A little magic for everyone
Below, you’ll find our favorite recommendations for making the most out of your stay with us. We keep adding new things to this page constantly, so you’ll want to bookmark this and come back frequently for new inspiration!
Have a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us here and we’ll gladly help!
(Click on any subject to get started)
Fun Facts: Lake Lanier & Atlanta
25 Fun Things to See & Do in Atlanta
Atlanta Tours
Lodging Recommendations (& Campgrounds, too!)
Marina Guide: Lake & Water Info
Eats & Treats: Food Recommendations
Activities: Things to Do
Surrounding Areas: KelMar Adjacent
Shopping (Treat Yourself)
Local Resources for More Info
Always one click away.
Fun Facts: Lake Lanier & Atlanta
Why Atlanta & Lake Lanier?
With about 700 miles of shoreline, Lake Sidney Lanier — whose water comes from the Blue Ridge Mountains — is the largest lake in Georgia and hosts approximately 8 million annual visitors.
KelMar Escape offers guests a private setting to enjoy all the lake, and life, have to offer. With breathtaking lake views visible from all levels of the property, KelMar Escape is your ideal destination. Our luxury lakefront property is located on the desirable south end of Lake Lanier and is ideal for special events, vacation getaways, family reunions, film industry accommodations, special occasions and weddings! It is ideal for special events, weddings, corporate dinners and team building activities, film industry location site, special occasions and more!
Fun Facts: Lake Lanier, Atlanta
GEOGRAPHY
– Located in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
– Headwaters of the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint (ACF) watershed
– Impounded by the Buford Dam and extends up the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers.
– 692 miles of shoreline | 38,542-acre Reservoir Area
– Holds approx. 637 billion gallons of water | approx. 354 billion in the conservation storage
– Touches seven Georgia counties: Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Gwinnett, Lumpkin, and White
COMMUNITY
– Hosts approx. 8 million annual visitors
– Estimated $300 million in annual recreational economic value to the area
– KelMar Escape is 1 of 10,600 docks along its shores
LAKE LANIER
On March 1, 1950 a group of men met in Buford, Georgia and seven of them each turned a spade-full of dirt over in what was a symbolic start to a project that was proposed shortly after construction began on Allatoona Dam in 1941 — what would eventually be known as Lake Lanier (timeline of Lake Lanier).
FILM AND PRODUCTION
While you are on Lake Lanier, check out the filming spot for one of Netflix top series Ozarks.
Yes, you can see where Marty and Wendy Byrde live and where the Langmore family tries to survive.
Here’s a cool video where the stars talk about their time and experience on Lake Lanier.
Distances (miles & hours) from all local cities
Whether you fly or drive, KelMar Escape is conveniently located 40 miles north of downtown Atlanta on the shores of Lake Lanier and is easily accessible from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport as well as cities throughout the Southeastern US:
City | ST | Distance | Drive Time |
ATL Hartsfield – Jackson Airport | GA | 59 mi | 1.0 hr |
Birmingham | AL | 193 mi | 3.0 hrs |
Mobile | AL | 377 mi | 5.5 hrs |
Jacksonville | FL | 395 mi | 5.75 hrs |
Orlando | FL | 487 mi | 7.0 hrs |
Tampa | FL | 505 mi | 7.25 hrs |
Augusta | GA | 190 mi | 3.0 hrs |
Savannah | GA | 297 mi | 4.5 hrs |
Lexington | KY | 353 mi | 6.0 hrs |
Louisville | KY | 419 mi | 6.75 hrs |
Charlotte | NC | 226 mi | 3.75 hrs |
Greensboro | NC | 313 mi | 5.0 hrs |
Raleigh / Durham | NC | 388 mi | 6.0 hrs |
Greenville | SC | 417 mi | 7.25 hrs |
Chattanooga | TN | 117 mi | 2.25 hrs |
Knoxville | TN | 184 mi | 3.5 hrs |
Memphis | TN | 437 mi | 6.5 hrs |
Nashville | TN | 247 mi | 4.25 hrs |
Preferred vendors (always growing)
25 Fun Things to See & Do in Atlanta
Fifty Shades of Fun
ATLANTA BELTLINE
Walk, Bike, Run on the BeltLine
Explore miles of Atlanta BeltLine by foot or on two wheels. Once you work up an appetite, stop in at one of the many spots along the path to relax and refuel. With all the changing artwork, unique neighborhood shops and restaurants, the BeltLine is an easy way to stay active in Atlanta.
404-477-3003
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Stop and Smell
the Orchids
Nestled in the northern corner of Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden spreads its roots across more than 30 acres. Explore the lush green garden when it is lit up for special events, blooms during seasonal activities and harvests a spooky spectacle or two.
404-876-5859
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER
Get Hyped for History
Big things await you at Atlanta History Center. This 33-acre attraction features award-winning exhibitions including the re-imagined Cyclorama exhibit, memorabilia from the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the historic Swan House. Don’t forget to make a quick trip to the Margaret Mitchell House at the center’s Midtown campus.
404-814-4000
CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK
Embrace the Heart of Atlanta
Pay homage to Atlanta’s Olympic legacy, take a selfie with the
Olympic rings, splash around in the Fountain of Rings, enjoy a
nice picnic or play on the lush green space with Downtown views
in every direction. Many of Atlanta’s world-class attractions,
restaurants and venues are only steps away.
404-222-7275
CHICK-FIL-A COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Live the Ultimate College Football Fan Experience
Live the Ultimate College Football Fan Experience Broadcast with the ESPN College GameDay crew, browse decades of memorabilia, interact with legends and learn about your favorite Hall of Fame inductees. Once you’ve tackled that, try your luck at a field goal.
404-880-4800
CNN STUDIO TOURS
Watch the News Unfold
News junkies and aspiring journalists, unite. Take a behind-the scenes look at CNN Studio Tours to see how this global network reports news from beginning to end. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even see one of your favorite HLN or CNN hosts.
404-827-2300
DELTA FLIGHT MUSEUM
Soar Through the Skies
Experience aviation history at Delta Flight Museum, where everyone can reach for the skies. Enjoy immersive exhibits, state-of-the-art simulator technology and see rare planes from past eras. Take a guided tour or glide through the massive premises at Delta’s world headquarters with friends, family or a co-pilot of your choice.
404-715-7886
FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Meander through the Mesozoic
Get up close and personal with the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This museum is an adventure for all who dare and takes travelers back in time to see giant creatures of the Mesozoic – including one that measures more than 120 feet long.
404-929-6300
FOX THEATRE
Walk the Red Carpet
Get ready to feel like a movie star when visiting Fox Theatre. Musicals, dance performances and nationally renowned acts await guests at the end of the red carpet walk. No show scheduled? You can take a tour and learn the fascinating history of this Atlanta icon.
404-881-2100
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
Journey Under the Sea
Georgia Aquarium is something you should “sea” to believe. Stare in awe at the sheer variety of marine life on display, peek at puffins and penguins or feed the dolphins after their spectacular show. Don’t miss the opportunity to check swimming with whale sharks off your bucket list.
404-581-4000
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
Mingle with the Masters
Find more than 17,000 works of art and a growing collection of contemporary pieces inside the leading art museum in the Southeast. Impress a date or bring the family for special exhibits and events plus the permanent collections at High Museum of Art.
404-733-4400
JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Elect to see the Impact of a Global Icon
Not every city boasts a presidential library, and we’re proud of the one our very own peanut-growing, Nobel Peace Prize-winning President Jimmy Carter built. At Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, you’ll find everything from an Oval Office replica to the gifts received during his presidency and see his impact on the world today.
404-865-7131
KROG STREET MARKET
Hand out in a Hubbub-filled Food Hall
If variety is the spice of life, then Krog Street Market is on fire. A bustling hub of authentic eats built into a 1920s warehouse space, this market has everything the stomach could crave. You can find tapas, burgers, Paleo fare – and don’t forget the thirst-quenching beverage selection. While food and drink may be the highlight, don’t miss flowers and gifts galore and the famous Krog Street Tunnel just down Atlanta BeltLine.
770-434-2400
MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM
See Superstars in a Stellar Stadium
Score some of the best seats in town for an Atlanta Falcons (NFL) game, Atlanta United FC (MLS) soccer match or a high-energy concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Check out the daily tours to see amazing artwork and behind-the-scenes areas rarely open to the public. Connect with the community for yoga, art and other events The Home Depot Backyard.
470-341-5000
PIEDMONT PARK
Play in the Park
Truly experience the “city in a forest” with a walk or bike ride
through Piedmont Park, home to Atlanta Botanical Garden and Lake Clara Meer. Whether you are going to a festival, taking a sunset stroll or walking your pooch to the dog park, this is the place to be on a beautiful day.
404-875-7275
PONCE CITY MARKET & ROOFTOP AT PONCE CITY MARKET
Savor the Flavor of Atlanta
Take the trail to Ponce City Market, home to a number of famous
chef-owned restaurants, quick service fare and a mixture of both
national and local retail options. Head up to The Roof at Ponce
City Market, one of the best rooftops and most romantic views in
Atlanta, for classic carnival amusements, miniature golf and a giant slide at Skyline Park. If you need provisions while you’re up there, fill ‘er up at Nine Mile Station and RFD social.
404-900-7900
PORSCHE EXPERIENCE CENTER
Peel out in a Porsche
Push yourself to the limit at Porsche Experience Center,
specially designed to exhibit elegance and engineering under the hood while testing you on and off the tracks. Once you feel the power from the driver’s seat, be sure to refuel with fine dining at Restaurant 356.
888-204-7474
ROOFTOP AT HOTEL CLERMONT
Elevate Yourself on the Eastside
Take in sweeping skyline views from a top a fully decked-out
rooftop patio. Grab a handcrafted drink while you luxuriate on
top of the city’s historically quirky Hotel Clermont with friends
new and old. Don’t forget to try your hand at giant Jenga while
you enjoy the music and unique scenery at this Atlanta institution.
470-485-0485
SKYVIEW ATLANTA
Get a Sky-high View of the City
Ride a SkyView Atlanta gondola to experience the city from 20 stories up. It’s a thrilling view during the day and a breathtaking sight at night. You’ll see everything from Stone Mountain Park to Midtown’s Georgia Tech campus.
678-949-9023
STATE FARM ARENA
Are You Ready For this Arena?
State Farm Arena is home to Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and some of the city’s hottest concerts year-round. The arena is also packed with notable eateries including B’s Cracklin BBQ to the always-lively Zac Brown’s Social Club. It truly has everything you need for
a modern fan experience including Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop!
404-878-3000
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK
Enjoy Mountains of Fun
Trek through the treetops on SkyHike, hike up the mountain for
a beautiful view or take a relaxing trip to the top with Summit
Skyride. While you are there, ride around Stone Mountain by train and enjoy the longest-running laser show in the world.
770-498-5690
TABERNACLE
All Together Now
Come let your full-on fandom fly at one of Atlanta’s most unique
music venues. Tabernacle, a concert hall which began life as a
church over a century ago, is chock-full of character and regularly
features internationally known acts, all within walking distance of
the rest of downtown Atlanta.
404-659-9022
TRUIST PARK AND THE BATTERY ATLANTA
Charge Up at the Battery
When the Braves play at home, take an outing between innings
to Truist Park for a lively gameday atmosphere. Slide into The
Battery Atlanta for restaurants, bars, shops or a concert at Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre.
404-577-9100
WORLD OF COCA-COLA
Search for the Secret Formula
Experience the history of the world’s most famous soft drink. Walk through fascinating exhibits at World of Coca-Cola, get nostalgic looking at classic ads and see a replica of the bottling process. Get a peek at the vault containing the secret formula and tempt your taste buds with a sample of more than 100 beverages from around the globe in the tasting room.
404-676-5151
ZOO ATLANTA
Haven’t You Herd?
Join the migration as you travel into true-to-life habitats for
elephants, giraffes, zebras, Southern white rhinos and more.
You’ll also see the only giant panda twins in the U.S., Ya Lun
and Xi Lun, plus many more animal friends and other exciting
exhibits. A fun-filled exploration of the animal kingdom awaits.
404-624-5600
Atlanta Tours
Atlanta Tours
AMAZING ATLANTA TOURS
Amazing Atlanta Tours is a seasoned, Atlanta-based tour company specializing in delivering unique and inspiring city experiences. With six consecutive years being ranked as the #1 Outdoor Activity in Atlanta on Trip Advisor and being awarded 5-Stars on over 99% of customer reviews, they are proud to be offering the most unique and amazing biking, walking and motorized tour experiences in the region.
404-273-2558
ATLANTA BEER BUS
Born out of a love for beer, Atlanta, and the fine breweries our city has to offer, we bring to you the Atlanta Beer Bus. A HOP-on/HOP-off party shuttle servicing Atlanta’s most delicious breweries for as low as $10 per person all day!
770-696-6080
ATLANTA FOOD WALKS
Atlanta’s food and history experts. That’s not just marketing fluff: they *literally* wrote the book on Atlanta’s culinary history. Their 10,000+ guests have made them Atlanta’s #1 rated tour company and we have more 5-star reviews than any other Atlanta food tour.
470-223-2203
ATLANTA MOVIE TOURS
With over 1,500 movies and over 20 television shows shot here since 1972, the impact of the film industry continues to grow in Georgia, making Atlanta a favorite destination for filmmakers and fans alike. Our Atlanta film tours bring the rich film history of the area alive, transporting you on luxury coaches that show film clips of the locations you see in action to enhance the experience of visiting spots where pivotal scenes were shot. We research every location on our Atlanta Hollywood tours thoroughly to unearth a ton of fun facts that are sure to please even the most hardcore fans. Our tour guides are experienced actors who have appeared on these sets and share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
855-255-3456
CHICK-FIL-A BACKSTAGE TOUR
This 60-minute journey will lead you into the heart of Chick-fil-A that offers a fun filled and enlightening storytelling experience inspired by the fascinating history, culture and values of the company. From hospitable people to delicious food to infectious “Eat Mor Chikin Cows, you can explore the unique Chick-fil-A story.
404-305-4163
Lodging Recommendations (& Campgrounds, too!)
Clients holding events at KelMar Escape often require separate accommodations for event guests. Since Lake Lanier spans a wide area, there are many options where guests could base their stay. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of types of accommodations and their proximity to KelMar Escape. All Lanier Islands Resort options are located 26.7 miles/45 minutes by car or 10-12 minutes by boat from KelMar Escape.
Lanier Island Resort Accommodation Options
One of the most popular places for Lanier visitors to stay is Lanier Islands in Buford. Though the centerpiece of the resort is the Legacy Lodge and Conference Center, other options for accommodations at Lanier Islands include Villas, Lake Houses, Shoal Creek Campgrounds, and a brand-new RV Resort at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. There are three distinct accommodation types available at the Lanier Islands Resort: Lodge rooms, Villas and Lake houses. In addition, an the Margaritaville RV park and Shoal Creek campground round out the resort.
Legacy Lodge
website
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA
(770) 945-8787
Choose from a variety of Atlanta-area lodging options at Lanier Islands Options include spacious suites, junior suites, king bedded rooms or double-queen rooms.
Legacy Villas
website
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA
(770) 945-8787
Composed of six bedrooms across 4,500 square feet, each of the six Legacy Villas at Lanier Islands is equipped with premium amenities. Each villa in North Georgia consists of two king rooms, two double king rooms, and two king suites (featuring private bathrooms and balconies or terraces). The villas are within walking distance of Legacy Lodge affording guests easy access to all the resort’s amenities.
Lakehouses at Legacy
website
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA
(770) 945-8787
The relaxing and conveniently designed Lake houses at Legacy provide added privacy and self-reliance for families and small groups. The rustic cabins feature two private bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom, washer and dryer, kitchen (without oven), dining area, living area with a sleeper sofa, Fieldstone gas fireplace, and a wooden deck with gas grill. Each lake house in Georgia contains 1 king bed, 2 full size beds and 1 sleeper sofa, accommodating up to 8 guests.
Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands Resort
website
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA 30518
(470) 323-3486
Full Service Hotel Options
The Hotel at Avalon, Autograph Collection
9000 Avalon Blvd
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(678) 722-3600
23.2 miles/30 minutes by car from KelMar
Campgrounds
There are almost a dozen campgrounds around Lake Lanier offering everything from new and nicely maintained lakeside cabins in Don Carter State Park to primitive, back-to-nature campsites in Toto Creek. The campgrounds are owned and operated by various organizations so the opening dates, rules and reservation method for each will vary.
Shoal Creek Campground
website
6300 Shadburn Ferry Road
Buford, GA 30518
(470) 323-3440
Remotely located outside the gates of Lanier Islands on Shadburn Ferry Road and just off Buford Dam Road, Shoal Creek Campground has wooded and lakefront sites along with boat ramps, campsites with and without hookups, showers, dump station, restrooms, picnic tables, picnic pavilion and a swimming area. Tent camping is permitted.
Operated by Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Bald Ridge Creek Campground
website
4100 Bald Ridge Road
Cumming, GA, 30041
(770) 889-1591
The 82 campsites come with electric and water hookups (no sewer hookups). Additional conveniences in the well-maintained park include a dump station, laundry facilities, and restrooms/bath houses. Bald Ridge Creek Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There’s also a swimming beach and boat ramp available for campers.
Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers
Shady Grove Campground – WITH GLAMPING TENTS
website
7800 Allyn Lane Memorial Way
Cumming, GA
(770) 205-6850
Open mid-March to late-November. This park has 110 campsites – including tent campsites, RV campsites and group campsites — spread out over almost 110 acres. Tent and RV sites (30/50 amp) with water, Beach and swim area, Boat ramp with courtesy dock, Group campsites with picnic shelters, Playground, Wash houses and Access to Lake Lanier.
Operated by Forsyth County, Georgia
https://www.gaglamping.com
http://www.52forsyth.com/georgia-glamping/
READY TO TAKE YOUR EVENT EXPERIENCE AT KELMAR TO A NEW LEVEL, GO GLAMPING!
Looking for a unique and close place to KelMar for your guests to stay? Go glamping at Shady Grove.
Reserve one tent or all of them.
Glamping is all about the ‘experience’. It’s about getting back to nature without getting back to basics. At Georgia Glamping, you won’t be sleeping on the floor in a hot tent.
ALL ABOUT COMFORT
There’s an accommodation type for everyone. From large safari tents and cozy bell tents to tree houses and Geodesic Domes, we have something that can appease the fanciest traveler.
https://www.georgiaglamping.com/glamping-lake-lanier
Toto Creek Park
website
154 Toto Creek Park Road
Dawsonville, GA 30534
(770) 945-9531
Open early-June to mid-September. Toto Creek Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming and boating. The park also features a small walking path with its own picnic tables and grills. A boat ramp provides greater access to water activities. Tent-only, non Electric camping. Each campsite offers an impact pad with a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hangar. A communal water hydrant is located near site #1. Restroom is located near park entrance.
Operated by US Army Corps of Engineers
Nearby Vacation Home Rentals
Dozens and dozens of vacation home rentals on Lake Lanier are offered through websites like VRBO and AirBNB. Very few, if any, of these owners will allow you to hold an event on their property. However, they may be a good accommodation option for the guests that will be attending your event at KelMar Escape. While we are not associated with, nor do we endorse any of these properties we have chosen to provide courtesy information on a couple of very unique, high-capacity homes.
Ark on Lake Lanier
website
The Ark is a private lakefront home with over 12,000 square feet of living space is located just minutes from the beautiful north Georgia mountains in the small town of Dahlonega. This five-star rated property has numerous resort style amenities with breathtaking lake views surrounding more than half the property. (14 BD/12 BA)
20.5 miles/31 minutes by car from KelMar
Chateau Lanier
website
This luxurious three level home with greater than 9,000 square feet of living space provides beautiful lake vistas and views from most every room in the house. (8 BD/6.5 BA)
18.4 miles/26 minutes by car from KelMar
Marina Guide: Lake & Water Info
Aqualand Marina
Aqualand Marina
6800 Lights Ferry Rd
Flowery Branch, GA
770-967-6811
Website
- Fuel dock open daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Restrooms
- Waterside restaurant – Pig Tales on Lake Lanier
- Boat & PWC Rentals by Lanier Aqua Rentals
- GPS LAT: 34.184106 LONG: -83.928554
- 24.8 miles/40 minutes by car and 20 minutes by boat from KelMar
Hideaway Bay Marina
Hideaway Bay Marina
6334 Mitchell St
Flowery Branch, GA
770-967-5500
Website
- Fuel dock open daily 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Restrooms
- Waterside restaurant – Fish Tales Lakeside Grille
- No wake – Sheltered cove off the main lake channel, away from loud noises and boat wakes
- GPS LAT: 34.180739 LONG: -83.932031
- 24.3 miles/37 minutes by car and 35 to 40 minutes by boat from KelMar
Port Royale Marina
Port Royale Marina
8800 Port Royale Drive
Gainesville, GA
770-887-5715
Website
- Fuel dock open daily 9:00am – 7:00pm
- Restrooms
- Waterside restaurant – Pelican Pete’s Bar and Grill
- Boat & PWC Rentals by Paradise Boat Rentals
- GPS LAT: 34.25149 LONG: -83.96414
- 9.5 miles/15 minutes by car and 30 minutes by boat from KelMar
Bald Ridge Marina
Bald Ridge Marina
1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd
Cummings, GA
770-887-5309
Website
- Fuel dock open Sunday through Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm, Friday & Saturday, 9:00am-7:00pm
- Restrooms
- Sandwich shop – Smokey Q
- GPS LAT: 34.20988130 LONG: -84.10012330
- 11.0 miles/20 minutes by car and 15 minutes by boat from KelMar
Eats & Treats: Food Recommendations
LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
7541 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA
470-323-3473
Full-service restaurant opened in 2018 located inside the Margaritaville Water Park. Tropical-trendy menu featuring everything from street tacos, to crisp salads, to your favorite brews and boat drinks. Fun atmosphere with vista views of water park, man-made beach and the marina. Day docks are available for a nominal fee at LandShark Landing for guests who boat in for a day. We recommend booking in advance to be sure that you have a space. Opening hours vary during the season. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Margaritaville Chill Zone Restaurants & Bars
Margaritaville Chill Zone Restaurants and Bars
7650 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA
470-323-3440
Waterfront, theme-park style dining and tiki bar options located inside the Margaritaville complex at Lanier Islands. The Chill Zone restaurants and bars operate seasonally when the Margaritaville entertainment complex is open:
- Paradise Cantina (Mexican),
- Frank and Lola’s Pizzeria (Pizza/salads/wraps)
- License to Chill Tiki Bar,
- L2C Grill (Burgers & fries)
- Feeding Frenzy Fried Shack (Fried seafood & wings)
Day docks are available for a nominal fee at LandShark Landing for guests who boat in for a day. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Pig Tales on Lake Lanier at Aqualand Marina
Pig Tales on Lake Lanier at Aqualand Marina
6800 Lights Ferry Road
Flowery Branch, GA
678-828-7676
Premier BBQ, burgers and wings eatery on Lake Lanier with a full bar & a roomy covered lakefront patio. One of the best sunset views from any restaurant on the water. Pet friendly with live entertainment on the weekends. Open daily during the spring, summer and fall months. Courtesy dock. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Website | Yelp Reviews | Menu | Instagram
Pelican Pete’s Lakeside Restaurant at Port Royale Marina
Pelican Pete’s Lakeside Restaurant at Port Royale Marina
8800 Port Royale Drive
Gainesville, GA
770-887-5715 ext 5
Floating tiki restaurant with fresh burgers, frozen drinks and lots of atmosphere and Caribbean vibes with 180 degree views of the lake. Pet friendly. Live music on weekends. Open daily during the spring, summer and fall months. Courtesy dock. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Website | Yelp Reviews | Menu | Instagram
Fish Tales Lakeside Grille at Hideaway Bay Marina
Fish Tales Lakeside Grille at Hideaway Bay Marina
6330 Mitchell Street
Flowery Branch, GA
770-967-3775
Fresh Seafood, full-service bar and great customer service make Fish Tales one of the best dining experience on Lake Lanier. Not pet friendly. Marina view. Courtesy dock. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Website | Yelp Reviews | Menu | Instagram
The Twisted Oar at Holiday Marina
The Twisted Oar at Holiday Marina
6900 Lanier Islands Pkwy
Buford, GA
678-714-7572
Twisted Oar is the best dive bar and restaurant on Lake Lanier. This is where the locals like to hang out. Good food outstanding service, ice cold drinks, and live music. Menu items include fresh seafood, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, wings and steak. Salmon BLT is excellent. Pet friendly. Courtesy dock. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Website | Yelp Reviews | Menu | Instagram
Skogie’s Waterfront Eatery at Gainesville Marina
Skogie’s Waterfront Eatery at Gainesville Marina
2151 Dawsonville Hwy
Gainesville, GA
678-450-1310
Think no-frills lakefront shack. Farthest restaurant north on the lake. Known for hand battered & made-to-order shrimp, fish and tenders and hand-pattied Black Angus Burgers. Every entrée and side are made to order. Offers an All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm and on holidays, including Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Beer and wine only. Courtesy dock. Open year-round. Approximately ___ minutes by boat from KelMar.
Website | Yelp Reviews | Menu
Activities: Things to Do
Every friggin fun thing there is to do...
Surrounding Areas: KelMar Adjacent
Atlanta Botanical Gardens - Gainesville
Atlanta Botanical Gardens – Gainesville
website
1911 Sweetbay Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
404-888-4760
The first 5 acres phase of the garden opened May 2, 2015. Located on 168 acres of land donated by Charles and Lessie Smithgall, the Garden is destined to be one of the largest and most diverse woodland gardens in the country. The Gainesville location is a new destination for connecting with beauty and the natural world. Complete with a visitor center, outdoor gardens, a model train garden and an amphitheater, it will also be a cultural center for the community hosting exciting exhibitions, events, and educational programs. The nationally recognized collections will expand the horticultural palette of Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Garden has already developed a sophisticated horticultural operation and the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast on the property. Endangered plants will be propagated on the site for the conservation program. We have a new 2.5 acre fantasy themed Children’s garden opened in November of 2019.
Vineyards within one-hour drive
Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery
439 Vineyard Way
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 865-9463
website
Laid back and fun, Three Sisters Vineyards is a favorite destination of Wine Lovers visiting the North Georgia Mountains and Dahlonega-Lumpkin County, The Heart of Georgia Wine Country. A variety of tastings are offered inside from a large cherry wood tasting bar featuring a distinctive collection of southern folk art and pottery.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
180 Wolf Mountain Trail
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 867-9862
website
The pastoral hillside vineyards, fieldstone-encased winery and hospitality facilities overlook the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Vineyard and Winery provides the perfect setting for the enjoyment of our award-winning handcrafted wines, Sunday Brunch, Cafe Lunch and Gourmet Dinners.
Frogtown Cellars
700 Ridge Point Drive
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 865-0687
website
Visit Frogtown to experience the ultimate in Georgia estate wines. They have won over 50 medals in major California competitions alone. Looking for a great way to spend the afternoon? You will think you are in the heart of wine country when you sit and experience the fine wines, food and vineyards. Frogtown was recently pictured in the Napa Sonoma Magazine as one of the most beautiful vineyards outside California. Over 20 wines are available for you to taste! Bring a friend and enjoy the day.
Mount Yonah Winery
1717 Highway 255 South
Cleveland, GA 30528
(706) 878-5522
website
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is a two-hundred acre family winery located on the southeastern base of iconic Yonah Mountain. Making world class wines and enjoying the process is our ultimate goal. Rolling hills and sandy soil are the perfect setting for our twenty planted acres of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
Montaluce Winery
501 Hightower Church Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 867-4060
website
We are a breathtaking destination that uses incredible wine, food, and events to create experiences you will want to have again and again.
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
100 Rue Charlemagne Drive
Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 425-0900
Hotel class: 4-star hotel
website
Chateau Elan Winery was opened in 1984 by Don and Nancy Panoz and currently sits among acres of Vineyards. The winery also hosts two dining establishments including the elegant French Le Clos restaurant, and the relaxed mediterranean style bistro Café Élan. Upon entering the winery you will first discover the Wine Market which features Château Élan wines along with a wide variety of wine and culinary gift items. The winery also hosts The Viking Culinary Studio which offers weekend cooking classes and Sunday 3 p.m. cooking demonstrations.
Shopping (Treat Yourself)
Halcyon
Halcyon
6365 Halcyon Way,
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(470) 223-3665
website
Distance: 20 minutes from KelMar Escape
An idyllic 135-acre gathering place, Halcyon is a new opportunity to define community in Forsyth County. With the Big Creek Greenway trailhead situated at Halcyon, strolling with furry friends, biking, walking and jogging are a part of our fabric. Paved pathways throughout the community connect people to places. Curated shops and chef-driven restaurants. A common green at the center. All of it seamlessly integrated and thoughtfully designed to complement the surroundings, allowing community and connections to happen naturally. Welcome to Halcyon.
Avalon
Avalon
400 Avalon Boulevard
Alpharetta, GA 30009
770-765-2000
website
Concierge: 770-765-1000
Distance: 25 minutes from KelMar Escape
Avalon is a new experience in the timeless art of living well. In the heart of Alpharetta, this sustainably designed, 86-acre community features more than 500,000 square feet of retail, a 12-screen all premium theater, conference center and full-service hotel, Class A office, single-family residences and luxury rental homes. Avalon infuses resort-level hospitality throughout a walkable, seamlessly connected community of shopping, dining, entertainment, living and working. It’s more than just another place to go, it’s a place to be — a hub of activity that delivers the luxury of the modern South.
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