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.

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:

If your family craves a wildlife adventure, Madison is the place for you! At the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, children can enjoy guided tours through the savanna and create unforgettable memories in up-close experiences with giraffes and rhinos during an animal encounter. Hard Labor Creek State Park is a haven for young outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of guided activities with knowledgeable rangers who explain the local wildlife. Popular activities include night creature hikes, scorpion hunts, water ecology and twilight kayak tours to search for wildlife. For a unique blend of relaxation and excitement, visit Southern Cross Guest Ranch, where families can giddy up on horseback along scenic trails.

Where to Stay:

For families seeking an affordable group getaway, Hard Labor Creek State Park offers fantastic accommodations nestled in nature’s beauty through a selection of RV and tent campsites as well as renovated cottages. Each cottage features separate bedrooms, a large screened-in porch, a spacious kitchen, and a picnic table for on-site family activities. A fire pit is also available at each cabin, perfect for stargazing, barbecues, or simply enjoying a fun game night with the ones you love.

Greensboro

Where to Eat:

“No Shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure!” This is the welcoming motto at Gaby’s by the Lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. Bring the whole family to dine lakeside and enjoy a relaxed, poolside setting with casual fare. The menu features items such as Fish Tacos, Burgers, Salads, and the famous Lobster Grilled Cheese. Gaby’s is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and dinner daily from 5 to 9 p.m.. No reservations required, walk-ins welcome.

Where to Play:

Grab your bait and tackle and ride along with Captain Mark Smith, Lake Oconee’s premier full-time fishing guide service. With more than 30 years of experience, Captain Smith is passionate about teaching people how to fish. With his guidance, you’ll be catching stripers, hybrids, and crappie in no time. To set up a reservation, call Captain Mark Smith at 404-803-0741 or email him at [email protected].

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.

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:

Lake House, located right on Lake Oconee, offers a delightful experience for both adults and children. Lake House boasts a menu featuring delicious takes on classic pub fare, alongside a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family gatherings. While grown-ups savor a refreshing beverage and gourmet burgers, kids can enjoy kid-friendly options and the excitement of being lakeside. With its stunning views and delectable cuisine, Lake House promises a memorable family dining experience.

Where to Play:

Get ready for a day of outdoor fun at Oconee Springs Park! Kids of all ages will love bouncing around in the on-site inflatable waterpark located directly on the lake! For a more low-key cool down, take a dip in the refreshing waters of the lake. A playground, volleyball area, pedal boats, kayaks, and paddle boards add to the enjoyment of your time at Oconee Springs Park. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails that meander through the park’s scenic beauty. While the kids are busy playing, adults can relax on the lakeside beach, soaking up the sun and the beautiful scenery. Whether it’s a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree or lively competition on the volleyball court, Oconee Springs Park guarantees a day full of family fun and memory-making moments.

Where to Stay:

Escape to the serenity of Lake Oconee at The Lodge on Lake Oconee, a small, family-friendly lakefront hotel offering a casual atmosphere. Days here are filled with opportunities to enjoy the water. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, or head out onto the lake for a thrilling adventure. Boaters can bring their own boats and utilize the nearby marina before tying up at one of the lodge’s docks for the evening. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit at the water’s edge, roast marshmallows, and unwind under the starlit sky. Nestled in a charming cove, The Lodge offers a variety of room options to suit your needs. Choose from standard guest rooms or opt for the extra space of a larger suite or even a multi-room suite for the whole family.