Family Trip to Lake Oconee
Last weekend we visited one of my FAVORITE places on the planet, Lake Oconee. Specifically Reynolds Plantation where our friends own a home and we hope to, too, one day. To say it's relaxing is an understatement. I always feel so refreshed when I'm there. The scenery is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the living is easy. What's better?!
FRIDAY
I wore this jumpsuit to travel in because it fits so comfortably and looks tailored without being restrictive or fitted. It runs TTS; I'm in a small. It also comes in black and a pinkish red.
We dropped our stuff off and immediately went out on our friends' boat. Harlow loved the golf cart ride to the dock. Even as an adult there's still something so fun about riding in a golf cart haha!
Check out that view of the lake from the golf course -- it's like a breath of fresh air!
FRIDAY NIGHT
That night the adults went out for dinner and drinks to two of the best restaurants in the area: Eighty8 Kitchen + Cocktails; and The National Tavern. The lump crab cocktail and tuna tartare at Eighty8 were amazing! The guys sipped some bourbon in these cute Mason Jar shot glasses. Don't you just love cute tiny things like that??
I wore my new blue sweater and studded sandals for our night out. I sized up to a Medium in this sweater and I love the slouchy fit! These shoes look just like the designer version and cost just $55. My girlfriend had no idea they weren't the real thing -- I'm telling you, they're really good and come in like 10 colors.
SATURDAY
We spent the next day at the pool which is like kiddie heaven. The zero entry salt water pool was such a dream! Harlow LOVED the water slide and wanted to go over and over again...until she puked all over me. Purple tortilla chips. It was lovely.
SATURDAY NIGHT
After the pool every single one of us took naps (isn't it glorious when that happens??). Our friends suggested going to Bone Island Grillhouse on the boat for an evening cruise. We sipped wine on the way over, docked in front of the restaurant, and hung out on the boat while we waited for our table. That is something I could really get used to! It took awhile to get our table but the restaurant is really pretty and has a great big outdoor patio overlooking the water and a big grassy area for kids to play on. We'll definitely go back there!
I wore these new paper bag shorts to dinner and they're so great! I love that they're casual like denim cut-offs with a more tailored, feminine look. I got a 26 because of the high waist and elastic band, so I'd say if you're between sizes to size down.
WHERE TO GO AT LAKE OCONEE
Our experience at Lake Oconee is especially nice since our friends are members of Reynolds Plantation, giving them (and us by extension) access to all of their amazing pools and facilities. They told me that if you rent a home within Reynolds Plantation and the home owners are members, you can typically use an Extended Guest Pass to use all the pools as well. (This is up to the home owner, however, and terms may apply to your rental agreement.)
If you have kids I HIGHLY recommend you look into this option. The pools have water slides as well as amenities for infants like five-inch wading decks and zero entry pool access. They also have pool bars that serve food and drinks, including adult beverages. The Lake Club at Reynolds Plantation has an infinity pool that looks over Lake Oconee plus a separate kids pool so adults can have their getaway as well. The open-air bar has TVs which is always great during football or golf season so you can keep up with the score while you get your nature fix.
For a luxe experience that doesn't require a membership, Gaby's by the Lake is the outdoor restaurant and bar at the Ritz-Carlton with a lake view to kill, infinity pool, and hot tub. Even though the Ritz-Carlton name suggests a formal atmosphere, the vibe is extremely laid back! They encourage a "come as you are" dress code so even if you come off the boat or a bike ride you're dressed just fine!
Favorite restaurants in the area include:
Silver Moon: raw bar and seafood restaurant
The National Tavern: casual mixed grill, good pizza
Eighty8 Kitchen + Cocktails: southern-inspired contemporary fare
Bone Island Grillhouse: seafood, mixed grill, lakefront, boat access
Gaby's by the Lake: lakefront casual bar and restaurant; amazing burger and lobster grilled cheese
We came back dreaming about owning a second home there one day because we're both always SO relaxed and happy when we're there. These days it's not always easy to find that place but when you do...shooweee it makes you want to hustle to make your dream a reality!
Hit the ground running once we got back trying to catch up on life (per usual after a vacation), prepare for a closet edit, and get some new posts ready for y'all. I'm excited and super nervous about this video I'm working on -- in iMovie, so fancy -- to try and offer my fashion and style tips in a more visual manner. Instagram TV is where I'll put them to begin with but then maybe YouTube, too? Do ya'll prefer one or the other?
Hope you're having a great week so far! Halfway to Friday, woot woot!
xxBrooke