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 Vanderford's
Travels
Reynolds Plantation is shining
star of middle Georgia
Listening to the mellow trumpet sounds of
world-renowned musician Phil Driscoll as I peered across Lake Oconee
in the fading light, I thought to myself, “This is the way to live!”
At the time, I was a visitor at Phil’s house inside the exclusive
Reynolds Plantation as a guest of local magazine editor and
well-known socialite, Kim Jackson.
The party was a hush-hush birthday bash for Phil that
was cleverly organized by his beautiful wife Lynne as a surprise. It
was complete with superb cuisine, more than 100 friends that ranged
from local residents and dignitaries to famous musicians like
trumpet player Chuck Findley from California. Therefore, it seemed
only natural that an impromptu jam session burst forth out on the
manicured lawn next to the lake and included Phil playing with
Chuck, and Joe Gransden and his Big Band. It was an awesome show!
During the midst of this unique gathering, I had the
opportunity to drift into a conversation with the man whose vision
made Reynolds Plantation a reality. Mercer Reynolds is a quiet,
dignified gentleman who could have stepped out of Tara in Gone With
the Wind. His family’s roots go deep in the area around Lake Oconee
and Greene County from cottonseed oil to the timber and real estate
businesses.
When Lake Oconee was built in 1979, the Reynolds
family already owned a large tract of land, which was the family
hunting retreat. When the lake was finished, they found this acreage
included many miles of prime, lakefront property. So, they formed a
development company and named it Linger Longer, after their
grandfather’s hunting lodge on Richland Creek. Along with his cousin
Jamie, Mercer began building Reynolds Plantation during the 1980s.
 Like
other developments during our current economic downturn, Reynolds
Plantation has weathered unforeseen problems, but it is still one of
the most beautiful places to live in the Peach State. Located about
halfway between Atlanta and Augusta and three hours from the Georgia
Coast, it is the perfect location for a home.
Inside the gates of Reynolds Plantation today resides
a diverse community of people who have found refuge here along the
banks of placid Lake Oconee. Coming from all over the country and
the world, some owners are part time residents while others have
been so taken by the charm and lifestyle at Reynolds Plantation and
the surrounding area that they have made this their permanent home.
Self-organized clubs abound that only add to the
abundant activities and world-class amenities. These include six
picturesque golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Bob
Cupp, Rees Jones, and Jim Engh. In addition, the Plantation has four
marinas, four clubhouses, an award-winning tennis center, a fitness
center, walking and biking trails, and six mouthwatering
restaurants.
 To
top it all off, the Ritz-Carlton Lodge has 251 guest rooms and a
26,000 square foot spa, where I experienced a soothing, deep body
massage on my visit. The Lodge also provides the possibility for
newcomers to learn about the Reynolds Plantation lifestyle with
“Discovery Packages.” This includes deluxe rooms, two rounds of golf
or a spa treatment, access to most of the facilities, and all meals.
For reservations or information about this opportunity, call
toll-free (800) 800-5250 or
www.ReynoldsPlantation.com.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Reynolds Plantation has 374
miles of shoreline with great fishing, boating, and nature. While I
was there, I visited the Heritage and Nature Center and soaked in
the knowledge of Naturalist Nick Mahlberg. We went on a kayak tour
that included fascinating nature walks through lakeside forests to
see historical and geological sites. It was educational,
invigorating, and with the changing fall colors, extremely
photographic.
One of the mornings at the Plantation, I had the
opportunity to wet a line with local fishing guide Norris Edge. We
caught a variety of fish and enough bass and sunfish to feed six
people that night at the Plantation Clubhouse where Chef Eric
prepared our catch into three different and very tasty courses.
 Less
than a half hour from Reynolds Plantation, visitors can meander
through the eclectic shops and view the many Antebellum homes in the
historic town of Madison. This is one of only two villages in
Georgia that weren’t burned to the ground on General Sherman’s
famous March to the Sea near the end of the Civil War. Also, close
by is Eatonton, which was the birthplace of Joel Chandler Harris.
Here you will find the Uncle Remus Museum which is worth a visit.
 It’s
a shame that I only had a few days to visit Reynolds Plantation to
enjoy the unforgettable contrast of heritage, natural beauty,
outdoor possibilities, and fantastic amenities. It is certainly a
place I will remember fondly!
Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his
writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He is a member
of SATW, NATJA, OWAA, SEOPA and GOWA.
He can be reached at 770-289-1543,
JFish51@aol.com or visit:
www.fishinglanier.com.
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