Lifestyle

Retreating to Lake Chatuge… My 5 must haves!

In early Spring and late Fall… we get out of the city and head north towards the North Georgia Mountains, ending up at picturesque Lake Chatuge. It’s a true family affair, with my husband Chris and his Mom and Dad, we rent a cabin on the lake and bring the dogs to take on everything this quiet, mountain community has to offer. The older I get, the more I’m aware of how important family is. Several years ago we agreed to pass up birthday and holiday gifts so we could put the money towards quality time together. Trust me…. it is everything!! Months in advance we start looking forward to the rest and relaxation. Waking up drinking coffee, fishing and cooking dinner together… it doesn’t get any better.

It’s a true old school 1950’s lake cabin, and I LOVE it! A huge casual covered porch protects you from the direct sun off the back of the house with full lake views.

It’s set back off the main highway and tucked away on gravel roads.

Every morning I get up super early and go for a walk. Our little black hound dog has realized every morning I sneak out, and now the minute my feet hit the floor he is directly behind me. He cannot stand to be left behind.

And with the lake cabin set back in a deep water cove, the dogs lay on the dock in the full North Georgia sun all day. I wish I could tell you the fishing was amazing but we’re still learning.

As we’re packing up to head to the gorgeous Lake Chatuge in the North Georgia Mountains again, here are the 5 must-haves I take with me to make the most of this precious family time.

Keep in mind this is a rented, old school cabin, so there are items we want with us to make it more like home, even if it’s just for a few days. I’m grateful. Here are my top 5!

Item 1

Frittata

Before we leave I always bake a huge frittata in a cast iron skillet. It makes an amazing breakfast warmed up in the oven, or even a last minute lunch served cold with a side salad of arugula.
Spinach Mushroom Feta Crustless Quiche recipe!

Item 2

Leather Firewood Carrier

I always bring my leather firewood carrier loaded down with seasoned firewood. Handmade with durable, rugged chap leather straight out of Cherokee Texas! Since we rent this cabin we always take plenty of firewood with us and build up a big fire every single night. There is nothing that smells as good as a house with a wood burning fire going. Leather Firewood Carrier

Item 3

My LLBean Boots

No description needed. Proudly hand-made in the USA. My dad always wore them whenever he was outside. It’s a family tradition with us!

Item 4

Pendelton All Wool Blankets

I’m obsessed with this brand! It’s built to last the same way they were made over 100 years ago. Pendelton is a proud supporter of the a National Park Foundation. When we’re at the lake, I drag these blankets everywhere… early in the morning and late at night, to the porch, to the couch, and in front of the fire. I own three of these blankets and they always come to the lake with us.
Pendelton All Wool Blankets

Item 5

Copper Water Bottle

Whether you are traveling to get out of Atlanta traffic to the North GA mountains, or headed out to hike the highest point at Brasstown Bald (don’t miss this hike if your in the area!), taking the canoe out, or just walking down to the dock to fish, grab your water bottle! Copper Water Bottle

The days always go by so fast… eating piping hot lasagna at night… toasted bagels and cream cheese in the morning… playing on the dock all day. We’re with family every single minute and it’s such an amazing time.

Honestly the dogs sleep all the way home! They’re completely exhausted and covered in mud. With a heavy heart we leave knowing we made the absolute most of it.