With a new name, new amenities and a fairly new owner, the Highland Pines Resort and Marina celebrated Wednesday morning with a ribbon cutting. 

“On behalf of Darrell (Jones, owner), to me it was real cool when they (Darrell and his wife Nicole Jones) came last year during the fourth of July,” said general manager Anthony Key. “From seeing the property, it very quickly turned into them owning it.” 

Key said the couple took a leap of faith with the resort because Darrell has a heart for the water and boats. 

“We learned to trust the process,” Key said. “Darrell has several marinas and is able to balance all of them at one time.” 

Boating without owning is now also possible at the marina with the newly added CareFree Boat Club. Members pay a monthly membership fee that allows them to have unlimited access to a variety of boats for reservations.  

“It is an alternative to boat owner ship,” Key said. “You don’t have the maintenance of the boat, the upkeep or deprecation. You pay your dues, and the boat is ready for use whenever you are ready.” 

Memberships to the club range from $380 to $420 with three different tiers based on a three to five year commitment. With a membership, you get a broad range of reservable boats in marinas across the country and in Canada. 

“We will always have boats rotating and have no stickers or logos on them as well,” Nicole Jones said. “We are a little hidden gem in LaGrange, and I hope locals start realizing we are here.”

Separate from the boat club, rentals of boats, kayaks, canoes and cottages are also available for use. 

“I’ve been wanting something to happen with this marina for years and years,” Key said. “I think finally it is in the right hands to do that.” 

To find out more information about the CareFree Boat Club, call Deborah Jablonski at (706) 881-1799.  The resort and marina are located at 1000 Seminole Road and can be reached at (706) 882-3437.