BUFORD, Ga. - GeorgiaChron -- A destination for all seasons, Lanier Islands Resort is primed and ready to take advantage of what is arguably one of Georgia's most picturesque seasons to create a beautiful backdrop for upcoming events. This fall, the lakeside resort earns the title of "Atlanta's Most Happening Harbor" with a wealth of experiences that culminate in the return of a Southern classic with the Magical Nights of Lights on November 20 to kick off the holiday season.

"Fall has always been one of the best times of year to experience Lanier Islands," said Resort President Matthew Bowling. "The weather and the setting are gorgeous during the fall in North Georgia. We're only 45 miles from Atlanta, but when the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, it truly feels like a world away. What makes this year especially exciting is the variety of experiences we're offering. Guests can come for a festival, a golf weekend, live music, or a holiday tradition and then make an entire getaway out of it with everything else there is to experience across the resort."

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Bowling encourages everyone to mark their calendars for the following:

• Hot Air Balloon Festival – 9/18-9/19 – A first for Lanier Islands Resort, it is predicted to be one of the most vibrant, high-energy events of the year.
• Legacy Golf 3^rd Annual Fall Classic – 9/20 - The tournament tees off at Legacy Golf Course with a 10 AM shotgun start, featuring delicious food and drinks, exciting contests, and unforgettable lakeside golf.
• Pirates of Lanier Charity Run – 9/25-9/26 – The beloved annual event featuring dozens of high-performance boats will benefit several charities.
• Murder Mystery Weekend™ – 10/30-11/1 – This three-day interactive experience will be filled with suspicious characters, unexpected twists, hidden clues, and delicious cocktails and meals paired with deluxe accommodations as the mystery unfolds nightly.
• Songwriters at the Lake Music Festival (https://songwritersatl.com/) – 11/13-11/15 – This unforgettable three-day event will combine music and storytelling with some of the industry's most talented songwriters – all set on eight stages throughout the resort.
• Thanksgiving 2026 – 11/26 – Stunning lakeside views and a mouthwatering buffet come together for an unforgettable holiday gathering.
• Magical Nights of Lights 2026 – 11/20/26-1/3/27 – Bigger and brighter than last year's show, this beloved Georgia holiday tradition takes guests on a modern-day, driving "sleigh ride" past dozens of themed light displays, with a stop at Holiday Headquarters inside Game Changer.

Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. For reservations, visit www.LanierIslands.com or call 770-945-8787.

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