You’ve been asked to go on a girls’ trip—quick, what do you envision? A pampered weekend at the spa? Nights out on the town? Vineyards and brunches? I know what probably didn’t come to mind—shooting ranges, alligators, and trains! But that’s exactly what a recent trip to Lake Blackshear with my lady friends consisted of, and let me tell you—it was an absolute blast!!
Lake Blackshear is a scenic, man-made lake about an hour south of Macon in Cordele, Georgia (the Watermelon Capital of the World, don’t you know!). Along the east side of the lake you’ll find Georgia Veterans State Park, home to the historic SAM Shortline excursion train, a military museum complete with an outdoor display of military vehicles, an air rifle range, an archery range, and, of course, the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club!
My friend Brenda’s job has connections to the resort, and after a particularly hard year for a few in our friend group, she thought Lake Blackshear would be the perfect place for the five of us to kick back and let loose for a few days. She planned everything, and one Friday in October I found myself driving down to Cordele where I was met with the absolute BEST in Southern hospitality!
Truly, it was a scene out of Dirty Dancing.
Ten quaint bungalows, each with their own fireplace and screened porch, sit along the banks of the lake where paths lead onto the marina, restaurant, conference center, picnic pavilions, and other resort/park amenities.
In our rooms, Brenda had arranged for the resort’s catering team to provide gorgeous charcuterie trays and chilled buckets of wine for our enjoyment.
At mealtimes, we’d walk down to the marina restaurant, Cypress Grill, which though just a casual dockside grill could rival the best restaurants in terms of quality and freshness. We even got to taste-test potential new menu items and oh my gosh, if you ever get the chance to try the catfish nuggets—so tender and satisfying—you will crave them every minute of the day! (We certainly did.)
Friday night, we watched the sunset from the resort dock and then took our bucket of wine out around the firepit for an evening of much-needed girl talk.
On Saturday, we rented a pontoon boat (and our own captain) from the marina and—armed with a resort-packed lunch and to-go bevvies (and more catfish nuggies) from Cypress Grill—headed out to cruise the lake where we spied trees draped in Spanish moss towering up out of the lake, playing host to great egrets, alligators and other wildlife.
Back at the Cypress Grill Saturday night, we sat outside where there was live music and dancing. Some young girls taught us how to “Fancy Like” and “Wobble”—an experience inducing so much good-for-the-soul laughter!
Sunday, we headed into town to explore Stripling’s General Store, which has the best homemade jerky around. We watched trains cross at the infamous “diamond” from Cordele’s Rail Park viewing platform and then explored the military museum at the Georgia Veterans Visitor Center on our way back into the park.
Last on Brenda’s itinerary? The shooting range! After a little instruction, we girls let out all our angst on those poor targets, first in the rifle range and then in archery (my personal favorite). We even got to take home our targets as proof of our new prowess!
I had never heard of Lake Blackshear until Brenda made the suggestion, but I can tell you I’ll be back! It’s the perfect location if you’re looking for something a little different from your usual girl trips, a place where you all can let off some steam. From the friendly and gracious staff and comfortable accommodations to the stunning scenery and lively activities, it was exactly what our group needed—and so much fun! Be sure to check out their other amenities, too—we didn’t have time to try everything, but other guests raved about the 18-hole golf course and I hear they even have a glampsite!
