Tybee Island, next to Savannah in the north, and Amelia Island down at the bottom of Georgia (actually in Florida), along with St Simons Island in the middle, get most of the press and tourism for the coast of Georgia. But lying south of St Simons is an island that once was the playground of some of the wealthiest folks in America. They owned the whole wonderful island and developed it during the turn of the 20th century, right up until the late 1940s. During this time, boy did they take care of it! It was so exclusive, they only allotted for 50 building lots, and just 16 actually got “cottages” built. Since 1947, the state of Georgia has owned the island, and after years of neglect, the state finally realized the unspoiled gem they had acquired. Today, it’s basically a state park that people live in! The grounds of the historical district built by the uber-rich are just breathtaking, and someone wisely figured out bikes and golf cars were less impactful than cars and trucks. Interestingly, the island/state park is self-supporting, as it gets NO funds from the state.
Jekyll Island Marina wisely has a passel of bikes and even a couple of golf cars free for use by its guests! We used both but had the most fun on the bikes!
Driftwood Beach
On our first day, sensing a possible rainstorm, we used the golf car to zip to the northeast coast of the island to take in the notable Driftwood Beach – maybe a half mile or more of what looks like a forest that has been turned into driftwood. Whole trees!
Sometimes we make numerous attempts to get shots worth saving, which leaves us with comical outtakes…
Quintessential holiday magic
After grabbing a quick bite to eat and enjoying an absolutely spectacular sunset,
we used the “ol’ shoe leather express” to take a very pleasant stroll through the holiday light display in the Historic District. Just like a Hallmark movie! (Susie even vamped it up. Ha!) It’s hard to describe the massive live oaks, they are spectacular!
Playing tourists
The next day was warmer, and we just had to try the bicycles! Heck, ashamedly, it’s been years since either of us has ridden, but with nerves of steel we set out…and discovered it’s true what they say, “It’s like riding a bike!” Oh, wait. it is riding a bike. Well, we even managed to pass and operate the camera with one hand while riding! TaaaaDaaaa!
Lot of work, lot of fun. Break time?
We did do a lot of pedaling.
Earned a treat, right? 🙂
And then, we reached somewhat of a proverbial fork in the road:
Suitably refreshed, of course, we pedaled over to Faith Chapel. Built in 1904, the non-denominational chapel is fitted with gargoyles to ward off evil spirits and contains an original Tiffany stained glass window (lower right) that was installed in 1921 in memory of Frederick Bourne, President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the Jekyll Island Club. They get the color variety by stacking and carving the glass. Just beautiful!
After the chapel, we perused the little museum to learn some history of the island before and after the rich folks got it.
After which, to take a break from pedaling, we loaded onto a tram for a guided tour of the Historic District and the Millionaires Row of “cottages”…. you know…. 5 to 10 thousand square foot “cottages”….
After soaking up some local knowledge, we disembarked the tram, and jumped on the bikes to race back to the boat for sunset watch.
So much fun, we stayed a couple more days! Which means? Another day, another bicycle adventure.
Here we go again. Man, she’s flying! (and giggling)
And we then had a full day of Christmas shopping, Jekyll Island style!
Who knew biking could be such fun? The folks that put in miles and miles of bike paths on Jekyll, that’s who. Not sure any part of the island is NOT accessible by bike. Just an amazing place, since most of it is shaded by the magnificent Live Oaks, and the sunsets are stunning!
Just sell the boat and stay? Nah. Time to move on and see more of the wonderful world. We’ll be back…. after we rest our legs! Ha!
Our Travels 