Step Back in Time: Jekyll Island
Do you ever long to take a step back in time? This was the feeling we experienced as we drove onto Jekyll Island, Georgia. From the moment we glimpsed the Jekyll Island Club and Historic District and the striking natural beauty of the island, I knew we had found a very special place. The more I learned of the history of Jekyll Island, the more I knew we were not alone in our discovery. Teeming with interesting history, this island’s colorful background made for an enchanting visit.
If you’re near Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, then you’re already incredibly close to this destination.
Founded in 1886, the Jekyll Island Club was an elite winter destination for some of America’s wealthiest families from the late 19th century until World War II. Families with names like Rockefeller, Morgan, and Vanderbilt built what they called “cottages” on the island.
A wonderful tram tour, run by the Jekyll Island Authority, casually took us throughout the grounds where most of the buildings from the Jekyll Island Club era still stand remarkably preserved.
A highlight was going into two of the cottages, including the beautifully restored Rockefeller cottage, appointed with period furniture and stories about life in the Rockefeller household. A brief stroll through the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, currently a four-star resort, took us back in time to the Gilded Era where it was easy to imagine being a guest of the hotel a century ago.
Part of our visit to the Historic District included a meander through the Jekyll Island Museum. Filled with excellent photos and information, it was here that we learned that, in 1910 a handful of the country’s leading financiers, who together represented about one-sixth of the world’s wealth, secretly met to discuss monetary policy and the banking system which, some say, led to the creation of the Federal Reserve. This and many more fascinating stories make up the rich history of the island.
Although we drove onto the island, our favorite form of transportation once we arrived was the bicycle. Jekyll Island has over twenty miles of scenic, paved bike paths winding around the island: along the beach, under the live oak trees adorned with Spanish moss, over the scenic marshlands, and throughout the charming and fascinating Jekyll Island Historic District. Seeing the island by bicycle made all the difference in creating an up-close-and-personal bond with this magical place.
We visited the marshlands during different times of day to see the tide variations on the beaches and oyster beds lining the river. Fisherman lined the pier at the Clam Creek Picnic Area. Driftwood Beach was surprising in scope. I expected driftwood, but not necessarily a driftwood forest, which is what we found. Hauntingly beautiful, this beach was like nothing I’ve ever seen. We rode around the entire island in one afternoon, taking in every path we could find, enjoying what felt like a frolic in the park.
While on the island, a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center was definitely in order. As a rehabilitation center for wounded turtles, we were able to meet a few of the “patients,” hear their stories, and learn about their treatments. Also at the center are several educational, hands-on displays for people of all ages to learn about the life of sea turtles, a viewing window to watch the veterinarians at work, and a cute gift shop with all things turtles. (Incidentally, we learned that turtles live in water and tortoises live on land.)
Our choice for lodging was The Hampton Inn & Suites, Jekyll Island. This new hotel features comfortable suites, complete with all of the expected amenities, and an impressive full-breakfast buffet. From make-them-yourself waffles and fruit, to biscuits and gravy, or standard pastries and cereal, we left the hotel rested and satisfied. The inviting lobby was both spacious and beautiful, looking out over the pool, spa, and outdoor lounge area. The gnarled and curvaceous oak of the maritime forest were nothing short of spectacular as we made our way over the protected dunes to the pristine sandy beach on the hotel’s boardwalk trail. Next door to a picturesque picnic area, the Hampton Inn is located in a lovely location with well-appointed rooms and an immaculate facility.
On the island there are many more available activities, including golf courses, a mini-golf course, tennis and soccer complexes, and the Summer Waves water park (open in the summer season). History, charm, hospitality, and fun abound on this small Georgia island!
