Water, water, everywhere--38,000 acres of placid, clear water, reflecting blue, cloud-studded skies. For romance, recreation or family vacation, the water beckons you to its sandy beach, wooded shore, frolicking Waterpark, or Harbor Landing marina. Swim, jet ski, water ski, fish, party on a pontoon boat, or try the nautical life on board a houseboat--the water invites you to ripple its calm, to excite its deep, silent spirit.

Lake Lanier looms large on13 holes of the Emerald Pointe Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course with gentle slopes, striking elevations and wandering fairways, framed by towering trees and a panorama of seemingly endless lake waters. The spectacle of blue on blue again beckons, sometimes your gaze, sometimes, your ball, but always, your mind!

Multi-hued dogwoods and bright azaleas pepper the lush green of oaks, maples and stately Georgia pines. The peaceful forest is interrupted only by the call of blue heron, thrashers and ibis, preening on the waters edge, or by the song of bobwhites, rising gracefully to rest in tall treetops. This sea of leafy green calms the soul, while leisurely walking along trails, camping in protective hollows, or horseback riding through the hills. A gently sinking sun dips into the water, silhouetting the trees, setting the lake and sky aglow.

Was it really just an hour ago that the bustling city of Atlanta became but a memory? In the comforts of a cozy hotel room, overlooking a forest, or water view, you can take haven and rest. Or, be tucked into the woods, wrapped in the charms of an old-home Lake House. Here squirrels and deer rustle through the trees, and drink from the tranquil lake, while you watch the rising moon and stars from your window by the fire, or from your deck-top jacuzzi. Take a deep breath, smell the pine, feel the earth. At Lake Lanier Islands Resort, you find a piece of heaven--and peace.

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Bio - Marilyn DeMartini

When not at her computer writing the latest news on some form of sports, health or fitness, you may find Marilyn DeMartini on the golf course, at the gym, riding her bike or running Ft. Lauderdale beach. She is also eager to go rock climbing, hiking, white water rafting or try any assortment of adventure sports. On rare occasions (when she sits down long enough), a retreat to a quiet beach to catch up on reading, is a treasured escape.

DeMartini's background includes positions as apparel editor for a sporting goods trade publication, marketing a woman's activewear line, promoting a Boston radio station, The Boston Ballet and the World Championship Drambuie On Ice Offshore Powerboat Racing team. More recently, she free lances, writing on boat racing for speedvision.com and for an assortment of travel, sports and fitness magazines, including Men's Fitness, Healthy Living, Vim & Vigor, Golf Tips, Golf for Women, WWD and American Express' Expressions.