing walls to open the space. The main benefit of this design is that your home will feel larger and more unified. If you host get-togethers often, this is a great layout so that everyone feels like part of the action. Those in the kitchen are no longer secluded from the guests while preparing food or cleaning up, and guests can mingle in all areas easily. An open concept plan is also great for adults in the kitchen or dining room to be able to keep an eye on

Sara Bagwell Design & Remodel

kids in the living area, for exam ple.

Another pro of an open con cept plan is the look and style. People tend to think of open con cept as more modern and more appealing, because that is what they see most often on newer re modeling shows and in maga zines. It also allows for a lot more natural light; light can come in from all directions, keeping the space feeling light and airy. The other positive is that in many areas, an open concept is still popular and will help with resale value for those who might be looking to sell. Although the split is closer to 50-50 than it used to be, the majority of home buyers still prefer an open concept lay out.

When it comes to an open con cept, there are some negative as pects. First of all, the spaces are not usually clearly defined so it can be harder to figure out the best furniture placement, espe cially in a living space. Also, if you have an open space with high ceilings, heating and cooling can cost you more because of the higher demand and energy loss. If you are remodeling to create an open concept in an older home, make sure you also put a good amount of thought into the HVAC system and supply and return lo cations.

A traditional home layout is one where the rooms are clearly defined by walls and are con nected through doorways, doors, archways, etc. There are many positives and negatives to this style, as well. For instance, it may not be as conducive to entertain ing a large group, but it does allow for smaller, more personal conversations. The other pro of having a kitchen separate from the living space is that the smells and mess of cooking are more contained. With an open concept, many people feel the pressure to always keep the kitchen neat and tidy, but with a traditional layout,

you can cook and enjoy time with friends or family and have the op tion to worry about the mess later.

The other positive of a traditional floor plan is that you can have some privacy. Maybe you don’t always want to be able to hear and see the TV from the kitchen. Or you need to make an important phone call, but there’s too much noise in the living room. You won’t al ways be hunting for a quiet spot in the house or having to go out side for some solitude. A tradi tional layout can be seen as old-fashioned by some, but that’s OK, it can often be seen as more practical, too. Especially with more people working at home, there seems to be a greater need for more defined spaces again.

Trends come and go, as the name implies, so whether you

prefer an open concept or more traditional floor plan is up to you. You have to choose what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. If you have a large family or like to host parties with lots of friends, an open concept may be right for you. But if you prefer having more intimate dinner parties or having quiet areas to escape, a traditional layout makes more sense. It really comes down to your lifestyle, so choose what’s best for you!

Sara Bagwell is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remod eling in Gainesville.

nMORE INFO: tracytesmerremodeling.com

Open floor concepts have been all the rage for a number of years.

PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING

BONUS TRAVEL COLUMN ROAD TO BHUTAN

Unlocking the beauty, mystery and happiness of an ancient culture

By Pamela A. Keene

Untillately, very few people traveled to the Kingdom of Bhutan, a mysterious country tucked in the Himalayan mountains between China and India. Not easily ac cessible – but getting better – the country just recently opened its borders to Western travelers.

When my friend and fellow journalist Christine Tibbetts called me last spring with the op portunity to travel Bhutan, I didn’t hesitate. With trips to Southeast Asia and India in my passport, I knew a journey into this small, remote country would open my eyes to yet another cul ture and way of life.

Arranged through SheBuys Travel.com and in-country’s MyBhutan.com, our six-day itin erary took us far beyond a routine sight-seeing trip. We visited monasteries (also called fortresses), private homes, small villages and festivals. Our time traveling along the mountain ridges revealed breathtaking views of the forested panoramas laced with switchback single-lane rocky roads that took us high into the mountains and back into the fertile valleys.

We journeyed in the dark over bumpy roads from Paro to the

capital city of Thimphu, so it wasn’t until the next morning that we actually had our first look at the country that would be our home for the next six days. We also met our traveling compan ions, including Kim Orlando with SheBuysTravel, and our local guide Kinley Rabgay and driver Kinley Tenzin. I quickly nick named the two Kinleys: K1 for our guide and K2 for our driver. It caught on with the rest of our group.

After waking up among the clouds, we soon left our hotel to visit a group of local weavers, creating incredible colorful mas terpieces that would be made into women’s Kiras and men’s Ghos. Throughout our trip we’d see many Bhutanese in native dress. Perhaps the reason was the up coming nation-wide festival, but more likely, many of the older generation wear their distinctive dress out of respect for the cul ture.

The entrepreneurial spirit is beginning to flourish in Bhutan, particularly when it also solves a pressing multi-dimensional na tional challenge. Many Bhutanese lacked access to organic and healthy foods; farmers’ had lim ited ability to distribute their foods; inadequate refrigeration further restricted the availability of protein, such as eggs.

About an hour from Thimphu, self-taught chef Kesang Choedon, created Chuniding Food nearly 10 years ago. In her

open-air kitchen, she explained how she developed dehydrated eggs that when reconstituted taste just like they came from the chicken, plus more than 150 vari eties of organic food that she dis tributes and exports through Chuniding Food.

Our lunch was a smorgasbord of fresh flavors of aged cheeses, hand-crafted dumplings, familiar and not-so-familiar vegetables and fruits, plus chicken, pork and recently foraged mushrooms.

Teenaged members of one of the country’s female softball teams joined us for lunch. Their American coach moved to Bhutan six months ago after seeing a posting on Facebook looking for coaches. He’ll be there for two years teaching the great American pastime to these young women who compete against seven other teams and hone their pitching, catching and batting skills, as well as learn about teamwork.

An afternoon of bumpy roads across the Dochula Pass at 10,500 feet took us to our next lodging in the Punakha Valley where the next morning white-water rafting in the Mochhu River took us through more pristine vistas and past solitary houses in the typical Bhutan architecture. The ice-cold water was chilling; even K1’s as surance that the river was warmer than its other branch, it was little consolation as we splashed through the rapids.

Afterward, we hiked across the country’s second-longest suspen sion bridge 11,500 feet long –spanning the Pho Chhu River. On the way to our next lodging, we visited a small-town festival, our first taste of colorful pageantry and mythological culture. Along the roadway, we stopped to visit with two extremely competitive teams of female dart players. Called Khuru, it’s serious busi ness; targets are flat 6-inch circles at ground level and the darts were very heavy. We could watch, but we were not allowed to partici pate.

Returning to Thimphu, which served as our hub, we stayed overnight and prepared for Thim phu Tsechu, one of the country’s largest festivals. Held in an arena, its approach flanked by a river and beds of blooming roses, the festival was attended by thou sands of Bhutanese in native dress. In fact, attire is so strict at this festival that volunteer secu rity staff checked each entrance to ensure that native Bhutanese were properly attired. Dressed in West ern clothes, we were exempt, al though one of our group was asked to remove her visor.

More slinky one-lane moun tain roads took us to the Haa Val ley in the west. It’s only been open to visitors for 20 years and truly captures the essence of the country as remote. People waved and smiled at us; they welcomed having their photos taken, espe cially if the photographer shared the results so they could see themselves.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the journey was our overnight at a camp in the Hi malayas. It was anything but camping in the traditional sense. We were hosted by MyBhutan with beautiful tents, real raised beds, a separate tented shower, fresh-prepared food and a per formance by a Bhutanese music and dance troupe.

To get there we crossed the Chelela Pass, more than 13,000 feet above sea level, then de scended about 1,500 feet to the

“We arrived in the dark; we departed in the dark. We were enlight ened along the way.”

Pam Keene reflecting on her journey to Bhutan in early October

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, fills a valley between cloud-covered peaks at 7,300 feet. Typical of a city, these buildings would not be this tall in the countryside, nor would they be as close together.

PHOTOS: PAMELA A KEENE

Much of the

colorful

intricate woven

ancient looms.

Detail of forming patterns during hand-weaving.

A

camp. The final approach into the camp required hiking, more like trekking really, a rocky road for about 45 minutes.

Early morning photographs re vealed far-away snow-topped mountain peaks. A hike to the nearby monastery provided stun ning photographs of the monks, Buddhist prayer flags and life in remote Bhutan.

As we again traveled through the Chelela Pass, we chatted with others there, including a pair of cyclists from Switzerland – yes cyclists! – who were making the trip via bicycle. It’s a popular

stopping-off place to rest for a bit, take in the views across the valley and the surrounding mountains and pause for one last look at the beauty of the mountains.

Our final days brought a return to Paro and preparation for a hike to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perhaps the most sought-after climb in Bhutan. The wide dirt somewhat rocky trail meandered upward to an amazing white monastery perched on a rock bluff. Built in 1692, it is sur rounded by legend that involves a monk, a rivalry of kings and a flying tigress.

BONUS TRAVEL COLUMN

Be prepared to make the round trip of four miles because it re quires anywhere from four to seven hours, depending on your physical condition. It ascends 1,700 feet to an elevation of more than 10,200 feet.

We met travelers from around the world on the trail, including an 86-year-old Bhutanese woman making the trek as she had done before, multi-generational fami lies with grandparents and babies, people from Europe, South Africa and beyond. One group of people from Asia helped a woman in

Bhutan,

Self-taught chef Kesang Choedon prepared a traditional lunch using fresh fruits and vegeta bles.

Multi-colored Buddhist prayer flags span the length of the country’s second-longest pedes trian bridge.

A Buddhist family says prayers before entering a temple.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on mountain cliffs.

Known as the happiest country on the planet, Bhutan’s people share joy in multi-generational family gatherings.

Graced with hundreds of Buddhist prayer and memo rial flags, the 13,500-foot Chelela Pass was one of the highest places on the journey.

Women are the matriarchs in Bhutanese culture

This Bhutanese woman gathered wood along a river, carrying her load in a hand-made basket on her back.

No matter what their age, chil dren love face painting.

Fragrant frangipani blossoms in the early morning dew bloom freely across the country.

Death remembrances: Cremation is common in Bhutan; fam ilies make these small 3- to 4-inch shapes to fill with cre mains of loved ones.

Holiday Boat Parade registration open; benefits Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes

By Pamela A. Keene

Bring your best creative ideas and register now for the 8th Annual Holiday Boat Parade at Lake Lanier. Registration is now open for the Saturday, Dec. 10, event that raises money for The Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes.

Information is posted on the Holiday Boat Light Parade at Lake Lanier Face book page at www.facebook.com/lanier holidayboatparade.

“This year we’re focusing on the kids at Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes just in time for the holidays,” said Richard Pickering, event coordinator for the nonprofit organization. “Links to registra

tion and to the youth homes will con nect participants to pertinent informa tion.” The Facebook page will include this year’s marshalling and parade route, as well as links to the safety video and previous year’s parades.

“Over the years, the parade has been building its participation and we hope for a good turnout this year,” Pickering said. “Let us know you’re coming to support this incredible children’s char ity.”

The event’s rain date is Sunday, Dec. 11.

For information or to register: Face book/lanierholidayboatparade.

A scene from a previous Holiday Boat Parade.

PHOTO: SAVANNAH HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHY

• Outdoor calendar

Continued from Page 31

Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admis sion. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Cravin’ Bacon Walk, Braselton. Walk and explore downtown Braselton, stop at participating shops for bacon, VIP tickets for bourbon tasting. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 1, Down town Braselton. www.braselton.net.

o Dash Away 5K, Dawsonville. 8:30 a.m. Dec. 3, Veterans Memorial Park, 186 Recre ation Rd. $30-$35. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Dirty Spokes Fort Yargo Cannonball Run, Winder. 3.10/8.75-mile trail running race, 8 a.m. Dec. 3, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $35-$50. www.dirtyspokes.com.

o Riverside Group Run, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Nov. 20, Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

On-Going

o Jaemor Farms 15th Annual Corn Maze, Alto. Farm extravaganza with hayrides, apple cannon, pumpkin train, farm games, duck race, and more through Nov. 6: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 5, 1-6 p.m. Nov. 6. 5340 Cornelia Hwy, Ga. 365. $15 ages 3 and older. No pets. www.jaemorfarms.com, 770-869-3999.

o Burt’s Farm, Dawsonville. Pumpkins galore, scenic hayrides, pumpkin pies and seasonal decorations greet patrons at the Burt family farm near Amicalola Falls. Pumpkin patch & store 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 10. See website for hayride in formation. Burts Farm Rd. No pets or firearms. www.burtsfarm.com. 706 2653701.

o Uncle Shucks Corn Maze/Pumpkin

Patch, Dawsonville. Through Nov. 13: 4-10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, gem mining, kids’ activities, wagon rides, bon fire and more, 125 Bannister Rd. $15-$25, free to kids 4 and younger. www.un cleshucks.com, 770-772-6223.

o Buford Corn Maze. Maze, hayrides, kids’ farm fun, pony rides, farm animals through Nov. 13: 6-10 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 4470 Bennett Rd. $16-$28. www.bufordcornmaze.com, 678-835-7198.

o Group Runs, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy. www.lanierrunning club.org.

o Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals, Gainesville. Canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, reserve via email 48 hours in ad vance for paddling Monday, Tuesday Thurs day, Friday and Saturday mornings, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20-$30 per hour, $10 for additional hours, maximum 4 hours. info@lckc.org.

o First Visit Tour, Helen. Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see cov ered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages and more, 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Smith gall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. Donations welcome. Reservations required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-8783087.

o Farmers Market, Braselton. 4-7 p.m. third Fridays October, March and May; 4-6 p.m. November, January, and February.

Patio next to Town Green on Davis Street. www.braselton.net.

compiled by Jane Harrison

North Georgia Water Planning District recognized by EPA conservation awards

By Pamela A. Keene

For the fifth year, The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District has received the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2022 WaterSense Sustained Ex cellence Award for helping people save water. It was given at the WaterSmart In novations (WSI) Conference and Exposi tion in Las Vegas last month.

It was one of three north Georgia water organizations to be recognized at the con ference; the other two were Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department and Cobb County Water System.

The North Georgia district, which in cludes Hall, Forsyth and Gwinnett coun ties, was honored for:

• Promoting EPA’s Fix a Leak Week through a High School Public Service An nouncement Video Contest where students demonstrated how families can check for leaks, save water, and reduce their water bills;

• Partnering with Georgia Public Broadcasting to host Live Exploration: Georgia’s Water during national Drinking Water Week. The one-hour live televised and online event reached nearly 80,000 el ementary school students, teachers, and parents in schools and homes across the

state. Participants learned about Georgia’s river systems, the water cycle, the water treatment process, and how to protect and conserve water;

• Sponsoring the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Spring Native Plant Sale where participants received water-saving give aways such as faucet aerators, toilet flap pers, hose spray nozzles, and a WaterWise Landscape Guide; and

• Proposing new efficiency require ments for new construction indoor plumb ing fixtures and outdoor landscape irrigation systems to take effect in 2024.

Comprising 15 counties in the metro Atlanta region, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District develops regional and watershed-focused water re sources plans to be implemented by local governments. Plans help conserve public water supplies, protect water quality and recreational values, and minimize potential adverse effects of development on waters in the region and downstream.

Georgia is one of three states to man date high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in all new developments – exceeding federal standards.

For more about WaterSense, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

Lakeside Dining Guide

Bullfrogs Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily. This Southern Gastro Pub features reimagined traditional Southern fare and va riety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787.

Fish Tales Lakeside Grille – Casual lake side dining featuring grouper fingers, signa ture salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Hideaway Bay Marina. 770-967-3775, www.fishtaleslakelanier.com Pelican Pete’s – Picturesque dining on the water at Port Royale in open-air thatchedroof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. 70-887-5715 ext 5., www.pelicanpetes.com

Pig Tales - Casual lakeside dining featuring BBQ, burgers, wings and more. Great cus tomer service, full service bar with draft beer, wine & mixed drinks, live music on weekends. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. 678-828-7676,

www.PigTalesLakeLanier. com.

Sidney’s Restaurant – Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier. Only serving breakfast. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. 770-945-8787, www.lanierislands.com.

Skogies – Made from scratch seafood, BBQ and American fare with a great view served in a laid back pet friendly environment. A full Sunday breakfast menu includes eggs benedict served five ways, Omelettes, shrimp & grits, cathead biscuits & gravy, breakfast sandwiches & more. Call from your boat & they will pick you up. Gainesville Marina. 678 450-1310; www.skogieslakefrontrestaurant.us. The Twisted Oar - Holiday Marina. Offer ing fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak; casual dining. Full bar service, tropi cal and frozen drinks. Live entertainment, trivia, indoor/outdoor flat screen TVs. Open year round. www.thetwistedoar.com, 678 714-7572.

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 opportu nities in the South. The Corps operates 7 campgrounds at Lake Lanier. Info: www.lakesidenews.com/camping.

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

from

Santa,

in

Northeast Georgia History Center

This event

be held 4-7 p.m. (no 3-5 p.m. play block this day). Reserva tions are required by Nov. 16. Admission: nonmember adults: $10, non-member children, $15; INK member adults, $5, INK member children, $8; under 2, free.

o Nov. 24 – INK will be closed on Thanksgiv ing but will open again on Nov. 25.

o Nov. 28-Dec. 4 – Native American Craft Week, learn about native Americans while making a fun craft.

Time/Play Blocks: Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-noon; 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.; Sun.: 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.

Info: $1 with paid admission to museum; INK Members, free.

Info: 770-536-1900; www.inkfun.org.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort

o Nov. 19-Feb. 26 – License to Chill Snow Is land opens. Winter Chill Season Passes start at $79.99. Pass includes unlimited Snow Tubing, Amusement Rides, Ice Skating, Gate Fee Ac cess and more. Times: 5-10 p.m. Daily admis sions: $54.99 reg.; $39.99, child (age 3-7), military, seniors and groups).

o Nov. 19-Jan. 3, 2023 – Lakeside Lights Spectacular, Lake Lanier Islands’ Margari taville’s nights offering nostalgic wintry magi cal walks through a lighting extravaganza. Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights admission: $24.99 reg.; $19.99, child (age 3-7), military, senior and groups.

Info: 770-945-8787; www.lanierislands.com.

o Nov. 5 – Holiday Quilts & Crafts with the Hall County Quilt Guild features ongoing demonstration from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Info: 770-297-5900; www.negahc.org.

Piedmont University

o Nov. 1 – Piedmont Conservatory Strings perform 7:30-9 p.m. in the University’s Chapel.

o Nov. 10 – Wind Ensemble Partnership, 7:30-9 p.m., in the Chapel.

o Nov. 17 – Piedmont University Singers per form 7-9 p.m. in the Chapel.

Info: 800-277-7020; piedmont.edu.

Quinlan Arts Center

o Thru Dec. 10 – 75th Annual Members Ex hibition showcases the work of member-artists from Gainesville and surrounding North Geor gia communities, Atlanta and the Southeast.

Info: 770-536-2575; www.quinlanartscenter.org.

Tannery 7Row Artist Colony

o Thru Nov. 17 – Fall Juried Art Exhibit 2022 at 554 West Main St., Buford. Visit and enjoy this colony of artists and their work.

Info: 470-326-6656; tanneryrowartistcolony.net

University of North Georgia

o Nov. 3, 4 – “Trouble,” presented by the Music Theatre Ensemble, offers songs and scenes from various musicals including Music Man, Shrek the Musical and many more in the Nix Fine Arts Center, Gloria Shott Auditorium, Dahlonega. Times: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

o Nov. 4, 5, 6 – Heathers: The Musical pre sented by the UNG Theatre guild, 6-9 p.m., in Hoag Student Center, Auditorium. Times: Nov. 4-5, 6-9 p.m.; Nov. 6, 3-5 p.m.

o Nov. 7, 10 – A Little Night(hawk) Music Concert Series’ second performance presented at Performing Arts Center, 3040 Landrum Edu cation Dr., Oakwood by Dr. Sanghie Lee, piano. Performance will include works of Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, and other early 20th century masters.

o Nov. 15 – Voice Division Recital, 7:30-8:30 p.m., in Performing Arts Center, 3040 Landrum Education Dr., Oakwood, features An Evening of Song performed by the voice students of the

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their group make the descent by walking her backward down the trail.

At the end of our walk, an elegant picnic awaited, with fresh and dried fruits and nuts, dishes of chicken and pork, fresh vegetables, all served on fine china using crystal glasses and real uten sils. It was a welcomed juxtaposition from the trek and a lovely way to cap our trip.

Time passes quickly when you’re lim ited on a journey, but in Bhutan, it also passes more slowly and mindfully. The

Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses. Info: 678-717-3930; www.ung.edu.

Voices of North Georgia

o Dec. 2, 3 – O Holy Night concert held at St. Paul United Methodist Church of Gainesville. Times: 7:30 p.m.

o Mar. 11 – Gala: America’s Top Ten Hits concert held in the Banquet Hall of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Time: 6 p.m. o Apr. 28, 30, 2023 – This is My Country concert held at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville. Times: 7:30 p.m., Apr. 28; 2 p.m., Apr. 30.

Info: www.VoicesofNorthGeorgia.com.

people aren’t rushed by the demands of the day; the worst traffic challenges are the intermittent horses, mules, donkeys and cows along the roads and trails; and the foibles of Western civilization are slow in coming.

My hope is that Bhutan will, while welcoming tourists from around the world, retain its distinctive culture, deep spirituality and the charm of its people.

Next month: The journey continues with five days in Bangkok, new experi ences and a reunion.