Jekyll Island & Saint Simons

Day two in our excursion up the Golden Isles of Georgia brings us to the picturesque Jekyll and Saint Simons Islands. These islands cover the entire spectrum of vacationing, from relaxing on beautiful beaches to visiting ancient forts that helped shape our nation's history.

Getting to them is pretty simple. You have two choices, take I-95, or take U.S.-17. From U.S.-17 take GA-520 to Jekyll Island, the only road access onto the island.  Jekyll Island is owned by the state, and run by the Jekyll Island Authority. To control access to the island the state charges a $6 per car access fee. There are longer time periods for families wanting to stay longer, and bicyclists can ride onto the island for free, but since the closest town is about eight miles away it doesn't seem likely they get many takers on that offer.  Getting to Saint Simons is easy as well, you only have one choice.  Take the Torras Causeway off of U.S.-17, and it puts you right in downtown Saint Simons.

After entering the island take an immediate left and head to the Jekyll Island Club. A club that once hosted members with names like Morgan, Vanderbilt, and Goodyear, the Jekyll Island Club was the winter home for many of the captains of industry from the Industrial Revolution. Opened in 1888, the club operated until 1942 when it closed during World War II. Reopened in the 1980's as a luxury hotel, the club homes have now been renovated for a living museum type experience. From the club, head around the island until you come to the 18th Century home of William Horton, a contemporary of James Oglethorpe (the founder of Georgia). Built in the 1730's, the home acted as the unofficial capital of Georgia when Oglethorpe left Georgia to return to England in 1743, and Major Horton took command of the colony.  Continue driving around the island until you reach Driftwood Beach. Covered in the remains of trees that were long ago destroyed by storms, Driftwood Beach is home to some of the most stunning sights on the island.

After leaving the island get back on U.S.-17 and make the short drive to the much more accessible Saint Simons Island. Saint Simons has a more residential feel, and has more shopping and dining options than Jekyll Island. With more options though comes more people, so plan on dealing with larger crowds. Don't be confused, it's not like it's Myrtle Beach or anything, but the crowd is noticeably larger than Jekyll Island. Drive down to the main shopping district of the island then get out and walk around. The streets are lined unique shops like a store dedicated to honey, and art shops on every corner. We were lucky enough to be there on a weekend when the entire downtown was turned into an antique market. From the downtown head out to Fort Frederica. Built by James Oglethorpe to defend the Georgia colony from invasions by the Spanish Floridians, the fort is now a National Monument that is FREE to visit.  It can fill several hours with lesser known events in early American history like the Battle of Bloddy Marsh which occurred in 1742, as both the English and Spanish settlers battled for control of a disputed territory in the War of Jenkins Ear.  Right beside the fort is Christ Church Frederica, arguably the oldest church in Georgia. While the current building is from the 19th Century, the church was founded by Charles and John Wesley, the founders of the Methodist Church, in 1736.  A walk through the cemetery is worth the effort.  It is truly unique to see the evolution of American history unfold through the lives men fought for.  You will see graves for men who fought in every war from the Revolutionary War through the Korean War.

These two islands are great for brief visits like ours, or for long weekend visits with the family.  For those looking for a quieter time the Jekyll Island is for you, and for those looking for a little more nightlife Saint Simons is your place. From here we left and made our way to Savannah.  If you get lost along the way, don't worry, the government apparently did too.  Apparently the stretch of U.S.-17 to Savannah is called the Liberty Trail, or is it?  You can go left if you want too, but all that's there is another question mark pointing you back the same direction you just came from.