Atlanta lakes experience boost in summer tourism

Atlanta's lakes are already experiencing a splash in business this summer. Marinas across the state are seeing an increase in gas sales and boat rentals. Thanks to lake levels finally rising and overcoming recent droughts, millions of tourists are expected to visit Lake Lanier, as well as lakes Acworth and Allatoona during the summer.

Atlanta's neighboring lakes are also experiencing a boost in tourism. Lakes Rabun and Burton, located 90 miles away in Rabun County, have become popular getaways for visitors looking to escape from the heat and traffic of Atlanta summers. According to www.georgiatrend.com, vacationers seem to be more at ease with the economy and with investing in a second home, since the home is viewed as an investment in the family as well as a monetary investment.

Here's an overview of some of Atlanta's nearby lakes, as well as their most popular summer tourist events.

Lake Lanier: 

Stretching almost 38,000 acres through Cumming, Buford and Gainesville, it's one of Georgia's largest lakes. Located along the shores is Lake Lanier Islands Resort, accommodated with restaurants, marinas, golf courses, swimming areas and campgrounds.

- Memorial Day weekend fireworks will be Sunday, May 27 at Sunset Cove/Big Beach. Food and live music will be available all weekend long.

- Saturdays during the summer, Lanier will be providing Dive-In Movies, where tourists can catch a poolside movie, at Wild Waves in Family Fun Park. For more information, click here.

Lake Allatoona: 

Located 30 miles from downtown Atlanta (near Cartersville), Allatoona boasts almost 7 million visitors each year. When full, the lake spans more than 12,000 acres. Plenty of campgrounds, restaurants, marinas and other boat related services are available along the shores. 

- Cauble Park, south side of the lake, will host a Fourth of July concert, with a fireworks display following at 9:30 p.m. For more information click here.

Lake Acworth:

The 260-acre lake is located just southwest of the city of Acworth and empties into Lake Allatoona. Spots like Acworth Beach and Cauble Park attract many visitors who have come to soak up the sun and enjoy the lakeside views of Acworth and Allatoona.
- Acworth's Love the Lake Concert Series begins Saturday, June 9 at Cauble Park. For more information, click here.

Lake Burton:
Nestled within the quaint town of Clayton in the North Georgia mountains, the 2,775-acre lake has captivated the attention of many Atlanta tourists for its scenic views and easy lifestyle. Along the shores, visitors can spend time at the marinas, restaurants, beaches, parks, golf courses or YMCA of Atlanta's Camp High Harbour.
- Fourth of July fireworks display will be held Saturday, June 30 at 9 p.m. from Billy Goat Island, the south side of the lake. Spectators can make boat reservations, or take out their own boats, to view the show from the water. 
- Tiger Drive-In movie theater is open Friday, May 25 through Sunday, May 27. For more information, click here.

Lake Rabun: 
Less than an hour south of Burton in the town of Lakemont, the lake spans 835 acres and is less than 90 miles away from Atlanta. Popular tourist areas along the lakefront include the historic Lake Rabun Hotel, established in 1922, and neighboring restaurant Louie's On the Lake. Surrounding the lake are also waterfalls, a “boat” church and hiking trails. 

- Fourth of July festivities take place Sunday, July 1 with the Wooden Boat Parade from 8 to 5 p.m. and a fireworks display at dusk. For more information click here.