Cool Off at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club

When you arrive at Lake Blackshear, you’ll find the serenity you are seeking. It’s all about lake life here in South Georgia and Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club is an amazing destination with so much to offer for everyone. We’ll start with the beginning of summer—and those top reasons I choose to return year after year.

Lake Life

The lake is why I am here. A wide sandy beach on the shores of Lake Blackshear makes swimming and playing in the refreshing waters welcoming. The Marina offers pontoon boat rentals—and we

enjoyed spotting gigantic osprey nests in some of the isolated cypress trees. For truly peaceful exploration, I rented a kayak so I could be closer to the birds of the lake: Great blue herons, ducks, and even some songbirds I heard in the trees and didn’t quite recognize. Kayaking allows me to maneuver through cypress stands where Spanish moss tickles the shoulders as you lower your head to squeeze through. It’s like a magical freshwater forest. People who are fishing are finding secret places in the cypress stands. Paddleboard and canoe rentals are also available at the Visitor Center. Check out the options and make a splash!

Insider’s Tip: People are fishing for what they can catch, which include bass, crapie, brim, and catfish

One of Georgia’s Finer Golf Courses

Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course or “Vet’s Course” at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club is a leaking secret for new and expert golfers in Georgia. Golf Digest ranks it as a four-star course. If you are not a golfer but want to give it a try, call ahead and make an appointment with Brian Williamson, the golf pro at the shop; he is a patient and gifted instructor. He took me and a friend out on the Denis Griffiths-designed course and showed us some of the basic postures and best playing tips ahead of our round. Golfers know this is one of Georgia’s finer courses and it is as challenging as you’d like it to be with mounds, water hazards and sand bunkers. We met friends here for a round of golf who drove just two hours from Atlanta and one hour from Macon. Being on the fairway makes you feel a world away as the natural surroundings are a welcome difference from typical golf courses located within communities and surrounded by homes. Book tee times here.

 

Insider’s Tip: Brian Williamson has given 50,000 golf lessons in 60 countries—but you’ll feel like you’re his #1 pupil

Left: Annita takes one of her first swings in the golf lesson.

Dark Sky Nights

You don’t have to know the constellations to appreciate the dark sky nights at Lake Blackshear Resort. On any clear night, the lake reflects the cosmos. Those big city lights are far, far away. You can absorb the celestial serenity from the veranda of the Lodge. I listened to the peaceful sounds of evening from a private screened porch in a lakeside Villa. Dog-friendly cabins on the shores of the lake provide a more rustic environment for being one with the sky and land. If you prefer to camp, or hook up the R/V, there’s room for you in the large campgrounds. Stay as long as you can!

 

 

 

Insider’s Tip: Sit by the firepit at night in the Resort’s rocking chairs and meet the guests enjoying the evening with you.

Image: View of the Lake from the firepit

Live Music on the Lake

You know the food and vibe is great when locals and visitors commingle at one of South Georgia’s unique casual restaurants on the lake. The concert lights came on and I felt the lake breezes softening the experience as we enjoyed dinner and drinks with local artists.

Cypress Grill has an expansive outdoor seating area and this summer, live regional and touring bands and musicians play Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, including karaoke nights. Cypress Grill is adjacent to The Marina and overlooks Lake Blackshear. Some people come by boat, parking at the docks! American favorites are on the menu, from catfish to hamburgers and fish tacos (you get three tacos—come hungry!). View upcoming bands.

Insider’s Tip: Bring a blanket and hang out on the grass with your kiddos post-supper.