Lake Lanier Islands Resort Marks a Milestone with Its 18th Annual Magical Nights of Lights

Buford, GA, November 21, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The concept of millions of animated twinkling holiday lights may not have originated with Virgil Williams – Chairman and CEO of Islands Management Company, LLC – but in the five years since his company’s acquisition of the 1,500-acre lakeside resort destination, he has sought to make The Magical Nights of Lights bigger and better. In fact, “bigger and better” is a recurring theme with the ongoing improvements throughout this Southeastern luxury resort. With Williams’ multi-million dollar renovation of the Resort’s accommodations and amenities in addition to a $30-million investment by the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority to improve the Resort’s infrastructure, streetscapes, and walkways – today’s visitors to Lake Lanier Islands Resort are being treated to an entirely innovative experience. Just last year, the Resort unveiled its new and improved Magical Nights of Lights boasting seven-miles of animated holiday-themed light displays and festive Holiday Village.

“Lake Lanier Islands Resort is a family enterprise on two distinct fronts,” explains Williams. “On one hand – along with a dedicated staff, there is a solid Williams family element involved in the day-to-day operations of the Resort – as we work together to plan for its very bright future. I am fortunate to share the dream of transforming the Islands into a leading resort destination in Georgia with my wife Sarah, our four children, and their spouses. On the other hand, the inspiration behind all that we do here at Lake Lanier Islands Resort Is families – not just mine, but families from all over the Southeast. Whether our visitors look to us as a fun weekend get-away, a breathtaking wedding destination or a distinctive ‘country club’ experience – we want this to be a place where special memories are made, and traditions are shared. Magical Nights of Lights fits in perfectly with that notion. For decades, Americans have piled in the car to take a drive around their neighborhood or hometown in search of houses and buildings creatively strung with Christmas lights. We’ve simply taken that time-honored tradition, and kicked it up a notch. Lake Lanier Islands Resort is proud to celebrate our 18th year of being a special part of the holidays for entire generations of light gazers. They are the real magic behind the Magical Nights of Lights.”

This year’s light procession leads guests to the bustling and brightly bedecked epicenter of the Resort – Legacy Lodge & Conference Center – where a bountiful buffet of holiday favorites will be served up nightly. Afterwards, visitors can resume their journey through the lights to the Holiday Village. In Santa’s Workshop at the heart of the Village, little ones can sit atop Santa’s lap commemorating the momentous occasion with a photo, while shoppers bustle about gathering gifts and ornaments. By the light of large toasty bonfires just outside the Workshop’s doors, countless parents will bestow the art of a perfectly roasted marshmallow to the delight of their children. Guests can sip on cups of hot cocoa as they make their way through the rest of the festive Holiday Village featuring carnival rides, pony rides, and games. Magical Nights of Lights runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. November 20 through December 30. Discount coupons are available at participating McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, Publix and Quik-Trip locations. Lake Lanier Islands Resort also offers All-Inclusive Packages that include admission to the Magical Nights of Lights, unlimited carnival rides, and can be tailored to incorporate one of the Resort’s most exciting new amenity additions for 2010 – an Express Tour zip line through Lake Lanier Canopy Tours. This 20-to-30-minute trip through the treetops includes four thrilling zip lines and one scenic sky bridge – providing one of the most beautiful views of the Islands imaginable. For a terrific holiday-themed staycation, Magical Nights of Lights Legacy Lodge Accommodation Packages can be scheduled around the one-of-a-kind experience of Breakfast with Santa (on select dates).

“We are thankful that so many local families have already made Magical Nights of Lights a treasured part of their holiday traditions,” says Williams. “For those who have yet to discover the beauty and magic of millions of lights that help ignite that age-old holiday spirit in so many hearts, Lake Lanier Islands Resort and the Williams Family welcome them to make us a special addition to their holiday memories this year and for many years to come.”

About Lake Lanier Islands Resort: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. For more information, call 1-800-840-LAKE (5253) or visit our website at http://www.lakelanierislands.com.

###