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Slow down and enjoy Jekyll Island

By JUD JOHNSON

When my and my wife's last birthday came around, we decided this year we would go see Bill Cosby and try to have a little "romantic getaway." Our son is five and our daughter is two, so needless to say we haven't been on too many dates the past couple of years. So the obvious question was, "Where do you want to go?"

My wife suggested Sea Turtle Inn. Well it's under renovation, so that was out. I next thought of Saint Augustine. But we had just spent a vacation there last summer and I wanted to try something different. I don't know why, but for some reason, Jekyll Island popped into my head.

In case you've never heard of Jekyll Island before, a quick Internet search will provide many interesting historical facts that sound much like our area. Originally settled by Native Americans, it eventually came under the control of the Spanish, the French, the Spanish again, the English, the Americans, the Confederacy, and finally America again. Big historical names like Ponce de Leon, Jean Ribault, and James Oglethorpe have ties to the area. In recent years, the island was used to shoot scenes for the movie Glory.

Now I have to tell you. The last time I had been to Jekyll Island, I was in my early twenties and

the furthest I traveled on the Island was Summer Waves. It's a water park, much like any other, that is practically the first thing you see when you cross the Intracoastal. I ate at a local restaurant and went home. I really didn't see much and quite frankly, I wasn't too impressed. However, now I'm 35 and this last visit made an impression on my wife and me.

As we drove around the island, you couldn't help notice the slow-paced atmosphere. There was barely any traffic, but people could be seen everywhere walking and biking. Traveling the road north, homes could be seen sprinkled through the trees. The bike path continued along beside us and around the tip of the island. At the northern most end was the Jekyll Island campground and across the street was the entrance to the Clam Creek Picnic Area.

Our drive around the island eventually brought us to the historic district. Ruins of an old plantation house, cemetery, sea turtle center and the Jekyll Island club top the list of places to see. The Jekyll Island Club is really a grand hotel from the time of the Rockefeller’s. After World War II it fell into disrepair, but it has since been renovated along with a number of other buildings that make up the hotel. The rooms look amazing. But if you plan on staying, be prepared to bring your wallet. Rooms for two can sometimes be found in the $160 range while most rooms are more in the $250 range. If you want to go whole hog, the Presidential Suite is only a mere $400 a night.

But of course, you can't go to an island and not mention the beach. There is only one thing you need to keep in mind... the beach is only accessible at low tides. I know what you're thinking, "Why would I go to a beach, with no beach half the day?" Because when the tide is low, it's a nice beach and how long are you going to lie on the sand anyway. Besides, when the tide is up there are several nice hotels nearby to lounge by the pool.

If Jekyll Island is starting become interesting, here are a few other things you should know:

-There is a fee to get on the island since it is a state park. It's $3 a day unless you’re staying longer. Multi-day passes are available.

-There is a bike path around the island, but don't worry about bringing yours. Bikes can be rented all over the island.

-For the kids, there is the Summer Waves water park. But check the times of availability to make sure they’re open.

-There is a grocery store and a few "sit-down" restaurants, but there are no McDonald's or the like for ten miles.

-Bring your golf clubs as there are 63 holes waiting for you at the Great Dunes Golf Course. Or, try the mini-golf right down the street.

-If you're looking for a relaxed, peaceful vacation area, you better go quick before it disappears.

As with any economically viable area these days, development is in the works. Plans have already been drawn up to bring more hotels, condos, shopping, and tourists in. Of course, the locals are trying to fight it, but you can't stop progress.

So, what do you think? Is your interest piqued? You can find out more information here: http://www.jekyllisland.com/

Have a great vacation.