If you’re looking for the perfect family summer vacation, look no further than Georgia’s Lake Country. Taking a dip in beautiful Lake Oconee or Sinclair is always an option, but you can take the family fun to the next level by trying these unique excursions throughout our lake area communities.

Visit Madison

Where to Eat:

Dine at Farmview Market for breakfast or lunch featuring delicious, locally sourced, farm to table offerings. Breakfast served from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. includes a selection of traditional breakfast platters with pancakes, french toast, and biscuits. Treat the kids to a stack of Farmview pancakes and fresh milk from the famous Rock House Creamery. Lunch features even more delicious fresh-inspired southern dishes. Classics such as the B.L.T or BBQ sandwiches are served daily in addition to a selection of salads and entrees. Top off lunch with Rock House Creamery ice cream. 

Don’t forget to pick up groceries from Farmview Market to use during your stay in Madison. The market includes items specialty curated that meet the standards set by Farmview. 

Where to Play:

Madison, Georgia is home to Hard Labor Creek State Park, Georgia’s second-largest state park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in a beautiful, wooded setting.

With nearly 6,000 acres to explore, the park features two stocked lakes, a sand beach popular with swimmers during summer months, an active events calendar, and 20+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Two of the trails at Hard Labor Creek are 1-mile loops that are rated easy to moderate and are opportune places for children or beginner hikers or cyclists. Both Lake Brantley and Lake Rutledge are available for fishing or swimming throughout the summer.

Where to Stay:

Hard Labor Creek State Park features 20 cottages on park property. Stay in the heart of the park and eliminate commuting to excursions. Cottages are fully equipped and some are recently renovated. All cottages feature a screened porch, fire ring, and a picnic table for on-site family fun and memory-making. With so many ways to relax, it is ironic that the park’s name is Hard Labor!

Visit Greensboro

Where to Eat:

Bring the whole family to lunch in downtown Greensboro at the Ripe Thing Market. You will be guaranteed a fresh, flavorful meal from delicious sandwiches to homemade soups to savory wraps. Not in the mood for a sandwich? Try their Chef or Caprese salad that is filled with local produce. Their deli is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but you can grocery shop at their market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

During the spring and summer months, their open-air market is enjoyable for all.

Where to Stay:

If you plan to stay awhile, stay in a Reynolds Lake Oconee Vacation Rental. Reynolds vacation rentals offer your loved ones a resort-style vacation with all the comforts of home. With a variety of layouts to choose from, you will be ensured luxurious accommodations. These well-appointed cottages, condominiums, and inn rooms provide plenty of room so everyone can stay together. During your stay, you can enjoy swimming in Lake Oconee, taking a day to golf, take the kids to the playground and/or go to the bocce ball, pickleball, and tennis courts.

Visit Milledgeville

Where to Eat:

Bring the family to the Local Yolkal Cafe in the heart of downtown Milledgeville.  It’s the perfect place for all of your breakfast, brunch, and lunch needs! As a parent, you’ll love their famous Eggs Benedict and the options of adult beverages will also satisfy your mimosa needs. The kids will be excited to try their Cinnamon Bun French Toast which has a homemade creamy custard. Decided to sleep in? Join them for lunch instead and try one of their salads or sandwiches from the deli. 

The Local Yolkal Cafe is open Monday – Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Need a bit more of a pick-me-up? Head to Morning Grind, one of Milledgeville’s newest coffee shops. They serve freshly-roasted coffee, espresso-based drinks, smoothies, teas, and more. They also have a rotating menu of breakfast pastries, bagels, and sweets which is a perfect addition to your caffeinated treat. Morning Grind is open Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am-3:00 pm.

Where to Play:

Do all of your favorite outdoor activities while creating everlasting memories at the Oconee River Greenway, a park just a few blocks from the downtown area. The Greenway offers a fun and safe area where the kids can ride their bikes, walk, run, and relax while taking in the beauty and sounds of the Oconee River. Four-legged friends are welcomed on the trails and at the dog park. With multiple fishing stations, teach your kids how to fish. If your family is more adventurous, some local outfitters rent kayaks for half and full days. 

Where to Stay:

Stay the night at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, it can be easily accessed off Hwy 441. They offer a unique combination of amenities like a fitness center, a market, wireless internet access, microwave, and refrigerator. The kids will have a splash in the outdoor pool to wind down from the day. 

Looking to watch the sunset dancing on the water from your own private home? Stay on the lake at this Spacious Lake Sinclair Vacation Rental. This family-friendly home is perfect for a getaway with a screened deck, private dock, and lakefront fire pit. Not to mention this bright, new home has room for the whole family!

Visit Eatonton

Where to Eat:

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a home-cooked meal! Iron Fork Cafe offers the best home-cooked, Southern cuisine. With plenty of seating and a casual, relaxed atmosphere, it is the perfect place to bring the whole family. We suggest giving the chicken fried steak or buttermilk pie a try!

Iron Fork Cafe is open Tuesday’s from 11 am-2pm, Wednesday’s from 11am-8pm, Thursday’s from 11am-8pm, Friday’s and Saturday’s from 11am-9pm, Sunday’s from 11am-2pm, and is closed on Monday’s.

Where to Play:

Located on the east side of Eatonton is Rock Hawk Effigy and Trails. Rock Hawk is an outdoor classroom that has 30 miles of trails filled with educational displays and nature. All of these trails surround or lead to the ancient effigies on site. The property provides multiple activities to indulge in while visiting: camping, boating, fishing, archery, beach, hiking & biking, and nature watching. Rock Hawk’s hours are 7 am – 9 pm, Sunday through Thursday and 7 am – 10 pm, Friday and Saturday.

Where to Stay:

Stay lakefront on Lake Sinclair in this homey, enjoyable Airbnb. “The Place to Be”  is tucked away in a cove where there is little water traffic and remains relaxing for the whole family. This property includes a multitude of kid-friendly activities such as kayaks, fishing rods, a playground, a game room, and of course, a dock to swim.