Judy Grillo
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I've Been Jekylled

11/14/2017

9 Comments

 
With just a few days left to my month on Jekyll Island, I must say it's been a wonderful and relaxing time. This 5,700 acre island off the coast of Georgia is protected, so the island’s development is limited to just 1,600 acres in order to preserve the ecosystem. There are significant maritime forests, miles of public beaches, an abundance of wildlife, and 20 miles of bike trails! I've seen deer, eagles and porpoises, while still hoping to catch a glimpse of a spoonbill. 

Jekyll Island has an interesting history, but the most referenced period is 1886-1942 when it was the site of the most exclusive resort in the nation. With the opening of the Jekyll Island Club, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Goulds, Cranes, Morgans, Pulitzers, and Goodyears signed the register, and later built "cottages" on the grounds. Today, this area of the island is a National Historic District, and continues to be an ongoing preservation project. 

When I first arrived, I thought I'd be bored with circling the island by bike for an entire month, but it is so scenic and peaceful here that I'm amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. The views are picture-perfect while cycling and walking the beaches, the riverfront, and through the woods. With the exception of 36 hours of busyness on weekends, the pace is slow and friendly.

Actually, my first weekend here worried me as the nearby tent campers were a lively bunch. However, this was remedied as I was able to move to the group tent site, landing in a large, quiet spot I could call my own. There are also an abundance of RV campers who come for a night, a week or the entire season. I've made a few friends, and I've also been happy to go to movie night, do book swap, share dinner, and play games. It's a very comfortable little place.

Beyond these activities, I did dress up two days to play tourist, on and off the island. I visited the Rockefeller and Goodyear homes, the Faith Chapel, and had lunch at the wharf one gorgeous sunny day. After two weeks, I was running out of food, so I crossed to the mainland, visited downtown Brunswick, and spent a few hours on St. Simons Island. I'd like to see more of the "Golden Isles" in the future, but it felt busy to me after being on Jekyll Island (population 621), so I didn't wander too long. Jekyll is a special place. 

On Saturday, I roll south into Florida which should be a jolt to all my senses!  
9 Comments
Eileen
11/16/2017 01:28:19 pm

Judy: Can understand your hesitation for leaving Jekyll, we were very disappointed in St Simons' that is overly developed. Loved that chapel that we viewed couple of times on our day trips. Have never been to Brunswick and wonder what you thought of area. Also did you get to St Marys and Cumberland island? Georgia just might be an alternative to Florida.

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Judy
11/21/2017 12:03:11 pm

Eileen:
Brunswick is not that interesting; a working port and from what I can tell, where the islanders go for their retail fix. Did NOT go to Cumberland Island again as it was still closed from Irma when I was doing my travel planning. Cost wise it doesn't make sense anyway until I have a backpacking tent and can stay there. Will need to check out St Simons again but it is cold there in the winter (had 3 nights in the 40s in early November).

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Anne-Marie
11/17/2017 08:50:25 am

Your photos actually capture the subdued, understated beauty of the island. I like the reflections on Horton pond. Where does it get its name, by the way? Is there a Hyde Island nearby? That's one house-lot-of-a-campsite! Was wearing white the requisite of the club or the fashion? On which family's former property is the post office?

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Anne-Marie
11/17/2017 08:57:16 am

To clarify: Where does island get its name, not the pond.

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Judy
11/21/2017 12:08:34 pm

AMG: General James Oglethorpe established Georgia as a colony in 1733. He named the island in honor of his friend, Sir Joseph Jekyll who had contributed £600 towards the founding of the colony. For many years, including the "Club Era", the island was spelled as "Jekyl." Everyone played croquet in white so I'm guessing the resort states that request! The post office building wasn't connected to a single owner; it was more like a boarding house for chauffeurs! j

Donna
11/18/2017 07:24:35 am

Hi J. Nice to see you are once again south of the Mason Dixon line !
What a lovely island - first I hear of it. Spectacular place & LOVE Fath Chapel. Who knew the Rocks & Vans built their homes here- was this around same generation/ era as their Newport homes?
You sound happy & healthy - have a wonderful Thanksgiving in FLA!

Reply
Judy
11/21/2017 12:15:04 pm

Donna,
Yes, indeed, the Jekyll Island Club and the Newport scene were late 19th century; not sure of the time overlap. WWII is what brought the Island resort to a close. I've driven by this area numerous times and now, so happy that I finally stopped. Enjoy the holiday! j.

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Barb
11/27/2017 01:01:15 am

Hey J. Love the big fire pit by your campsite. It's the way! It almost makes me feel like I could visit you for a night. Maybe just not stay over. And the radiator towel warmer and salt water bath option reminds me of Newport and also the spas at Saratoga. Wonder if they all connected w/each other as hosts for the rich and wealthy. But it all looks super lovely! Just got back form three days in Brooklyn including a day in the city. The Met, NYC's free museum, was so crowded that I sat on a bench and waited for the girls bc I refused to crowd fight to see art. Seriously! Enjoy the Fl warmth!

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Judy
11/28/2017 11:29:23 am

BoBo, You crack me up! Yes, Jekyll Island was indeed the same folks of the Gilded Age enjoying every lovely location possible! That said, this area is ingrained in my brain now and I will re-visit! Got your email on the NY weekend; just offline as much as possible :). Loving the warm weather and ocean BTW.

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