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When making a big purchase in real estate, you have to wonder if you’re making the right move to the right place. After all, it’s a huge decision! But if you’ve ever thought about staking a claim at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee, you shouldn’t be concerned. Year over year, more people are making a wise choice by investing in real estate at Harbor Club.

 Whether it be a brand new home, a resale home, or a fantastic piece of land for a future dream home, people are flocking to our community.

Here’s the proof: With 2017 mid-year sales results recently tallied, Harbor Club has sold a whopping $17.6 million of real estate. Compare that to the $12.1 million in sales for the same timeframe the year before, and you’ve got a 46% year-to-date increase. Impressive results! As you can see below, Harbor Club’s real estate sales continue to grow year-over-year.

So what do we attribute this success? It’s a combination of things.

New sales director joined the team

We brought Kathy Phillips on board at the beginning of 2016 as our new Sales Director. Right from the start, she’s done a fantastic job. She quickly fell in love with the community, and she effectively showed prospects the value it had to offer. In fact, she liked it so much that she recently bought her own Harbor Club home! She talks the talk, and she walks the walk.

New real estate offerings

Our real estate offerings cater to a wide variety of tastes, styles, and desires. Whether it be a brand new home or resale, big, small, or “right-sized” home (such as our new Cottage Series), Harbor Club has options for each. Plus, our new in-house design studio has been instrumental in helping all those who want to build a home of their dreams… each with a great deal of added resale value.

Excellent mortgage options abound

It’s been a very good time to buy a home. Why? Mortgages have been easier and cheaper to obtain, making people seize the opportunity to get them. More money means more home sales, especially those that present an exceptional value.

People are moving to less urban environments

Many people, especially families and retirees, have been opting to live in more serene, suburban communities rather than those in bigger cities. Many have discovered that “slow-living” in a pastoral, resort-style community is highly ideal. Living the “Harbor Club Life” is like experiencing a “staycation” every day!

Harbor Club amenities continue to grow

Harbor Club has recently opened a wonderful new amenity, The Grove. It is a fitness, recreation, and special event campus that includes a new quarter-mile track, Fit-Trail®, dog park, victory garden, sanctuary pond and more. Also, new pickleball courts were installed, and we’re currently adding a new tennis court.

Georgia is a great place to retire

For those that want to preserve as much as their retirement income as possible, Georgia is an excellent place to retire. Plus it is very tax-friendly as well. Even better, our temperate climate offers four distinct seasons where you very (very) rarely have to shovel snow.

Harbor Club’s golf course is tops

Our fun, yet challenging Weiskopf/Morrish-designed golf course continues to win awards and accolades. One of the more recent being that it advanced to 3rd on Golfweek’s Best Courses list!

Lake life here is the best life

Every real estate owner in Harbor Club has access to Lake Oconee via The Boathouse Marina. So whether you have lakefront property or not, if you’ve invested in Harbor Club property, you’ll always be able to experience “Lake Life.” Why miss out? Harbor Club even won “Best Lake Community of the Year” by Real Estate Scorecard.

Harbor Club chosen as a Southern Living Inspired Community

From our numerous Southern Living-inspired designed homes to our warm community that fosters friendly gatherings, interactions, and celebrations — it’s no wonder Southern Living chose us for this prestigious classification.

It’s easy to see why so many people are investing in Harbor Club real estate. Will you be next? We invite you to see all that’s new at Harbor Club today!

We’ve got fantastic news to share. Harbor Club on Lake Oconee golf course was highlighted as the “Course of the Week” on the popular Golf America television show! 

If you haven’t heard of it yet, Golf America is a weekly syndicated TV show that has been on the air since 2004. Each week Golf America features some of the best resort and private golf courses located in North America and the Caribbean. It’s no surprise that our award-winning golf course was recently featured on their June 20-26, 2017 segment. It makes for some great TV, considering our course is one of best in the state of Georgia, not to mention our gorgeous terrain and beautiful Lake Oconee as a backdrop.

On the show, you’ll find executive producer and journalist, Alan Hunter; the popular golf fitness coach, Mindi Boysen; and renowned PGA professional, Doug Price. All three hosts provide interesting information and helpful tips while showing stunning footage of the Harbor Club course. Alan Hunter was delighted with his Harbor Club experience, saying “From your first tee shot on through your final putt, this golf course is both aesthetically pleasing and fun to play for players of all skill levels.” He went on to say, “At Harbor Club, as you would find on many of Weiskopf-Morrish designs, no two golf holes are the same …there is always an ample amount of several risk-reward holes.” It’s safe to say he truly enjoyed our course!

The show also highlights a great exercise routine demonstrated by the fitness guru Mindi Boysen. Her activities focus on improving both the shoulder and core muscles to improve your game. And if you ever find that your ball is just off the green, you’ll learn a great short game tip from PGA pro, Doug Price.

Golf America is a big deal. The program reaches over 84-million homes in over 130 television markets throughout the U.S. You may have caught some episodes on DirecTV or DISH. If not, you can easily watch the program online at www.tvgolfshow.com. Or better yet, look at the specific segment that features Harbor Club golf course here: http://www.tvgolfshow.com/videos/harbor-club-show.mp4.

If you haven’t already visited or played golf at Harbor Club, the television program does an excellent job of showing you what it’s like here. But why not make that virtual tour into reality? Book a tee time or plan your visit to Harbor Club today! You’ll be glad you did.

With summer getting into full swing (pun intended!) we wanted to remind you that our junior golf camp starts back up in July. Now, this isn’t just any old boring camp where kids just fritter time away. Junior golf camp is an awesome opportunity for kids to not only learn the great game of golf, but it also helps them become confident, more well-rounded individuals.

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Don’t believe us? Check out all the advantages junior golf camp provides:

Banish boredom

Junior golf camp will quickly nix the “I’m bored!” commentary from the kids. It’s a wonderful way to keep them both happy and busy this summer.

Anyone can play

You already know that golf champs come in all shapes and sizes. Boy, girl, big, small — it doesn’t matter when it comes to playing the game.

Enjoy outside

Your kids will be outside, in nature, breathing fresh air and getting some exercise in a beautiful place (our award-winning golf course!) It’s a good break from those zoned-out smartphone and video game addictions.

Create new friendships

Kids have great bonding opportunities when in a group of like-minded individuals. These newly cultivated “golf-themed” friendships can last a lifetime.

Boost socialization skills

The more exposure and involvement with others, the more chances your kids have to open up and communicate with people. Positive interactions will abound, not only with other children but with adults too.

Fitness that’s fun

Walking on the course, swinging a club, putting, stretching, bending, reaching …all of these do the body good. These physical activities are certainly much better than sitting on the couch and watching TV.

It’s super safe

Golf is a non-contact sport, so the risk of injury is small. Not only that, Harbor Club is a safe, gated community with security personnel monitoring the entrance 24/7.

Prep for the business world

Golf is not a simple game. There’s a lot to it and it’s perfect for preparing kids to be a professional, no matter what career they choose. When kids play the game of golf, it will help them to:

• Enhance their focus and attention
• Think strategically
• Be solution-oriented
• Be disciplined and dedicated
• Better manage emotions
• Maintain a positive outlook
• Adapt to challenges
• Learn from their mistakes
• Bounce back from setbacks
• Be collaborative
• Maintain grace under pressure
• Practice good sportsmanship

Gain courtesy and etiquette

The golf course is an excellent place to practice patience, good manners and honesty. It’s also where kids learn how to take good care of the course, mute their phones, respect other player’s time, and keep their tempers under control.

Scholarship opportunities

The earlier your kids start playing golf, the better. If they grow to love the game and continue to do well on the course, they’ll have the potential to unlock some great academic scholarship opportunities in the future.

Family time fun for years to come

Young or old, golf is a sport can be played by almost everyone in your family. Brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, moms, dads — golf can bring them all together in a way that other sports can’t. It’s an awesome way for grandma and grandpa to interact with the grandkids and vice versa.

There are so many benefits to golf! Got questions? We’ve got answers. Give the pro shop a call at (706) 453-4414 or email dprice@harborclub.com. We look forward to seeing your kids play!

Ok, so you already know there are lots of surprising health benefits gained from playing golf, but did you know that playing golf in a group adds a slew of other advantages? Groups play for a variety of reasons.

It’s a fantastic social activity, a competitive sport, or they may play just for the fun of it. No matter the reason, playing golf with others is a good idea. Here are other reasons to get your friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues together to play:

Stimulates fellowship

Fellowship isn’t something you only find at church. It’s a friendly feeling amongst those who are doing something together as a group. Any group of people who have a shared interest in something (like golf, for example) will experience more fellowship opportunities than those who have more singular interest. This can result in wonderful friendships that strengthen over time.

Creates friendly competition

A little healthy competition is good for you. Why? Because it makes you strive to be a better player. When playing golf with a group of people, it’s only natural to want to be the best — and to want to win. As a result, you’ll want to do things to improve your game. You’ll find yourself educating yourself, and other fellow golfers, on tips and tricks that work best. This not only perfects your game but also yourself as an admired team player.

Boosts social growth

Anytime you are part of a team, it’s an opportunity to grow socially. A golf course has a clubhouse where people often interact before and after their game. Also, due to the nature of the game, golfers can interact socially between shots. All of these interactions with people on your team, as well as those from other teams, are a great chance to grow your social networks. Not only that, playing golf stimulates cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution, allowing players to appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses. All benefits in a healthy, social relationships.

Increases social capital

What’s social capital? The University of Minnesota definition of social capital is this: “Social capital is the value that comes from social networks, or groupings of people, which allow individuals to achieve things they couldn’t on their own.” Golf in a group setting not only helps to boost your social growth (as mentioned above) but it also helps to establish stronger connections and trust-based networks with other families, communities, and organizations. Essentially, it helps to reinforce the quality of those all-important relationships. The more social capital you have, the more access you have to information, ideas, business opportunities, emotional support, cooperation, goodwill, trust and more.

As you can see, playing golf with a group certainly has its advantages. So get your gang together and call us at (800) 505-GOLF to set up a tee time and a great group rate.

Photo credit: Leigh Lofgren 

Woohoo! The weather is getting warmer and summer is upon us. Lake life on Lake Oconee is firing back up, and with that, so is our free concert series! We have an exciting line-up of talent playing at the Boathouse Restaurant and Marina this summer. On a nice warm evening, our concerts are a joy for everyone both young and old. Have fun noshing on delicious food and drinks from the restaurant, hang out by the fire pit, dance on the great lawn, or just chill on your boat — all while being entertained by fantastic musicians.

Be sure to bookmark this page, as it lists each act and the date they’ll be playing live at the Boathouse Marina. You’ll find the Boathouse at 3991 Walker Church Road. By boat it’s about three miles north of the Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Our summer concerts are from 6-9pm. Don’t forget to bring chairs and blankets to sit on. (Please no outside coolers.)

Saturday, June 10 – RONNIE PITTMAN

Ronnie is a Georgia boy and a veteran of the Atlanta and Nashville music scenes who plays a “home grown” brand of music that infuses modern rock and R&B flavors.

Saturday, June 17 – PULLIN’ STRINGS

NOTE: **Special Southern Living-Inspired Event – BBQ, Boats, and Bluegrass**

Pullin’ Strings band plays fantastic “blue grassy” tunes, which will be a perfect compliment to this special Southern Living-Inspired event at the Boathouse. If you love BBQ, boats and bluegrass, you won’t want to miss it!

Saturday, June 24 – KARIANNE JEAN

A popular, rising country star who’s talent awarded her “Female Country Artist of the Year” at the IMEA awards. This highly accomplished singer plays a variety of country and some pop.

Sunday, July 2 – LEIGHLYNN SHINE BAND

The dynamic duo of Brittany Coles & Cindy Taylor share a love of co-writing and singing fantastic country music songs.

Saturday, July 8 – KYLE SMITH

A singer-songwriter from Augusta GA, Kyle performs an eclectic mix of covers and original tunes.

Saturday, July 15 – JEREMY JOHNSON

Jeremy is a Georgia-based musician who has performed tons of fan-favorites at Harbor Club in the past.

Saturday, July 22 – OCONEE RHYTHM SECTION

Oconee Rhythm section plays a variety of oldies, including blues, soul, classic rock, and swing dance.

Saturday, August 5 – KARIANNE JEAN

Karianne is so nice, we’re having her perform twice! If you missed out on June 24, be sure to attend this event. She’s such a great country performer, you won’t be disappointed!

Saturday, August 12 – LUKE FERGUSON

A gifted musician, Luke enjoys playing a variety of country, alternative, and Southern rock.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Events page for more information and details on each upcoming musical performance this summer at the Boathouse. We can’t wait to see you and hope you enjoy a taste of the Harbor Club Life!

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It’s exciting to think about the upcoming holiday weekend. And at Harbor Club, every day feels like a vacation day. We live here and play here! A nice, long weekend often means fun activities and special time with family and friends. So, if you want to get the most out of your long holiday weekend, consider these ideas:

Play pickleball

Get outside, have fun, and get fit playing the fast-growing sport of Pickleball. Sure, it’s an odd name, but it’s a blast to play. Both men and women enjoy group play at 10am on Saturday mornings at the pickleball courts.

Party at the pool **A ‘not to miss’ event!**

From 12-3pm on Saturday, May 27 Harbor Club will have a fantastic party to celebrate the holiday weekend and the recent opening of our sparkling, junior-size Olympic pool. Come enjoy delicious food, special live music, and a giant water slide for the kids (and kids at heart!) Check out the fun photos from past events.

Brunch on Sunday

Out late on Saturday night? Sleep in on Sunday morning then come to the Clubhouse Restaurant to indulge in a delicious Sunday brunch buffet. Brunch is served every Sunday from 11am-3pm. If you have a party of six or more, please make a reservation via cwalker@harborclub.com or calling (706)453-7111.

Catch a free summer concert at The Boathouse **A ‘not to miss’ event!**

Remember, this Sunday night is not a “school night!” We’re starting off our free summer concert series that evening (May 28) from 6-9pm. Come to the Boathouse Restaurant via boat, car, kayak (whatever works best for you and your friends) and enjoy live music by the talented Tim Cadiere. The restaurant is open, so consider purchasing a yummy dinner, snack or drink while you’re there.

Play a great game of golf

Book a tee time and get out on the course with family and friends on Memorial Day. Harbor Club’s golf course and clubhouse will be open on Monday, May 29 from 8am-12pm. (Note that the course will be closed on Tuesday, May 30.)

Indulge in amenities at the Boathouse Marina and Restaurant

There’s so much to do at the Boathouse Marina and Restaurant this time of year. Go for a boat ride, play bocce ball, fish from the community dock, enjoy a great meal — or any combination thereof! The restaurant’s holiday hours of operation over Memorial Day weekend are Friday through Sunday from 11am-9pm, and Monday (Memorial Day) 11am-6pm.

Go for a stroll

At Harbor Club, we have the luxury of having nature right outside our door. Head down to The Grove and walk the trails. Count your miles on our quarter-mile track. Or walk your dog to the dog park for a play date with other neighborhood pups. The dog park has become an excellent place to connect with others in the community.

No matter what activities you end up doing (or not doing if you plan on just relaxing), our family at Harbor Club wishes you and yours a very pleasant holiday weekend.

Harbor Club is proud to announce the reopening its renown Boathouse Restaurant–the only “boat-up” marina restaurant on Lake Oconee. Whether you pull up in your boat or your car, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious casual meal this summer.

Patrons of the Boathouse Restaurant can fill up on more than just tasty food. Our marina features services and conveniences that make “lake life” fun and enjoyable for the whole family.

Fill up on entertainment with our free summer concert series

Make your summer Saturday night special with free, live music on the grand lawn of the Boathouse. Grab dinner and enjoy talent by the popular Tim Cadiere and the Washboard Road Band, Karianne Jean and Ronnie Pittman, just to name a few. Check our Facebook page during the summer season for event dates and times.

Fill up on a great snack, lunch, and dinner

From yummy appetizers to delectable desserts, The Boathouse Restaurant has you covered. Entrees include southern-style BBQ, burgers, and salads. Nosh on fun foods like fried pickles, bang bang shrimp, and fried okra. We also offer more traditional fare, like brisket, chicken tenders and pulled pork. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a refreshing vanilla ice cream sandwich. The Boathouse Restaurant is open on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

Fill up on provisions at our convenience store

Whether you need ice, beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks, sunscreen or other nautical supplies, you’ll find most everything you desire at our old time general store. Stop by and stock up before you head out for a day on beautiful Lake Oconee.

Fill up on fuel

Running low on gas? Stop by our convenient marina to fill up your boat. Our marina services team will gladly help fuel up your vessel with our ethanol-free gasoline. Remember that Harbor Club members receive a 10-percent discount on their marina fuel purchases.

Fill up on fun

There are lots of ways to have fun at The Boathouse Marina and Restaurant. Our marina team will be happy to get you set up with a boat rental (pontoon boats, Jet Skis, paddleboards, and kayaks). Other great features include a bocce ball court, putting green, community dock and a fire pit on our lakefront grand lawn. Or, just chill out in one of our Adirondack chairs by the lake. Whatever your definition of fun is, you’ll find it at the Boathouse.

Safely stow your boat away for another day

When your boating fun is done, whether it be for the day or for the season, we can store your boat safe and sound in our 72-slip dry stack storage facility. This impressive facility will soon grow to 300 slips, which will make our marina the largest one on Lake Oconee. In addition to dry stack storage, we also offer shrink wrap services for winter boat storage. These combined services make our marina an ideal place to store your boat and gain quick access all that Lake Oconee has to offer.

The Boathouse Restaurant and Marina is located just outside of Harbor Club’s east gate at 3991 Walker Church Road, which is a mile south of the Richland Connector. By boat, it is about three miles north of the Ritz. Stop by and fill up on all the great things our Boathouse Marina and Restaurant has to offer. You’ll be glad you did.

Perhaps you’ve already seen and heard the buzz around real estate right now. The housing market is busy. People are buying and selling homes like crazy, especially here in the South where we’re currently experiencing the fastest appreciating housing markets. Not only that, Realty Biz News reports that there has been a rise in suburban homes sales.

Why? “Suburban areas [are] integrating spaces where people can live, work and play, without having to commute to the city.” Sounds a lot like Harbor Club, doesn’t it?

Whether you are interested in buying or selling a home during this bustling real estate market, you may be wondering how to get the most value out of your transaction. According to Realtor.com’s recent article, “Appreciation Sensation: The Real Factors That Boost Your Home’s Bottom Line,” there are several new trends that can increase a home’s worth:

Smaller homes gain value faster

Today’s home buyers want less stuff, and therefore, don’t need as much space to store it. As a result, downsizing has created an increased demand for smaller homes. With that, the inventory for smaller homes has diminished. Therefore, prices for small home prices have gone up simply due to the economic laws of supply and demand. Fortunately, Harbor Club is continuing to build several more of its popular Cottage Series homes to satisfy this growing demand.

Less bedrooms means more ROI

If your home has one to three bedrooms, then you’ll see a greater appreciation than homes that have four or more. Harbor Club has embraced this “less is more” approach. In fact, when we look at all of our new home listings and average out the number of bedrooms, it results in 3.86 bedrooms per house… a long way away from six-bedroom homes. We understand what today’s home buyers need and want.

A two-car garage is perfect

A one-car garage is good, but a two-car garage is what most people desire in today’s real estate market. Again, looking at our latest new home listings, you’ll see that every one of our homes include a two-car garage. The only exceptions are a few that include a small bay to park a golf cart.

Three home features with the most appreciation

The most desired home features are an open floor plan, a patio and hardwood floors, with appreciation rates of 7.4%, 6.8% and 5.7% respectively. If you have those in your home, you’re golden! So are our new homeowners, as we made sure to include them in all of our new homes.

Location, location, location

Nothing ever trumps location when it comes to real estate. Homes with access to public transit, good schools, shopping and a hospital are tops when it comes to appreciation. Being that we are in a suburban location an hour away from Atlanta means that we don’t have quick access to public transit. However, we make up for that with our close proximity to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International. Also, having one of the top rated schools in the nation, Lake Oconee Academy, right outside our gates is a huge asset, not to mention the nearby shopping and an excellent, award-winning hospital too.

Views are valuable

In order of appreciation, the views provided by a park, mountain, lake, and golf course carry the most value. Our rolling terrain with well-maintained green spaces, golf course and (of course) Lake Oconee has all of those covered. In fact, several of our homes offer wonderful combined views. By the way, we were shocked to learn that homes with ocean views have the least amount of appreciation. Perhaps this is because they are very expensive to begin with.

So, as you may have gathered, Harbor Club has already wisely embraced many of the trends that carry the most appreciation for its homes. Not only does that increase the value of the homes at Harbor Club, it increases the value of the community as a whole. The bonus? Our residents! We’re proud to have over 80% full-time homeowners in Harbor Club. They know the value of having a Harbor Club home …and we’d love to show you too. Stop by so you can see for yourself! We’ve got some fantastic new home inventory under construction. You’ll not only discover the valuable ROI in the homes we build, but in the life you can build here at Harbor Club.

Contact us today.

Hurry, hurry! Isn’t it sad that our modern world dictates that everything must be so fast? Fast internet, fast food, fast cars to get us from place to place, well — fast. With everything moving at hyperspeed, busy people become even busier. Quick has to be quicker. Fast has to be faster. Over time, you feel compelled and almost required, to multi-task and speedy at almost everything. And with that, your stress level invariably increases.

Sure, you may think you’ll find time to decompress, but have you? And if you did, was it enough time? And better yet, what do you have to show for that down time? Was it “quality time?” If you’re like most people, the answers to these questions were a resounding “no.” Don’t feel bad though. There’s a fix!

Introducing “slow living.” If you haven’t heard of it before, Create The Good Life describes it like this: “Slow Living means structuring your life around meaning and fulfillment. Similar to ‘voluntary simplicity’ and ‘downshifting,’ it emphasizes a less-is-more approach, focusing on the quality of your life.” Boiled down, slow living is essentially slowing down to restore the balance in you and your family’s lives.

Our community is one where slow living is not only encouraged, it’s wholeheartedly embraced by our residents and members. This is a place where happy people take the time to lead fulfilling lives. How? Here are just a few of the ways we make it happen:

We spend quality time with family

When you live someplace that has numerous ways to experience family time together, more often than not, you actually get to take part in and enjoy that quality time. Whether it be spending time on Lake Oconee, playing golf together, getting fit together, or simply indulging in a special meal (where you don’t have to cook or clean!) together, it’s incredibly easy to find meaningful time with family at Harbor Club.

We spend quality time with friends

When you live amongst like-minded people, you tend to develop awesome friendships that last a lifetime. Listening to live music at our outdoor concerts at The Boathouse, dancing to Zumba, experiencing mindfulness together at yoga classes, playing trivia at our trivia nights, or having neighbors over for a nice cookout are just a few of the ways to slow down and spend quality time with friends here at Harbor Club. When you live at Lake Oconee, the possibilities are endless.

We spend more time in nature

If you live in a naturally beautiful place, it’s so easy to step outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer. That kind of ready access offers unparalleled quiet and solitude that are hard to find in more urban environments. Play a round of golf on our awe-inspiring course, take a moment to hike our wooded trails, throw a line in the water at Lake Oconee or one of our many stocked ponds, garden in our Victory garden, or grab a good book and read outside in the quiet warmth of the sun. No matter the season, you have lots of ways to truly enjoy the outdoors and nature in all its glory at Harbor Club.

What does all of this add up to? Memories — ones that you’ll remember and treasure forever. It’s all a part of what we are proud to call the “Harbor Club Life.” If you’re ready to get a taste of it for yourself, stop by! We’d love to show you around the place. Like so many others, you’re bound to fall in love with our beautiful homes, the access to Lake Oconee, and the gorgeous golf course views… but you don’t know until you try. Let’s make arrangements today.

Having a beautiful landscape doesn’t have to be a chore. Enjoying colorful blooms from spring through fall is possible. This is especially true since we live in a wonderfully temperate climate here in Georgia. Each of the five plants we’ve listed below are very easy to grow and maintain. What’s better is that they are perennials, so you get to enjoy them year over year. Why not plant a few? Once you see the pretty results, you’ll be glad you did.

Canna Lily

Canna lily is a classic in tropical gardens. Each plant grows to about seven feet tall and two feet wide. The tall stalks have large, multi-petaled, showy flowers at the top. Some plants also have variegated leaves. These beauties prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Black-eyed Susans

More formally known as Rudbeckia Fulgida, this cheerful flower is a great addition to a casual garden bed. It can grow up to three feet tall and looks fantastic when planted in a large grouping. This one is also a favorite of butterflies, so you’ll get double the beauty. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil.

Phlox

Phlox is another flower much loved by butterflies, and honeybees too. Not only are the flowers gorgeous to look at but they also give off a pleasant scent. On warm, humid evenings they become even more fragrant. Phlox is happiest planted in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Daylily

Daylilies got their name because each flower only blooms once in a day. Don’t despair, as there are several buds on each stalk, each blooming after another fades. These are excellent perennials for the south because they start to bloom as early as March and continue to produce flowers into late summer. Growing as high as four feet, they are also available in a wide variety of colors. What’s more is that they are relatively drought tolerant, making them maintenance-free.

Lantana

The variety to look for is “Miss Huff,” as it is the hardiest in a Georgia landscape. Happiest in full sun, Lantana will flower from June to October. Once established, it is highly pest, disease and drought resistant. This perennial’s showy orange and pink blooms are ones that butterflies adore.

Need a bit more advice when it comes to gardening in Georgia? Why not join the fun at our next Harbor Club Gardeners Club meeting? Anyone from a master gardener to a novice is welcome. The group is currently strategizing plantings for the new raised beds in our Victory Garden. There’s even been talk of a get-together to sample the harvested garden products, including a possible wine tasting event. Contact Harbor Club today to learn more about the Victory Garden at The Grove, or better yet, visit us for a personalized tour.

Do you know the secret about getting in shape? It’s really not a secret at all. The “secret” is to discover a sport that makes fitness fun. When you find your favorite sport(s), you’ll soon realize that being fit can seem effortless. As your activity increases, you’ll form new healthy habits that result in a lifestyle change as well as boosts your quality of life. No matter which sport you love, Harbor Club has you covered. 

Walk, run or jog

If you’re into any walking, jogging, or running, Harbor Club is a fantastic place to do all three. Believe it or not, Duke University Medical Center discovered that a brisk 30-minute walk or jog around a track three times a week worked just as well as antidepressant medication for those who are middle-aged or elderly. Our new quarter-mile track at The Grove provides the perfect, level surface for getting in that all-important, mood-boosting cardio. It’s also an ideal place to do sprints or intervals of walking and running. If you prefer a more natural environment, we also have pleasant wooded trails that provide a tranquil setting to exercise, not to mention over 25 miles of well-maintained roads for a simple stroll. At Harbor Club, it’s easy to go for a walk or run every day — and reap all the awesome health benefits that come with it.

Play field sports

Do you love soccer, football, whiffle ball, Frisbee or any other sports that requires a level, manicured, grassy field to play on? Our new, carefully-graded sports field at The Grove offers a fun, safe place to engage in any number of field sports that require wide open spaces to play.

Take a hike

Our new Grove facility provides hikers with two new, fantastic trails. One is a mile-long, manicured and mulched hiking trail. If you want to add some additional fitness benefits to your hike, we also offer a new Fit-Trail®, which includes 10 fitness stations for stretching, bending and strength training.

Play a round – or two – of golf

Our highly popular, award-winning, Weiskopf-Morrish designed golf course is sure to delight anyone who loves to swing a club. Up your fitness game by walking our magnificent course, which has a spectacular, varied terrain which skirts Lake Oconee nine times.

Swim at Lake Oconee

If you love to swim, we have a couple of excellent options. We offer a crystal-clear, Junior-sized Olympic pool, which is a fantastic place to do laps. Also, you also have access to Georgia’s largest second lake, Lake Oconee, to swim to your heart’s content (and health)!

Bust a move

Dancing is an awesome form of exercise and Harbor Club offers plenty of options to shake a leg in our new fitness studio! If you are more into the ballet side of things, we offer a barre class that would be right up your alley. Those who like to shimmy a bit more can take advantage of our heart-pumping Zumba classes. Don’t forget about our scheduled social dances and outdoor concerts for additional ways to get your groove on!

Try a new watersport

There are other ways to get around Lake Oconee besides a motorboat. The lake provides an excellent place to row, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, sail, canoe, and of course, go fishing! <href=”#boathouse”>The Boathouse Marina provides every resident of Harbor Club with access to the lake, making it easy to get your vessel in and out of the water at any time of year.

Stretch your muscles

Love yoga? It’s a sport that continues to gain popularity, and Harbor Club offers fantastic classes for both men and women at The Grove. We even have a men’s class that will help improve your golf game!

Make a “racket”

With both tennis and pickleball courts, we have plenty of ways to help you get your racket swinging. Aside from playing either game at your leisure, we offer scheduled clinics, group play and tournaments so you can engage with others who match your level, from novice to experienced.

So if you are ready to see how fitness can be a truly fun endeavor, come visit Harbor Club! We’d be happy to take you and your family on a personalized tour to show you all of our sports and fitness facilities, not to mention the grounds, lake and everything else that makes Harbor Club so special. Give us a call today.

We’ve got some great news to announce! We are extremely proud that the editors at Southern Living magazine have hand-picked Harbor Club on Lake Oconee as one of it’s newest Southern Living Inspired Communities!

To be added to this prestigious list, there were a number of criteria that our community had to meet, including:

• Being located in either Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee
• Embracing the natural beauty of Southern landscapes
• Displaying the best of Southern Living inspired architecture
• Creating environments that foster gatherings, interactions, and celebrations.

Considering the above “Southern Living Community Philosophies,” it’s easy to see how Harbor Club made the list. Let’s break each one down so you can clearly understand why this is the case. 

Georgia location

Harbor Club on Lake Oconee is nestled in Georgia’s lake country, in the charming southern town of Greensboro. Conveniently located midway between Atlanta and Augusta, and just 40 minutes south of Athens, our location puts you within arms-reach of all the best that Georgia has to offer. Even better, our residents have year-round access to Lake Oconee (Georgia’s second largest lake) via our <href=”#boathouse”>Boathouse Marina amenity, making “lake life” synonymous with the “Harbor Club Life.”

Southern landscapes

The temperate climate at Harbor Club gives the unique ability to enjoy four distinct seasons with differing, beautiful landscapes throughout the year. Southern favorites like azaleas, crape myrtles, magnolias, gardenias, and camellias all thrive here. Wide, rocking chair front porches are often adorned with pretty container plantings. Even in the winter, you’ll see colorful pansies in bloom.

Southern Living inspired architecture

Exclusive only to Harbor Club is our custom home builder, Patriot Homes. Our award-winning architect, Mitch Ginn, designs gorgeous, Southern Living inspired home plans for our community. In fact, his designs have been featured in both Southern Living Magazine and Southern Living House Plans Magazine. And Bill Lynn is our highly experienced and knowledgeable builder who makes those stylish dream homes into a reality. All Harbor Club homes are built with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, giving every homeowner a sense of pride, not only in their home but in the Harbor Club community itself.

Southern hospitality

One of the strongest values in the south is good old southern hospitality, and there’s plenty of that fostered here at Harbor Club. We pride ourselves on having a resort-like neighborhood with over 80% full-time residents. Our <href=”#clubhouse”>recreational amenities and our jam-packed calendar full of fun events cater to all ages. Family dinners, free concerts, dances, golf tournaments, exercise classes, and more provide multiple opportunities for friends and neighbors to enjoy gathering, interacting and celebrating together.

Why not give us an opportunity to practice our Southern hospitality on you? See for yourself why Southern Living chose Harbor Club as a Southern Living Inspired Community. Give us a call to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to meet you!

Going to The Masters? Lucky you — in more ways than one. Not only do you get to experience Augusta National with its colorful azaleas in full bloom and observe amazing pro golfers trying to win a coveted green jacket, you also get to nosh on the renowned concession food. Yes, the concession food — but not just any concession food.

The food at The Masters is well known for not only being inexpensive but also for its simple, southern deliciousness. The most popular of them all is The Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich, with The Masters Egg Salad Sandwich a close second. At $1.50 each, they are a bargain! And for dessert, you can delight in The Masters Peach Ice Cream Sandwich for only $2.00. But if you aren’t one of the lucky ones heading to The Masters this year, don’t despair. Even though the recipes are closely guarded secrets, we’ve found some copycat versions so you can make your very own. So come play golf with us during Masters Week and give these recipes a try. Enjoy!

The Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich

(Copycat version from Marynelle Presley)

Ingredients:

• 16 ounce block sharp cheddar cheese
• (4-ounce) jar of chopped pimientos
• Salt and cracked pepper to taste
• Duke’s Mayonnaise
• White bread

Directions: Grate cheddar cheese into a large bowl (do not use pre-shredded cheese.) Add chopped pimientos (for more pimiento flavor, use 8-ounce jar instead of 4-ounce jar.) Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise to mix and stir well. Continue adding mayonnaise one teaspoon at a time until the mixture is of the consistency you like. Serve on white bread.

The Masters Egg Salad Sandwich

(Copycat version from Mary Ann Anderson)

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, shells removed
• 1⁄3 cup or slightly more, to taste, of Duke’s Mayonnaise
• 3⁄4 teaspoon yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• White bread

 

Directions: Chop the eggs in a large bowl until just slightly chunky. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Serve on white bread.

The Masters Peach Ice Cream Sandwich

(Copycat version from Paula at CallMePMc.com)

Ingredients:

Ice Cream

• 6 cups diced peaches (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 3 cups sugar, divided
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups half & half
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Cookie

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 /12 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 3/4 c all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: To make the ice cream, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and peaches; stir and set aside. Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, flour, and salt. Stir. Beat eggs with an electric mixer until frothy. Add sugar mixture to eggs; beat until thick. Gradually add milk; beat until everything is well incorporated. Pour custard mixture into a heavy saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. (Mixture is thick enough when you pull the spoon out of the mixture and run your finger down the spoon the line stays making a distinct mark.) This will take about 25 to 30 minutes.

Remove from heat and sit in a larger bowl filled with ice. Stir gently until mixture cools. Stir in peaches, half and half, and vanilla. Pour mixture into an ice cream mixture (1 gallon.) Freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Place in freezer section of refrigerator to harden before making sandwiches.

For the cookies, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture a little at a time. Mix well after each addition. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. It may be easier to work with to separate the dough into two parts. Dip cookie cutter in flour before cutting. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 6 to 7 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet before removing to wire rack to cool completely. Place one huge scoop of ice cream between two cooled cookies and enjoy!

We are so proud to announce that Harbor Club on Lake Oconee has added yet another win to it’s long list of impressive accolades. Real Estate Scorecard, the industry leader of online real estate reviews, recently announced the winners of its prestigious Bliss Awards for 2017. Over 390 master planned communities were in the running for the 15 awards available, and Harbor Club made the cut! We are excited to have been awarded the “Best Lake Community of the Year” Bliss Award for 2017. 

Real Estate Scorecard obtained over 6000 bona fide resident reviews, and from those, determined the best of the best communities based on genuine happiness and highest quality of life experienced at each. For the “Best Lake Community” category, they also took a close look at water quality and lake level fluctuations. They found that, “Lake Oconee is warm, it’s clean, and the annual lake levels vary less than two feet; –making it the top contender among large lakes in the Southeastern US.

Harbor Club on Lake Oconee stood out because, unlike other communities on Lake Oconee, almost 90% of its residents live there year-round. With a social calendar chock full of fun activities, and tons of wonderful neighbors, Harbor Club is vibrant, cheerful place to live.

Through its Boathouse amenity, Harbor Club offers access to Lake Oconee to every homeowner in the community, whether they own lakefront property or not. The Boathouse Marina offers a full- service marina and restaurant on the lake, as well as drystack boat storage. Having these benefits and easy access to Georgia’s second largest lake, is a big plus for anyone who desires to live the “lake life.”

The below top characteristics also helped tip the scales in favor of Harbor Club:

• A highly popular, award-winning golf course (recently ranked third in Golfweek’s Best State Courses You Can Play listing)
• Highly affordable golf memberships that, according to Real Estate Scorecard, are “…the lowest fees we have seen among almost 100 lake communities we’ve analyzed”
• “For less than $200 a month in HOA/social fees, property owners can live in one of the best places to retire on a lake”
• New Cottage Series homes, priced in the $300’s, are “rightsized” luxury homes with yard maintenance included
• Real estate taxes in Greene County are among the lowest in the state of Georgia
• Ideal location below the ‘snow line’ in Georgia
• Mild winters and hot summers offer year round boating and watersports

Want to see what all the fuss is about? We invite you to experience Harbor Club on Lake Oconee for yourself. Contact us today and we’ll design a personalized tour just for you. See you soon!

With retirement comes a lot of questions, with one of the most significant being where to live. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to relocation but retirees usually aim for states where they can get the most bang for their retirement buck. And probably very little snow too! But no matter where you live, you can’t guarantee 100% that snow won’t happen. There is one thing you can always count on though — taxes. 

Taxes are a major part of a retirees relocation equation for determining which state to live. According to Kiplinger, a popular finance publisher, the state of Georgia is one of the best. In fact, it ranked seventh on their list of the top 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees! Here’s why:

State sales tax

Georgia state sales tax rate is currently 4%. Depending on local municipalities, the total tax rate can be as high as 8%. Also, the state doesn’t tax grocery food sales (but several local governments can, and do so around 2-4%.) Overall, the sales tax is moderate compared to other states.

Income tax

Georgia has six marginal tax brackets, ranging from 1% (the lowest tax bracket) to 6% (the highest tax bracket). The percentage you pay depends on your income and how you file your taxes (individual, married filing jointly, etc.). You can find a list of the Georgia income tax rates here.

Social Security tax

In Georgia, your social security benefits are not taxed.

Exemptions for other retirement income

For anyone age 62 to 64, the exclusion is $35,000 per person. For individuals over the age of 64, the exclusion is $65,000 per person. That applies to all retirement income, including pensions and annuities, interest, dividends, net income from rental property, capital gains, royalties, and the first $4,000 of earned income, such as wages. IRAs, 401(k)s, private pensions and public pensions all qualify for a retirement income exemption of up to $35,000 or up to $65,000, depending on your age.

Property taxes

Georgia property taxes are somewhat below average. Property tax rates vary by county, with a range from 0.44% to 1.29%. Homeowners pay about $940 in annual property taxes per $100,000 in home value. Georgia homestead exemption is available to every homeowner who occupies his or her home as a primary, permanent residence. It exempts the first $2,000 in assessed value (equal to about $5,000 in market value) from property taxes.

Inheritance tax

In Georgia, inheritances are not taxed.

Estate tax

There is no estate tax in Georgia.

We also want to mention that Georgia’s cost of living is about 8.5% lower than the national average. That means that retirees can expect their everyday costs to be fairly low.

With so many tax benefits for retirees, it makes sense to take a close look at Georgia as an excellent place to live. And better yet, check out Harbor Club on Lake Oconee. We’ve got brand new, beautifully designed right-sized homes available now (with maintenance included!) in our fantastic, debt-free lake and golf community.

Contact us today to arrange a personal tour. We’d love to show you what Southern hospitality is truly like!

With April not that far away, The Masters golf tournament is fast approaching. Whether you are lucky enough to experience it in person, or on TV from the comfort of your easy chair, it’s an inspiring event that puts you in the mood to play great golf.

With so many people in Augusta during Masters week though, the golf courses in that area will be swamped, not to mention carry a premium price tag. A better option is to escape the majority of those crowds and come to Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second largest lake. There you’ll find Harbor Club on Lake Oconee golf course, which is conveniently located halfway between Augusta and Atlanta, just a few miles off of Interstate 20. 

Harbor Club’s course is consistently one of the places to play golf during The Masters. It’s no surprise, considering the ties to one of its designers, Tom Weiskopf. He finished second at the Masters on four different occasions. But, both he and Jay Moorish came up with a winner of a golf course design at Harbor Club. It offers some of the best playing conditions on the lake, including:

• An appealing pair of short, driveable risk-reward par 4’s.
• Six holes set beautifully along the shore of Lake Oconee.
• A 7,048-yard layout that skirts four creeks.

And speaking of The Masters, Harbor Club’s 17th hole was designed to emulate the infamous 12th hole at Augusta National. It has similar bunker placements, water hazard, and bean-shaped green. This hole is a challenging, yet fun par three that requires a tee shot over the lake.

What’s more are the impressive accolades that Harbor Club continues to accumulate, including these two recent distinctions:

• #3 on Golfweek’s 2016 State-by-State Best Courses You Can Play in Georgia.
• #4 on Golf Magazine’s Best Courses You Can Play in Georgia, 2016-2017.

A traditionally popular course to play during The Masters, Harbor Club continues to offer Masters week golf specials to those who want to experience it for themselves. This year, patrons can take advantage of these special rates from March 31 through April 9, 2017. Pricing is as follows:

• $179.00 + tax – 7:30am-2:50pm
• $159.00 + tax – 3:00pm-Close
• $90.00 replay special

These rates include golf cart, range balls, and a special Harbor Club cap.

You can book your tee time online, or call us at (706) 453-4414. Tee times will be in high demand during Masters week, so please don’t wait until the last minute to reserve your spot. Plan your Masters week golfing experience at Harbor Club today!

Year over year, the Harbor Club on Lake Oconee community continues to achieve unprecedented results in real estate sales. It comes as no surprise, considering the increased value that Harbor Club provides its members and property owners. In the past year, the Harbor Club lake and golf community has been busy creating and building both brand new homes, amenities and activities catered to delight its residents, members, and property owners. Some of the most notable of these include: 

• Building The Grove, a brand new fitness / recreation / special event campus.
• Creating a new home offering, The Cottage Series for those who desire a smaller footprint without compromising high-end details or design.
• Installation of new pickleball courts.
• Providing a fantastic new design studio for the benefit of those who are building new homes in the community.
• Free music concerts at The Boathouse Marina and Restaurant and The Clubhouse.
• Refined membership offerings that cater to multiple lifestyles and aspirations.

What’s more, Harbor Club’s Weiskopf-Morrish designed golf course attained several new accolades in 2016, including ranking fourth on Golf.com’s list of Best Courses You Can Play in Georgia. It also jumped to third on Golfweek’s “Best Courses” List as well as achieved placement on their Best Residential Courses 2017 listing. This is all in addition to the fact that Harbor Club has been named one of the Top 200 Residential Communities in America by Golfweek Magazine, as well as one of the Top Golf Course Communities Around the World by Links Magazine.

What were the results of all these incredible efforts and commendations? An impressive 25.3% increase in overall real estate sales in 2016, compared to 2015. As you can see below, there have been notable increases in Harbor Club real estate sales and transaction for the past few years. The upward trend continues to be fueled by the wonderful and incredibly wise people who have invested in the community, many of which have now made it their full-time residence.

	2014	2015	2016
Sales volume	$10.9K	$14.7K	$18.3K
Transactions	71	82	107
Home sales	20	34	42

Harbor Club on Lake Oconee is located an hour east of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s family-owned and operated, completely debt-free, and filled with great friends and families who take pride in their neighborhood. Will you be the next? Check out our current real estate opportunities or better yet, stop by for a tour. See you soon!

If you haven’t already heard the news, Harbor Club on Lake Oconee is building brand new homes that appeal to today’s wise, yet refined homebuyers. Known as The Cottage Series Homes, they offer an awesome opportunity to live in a luxurious “right-sized” home, at a rightsize price point. The Cottage series homes open up an unprecedented chance to live luxuriously in a highly awarded, yet close-knit lake and golf community.

In this article we are going to highlight The Heron model home, which features five bedrooms and four bathrooms in 3550 square feet of living space.

With its gorgeous curb appeal aside, as soon as you walk into The Heron you’ll immediately be impressed with the design, not to mention the grand, open floor plan and stylish decor.

The stunning great room offers long range views into the dining room, kitchen and keeping rooms. Note the architectural details of arched entries, wide columns and high-end crown moulding.

The kitchen is an entertainer’s dream. Adjacent to the breakfast nook, it includes a huge, impressive granite island and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. As you can see, storage space abounds.

 

The keeping room makes for a cozy place to enjoy a crackling fire in the stacked stone fireplace while indulging in a warm beverage and good conversation with close family and friends. Or perhaps you’ll want to enjoy it on your own with a great book.

The tranquil master bedroom on the main floor includes a trey-ceiling, deluxe trim and enough space for a king-sized bed as well as a serene seating area.

 

The master bath is spa-like, with its roomy tub, separate shower with frameless glass doors, his-and-hers sinks, and high-end granite and tile throughout. Note the adjacent master closet with thoughtful built-ins to keep your clothes and accessories beautifully organized and within easy reach.

Outside, delight in the temperate Georgia climate with a floor-to-ceiling screened-in porch alongside a lovely patio and barbeque space. Don’t forget that your landscape maintenance is included, so you’ll never have to mow your yard again.

 

There is so much more to see with this stunning model home at Harbor Club. Come visit us for a personalized tour of The Heron, The Grove and the rest of our golf and lake community. We look forward to showing you why so many folks choose to say “We LIVE here!”

Located near the main entrance of Harbor Club on Lake Oconee, you’ll discover a brand new amenity center–The Grove; a campus full of wonderful new features that enhance what we call the Harbor Club Life.

The horse polo fields and facilities have been transformed and upgraded to create the new 12-acre Grove campus. While you won’t find a horse there today, what you will discover are the following fantastic new features:

Fitness Center

A new 2000 sq. ft. fitness center is now located in the Carriage House. Here you’ll find brand new Life Fitness exercise equipment –including recumbent bikes, treadmills, powermill climbers, elliptical cross-trainers and weight-training equipment. Each exercise station allows the user to personalize their workout as well as their entertainment. In addition to the fitness equipment, there is a group fitness and yoga room for scheduled Zumba and yoga classes.

Trails

Two new trails are on the grounds of The Grove. One is a new mile-long, mulched hiking trail. The other is a Fit-Trail®, which includes 10 fitness stations for stretching, bending and strength training.

Quarter-mile Track

Those that are runners, will delight in the new quarter-mile track–where running, sprinting and interval training can be done with measured ease.

Sports Field

Located within the quarter-mile track is a well graded, new sports field. Engage in soccer, football, Frisbee and other fun field sports.

Grandstand / Outdoor Event Venue

Overlooking both the track and sports field is a refreshed grandstand. The stadium seating will be a great place for people to enjoy concerts and other events held on the sports field.

Sanctuary Pond

Just beyond the sports field is an inviting green space and water feature called Sanctuary Pond. It’s a beautiful spot to have a picnic, read a book or simply enjoy nature. If your family likes to fish, the pond will be stocked for catch and release fishing as well.

Victory Garden

Harbor Club’s new community garden features professionally designed, raised beds to help gardeners of all ages enjoy and get involved with this new amenity.

Dog Parks

Whether you have a large or small breed dog, they will have a wonderful time running and playing fetch at the new dog park facilities.

The Stables

One of the lake area’s most popular venues for weddings and other events, The Stables now offers a new outdoor wedding chapel. The beautiful, rustic chapel was made with cedar trees imported from the Virginia Mountains.

All of the outdoor amenities at The Grove are open to all residents of Harbor Club. The indoor fitness center is open to resident and non-resident club members.

Want to learn more? For more information about The Grove or other club membership and real estate opportunities at Harbor Club, contact us today.

Did you know that November is National Gratitude Month? It makes a lot of sense considering all we have to be thankful for in this eleventh month of the year — and especially because we live in such an awesome place as Harbor Club!

But it’s important to note that there’s more to gratitude than simply expressing thanks. In fact, there are many scientifically proven benefits of gratitude, including improved physical and psychological health. So it’s important to count your blessings, not just during the month of November, but every single day. Want to give it a shot? 

Here are a few things that we can certainly be grateful for:

The right to vote

No matter who you were rooting for, this past election was a tough one to be excited about. However, our ability to vote is something to be proud of. We live in a country where we are allowed to participate in the process of electing our next president. There are people in other countries in this world that can only dream to do the same. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to freely express whom we wish to be in the highest office in the land.

Veterans / Those who serve our country

And speaking of free, we must be thankful for our veterans, not just on Veteran’s Day, but everyday. We all know that our freedom was not free. Those that served our country are an amazing group of people. Serving is an incredibly selfless act and because of those that did we have the amazing ability to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Thanksgiving holiday

Of course you must be thankful of this, the most grateful day of the year! It’s a nice day off (for most) and the perfect time to reflect on our blessings. But do yourself a favor and attempt to express gratitude daily. Start a gratitude journal and keep it on your bed stand. Write down a few things that you are grateful for each night. It could be anything, from fresh water from the tap, to having good health, to living in a safe community. So many others don’t have privileges such as these. Daily reflection on what we are lucky to have will make you a happier person overall.

Community

We mentioned community above, as that is a big one. Harbor Club is exceptional in that it is a lake and golf community that is completely debt free. Very few other lake and golf communities can say the same. It goes to show what a value Harbor Club is, not only from a financial standpoint but from a neighborhood standpoint too. With more than 80 percent full-time residents who live here, it’s a wonderful, close-knit place to live. Our residents are fantastic!

The Grove

As you have heard, our brand new Grove amenity center will be open very soon. We are so thankful to put this new amenity center in place for our residents to enjoy. We’re working hard to add new features at Harbor Club to delight our residents. The Grove will have a new fitness center, sports field, running track, dog parks, victory gardens and more! These will go a long way toward boosting your health and happiness here at Harbor Club. 

So, what about you? We’d love to know what you are most grateful for this month. Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Don’t put your golf clubs away just yet! The cooler weather can actually be an ideal time to work on perfecting your golf technique. There are some simple things you can do to stay in top form. So even if the weather isn’t that great out on the golf course (granted, it’s a rarity here at Harbor Club) consider the following alternatives to keep your game fresh:

Do cardio

Hop on our new, state of the art fitness equipment, play tennis, play pickleball or take our invigorating Zumba classes! Cardiovascular exercise not only improves heart-health, it will enhance your physical conditioning too. In fact, PGA of America vice president Ted Bishop recommends at least 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four to five days a week. That cardio work will improve your golf swing, help you avoid injuries and you’ll play better overall.

Do strength-training

Take advantage of our gym’s strength-training equipment to help keep you strong and toned. Aim for strengthening your glutes and your core, both of which will help increase your power and your balance. Why? Added power and better balance means you’ll be able to hit the ball harder and farther. So grab the weights and do some squats. You’ll be glad you did!

Do yoga

Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility and core stability. It also helps to increase your range of motion. All combined, these will help you to have a bigger, more productive golf swing. Yoga is especially great for senior golfers, since flexibility can deteriorate with age. Remember, we offer weekly yoga classes for both men and ladies, so take advantage and do your body good.

Improve your grip

Not sure if your grip is quite right? Have one of our professional golf instructors show you a proper grip. Another option is to buy a club with a training grip attached. Keep that club handy so you can practice at home during TV commercials. Aim for a light grip without tension in your arms or hands and try to practice several days a week.

Improve your swing

There are a lot of drills and techniques you can do to improve your swing, even when it’s cold outside. Inquire with our golf instructors for some great ideas or try swinging a weighted club a few minutes every day. It will make your club head speed faster and your wrists and arms stronger. You could also simply swing a regular club (in a safe place!) 100 times a day without hitting a ball. This will help to improve your strength, flexibility and grip.

Don’t let fall and winter take the zing out of your golf game. Besides, here at Harbor Club, our winters can be produce some delightfully mild days. So keep your game on point and book a tee time to enjoy that lovely weather out on the course here in the beautiful lake country of Georgia.

PS – Don’t miss out on our famous Turkey Shoot Scramble on Saturday, November 19. Format is a 4-person scramble with a shotgun start at 10am. All turkeys will be donated in the player’s name to the Greene County Senior Center. Sign up at the golf shop or call (706) 453-4414 for more information.

The fall is such a wonderful time of year. The weather becomes cool and crisp, the fall foliage is turning bright hues of orange, yellow and red, and suddenly, Halloween is upon us. So what fun, fall stuff is happening here and around town? Here’s a list awesome upcoming activities to enjoy:

The Lickskillet Artist Market and Festival

Day: October 22

Time: 10am-4pm

Where: Lyndon House Arts Center, 293 Hoyt Street, Athens

Details: This is a unique artists market and festival for the whole family. It is an exciting indoor/outdoor event that features eclectic wares for sale and demonstrations by artists, live music, children’s art activities, food vendors and tours of the historic Ware-Lyndon House. Visit https://lickskilletathens.org/about/ for more information.

Movies on the Courthouse Lawn – Showing “Goosebumps”

Day: October 28

Time: 8:30pm

Where: Putnam County Courthouse Lawn

Details: This family friendly event is free and open to all. Bring your own chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie under the stars. Refreshments are available for purchase. For more information, call 706-749-9150 or visit www.eatontonmainstreet.com.

The Briar Patch Arts Festival

Day: October 29

Time: 9am-3pm

Where: Downtown Eatonton

Details: Specialty arts and crafts vendors will be showcasing handmade soaps, photography, paintings, jewelry, pottery, wood working, handmade glassware, clothing, potted plants, children’s items and much more. Live entertainment on the Music Stage will keep you tapping your toes. Visit www.eatontonmainstreet.com for more information.

Madison Haunted History Tours

Days: Every Friday and Saturday night through November 12

Time: 7:30pm

Where: Madison Methodist Church parking lot, 285 South Main Street

Admission: Adults $15/ea., kids under 12 are $10/ea. (Not recommended for children under 8.)

Details: Enjoy an evening stroll through the shadows of Madison and listen to tales of hauntings and local legends along with a heaping helping of local history. Reservations are required in advance through North Georgia Tours. More info

Golf Cart Trunk or Treat

Day: October 29

Time: 12-2pm

Where: The Stables at Harbor Club

Details: Our annual trick or treat event includes family fun for all residents of Harbor Club. Decorate your golf carts, dress in your favorite costumes and drive over to the Stables to show off your creativity. Don’t forget to bring some candy to share with the kids for cart-to-cart trick or treat! Inside the Stables we’ll have games, spooktacular treats, activities and more.

Downtown Trick or TreatDay: October 31

Time: 5-7pm

Where: Downtown Greensboro

Details: Little ghouls and goblins are invited to Greensboro for Downtown Trick or Treat this Halloween. Downtown merchants — many in costume — will offer a trick or treat for children 12 and under. Children should begin their visit to town at the Greene County Court House where they will be given an official trick or treat bag and a snack. All children should be escorted by an adult. The Greensboro Police Department will be on hand to ensure fun and safety for all.

When most people think of “Lake Life” they often think of summertime fun — being outdoors and enjoying all the great things the lake has to offer during the warmest part of the year. It’s a time to enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing, paddle boarding and so much more. But what’s it like to live the “Lake Life” during the off season? We’re here to tell you that Lake Oconee can be just as enjoyable in the fall and winter months as it can be during the spring and summer. Sure, it’s different, but different in a good way.

Here are some of the joys of lake living in the off season: 

Festivities

There are so many reasons to gather around and enjoy company at the lake in the fall and winter. From Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s to Valentine’s Day, and everything in between, it’s an incredibly festive time of year to get together with friends and family. The camaraderie and cooler weather are a perfect combination for entertaining. The added bonus? The majority of people who live at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee are full-time residents (over 80%). Who wants to live in a ghost town community, especially in the off-season! At Harbor Club, there are always fun-loving residents and enjoyable events and activities, no matter the time of year.

Beauty

The lake makes an incredibly gorgeous backdrop for all those festivities mentioned above. It’s beautiful in the off-season. There is less boat-traffic and therefore, a peacefulness about it. Also, the sun is lower in the fall and winter months, which casts a gorgeous, golden light. It creates pretty, long shadows in the afternoon that you don’t see in the spring or summer. Combined with the fall foliage, this backdrop makes for a very special, pleasing view of the lake. That ever-changing beauty is quite the sight, no matter your vantage point.

Outdoor Activities

Being in the southeast, the fall and winter months present us with gorgeous weather compared to our neighbors in the north. As a result, we can enjoy Lake Oconee at a time when most people in the north are digging themselves out of snow. Lucky for us, our award-winning golf course touches the shoreline of Lake Oconee six times and is stunning to see, even in the off-season. Our temperate climate allows us the ability to go <href=”#boathouse”>boating and fishing in the late fall and early winter too. Walks and hikes in the autumn are stunning as well, especially with the fall foliage.

Cool weather calm

The off-season can also bring tranquil calmness to the lake. At the shoreline, it’s easy to enjoy the lovely peace and quiet. The serenity offers a unique, special time for reading, writing, reflecting or simply meditating. It makes for a pleasant experience for those who want to indulge in a bit of heart-warming solitude.

Want to experience lake living in the off season for yourself? Make plans now to come visit us! You’ll see just how special it is to live the Harbor Club Life.

If you are a homeowner at Harbor Club, you’re in luck in more ways than you may have realized. You already know that Harbor Club offers a slew of amenities and benefits to its residents, but if the time ever comes to sell your home, there’s one more big advantage: The Harbor Club Sales Center.

We all know that selling a home can be a stressful process. However, you can easily remove stress from that equation by utilizing our on-premise team of experienced sales experts. The Sales Center team fully comprehends what it will take to get your Harbor Club home sold both quickly and at a great price. Consider the following:

• We know how to drive home buyers to Harbor Club. Our marketing tools and strategies are proven to work, as we have had a 141% increase in walk-in traffic, to date, this year over all of last year.
• We are on track to triple our 2016 walk-in traffic compared to 2015.
• The Harbor Club Sales team has taken the time to truly understand who the real buyers are and what they desire in a home–arming themselves with important statistical data to gain a knowledgeable edge in the market.
• This has been a banner year for the Harbor Club Sales team so far. As of this writing, we’ve achieved $7.4 million in combined pending and sold listings.
• The Harbor Club Company is dedicated to the continuous investment of effective marketing practices, spending nearly $800k thus far in 2016 to drive buyer traffic and increase home sales.

● Harbor Club’s Sales Center, located conveniently just beyond the front gate, offers every potential buyer a professional, informational and enjoyable presentation of the entire community and the amenities offered. This helps buyers gain a strong desire to choose Harbor Club over any other Lake Oconee options.

• Harbor Club’s Discovery Package provides an ultimate welcoming experience to out of town guests to play golf and socialize with our residents through an ambassador program.
• Harbor Club Resale property owners receive a highly polished marketing platform that includes professional home photography, access to three listing services, high gloss commercially printed brochures, virtual tours with dedicated web domains, continual feedback, and exclusive posting on Harbor Club’s website.
• You’ve probably seen many of our marketing investments yourself, such as our brand new website, regular appearances on Atlanta’s Best New Homes television, grand opening events around our new model homes, as well as an uptick on our social media postings and blog updates. We’ve worked hard on the back-end enhancements too, including improving Harbor’s Club’s SEO (search engine optimization), conducting real estate broker events, increasing our trade show representation and more — all in an effort to continuously improve our sales strategies.
• All of this momentum is due in part to the leadership and direction of Kathy Phillips, our on-site Director of Sales at Harbor Club. A resident of the community, Kathy joined the Harbor Club team in early 2016. Her wealth of real estate knowledge and experience has helped gain a tremendous amount of exposure for the Harbor Club community. Everyone, from colleagues to residents, love to work with Kathy.
• “Working with Kathy Phillips has been a wonderful experience! Her attention to detail and the heart she puts into her work is outstanding. She keeps you informed as potential buyers and other agents view your home. She is a professional and lives in the community which enables her to answer many questions new homeowners have in their buying decisions. Kathy took me through each step as I sold my home. She should be your choice of a real estate agent whether buying or selling! Thank you Kathy!” – Jessica Harrison

Ready to get your home sold at Harbor Club? Give Kathy and her sales team a call at (866) 805-LAKE (5253).

The Harbor Club on Lake Oconee community has added a fantastic new offering to its private, gated enclave of elegant homes. The Craftsman-style home series, called The Cottage Series, provides an awesome opportunity to live in a golf and lake community in a rightsize home, at a rightsize price point. Even better, all homes in Harbor Club enjoy full access to Lake Oconee through Harbor Club’s Boathouse Marina amenity.

The residences in the Cottage Series offer exterior features common to other estate homes in the Harbor Club community, such as stone and brick accents, shed dormers and covered front porches. Framed by Harbor Club’s famous Weiskopf-Morrish designed 18-hole golf course, clubhouse and serene inland lakes, the Cottage Series homes range in price from the mid $300’s to the low $400’s, with no-maintenance landscaping services included. This is an unprecedented value for the location and resort-like amenities available from Harbor Club.

Ranging in size, from 2300-3550 sq. ft., Patriot Builders (Harbor Club’s in-house builder) has already begun construction on three Cottage Series model homes. Each features predominately one-level living with the master bedrooms located on the main floor. Each home also comes with a generous kitchen-island, large great room, a screened-in porch, and a two-car garage.

The Heron offers five bedrooms and four bathrooms in a beautiful, open-concept ranch. The Vista is a three bedroom, two bathroom ranch, that sits on a much sought-after pre-plumbed basement foundation that effectively doubles the size of the home. The Osprey boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a fireplaces in both the great room and study. The anticipated completion of the three model homes is in fall 2016.

Those interested in a Cottage Series home can choose from 43 unique homesites in the neighborhood, with some offering panoramic views of the 18th hole. Others front a stocked inland lake with a fishing dock and a manicured walking trail. Once a homesite is chosen, new homeowners can enjoy the process of picking out their ideal home plans and finishes with helpful, knowledgeable staff in our brand new design studio.

Harbor Club is a family-owned community located only an hour east of Atlanta. Due to high demand of these cottage-type homes, along with the special price points and the amenities that come with them, we encourage you to visit Harbor Club soon. We look forward in delighting you with the best in resort-style living, not just for a day or a week, but in a magnificent home you can enjoy all year round. Contact us today!

Harbor Club on Lake Oconee’s Ladies Golf League is proud to hold its annual Pink Ribbon Cancer Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 13, 2016. The special event is being held to support and benefit The Lydia Cancer Project in Augusta.

All proceeds for the event will be donated to that charity. The Lydia Project is an awesome organization that helps women all over over the country cope with cancer. The non-profit provides several free services as well as special, purple-handled totes filled with a unique journal and several other encouraging items of assistance to help women courageously fight their battle with the disease.

Any and all women (whether a member of Harbor Club or not) who are interested in supporting this good cause are warmly invited to participate in the Pink Ribbon tournament. It’s a wonderful and fun way to make new friends and enjoy camaraderie for a cause with like-minded women in our beautiful Harbor Club community. In keeping with the theme, all women are encouraged to wear pink to the event. For those that do not wish to play golf, you don’t have to feel left out. You’re invited to a delicious luncheon to enjoy with all of the participants of the event after the tournament is complete. During the luncheon, there will be gorgeous gift baskets raffled off to lucky winner. Note that for every $5 donation you make, you will receive one raffle ticket. The larger your donation, the greater your chances to win a prize.

But wait, there’s more! After the luncheon, there will be a magnificent pink balloon release outside the Clubhouse in remembrance of not only those who have lost their lives to cancer, but for those that have had the strength and good fortune to survive it as well. It is a moving tribute to all of those who have been affected by cancer.

The golf tournament begins at 9am (shotgun) and is a four-person scramble format. Event organizers are happy to provide partners for any single participants that sign up.

The field for the golf tournament is limited to 25 teams, so please reserve early using this registration form. Hurry! The deadline for sign-up is October 1, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Kurelic at (609) 841-9035.

Pickleball. What an odd name for a sport, huh? While there is a ball involved, sadly, there are no pickles in play with this particular game. Which makes you wonder why it’s called pickleball in the first place. Here’s the scoop on all things pickleball, including the origins of the funny name:

Who came up with pickleball? Pickleball was the brainchild of Joe Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. The three friends returned home from a game of golf to find their families bored. To fix that, they decided to play badminton. After setting up the net, they couldn’t find the shuttlecock, so they improvised with a wiffle ball. They lowered the net a bit and used wood paddles they hastily fabricated with plywood from the shed.

What is pickleball? It is a paddle sport that combines several elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played on a smaller, badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net. The paddle used is smaller than a tennis racket but larger than a ping-pong paddle, and the plastic ball used in play looks very similar to a wiffle ball.

When was pickleball invented? It is a fairly new sport, as it was pioneered back in the summer of 1965. It’s only 51 years old!

Where was pickleball created? Pickleball started at the home of Joel Pritchard on Bainbridge Island in the state of Washington. (Interesting sidenote: Joel Pritchard was a State Representative who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the State of Washington back in 1970.)

Why is it called pickleball? No one knows for sure, as the stories vary. Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, has stated that the game was so named because it reminded her “of the Pickle Boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” Others have stated that the name resulted from the Pritchard family dog, Pickles. Rumors state that Pickles would often chase after the balls they used to play the game.

How do you play pickleball? From the unique underhand serve to hot to score points to staying out of the “kitchen”, here’s an informative video that shows you the basics: https://youtu.be/KNrIB-PsE88 (Courtesy of Third Shot Sports)

Better yet, now that we have installed new pickleball courts here at Harbor Club, Larry Price can offer clinics to help you learn how to play. If you have questions or want to get information on the next clinic, feel free to give him a call at (706) 453-1436. See you on the courts!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new, beautiful Harbor Club Design Studio. From start to finish, Harbor Club on Lake Oconee now offers homebuyers the best experience for  making their dream home a reality.

The exclusive Design Studio services are complimentary to anyone planning to build a new home through Harbor Club’s in-house home construction company, Patriot Builders. The center provides a “one-stop shop” that not only simplifies the entire process, but makes it exciting and enjoyable too. New homeowners will have an exceptional experience with each of the following steps in their home building process:

Real estate selection
In addition to physically viewing home sites in place, the new design center provides a large 54” monitor that displays an interactive home site plan. This unique view provides homeowners deeper insights for exploring the beautiful neighborhoods within the Harbor Club community.

Home selection
Patriot Builders offers an amazing selection of architectural home plans that can be customized and adapted to homeowner’s wishes. Once a home plan is chosen, attractive exterior finishes, such as brick and stone can be chosen as well. The large monitor shows the homeowner a rendition of what their new home will look like on their chosen homesite, turning their visions into a ‘real-life’ example.

Interior Design
After the home design, elevation, and floor plans have been selected, the real fun begins. The interior design team provides a large variety of tangible examples of finishes to choose from. With the help of a designer, homeowners can decide on their decor — everything from cabinets, hardware, countertops, tile, plumbing, carpet, paint, window treatments and flooring. These are not your traditional “builder grade” finishes. They are high-quality, exceptional components (with additional upgrades levels available) — and all of which will cohesively accentuate each other in the new space.

Since every step of the homebuilding process is handled under one roof, everyone on the team is kept well-informed. This seamless communication in all steps of the process offers new homeowners a top-notch experience that very few other communities can replicate.

Harbor Club on Lake Oconee prides itself on offering resort-like living in a close-knit community. If you would like to learn more about Harbor Club homes or the new Design Studio, feel free to call us at 706-453-7855. Better yet, discover Harbor Club today!

Have you heard the good news? Through our instructor, Sue Knowles, Harbor Club on Lake Oconee is now offering a special yoga class for male golfers called “Men’s Conditioning for Golfers.” You may not have associated yoga with improving your golf game, but you should. Practicing the right yoga maneuvers will both optimize and maximize your performance on the course. Check out the awesome benefits you can gain:

Increased flexibility

As you practice your poses, you’ll soon find that tight muscles will begin to loosen up, which will greatly improve your golf swing. Better flexibility allows for a better full range of motion, and therefore, a more powerful swing.

Improved strength
Yoga does a great deal to improve your strength, almost as much as a weight-lifting regimen. It’s also especially beneficial to your core strength, which goes a long way for improving your swing.

More endurance
Yoga requires that you sustain certain positions for a period of time. This practice will build your endurance. Better endurance will allow you to perform better over a longer period of time on the course.

Better mobility
Practicing yoga will help you to gain a better range of motion in your joints. This will allow you to move faster and with better accuracy as you play.

Increased stability
Yoga includes several exercises that will help you to improve your stability over time. So, if you’ve ever had to hit a ball from an awkward position (and come on, who hasn’t?!) you’ll be more grounded to do it well.

Better balance
Stability and balance go hand in hand. If you have problems keeping your balance, yoga practice will provide for a better center of gravity, which is ideal for improving your golf swing.

Improved focus
The breathing exercises that go along with yoga can improve your concentration and focus on the game. If your mind isn’t calm and focused, you’ll be challenged to play at peak performance.

Are you ready to boost your golf game and counteract the results of aging? Then come enjoy our new Men’s Conditioning Class!

This class is being offered on Mondays this August, from 2:30-3:30pm at the Clubhouse. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Sue Knowles at sck1963@gmail.com. Namaste. 🙂

It may sound strange, but money is “cheap” right now. When it comes to mortgages, the interest rates continue to remain incredibly low… and wise people are taking advantage their affordability. In fact, CNBC recently reported that mortgage application volumes are continuing to increase due to the lowest interest rates in three years. But these rates will not last forever.

On Yahoo Finance, real estate maven, Barbara Corcoran, shared this tip: “Take advantage of the cheap money. We’ve had it for so long that you start to think it’s your American right to have that kind of money. It’s a ridiculously low-interest rate…so if you don’t take advantage of the market now, when will you?”

There’s no better time to invest in a home than now. So consider the following:

Savings on interest

With such low interest rates, you can save quite a bit of money over time. With a $400,000 loan, you can easily see what a difference a 4.5% interest rate has over a 2.75% interest rate (not including property tax, PMI, extra principle payments, etc.):

Mortgage InterestMortgageMonthlyTotalTotal Interest

Amount Rate Period Payment Cost Paid

$400,000 4.5% 30 years $2027.00 $729,626 $329,627

$400,000 2.75% 30 years $1633.00 $587,867 $187,867

That small increase from 2.75% to 4.5% may not seem like a lot but when you break it down, that little bump equates to $141,760 in savings over the life of the loan.

It’s ok to buy before you sell

It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Home prices are rising faster than mortgage rates are dropping, so if you find your dream home, buy it! With it being a seller’s market right now, your current home should sell quickly. Besides, the low inventory of available homes could leave you without a place to live — quite a scary thought. Also note — people are feeling more secure with their jobs and are in the mood to buy. With buyer demand as strong as it is and home supply as short as it is, homes may be less affordable a year from now. So seize the moment, buy now and simply price your current home right to get a quick sale.

Sell now so you can buy

If you want to carry a bit less risk, go ahead and work with an agent to sell your home now. That way you’ll be in a better position to buy. Since it’s a seller’s market, it will be no surprise to see bidding wars on the best available inventory. Selling now offers a nice advantage, as your offer will certainly get the seller’s attention if it’s not contingent on the sale of your current place.

Gain value by trading up

Do you have a growing family and need more bedrooms? Want to downsize without compromising on luxury? Or maybe you are thinking of upgrading your house to experience resort-like living every single day? These might all sound like expensive budget busters, but the ultra-low mortgage rates offer buyers more affordability on higher-value homes. Even though home prices are now starting to rise a little, wage increases are helping to offset that. If you act quickly, you can extend your purchasing power more than ever, offering you a much better ROI opportunity on your next home purchase.

Of course, nothing last forever. Interest rates will go up and home prices will continue to rise, so hop off that fence and get your next new home now. Who knows, you may discover your dream home is right here at Harbor Club. Take a look. Check out our stunning new home inventory and our beautiful resale homes and call Kathy at (706) 454-7042 for a personal tour. We can’t wait to introduce you to your new home!

Independence Day is always a special day at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee, and 2016 is no exception. We’ve got a fantastic lineup of events planned to celebrate this patriotic holiday.

 

July 1 – 5pm – Stars and Stripes Shoot Out

Start your holiday weekend early. Join your friends and neighbors for this yearly tournament. Format is 3-person alternate shot and cost is $5 per person. For questions or signup, please contact the golf shop at (706) 453-4414.

July 2 – 8:30am (shotgun) – Firecracker Scramble

Beat the heat and grab your golfing buddies to play in our Firecracker Scramble golf tournament. Format is two-person scramble and cost is $10 per person. For questions or signup, please contact the golf shop at (706) 453-4414.

July 2 – 10:30am – Independence Day Golf Cart Parade

Our fabulous annual tradition continues. Get the kids in costume and decorate your golf cart in anything and everything red, white and blue. Feel free to (safely) decorate your strollers, wagons, bicycles and buggies too. Then, show your patriotic creativity in our golf cart parade. Need some inspiration and ideas? Check out some of our photo albums from years past:

2012 Photo Album

2014 Photo Album

July 2 – 12-3pm – 4th of July Pool Party

Following the Golf Cart Parade, you’ll want to continue the fun at our patriotic pool party. We’ll be featuring live music and will have food and drinks available for purchase. It will be a great way to cool off and fuel up with friends.

July 2 – 6pm – Live music at The Boathouse

We’ve got even more free live music lined up for you. Come to the Boathouse Marina via car, boat or golf cart and enjoy listening to 306 S. Main. Feel free to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Remember that food, drinks, beer & wine can be conveniently purchased at The Boathouse Restaurant. (Please no outside coolers.)

July 3 – Sunday Brunch

Did you overindulge a bit with all of the awesome activities we had on July 2nd? That’s ok. Sleep in then join us for a yummy Sunday brunch at the Clubhouse Restaurant. Check out our Sunday Brunch menu and book your reservation by calling (706) 453-7111.

July 4 -– Tee Off! Holiday tee times available

Got the day off? Come play more golf. We are offering tee times until 12pm and the Clubhouse will be open until the last golfer completes play. Don’t forget to book your tee time.

BOMP…BOMP…BOMP…BOMP

Recognize that sound? It is your alarm going off in the morning, rousing you extra early so you can beat the traffic to school and work. It’s just one facet of urban life that you and your family deal with on a daily basis. Talk about stress!. If you are growing tired of it, and other meddlesome metropolitan woes, you may want to consider moving to a place that can offer you and your family more tranquility — and with that, more time and opportunities to have fun together outdoors.

In this vast digital age, more people have the ability to work from home, therefore opening the doors to live most anywhere. Take advantage of that fact. It’s incredibly good for your health. Here’s why:

Relieves stress

Yes, we already mentioned this one, but it’s worth mentioning again. Growing up surrounded by nature (trees, flowers, lakes and streams) has more benefits than simply being beautiful. A study published by the Environment and Behavior discovered that kids that were exposed to high levels of “nearby nature” had lower stress levels than kids without. It also found it had profound, positive effects on parents well-being — a win-win for the whole family.

Boosts concentration

If you or your kids have symptoms of ADD or ADHD, nature can help. A study by the Journal of Attention Disorders discovered that just 20 minutes in a park-like setting can significantly enhance attention, especially for those that struggle with concentration. It’s a much safer and less expensive alternative to medications. Hey, it worked for Ansel Adams. Now imagine if you lived in a beautiful, resort-like setting all the time! Increased opportunities to get outside and be active together would do wonders for the entire family.

Increases coordination

Families who surround themselves in a natural environment, particularly woodlands, lakes and green spaces are more apt to boost their coordination. These types of environments offer hiking, boating, golfing and other outdoor pursuits that can boost motor coordination skills. In fact, a Norwegian study found that kids in particular improved their balance, agility and dexterity as a result of playing on nature’s uneven topography. What will help make that happen? Ready access to a multitude of fun, outdoor amenities that the whole family can enjoy together.

Improves self-discipline

Both adults and children deal with anxiety and stress constantly. It results in decision fatigue for both young and old, making it tough to avoid things like that extra helping of dessert (or worse). Research has shown that both views of, and being active in a beautiful natural environment can help people to avoid impulsive behaviors. It also found that both kids and adults were able to make more thoughtful decisions and be more considerate of long-term rewards.

It’s obvious that living at a place that provides daily doses of fun in nature can do wonders for families. Harbor Club at Lake Oconee is a community that prides itself on resort-like living in a gorgeous environment where both woods and green space abound. Factor in the lake, and you’ve got plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Walking, hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, golfing, tennis and so much more can be found here. Why not bring the family and come experience it for yourself? We’d love to show you around. Discover Harbor Club today.

Aging in place. Have you heard of it? It’s largely a baby-boomer trend that has people retrofitting or adding to their homes to accommodate (or prepare for) their physical requirements as they get older. These changes give them the ability to stay in their own home, and remain in their familiar community, safely. 

Also interesting is this: investing in ‘aging in place’ features can also increase the value of your home, providing an even better value proposition if you decide it’s time to sell.

Many people want to stay in their home, or their community, as long as possible. And with these adjustments, they increase the chances of doing just that:

Bathroom

• Stepless showers – Many people are now swapping out their big garden tubs for large, stepless showers that are easy to enter and exit. Adding a seat or bench in the shower offers another area for storage and stability, further preventing a fall. Reinforced shower walls with handles (grab bars) will help seniors maintain balance too

• Tall bath vanities – These put everything within arms-reach, making the simple tasks of brushing teeth or washing hands even easier. Taller vanities also prevent the need to bend over too much, which will fend off back pain and falls.

• High profile commodes – Considered, “comfort height”, these taller toilets sit about 17”-19” high, which is about two or three inches higher than normal. These commodes make getting up and down much less of a chore for anyone!

Kitchen

• Cabinet accessibility – Reaching into upper cabinets isn’t safe, so put more stock in base cabinets. Utilize pullout trays, drawers and lazy susans for increased accessibility.
• Single-lever faucet – Aside from being a cinch to use, this type of faucet also prevents hot water burns since it is already tempered with cold water.
• Large kitchen islands – Not only do they provide a more accommodating workspace, they offer a place for bar stools, which can help stability or provide a place to rest while preparing a meal.

Overall

• Door handles – Opt for handles rather than knobs for each door in the house. It makes them much more comfortable to open, especially for those that battling with arthritic hands.
• Flooring – You’ll want all rooms to be free of thresholds to prevent stumbles and falls. Create flush floor transitions between rooms, avoid glossy floor finishes, remove area rugs. If you must have carpet, go for a low-pile variety.
• Lighting – For aging eyes, the more lighting the better. Opt for rocker switches which can easily be pushed on and off. Other good ideas are motion-sensor lights, under cabinet lighting and installing long-lasting LEDs in ceiling fixtures, which will prevent falls from changing light bulbs.

Sometimes, buying or building a home in the same community is your best option. If building, opt for wider hallways and doorways, and try to make the entire house as “stepless” as possible. If you do have more than one story, ensure the master bedroom is on the main floor.

With a fast-growing senior population, it’s important that communities understand the requirements and strengths of older adults. Harbor Club on Lake Oconee is one of those communities. We cater to both the young and the “young at heart” —  and provide a neighborhood that successfully combines the two.

Want to see for yourself? We are introducing new homes in the Club Cottages and Carriage Ridge neighborhoods that would be the perfect for aging in place. Contact Kathy Phillips for more details.