More memories from the Sheehans!
Wednesday, September 26th, 2007[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOjdOf-2hJY[/youtube]
Posts Tagged ‘ feedback ’
Man, did we have fun at Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival!
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvJl7-WcYSc[/youtube]
From an Admirer…
Tuesday, August 14th, 2007A frequent visitor to Jekyll Island has nothing but praise for the island in the Summer of 2007:
“The beautiful wildflowers make the Causeway a magic carpet - -The wave pool is back!! Thank you Ronny Smith (Sr. Director of Facilities), my older children (and me and my wife) love it -
Summer Waves is so clean and well organized and well-managed!! Thank you Steve Sharp (who is a good boss to my older son)
And Bill Daley -The playground by the mini-golf is a great success with my youngest son - he can play happily and safely there for a couple of hours.
All this in addition to “love the beach, bike trails and birds” -Jekyll Island has it all!”
We Love Pine Lakes Golf Course
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007Pine Lakes Golf Course - Jekyll Island, Georgia
By Bend_of_the_River
Pine Lakes Golf Course is one of three 18 hole layouts located on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Pine Lakes, at one time, was the red headed step child of the three. I always felt that the Dick Wilson designed Oleander was a timeless classic, worthy of two to three rounds each time I visit.
However, this vacation, I split my golfing time between the two courses. In 2002 the State of Georgia freed up some money and golf course architect Clyde Johnston reworked this ultra-tight, tree lined course. I used to dread playing Pine Lakes, so much so that I usually skipped playing it all together. It has taken me 5 years just to play the newly redesigned course. Not anymore. Johnston reworked Pine Lakes in 2002, making it much more friendly to errant shots. Sure, you’ll still need a decent degree of accuracy, there is no links golf here. The first thing that I noticed were LESS trees, and more bunkers. The greens were also much more contoured, yet still fair. I am not sure if I am a fan of bermuda greens though. The course still winds its way lazily through an island forest and no, you will not see any homes, just a few gators and lots of deer. The course is also kid friendly (special US Kids tee boxes for all) and quite an easy walk as well. Read More>
If you don’t believe me…read what other wrote!
Saturday, August 4th, 2007This is what the travelers on Yahoo think about Jekyll Island… Maybe you should post your own!
Live, Love and Enjoy!!
Last Visit: July 2004
Great for: Beaches, Hiking/Camping, History/Culture, Budget Travel, Family Vacations
Jekyll Island, Georgia is the island for me. This is a great vacation place. The beaches are not crowded. The scenic view is fantastic and your family can enjoy their family time together without worry.
You can enjoy looking for shells in the morning, fishing at the pier and then touring the homes of the rich and famous. At night, the island is so beautiful and you can ride in your car and see deer standing beside the road. The deer are so tamed that you can pull up beside them and they will just look right at you. At night, the marina is an enjoyable place to go watch the ships come in and the oysters at the bar are great.
The kids loved the Water Park and, if you spend the day there, by night all you want to do is lay on the beach and watch the waves because you are so tired. We always enjoy staying at the Jekyll Island Inn because it has the best pool and a bar close by the pool so we can watch the children.
But the best of all is going to Soccer Complex and taking the boardwalk to the beach. It is so nice on that side of the island. Not a lot of crowd and my husband and son can fish while my daughter and I enjoy the sum. We can go shrimping on the side and watch the shrimp boats come by. Also, we love to see the dolphins.
Jekyll Island is the place to relax especially when you only get one vacation a year and it is a place where you can live, love and enjoy the relaxing side of life.
“What A Wonderful World”
Last Visit: March 2005
Great for: Beaches, History/Culture, Nightlife, Budget Travel, Family Vacations
In January of this year (05) my sister and I decided to take a mini vacation. We had no where special to go, so we just pointed the car south. After a few stops and a few disappoints, we landed at Jekyll Island.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagine the beautiful experience we were about to have staying at Jekyll Island. The spacious beach, the promising sunrise, the peaceful sunset are all a soul needs to see what a wonderful world Jekyll Island is! One last note, 6 weeks later…the car was returning to my Jekyll Island sanctuary!
A Geeat Place for a Honeymoon!
Last Visit: September 2005
Great for: Beaches, Hiking/Camping, History/Culture, Budget Travel, Family Vacations
My husband and I went there for our honeymoon because my sister had recommended it to us. She had told us all this great stuff about it and she was defitinately right. The beach was amazing and we pratically had the whole beach to ourselves. We went the week of Labor Day and it was so uncrowded. We rented a 2 bedroom duplex through Parker-Kaufman that ended up being cheaper than a hotel room. We will defitinately be visiting again-only this time our three children will get to experience the beauty of Jekyll Island!
Jekyll Island Family Vacation
Last Visit: July 2005
Great for: Beaches, Scuba/Snorkeling, Hiking/Camping, History/Culture, Budget Travel, Family Vacations
This was the first year that we as a family went on a family vacation. My husband and I were celebrating our 4 year anniversary, and the kids being teenagers (18 & 16) all loaded up in the truck and headed to Jekyll Island. The whole experience was something wonderful.
The people were so nice! And the weather was sunny and hot, just the way we wanted it! We stayed in a duplex on the beach, and was up before the sun every morning looking for shells, then watching the sunrise. That was so spectactular! Renting bikes for the day and riding around the island looking at the sites, and the beaches that surround Jekyll Island was a wonderful treat. Then in the middle, when its hottest, we would go in and nap where it was cool for a couple hours. Then we were back at the beach. At night fall we would watch the moon rise, absolutely breath taking.The kids and I had never been to the ocean before, we had the best time ever. I happy my husband wanted to share his childhood memories with us while we were there, this is where he spent many summers with his family.Go and enjoy, make some special memories of your own.
One of my favorite vacation destinations
Last Visit: September 2005
Great for: Beaches, Hiking/Camping, History/Culture, Budget Travel, Family Vacations
I have been vacationing in Jekyll Island for many years. It’s a nice, quiet, and relaxing small island.
If you are looking for a touristy beach with lots of shops, resturaunts, and large resorts then this place is not for you. But, if you’re looking for a beach that’s never crowded, smaller hotels, and smaller local resturaunts then this is the place for you!
The scenery is beautiful. You can find your own corner of the beach during the off season and never see another person all day. They have horseback riding, bicycle rentals, dolphin and fishing cruises, nature walks, a great historic district, and much more. I’ve stayed at a few of the different hotels as well as the campground, and was very happy with the places I stayed. They also have house and condo rentals as well. There are also several other islands to visit near by, including St. Simons and Cumberland islands.
Jekyll island is located about 1 1/2 hours south of Savannah, and about 45 min north of Jacksonville.
Beautiful
Last Visit: June 2005
Great for: Beaches, Family Vacations
This is the place to go if you dislike crowds and glitter. It is simple,down to earth and peaceful. You can enjoy your entire visit because it is so laid back. If you are really looking for R&R then this is the place. The surroundings are beautiful. Clean, safe, uncrowded.
IDEAL day trip if you live in GA, FL, SC
Last Visit:
May 2004
This is maybe the best kept secret in Georgia. I found this place while on a business trip, browsing travel brochures in a hotel in Georgia. I went there because I’d never heard of it. It’s a bit of a pain to get there by car, and as you cross the bridge it looks like the standard golf course/dog and pony show that draws suburbanites in the summer. The real treasure here is the historical grounds, where you see the country estates of the Vanderbuilts, Rockafellers, etc. Jekyll Island in the early 20th century was used as a hunting resort for the extremely privilaged, and much of the history has been restored over the years. It’s a great getaway for an afternoon or weekend.
WONDERFUL VACATION
Last Visit: July 2007
Great for: Beaches, Hiking/Camping, History/Culture, Budget Travel, Family Vacations
MY FAMILY AND I ENJOYED OUR RECENT TRIP TO JEKYLL ISLAND.WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME,WE WILL DEFINATELY VISIT THERE AGAIN.IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO VACATION WITH THE FAMILY.JEKYLL ISLAND IS VERY PEACEFUL,A MUCH BETTER PLACE THAN FLORIDA.WHAT I LIKED THE MOST;IT IS FAMILY SAFE&FRIENDLY.NO BAR OR NIGHT CLUB ON EVERY CORNER.IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NICE VACATION THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO.BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE DOLPHIN TOURS.
Beautiful
Last Visit: May 2005
Great for: Beaches, History/Culture, Family Vacations
My husband and I visted Jekyll Island in May of 05 for our Annivary. Great place. Enjoy the carraige rides and walks on the beach.Very peaceful. Will return again this year!!!!
Sharon’s Memories
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007I brought my mom to visit her cousin in Brunswick several years ago and she took us to see St Simons for lunch. We took the trolley tour and the scenery and history was just amazing. On our way back to Florida, we stopped by Jekyll Island to take a look at the beach. I was forever hooked.
My mother lived in Ohio but since I lived in Florida, when I wanted a peaceful, beautiful place to go, I headed up to Jekyll Island at least once a year.
In fact, everyone I worked with, I would tell them they have to go there, it is wonderful and peaceful.
My mother and her cousin passed away last year and I miss them, but I continue to come to Jekyll Island for peace and while I am there I think about my mom and know that she is with me.. I am bringing my grandchildren up there in July and we will be camping out and going to the GSTC.
My dream would be to be able to move to Jekyll Island or even the Brunswick area in about 5 years. I keep hoping to win that lottery……….LOL
Here are a few of my favorite pictures to post of Jekyll Island.
Thanks and have a wonderful day.
Sharon,
Kissimmee, Florida.
Ken From Macon’s Memories
Friday, June 15th, 2007Ken from Macon writes:
I am a 40 year-old who went to Jekyll almost annually with my parents. I happened across your blog when I was researching what was going on with Jekyll.I haven’t had time yet to digest everything but if you’ll swing by Flickr.com and see the pictures I took of the old Stuckey’s Carriage Inn you might enjoy them. Look up “Georgia Coast Inn”.
Most of the times we had were good though my Mom badly dislocated her ankle when falling at the old Hilton (Villas by the Sea). I remember the ambulance was ten years old and to be replaced that autumn. But the EMT’s more than made up for it.I also know Rob Evans, who is a customer of mine. He was a Carnegie nominee for saving one or two people (I forget)caught on a sandbar at Jekyll. Sadly a third person drowned but his efforts gave someone a lease on life.
Take care and keep up the good work.
_________________________________________
Thanks Ken! We enjoyed the pics and stories!
~Larissa
Nancy’s Jekyll Island Memories
Monday, June 4th, 2007Dear editors,
My love affair with Jekyll Island began in the hazy summer of 1960, when my brave mother drove four energetic children from Buffalo, New York to visit our grandparents who had recently retired to this exotic paradise. We had never even seen the ocean and were eager to experience every inch of the island. We were greeted by wild turkey and enchanted by the oaks draped with hanging moss. My grandmother drove us around in an old station wagon, past chain gangs clearing palmetto with huge scythes. We tiptoed through the dunes at night with flashlights, watching sea turtles hatch and scurry to the sea. We learned the names of hundreds of creatures and became hawk-eyed beachcombers, collecting irridescent pen shells and yellow coral branches and moon snails as big as my fist and skate purses and chains of coins that spilled tiny knobbed whelks at every shake. Grandmother knew the names and stories of every creature whose abandoned shells filled our pails. At low tide we squished through the muddy silt, and at high tide we rode the waves on inflatable rafts until we were dragged home for dinner. An alligator patrolled the drainage ditch along Beachview Drive, and wildlife were so plentiful that they came every night to Grandmother’s patio to feed - we watched, motionless, through the sliding glass doors as deer, raccoons, and possum gathered. My grandfather took us crabbing off the old lift bridge, and we bought shrimp right off the boats at the small dock in the old village. It was a magical adventure.
Over the years, my family has spent nearly every Easter vacation on this incredible island. The four children became six, who grew and married and returned with their own children and grandchildren. This past year, we celebrated with four generations (filling three cottages, a campsite, and a hotel suite) who love this island as much as my grandparents, Carl and Cecily Masters, did. I can’t imagine a more perfect legacy.
Sincerely,
Nancy
Jeff’s Memories
Saturday, June 2nd, 2007Here are three pictures out of many that my family and I have of Jekyll Island. I am now 39 years old and have been coming to Jekyll since I was in diapers. I remember when my uncle was stationed at the Glynco base and he and my aunt lived on Jekyll.We would come down almost every weekend. The first picture is of Beachview Drive just before the North picnic area date unknow. The second picture, is the entrance around 1980. The third is a picture of my father myself and a family friend parked at the north picnic area. I now collect Jekyll postcards and have over 200. Many of them from the 40’s to the 70’s. Thank you, Jeff
(Thanks for submitting Jeff!) If you would like to submit your Jekyll memories, email lharris@jekyllisland.com.
My Jekyll Memories by Karrie Sheehan
Saturday, June 2nd, 2007
Our experience of Jekyll Island began just moments ago in time considering the vast culture and age with which the island has existed. The only tangibility we can still savor are the old Polaroid’s and various scattered souvenirs which held a bookmarked place in our memories. Truly no words can eloquently convey the enchantment Jekyll holds over all who visit her, but hopefully our experience in words and pictures will illustrate the island’s dire need to be preserved and respected as a state park and historic archive.
My brother and I never realized that over time, we would greatly anticipate the smell of paper mills in July, as this was our cue to cease with the age old question of childhood travel: “are we there yet?” Once on the main road in we would look forward to the sound of our wheels traveling over the grill of the old drawbridge – the low moan our signal we had finally arrived. The slow drive in was so relaxing, with cicadas chanting our welcome, along with a thickness of air that was like a secure warm blanket around our skin. The palm trees would stand so tall, but there were always those few that would kneel down to greet the oncoming scattering of bikes and pedestrians along the sand-covered boardwalks.
Our souls were “home,” but it was not because of our hotel’s amenities, but rather the comforting ambience of Jekyll herself. The wonderful “skin” of Jekyll Island was a constant lesson for us in youth. Whether we were trying our hands at construction for that perfectly sturdy sandcastle, learning to stay afloat on her tranquil seas, or simply looking for patterns in her ever-changing landscape; my brother and I were constantly entertained and curious. In fact, driftwood beach still eludes and enchants me to this day.
We have traveled to Jekyll Island during many phases of our lives and will continue to do so, always assuming the same level of reverence and respect. I never forget to look to the old historic cottages by the Jekyll Island Club Hotel as a constant reminder of why people traveled to Jekyll – as an escape from the mundane. I think much the same, and hope that others will feel these words enough to realize that Jekyll Island’s beauty should be preserved as an escape from those things that keep us depressed, greedy, and uninspired. See more of the Sheehan’s Jekyll pictures here or in this month’s issue of Beachscape!
