Lake Lanier Points of Interest

Concerned about high fuel prices this summer? Consider makeing Lake Lanier a part of your summer vacation plans.Here are some ideas about picnicking, boating, swimming and eating around Lake Lanier.About 7.7 million people visit the lake annually. So you need to get there by 10 a.m. before the parks and picnic areas get full. Once the parking spots are full, park rangers direct traffic away, so bring all the supplies you need and have everyone in your group arrive at the same time. If you don't, there's a chance they won't be allowed in.If you don't have your own boat and want to rent a one, Harbor Landing has the largest fleets of boats for rent at Lake Lanier and is the only place that currently offers houseboats. Lake Lanier Restaurants:Bennett's Dockside Grill, at Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch (6800 Lights Ferry Road) and Holiday Marina in Buford (6900 Holiday Road), are popular spots, especially for burgers. The Aqua-land location also has a fun tiki hut atmosphere. And the Docker — its half-pound burger — comes with all sorts of unusual toppings, including Gouda cheese and bacon or jalapeño jack cheese and salsa. Other lake addicts say other restaurants worth checking out are Old McDonald's Real Pit BBQ (5774 Holiday Road, Buford).Two lesser-known picnic areas available on a first-come first-served basis are Lanier Park on the Gwinnett side and Little Hall Park, on the Hall County/Forsyth County line. Lanier Park has a beach, boat ramp and a paved walking trail to picnic sites with tables and grills. It's off Buford Dam Road. Little Hall Park also has a variety of walkways and picnic spots, a large parking area, picnic tables and grills. It's off Hwy 53 between Gainesville and Dawsonville. There's a $4 user fee for these parks, and annual passes are $30.Another option is Lake Lanier Islands' beach and water park, where daily admission ranges from $13.99 to $29.99, depending on age and time of day.