As far as beautiful places to visit, with fun things to do, I can't think of one better than Jekyll Island.
This view is just across the street from the campground.
Campground:
Site E-19 W/E/S
To get to the campground you travel across the island to the eastern shore, left at the roundabout and head north along the shoreline to the northern end of the island. The further north you go, the fewer buildings and more beach accesses. The campground is a left turn at the northern tip of the island. A right turn opposite will bring you to a tremendously large concrete fish pier and a small store that also sells bait.
We were guided to our site by a campground employee, who simply asked if we needed guidance with getting in. Thankfully they sped off in their golf cart when I said we were all set. The sites are moderately close, but numerous trees make backing in a cautious endeavor. Our site was close to the geographic center of the campground with easy walk to the bathrooms and laundry room, both of which were simple, but clean and adequate.
From the campground it is a simple walk across the seldom travelled road to see sunsets over the water to the mainland. With proximity to beaches, the fish pier (and it's great sunset views), campground facilities and biking opportunities, this is a 4 star campground. I detract some only for the small tight campsites and closeness of camping neighbors.
Sightseeing:
12/1/17 - Driftwood Beach and Lunch
We took a short ride to appropriately named Driftwood Beach. Parking is on the side of the road and we followed a path through a small section of trees to the beach. The “driftwood” was actually many intertwining bare fallen trees in various states of decay from contact with the high tides. Mostly easy enough to walk around, step over and photograph, but some are piled high or together making that impossible. All in all, a fascinating and beautiful place.
There was a wider access area to the beach a few yards away from where we parked, but several vehicles including two small panel trucks were parked there. We found out as we got to the beach that they were doing a photo shoot on the beach among the driftwood, complete with umbrellas and light reflectors and shades on tripods in various locations. They were taking a break (catered) when we drove by and saw what we think was a model in a wedding dress. This must have been a substantially funded and big deal photo shoot as they were there several days.
Oddly fun lunch experience at Tortuga Jacks on the island. This Mexican restaurant had a tiki bar in the back. Nice day so why not eat outside? What could make having our salsa and chips and margaritas under a tiki hut better? Christmas music of course! Food was good and the experience was better. Chatted slightly with the only other couple dining there too as we were mutually amused by the music and setting.
We had to go to the fish pier to end our day watching the sunset of course!
12/2/17 Jekyll Island Club and The Horton House
You have to walk around the Jekyll Island Club, a grand old resort, it's grounds and the neighboring "cottages" to enjoy it. In fact it is the only way because many of the roads don't allow vehicles. The Jekyll Island Club was called " the richest, the most exclusive, and most inaccessible club in the world" when it was formed in 1886. You can certainly feel it walking around – including watching the men in white shirts, pants and shoes playing croquet on the front lawn of the Club.
A few gentlemen in their whites playing croquet on the front lawn of The Club.
This is the lawn between The Club and the bay.
There are sign posts in front of and describing some of the former “cottages” of wealthy persons from the heyday of the Club. This white cottage below was being set up for a wedding when we were there.
Typical sign post describing the following cottage. Guess the Club didn't provide enough space for Mr. Maurice so he had to build!
Hollybourne - a Tabby house
This sat at the base of the entryway of a former house.
On the grounds of the Club there is a wharf with a cute restaurant on the end, which we had to try out. Thoroughly enjoyed the food and the scenery.
Driving back in the vicinity of the campground, we went to The Horton House, ust a short walk from our campsite and close to the water. The Horton house is a tabby house constructed in 1743 by Major William Horton, an aide to General Oglethorpe. While all that's left is the outer walls of the structure, it is called the one of the oldest surviving examples of coastal Georgia building techniques in the state. There also is an interesting cemetery with graves of five people across the street with signs describing those people buried there.
The Horton House.
Interior wall of the Horton House. You can clearly see the sea shells embedded which is a defining component of a tabby house.
We completed this wonderful day by walking around the fish pier and watching the sun set and the full moon rise.
