Category: Latest News

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.

2016 is looking quite stylish — and so is our brand new model home! Check out how we’ve incorporated some of the hottest new interior design trends at our newly finished model home located at 1030 Carnoustie Drive.

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Houzz stipulates that islands have increased in importance as a central feature of the kitchen. Not only do they provide more workspace for prepping meals, they’ve become favorable seating and storage areas. House Beautiful also predicts that everyone will love a pretty pendant this year, and the ones used in our kitchen certainly make a statement.

 

A recent Wall Street Journal article stipulated that old world ornamentation is a hot trend too. One of the contributors stated that, “People want traditional and dressy, with a shot of nostalgia, to feel like everything is going to be OK.” You can see it very clearly with the use of this delightful chandelier in the living room of our model home.

 

Pantone recently named Serenity, a beautiful powder blue color, as one of two Colors of the Year (the other being Rose Quartz.). They describe “Serenity” perfectly, stating that it is, “weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.” With that in mind, it’s the perfect color for the calming master bedroom in our model home.

As per Decoist, bold mirrors are yet another design trend that has become increasingly popular. You can see an example of this trend in the master bedroom (above) and master bathroom (below).

 

Houzz states that outdoor fabrics are now being utilized indoors. Outdoor fabrics have come a long way, making it challenging to distinguish them from traditional fabrics typically used indoors. This is a very fitting trend for homes at Harbor Club, considering that we are on Lake Oconee and favor a multitude of outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating and of course, golfing on our award-winning course.

 

Speaking of outdoors, Macala Wright shared that the number 1 interior design trend in 2016 is “Bringing the Outdoors In”. Our model home was built with that in mind, offering up gorgeous transitional spaces between indoors and out. Enjoy your cup of coffee on the screened dining porch off the kitchen (shown below) or take refuge on the huge vaulted covered porch off the living room (shown above). There’s also the large terrace level where you and your company can comfortably lounge while enjoying the view of the hardwood trees and pond.

 

Sure, these images are great to look at but there’s nothing like seeing this gorgeous new home in person.

 

Call or email us to arrange a private tour. We look forward to showing you around soon!

Ok, admit it. Your patio, deck, porch or gazebo is probably looking a tad uninviting after a bit of winter neglect. Add the recent layer of spring pollen to the layer of winter dust, and it’s understandable why you avoid simply looking at it. However, spring is the season for all things colorful and new, so throw on your rose-colored glasses and take a look at your outdoor spaces with fresh eyes. It’s time to envision how wonderful and inviting it can be truly be! Make it a reality with a little elbow grease and some clever decorating tips. Try these ideas:

 

Cleaning

First things first – tackle cleaning your outdoor space and you will have already made huge strides in making it welcoming. Here are steps on how to do it in the easiest and most efficient way possible:

1. Move all the furniture, rugs, mats and plants out of the space. Decide what you want to keep or get rid of. Anything broken should be repaired or thrown away. Discard all dead plants.
2. Use an extendable duster to clear cobwebs and dust from all the high corners, overhangs, ceiling fans, shutters, etc.
3. Replace burnt out bulbs and remove dead bugs from the inside of any light receptacles. Wipe down the fixtures with a microfiber cloth.
4. Clean windows with a simple 50% vinegar/water solution.
5. Sweep and/or vacuum the space with a powerful shop vacuum. Also vacuum any rugs or mats.
6. Wipe down furniture, tables and any other horizontal surfaces with a microfiber cloth to capture dirt and dust, then follow up with warm soapy water for any areas that need extra attention.
7. Move the furniture back in the space.

Now for the fun part!

Furniture

When you move the furniture back into the space, try rearranging it. Make the layout comfortable and cohesive to conversation. Consider adding clever storage, such as deck boxes that can do double duty as seating, simply by adding colorful seat cushions. If you plan on dining in your outdoor space, add places to rest plates and glasses, such as a foldable shelf that can be stowed when not in use. Accent your furniture with colorful throw pillows and throws. Install a few hooks so that lake and pool towels can be hung rather than draped haphazardly over chairs and railings.

Lighting

Take the time to swap out old or broken light fixtures. Keep in mind that a downward glow is more inviting than upward light. You may want to add an outdoor lamp or two so as to enjoy the space after the sun goes down. Add string lights to your porch or pergola. The Edison bulb types are easy to find and cast a beautiful glow. Decorative fire pits are a beautiful accent to your landscape.

Shade

Our summer sun can sometimes be pretty brutal, so be sure to provide a respite to your guests with some inviting shade. Invest in a nice umbrella, add vines to your pergola or add a trendy sail shade to your outdoor space. All of these will make dining alfresco more fun and comfy for everyone.

Plants

Add a few house plants or, if you have at least 6 hours of sunlight, some flower or herb containers in your outdoor space. A small herb garden is a wonderful accent to an outdoor space, especially if you have an outdoor kitchen. If you want to deter deer, try growing rosemary, oregano, sage or thyme. Succulents, such as pretty hens and chicks, are also deer-resistant and will grow happily in full sun on your deck or patio.

Birds

We are lucky to have a lot of interesting, pretty birds at Harbor Club. It’s always fun to observe them! Place a pretty bird bath nearby. Add a feeder, preferably with a no-mess blend of seed. Put up a hummingbird feeder (with clear sugar water only, which is really easy and cheap to make). Add a few bird houses too. Not only will they be fun to watch, the birds can help keep down the insect population in your yard.

Add fun and whimsy

Add a small fountain to your space to enjoy the calming effect of bubbling water. If you have room, add a swing or a hammock to your outdoor space. Keep board games handy for a fun, impromptu activity. Or try your hand at yard games such as bocce ball, corn hole, or badminton. A few whimsical touches, like kinetic sculpture, rain chains and wind chimes are always welcome, calming features.

 

Cheers to making your patio, deck and porch spaces into a lovely buffer between indoors and out.

Spring has sprung…and you know what that means, right? Boating season begins! Now is the time to get your boat ship-shape so you can thoroughly enjoy being out on Lake Oconee, without the maintenance hassles. Mind you, we have the great advantage of having our very knowledgeable marina manager, Jerry Cash, and his team available to efficiently and effectively get your boat out of dry storage and back on the lake. But if you want to get your boat lake-worthy on your own, you’ll certainly want to check on each of the following:

Outside visual check

If your boat is safely out of the water, either on a lift or a trailer, take the time to walk around and inspect it. Take a close look at the propeller to check that it is secured properly. Also look for cracks, dings and distortion on the propeller as well as on the hull and make repairs as needed. Double check to make sure your drain plug is in place.

Fuel

Don’t just fill up and go! Take a moment or two to inspect the fuel system. Look for leaks and ensure that all associated hoses aren’t brittle or cracked. If they are, replace them. Ensure that all clamps are properly secured. Check the fuel filter and replace it if need be.

Fluids

Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, power steering, power trim and coolant. If you did not change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants before putting your boat in storage last year, be sure to do that now.

Electrical

Ensure that all electrical connections are corrosion-free. If you find any corroded terminals, safely remove and clean them. Be sure that your battery is charged up AND that it can hold a charge for an extended period of time. Test all gauges, lights and electronics to ensure they are operating properly. Have a few spare bulbs and fuses handy, as you’ll never know when you need them.

Engine

Replace old spark plugs with new ones and check the air filter to see if it needs replacing. Check all belts and cables and ensure that they are not loose or overly worn. Don’t chance it – replace any that you find concerning. Also, test your engine before you get the boat in the water — be sure to start it up outside where there is adequate ventilation. Properly lubricate all moving parts.

Safety stuff

This is the stuff that is SO easy to overlook! Be sure to have enough properly-fitting and good quality life preservers (PFDs) on board (one for each passenger), a fully charged fire-extinguisher and a well-stocked first-aid kit. Flares can’t hurt either.

Miscellaneous

Be sure that your boat registration is up-to-date. Also check on your ropes and anchor. If you are trailering your boat, be sure that your trailer tires are road-worthy and that the brake, turn signal and running lights are working properly. There you have it! A little preventative maintenance now will go a long way toward wonderful boating experiences on the lake. Don’t forget that our Boathouse marina has year-round access to fuel, our store and, of course the boat ramp. We look forward to seeing you on the lake soon!

Whether you love the homey aroma of traditional foods on Easter, or prefer your dishes to be a bit more exciting, different or fun, we’ve got your covered. Does your preference lean toward more traditional or contemporary on each of these? Let us know and share your own favorite recipes on this post on our Facebook page.

Brunch casserole

Traditional – This Betty Crocker recipe for Cheesy Sausage and Egg Bake makes prep a breeze on Easter morning because you can make it up to 12 hours ahead of time. Contemporary – Want to shake things up a bit? Breakfast will be wonderfully different with this Brie-and-Veggie Breakfast Strata from MyRecipes.com.

Hot cross buns

 

Traditional – You can’t go wrong with this yeasty, raisin-y traditional favorite on Easter. This Hot Cross Bun recipe is from Taste of Home. Contemporary – For an interesting contemporary twist, why not spice things up with chocolate and orange? Here is Radiant Rachels Spiced Orange Chocolate Hot Cross Bun recipe.

Mimosas

 

Traditional – A favorite with brunch, you can’t go wrong with this classy, delicious beverage. Here’s a great mimosa recipe from Inspired Taste. Contemporary – Everyone loves Sangria, right? What can be better than a mimosa sangria?!? This delicious mimosa sangria recipe is from Sprinkled with Jules.

Ham

 

Traditional – For traditional ham, try this is an excellent, reliable recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Contemporary – For a bit more zing, try this Pomegranate Jalapeño Glazed Ham recipe from Food and Wine magazine.

Dessert

 

Traditional – You can’t go wrong with a great carrot cake on Easter. With over 250 5-star reviews, you certainly can’t go wrong with this carrot cake recipe from MyRecipes.com either. Contemporary – The pretty green in this bundt cake is sure to gain interest from your family. They will be delighted to learn that it is actually a sweet Green Tea-Honeysuckle Cake.

With St. Patrick’s day right around the corner, you may be adding corned beef and cabbage to your shopping list and making sure your green outfit and ready. Or perhaps you are staking our your claim for a primo spot at nearby Savannah’s St. Patrick’s parade. How did such traditions come about? You’ll be surprised…

St. Patrick
Believe it or not, St. Patrick was not Irish. He was born in Britain and kidnapped by Irish pirates when he was 16. He then worked as a slave for 17 years in Ireland until he was able to escape back to Britain. However, he returned to Ireland later as a missionary to bring Christianity to the people.

The holiday
The Irish had typically celebrated St. Patrick’s day on March 17th (the anniversary date of St. Patrick’s death) by praying for missionaries and celebrating with a large meal. The St. Patrick’s day we now celebrate in the US is more about national pride.

Shamrock
As a missionary, the shamrock’s three leaves helped St. Patrick explain the Christian holy trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to the people of Ireland. The traditional shamrock also symbolized the rebirth of spring, which later fueled the idea of wearing green clothing to celebrate the holiday. Believe it or not, shamrocks don’t exist. We know them to actually be clover. As you know, finding a four-leaf clover represents good luck. But you’ll need luck finding one — your chances are 1 in 10,000.

Green
St. Patrick’s day, the religious holiday, used to be celebrated with all things blue. As it transitioned to being more of a celebration of Ireland’s history, so did the color, from blue to green, which better represented shamrock as well as the “Emerald Isle” of Ireland.

Corned Beef and Cabbage
Cabbage, a cheap spring vegetable, is traditionally Irish, but alas, corned beef is not. During Ireland’s potato famine, many of the Irish immigrated to the US with most. ending up in New York City. Money was tight, so the Irish immigrants replaced their traditional boiled Irish bacon (which was actually closer to a pork loin) with corned beef. They learned about the alternative from their Jewish neighbors.

Drinking
In Ireland, St. Patrick’s day was a dry holiday until the law was overturned in 1970. It was done at that point to help boost. Ireland’s springtime tourism. It’s also interesting to note that Irish-American Catholics were sometimes required to fast. from drinking during Lent. However, on St. Patrick’s Day, they were allowed to break this fast. — and likely the cause for the day’s association with drinking heavily.

Guinness
About 13 million pints of the Irish stout, Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day. Most see the beverage to be black or dark brown in color, but it is actually a dark ruby red. Want to know how to perfectly pour your Guinness? Tilt the glass at 45 degrees when pouring until it is three-quarters full, then let the beer settle before filling the rest of glass.

Parades
New York City hosted the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762, when Irish soldiers marched through the streets to reconnect with their roots. Georgia’s first city, Savannah, has been hosting a St. Patrick’s Day parade since 1813. Today, The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah is the second largest in the U.S., right behind New York. Savannah celebrates the holiday during the entire month of March, which is why it one of the most. popular times to visit. The parade and festivities draw over 300,000 people each year.

Greening of waterways
Many cities dye their waterways green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Chicago is renown for this. In fact, Michelle Obama, a native of Chicago, has been dying the fountain on the south green lawn at the Whitehouse since 2009. Savannah attempted green it’s river in in 1961, but the results were disappointing, as most of the green dye was quickly swept out to sea. Today, they dye the water green at the fountain at Forsyth Park instead.

Events
If you want to get in the Irish spirit a little closer to home, come enjoy our wonderful St. Patrick’s Day dinner and DJ, starting at 5pm at the clubhouse restaurant. Or check out the Willis Clan coming to the Oconee Performing Arts Society on March 16th. But with Savannah being fairly close by, you may want to take advantage of some bigger the festivities. The St Patricks Day Parade is on March 17th at 10:15am, rain or shine. The Festival runs from March 17th to March 19th and is located on River Street and in City Market.

During an St. Patrick’s Day event earlier this month in Savannah, First District U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter offered his thoughts on the celebration. He said, “On St. Patrick’s Day, we’re all Irish. It’s such a special day because of the tradition. It’s such a special day because of the pride that we take in it. St. Patrick’s day is about family. It’s about friends, and community.” To us, that sounds just like Harbor Club, doesn’t it? Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Have you ever wondered what life would be like at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee? Wonder no more. You can now experience it for yourself with our new Discovery Package offer! With it you can discover all the fantastic reasons why we truly live here. You get to see our beautiful lake community, visit gorgeous homes, meet great people, play amazing golf, go for a boat tour and eat well amongst new friends. For only $199 per night per couple, it’s a steal of a deal! Here are the details on what’s included:

 

• A fun yet private, tailored real estate community tour from Kathy Phillips. Kathy can answer all of your questions and will show you all the great things Harbor Club has to offer, including our newest model homes.
• A comfortable stay at either the nearby James Madison Inn or Holiday Inn Express.
• One round of golf on our award-winning golf course, recently ranked #3 on GolfWeek’s “Best Courses to Play”.
• A $50 Club Credit that can be used toward delicious food and beverages at our Clubhouse Restaurant, where our award-winning chef makes amazing dishes that cater to every palate.
• A one-hour boat tour on beautiful Lake Oconee.
• As a memento of your stay, a sleeve of of Harbor Club on Lake Oconee branded golf balls.

Isn’t it time you get inside the gate and experience the good life at Harbor Club? Reserve your special Discovery Package with Kathy Phillips today. She can be reached via phone at (706) 454-7042 or via email at kathy@harborclub.com. See you soon!

Members of Harbor Club have another reason to be proud of their community, as it is quite the honor to move up on the ranking of any prestigious list. Ranked 4th last year, we are extremely pleased to announce that Harbor Club Golf Course is now 3rd on Golfweek’s 2016 State-by-State Best Courses You Can Play in the state of Georgia.

Not many golf courses made the cut to be included on this list. In fact, only 15 golf courses in Georgia were qualified. Even more, the courses that ranked first and second are not open for daily play by non-members, but Harbor Club is. So, what were those qualifiers? Here are just a few:

• Variety of golf holes
• Memorability of golf holes
• Overall land plan
• Golf course conditioning
• Golf course ecology
• The “Walk in the park” test

You may be wondering what the “Walk in the park” test is. As you may have imagined, it is defined as “the degree to which the course is ultimately worth spending 4 hours as a compelling outdoor experience.” You gain enjoyment not only from the game itself, but delight in the aesthetics and design of the course as well. There was a great deal of input from Golfweek’s ranking panel, of which there were many. Stemming from seven countries, there were a total of 675 voters who contributed to the results. With so many golf courses in Georgia, how did Harbor Club’s course make the cut? There are multiple reasons. Skillfully designed and created by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, our unique course touches the shoreline of beautiful Lake Oconee six times and skirts four creeks and several ponds. In addition, the superintendent, Jeff Miller, and the head golf professional, Keith Kelly have worked very hard on a recent comprehensive enhancement program that included:

• Expanded turf conditioning practices
• Irrigation system upgrades
• Extensive planting of flowering shrubs and trees
• Underbrush removal to open up view corridors
• New cart paths
• New sand bunkers
• Meticulous maintenance of bent grass greens (for an excellent putting experience)

All of their efforts have made one of the best golf courses in Georgia even better. Harbor Club general manager, Brandon Matney, congratulated them both for “earning the praise of the discerning Golf week ranking panelists.” Want to experience the Harbor Club Golf Course for yourself? Call or visit us today and inquire about our limited number of VIP Golf Passes. Not only do we have a fantastic golf course, you can enjoy a delicious meal at our Clubhouse restaurant and browse leading-edge items at our well-stocked golf shop. Easily book a tee time by calling us at (706) 453-4414 or reserving online. Remember — non-resident golf memberships are also available for an award-winning experience.

Believe it or not, spring is right around the corner. You can see indications of it everywhere. There have even been a few daffodils blooming! But outside of the clues nature has been providing, there are other signs too. Literally. “For Sale” signs, to be exact. ’Tis the season to buy and sell homes. In fact, according to Freddie Mac, April, May, and June accounted for 40% of all home sales in 2015. How come? People are ready to quit hibernating and get out of their winter lairs. They are itching to get in the sun and go hunting for a new, better home. More importantly, it’s a critical time for being able to easily transition kids from one school to another. Many families typically rush to buy a new home in the spring, settle in during the summer, then have their kids start at a new school in the fall. It’s a smart, strategic timeline. If you haven’t already heard, 2016 promises to be a competitive home-buying year. So how can you get a a jump start ahead of all the other frantic buyers that are putting offers on YOUR chosen dream home? Keep the following tactics in mind so you don’t miss out:

Determine your wish list

Do you truly know what you want? What area do you hope to live in? Is there a particular school you want your kids to attend. Have you visited them both? Got a preference for new construction or resale? Want the master on the main floor or can you live with one upstairs? Your older self may not prefer the latter. Do you want access to a golf course? How about a big piece of land? Do you want to maintain that too? Honestly think about what you and your family want. But remember, very rarely will you find the perfect home that grants each wish. Decide which wishes you can be flexible on.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Yes, you know this one already, but have you actually gotten it done? If speed is of the essence, buyers that are pre-approved will be able to move much faster than those who are not. Get it done asap.

Go with reality instead of virtual reality

Sure, there is a lot you can learn online when looking for a new home. It’s an excellent way of gathering intel, especially with videos like this one. But to get the real gist for a home or a neighborhood, you’ve got to visit them. Take advantage of open houses (fresh-baked cookies, anyone?) and go on neighborhood tours. Blurry or strategically-cropped online photos may be telling only half the story. The only way you’ll know for sure is if you check out the places yourself. In keeping with that last piece of advice, we’d like to invite you to visit Harbor Club on Lake Oconee. Living here is like being on a staycation every day! Now is the perfect time to see for yourself. Who knows — if all goes well, you’ll be on the lake and golf course in no time. See you soon!

(PS – The stunning home pictured above is for sale — it is situated right on Lake Oconee AND has views of Harbor Club golf course holes 7 & 8! Click here for more photos and details.)

In celebration of the upcoming Masters tournament, and our famed Masters Week at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee, we wanted to share some fun facts regarding the event. Just an hour away from us, Augusta National Golf Club is the famous site for the Masters. Believe it or not, 2016 marks the 80th year of the tournament, one of the biggest golf championships in the world. With so many years of rich history, there are plenty of interesting facts to share, some of which will surprise you.

History

• The club was conceived by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. They took a $70,000 option on a 365-acre property called Fruitland Nurseries in Augusta, Georgia.
• The Masters Tournament was called the “Augusta National Invitational” for the first five years, from 1934-1938.
• “The Masters” was coined by Clifford Roberts in 1938 and utilized starting in 1939. But get this — Bobby Jones was never a fan! Up until 1963, he would reference the tournament as “the so-called Masters.”

A powerful Eisenhower connection

• Avid golfer Dwight (Ike) Eisenhower is the only U.S. president to have been a club member.
• Ike’s Pond is named after President Eisenhower as is The Eisenhower Cabin. The cabin was built according to strict Secret Service security guidelines.
• The famous Eisenhower Tree formerly guarded the left side of the 17th fairway. The president hit it so often that he requested to have it cut down. He was overruled.
• The Eisenhower Tree was removed after suffering damage during an ice storm in February 2014. Two grafts and a seedling from the famous 80-year old loblolly pine were preserved.

The grounds

• In 1942, the club was closed so that turkey and cattle could be raised on the Augusta National grounds to help with World War II efforts. In 1943 there were over 200 cattle and 1,400 turkeys grazing that land.
• Augusta was supposed to have a 19th hole at the request of Bobby Jones. His idea was to give a losing golfer another chance to win back his money in a game of double or nothing. It was supposed to be 90-yards long, uphill towards the clubhouse between the 9th and 18th greens. The plan was dropped due to expense, and the fact that it would impede the view to the 18th green for patrons.
• Contrary to popular belief, the azaleas are not iced to prevent them from blooming too soon.

The green jacket

• The tradition of members wearing green jackets began in 1937 when jackets were to be used as “usher’s coats’ so patrons would be able to easily spot members if they needed to ask questions. Members also wore them at the club so that waiters would know who would be paying the bill.
• In 1949, the first green jacket was awarded as a prize to that year’s Masters champion, Sam Snead.
• Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus never had his own tailored green jacket until 1998, when the club learned of the mistake and immediately corrected it.
• For past champions and members alike, the jacket can only be worn at the club. The current Masters champion is the only owner of a green jacket permitted to remove it from the grounds of Augusta National, and only for a period of one year, at which point he comes back to defend his title.
• An authentic 1960’s green jacket was recently discovered in a Houston thrift store’s donation box. The thrift store sold the esteemed jacket for an undisclosed amount.
• On the open market, a genuine green jacket could bring in as much as $50,000.
• Horton Smith’s jacket, awarded for his wins in 1934 and 1936, sold at auction in September 2013 for over $682,000. It was the highest price ever paid for a piece of golf memorabilia.

Firsts

• The Masters was the first tournament to:

• host a 72-hole competition over four days
• be covered nationwide on radio
• to use bleachers
• use rope galleries
• use private detectives to handle ticket sales and security
• develop and use an on-course scoreboard
• use the over/under par system (which is the same one we all use today.)

• When it was televised for the first time in 1956, all CBS stations within a 200-mile radius of the club were blacked out from showing the tournament to help with ticket sales. The blackout was lifted in 1969.
• In 1975, Lee Elder became the first African-American to play in the Masters.
• Ron Townsend became the first African-American member in 1990.
• Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore became the first female members in 2012.
• As of this writing, a female golfer has yet to compete in a Masters tournament.
• According to an Augusta caddie, one member liked to walk his dog on the course in the morning. When he was told he couldn’t do so because his dog was not a member, he resolved the problem by paying the guest fee — for his dog!

This year, the Masters will be held from April 7 to April 10. This 80th year celebration is expected to draw record crowds. Here’s how you can avoid all those people, but still get in the Masters spirit: Take advantage of our exceptional Masters Week Special at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee! Our course is the inspired vision of four-time Masters runner-up Tom Weiskopf and his renown design partner, Jay Morrish. Golf Week even awarded Harbor Club golf course as one of the “Top 4 Places to Play in the State of Georgia.” So during Master’s week plan a comfortable stay in Greensboro and eat, drink and play at Harbor Club. You’ll be glad you did.

If you are planning to retire soon, is Georgia on your mind? If not, it really should be. It’s not just the sunny, warm weather that makes people flock to the Peach State. Georgia has a lot going for it, particularly for retirees who desire to stretch their income and get the most bang for their buck. Georgia is very tax-friendly, especially for retirees So much so, that Kiplinger Magazine rated it #5 on it’s list of 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees. Here are some interesting statistics to keep in mind:

• State Income Tax: 1% (on income up to $750/individual, $1,000/joint) – 6% (on income over $7,000 individual, $10,000/joint). Social Security Income is exempt from state taxes. Even better, $65,000 of retirement income (including income from IRAs and 401Ks), is tax-exempt for a person who is age 65 and older. For couples in that age group, $130,000 of retirement income is exempt.
• State Sales Tax: 4% (Note: Some Georgia cities may have additional sales taxes.)
• Estate Tax/Inheritance Tax: None / None
• Property Tax: Property tax collections are below the national average. Full-time residents qualify for home exemption and seniors may qualify for additional deductions. According to the Tax Foundation, Georgia’s state and local governments collected approximately $1050 per person in property taxes in 2012, which ranks 19th lowest nationally.

Georgia has a low cost of living Especially if you are from the west coast or the northeastern parts of the country, you’ll find the cost of living in Georgia to be almost shockingly friendly on your wallet. Consider the following:

• Cost of living index is 91.9: According to Sperling’s, the national average is 100. With an index of only 91.9, Georgia scores well below that average, making it a very inexpensive place to live compared to other states.
• Real estate prices are low: The value of a home is currently averaged at $142,700 in Georgia (according to Zillow.com), which is well under the current national average of $183,500. It’s important to note that median home prices can differ widely by amenities or area (such as homes located right on the coast as opposed to those that are located inland). And if you desire top-quality, luxury amenities (golf, pool, tennis, activities, etc.), know that you can get them much more affordably in Georgia.

Georgia’s culture, scenic terrain and travel options abound Georgia’s towns and cities cater well to retirees. The state is famous for its wonderful southern hospitality and incredibly rich history. With gorgeous mountains to the north, the beaches of the Atlantic to the east and multiple, large fresh-water lakes (like our very own Lake Oconee!), it meets the needs of many outdoor enthusiasts. Even if you love the excitement of city life, nearby Atlanta will have you covered. And if you love to travel, the Atlanta airport is one of the best and most efficient in the nation. What’s even better is that it is located less than 1.5 hours away from Harbor Club! With so many irresistible reasons to retire in Georgia, it would be worth your while to check it out. And while you’re here, be sure to stop by and visit us. We’d love to show you around! Who knows, you may just find your very own charming Georgia dream home to retire to, here at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee.

We are so excited to introduce to you Kathy Phillips, our new Director of Sales for Harbor Club on Lake Oconee! Kathy, with her 30 years of sales expertise, will be handling several important strategic tasks to help continue the upward momentum of the real estate sales at our unique community. Since we are now celebrating our 25th year of successful operation, Kathy will be busy creating fresh, new sales and marketing plans and residential product recommendations that will introduce and attract even more great people to Harbor Club. If that wasn’t enough, Kathy will also be providing support for loan financing coordination and the recruiting and training of our sales support team. She’s going to be one busy lady! One of the many things we love about Kathy is her a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the real estate industry. Prior to working at Harbor Club, Kathy was the On-Site Sales Specialist for The Georgia Club. From 2012 to 2015 she sold an impressive $41.8 million in new and resale homes at that prestigious Atlanta community. Kathy has also earned multiple awards and accolades in her professional career. Here are just a few:

• The Phoenix Award from the Atlanta Board of Realtors (Presented to those who, for 10 years, have qualified for membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club.)
• The Circle of Excellence 10+ Million Sales Level from the Athens Area Association of Realtors
• Coldwell Banker President’s Circle
• Coldwell Banker Diamond International Society
• Lifetime member of the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtor’s Million Dollar Club

In addition, Kathy is a proud member of the Lake Oconee Board of Realtors as well as the Athens Area Association of Realtors. Originally from Cullowhee, North Carolina, she is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Would you like to see Kathy in action? Check out this recent video done by Atlanta’s Best New Homes where both she and the renown Susie Profit do a highlight reel on Harbor Club. We can vouch that Kathy is just as friendly in person as she is on the video (if not moreso!). So, if you happen see her in your travels in and around Harbor Club, be sure to say hello and welcome her warmly.

Deciding on a first, or even a second home is one that requires a tremendous amount of thought and due diligence. It’s almost like buying a stock, with the exception of the fact that you don’t actually LIVE in a stock certificate! So it’s that much more important that you choose wisely, not only for yourself but for your family too.

We’re certain you already know all of that. But as it relates to Harbor Club, we have some interesting, new real estate statistics to share. Check it out:

2014

71 transactions – 20 were home sales

$10,913,700 sales volume

2015

82 transactions – 34 were home sales

$14,717,605 sales volume

This means that our 2015 sales activity represents a 35% increase year over year and that our home sales increased 70% year over year! 2014 was a great year for us and 2015 was even better. We can already see that 2016 is shaping up to be our best year yet. Why? Not only is it because of the fantastic real estate opportunities that Harbor Club offers, but because of our awesome residents as well. General Manager, Brandon Matney puts it best, stating “The people who have invested in Harbor Club aren’t just property owners, they’re new friends.” The residents are those who know that Harbor Club is not only a smart investment, it’s a pleasantly delightful one too. Here’s why… Harbor Club exclusively offers:

• Nine miles of shoreline along beautiful Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second largest lake.
• The Boathouse marina, store and restaurant, one of only three boat-up restaurants and gas docks on the lake! It even has bocce ball courts and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
• An award-winning Tom Weiskopf- and Jay Morrish-designed golf course that has earned 4½ out of 5 stars from Golf Digest magazine as a “Best Places to Play”.
• An outdoor swim and tennis center with junior-Olympic swimming pool and double-lighted tennis courts.
• A 15,000-square-foot clubhouse with full-service dining, a golf shop, men’s and women’s locker rooms and a well-appointed fitness center.
• A jam-packed calendar of fun events and activities that caters to residents of all ages.

Harbor Club provides an environment that promotes community events, holiday traditions and lake activities. 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!

Have you been to the Clubhouse Restaurant at Harbor Club lately for a meal? If not, you’re in for a real treat. Not only has our decor been refreshed, so has our menu, thanks much in part to our fantastic new Executive Chef, David Butler. You’ll find our delectable dishes better than ever!

David brings with him a wealth of admirable experience in the culinary industry, holding several highly regarded positions, from Chef De Cuisine, Sous Chef to Executive Chef. In those capacities, he has worked for several upscale resorts, including The Cloister at Sea Island, the Ritz Carlton at Amelia Island and the Lodge at Little St. Simons Island, among others.

David Butler began his culinary career as a teen when he worked during high school at The Butler House, in Macon, Georgia. He shared the name, as his grandparents owned the establishment. As he attended the University of Georgia, David then worked for various restaurants in Athens. He ultimately obtained his culinary arts degree from the renown Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI.

You may have already noticed some pleasant changes at the restaurant. David is handling everything from staff training to food preparation to menu planning. …And speaking of the menu, we have David’s three brand new ones to share! Not only do we have a new lunch and dinner menu but we are now offering a sumptuous Sunday Brunch as well. To enjoy the new offerings, the schedule for each is as follows:

Lunch is from Tuesday through Saturday, from 11am to 5pm.

Dinner is from Thursday through Saturday, from 5pm to 9pm.

Brunch is on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

If you’d like to check out the menus in advance, simply click the link for each below.

Harbor Club Restaurant LUNCH Menu

Harbor Club Restaurant DINNER Menu

Harbor Club Restaurant BRUNCH Menu

Note that we haven’t forgotten about our vegan clientele! If you’ve been following our Facebook Page you may have already seen our dinner menu, as well as a follow-up conversation regarding vegan options. To reiterate Cathy Walker, our new Food & Beverage Director, she stated that kitchen is stocked with plenty of fresh vegetables and that the team would be happy to whip up a vegan plate whenever needed.

Again, welcome to David Butler!

If you are lucky enough to live at Harbor Club at Lake Oconee, then you already know that it comes with tons of wonderful benefits. For those that are not quite as fortunate (yet!), here are the top reasons why you should consider taking up residence here ASAP:

1. The Clubhouse Restaurant – Not only is the food delicious, it is prepared and served with care. Even better, our restaurant is super-convenient. Even if you need to grab dinner on the way home from work or grab breakfast on the way out on Sunday, we’ve got you covered!
2. Award-winning Golf Course – We have a gorgeous Weiskopf/Morrish designed golf course that is the #4 place to play in Georgia, according to Golf Week magazine.
3. Fun Social Events – Every month our social calendar is chock full of fun events and activities that residents and members have a blast at!
4. Excellent Boating – Our community not only offers lakefront real estate opportunities, it also gives the unique ability to have direct access to Lake Oconee, without having to own lakefront property. Our new dry dock and  boathouse facility can handle all of your boating needs, from set-up to storage, making boat ownership better and easier than ever.
5. Great Fishing – Of course, you can fish on Lake Oconee, which is known for the great Bass and Crappie, but did you know that our community has several large ponds that are stocked with fish? One way or another, you’re bound to go home with a prize fish, or at the very least some great tales to tell.
6. Quick Hospital Access – Hopefully you rarely have the need for hospital services, but it’s nice to know that St. Mary’s is an excellent full service facility that is only 3 minutes from our entrance.
7. Know your Neighbors– Harbor Club has 80% full-time residents, whereas our neighboring communities have as few as 20% full-time residents. Here, you can actually say “Hello Rob!” when you walk down the street, instead of an awkward “Hi” to a stranger. It also makes it a lot easier when you need to borrow that cup of sugar.
8. Beautiful homes and homesites – When you drive through our community, you will not find “cookie-cutter” homes, where each looks exactly the same. We have many home types, from charming townhouses to luxury mansions, all with varying architectural styles and elevations customized to the site. This is especially true of our new in-house builder, Patriot Builders.
9. Superb educational opportunities – Nearby Lake Oconee Academy has been awarded as a National Blue Ribbon School and one of the Top 50 Public Elementary Schools in the Nation. Don’t forget that the renown University of Georgia is located in nearby Athens!
10. Fantastic Community Amenities – We’ve already mentioned the access to Lake Oconee, fishing, boating and golf, but also have a junior Olympic-sized pool, double lighted tennis courts, a well-appointed gym as well as fitness classes like Zumba and yoga. We also offer golf instruction and a nicely stocked golf shop. On top of all that, our community is secured with 24/7 gate access.

Convinced? Why not give us a call or stop by! We’d love to show you around and provide (beautiful) visual proof of how awesome it is to live here. See you soon!