A 25-year tradition on the lake is Fourth of July Fireworks night. Everyone in town on the 4th heads to the center of the lake at sundown, and fights for the best spot on the water to see the firework display. It is a lovely night, always filled with laughs and awe until you must navigate your boat back to your lake house in the dark.
One night each summer, my whole family attends dinner at The Dillard House, a family-style restaurant with endless options. The Dillard House began as a hotel in 1917, and developed into a well-established Southern comfort restaurant in 1927. They serve fried chicken, dumplings, green beans, corn on the cob, corn muffins, baked potatoes— you get the idea. It is a wonderful establishment for good-ole-fashioned family time.
If you’re looking for lakeside dining, try the Chophouse at Laprades. Paired with fresh seafood and classic American burgers, you can watch the sun glisten over the water. It is a great spot for a quick lunch while boating, including dockside boat parking.
Established in 2007, Lake Burton Grille & Grocery houses one of the best breakfast joints in all of Rabun County. Dirk’s breakfast sandwiches are unlike any other. Rising with the sun in the morning to the smell of fresh sausage biscuits, then hitting the water is a great way to wake up.
Deemed as “one of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S.,” is Tallulah Gorge State Park. Situated on 2,739 acres with a 63-acre lake, Tallulah Gorge is so vast, you need more than just a quick trip to take in all of the sights.
There are many activities at the gorge, including the Sliding Rock, a smoothed out boulder that drops you into 40-degree water. It’s a bit dangerous because you can hit many bumps along the way, but it is a refreshing burst after a long afternoon of sweaty hiking. The gorge also has 20 miles of hiking trails, whitewater courses, paddling, rock climbing, and plenty of picnic spots.
If you’re interested in getting out of Lake Burton for a day, visit Helen, Georgia for a natural river tubing course. After this fun day activity, you could venture over to Highlands, North Carolina for plenty of shopping and food to satisfy your needs.
Lake Burton, Georgia has been home to some of my greatest childhood memories, growing closer with family, and I know it’s one of the greatest places to vacation in the states. You can easily get to Lake Burton off of Interstate 85, or you could fly into the Atlanta Airport and drive north. It is conveniently located so that many families can experience all Lake Burton offers.