Lake Lanier Blogs
The Lanier Striper Club will host its second annual Fun Fest fishing tournament on Saturday, September 11 at Lake Lanier Islands giving fishing enthusiasts and professional anglers across the region an opportunity to participate in an innovative fishing event. Last year’s Lanier Striper Club Fun Fest made history as the first-ever open fishing competition where the results were determined by a “virtual” weigh-in of the fish caught using wireless technology.
“This event provides the Lanier Striper Club with a great opportunity to promote conservation of our natural resources and to expose more individuals to the sport of fishing,” said Buck Cannon, president, Lanier Striper Club. “During last year’s tournament, we had 60 boats and more than180 Anglers participate and we expect to see similar numbers this year. We look forward to continuing the innovative weigh-in process which allowed for the quick catch and release of the fish.”
Below you will find the TV schedule for the fishing show we did last fall on Lake Lanier.
The show is called "Fishing With Roland Martin: Lake Lanier Stripers" and will be seen on the Versus Channel:
- Mon 08/23/2010 04:30:00 AM
- Tue 08/24/2010 11:00:00 AM
- Wed 08/25/2010 02:00:00 PM
- Sun 08/29/2010 02:00:00 PM
The event will take place from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and volunteers may pick up trash bags to collect trash from the shoreline at the following locations on the lake: Hall County - Aqualand Marina, Clarks Bridge Park, Gainesville Marina, Holiday Marina, Lake Lanier Islands, Lazy Days Marina, Starboard Cove Marina and Sunrise Cove Marina: Dawson County - War Hill Park; Forsyth County - Bald Ridge Marina, Habersham Marina and Port Royale Marina; Gwinnett - Lanier Harbor Marina. Trash may be taken to these locations with the exception of Lake Lanier Islands where volunteers may enter at no charge through the main gate to collect trash.
In return for a full bag of trash, the volunteers will receive a free Shore Sweep T-shirt and an invitation to the Shore Sweep volunteer appreciation party which will take place at Van Pugh Park North in Flowery Branch after Shore Sweep from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: only one shirt will be given per full bag of trash.
The Lake Lanier Association is a non-profit organization whose members are organizing the 22nd Annual Shore Sweep. For more information, please call the association at 770.503.7757 or visit its Web site at www.lakelanier.org.
14th Annual Vineyard Festival | ||||||||||
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Petit Le Mans 2010 Schedule Released
Written by roadatlantaIntercontinental Le Mans Cup:
International heavyweights including Audi, Peugeot and others are expected to attend Petit Le Mans which is now one of the three events in the ACO's inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup comprised of one marquee endurance race in Europe, North America (Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda2) and Asia.
Tickets on sale now at roadatlanta.com
or 800.849.RACE (7223)
Vineyard Fest at Chateau Elan
Written by Chateau Elan 
Harvest season is upon us, and to celebrate we will be hosting our 14th annual Vineyard Fest on Sunday August 29th from 1 pm - 5 pm.. More than 100 domestic and international wines will be available for tasting with wineries from Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Australia and New Zealand plus regional wineries from California, New York, Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia participating.
All wine tasting will be within the new
air-conditioned Pavilion of the Winery!
The all-inclusive festival tickets are $75 per person and include parking, wine glass and wine tastings, cooking and wine seminars with guest chefs and wine experts, self-guided winery tours, delicious food from our seven restaurants presented by the talented Chateau Élan Culinary team of experts, live music by League of Decency, dancing, and grape stomping.
Tickets Only Available by Pre-Order on our Website or by Calling 678-425-0900 x 41. Free shipping.
... Limited Vineyard Fest Overnight Packages While Available ...
Package includes overnight stay on the night of Vineyard Fest and 2 tickets.
Please contact our Resort Sales department for details at 678-425-0900 x 41
[ Double Beds, 2 Tickets, $299 + tax ]
Call 678-425-0900 x 41 to Book.
Tickets are non-refundable.
[ Visit the Official Vineyard Fest 2010 Website for Ticket Ordering and more Details ]
Last week, Judge Paul Magnuson issued his ruling in Phase 2 of the Water Wars litigation His decision amounts to a major victory for us, and the first decision that has gone in Georgia's favor.
Although our legal team under Clyde Morris has accomplished a great deal, this is not the end of our efforts in the Water Wars. Phase 1 is under federal appeal and Florida could appeal this Phase 2 decision. The new Water Control Plan is under development, and the issue of water supply for north Georgia has not been concluded.
We will continue to represent our stakeholders' interests in this litigation and to protect Georgia's Great Lake. The Judge's decision and more details are available on our web site http://lakelanier.org
BREAKING NEWS:
Porsche Hybrid Coming to Petit Le Mans!
Porsche's amazing new 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car will take its place on the worldwide stage at Petit Le Mans this October 2nd when it races on North American soil for the first time EVER! And it isn't just for show… it's here to win. The innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already earned worldwide acclaim with its performance at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May and now looks to again battle GT powerhouses including Ferrari, Corvette, Porsche and others in the U.S. at Petit Le Mans. Don't miss witnessing this incredibly exciting and historic addition to the already elite field! Get your tickets now at www.roadatlanta.com or 1-800-849-RACE.
Click here for full story including video >>>
The 13th Annual Petit Le Mans returns this Fall, poised to break even more records! The legendary 10-hour, 1,000-mile race is set for Saturday, October 2nd. In 2010, this will be the last race of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón season, meaning the LMP, GT, LMPC, and GTC class championships will be decided at Road Atlanta! And once again, Petit Le Mans will offer the greatest line up of top level support races that make this event the premier International road racing festival in the U.S. annually.
Intercontinental Cup: In addition, International heavyweights including Audi, Peugeot, Aston Martin and others are expected to attend Petit Le Mans which is now one of the three events in the ACO's inaugural Intercontinental Cup comprised of one marquee endurance race in Europe, North America (Petit Le Mans) and Asia.
Tickets on sale now at roadatlanta.com
or 800.849.RACE (7223)
Victory at last for Lake Lanier!
Written by lakelanierorgVictory at last!
Yesterday, Judge Paul Magnuson issued his ruling in Phase 2 of the Water Wars. His decision amounts to a complete victory for us. In this phase, Florida asked the court to require that we send more water across the state line into Florida in order to protect endangered mussels and sturgeon. Here is our lawyer's recap:
Here are the long awaited Lake Lanier Sales Stats for the First Half of 2010. We will compare these numbers against the same period last year as well as to the last half of 2009.
OVERALL THE NEWS IS VERY GOOD. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE NUMBERS FOR 2ND HALF OF 2010. THEY WILL REALLY TELL THE STORY ON LAKE LANIER, SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST SEASON WE HAVE BEEN AT FULL POOL WITH NO MORE DOCK PERMITS, SINCE THE "GREAT DEPRESSION" STARTED ON THIS LAKE IN 2007.
Please keep in mind that these numbers are taken from FMLS search of only those homes that are listed as Lakefront with Boat Docks or Permits in place and do not include Platform or Community Dock Home Sales.
As you know, several important seats are up for election this year, and the chosen candidates could have pivotal roles in the future of Lake Lanier.
Several Congressional District 7 and 9 candidate position statements on Lake Lanier issues are on our web site, and we urge you to consider these positions in your candidate choice.
Executive Director
It was with a very heavy heart that I have given my notice to the board and will no longer be working for the Lake Lanier Association after the end of July.
I have already moved to California to work for the same company as my husband, who has been here since last August. We are both working on Lake Nacimiento in Central California.
It has been my privilege to work for the association for the last nine years. I'm constantly in awe of the talent and dedication of your board of directors and have enjoyed working with them to fulfill our mission of protecting Lake Lanier's water quality and quantity. The board is in the final process of selecting a replacement for my position. In the meantime, I'll be responding to your emails and voicemails until the new person is on board.
I wish you all well and have enjoyed meeting and talking with so many of you over the years.
Best regards,
Vicki Barnhorst
The Lake Lanier Association has decided to postpone its Gubernatorial Political Forum originally scheduled for Monday, June 21 at 5:30 pm at Legacy Lodge, Lake Lanier Islands, Buford.
The association is now planning a Political Forum in October for federal and gubernatorial candidates as well as candidates for state house and senate in the districts surrounding Lake Lanier. During the event, the candidates will answer questions on their policies related to the protection of LakeLanier including the Tri-States negotiations, water supply, and reservoirs.
The October event will also take place at Legacy Lodge, Lake Lanier Islands, Buford, and we will announce the date as soon as possible.
As reported in Newsweek’s annual ranking of the top High Schools in the nation, South Forsyth High School ranked 199, just behind two other north Atlanta High Schools Walton and North Gwinnett . There are 19 Georgia high schools in the top 500, with 13 of them being located in North Atlanta. I’ve highlighted those schools below among the list of Georgia High Schools in the top 500 nationally.
| Rank | Scool | City | State | Index | Subsidised Lunches | E&E |
79 | Walton | Marietta | GA | 4.36 | 5 | 57 |
| 148 | Riverwood ** | Atlanta | GA | 3.54 | 24 | 49.8 |
| 186 | North Gwinnett | Suwanee | GA | 3.32 | 21 | 46 |
| 199 | South Forsyth ** | Cumming | GA | 3.24 | 14 | 43.3 |
| 240 | Berkmar | Lilburn | GA | 3.04 | 71 | 18 |
| 242 | Davidson Fine Arts Magnet | Augusta | GA | 3.03 | 15 | 71.9 |
| 248 | DeKalb School of the Arts | DeKalb | GA | 3.00 | 29 | 74 |
| 295 | Chamblee Charter | Chamblee | GA | 2.81 | 40 | 48.6 |
| 313 | Milton | Alpharetta | GA | 2.75 | 6 | 29.2 |
| 345 | Alpharetta | Alpharetta | GA | 2.66 | 11 | 53.9 |
| 347 | Wheeler | Marietta | GA | 2.66 | 40 | 37.2 |
| 391 | Osborne | Marietta | GA | 2.51 | 81 | 13.6 |
| 399 | Roswell | Roswell | GA | 2.48 | 18 | 55.4 |
| 410 | Northview | Johns Creek | GA | 2.46 | 5.3 | 56.3 |
| 413 | Norcross ** | Norcross | GA | 2.45 | 60 | 34.3 |
| 429 | Morgan County ** | Madison | GA | 2.43 | 40 | 18 |
| 438 | Brookwood | Snellville | GA | 2.41 | 16 | 43.9 |
| 452 | Duluth | Duluth | GA | 2.39 | 40 | 36.7 |
| 467 | Lassiter | Marietta | GA | 2.36 | 10 | 49.5 |
Public schools are ranked according to the number of Advanced Placement, Intl. Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school and divided by the number of graduating seniors. All of the schools on the list have an index of at least 1.000; they are in the top 6 percent of public schools measured this way.
Note: Subs. Lunch % is the percentage of students receiving federally subsidized meals. E and E % stands for equity and excellence percentage: the portion of all graduating seniors at a school that had at least one passing grade on one AP or IB test.
** Includes IB. Nearly all other schools use just AP tests.
No, Hedgewood Homes has not been resurrected but some of the same principles from Hedgewood (and an investor) have purchased 50 lots in Vickery and currently have 2 spec homes going up. The lots break down to 14 townhomes and 36 single family lots, most of which are on slabs, with just a 4 basement lots.
What Will Be Built?
One big concern homeowners have when builders buy foreclosed lots and start building again is; what will the homes look like. How big will they be and how much will they sell for. Resident’s won’t need to be concerned with the product planned for Vickery. Homes will have the wood shingle roofs, detached garages and courtyards - much like the homes that currently exist in the community. The builders will be Randy and Brian Schiltz of T-Olive Properties.
The homes will range in price from $268,900 for the 2-bedroom Primrose Cottage up to $452,500 for the 4-bedroom Ridenour with double covered porches. Twelve models in all with the same timeless architecture that makes Vickery such a wonderfully unique community to live in. Interiors will feature open plans with 10′ beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, custom cabinetry and covered porches. Two items that are not included in the base packages, which used to be included, are hardwood floors in the bedrooms and an upgraded kitchen appliance package.
It Takes A Village
Personally I’m excited to know that building will be going on again in Vickery. The community has taken a hit during the downturn but this is a good opportunity for home buyers who want to live there and take advantage of great pricing. Vickery is a unique product that doesn’t exist in too many places outside the perimeter. Crabapple and Downtown Woodstock are the only other options. The 64-million dollar question is what will happen with the Village.
Wachovia took over the commercial property but has managed in the past to do a better job of running retail vendors off rather than pulling new stores in. A failed opportunity to sell last year to an investor was the turning point - but I’m told that it’s all been changed. A new team will be focusing on attracting new business.
There are still a few places to eat; Robin Hood Tavern, Tanners, Cinco’s and Sidney’s Pizza. Most of the stores are gone - but the The Flower Post is still holding down the fort, much to the pleasure of locals who love the unique flower designs and vintage containers.
As more homes are built and sold that should become easier to do, but make no mistake, the success of the Village is the key to the success of the community. I don’t think it’s a question of if but when. I hope the new team can step up to the plate and make it happen sooner rather than later.
Let us know if you have questions about options, features, lot availability and floor plans. 678.608.2200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The beauty of Lake Lanier
Written by CoppermineStop one morning on the way to work at any park
Take time to see the sun come up
A look at any park can surprise you by what you can see
A walk along the Lake can be relaxing
A sunrise can be the lift you need
Sometimes a swim can be just the thing to do
Even the head waters gives us time to reflect
Take time to look it is worth it
Sometime look at the familiar in a new light
THE FISHING ISN'T BAD EITHER
The night sky can be a sight to behold
Lake Lanier
The fishing is good! If you haven't allready dusted the yak off and got on the water now is the time! Below is what is working for Yakdawg and LAKE members on Lanier and surrounding waters over the past few weeks.
Bass: The spots are up on top and will hit moving baits if you are at the right place at the right time! The key to fishing the topwater bite in the kayak is patience. If the fish go down before you are in casting distance continue to make several casts and retrieves in the area you saw fish surfacing. Sometimes you will "call up" an aggressive magnum spot! It is hard to beat humps and points this time of year for topwater action on Lanier. The zara spook and chugbug are two great lures to throw. I have also been doing well throwing a jig-head 3 inch grub at surfacing fish. Jerkbaits and swimbaits will also get hit. 
Stripers: The striper fishing remains good but be prepared to get "window shopped!" Downlined blueback herring is the ticket for a sleighride this time of year. I have been catching fish this week 20-30 feet down over a 40-60ft bottom on the south end of the lake. The great news is that the stripers are really starting to bunch up, but just because you have found them does not mean that you will get bit! Some tactics that will help trigger a strike: power reeling (dropping the bait below the fish and reeling up fast). Lighter leaders, try 12 or even 10 pound. Paint your weights black. Also have a bucktail jig ready to drop to the fish and even try cut-bait if nothing else works! Seeing lots of fish on the sonar is a bad problem to have! I would much rather figure out what they want then to spend all day looking for them! 
Crappie/Bream/Catfish:Bream and crappie are biting on smaller lakes in the North GA area and can be a blast on light tackle! I have been catching a mixed bag of bull bream and crappie on micro jigs, sometimes tipped with a berkley crappie nibble. For larger bream, stay off the banks and let the jig sink to the bottom before working it back to your yak! Crickets are deadly on these big bream as well! Just because the spawn is over doesn't mean you can't catch crappie! I have been catching crappie around deep blowdowns and bridge pilings. Use jigs or live minnows for the slabs!
Visit our online forum at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for fishing trips, reports and more information about the great sport of kayak fishing!
Dockside Grill Café at Aqualand Marina offers open-water views of Lake Lanier in a casual outdoor cafe setting. The famous Docker hand-pattied burger comes with a variety of topping choices from bleu cheese to chili.
Other menu items include sandwiches, salads, and fresh seafood — grouper, tuna and mahi-mahi – plus munchies and grilled chicken.
Open seasonally May through October Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Boat parking at the Aqualand courtesy docks.
