“What time did we leave? 8:30?”
I didn’t know, so Ron looked at the truck’s odometer and did the math.
“8:20, 8:22 to be exact,” he said.
And so our adventure to Jekyll Island began. Listening to “This Present Darkness,” by Frank Perretti, we traveled south on I-95. Crocheting pocket hearts for the shop, while Ron drove, we made it to Lumberton KOA, NC, pulling into site 72 at 1:49 for an overnight.
Entrance to Lumberton.
We found an empty KOA once we set up.
Afternoon naps, check in with PGA championship, then Happenings on Elm for drinks and app. Margarita flatbread pizza.
Walking in wearing a pink golf shirt with black shorts, the owner came right up to us.
“Where you from? I know your not locals. Travelers make our business.”
Although I didn’t get his name, we learned about the renovations that took 14 months, with COVID hitting right in the middle of them. Retired, Playing golf “nine days a week,” the owners said it’s his “wife’s place because it was her idea after she retired.”. And now he works 60-65 hours a week under her command.
Talking golf, we learned of Cheraw State Park in S.C., a state park boasting a beautiful lake and affordable golf course where they had their last trip in March.
“It has cabins along the lake you can rent. We put 2-3 guys in each cabin and play Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s like $38 for 18 holes. We had 16 guys last time.”
And so we enjoyed drinks and apps with a new friend, purchasing a $10 bottle of “take home wine” we left happy campers, no pun intended. Back at site 72 we enjoyed the beautiful weather, talking to neighbors and relaxing with the pups.
“Do you want me to make you some waffles and sausage?” Said the KOA attendant when we walked in the door to enjoy the free breakfast they offered.
“Yeah!”
Ron didn’t have to think about his answer. While our host cooked for us, I looked around the adorable camp store, decorated to perfection. Within minutes we had hot waffles and sausage fueling our bodies for the next leg of the trip. At 8:33 we pulled out of our site, heading to our final destination.
“We could go to Saving Grace and get another dog?” I said hopefully when I saw the sign on our walk back to the camper after breakfast.
“No!”
Oh well, I tried!
“Look, the bike path goes all the way out here,” Ron said once we paid our $50 fee for the five-day pass we would need to get on and off the island.
“I can’t wait to ride it!”
“The bike trail is 24 miles if you take all the inlets, 16 miles to ride around the island.”
“Yay,” I told the desk associate when she gave me the low down on the bike trail. When she found out our first-time visitor status while checking us into Jekyll Island Campground, she whipped out the map and showed me the sights.
“Let’s do the sixteen-mile loop and check out the island!”
Ron’s yes surprised me, but since the rain held off, why not take advantage of the upper 70s cloudy weather? And so we did.
Along our ride, we discovered historic Jekyll’s Island, passed three weddings, stopped at McGarvey’s Wee Pub for drinks and an app, and made it back in time to buy two $11.99 bundles of wood. When Ron added two chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches to the mix, we both gasped at the extra $10.28 it added to the bill.
Back at the camper, the young Mennonite girl playing with her soccer ball surprised me. Our first time seeing Mennonites camping. When mom and sis went for a bike ride, I couldn’t help but snap a pic. Ron wanted the family picture in the extended golf cart.
While Ron cooked breakfast on Sunday morning, I took a spin around the campground, discovering the bird Sanctuary tucked in the back corner.
Campers smiled as I rode by them, some enjoying a leisurely morning, others packing up to head home or onto their next destination. The sun shined brightly as my wheels rolled over the wet ground from the rainstorm during the night, small puddles of water scattered here and there.
The twenty minute bike ride to church refreshed us with smells of wet grasslands and pine. Views of the Simon’s Island bridge popped into sight every now and then. Passing the airport, we stopped to make sure we hadn’t missed the church before finishing the three mile ride.
“Beth and Ron Morrison, it’s our first time to Jekyll Island and we decided to come worship with you.”
In a small church, when they asked first time visitors and guests to stand and introduce themselves, we couldn’t hide. A warm and welcoming church we enjoyed worshipping at Jekyll Presbyterian Community Church, who doesn’t have a website, but meet every Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
“When I said to wear red today, I didn’t say it because of the Georgia bulldogs,” said the pastor jokingly.
Everyone wore red because of the day of Pentecost. Ron and I and only three other people in the approximately 50-person congregation did not wear red.
As soon as we got back from church, we put our walking carts in the truck with our clubs and headed to Great Dunes Nine Hole course. We initially planned on playing all 63 holes on the island, but the Pines Course is closed for reconstruction, so that’s on the bucket list for next time.
Hole five on Great Dunes Nine Hole Course has a blind green. With no idea what lies ahead, you crest the hill to a beautiful view of the ocean, the breeze blowing softly, cooling after the walk up the hill.
One of those unexpected, breathtaking moments in life.
After riding 6.5 miles to church and back, then walking nine holes, afternoon naps seemed logical. Turning on the PGA Championship, we relaxed in the camper the rest of the afternoon.
“Want to go check out the beach before the rain starts?”
Seeing black clouds looming, Ron agreed reluctantly. Hopping on our bikes, we rode full speed ahead the one-mile across the street to the picnic and horseback riding area. People scattered as the storm blew in from the north.
On the way back, we checked out site G30, the only one left Christmas week that matched our travel dates. We booked it as a possibility for our holiday vacation.
Ron’s paradise, cuddling with his pups:-).
Indian Mounds Golf Course, named from piles of oyster shells made by the native Indians, had slow play for our 18 holes, 9:20 a.m. tee time. Beautiful day, cart path only, windy. Started out cloudy, but blue skies and sunshine by the time we finished.
“I just want to let you know before you order, it’s room charge only.”
“Well, we’ll always have Salty’s” Ron said, sarcasm dripping from his voice has we made our way to Sunset Grille.
“Well, are least I gotta picture.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like those before!”
Walking onto Driftwood Beach overwhelmed us. Everywhere we looked, towering old oaks, long dead, dried out in the sun, created a driftwood forest. Mixed among them, palm trees lay scattered. Kids played on the mangled limbs, lovers picnicked in secluded spots and people with cameras walked among the branches taking artistic photos.
“Consistently voted one of TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best Beaches,” Driftwood Beach is an escape to another world. Ancient driftwood monuments line the waterfront, creating an unforgettable backdrop. Perhaps that’s one reason USA TODAY featured it as one of the best Southern beaches for a weekend escape.”
Leaving the beach, we went to find Driftwood Bistro in the Villas By the Sea. Unfortunately, closed on Mondays, we won’t enjoy it until our next trip. Ron loved the picture of me in the Adirondack chair…and had to help me get out of it.
Connecting Driftwood Beach to the nearby picnic area and pier, a bike trail runs through the wetland. The more I learn about Jekyll Island, the more I love it. Miles and miles of bike trails, four golf courses, Spanish Moss everywhere, cute restaurants and shops, the island has a lot to offer.
Jekyll Island welcomes dogs, one of my favorite things about this place. People ride bikes with their pups in baskets, on the seat beside them in golf carts. Every restaurant welcomes our furry friends, and some even have special dog menus. Of course, we can’t do any of those things with our little yappers, but maybe one day.
The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River in Brunswick, Georgia, carrying four lanes of U.S. Route 17. The current bridge was built as a replacement to the original vertical-lift bridge, which was twice struck by ships. Wikipedia
Tuesday morning we headed to St. Simon’s Island for the day. First up, beach yoga, then a couple hours to sight see before heading to my fitting for a new driver.
Arriving at East Beach Yoga, I found out quickly, that I booked the wrong day. They kindly refunded my money and Ron and I went exploring St. Simon’s, first driving to Sea Island, a private island we couldn’t access. Then we drove to the Avenue of the Oaks, the entrance to the Sea Island Golf Club.
After making the picturesque drive, we headed to St. Simon’s historic village to view the sights, shop, and have lunch.
St. Simon’s lighthouse, we didn’t go up, but we did go around it.
Ron on St. Simon’s Pier with the Sidney Lanier Bridge in the background.
Brogan’s for lunch where they gave our fried green tomatoes to the table behind us, giving them a free appetizer. And without asking, the manager comped our appetizer as well. We both got a free app.
After lunch we went to Fitted Fairways Golf Studio for a driver fitting for me. After hitting an unimaginable number of balls and finding out I had an efficiency of 1.5, something Michael, the pro rarely sees, I bought a new club. Going from a men’s 45 1/2 inch shaft to a standard woman’s 44 1/4 PXG shaft, paired with a 12 degree lofted head should add approximately 20 yards to my current drive.
Afternoon naps revived us for our evening carriage ride around historic Jekyll Island. Leaving early, we ride our bikes around first, discover the tennis center, Fred, the baby alligator, and the Jekyll Island Resort.
Not wanting to spoil our carriage ride, we stopped by the Wharf for an appetizer and drinks.
“Wanta try the corn ribs?”
Ron agreed quickly, as we both wondered about the dish. Delicious, and perfect for our evening in historic Jekyll Island, the strips of corn cob proved yummy.
“They steal bikes all the time in Colonial Williamsburg.”
That’s all I needed to say for Ron to turn around and secure our bikes better. My hubby trusts everyone, and has had his car broken into and cleaned out more than anyone ever met, because he doesn’t lock his doors. I had an assistant manager whose husband worked security for Colonial Williamsburg decades ago, and they took unlocked bikes, claiming them lost. And so Ron locked the bikes more securely.
Sage, thirteen or fourteen years old, came from the Amish in Lancaster, a working horse not socialized, he turned his head away from people. Although, my cooing got him to look at me, and made for great pictures of the magnificent beast.
“I don’t know why they sold her, she’s a great horse,” Nicky, our driver said.
“Probably for the money,” I replied, sharing with Nicky how the dairy industry in Amish country has suffered since the onset of fake milk. Once active barns now stand empty, no longer needed.
Nicky knew her history, teaching us all about the historical district. Celebrating her wedding at the Jekyll Island Club in 1997, her parents had to put a $10,000 deposit down. She stayed in the Presidential Suite, which Nicky says has a ghost. Currently, the cottages run at $25,000 per day. Built in 1887 for $45,000 the club still has a nostalgic feel to it with the croquet field out front, and towering structure surrounded by palm trees.
The Federal Reserve originated from a secret meeting of bankers held at the island club.
“In November 1910, six men – Nelson Aldrich, A. Piatt Andrew, Henry Davison, Arthur Shelton, Frank Vanderlip and Paul Warburg – met at the Jekyll Island Club, off the coast of Georgia, to write a plan to reform the nation’s banking system.”
” This is Faith Chapel. The gargoyles used to be downspouts, if I’d known when I got married there, I probably wouldn’t have gotten married because they look evil to me. I got married there in 1997. It’s the second chapel, the first one burnt down.”
Sporting an original Tiffany window, Faith Church’s quaint demeanor stands in the middle of the historic district.
“Every tree in this whole island has a silver tag. Palm trees have blue. People go around and check on them and can tell you everything about the tree.”
Once Nicky pointed out the tags, we couldn’t help but notice them everywhere.
Most people refer to the historic area as “Millionaire village.” At one time, the Jekyll Island Club represented 1/6th of the worlds wealth.
“State owns the land, you on the house. It’s a 99 year lease is what it.” When I asked about the private homes on the island, Nicky explained how it worked.
Sans Soucis, which means “without worry, without care,” the name J.P. Morgan gave his cottage.
Sans Souci was built in 1896 for a small group of the Club’s founding members, including J.P. Morgan. The 24 guest rooms are decorated in Victorian style, with rich mahogany touches and recently refurbished furnishings throughout. The resort’s 4 pet-friendly accommodations are located in Sans Souci, which sits just 2-minutes away from the Clubhouse on foot. Jekyll Island Club Resort
“Spanish moss is a lichen. If it’s on the ground, don’t pick it up, it’s full of chiggers. I picked some up the other day for three seconds and had chigger bites all up and down my arm. If it’s in a tree, pick all you want. People don’t know it’s $5000 fine if you break a limb off the oaks. I see kids playing on them all the time and.i think to myself, ‘I hope it don’t break.” Nicky’s wealth of knowledge amazed us.
“In ’42 two German U-boats were headed towards Jekyll island, so everyone had to evacuate. That’s when the state took it over. It had everything you needed without having to leave the island. So the state went back 50 years and took advantage of the evacuation, calling it Eminent Domain and condemnation. The court said they had to do something to provide for the public, so they made it a state park.” And that’s how Jekyll Island became a state park according to Nicky.
After Nicky took some pictures for us, we tipped her for the wonderful tour and then headed towards our bikes for the jaunt home. Beautiful weather, a fantastic tour guide, and another pleasant memory for us to recall.
For more information on historic Jekyll Island, click here.
Wallenius Whilhelm, the huge cargo ship we raced on our way home, seemed.out of the place and the tranquil sea grass. Chugging slowly along, we wondered what it carried and it’s destination. After doing a little research, we found it carries cars.
If I had to choose a favorite picture from today, I would choose this one of Ron, by the Horton House ruins, taking a picture of me, taking a picture of him.
He gets so tired of my constant pictures and posts but tolerates them with love and grace.
We have found a new favorite place that checks all of our boxes:
✔️Bike Ride everywhere
✔️Four affordable golf courses (one currently under construction)
✔️ Dog-friendly, even the restaurants
✔️Great tennis facility (with no pickleball…sorry, not sorry:-))
✔️Not a lot of people
✔️Beautiful beaches all around the island.
And that’s just what we have discovered so far. Nothing better than exploring and finding new places with my honey who hates having his picture taken:-)!
We closed another wonderful day on the island by the fire watching the bikers do loops around the campground. The camp hosts sprayed for mosquitos, keeping them at bay and allowing us a peaceful evening.
I spent Wednesday morning writing, cleaning the camper, and doing laundry. Ron cleaned the rugs while I did laundry. In between, I did a forty-five-minute yoga which felt amazing. The squirrels tortured the pups, everywhere they looked they found another one.
Lunch at Tortuga Jack’s before heading to the golf course.
Oleander Golf Course challenged us with its length. Par threes that required our woods, par fours that seemed more like par fives, and the afternoon heat made it a lesson in handling frustration. But we persevered, making the best of it and enjoying the day.
Both tired after playing 18 holes, cart path only, we took showers and spent a quiet evening with the pups.
Once I realized I hadn’t watched a sunset yet and we leave in the morning, plans changed. Hopping on our bikes we rode .3 miles to the Horton House ruins to video the days last rays. Two tankers carrying cars passed by as the sun dipped below the clouds.
“Green flash,” Ron said as the sky briefly turned green and the sun disappeared. And to all a goodnight!
And at 9:22 a.m. our Jekyll Island adventure came to an end as Ron climbed in the truck and began the slow roll out of B13. On to Mt. Pleasant.
We found a new favorite place!