Between Greenville And Atlanta Is A Quiet Community With Hole-In-The-Wall Eats And Nearby Lake Fun

If you are into bustling southern cities with vibrant downtowns, fashionable eating places, and full of life outside areas, look no additional than Greenville, South Carolina, or Atlanta, Georgia. However, in between these two standard vacationer locations sits Gumlog, a quiet lakeside community in Georgia. Surrounded by rolling hills, the city options mom-and-pop eating places, and it is the place on a regular basis life flows slowly round Lake Hartwell. With somewhat over 2,300 residents, Gumlog is not making an attempt to compete with its neighboring cities; as an alternative, it provides peaceable lakeside enjoyable, consolation meals, and sundown views on the finish of the day.

Although it shares a zipper code and sits subsequent to the town of Lavonia, Gumlog is its personal “unincorporated area” in Franklin County. However, individuals vacationing within the area, particularly whereas visiting Tugaloo State Park, will discover the broader Lavonia space as effectively. The japanese fringe of the small neighborhood stretches alongside Lake Hartwell, one of many “Southeast’s largest and most popular recreation lakes.” And its location alongside the I-85 hall close to the border of South Carolina and Georgia makes it a simple drive for guests searching for a spot to fish, boat, swim, or calm down.

From Atlanta, the group is below two hours by automobile, and is usually a fast detour whereas driving to South Carolina. For guests flying into the realm, the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina is simply 65 miles away, and Athens-Ben Epps Airport is a superb alternative for home flights. Between its location to main cities, its lakeside actions, and native eating places, Gumlog is the place guests come to play and eat in a quieter a part of Georgia.

More than simply its lakeside identification, Gumlog is a spot the place you will discover eating places serving hearty meals with a aspect of Southern hospitality. An area favourite is Gumlog Bar B Que & Fish Lodge, an unassuming joint situated off Gumlog Road, the primary road that runs by means of the group, and it is lower than 5 miles from the freeway close to Lavonia. Don’t count on fancy eating right here; as an alternative, you may stroll right into a easy eating space with old school desk cloths, wood decor, and ornamental fish and classic indicators on the partitions. It suits the quintessential instance of hole-in-the-wall eating places in America. 

As for the meals? Locals suggest the BBQ brisket and the fried catfish, however do not go away with out getting the candy tea. A TripAdvisor reviewer sums it up greatest, saying, “Delicious BBQ, Onion Rings, Pickles-and Incredible Sweet Tea! Highly Recommend.” Although the restaurant will get blended opinions, its full parking zone is a telltale signal that the native joint is doing one thing proper. It’s solely open on Friday by means of Sunday, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

If BBQ isn’t your factor, try the laid-back vibes at Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill, situated simply eight miles southeast of Gumlog on the Harbor Light Marina. The host at Gumlog Getaway, a comfortable Airbnb on the town, describes Tilly’s as “the hottest restaurant on the lake!” The vibrant spot has American consolation meals, flowing cocktails, and fairly lake views throughout. Plus, you’ll be able to pull as much as the dock along with your boat and benefit from the chill vibes with reside leisure. You may cease within the walkable city of Lavonia for retailers and extra native eateries.

Its proximity to 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell,which is understood for its dockside eating and fishing fame, is why many individuals discover their strategy to this area of Georgia. The lake is a serious outside vacation spot for South Carolinians, Georgians, and guests who come to fish, swim, paddle, boat, hike, trip, and discover. And since Gumlog sits alongside the waterway, you will discover loads of water actions right here, too. A mile and a half from Gumlog, you may need to go to Tugaloo State Park, which is situated on a peninsula on Lake Hartwell.

Peaceful days could be spent fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and bream. And when the water ranges are perfect for swimming (at the moment they’re low), the seaside is buzzing with returning summer time vacationers. Boasting a number of boat ramps in addition to entry to personal docks for in a single day friends, paddling, boating, water-, and jet-skiing are standard actions on the park. Don’t have a ship? With two marinas close to the park, Harbor Light Marina and Harbor Light Marina South, you’ll be able to simply hire the watercraft of your alternative. 

Another strategy to discover the lake? Hear native historical past and take in lake scenes on a non-public tour, captained by Russell, proprietor of Lake Hartwell Boat Tours. Ask him concerning the shuttle service to Tilly’s. After a day on the water, discover a spot to observe the solar because it goes down over the lake.