Pull over to the side of the road and look. Yes, that's a white-tailed deer calmly grazing there. Surrounding it, golden shafts of morning sunlight glide through the green forest. Roll down your window and listen. Amid the birdsong you may catch the gentle hum of a golf cart or the rustle of a nearby sailboat.

Breathe deeply, and let yourself unwind. Lake Lanier Islands, a lovely resort just 30 minutes north of Atlanta, has everything you'll need for a fun end-of-summer getaway.

The ideal way to begin your vacation is by renting a boat at Harbor Landing to tootle around the 690 miles of shoreline. Most of the crafts in the 90-vessel fleet are new. For some excitement, opt for the personal watercraft. Or take the entire family in a zippy ski boat or a docile pontoon boat. Don't worry about bringing skiing or fishing gear; you can rent it too. If you prefer to leave the piloting to someone else, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Island Queen or Island Princess to watch the sunset.