Hotel at a Glance: Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club

Just outside Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, pontoons and kayaks glide on the peaceful waters of Lake Blackshear. The resort offers myriad distractions on and off the water, from sportfishing for crappies and bass to golfing on a championship course—a year-round activity due to southwest Georgia's mild winter weather.

• Cabins feature two bedrooms with queen beds, a fireplace, a large bath, a full kitchen, a grill, and a screened porch with rocking chairs, offering views of the lake.
• Glamping safari tents are available in two configurations, with options including king-sized beds and bunk beds, providing a luxurious outdoor experience.
• Tee off on the 18-hole Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course, complete with a fully functional clubhouse.
• Cypress Grill at the Marina is your go-to seasonal spot for casual indoor/outdoor dining and entertainment. Accessible by boat or land, it's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun night out - with a menu of American classics and live music or karaoke in the evenings.
• Bring Fido! Pets are welcome in select cabins for an additional fee of $75 per stay.

Tee times and boat rentals can be arranged by calling the property in advance and are subject to availability. To book a tee time, call (229) 276-2377. To reserve a pontoon boat, call (229) 273-7747.

Cordele, Georgia: Outdoor Activities and Small-Town Attractions Off the Beaten Path

In his poem “Back Roads to Macon,” Raymond Farr captures the small-town charm of Cordele when he describes a mailbox's hand-painted sign scribbled with the folksy adage, "Whatever your destination, thank God you arrive." The town that inspired Farr sits off the beaten path—about 2.5 hours south of Atlanta. It's dotted with antique shops and quirky specialty museums showcasing the history of cotton-harvesting tools and vast collections of telephones.

The dry Atlantic coastal-plain climate permits year-round outdoor activities. Three miles of hiking trails wind through a wetland ecosystem inhabited by deer, red foxes, and lost hikers.