Lake Blackshear is dreamy and seems endless with its length of nearly 20 miles. You are in a South Georgia recreational and wildlife habitat oasis.

Did you know? Lake Blackshear was created in 1930 by damming the Flint River to power Crisp County. The lake borders five counties. It has 97 miles of shoreline, an average depth of 11 feet, and an average width of 3/4 mile.

Make it your #LakeLife summer by camping in a tent, glamping in a safari tent, bringing your RV, or staying in a cozy lakeside cabin inside Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Hint: the weekdays aren’t as competitive! My husband and I rented a cabin at the best available rate Sunday through Thursday. Inquire here.

Each of the resort’s 10 cabins has room for everyone in the family and lake views. Recently upgraded, the cabins have a rustic décor style that feels cozy like home. Think screened-in porches, big furnished kitchen, and a fireplace that we used last winter, but not needed this summer (wish we could!).

Why are we here? Four simple reasons that bring us back again and again, though each summer we mix it up.

Reason No. 01: Live music at Cypress Grill

The casual lakeside restaurant has an outdoor area for music and picnic blankets and it’s where locals gather too. Each month Cypress Grill books regional musicians and touring bands to play the weekends. Trivia, games and karaoke are on Thursdays. Adjacent to The Marina and overlooking Lake Blackshear, Cypress Grill is easily accessible from boat or land. Cypress Grill has the best regional dishes on the menu. It’s open this summer, Thursday through Sunday (early for lunch on Saturday and Sunday).

• Insider’s Tip: Follow Cypress Grill’s facebook for updates on bands this summer.

Reason No. 02: Pontoon fishing

Lake Blackshear fishers are angling for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. Some fish from the shore. Others deploy their boats in the water and explore the cypress flats and hidden coves that make the experience so unique to Lake Blackshear. You can be your own captain for an hour or for the day by renting a Pontoon Boat from the Lake Blackshear Resort Marina! My husband and I have invited friends to join us – the boats have a capacity of 12 people – so they’re pulling in with their RV for the latter part of our stay. We’re renting for the day, but you can also rent half-days and even one hour. Call 229-273-7747 to reserve, as rentals are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis.

• Did you know? You can obtain a state fishing license at the Visitors Center, plus rent paddleboards and kayaks, with life vests included.

Reason No. 03: Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course

Recognized as one of South Georgia’s finest courses with the best value for play, Vets Course is open seven days a week throughout the year. From 8 am to dusk, players of all skill levels can enjoy picturesque lake views in the comfort of the region’s mild climate.

Reason No. 04: Watermelon Days Festival on June 22

Dozens of activities are centered around Cordele’s favorite fruit in the annual Watermelon Days Festival on June 22 here at the park where the resort is located. You’re in the Watermelon Capital of the World, and this celebration honors the farmers, growers, and buyers of agricultural sweetness with wholesome fun for all ages.

The SAM Shortline train will be running between the park and the town of Plains so that none of the festivities will be missed.

Plan for other themed excursions this summer departing from the Georgia Veterans State Park Depot here in the park:

• Day Out with Thomas – June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16
  Ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine to experience the Day Out with Thomas: Bubble Tour. Activities include mini-golf, bounce houses, live entertainment, food trucks, model train displays, hay bale maze, and more bubble-themed fun.
• Plains, Trains & Fireworks – June 29
  Travel from Georgia Veterans State Park Depot to President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia. Enjoy a Southern-style 4th of July celebration. Come for kid’s activities, retail shops, local food vendors, and a mesmerizing fireworks show at dusk.

Click here to sign up for the monthly newsletter for updates and promotions you’ll get first. We’re so glad to be on vacation at our favorite Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Now, we are going to let the ripples of a lakeside week soothe and cool our souls.

By Florrie C.