Georgia – Jekyll Island

January 10, 2009 | By admin In Georgia beaches,Uncategorized |

: Image via Wikipedia

Jekyll Island, Georgia

When I was going to boarding school in South Carolina, my parents would pick me up during the Easter break and we would go to Jekyll Island, Georgia. I had spent a lot of time at St. Petes Beach, FL during Easter break, so Jekyll Island was a change, i.e. no pristine white bleached beaches, but somewhat darker sand with lots of dunes. It was also not hot there compared to Florida during the same period. This is one place to plan for summer holidays, or at least closer to the summer such as May for turtle watching, or June. Jekyll Island was originally an island for wealthy patrons. The residue of their lifestyle is still seen on the island, with Victorian mansions and homes (they call them summer homes and cottages). The Jekyll Club Hotel is an example of an 1886 bygone era – the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts and Morgans era. I don’t know why architects can’t or won’t design hotels like this anymore, but this one is achingly beautiful. The rates are comparable to others, and as far as I’m concerned, better than a lot when you realize this hotel is one of the top 500 resorts in the world, and one such as the Bucaneer Beach Resort is similar if not more in price but without the glorious splendor or impeccable standards.
Sea turtles – the island should have probably been called this. Starting in May, the female sea turtles make their way up the beach from the sea, laying their eggs in little nests they dig for this purpose. The nests are marked, the sea turtles are protected species here, the privilege of watching this should be seen as just that – a privilege, so if children cannot leave them alone, this may not be something for the more hyperactive to be witness to. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is stationed on the island for this very special species. There is a sea turtle walk, which after a presentation and video on the turtles, a walk to the beach with a guide may result in that thrilling experience of watching a turtle actually laying her eggs.

For those who must have speed besides internet speed, there is the Golden Isle speedway about 25 minutes away in Waynesville. Check out their website for dates of races and prices.

Driftwood Beach has an incredible reputation for shelling, better than the shelling spots in Florida. The dolphins can be seen cajoling in the waters. The Villa By the Sea is located here, with comparable rates. You can’t swim at high tide but there is a playgrond at the resort, plus a pool. At Driftwood Beach there is also horseback riding provided by Victoria’s Carriages.

Although this is about family beach vacations, if you need or want to divert from the natural beauty to something superficial, for the sake of variations to your day, try the Summer Waves waterpark, with really reasonable rates. The Pirates Passage is supposed to be truly awesome with kids and adults. And if you haven’t seen enough waves, there is a wave pool here with a superficial beach,, for those who have never had the experience. Lots to do.

Bike riding – there are 20 miles of winding trail to ride on, and bikes can be rented for approximately 11.00 per day at Mini Bike and Golf Rentals.

There is a Low Country Boil Buffet on the harbor, with SeaJay’s Waterfront Cafe serving you up this enormous meal for 15.00 adults, 7.50 for kids 10 and under.

For families who want day visits to Jekyll Island beaches, there are public showers and restrooms in two pavillions, free of charge by the way.