Have you ever been to the Atlanta Boat Show? The 2019 Progressive® Insurance Atlanta Boat Show comes ashore to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 10-13, 2019. Now in its 57th year, the Atlanta Boat Show features thousands of products for every budget level and includes a variety of activities for show-goers. Picture 600 of the newest boats along with the latest in marine accessories and products, more than 100 sailing and fishing seminars, along with tons of activities for adults and kids! Yes, you heard that right – it’s truly an event for the whole family (and I have a special discount code for my readers below)!
I’ll admit, I’d heard so much about this event, but never had the chance to attend and it sure seems like I’ve been missing a lot! The timing couldn’t be more perfect since my family and I have been planning a fun boating staycation for a while now, ever since we joined some friends of ours at Lake Lanier and had the time of our lives. We’ve been tossing around the idea of actually buying a boat, and this would be the perfect place to get some ideas and equipment for any boating or fishing excursion. (Read on for some of my favorite Boating and Fishing Staycations near Atlanta!
Meanwhile, if you’ve been thinking about attending the Atlanta Boat Show, I can tell you, there’s something for everyone– from the adventure seekers, to the curious explorers, to those who just love to kick back with a soothing brew. (Just an FYI…I tend to fall into all of these categories)
Here’s just some of what to expect at the 2019 Atlanta Boat Show:
Shiny New Boats: From fishing vessels and kayaks to luxury yachts, powerboats and a houseboat, the latest models will be available for the lowest prices. Some of the 2019 products you’ll find include…
- New: Salute to Service Limited Edition Centurion Boats (Ri237 and Ri257 towboats) are available in three 2019 designs to honor police, fire and military service men and women. From each boat sold, $2,500 will be donated to a charity assisting those in that line of service.
- New: Chaparral 297 SSX Surf provides enough space (29 ft.) for the entire crew to make the most of wake surfing. Equipped with advance technology, including a touchscreen “Glass Dash” and hydraulically operated Malibu Surf Gate™, this boat transforms watersport wakes into the most surfable and customizable waves possible.
- New: Premier Pontoons 310 Accolade is 31-ft. long and 10-ft. wide, but handles like a 22-ft. sporting boat for maximum amenities and fun. The boat also has a full bar with sink, refrigerator, real wood tables and barstools to kick back on the water.
- Wake Up on the Water: Life on the water takes on a whole new meaning with the I-Series Houseboat by Destination Yachts. Tour a 45-ft., three-bedroom, one-bath houseboat with twin OB power, a party top and customizations to make a home on the water a reality.
Especially for the kids at the Atlanta Boat Show…
NEW Touch-a-Boat Tour: Junior skippers can tour the Show floor, climbing aboard a variety of boats along the way. They’ll interact with captains, snap a pic at the helm and learn the ropes of life on the water. Kids will receive their own Atlanta Boat Show passport to collect stamps at each of the 8 stops, with prizes for those who collect them all.
Nautical Tales: Back again, CBS46 Cares Books to Kids will be at the Show on Saturday for special Nautical Storytimes read by on-air personalities. Bring in a new or gently used children’s book to the Show ticket office to get a $5 food voucher to enjoy during the Show.
And there’s even more to catch…
Career Fair: Job seekers can take part in a new Career Fair on Friday of the Show in partnership with Lanier Technical College.
Boats & Brews, Presented by Red Hare Brewing: On the Thursday and Friday of the Atlanta Boat Show, Red Hare Brewing Company will offer special brews to enjoy while “cruising” the Show, along with $5 Show tickets, $5 valet parking, $5 drinks after 5 p.m. Attendees can visit their lakeside inspired area for tastings, games, photo opps and enter for the chance to win a grand prize pack with custom Red Hare cornhole boards and Red Hare prize pack, including a brewery tour ($450 value). Tickets for this are $5 and can be purchased in advance here.
Boating and Fishing Staycations near Atlanta
If you’re looking for boating staycations near Atlanta, you can’t go wrong with any of the following.
Lake Lanier Islands
Lake Lanier Islands is located along the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier, the resort sits on 1,500 scenic acres and is ideal for families or corporate groups. It’s perfect for a family vacation, romantic escape, business conference or even weddings and special events. You can navigate the crystal blue waters of the lake on a boat for hours on end, and then park your boat at the dock for a day or evening just enjoying the atmosphere. Of course, you can find your boat or any equipment at the Atlanta Boat Show or rent them onsite.
Red Top Mountain State Park
Red Top Mountain State Park is another fun boating staycation near Atlanta. This park offers an opportunity to enjoy a spot of angling closer to home. It’s a 1,776-acre facility located on Lake Allatoona, which is famous for its bass fishing. You can also catch crappie and catfish. Several places in this location have cleared its banks to enable families to fish with youngsters. There is enough accommodation here, and you can choose from 18 cabins and 36 tent sites available for rent. Two boat ramps and several picnic shelters complete the set up.
Lake Sinclair
Last but not least, Lake Sinclair is situated just outside Milledgeville and is a serene location for boating, fishing and relaxation. Here you can find ten golf courses, over 15,000 acres of water and over 400 miles of picturesque shoreline, and winding coves and inlets. It’s about an hour’s drive to the Augusta National Golf Club and a recommended time to visit is during the Masters Week when there is plenty of golf action. You can also participate in local and national fishing tournaments, and visitors get to enjoy fishing in the fall or winter. Private marinas offer food, camping, and bait and tackle. Here you can angle for largemouth bass, hybrid bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, and bream and the organizers provide angling prospects.
BOGO Free Tickets to the Atlanta Boat Show
Again, the Atlanta Boat Show goes down on January 10-13, 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Adult tickets are just $15 and children 12 and under get in free! BUT…you can take advantage of this exclusive BOGO deal and get a free ticket with the purchase of another using code BOATGO.
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