The custom homes of East Shores blend with and complement the natural setting of this private gated-community nestled on the eastern shore of Garner Lake.
Residences vary from modern lodges by the lake to Cape Cods and the traditional elegance of the South, all uniquely woven into a community of just over 70 homes.
The lake’s clear waters provide vistas treasured by residents, both lakeside and off-shore. The changing seasons display beautifully across the waters and colorful sunsets, sunrises, and a moon you can almost touch rarely fail to delight.
The East Shores community began with Lakeland Amusement Park. Conceived in the late 1950’s by Louis Garner, the lake’s namesake, and built in the early 60’s, the park was promoted as “the world’s largest playground” and “the Disneyland of the Mid-South.” It featured a 240-acre lake, a mile-long skyride traversing its length, a paddle-wheeler plying its waters, the Huff’n’Puff steam train traveling a south-end circuit complete with moonshining bandits, a dozen amusement rides, an outdoor concert pavilion, and virtually every amenity Garner could think of. Thousands of Mid-Southerners spent many happy days at the park.
When the park hit hard times in the 70s and closed in 1977, Garner and investors turned the prime lakeside property into the upscale gated community of East Shores. Garner was among its first residents.
Today few remnants of the amusement park remain within the quiet grounds. You can see the placement of the amusement rides and other amenities here.
For more of the history of Lakeland Amusement Park and pictures from its heyday, go to lakelandlake.com.
East Shores residents and their neighbors on Garner Lake make good use of the beautiful clear waters of the lake. Boating, fishing, swimming, rowing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, sunbathing, and just floating or cruising are popular pastimes. Pontoon boats are ubiquitous, averaging nearly one per lake-side home.
The annual Fourth of July celebration includes one of the largest fireworks displays in Shelby County, a boat parade, a patriotic lighting contest, watergun fight on the water, a pontoon party, and yard and patio parties for friends and relatives.
Sunsets on the lake are a cause for celebration almost every night.
Then there are fishing tournaments, BBQ contests, Poker Runs, pool parties, pontoon tie-ups—almost any reason anyone can think of to get together, enjoy neighborly hospitality, and take in the fabulous setting.
East Shores is blessed with a natural environment that makes you feel you’re on vacation every day.
Entering the unique and artistic gates off Canada Road and crossing beside the relaxing clear waters of the lake unfolds a natural wonderland of flora and fauna. Ducks and geese, deer, great blue heron, eagles, otters, and a menagerie of other wildlife share surroundings as beautiful as nature intended them.
So close and yet so far from the chaos of the city.