Last weekend, Charlie and I ventured down to Georgia to hang out on Lake Lanier with some of his family. Their home is basically a resort, complete with an infinity pool, many comfortable lounge chairs, and an excellent deck area with a bar, couches, and TV. And a boat, of course.
A Deceptive Calm…
It also has Uncle Greg. And that’s what really makes the place.
Greg is even concerned about the comfort of your rear as you sit on the edge and drape your legs into the pool. He is not, however, concerned with the comfort of you liver.
Because he’s the most outrageous human being you’ve ever met. It’s actually hard to believe he exists. And you really haven’t lived until he wakes you up after a night of hard drinking with the Doobie Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd blaring throughout the house (and with the size of this house, that’s saying something). Upon entering their compound, which is really what this place is seeing as we didn’t leave it all weekend, you have no choice but to make a cocktail. You will be hazed if you don’t. You will also be hazed if you do, just in a different, and more typical frat boy way.
Welcome to the jungle. Go big or go home. (Alternate caption: Charlie is easily influenced).
Lake Lanier is about an hour north of Atlanta. The closest town to this particular spot on the lake is Gainesville, Georgia. Charlie and I stayed here last August before and after our trip to Thailand. I thought it would be a lovely way to cap the beginning and end of our adventures abroad, a respite of sorts. Plus, plane tickets from ATL were cheaper. Needless to say, I was hungover on the flight out after spending only one night hanging with Uncle Greg. The days we spent at this lake house following our trip were pretty much a blur, rather than the recovery I’d hoped for. We went on the boat every day, hung by the pool,and he took us out to lunch at one of the restaurants on the lake. We even went to a high school football game after an afternoon celebrating (to put it mildly) my passing the bar exam. He really knows how to have fun and make you feel welcome. After that experience, at least I knew what I was in for this time around.
just the cutest pose.
Charlie’s sister Jordan and her boyfriend Craig flew in from DC. Well they flew into Greenville, South Carolina and then drove from there, but still, lucky bastards. And like the geniuses they are, they took Monday off too.
Friday night after our arrival, we took a boat ride and grilled burgers for dinner. Then we had some casual tequila shots (well, Uncle Greg supposedly sips his) and proceeded to go marinate in the hot tub. Healthy.
(Hey, I didn’t say this was a health resort.)
I was able to sneak off to bed without being caught and force-fed more tequila and/or bourbon, but Charlie didn’t make it through so successfully. Well, depending on how you view success I guess. When I asked what Greg and Charlie could have done until 4:00 AM by themselves, Greg responded, “Well I don’t know if we solved any world problems, but we damn sure addressed them!”
Charlie’s dad drives. Uncle Greg socializes. Shocker.
So it was Charles who was awoken Saturday morning by the ridiculously loud jams, sunlight, and a super adamant Uncle Greg at 9:30 AM. I will give him the utmost credit, though, he really rallied.
Bama doesn’t care how you feel about playing fetch. You’re playing fetch.
Saturday we had a great breakfast (which included bacon and country ham), made a few more cocktails (which included Ketel One), went on a long boat ride, and then lounged by the pool alllll day. Sandra, the angel wife of Greg, brought us back brisket sliders and boiled peanuts for lunch from some far-off land outside of the compound. We ate by the pool, played so much fetch with Bama, and really wanted for nothing.
Mmmm food collage
my happy place
Cue more tequila.
an attempt at a cute pose
As evening fell, we had a tasty dinner of shrimp étouffée, the quality of which I’m sure was lost on all of us at this point, and then we headed to the hot tub again. Really, much safer than swimming after eating, right? I can’t really tell you much after that, other than that we had some (historical, I’m sure) debates and conversations, took the occasional swim, and the responsible of us went to bed at 9:30 PM (aka not Charlie).
The final morning, we had to fight the usual Sunday scaries along with the sadness of leaving this place and the horrible six hour drive ahead of us. We took a farewell cruise on the lake which helped a bit, before stuffing ourselves with more food and hitting the road.
I wish Lake Lanier were closer, because if it weren’t for Greg, it could be an extremely relaxing place to just chill. However, because of him, it’s an extremely ridiculous, fun, and unforgettable hangout every time. You just have to be ready for it. I can’t wait to go back! But this weekend, I think I’ll rest…
Goodbye Uncle Greg. Goodbye Lake Lanier. I need to recover my strength for next time.
I appreciate the wonderful review from such a highly revered food critic. Although not much food was consumed. I love having y’all visit and can not wait until you return. Keep up the good work and just know Uncle G is ready to play anytime! Remember FUN is not an acronym ! G
I don’t believe I’ve ever read a more accurate account of the essence of Uncle G! He is all that & more!!