Modern Lakeside Lodge Equipped with Full-Service Slip for Boating & Fishing

Far from the shadow of high-rise buildings and the honking cacophony of rush-hour traffic, anglers cast lines into tranquil Lake Chatuge as boaters skim along the surface, sending ripples radiating across its otherwise untroubled waters. From its perch on the shores of the lake, The Ridges Resort & Marina occupies a prime locale from which to devise a rustic retreat full of aquatic pursuits accessible from the docks of a full-service, 400-slip marina. Rental watercraft such as canoes, 10-seat pontoons, and stem-strengthening paddleboats await the opportunity to cruise the lake's expanse, and landlubbers can borrow a rod from the front desk and try their luck casting from the lodge's fishing pier.

Once inside the recently refurbished guest rooms, visitors can dock their paddle-weary bodies and waterlogged heads on one king or two double beds bedecked with a plethora of pillows and linens. Willow and oak furnishings contribute to the warm, wood-toned décor, and vintage-inspired bedside lamps cast a cozy glow. Complimentary wireless Internet throughout the lodge keeps travelers connected to the outside world even as the lodge's Blue Ridge Mountain setting keeps noisy distractions at bay.

Local finned fare stars on the upscale menu at The Oaks restaurant, where chefs concoct dishes such as the chilled jumbo Georgia shrimp martini and cedar-planked Appalachian Mountain trout. At the more casual Yacht Club Boat House, live music often drifts across the patio throughout the summertime, causing ice cubes in tiki bar cocktails to clink in perfect tempo. The Moosehead Lounge fortifies guests for all manner of outdoor recreation with complimentary continental breakfast as well as snacks throughout the day.

Lake Chatuge: Outdoor Pursuits Amid Natural Beauty in Blue Ridge Mountains

Chatuge Dam, built in the 1940s, makes Lake Chatuge possible by interrupting the flow of the Hiawassee River, causing its redirected waters to fill up a more than 7,000-acre reservoir brimming with fish and sport. At the southern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains, the lake plays host to bass, sunfish, and channel catfish, and the surrounding rivers and streams brim with trout. Boaters zoom by on motorboats or paddle past in human-powered vessels, and adventurous types mount jet skis or wakeboards. Those seeking relaxation on terra firma can lounge on The Ridges' manicured, lakeside lawn or by the resort's pool.

The Ridges Resort & Marina's surroundings also abound with outdoor activities as well as artists' studios to visit and vineyards to tour. The Ridges 18-hole golf course is only about a 10 minute drive away, just across the border in Hayesville, North Carolina. Its fairways offer picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bursts of crimson foliage in the fall. The Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail, which winds through 2,000 miles before finally terminating in Maine, ambles by to the northeast of the resort.