Things To Do Around Gumlog Getaway
Eat
Lavonia has so many hidden gems and we’ve found them for you! Here is our list of favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and so much more. Click each name for more info!
01. Dills Food City - Dill’s is a local grocery store in downtown Lavonia that will have all you need to make use of the full kitchen at Gumlog Getaway! If you’re not a great cook, check out the prepared food section!
02. Vintage Cup - Located in downtown Lavonia, this local coffee shop is a favorite for lattes, breakfast sandwiches, and ice cream. Only downside here, they are closed on Sundays.
03. Bella Bella Mozzarella - Bella Bella is our favorite place in Lavonia for a greek pizza. They are dine in or carry out so whatever the mood, they’ve got you. They’ve got a large menu too! Great for groups with picky eaters.
04. Finley’s Cafe - You’ll miss this place if you drive too quickly through the middle of town. Finley’s sits right behind the train station and serves up the best chilli dogs in town. They really hit the spot after a long day on the lake.
05. 211 Main Street - This family owned restaurant is always busy, and for good reason! With homestyle dishes and friendly service, not to mention a huge selection of frozen takeaway meals, breads, pastries and cakes, 211 Main Street is delicious and worth the wait. Try the chicken salad and grab a pound cake to go. Just be warned, the family is Mennonite, so sadly the restaurant is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
06. 7 Leguas Mexican Restaurant - This hole in the wall mexican restaurant is nothing special on the outside, but there’s a reason the tables fill up quickly! Insider tip: try the barbacoa!
07. Southern Appalachian Smokehouse - Not gonna lie, this is a current favorite. A family run farm to table wood fire smokehouse has yet to disappoint! Serving up classic bbq dishes and bbq tacos, some of our current faves are the smoked trout, chopped pork, and home grown collards.
08. Gumlog BBQ & Fish Lodge - Gumlog BBQ is a Lavonia staple. This place is great for lunch or dinner, but note they’re only open Friday-Sunday. Our go tos here are the brisket sandwich, the fried catfish and butterfly shrimp combo, and don’t forget a refreshing glass of sweet tea! The seats fill up quickly here so stop by on non-peak hours!
09. Gumlog Brewing Company - Find this cute bar and brewery in downtown Lavonia, and not only will you be able to get an ice cold beer and some food, but chances are you’ll meet some neighbors, too! We love the giant pretzel and the friendly service.
10. Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill - This is the hottest restaurant on the lake! Tilly’s is a great place to park your boat and cool off on a hot day. They have a full restaurant and bar.
11. J Peter’s Grill and Bar - This local steakhouse with a great bar and plenty of tv’s! The stand outs on the menu include their she-crab soup and slow roasted prime rib.
12. Farm328 - Farm328 is a family-run farmstand open Wednesdays, Fridays (during the summer) and Saturdays. Aside from their great produce, they also sell honey, canned goods, and other local delights. Definitely get a jar of their Toasted Pecan Butter…it’s to die for!
13. Hamners Farm - Enjoy the fresh air and delicious meat at Hamner's Farm. They sell farm-raised grass-fed beef and forest-raised pork out of their farmstand on Saturdays from 2-5 or from the Athens Farmers Market Saturdays from 8-12. If you’re looking to take advantage of the Traeger Smoker at Gumlog Getaway, stop here for a delicious cut of meat!
Lake Activities
There are plenty of things to do around Gumlog Getaway! One of the biggest draws is beautiful Lake Hartwell. Here, we’ve listed some of our favorite lake activities. Check back during each stay for new and updated activities!
01. Tugaloo State Park - Tugaloo State Park is a 393 acre state park located on the shore of Lake Hartwell in Franklin County, Georgia. The park features a swimming beach, boat ramps, ample fishing opportunities, and hiking trails.
02. Harbor Light Marina Boat Rental - Looking to experience the lake off the shore? Pontoon boat rentals at Harbor Light is a great way to see more. You must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver’s license.
03. Charter fishing - Interested in rippin’ some lips? A fishing charter with a guide familiar with the lake is well worth the money! Check out a list of the available characters in the area.
Other Activities
There are so many things to do in and around Lavonia! While Lake Hartwell is one of the biggest draws, it’s not the only perk of vacationing in Gumlog. Here’s a list of some other things to do, and check out this calendar that covers tons of events around Georgia.
01. Lavonia Speedway - Lavonia Speedway is one of Georgia’s premier dirt tracks, racing since 1971. Races take place most every Friday during the summer months. Seating includes Grandstand, drive up trackside, and the pit! Insider Tip: If you’re in the grandstands, bring a chair.
02. Toccoa Raceway - Toccoa Raceway is “The fastest 1650 ft of dirt in Georgia!”. They are the oldest running dirt track in Georgia, serving Toccoa for over 68 years. Races take place most every Saturday during the summer months. Insider Tip: Bring a chair.
03. Lavonia Antique Market - Lavonia Antique market opened in 1994. This 15,000 sq ft building has a little bit of everything you may be looking for. A large portion of Gumlog Getaway was furnished by this very market!
04. Toccoa Falls - Toccoa Falls is an 186-foot, free-falling waterfall located about 30 minutes from Gumlog Getaway. Although privately owned by Toccoa Falls College, the falls is open to the public for a nominal entrance fee during regular operating hours.
05. Broad River Trail - The Broad River Trail is a 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Toccoa, Georgia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes about 3 hours to complete. This trail is great for birding, fishing, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
06. Hart County Botanical Gardens - The botanical gardens are open from dawn till dusk, and is free of charge. Leashed pets are welcome and the garden is just 5 minutes from downtown Hartwell.
07. Visit Downtown Hartwell - Hartwell, Georgia has been a Main Street City since 1997. Beautiful downtown Hartwell abounds with lovely historic homes and a charming, vibrant downtown business area featuring beautifully preserved buildings circa 1879 to 1925. Shopping, dining, relaxing, and entertainment…downtown Hartwell offers something for everyone, all year long!
