Solely About an hour from Jax, Jekyll Island feels worlds away
by Jax Maggie
It’s no secret that I like a wonderful getaway, and like so many people residing within the 904, I typically crave an escape that’s tremendous near house but in addition feels prefer it’s a thousand miles away. Jekyll Island, a ridiculously charming island nestled off the coast of Georgia, suits that invoice each time. Providing each breathtaking seashore and marsh views, this attractive and remarkably uncommon barrier island presents just a little little bit of one thing for everybody. Gilded Age splendor, luxurious lodgings, scrumptious eating, and a bevy of indoor and out of doors areas that dot the panorama. Jekyll appears to know that it’s an Instagram-worthy vacation spot with the flexibility to please most everybody.
The historical past fanatic in me adores the opulence of what was on the island, a few of which nonetheless stays. The beachside retreat was as soon as a wintertime playground for America’s elite, together with the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Pulitzers. In the present day, guests can discover the superbly preserved “cottages” (assume mini mansions) in addition to the grand dame of the historic district, The Jekyll Island Membership Resort. For a sporty exercise, match for a robber baron, seize a mallet and go well with up in your finest resort informal “whites” for a spherical of croquet on the superbly manicured entrance garden of the resort. Wander by lush gardens, or soak up a service at Religion Chapel. The unique stained-glass window by Louis Consolation Tiffany is an inside spotlight. For a deep dive into island historical past, go to Mosaic, the island’s museum. It presents a stunning glimpse again on the previous of this particular place after which hop on a tram for a guided tour to be taught all of the juicy particulars about lots of the island’s most well-known former residents. For a deal with, have cocktails on the membership, on the veranda or on the Alexander Bar & Boars Head Lounge. Once I’m there I wish to faux I’m Cornelia Vanderbilt whereas I’m sipping martinis.
Remember to drive or bike to Driftwood Seashore on the island’s northern tip, to expertise an historic assortment of superbly weathered bushes that seem like they’ve been positioned there as a wonderful artwork set up relatively than a grouping of gnarled outdated trunks and branches. See how sea turtles are rescued and cared for on the Georgia Sea Turtle Middle or head to Seashore Village, a sunny hamlet that’s house to an assortment of boutiques and eating places. A splash pad is the star of the city’s inexperienced. It’s an ideal place to take the littles to chill off. One other should see is the tremendous cute Jekyll Market. Half old style memento and candy store and gourmand meals market, it’s stocked with an eclectic mixture of snacks, wine, seashore hats, cooking provides, beer and extra. Nestled behind the shop is a tiny take-out restaurant, Love Shack BBQ Shrimp & Yard Chook. Orders are taken on the counter and boxed up and able to be loved on the picnic spot of your selection. Attempt the fried shrimp, fried oysters, or pulled pork sandwich. You gained’t be upset.
Throughout spring and summer time the easiest way to soak within the island is by calling The Westin Jekyll Island resort (pictured above), positioned within the coronary heart of Seashore Village, house when you’re there. This uber swanky and just lately up to date oceanfront property is an absolute dream. It presents each consolation that one may need in a seaside retreat. Superbly appointed rooms, a zero-entry pool with a hip island impressed bar & grill and, in fact, wonderful Atlantic views. Included within the resort charge is complimentary seashore chair and umbrella service (sure, please), shuttle service to the historic district (a fast experience that’s good on a sizzling day), and bikes to discover (one can experience nearly wherever on the island). For dinner, hit the resort’s signature restaurant, Willet’s Lowcountry, for a coastal Southern dinner to die for. The low nation boil is a seafood lover’s dream. Afterwards, seize a crafted cocktail from Pour Tabby’s Bar and end the night time round one of many hearth pits within the courtyard.
I’ve visited Jekyll Island many instances—typically with expensive associates, on romantic getaways, for particular island festivals and occasions, and with my fam. It’s a vacation spot that by no means disappoints. Jekyll combines the perfect of the outdated and the brand new. In case you’re in search of a little bit of coastal magic, take the brief drive. The minute you make the flip onto the causeway and end up surrounded by the fantastic thing about the inexperienced and blue salt marshes you may simply discover you’ve discovered the highway to paradise.
— Maggie
Search for extra of Jax Maggie’s travels in upcoming editions of Jacksonville Journal.