Jekyll Island Fans’ Fav Things to Do Informal Survey Response
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009I did an informal poll of my Facebook fans to help me write a “Things to Do” article on TripAdvisor.com. I got so many great responses, I thought I’d share…
Archive for 2009
TravelRoads - Escape to Jekyll Island (by Charlene Mixa)
Friday, November 13th, 2009TravelRoads - Escape to Jekyll Island (by Charlene Mixa).
Anyone need a getaway? This illustrative article about things to do and see on Jekyll Island will make you book that trip!
Escape to Jekyll Island: The Jewel of Georgia’s Golden Isles
Jekyll Island Club Hotel
A little island off the coast of Georgia captured the attention of a group of wealthy families for a hunting retreat from the cold northern winters. With the purchase of the island, the group created the Jekyll Island Club in 1886 which became known as the “richest, the most exclusive, and most inaccessible club in the world”. Jekyll Island, the southern most of the Golden Isles, now welcomes visitors to this remarkable island retreat. Explore miles of barrier island beaches with miles of bike trails along marshlands, woodlands and coastlines. Learn the fascinating history of the infamous Jekyll Island Club. Tee it up! Discover the natural wonders of Jekyll Island that charmed the wealthy so many years ago.
Escape to Jekyll Island
The Jewel of Georgia’s Golden Isles
Jekyll Island Club Hotel
A little island off the coast of Georgia captured the attention of a group of wealthy families for a hunting retreat from the cold northern winters. With the purchase of the island, the group created the Jekyll Island Club in 1886 which became known as the “richest, the most exclusive, and most inaccessible club in the world”. Jekyll Island, the southern most of the Golden Isles, now welcomes visitors to this remarkable island retreat. Explore miles of barrier island beaches with miles of bike trails along marshlands, woodlands and coastlines. Learn the fascinating history of the infamous Jekyll Island Club. Tee it up! Discover the natural wonders of Jekyll Island that charmed the wealthy so many years ago.
Off to explore Jekyll Island, my husband and I are ready to experience its uniqueness and its gilded history. A six-mile causeway through marshlands and across the Intracoastal Waterway takes us to the Island. Exiting on Riverview Drive, along a moss-draped tree lined road we pass the winter “cottages” that represent the gilded area of the island’s wealthy owners. The road opens to a spectacular view of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. This multi-story Victorian building, the former grand clubhouse of the Jekyll Island Club, has been beautifully restored to its glorious splendor. The doorman and bellman greet us immediately as we arrive. Walking into the hotel we “sense” the history of the Club and admire the décor that blends the old and the new.
Our spacious river side two room suite is well appointed with Victorian furnishings, a full living room, a bedroom with king bed and the oversized garden tub in the bathroom. The bedroom and sitting room have elegant fireplaces bringing an extra charm to the rooms and their history. Modern conveniences are close at hand including HDTV’s. We roam the hotel admiring the rich wood of the staircase, the elegant dining room, the inviting courtyard, the croquette lawn and the pool with its view of the river and marshlands. Many photographs showcase the hotel in its heyday giving a sense of what life was like then.
The Hotel is the perfect point from which to explore the Island’s history. Walking along the sidewalks among the large “live” oak trees we see shops that were the former buildings of the many workers of the Club. The Jekyll Island Museum is the gateway for the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. At the museum we learn the early history of the island through the video and exhibit including the settlers who arrived with James Oglethorpe’s colonization of Georgia, the purchase by the men who formed the Jekyll Island Club, the Island’s purchase by the State of Georgia and the ongoing historic district restoration.
On 3:00 PM Historic Tram Tour our driver and guide, Phyllis, explains this is 240-acre riverfront compound and is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States. The Jekyll Island Club with their grand clubhouse and “cottages” membership represented over one-sixth of the world’s wealth. The Rockefellers, Morgans, Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, Cranes and Goulds were all members of this exclusive club. Serving only as a winter retreat, the “cottages” were to be simple without the extravagance in architecture or décor of their other homes. The “cottages” were 5,000 to 9,000 square feet, a small house for these wealthy families. We tour three homes, walking through the rooms with their period décor reflective of the family. The ladies sitting rooms were light and airy, while the men’s parlors were dark and rich. The architects, to keep with the theme of “cottage”, used various techniques such as painting the floors to look like parquet instead having actual parquet. No kitchens are in these “cottages” as meals were eaten at the Jekyll Island Club or the Club would cater for functions at the cottages. Ah, yes, this was the gilded era!
Our final stop is Faith Chapel, the second interdenominational chapel built by the Jekyll Island Club. This small, Gothic style chapel features two superb stained glass windows. At the chapel’s east end, behind the altar, is the beautiful stained glass window – Adoration of the Christ Child- created by Maitland Armstrong and his daughter, Helen. Made of several layers of glass, giving the illusion of depth, it is one of the most outstanding pieces of stained glass in the nation. The window at the west end – David Sets Singers Unto the Lord – is as a signed example of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
On Phyllis’ recommendation, we go to dinner at Crane Cottage. Built by Richard T. Crane, heir to the Crane plumbing fortune, the cottage is Italianate villa architecture. In 1924 the Architectural Record stated it was “the most expensive and elegant winter home ever built on Jekyll Island.” The cottage is now part of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel featuring the Courtyard at Crane restaurant and several guest rooms. We have an excellent three course meal from the early bird special. It’s a moonlit night on our return walk to the Hotel. It has been a grand day of experiencing the “rich” history of Jekyll Island.
Jekyll Island is touted as “A world-class golf destination!” Grabbing our sticks we head out to play one of Jekyll’s four golf courses. Golf has been a part of Jekyll Island since the early years of the Jekyll Island Club. Pine Lakes is the newest and longest course on the Island. The day we play it is cart path only, but we are off early as a twosome, allowing us time to enjoy the course. Meandering through ocean forests and quiet hammocks, the course is very enjoyable. It provides enough challenge but is not overly demanding for the average golfer.
After golf we stop by the wharf where we enjoy the views of the waterway and partake in some local seafood at the Rah Bar. At the Georgia Sea Turtle Museum we explore the interactive exhibits on the sea turtle encompassing its biology, conservation, rehabilitation and the sea turtle’s fascinating journey from egg to adulthood. At the viewing window of the treatment area and rehabilitation area, we watch as injured and ill turtles receive veterinary care.
Driving the perimeter roads of the island, we admire the lush woodlands, marshlands and sand dune beaches. We note the well marked bike paths and walking trails, plus the lack of congestion. Owned by the State of Georgia, 65% of the island will remain undeveloped preserving its natural setting. Jekyll Island is an excellent destination for enchanting history, outdoor sport activities and experiencing nature.
Jekyll Island Welcome Center
901 Downing Musgrove Causeway
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
912.635.3636
www.jekyllisland.com
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
800.535.9537
www.jekyllclub.com
Jekyll Island Museum
100 Stable Road
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
912.635.4036
www.jekyllisland.com
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center
www.georigaseaturtlecenter.org
Faith Chapel
Moss Cottage in the National Historic Landmark District
Off to explore Jekyll Island, my husband and I are ready to experience its uniqueness and its gilded history. A six-mile causeway through marshlands and across the Intracoastal Waterway takes us to the Island. Exiting on Riverview Drive, along a moss-draped tree lined road we pass the winter “cottages” that represent the gilded area of the island’s wealthy owners. The road opens to a spectacular view of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. This multi-story Victorian building, the former grand clubhouse of the Jekyll Island Club, has been beautifully restored to its glorious splendor. The doorman and bellman greet us immediately as we arrive. Walking into the hotel we “sense” the history of the Club and admire the décor that blends the old and the new.
Our spacious river side two room suite is well appointed with Victorian furnishings, a full living room, a bedroom with king bed and the oversized garden tub in the bathroom. The bedroom and sitting room have elegant fireplaces bringing an extra charm to the rooms and their history. Modern conveniences are close at hand including HDTV’s. We roam the hotel admiring the rich wood of the staircase, the elegant dining room, the inviting courtyard, the croquette lawn and the pool with its view of the river and marshlands. Many photographs showcase the hotel in its heyday giving a sense of what life was like then.
The Hotel is the perfect point from which to explore the Island’s history. Walking along the sidewalks among the large “live” oak trees we see shops that were the former buildings of the many workers of the Club. The Jekyll Island Museum is the gateway for the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District. At the museum we learn the early history of the island through the video and exhibit including the settlers who arrived with James Oglethorpe’s colonization of Georgia, the purchase by the men who formed the Jekyll Island Club, the Island’s purchase by the State of Georgia and the ongoing historic district restoration.
On 3:00 PM Historic Tram Tour our driver and guide, Phyllis, explains this is 240-acre riverfront compound and is one of the largest ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States. The Jekyll Island Club with their grand clubhouse and “cottages” membership represented over one-sixth of the world’s wealth. The Rockefellers, Morgans, Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, Cranes and Goulds were all members of this exclusive club. Serving only as a winter retreat, the “cottages” were to be simple without the extravagance in architecture or décor of their other homes. The “cottages” were 5,000 to 9,000 square feet, a small house for these wealthy families. We tour three homes, walking through the rooms with their period décor reflective of the family. The ladies sitting rooms were light and airy, while the men’s parlors were dark and rich. The architects, to keep with the theme of “cottage”, used various techniques such as painting the floors to look like parquet instead having actual parquet. No kitchens are in these “cottages” as meals were eaten at the Jekyll Island Club or the Club would cater for functions at the cottages. Ah, yes, this was the gilded era!
Our final stop is Faith Chapel, the second interdenominational chapel built by the Jekyll Island Club. This small, Gothic style chapel features two superb stained glass windows. At the chapel’s east end, behind the altar, is the beautiful stained glass window – Adoration of the Christ Child- created by Maitland Armstrong and his daughter, Helen. Made of several layers of glass, giving the illusion of depth, it is one of the most outstanding pieces of stained glass in the nation. The window at the west end – David Sets Singers Unto the Lord – is as a signed example of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
On Phyllis’ recommendation, we go to dinner at Crane Cottage. Built by Richard T. Crane, heir to the Crane plumbing fortune, the cottage is Italianate villa architecture. In 1924 the Architectural Record stated it was “the most expensive and elegant winter home ever built on Jekyll Island.” The cottage is now part of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel featuring the Courtyard at Crane restaurant and several guest rooms. We have an excellent three course meal from the early bird special. It’s a moonlit night on our return walk to the Hotel. It has been a grand day of experiencing the “rich” history of Jekyll Island.
Jekyll Island is touted as “A world-class golf destination!” Grabbing our sticks we head out to play one of Jekyll’s four golf courses. Golf has been a part of Jekyll Island since the early years of the Jekyll Island Club. Pine Lakes is the newest and longest course on the Island. The day we play it is cart path only, but we are off early as a twosome, allowing us time to enjoy the course. Meandering through ocean forests and quiet hammocks, the course is very enjoyable. It provides enough challenge but is not overly demanding for the average golfer.
After golf we stop by the wharf where we enjoy the views of the waterway and partake in some local seafood at the Rah Bar. At the Georgia Sea Turtle Museum we explore the interactive exhibits on the sea turtle encompassing its biology, conservation, rehabilitation and the sea turtle’s fascinating journey from egg to adulthood. At the viewing window of the treatment area and rehabilitation area, we watch as injured and ill turtles receive veterinary care.
Driving the perimeter roads of the island, we admire the lush woodlands, marshlands and sand dune beaches. We note the well marked bike paths and walking trails, plus the lack of congestion. Owned by the State of Georgia, 65% of the island will remain undeveloped preserving its natural setting. Jekyll Island is an excellent destination for enchanting history, outdoor sport activities and experiencing nature.
Jekyll Island Welcome Center
901 Downing Musgrove Causeway
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
912.635.3636
www.jekyllisland.com
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel
371 Riverview Drive
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
800.535.9537
www.jekyllclub.com
Jekyll Island Museum
100 Stable Road
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
912.635.4036
www.jekyllisland.com
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center
www.georigaseaturtlecenter.org
Faith Chapel
Moss Cottage in the National Historic Landmark District
Enter to Win a Weekend Getaway at Oceanside Inn and Suites
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel Wins “Open Table” Regional Recognition!
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Awards Received Were:
1st in Romantic Restaurant
2nd in Best Service and Ambience3rd in Special Occasion
4th in Best Overall
7th in Best Food
10th in Great For Brunch
The Grand Dining Room of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is celebrating! 2009 Open Table Diners’ Choice annual ratings have been released, and the hotel’s premiere dining room is among the finest Georgia restaurants in seven major categories. One of the leading international websites for making restaurant reservations, OpenTable, has announced the ratings of 283 restaurants in Georgia that participate in the online reservations program. The Grand Dining Room ranks first in Romantic Restaurant, second in Best Service and Ambience, third in Special Occasion Restaurant, fourth in Best Overall, seventh in Best Food and tenth in Great for Brunch! More than 156,400 diners in Georgia voted based on their dining experiences. Executive Chef Abigail Hutchinson, who leads the culinary team in the hotel’s three restaurants—Grand Dining Room, Courtyard at Crane and Café Solterra — said, “We are thrilled with this recognition and thank all those guests who helped make this possible with their patronage.”
When a table is booked on OpenTable.com, the reservation is instantly recorded in the restaurant’s computerized reservation book – the same one the restaurant’s host uses to track all reservations. OpenTable has live internet connections into the restaurants themselves. Restaurant availability information is up to date, and reservations are immediately confirmed. The Grand Dining Room, a full service restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a legendary Sunday Brunch. The á-la carte menu features continental cuisine specializing in seafood, gourmet specialties and authentic southern fare. The Club pianist enhances the evening dining and Sunday Brunch experience. For additional information contact the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 or call 912-635-2600. For reservations, visit our website at www.jekyllclub.com or make reservations online at www.opentable.com.
happytrails2007 found Ruins
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Log Date: 11/9/2009
Nice hide did while biking. This island has great bike trails
Love the New Jekyll Island Beachscape? Want to Advertise Your Business in it?
Friday, November 6th, 2009
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Video of Sea Turtles Arriving at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Thursday, November 5th, 2009Two sea turtles have arrived at their new home on Jekyll Island Thursday at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Beachscape - Event Spotlight: Jekyll Island Big Band’s 30th Annual New Year’s Eve Party
Thursday, November 5th, 2009HELP US BRING DOWN THE HOUSE - LITERALLY!
Jekyll Island Big Band’s 30th New Year’s Party will be the last in the “AQUARAMA ” Ballroom, the same room in which the band debuted in 1979, before the Convention Center is demolished in 2010! Big Band sounds, Jekyll Island Big Band’s 30th New Year’s Party, Terrazzo Dance Floor in a remarkable dance hall, last New Year’s dance in the historical “Aquarama Ballroom”! The New Years Eve Dance general admission at the door is $30 per person. No advanced ticket sales.
date I December 31, 2009
more I www.jekyllbigband.org
phone I (912) 635-3636 I Groups (15+) please contact Judit Vacvie (912) 635-4169
location I Jekyll Island’s “Aquarama Ballroom”
JEKYLL ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER “A” Hall
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center Update
Thursday, November 5th, 2009Tunicate
The gender of a sea turtle cannot be ascertained visually until they are sexually mature, which in the case of the loggerhead takes 35 years. We received a turtle last spring that had a heavy load of sea squirts or tunicates on its shell. The turtle was appropriately named tunicate. Tunicate presented unable to dive and we subsequently found air in the body cavity secondary to a lung tear. The lung tear was likely from blunt force trauma and possibly a boat strike. After numerous aspirations with a needle and syringe the air was finally removed and the lung tear healed. Tunicate no longer floated and started to eat and defecate normally now that all the pressure from the air was gone. Subadult sea turtles can be sexed by testing their blood for testosterone levels. Tunicate had very high testosterone levels and is a male. Tunicate also has a propeller wound from a boat and a shark bite. Both wounds were almost healed when he arrived. Tunicate will be released with several other turtles during the annual Birding Festival on Jekyll Island in early October.
THE REWARDS OF VOLUNTEERING
Adapting an old African proverb, one could say “It takes a community to save a turtle.” The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) treats all of it patients with one goal - safely release them back into the wild. As with any hospital, a lot goes on behind the scenes to make this happen on a daily (and nightly) basis by staff and many unsung heroes- our volunteers!GSTC volunteers contribute their time, energy, passion and experience in many different ways. Some greet guests and orient them to our facility and its offerings. Others guide guests through the exhibit gallery and turtle hospital, offering enriching information about turtles and our special patients. Some volunteers care for turtles by helping staff prepare food, manage tanks, and assist with rehabilitation procedures while others may take guests for educational walks on the beach or help with research. Quite often, you’ll see them helping with special events like turtle releases or island celebrations. In 2009, volunteers contributed over 11,000 of hours of time in rehabilitation, research and education, making visitors and turtles better off as a result.
“I have gotten far more from being a volunteer than the Center has ever asked of me. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I knew NOTHING about Sea Turtles when I began but thanks to the excellent staff, I feel confident answering questions from the public. I am proud to be a part of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center!!”
During this season of giving, we want to offer specials thanks to our wonderful volunteers. We know the turtles appreciate them, too!
become a volunteer!
Please contact Teddy Ivey: (912) 634-4076 • tivey@jekyllisland.com
www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/join-us
Fiber and Wood Exhibit at Goodyear Cottage
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Color, textures, elegance and creative essence will be on display from an exceptional group of Fiber and Wood Artists in the Gallery of Goodyear Cottage in Jekyll Island’s Historic District.
Opening day of the exhibit will be November 2nd continuing thru November 29th. The Jekyll Island Arts Association sponsoring this exhibit will hold the artists’ reception Sunday, November 8th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public.
Weavers Judith Krone, Kay Guilment, Christine Stanton, Janet Bealer, Lynn Pollard, Dianne Totten and Ann Doherty will exhibit fiber arts that represent their personal styles and creative stories. They are fascinated by gorgeous color; complex weaving structures; the elegant simplicity of design and the challenge of creating and weaving fabric. These talented weavers create one-of-a-kind creations that demonstrate their dedication and exploration of their craft. Wood turner, Bob Stanton reveals the essence of the wood in each unique
piece he creates. He feels the deeper he explores the more the wood reveals because each piece of wood is unique in and of itself. Thus enabling him endless creativity as a wood turner.
nice and peacefull relaxing ……