From a Small Town to a Thriving Gem:
My Lake Oconee Stories Over the Years​​​​​​​
Written by Riezl Baker, Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate
As I sit back and reminisce about the past, I can't help but smile at the thought of how our beautiful Lake Oconee, once a small and quiet town, has evolved into the vibrant and sought-after destination it is today. My husband, Ted, and I took a leap of faith when we moved here in 1997 as young newlyweds, little did we know that we were about to become witnesses to some of the most extraordinary moments in the town's history.
Jerry’s Bait and Tackle.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Back then, the closest grocery store was Jerry's Bait and Tackle, a charming place where you could buy everything from bait and worms for fishing to fresh vegetables and the finest rib-eye steaks. Now, who knew you could satisfy both your fishing and steak cravings in one stop? Talk about a unique shopping experience!
Variety of Cuisine. Or Lack of.
Silver Moon Restaurant was back then affectionately known as "Mike's Place," a spot where men and contractors would gather after a long day's work. With the combination of beer and tales, the laughter and camaraderie were endless.
And let's not forget Lakeview Restaurant, the go-to Friday night spot for the best fried catfish - a delectable treat that brought locals together in the name of good food.
Before He Was Famous.
The real highlight of those days was none other than Zac's Place, where the now-famous Grammy award-winning singer Zac Brown began his musical journey. Serving steak dinners with his father Jim,
Zac would then captivate the crowd with his soulful tunes, not knowing that one day his song "Chicken
"Zac would then captivate the crowd with his soulful tunes, not knowing that one day his song "Chicken Fried" would become a worldwide hit and launch him into stardom."
Fried" would become a worldwide hit and launch him into stardom. It's safe to say we all danced to his compositions with blissful ignorance!
What Are Bagels?
I still remember how I settled into my new life faced with the daily dilemma of keeping my job in Atlanta while living in this tiny town. My early morning drives to work became an adventure of their own, and a visit to the local Golden Pantry store added some comic relief. My simple quest for bagels was met with perplexed looks, leaving me with an offer of chicken biscuits instead. Well, who needs bagels when you have a deliciously southern alternative?
The President of What?
As time went on, Lake Oconee's charm attracted more than just curious newcomers like myself. Even presidents of the country were intrigued, with then-Governor George W. Bush choosing the area for one of his very first fundraising event. I recall planning the event at Great Waters and never could have imagined that this president would become a frequent visitor to our little paradise.
I'll never forget the incredulous reaction of my client from Chicago, who doubted my warning about encountering traffic due to the President Bush’s visit. "The president of what?"
I'll never forget the incredulous reaction of my client from Chicago, who doubted my warning about encountering traffic due to the President Bush’s visit. "The president of what?" he asked.
he asked. Oh, the look on his face when he saw the American flags and cheerful kids lining Hway 44! I couldn't help but share a laugh at his disbelief.
Putting On The Ritz.
And who could forget the eyebrow-raising announcement of the Ritz Carlton's arrival? Locals wondered why they would open a Ritz in the middle of nowhere. Little did they know that the opening of the upscale Ritz Carlton by the Reynolds family would put the town on the map, attracting visitors from near and far. With the influx of visitors, the area's real estate market witnessed a significant surge.
Fast forward to the past three years, and the pandemic sparked a migration to our little town, revealing its secret to the world. The surge in visitors and new residents has led to some traffic encounters, reminiscing on the days when the only traffic was behind a slow truck.
Yet, amidst all the growth and change, the heart of Lake Oconee remains its people, including the newcomers who quickly become part of the welcoming community. I can attest that the people of Lake Oconee are its greatest asset, as they warmly embrace and welcome others just as we were embraced all those years ago.
As I look back on this journey, I feel blessed to have witnessed the evolution of this special place. From its quirky beginnings to its now vibrant and cherished status, Lake Oconee will always be home and hold a place in my heart - a place that has truly come alive with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
