Posted by Pamela A. Keene | Feb 26, 2023 | Features
The new indoor Game Changer area is now open. Home Putting Practice
When late last year Lanier Islands’ Virgil Williams offhandedly mentioned that the resort would be getting a game changer after the first of the year, he was serious.
The resort has just opened “Game Changer,” a 23,000-square-foot indoor recreation destination that includes virtual sports suites, a putting green, arcade games and an escape room.
“We’ve totally converted the former indoor tennis courts to a family fun center with something for everyone, no matter their age,” said Missy Burgess, the Islands’ director of marketing and public relations. “In addition to all the games, ‘Game Changers’ has a seasonally influenced menu created by our own onsite chef.”
The restaurant will offer salads, greens and bowls, hand-helds including burgers and sandwiches, main courses such as loaded macaroni and cheese and fried chicken, plus a special menu for youngsters.
The main floor offers wide-open entertainment where four lanes of ax throwing, more than 50 classic and state-of-the arts arcade games, a 9-hole putting green and a western-themed escape room that includes a bank-vault break-in challenge.
Upstairs, four virtual sports suites with large screens simulate more than 30 sports games from golf to soccer, football to baseball.
“Game Changer has been one of Mr. Williams’ visions for several years, and we are all excited that it is finally open,” Burgess said. “It’s a weatherproof place for fun for all ages. When it’s raining or too hot, people can come to Game Changer and continue the fun of the Islands. Plus it’s another place to go at night when the beach is closed. It’s truly a ‘Game Changer’ for our guests.”
For more information, visit www.lanierislands.com.
Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener.
03mar10:00 am 2023 Lake Lanier Boat Show - Margaritaville
2023 Lake Lanier (in-the-water) Boat Show, Buford The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for
The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for new and seasoned boaters, don’t miss this opportunity to find your perfect boat!
Time: see website for time details
Location: Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands – 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford (For GPS users, Lanier Islands is 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford)
Cost: see website for tickets and pricing
For more info: visit Lake Lanier Boat Show
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
25mar8:00 am 2023 John Ferriss Lanier Sprints Regatta, Gainesville
John Ferriss Lanier Sprints Regatta, Gainesville Collegiate rowing competition Date: March 25, 2023 Time: 8 am Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park For more info: office@lakelanierrowing.org, https://lakelanierrowing.sportngin.com/,
Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park
For more info: office@lakelanierrowing.org, https://lakelanierrowing.sportngin.com/, Event
3105 Clarks Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
Lake Lanier Rowing Club llrcboard@lakelanierrowing.com 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
25mar9:00 am 12:00 pm Sweep the Hooch - 2023
The annual Sweep the Hooch is your chance to walk, wade, or paddle as we come together to clean up
Each year, hundreds of volunteers remove tons of trash from the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries as part of Sweep the Hooch. So many of us depend on this crucial resource for clean drinking water, beautiful recreational activities, and more. Please consider becoming a fundraiser or donating to support a trash-free Chattahoochee River.
Location: Gainesville locations include Don Carter State Park, Holly Park, Laurel Park and Longwood Park – see website for all locations
For more info: Chattahoochee.org/sweep-the-hooch/
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Mission: To ensure there’s enough clean water in the Chattahoochee River now and for future generations. Phone: 678-696-8866 Headwaters Office: 104 Washington Street SE, Gainesville, GA 30501
26mar8:30 am 2023 Paddle Your Saddle Triathlon, Dawsonville
Paddle Your Saddle Triathlon, Dawsonville Paddle 1.78 miles, bike 6.81 miles, run 2.15 miles, 8:30 a.m. For individuals/2-person/relay teams. Bring lifejackets. Date: March 26, 2023 Time: 8:30 am Location: War Hill Park, 4081 War
Paddle 1.78 miles, bike 6.81 miles, run 2.15 miles, 8:30 a.m. For individuals/2-person/relay teams. Bring lifejackets.
Location: War Hill Park, 4081 War Hill Park Rd.
Cost: Kayak/canoe rentals available $50/$60. Race entry $30-$65.
For more information: www.fivestarntp.com, Event Link
4081 War Hill Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
03mar10:00 am 2023 Lake Lanier Boat Show - Margaritaville
2023 Lake Lanier (in-the-water) Boat Show, Buford The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for
The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for new and seasoned boaters, don’t miss this opportunity to find your perfect boat!
Time: see website for time details
Location: Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands – 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford (For GPS users, Lanier Islands is 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford)
Cost: see website for tickets and pricing
For more info: visit Lake Lanier Boat Show
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
04mar8:30 am 2023 Yonah Dam 10K, Toccoa
Yonah Dam 10K, Toccoa Run along the Tugaloo River. Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023 Time: 8:30 am Location: Yonah Dam, 3844 Yonah Dam Rd. Cost: $30-$35 For more info:
Run along the Tugaloo River.
Location: Yonah Dam, 3844 Yonah Dam Rd.
For more info: www.active.com, Event Link
3844 Yonah Dam Rd.Toccoa, GA 30577
04mar8:30 am 2023 Run Dahlonega 5K
Run Dahlonega 5K, Dahlonega Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023 Time: 8:30 am Location: University of North Georgia Drill Field, 82 College Circle Cost: $25-$30 For more info: www.runnersfit.com,
Location: University of North Georgia Drill Field, 82 College Circle
For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event Link
UNG Dahlonega - Drill Field
04mar8:30 am 2023 Grab your squad 5K, Dawsonville
Grab Your Squad 5K, Dawsonville Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023 Time: 8:30 am Location: Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. Cost: 20-$25 For more info: www.fivestarntp.com, Event Link
Location: Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd.
For more info: www.fivestarntp.com, Event Link
04mar9:00 am 6:00 pm 2023 Dahlonega Literary Festival
Dahlonega Literary Festival, Dahlonega Features a day filled with a variety of events for fans of various genres of fiction and non-fiction writing. Date: March 4, 2023 Time: 9 am – 6 pm Location:
Features a day filled with a variety of events for fans of various genres of fiction and non-fiction writing.
Location: Dahlonega Baptist Church, 234 Hawkins St.
Cost: Admission: free. Lunch and $20 for each speaker.
04mar9:00 am 2023 United We Run 5K Run/Walk
United We Run 5K Run/Walk, Gainesville Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023 Time: 9 am Location: Chicopee Baptist Church, 13 1st St. Cost: $25-$35 For more info:
Location: Chicopee Baptist Church, 13 1st St.
For more info: www.unitedwayhallcounty.org/race.
04mar10:00 am 11:00 am 2023 First Visit Tour, Helen
Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages and more. Date: First Saturday of each month Time: 10-11 a.m. Location: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61
Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages and more.
Date: First Saturday of each month
Location: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl.
Cost: $5 parking. Admission is free, donations welcome. Reservations required. No pets.
For more info: www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.
61 Tsalaki Trail Helen, GA 30545 White County
04mar10:00 am 2023 Lake Lanier Boat Show - Margaritaville
2023 Lake Lanier (in-the-water) Boat Show, Buford The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for
The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for new and seasoned boaters, don’t miss this opportunity to find your perfect boat!
Time: see website for time details
Location: Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands – 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford (For GPS users, Lanier Islands is 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford)
Cost: see website for tickets and pricing
For more info: visit Lake Lanier Boat Show
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
05mar10:00 am 2023 Lake Lanier Boat Show - Margaritaville
2023 Lake Lanier (in-the-water) Boat Show, Buford The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for
The Lake Lanier Boat Show is Georgia’s premier in-the-water boat show displaying a wide variety of boat brands from trusted, local dealers. Perfect for new and seasoned boaters, don’t miss this opportunity to find your perfect boat!
Time: see website for time details
Location: Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands – 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford (For GPS users, Lanier Islands is 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford)
Cost: see website for tickets and pricing
For more info: visit Lake Lanier Boat Show
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518
07mar5:30 pm 2023 Lanier Running Club-Group Runs
Lanier Running Club Group Runs, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs. Time:
Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites.
Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs.
Location: Meet at Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy.
For more information: www.lanierrunningclub.org.
07mar5:30 pm 2023 Purim in The Chocolate Factory
Purim in The Chocolate Factory, Gainesville Celebrate the Jewish historical story of Queen Esther and Mordechai. Features Chocolate Fountain, Purim Dinner, animated Megillah and magic show. Date: March 7, 2023 Time: 5:30 pm Location:
Celebrate the Jewish historical story of Queen Esther and Mordechai. Features Chocolate Fountain, Purim Dinner, animated Megillah and magic show.
Location: – Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St. NE
09mar6:30 pm 6:30 pm Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market '22-'23
Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market Date: 2nd and 4th Thursdays through April 27 Time: 3:30 – 6:30 pm Location: 5301 Railroad Ave. Flowery Branch For more info:
Date: 2nd and 4th Thursdays through April 27
Location: 5301 Railroad Ave. Flowery Branch
For more info: FloweryBranchGA.org.
5517 Main St., Flowery Branch, GA 30542
11mar8:30 am LRC Group Run-Riverside-Mar/Apr 2023
Lanier Running Club Group Run at Riverside, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club Dates: Saturday, March 11, 2023, and Saturday, April 1, 2023 Times: 8:30 am March 11; 9:30
Run with Lanier Running Club
Dates: Saturday, March 11, 2023, and Saturday, April 1, 2023
Times: 8:30 am March 11; 9:30 am April 1
Location: Riverside Preparatory Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr.
For more info: www.lanierrunningclub.org
11mar9:00 am 2023 Dempsey Dash 5K/1K Fun Run
Dempsey Dash 5K/1K Fun Run, Gainesville Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023 Time: 9 am Location: Brenau University Amphitheatre, 102 Prior St. Cost: $10-$25 For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event info
Location: Brenau University Amphitheatre, 102 Prior St.
For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event info
11mar10:00 am 3:00 pm Paddy’s Day PathFest/Parade - 2023
Paddy’s Day PathFest & Parade, Braselton Decorated golf carts, bicycles, scooters, wagons, skaters and walking groups parade on LifePath and participate in challenges for adults and juniors. Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023 Time:
Decorated golf carts, bicycles, scooters, wagons, skaters and walking groups parade on LifePath and participate in challenges for adults and juniors.
Location: line-up begins 8:30 a.m. Ace Hardware, 3740 Village Way
For more info: BraseltonLifePath.com
Braselton Life Path / Braselton CID The CID is a unique public-private partnership created to provide improvements within a defined area, or district, for the purpose of promoting commercial businesses, providing amenities and facilities to area residents and business owners and creating economic development within the district. The funding was provided through a self imposed property tax.
11mar11:00 am 4:00 pm 16th Annual Color/Holi Festival 2023
16th Annual Color/Holi Festival 2023 Featuring Indian food, Bollywood music and dancing. Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023 Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: – Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. Cost: Free admission and parking. Info:
Featuring Indian food, Bollywood music and dancing.
Location: – Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd.
Cost: Free admission and parking.
14mar5:30 pm 2023 Lanier Running Club-Group Runs
Lanier Running Club Group Runs, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs. Time:
Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites.
Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs.
Location: Meet at Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy.
For more information: www.lanierrunningclub.org.
18mar8:00 am 2023 Sour Patch 5K, Sugar Hill
Sour Patch 5K, Sugar Hill Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 Time: 8 am Location: Indigo Brewing, 5019 W. Broad St. Cost: $32-$45 For more info: Event Link
Location: Indigo Brewing, 5019 W. Broad St.
For more info: Event Link
5019 W Broad St NE M145, Sugar Hill, GA 30518
19mar2:00 pm 2023 The Great Cookie Chase 5K, Dawsonville
The Great Cookie Chase 5K, Dawsonville Date: Sunday, March 19, 2023 Time: 2 pm Location: Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. Cost: $32-$45 www.fivestarntp.com, Event
Location: Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd.
www.fivestarntp.com, Event Link
19mar3:00 pm 2023 Crow Calling 5K/Fun Run, Cleveland
Crow Calling 5K/Fun Run, Cleveland Date: Sunday, March 19, 2023 Time: 3/3:45 pm Location: Mossy Creek Methodist Church, 2154 Post Rd. Cost: $25-$30 For more info: www.active.com, Event Link
Location: Mossy Creek Methodist Church, 2154 Post Rd.
For more info: www.active.com, Event Link
Mossy Creek Methodist Church - Cleveland
21mar5:30 pm 2023 Lanier Running Club-Group Runs
Lanier Running Club Group Runs, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs. Time:
Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites.
Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs.
Location: Meet at Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy.
For more information: www.lanierrunningclub.org.
23mar6:00 pm 2023 Chamber Chase 5K Corporate Challenge/2-Mile
Chamber Chase 5K Corporate Challenge/2-Mile, Gainesville Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023 Time: 6 pm Location: Riverside Preparatory Academy 2001 Riverside Dr. Cost: $30-$35 For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event Link
Location: Riverside Preparatory Academy 2001 Riverside Dr.
For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event Link
23mar6:30 pm 6:30 pm Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market '22-'23
Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market Date: 2nd and 4th Thursdays through April 27 Time: 3:30 – 6:30 pm Location: 5301 Railroad Ave. Flowery Branch For more info:
Date: 2nd and 4th Thursdays through April 27
Location: 5301 Railroad Ave. Flowery Branch
For more info: FloweryBranchGA.org.
5517 Main St., Flowery Branch, GA 30542
25mar8:00 am 2023 John Ferriss Lanier Sprints Regatta, Gainesville
John Ferriss Lanier Sprints Regatta, Gainesville Collegiate rowing competition Date: March 25, 2023 Time: 8 am Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park For more info: office@lakelanierrowing.org, https://lakelanierrowing.sportngin.com/,
Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park
For more info: office@lakelanierrowing.org, https://lakelanierrowing.sportngin.com/, Event
3105 Clarks Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
Lake Lanier Rowing Club llrcboard@lakelanierrowing.com 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
25mar9:00 am 2023 Miracle at UNG 5K, Dahlonega
Miracle at UNG 5K, Dahlonega Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023 Time: 9 am Location: Yahoola Creek Park, 464 Mechanicsville Rd., Dahlonega Cost: $25 For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event Link
Location: Yahoola Creek Park, 464 Mechanicsville Rd., Dahlonega
For more info: www.runnersfit.com, Event Link
26mar8:30 am 2023 Paddle Your Saddle Triathlon, Dawsonville
Paddle Your Saddle Triathlon, Dawsonville Paddle 1.78 miles, bike 6.81 miles, run 2.15 miles, 8:30 a.m. For individuals/2-person/relay teams. Bring lifejackets. Date: March 26, 2023 Time: 8:30 am Location: War Hill Park, 4081 War
Paddle 1.78 miles, bike 6.81 miles, run 2.15 miles, 8:30 a.m. For individuals/2-person/relay teams. Bring lifejackets.
Location: War Hill Park, 4081 War Hill Park Rd.
Cost: Kayak/canoe rentals available $50/$60. Race entry $30-$65.
For more information: www.fivestarntp.com, Event Link
4081 War Hill Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
28mar5:30 pm 2023 Lanier Running Club-Group Runs
Lanier Running Club Group Runs, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs. Time:
Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites.
Dates: Every Tuesday evening – but check website/Facebook page for updates and other runs.
Location: Meet at Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy.
For more information: www.lanierrunningclub.org.
31mar8:00 pm 9:30 pm 2023 IPRA World Championship Rough Stock Rodeo
2023 IPRA World Championship Rough Stock Rodeo, Cumming Bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding and more. Dates: March 31 and April 1, 2023 Time: 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding and more.
Location: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd.
Cost: $15 for ages 11 and older; free to ages 10 and under
For more info: www.cummingfair.squarespace.com.
THIS WEEKEND: The spring Lake Lanier Boat Show, March 3-5, promises more dealers, more models, more boats and an expanded show. Takng place at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Details: #everythinglakelanier, #foodtruckfridayllop, #gainesvillega, #lakelanier, #lakelanierolympicpark, #LakeLanierAssociation lakesidenews.com/2023/02/lake-lanier-boat-show-more-dealers-more-models-more-boats/ ... See More See Less
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