Rewind & Relax: A Nostalgic Summer at Lake Oconee

Get Out On The Water

No classic summer is complete without a little time on the lake—and at Lake Oconee, there are countless ways to make a splash. Whether you’re cruising the shoreline on a pontoon boat, tubing behind a ski boat, or paddling out in a kayak at sunrise, the water is where summer memories are made.

Rent a boat for the day from Young Harris Water Sports, or explore peaceful coves on a stand-up paddleboard. For a touch of old-school charm, pack a cooler, turn up a nostalgic playlist, and set out for a sunset cruise with your crew.

For a truly timeless experience, book a ride on the lake’s only vintage wooden Hacker-Craft boat—a gleaming mahogany beauty that looks like it cruised straight out of a 1950s summer postcard. With its polished woodwork, buttery leather seating, and the gentle hum of its classic engine, this boat isn’t just a ride—it’s a step back in time.

From cannonballs off the dock to lazy afternoons floating in the shallows, Lake Oconee invites you to slow down and savor the season—just like you used to.

Jump Into Summer

For many, the thrill of a summer day isn’t complete without a leap into cool waters from a favorite rock. Jumping Rock at Lake Oconee is just that place—a timeless spot where kids (and adults) can channel their inner daredevil and jump from the iconic rock ledge into the refreshing lake below. It’s an exhilarating throwback to simpler days when fun was measured by how high you could leap and how much laughter echoed across the water.

Whether you’re revisiting your childhood memories or sharing the excitement with a new generation, jumping off that rock will remind you of the pure joy of summer—splash, laughter, and all.

Camp Under The Stars

If your idea of the perfect summer includes sandy toes, grilled hot dogs, and nights under the stars, Greene County’s campgrounds deliver all the throwback charm. Old Salem Park, Parks Ferry Campground and the KOA offer peaceful lakeside settings where you can swim at the beach, cast a fishing line off the dock, and spread out a checkered blanket for a picnic beneath the pines.

These spots are ideal for unplugged, old-fashioned fun—think skipping rocks, spotting turtles, and ending the day with sticky fingers and s’mores around the fire. As dusk settles in, kids can chase fireflies with mason jars while the grownups lean back in camp chairs, enjoying the sound of crickets and the lapping of water on the shore.

Whether you’re pitching a tent for the weekend or just visiting for the day, these campgrounds invite you to slow down and soak up the simple joys of summer—exactly the way you remember it.

Enjoy Summer Eats

Some of the best summer memories are made around the table—or with a cone in hand. Greensboro is full of local flavors that feel like a warm hug from summers past, whether you’re biting into smoky barbecue, indulging in a slice of pie, or chasing melting ice cream down your wrist.

Start your day with chocolate chip pancakes from Café 44, a beloved breakfast spot that serves up comfort food with a smile. When lunchtime rolls around, follow the scent of hickory smoke to Holcomb’s Bar-B-Que, a local staple since 1971 where the pulled pork is tender, the sauce is tangy, and the vibes are as down-home as it gets.

In the afternoon, cool off with a scoop (or two) of ice cream at Bonnie’s Coffee Shop in downtown Greensboro—a hidden gem that serves sweet treats alongside small-town charm. And for dessert you shouldn’t skip, grab a slice of buttermilk pie from The Yesterday Café, famous for its rich, custardy goodness and old-school Southern flavor.

As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed, elegant dinner under twinkle lights in the courtyard at Table at the Lake. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of play, with locally inspired dishes and a peaceful lake breeze that ties the whole day together.

Go Berry Pickin’

Few summer memories are sweeter than picking sun-ripened berries straight from the bush—and at Hemi Blueberry Farm, that tradition is alive and thriving. Nestled just outside Greensboro, this charming, family-owned farm invites visitors to wander the rows, bucket in hand, and gather plump, juicy blueberries by the handful.

It’s the kind of simple pleasure that brings generations together: little ones searching for the perfect berry, grandparents sharing stories of their own childhood summers, and everyone sneaking a taste or two along the way. The air is thick with the scent of warm earth and sweet fruit, and time seems to slow down under the Georgia sun.

Whether you’re stocking up for homemade pies, freezing some for later, or just savoring the moment, a morning at Hemi is the kind of experience that feels like summer in its purest form.

Shop Local Markets

There’s something about a summer farmers market that feels like a scene from a storybook—bright blooms, baskets of just-picked produce, and the friendly hum of local vendors greeting familiar faces. In Greene County, market mornings are a cherished tradition, offering a chance to slow down, connect with the community, and fill your tote with the flavors of the season.

Open year-round, Scratchers Creek City Market is a cozy indoor market featuring local honey, handmade goods, fresh vegetables, and small-batch treats from area artisans. It’s a great stop for everyday staples and discovering something new.

Come May, the Lake Oconee Farmers Market brings the heart of summer to life each Saturday morning through September 13. Located in Harmony Crossing, this open-air market is packed with seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, baked goods, and people that make the whole scene buzz with energy.

Whether you’re shopping for a picnic, picking up ingredients for dinner at the lake house, or just enjoying the small-town charm, a trip to the farmers market is a summer must.

Cast a Line

Fishing at Lake Oconee is more than just a pastime—it’s a timeless tradition.

Public Fishing Spots:
Lake Oconee boasts several accessible fishing areas, including the Highway 44 Fishing Pier and the Wallace Dam Fishing Pier.

Guided Fishing with Reel Time Guide Service:
For those looking to enhance their fishing experience, Reel Time Guide Service, led by Captain Mark Smith, offers expert-guided trips on Lake Oconee. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Smith specializes in targeting species like striped bass, hybrid bass, and crappie. He provides tailored trips that cater to all skill levels.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources requires licenses to fish in all public lakes in Georgia so, make sure you have your license before you get on the water.

Grab your rod, gather your loved ones, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Snap The Past 

Step back in time with a slow stroll through historic downtown Greensboro, where every brick sidewalk and vintage storefront tells a story. With a Polaroid camera in hand, you can capture the charm of this small Southern town the old-fashioned way—one instant photo at a time.

From the stately courthouse square to antique shops and the Old Gaol, the town’s timeless character makes the perfect backdrop for memory-making. Pop into local boutiques, grab a soda or coffee from a cozy café, and let the day unfold like a page from the past. Whether you’re snapping candid street scenes or posing by historic landmarks, it’s a sweet way to explore—and preserve—the spirit of a classic summer day.

Slow Down And Soak It In 

Sometimes the best summer moments are the quiet ones—rock on a porch swing, listening to the water lap against the dock, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your face with nowhere to be. At Lake Oconee, relaxation isn’t just encouraged—it’s part of the lifestyle.

Unplug, unwind, and let the day stretch out in front of you. Read a book under the shade of a pine tree, sip sweet tea as the cicadas hum, or drift off in a hammock while the afternoon breeze rolls in. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about savoring the joy of doing nothing at all.