Everybody knows Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club is the perfect place to escape for a summer vacation. But we do much more than summer here at Georgia Veterans State Park. We love celebrating holidays here, and nowhere else in middle Georgia will you find activities to dazzle the entire family like at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Whether it’s Veterans Day activities in early November, a festival of lights, or a ride on the SAM Shortline train, plan your stay at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club and make memories this holiday season.

The fun starts early in November at the resort. Raise awareness for lung cancer at the Run for your Lungs 5K on November 6 at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Come and run the 5K or participate in the 1-mile fun run and raise money and awareness during national Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Then get ready for the Folds of Honor golf event at Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course. The annual Veterans Day-week event will benefit Folds of Honor and is put on to honor the families of all those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

On Veterans Day, make sure you book your rooms for the Tribute to Veterans Ceremony at the memorial at Georgia Veterans State Park. We take every opportunity we can to honor the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day to protect our freedoms.

A few days later, on November 13, barbecue connoisseurs and pitmasters will converge on Lake Blackshear for the Smokin’ on Blackshear BBQ & Music Festival (https://www.lakeblackshearresort.com/smokin-on-blackshear-bbq-and-music-festival/). This Georgia Barbecue Association event takes place right here at the resort and will feature some of the best competitive ‘cue in the Southeast from professionals and amateurs. Live music will keep the park rocking all day and there will be plenty of talented arts and crafts vendors from across the state. Park admission is free that day. The festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

By the time Thanksgiving arrives, it’s time to start celebrating the Christmas season.

Christmas in the Pines Lighted Trail

Staying at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club places you in the middle of the holiday fun. Georgia Veterans State Park lights up every year during Christmas in the Pines, a dazzling light display that draws visitors from all over the state. More than a half-mile of holiday lights creates a wonderland of Christmas cheer. Meander through displays complete with Christmas trees and Santa scenes. Get into the spirit of the season November 27 until December 26. Admission is $10. Children 3 and younger get in free. The display is from 6-9 p.m. nightly, except on Christmas Day when the display is closed.

On Christmas Day, plan on Breakfast with Santa and a decadent Christmas Day buffet at the Cypress Grill. Then stay for the week and ring in the new year at our annual New Year’s Eve Gala. Overnight stay packages for New Year’s Eve, to include admission to the Gala, will go on sale in December.

There are also plenty of fun holiday activities to experience in the towns near Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Hop on the SAM Shortline train inside Georgia Veterans State Park to experience the holidays, Southern style.

Plains Christmas Lighting

The hometown of former President Jimmy Carter makes the holidays special with its annual parade and lighting of the town. Buy tickets on the SAM Shortline and ride the train from the park to Plains where, on November 27, the city celebrates in style. See the parade and watch as the Christmas lights bring cheer to downtown. Shop and sample the peanut butter ice cream and dine in one of the city’s restaurants. The Plains Christmas Lighting and Parade are great ways to spend an evening and experience the magic of Christmas in a quintessential American small town. Hurry though, tickets sell quickly for the train ride. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to the SAM Shortline website.   

Candy Cane Express

The holiday fun continues December 3-4 aboard the SAM Shortline train with the Candy Cane Express. Board the train at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club in Georgia Veterans State Park and prepare for a day of fun. Stop along the way in Plains and spend a couple of hours exploring the presidential history of Jimmy Carter’s hometown. See the town decked out for the holidays and enjoy some peanut butter ice cream. Be sure to mind your manners aboard the train; Santa will be on board and checking his list. For more information or to buy tickets for the Candy Cane Express, go to the SAM Shortline website.

 

Cordele Holiday Train

It’s not often you have the chance to ride a train with Santa. The SAM Shortline is making that happen. The Cordele Holiday Train boards at the depot in Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club and is your family’s ride to Christmas cheer. Santa Claus will ride along and will bring a gift for each passenger. You will also enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate, and cookies on each one-hour trip. Trains depart at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. on December 11, 17, and 18. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to the SAM Shortline website.

With all the events in the nearby towns, the great holiday dining options at the Resort, and mild weather for late season golf, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club is the perfect headquarters for your family’s special Southern Christmas memories. Don’t wait, book your stay today.