Jekyll Island was once an exclusive destination where only millionaires could go for rest and relaxation in beautiful natural setting. The Rockefellers, Astors and Vanderbilts were among those who were members of the exclusive club. Non-members were not allowed to visit.
Today, Jekyll Island has the same natural beauty that it did in those early days. The only difference is that it is no longer only for the wealthy. It is now an affordable vacation destination that is perfect for families.
Riding bikes through the historic district or alongside the ocean or renting an electric car and canvassing the entire island to soak up the natural beauty are among the options for visitors. Taking a carriage ride or trolley tour and hearing the history of the island…Golfing…Tennis…Boating…The possibilities are endless.
Jekyll Island is a natural treasure located along Georgia’s coast. A five-hour drive from North Georgia, it is a great get-away for a weekend visit or an entire week’s stay.
Unspoiled beaches for as far as the eye can see provide a perfect place for sunning, splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, searching for seashells, strolling and swimming. The beaches aren’t crowded which makes it even more special.
On the northern side of the island, be sure to check out Driftwood Beach. It’s one of the best kept secrets on the island. Turn off at the Clam Creek Picnic Area and you will find the beach that was named for the huge live oak trunks that lie toppled over in the sand. Horseback rides and nature walks are offered at the site.
One of the great things about Jekyll Island is that 65 percent of the state-owned island has remained undeveloped since 1947. Let’s hope this doesn’t change so that generations to come can enjoy the natural beauty of Georgia’s jewel.
During your visit, take some time to stroll through the historic district and check out the beautiful homes. Markers give the history and background of the homes. Huge trees shade the area and the grassy lawns are inviting. It’s a relaxing place to spend a few hours soaking up the scenery.
While in the historic district, be sure to stop at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a rescue hospital for injured sea turtles. Visitors can watch through a glass window as these sick turtles are checked out by the staff. In another area of the center, you will find lots of turtles with documents near them outlining the extent of their injuries, where they were rescued from and other details. An interactive display is also located in the center and it gives lots of information about turtles and their habitat.
For more information, go to www.georgiaseaturtles.org.
More than 20 miles of bike paths make Jekyll Island a great place to hit the trails. Bike rental fees range from $4.75 per hour to $45 for the week. Tandems, surreys and other specialty bicycles are also available.
We got a mini-surrey and my nephew, Jake, and I enjoyed pedaling through the historic district. We stopped for an ice cream and sat on the grassy lawn in the historic district.
Also at the bicycle rental site, is a miniature golf course and a huge, shaded playground. Both are great places to spend some time with your family. The latest addition to this area is Red Bug Motors Pizza, which offers take or delivery pizza, sandwiches and other menu items. We loved the Red Bug signature pizza special which was covered with several meat and vegetable selections.
A new experience for us this visit was getting one of the electric cars from Red Bug Motors to use during our weekend visit. It was a wonderful way to experience the island. It was great to feel the wind in your hair as you buzzed along the ocean side in the open-air cars.
Two, four and six passenger electric motor vehicles are offered. Several locations are located on the island to recharge the cars.
The business is located at the Jekyll Island Airport, which hosts several fly-ins each year. The owners also offer free rides in a World War II training plane to World War II veterans.
For more information on the Red Bugs or the airport, call 912-635-9330.
WHERE TO STAY
The newly-opened Hampton Inn, located at 200 South Beachview Drive, is a great place to make your vacation headquarters during your stay. It has a wonderful pool area with beach access only steps away. A wooden boardwalk curves through the trees and to the beach. This area of the island isn’t crowded and there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the beach. We enjoyed people watching and saw a family building a huge sandcastle and another family gathered by the ocean for a wedding.
One of the greatest things about a stay at the Hampton is the wonderful free breakfast which we looked forward to each morning. Omelets, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, pastries, fruit, cereal and bagels were offered. I loved the make-your-own waffle station. The breakfast dining area is large and overlooks the pool area. Each afternoon, fresh cookies, hot tea, coffee and hot chocolate are offered at no charge in the lobby area.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable. We had a two-bedroom studio which had a small sitting area with a soft next to the balcony. Our balcony overlooked the pool area and it was a nice place to relax after a day of exploring.
For more information, go to www.jekyllislandhamptoninn.com or call 1-912-635-3733 or 1-800-426-7866.
For more information on visiting Jekyll Island, go to www.jekyllisland.com.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
-Eric