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Originally Posted by FORTSTANLEY
Hey Minnies Mate-
Got some Georgia questions for you, if you don't mind. Or anyone else whose been down this way. We are heading to Orlando shortly from Charleston, and there are a couple of places about 1/2 way- Jekyll Island or St. Marys. Both sound very interesting and wondered if you had any personal experience at either place. Thanks!
Krista
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Jekyll Island is a beautiful and quaint little island full of rich, and I do mean
rich, history. It is one of Georgia's five Golden Isles.
The island was purchased in the late 19th century as a private retreat for America's wealthiest upper crust to escape the New England winters. While most of the members of the exclusive Jekyll Island Club stayed in the main lodge during their stay, several members built beautiful "cottages" on the mainland side of the island in what is called "millionaire's village". Such cottage owners were the Macy's, the original owners of the dept. stores, the Van der Bilts, the Astors, the Pullitzers, the Firestones, and the Cranes (of Crane bathroom fixtures), and others. These Victorian jewels are open to the public for a small tour fee for self-guided tours. The main lodge is now a luxury hotel in the Westin chain, I believe.
Most of the cottages (mansions by today's standards) have been fully restored. One of the most spectacular restorations is the chapel with its dark stained Victorian/Gothic revival interior and stunning stained glass window. Try to visit it in the morning as the window deliberately faces east and is simply gorgeous with the sunlight streaming through. The very first transatlantic telephone call was made from Jekyll Island in the early 1900's.
The state recently completed a wonderful suspension bridge to Jekyll Island that is work of art in itself. The design has one awards and has been featured in many commercials and movies because of its design.
The island was purchased by the State of Georgia shortly after WWII. There were German U-boat sightings and more than one ship torpedoed off the shore of the island during the War and the members no longer felt safe so participation dwindled so the club closed and sold the island to the State with certain provisos. While there are a number of homes on the island, none are built on private property; they are all built on leased land. There are only a few lodging options and one campground as I recall on the island but a number of restaurants and two or three golf courses. Because of the State's tight building regulations (at least until now) nearly all of the beaches are pristine and undeveloped. They are as they always have been. Unfortunately, the State is planning to open the entire island up for redevelopment that will end its current state of natural appeal.
I am less familiar with St. Mary's. I know that St. Mary's is experiencing quite a renaissance recently with wonderful salt-marsh developments and new golf courses and is becoming not only a tourist destination for the golf and access to both the inter-coastal waterway and direct access to the Atlantic, but as a vacation home resort as well. There is a Naval Base with one of America's main submarine bases on-site and there are lots of deep-sea fishing opportunities as well.
Of the two, I would highly recommend Jekyll Island for the history, natural beauty, and tranquility. The only caveat I can add is that there can be tons of mosquito's at certain times of the year (other times not) and 30 years ago, the shrimp boats often came too close to shore and would stir up the bottom of the ocean floor and cause the water to be murky on the windward side of the island. Not a place for snorkeling, but a nice beach for sun bathing.