This year, for Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to take the family somewhere totally different.  Somewhere that did not have palm trees, aqua waters or tropical weather.  We were ready for a change.  So we went to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia.  Yes, I found what I was looking for. A one hours drive from Atlanta, you will arrive at Lake Oconee, a massive lake with 374 miles of shoreline dotted with beautiful homes.

The southern hospitality was as nice as the BBQ and fried green tomatoes.  I forgot that people actually still said “thank you ma’am.” Even on a crowded weekend the staff was gracious.  This is clearly a family resort—there were smores by the fireplace for kids every night.  Live bands played outdoors on the lawn and there was plenty of fishing, boating, and kayaking.  The beauty of this property is that everyone is safe, and children can run free and play while parents have a cocktail.  On Saturday, kids of all ages lined up to partake in a “slip in slide.” The staff sprayed them with large fire hoses to keep them wet, as they slid as far as possible.  When my children say… “That was so much fun.” It makes the trip worth it.

The golfing is exceptional too.  The Ritz has 5 courses to choose from for the avid golfer.  These courses have been awarded top 100 courses as well as the coveted platinum award by Golf magazine.  The courses cling to the lake like barnacles on the beach.  I witnessed many happy golfers as they returned back to the lodge.

We stayed in one of the lake front cottages.  These little houses have a cabin like feel, with large wrap around porches and the rocking chairs from which you can watch families of ducks go bye.  The large pine and dogwood trees were the welcoming change we needed.  It felt like we were deep in the woods, but still had a water front experience.  On our last night there we requested a BBQ Butler, which means the chef comes to your cottage and grills whatever you desire and serves it out on the porch.  We had the best grilled filet, and shrimp & grits ever.  What a pleasant way to end the trip.  All of us sitting on the porch watching fireworks.  I have to say, that Memorial Day was exactly that…memorable.

www.ritzcarlton.com

Haute Living