The annual Jekyll Island Garden Club Bazaar will be held on Saturday, January 16th from 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. in Caldwell Hall of the Jekyll Island Convention Center. This fantastic annual shopping event will include white elephant items, electronics, jewelry, clothing, sporting goods, baked goods, books and more. Lunch will also be available in the food court prepared by the Jekyll Island Rotary Club. Guests coming to the island for the bazaar will be given a voucher worth $5.00 upon presentation of their January 16th Toll Ticket. This can be applied to Bazaar purchases in the clothing or the white elephant areas. Profits from the Garden Club’s Bazaar go towards Jekyll Island beautification projects.

date | Saturday, January 16th

hours | 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

location | Caldwell Hall, Jekyll Island Covention Center

Tags: Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island garden club bazaar
Posted in Beachscape, Happenings, January 2010 | No Comments »

Antiques by Carla Cook Smith.

The Jekyll Island Arts Association will host the exceptional work of photographer; Carla Cook Smith and whittler; Ernest Shaver on exhibit at Goodyear Gallery January 4th – 31st. The artists’ reception will be held Sunday, January 10th from 1–3 p.m.

Photographer, Carla Cook Smith discovered a new side of her self when she picked up a camera. As a painter, she photographed places and things she wanted to paint. However she started to see the beauty of photography all on its own. The lens opened to show her the extraordinary beauty of ordinary things. Through the camera Carla takes the time to absorb the beauty of what is before her: storm clouds on the marsh, sand blowing across the desert, a dusty radio, an interesting reflection or a new perspective of a cemetery. Carla’s hope is that her work opens others to pleasant thoughts and new experiences.

Woodpecker by Ernest Shaver

Self taught in the art of hand carvings whittler, Ernest Shaver began wood carving with a pocket knife in 1980. Early on, he concentrated on hand carving walking sticks that feature mammals, reptiles, human faces, vines, and abstract images. Most recently, he started hand carving song birds and woodpeckers using several wood types such as bass, buckeye, and tupelo. Ernest strives to develop the implied image of each walking stick or bird by the natural shape of the original wood.

Admission is always free in Goodyear’s gallery and shop which is located in the Jekyll Island Historic District. Their regular hours are Monday–Friday, Noon–4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

date | January 4th – 31st, Monday–Friday
hours | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
phone | (912) 635-3920
location | Goodyear Gallery
price | Free entrance

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island arts association, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Events
Posted in Beachscape, Happenings, January 2010 | No Comments »

Tags: Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island january events
Posted in Beachscape, Happenings, January 2010 | No Comments »

We have our first “virtual” Island Treasure float finder of 2010! His name is Logan Porter of Glenville, GA, and he says, “I’m so excited to have won an Island Treasure!  I have actually looked for these on Jekyll Island in the past and on JekyllIsland.com.  I started looking this year on January 1st.   Thank you so much–this is so exciting!!!!”
Thank you Logan for being a fan of Jekyll Island and Island Treasures!

Tags: island treasures, jekyll island, Jekyll Island Events
Posted in Happenings | 1 Comment »

* Date: December 19 – 24, 2009; Daily * Time: 4:00pm * Location: Jekyll Island Club Hotel Riverfront Lawn Come out this week and enjoy Scottish bagpiper Tim Akins as he heralds the season at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel! Beginning at Crane Cottage, he plays traditional airs and holiday favorites and parades toward the Riverfront Veranda. A crowd gathers along the way to enjoy his music and admire his tartan regalia. As dusk approaches, he advances to the banks of the Jekyll River for a last salute. Mr. Akins pipes each evening of Christmas week. It’s free, and not to be missed!

Tags: christmas bagpiper, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island hotels
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Their sound is Glenn Miller. Their sound is Duke Ellington. But if you had to pick one-sound that defines the Jekyll Island Big Band, it would have to be the sound of foot steps in the dance hall where they’ve played for 30 years at the Jekyll Island convention center. The Jekyll Island Big Band’s annual New Year’s Eve concert will be its last at the old Jekyll Island convention center. $30/pp. 9pm – 12:30 pm. Call 912-635-4196 for group sales. CORRECTION Visit JekyllBigBand.org for more info.

Tags: jekyll island, jekyll island aquarama, jekyll island big band, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island new year's eve
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Jekyll Island revitalization is NOW UNDERWAY and the initial phase is now being realized with the completion of the design for Great Dunes Park.

The first phase of the park consists of 8 acres with the northern boundary at the intersection of Beachview Drive and Shell Road. The entirely new accessible park experience includes; new landscaping, walks and parking (195 spaces), three family pavilions, one group pavilion, a 4,100 SF Beach Deck Pavilion, and a Restroom/Changing building. The Beach Deck Pavilion connects to an accessible dune crossover for access to the beach. Bicycle parking, showers, and an environmental sculpture area will also
complement the new park. The pavilion structures have a relaxed coastal style and are constructed of pressure treated wood with standing seam metal roofs. The Restroom building includes individual changing areas for men and women and has low maintenance stained concrete floors and standing seam metal roofing.

Construction will begin with the December 7th ground breaking. Phase I of Great Dunes park will take approximately 5 1/2 months and will be complete by summer 2010.

Tags: great dunes park, Jekyll Island Beachscape, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island redevelopment, jekyll island revitalization
Posted in Beachscape, December 2009, In the News | No Comments »

Holiday stage performances Arts and crafts for holiday shopping Games and activities for children Hayrides Delicious hot chocolate Fireworks finale Santa will be on site for pictures JekyllIsland.com/HolidayIsland The Jekyll Island Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is located in the Jekyll Island Historic District. Admission is Free. Some activities require a small fee. Bring the entire family for fun, live entertainment, sheer excitement and celebration!

Tags: christmas tree lighting festival, holidays in history tours, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island ga, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island vacation
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HELP 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

Tags: jekyll island big band, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island new year's eve, new years eve georgia
Posted in Beachscape, November 2009 | No Comments »

A bountiful Thanksgiving Day Brunch is an annual sell-out in the Grand Dining Room (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 pm.) and the Courtyard at Crane Cottage (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.). Guests will enjoy a vast array of salads and appetizers, omelets and waffles, carving stations, a variety of vegetables and accompaniments, and delectable desserts. The Grand Dining Room also serves Thanksgiving Dinner (6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) and the Crane Cottage continues to serve an a la carte menu. For families looking for the “at home experience” of quality time together, the hotel also offers wonderful private dining spaces. Reservations are required for all meals, so call now!

And, with the holidays just around the corner, don’t forget the annual Jekyll Island Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov.28th (4:30 p.m.). Visitors are invited to the hotel lawn in the Historic District to welcome Santa Clause to town! On December 2nd at 4:00 p.m. guests are invited to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel to enjoy it in all of its Christmas finery, as the guide takes you on a candlelight tour of the Grand Dining Room, lobby, and all public areas.

For those history buffs, you may want to be taken back in time to see what Christmas was like through the years. From December 5th thru December 31st, you can venture inside the cottages of Jekyll Island’s National Historic Landmark District and experience the holidays from the Victorian Era to the Jazz Age with the museum’s “Holidays in History” tour.

Always a holiday favorite, the hotel will be hosting a Gingerbread House making workshop on December 5th at 10:00 a.m. The Hotel’s famous pastry chefs will be prepared to host this family friendly 2-hour event. Put themtogether, ice, decorate, and take home and enjoy! On December 12th, gather in the Boar’s Head Lounge at 7:30 p.m. for a toast to Christmas Present. Follow the merrymakers into the Grand Dining Room for a holiday feast and musical dinner theatre. Based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the Atlanta acting company revisits Christmas with Tiny Tim and a host of other characters.

Santa will be making another appearance on December 13th, and Jolly Old Saint Nick will be welcoming children with a great big “Ho-ho-ho” and an invitation to share their Christmas wishes and stories. Enjoy lunch at the Courtyard at Crane before or after! Leading up to Christmas Day, December 19th- 24th, Scottish bagpiper Tim Akins will celebrate the season and will play traditional holiday favorites while parading toward the Riverfront Veranda from the Cottages. As sunset approaches, he advances to the banks of the Jekyll Rivers for a last salute.

On December 23rd, at 5:30 p.m., don your hats and mufflers and meet on the Riverfront Veranda ready to sing your favorite carols at Crane and Cherokee Cottages, the Club and Sans Souci.

Want to get a head start on holiday shopping? Then give the gift of history and fun with a wonderful vacation package to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. During the holiday season the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is offering a variety of great packages for guests. From November 29th thru December 29th guests are invited to take advantage of the “Christmas at the Historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel Package.” The package features Traditional or Club priaccommodations, full breakfast buffet in the Grand Dining Room, a romantic Getaway? From November 1, 2009 – February 28, 2010, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel will be offering 25% off this package rate. The package includes Traditional Queen or King Accommodations for two nights, champagne and fresh fruit upon arrival, and a breakfast buffet each morning! This would be a great gift for parents, aunts, uncles, or even just special friends.

Do you have a golf enthusiast you need to buy for? Starting December 1st and running through January 31st the Jekyll Island Club Hotel will offer guests a “Golfer’s Heaven Package.” Guests can bring their clubs for a free round ofgolf each day. Rates include accommodations and 18 holes of golf on one of Jekyll Island’s four courses. Rates start at $85.00* per night at the hotel. Whether you are a visitor to the island, or a local Golden Islander, there is something for everyone this holiday season at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel!

more info

Please contact the hotel for details, certain restrictions apply:
(912) 635-2600 www.jekyllclub.com

Tags: Holiday Island on Jekyll Island, jekyll island accommodations, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island hotels
Posted in Beachscape, November 2009 | No Comments »

Get your 2009 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival souvenir Poster Online!  Also, you can collect them all! Get the 2006, 2007, & 2008 posters for only $32! Maybe you forgot to buy yours at the festival. Maybe you couldn’t make it. Hurry and get yours while supplies last! Now only $15!

Tags: jekyll island, Jekyll Island Events, shrimp and grits, shrimp and grits: the wild georgia shrimp festival, shrimp festival, wild georgia shrimp
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All of Georgia’ Golden Isles have a lot to offer. Jekyll Island is a huge state-owned property with history, beauty and a slower, elegant-but-not-necessarily-expensive lifestyle. There’s something for just about everyone here – and fall lodging specials too. Just about five hours from Atlanta – but a world away. (see map.) Among the activities you don’t want to miss —

7. Croquet. Yes, that game you played in the backyard. There will be a tournament October 23 – 25 with nationally-known players and a clinic in the mornings to help you with your game. Bring your whites.

6.  Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival, October 8- 12. This includes a number of outings with experts to off-the-path places like Ossabaw, Blackbeard, Cumberland and Wassaw Islands as well as a canoe trip in the Okefenokee. There’s a dolphin kayak trip, raptor-watch and other nature walks. A great way to get traffic and city bosses out of your system.

5. Folklore, Rumor & Myth Ghost Tours. The Jekyll Island Museum is holding a special ghost tour Fridays in October for ages 10 and up. Call 912-635-4036 to make your reservations. This is a very old island, and it was developed by wealthy people – so the quality of ghosts you’re going to run into is, shall we say, a cut above the average ghost? See the Jekyll Island Museum Ghost Tour.

4. Golf. For many people, Jekyll Island is synonymous with great golf. This year the weather has been good for the courses, so the four courses are in great shape. And they have a special for the rest of September allowing you to golf all day for $38.

3. Fishing. There are good deep sea fishing guides, among them Capt. Mark Noble. (Check out the others on the CVB’s website.) Or just chill on the beach with a pole.

2.  The Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Yes turtles. Before you skip this, let me say that I went there last year on an assignment. My feelings about turtles weren’t really warm and fuzzy. I was glad they’re around and want them to stay, but I didn’t want to cuddle them. Just passing through the gift shop on the way in, though — I was struck with Cupid’s arrow. Those big, wet eyes and they are so vulnerable to humans on the planet. Go on into the hospital and look at these babies…big and little. Read some of their stories. You will come out of there a turtle hugger. You can adopt a turtle or just follow their stories on the blog. This is not a zoo. The turtles are here to be rehabilitated. On September 20, they plan to release three of the most popular -  Pumpkin, Nightwatch and Skidaway.

1.  The Wild Georgia Shrimp & Grits Festival. I just happened on this last year and I’m not going to miss it again. Amazingly, we have a shrimp industry in this state but except for a few stores, the shrimp you buy come from Thailand or somewhere else. You’ve got to taste these delicacies. This will turn you into a shrimp snob.  Lines are long but well worth it.  (Photos courtesy Jekyll Island Authority.)

Tags: georgia beach vacations, georgia coast, jekyll island activities, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island hotels, Jekyll Island vacations, things to do on jekyll island
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By LINDSEY ADKISON
Reposted from TheBrunswickNews.com

When the Foreback family heard about the Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits festival, they knew it was something they couldn’t pass up. In fact, they made it a focal point of their fall vacation.

“We’re from the Atlanta area and our girls go to school year around and they have fall break now. When we called the Jekyll Island Club Hotel to register for our hotel, they told us about the festival,” Pam Foreback said.

“We thought it would be fun. So we brought our dogs down and we’re having a great time.”

The Forebacks weren’t the only ones drawn to the event. Hundreds of people descended on the tiny island for fun, music and, of course, the food.

On Friday night, vendors lined the pathways throughout the historic district, selling everything from candles to furniture.

But they weren’t just there to sell their wares.

Pam Foot and her husband work for Logan Turnpike Mill and drove eight hours from Blairsville to take part. They were hoping to combine a little business with pleasure.

“We were invited by the Jekyll Island Club. A lot of chefs use our grits for their recipes,” Foot said.

“There really is no down side to it. It’s like a vacation for us. I haven’t been to the beach in a really long time.”

Throughout the weekend, the mood was light. Events included shrimp eating contests, music and cooking contests.

On Saturday and Sunday, there were BMX Bike demonstrations. There were also shows by the Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dogs.

One of the weekend’s highlights was a release by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Hundreds of spectators hit the beach to watch three rehabilitated amphibians, Pumpkin, Skidaway and Nightwatch return to the ocean.

Camden County residents Erica Crews and her young daughters, Julie Ann and Andy, were on hand to wish them luck.

“We recently visited the turtle center, so I wanted the girls to see it,” Crews said.

As a whole, the expanded festival seemed a rousing success.

Jekyll Island spokesperson Eric Garvey said even though no numbers are in, this year’s event was likely the largest ever.

“It looks like this year’s event was up about 20 to 30 percent over last year and the weekend total will approach 15,000 to the festival,” he said.

“The additional activities were planned to give everyone a better festival experience with plenty to do and to bring people back for several days. We planned the additional activities because we anticipated a larger crowd this year. The festival has received tremendous publicity, so we were expecting large crowds.”

One of the new features of the weekend was a shuttle service that took patrons from the parking area of at the Jekyll Island Convention Center to the festival area in the Historic District.

Garvey said that it ran relatively smoothly.

“The shuttle system worked very well. Like any transportation system, there are bugs to be worked out. This was our first organized shuttle system on this scale and with more revitalization projects beginning this year, we will be utilizing shuttles to manage parking and move people around the island,” he said.

“Guests seemed to have no problem with it and it allowed use to utilize more of the Historic District for festival activities.”

Contest winners:

* The professional cooking contest award went to Cargo Portside Grill.

* The People’s Choice winner was Tasteful Temptations.

Tags: cooking competition, jekyll island, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island hotels, shrimp and grits, shrimp festival, turtle release
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Tags: Beach Music Festival, beach vacation, emerald princess, Geocaching on Jekyll Island, Georgia, georgia beaches, georgia coast, georgia's jewel, golden isles, golf, island treasures, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island arts association, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, jekyll island beach vacation, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island birding, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, jekyll island development, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island facts, jekyll island georgia, jekyll island golf, jekyll island hotels, jekyll island museum, jekyll island vacation, sea turtles, Shrimp & Grits Festival, shrimp and grits, shrimp and grits festival, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
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Tags: georgia beaches, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island vacation, shrimp and grits festival, shrimp festival, wild georgia shrimp
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