Located on a peninsula stretching into Georgia’s Lake Lanier just north of the city of Atlanta, the Flat Creek area features plenty of outdoor recreation and breathtaking views. Vacation rentals in Flat Creek offer the best of lakeside living. Walk to the shore for some early morning fishing, sunbathe in the sandy beach area, or take an evening boat excursion to enjoy the cool lake breezes. If you love shopping or bar hopping at night clubs, Flat Rock is just a short drive from both Gainesville and Buford, which are the largest communities on the lake. Additionally, these two areas boast trendy eateries, upscale restaurants, and family attractions your kids are sure to love. Here are some of the top things to do in the Flat Creek area to get you started.

1. Take Sail With Windsong Sailing Academy

If you’re a novice sailor or just want to experience the lake under sail, Windsong Sailing Academy has excursions to meet your needs. Sign up for a brown-bag outing, and bring along a picnic lunch from your vacation home. Themed tours include elements, such as music, stories of local lore, and stops for swimming or enjoying the sunset, as well as opportunities for you to practice or learn some basic sailing skills.

2. Sample the Thrills at LanierWorld

LanierWorld’s family fun park has water rides to match everyone’s thrill level from splash pools for toddlers to the Raging River for the adventurous. Head over to the park’s boardwalk area for more traditional carnival rides and games plus all your favorite fair foods.

3. Savor a Wine Cruise With the Legacy Cruise Series

Sign up for a wine cruise with Legacy, and sample a selection of fine wines while enjoying the views out on the water. Chefs aboard the Island Princess yacht pair each wine with a selection of tapas, and some cruises also offer live musical entertainment for your enjoyment. This three-hour cruise is a great way for your party to see more of the area while also enjoying local wines and delicious snacks.

4. Launch Your Boat at Sunrise Cove Marina

If you’re bringing along any kind of watercraft, Sunrise Cover Marina has support to help you out. Located right on the Flat Creek peninsula, this full-service marina has launching facilities and boat slips in a quiet, laid-back setting with beautiful views. The Ships Store offers gear, snacks, and souvenirs, and there are pump-out facilities and a fuel dock to meet your needs.

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5. Enjoy a Mocktail at Pelican Pete’s

If boating makes you hungry, dock at Pelican Pete’s for a meal or snack under the huge thatched tiki hut. This man-made attraction is known for its tropical specialty drinks including the mango margarita and the piña colada, all available as mocktails to meet the needs of boaters and drivers. The boat load of “knot”chos is perfect for sharing, and vegetarian menu options and a children’s menu make this eatery a great choice for everyone.

6. Learn About the Local Ecosystem at Williams Mill Greenspace

This wildlife sanctuary offers hiking trails through forest and meadow past streams, ponds, and shoals, providing many opportunities to observe the local avian and animal wildlife close at hand. Scenic overlooks and an old-fashioned footbridge add to the ambiance, and restrooms are nearby for your convenience.

7. Zip Through the Canopy With North Georgia Canopy Tours

Offering two- and three-hour tours that combine ziplining, sky bridges, and nature walks, North Georgia Canopy Tours provides a unique way to experience the Georgia countryside. Suitable for those age 10 and up, these fun trips challenge you to face your fears while you enjoy spectacular views and a thrilling experience. Be sure to bring along your camera, or rent the Go-Pro helmet to document your journey.

8. Up Your Fishing Game with the Catching Not Fishing Guide Service

The best way to improve your fishing success is by hiring a local guide. The Catching Not Fishing Service, headed by Captain Cunningham, runs a variety of fishing charters from instructional trips for beginners to more advanced help for experienced fishermen looking to catch a trophy bass. Other local guides, including Dale Sheets and The Striper Experience, offer similar packages including a boat charter, safety, and fishing equipment, help selecting lures, and electronic sonar assistance in finding fish. Be sure to bring along sunscreen and rain gear. Most guides welcome children aboard their charters.

9. Explore the Lake Lanier Islands on Horseback With Lake Lanier Islands Equestrian Center

The Lake Lanier Islands Equestrian Center offers horseback excursions on horses gentle enough for beginners. Saddle up for the 45-minute trail ride for ages 7 and up, or select the 30-minute pony ride if you have younger children in your party. Longer rides are available for teens and adults or those with some riding experience.

10. Have Some Rainy Day Fun at the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

In the heart of Gainesville, this hand-on children’s museum for kids aged 2 to 12 offers your family a chance to create, imagine, and explore while making vacation memories together. Neighborhood areas from the hospital to the farm come to life with child-size features that put your youngsters in charge of their own adventures. Let your little ones learn how their bodies work in the Healthy Hallway, and introduce them to chemistry with an oversized interactive periodic table. The gift shop offers a selection of fun and educational toys that you can take back to your vacation rental for rainy day fun.

11. Participate in a Conservation Project at Elachee Nature Science Center

Take a little of your vacation time to give back to the area by spending a few hours volunteering for one of the conservation or sustainability projects at the Elachee Nature Science Center. From measuring water quality to restoring a stream bank to controlling invasive weeds, there is a variety of projects to choose from, and many welcome children helpers and include an educational component for your little ones. After your experience, check out the nature-themed items for sale in the gift shop to bring home a memento of your project.

12. Puzzle Your Way Out of an Escape Room at Paranoia Quest

If you love a good puzzle, reserve an escape room at Paranoia Quest. Offering several different themed rooms at different difficulty levels, Paranoia Quest is a great place for your crew to practice working together in a fun environment that simulates a challenging situation. You must be at least 10 years old to play, and some of the rooms have scary components, so ask before you make your reservation if you are concerned.

13. Rent a Jet Ski at Fishtale Watersports

If you’re looking for a thrill, Fishtale Watersports offers jet ski rentals to help you get your speed on. All rentals include life vests and other safety equipment, and a collapsible step for easier boarding. Drivers and renters must be at least 25 years old, but younger riders are welcome, so give your kids an experience they won’t forget with a wild ride across the lake on the back of a jet ski.

14. Tour the Exhibits at Quinlan Visual Arts Center

Whether you’re an artist yourself or just an art lover, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in historic downtown Gainesville has plenty to fuel your creativity. Check out the permanent collection of visual art as well as traveling exhibits. If you’d like to create some art yourself, request information about their single-day art workshops and paint nights.

15. Savor a Meal With a View at Sidney’s Restaurant

Whether you choose to sit indoors or out, Sidney’s offers upscale dining with a fabulous lake view. Fresh seafood choices, including crab legs and calamari, are mainstays of the menu, which also offers delicious choices for landlubbers, such as prime rib and rack of lamb. Save room for the tasty homemade desserts such as orange creme brulee and vanilla bean cheesecake, and take a relaxing stroll along the restaurant’s nature trail after your meal.


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