The Jekyll Island Turtle Gram Blog

Jan 24, Happy 125th Birthday Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:14:51 GMT

Question: What was originally constructed in 1886 as a rich man's hunting club, was abandoned and left to deteriorate, and then rose from the ashes of decay to be reborn as a famous historical hotel? Answer: the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, of course. In 2012, the Hotel celebrates two special events - 125 years of storied history, and 25 years of catering to Jekyll Island visitors. And all through 2012 you can benefit and share in the hotel's celebration. Each month the hotel will serve up something special to Jekyll Island lovers, including special deals on rooms, food and beverages. Other Celebratory Events:

Special 2012 Commemorative Calendars
1st and 3rd Tuesdays - get together for the manager’s reception and cocktail hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The hotel will offer their house liquors, wines and bottled beer drinks for just $1.25, with 25% off all other drinks. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served for hungry islanders.
2nd and 4th Tuesdays - come to the hotel for Historic Hotel Tours that introduce guests to the hotel's historic legacy through tours of the main hotel and outlying cottages. All for only $1.25.

For more details on Historical Happenings during the 125th Anniversary Celebration, visit the Jekyll Island Club Hotel website. Nough said - Rick

Jan 17, Jekyll Island Wharf Historic Jekyll Island Marina Wharf

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:17:21 GMT

On the Jekyll Island Wharf, you can tread where tycoon J.P. Morgan walked

Jan 16, The Turtle-Gram is Growing Up!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:18:38 GMT

Within the next month, the Turtle-Gram will be morphing into a full-fledged blog! Right now it's going through labor pains, but we can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel (and yes, that's a pun.) ;). I'll let you know when it's down to the wire, and how you can apply to the new blog's feed, so you can keep up with everything Jekyll Island! The Turtle-Gram will still exist, and will be used for instant updates of new pages appearing on the Jekyll Island Family Adventure parent web site. Nough said - Rick

Jan 16, What Does Jekyll Island Mean to Me?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:05:46 GMT

Everyone has special places they like to visit to get away from the routine. One of my favorite places is Jekyll Island. My family's been going to "our" island for nigh onto 30 years. Recently I've been looking back on paths taken, trails left un-blazed, and where I'm going from here with the time I have left. Hopefully, I'll be around for awhile. But you never know what's around the bend - could be a semi, in your lane! Anyway, I found myself thinking about what Jekyll Island means to me, and thought I'd share with you. Jekyll Island is

My own Personal Island. I may never get to Key West, let alone Cuba, the Bahamas, the Windward Isles, Tahiti, and all those other exotic places I long to visit. I may never get a chance to do the Great Circle, a goal I've had for a long time. If I do make any of these trips, they'll probably be one time things. But Jekyll Island is always near, both geographically and in my heart. And I'll continue to visit at least once a year.
An Anthem to Conservation. Shows what Georgia can do when development is not the highest thing on the agenda. Only 35% of Jekyll Island can be developed, by law. That leaves 65% is left as natural habitat for a slew of wildlife, from deer to sea turtles.
A History Lesson. Jekyll Island is steeped in history, from the Horton House to the Millionaire Cottages of the Gilded Age. Open your mind and you can learn a lot from what transpired in Jekyll Island's past.
A Wonderful Destination for Family Vacations. For one, it's reasonably priced. From family hotels to rental housing, Jekyll Island has lodging to meet every budget. And with 10 miles of mostly deserted beach, 20 odd miles of bike trails, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves, Tidelands Nature Center, the Historic District, fishing, boating, island shops, and some fine seafood eateries, Jekyll is a the perfect venue for family getaways.

Jekyll Island is all that, and more. I sit here, enduring winter, longing for spring and more time - more time to walk her sandy beaches, breath that salt air, hear the sounds of seagulls while watching shrimp boats plying the Gulf waters. I yearn for time to see the friends I've made there, listen to the music of Eddie Pickett and the Wharfratz, play tennis with Pete Poole at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center, eat Big Cookies at Cafe Solterra, and sip a drink while watching boats ply the Intra-coastal waterway from the deck at SeaJay's, and dream of the Great Circle. Time for the simple things. Wonderful, soul-enriching things. Calming, regenerative, peaceful, exciting things. Life on "my" island. Nough said - Rick

Jan 10, The Lady Jane Shrimping Excursion Boiled Shrimp Fresh from Shrimp Boat

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:40:08 GMT

The Lady Jane Shrimping Excursion will whet your appetite for the freshest boiled shrimp ever!

Jan 10, Georgia Golden Isles Like Jekyll Island are Perfect Settings for Movie Magic

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:15:54 GMT

Walk the Georgia Golden Isles setting for the movie "Glory". On Jekyll Island's Glory Beach, you can stroll in the footsteps of the stars of this Civil War movie.

Jan 10, Jekyll Island Sandbar Presents a Different Beach Perspective

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:15:11 GMT

The Jekyll Island sandbar is a wonderful place for shelling and adventure. Just beware of the rising tide.

Jan 10, Georgia Vacation Rentals on Jekyll Island Offer Serene Vistas of the Marshes

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:28:18 GMT

Want a quiet hidaway? Try Jekyll Island Georgia vacation rentals overlooking the Marshes of Glynn. These homes are inexpensive and provide great sunset views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Jan 3, Arrrggg - Hunt for Island Treasures, Mates!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:18:54 GMT

Okay - freezing weather aside, I like winter. Mainly because it's one step away from spring, and my next trip to Jekyll Island. But if you're the hardy sort, visit Jekyll Island in January and February. Because it's then you can hunt for Island Treasures. What are these things?, you might ask. Therein lies the tale. Years ago, Asian and European fishermen used to use colorful, hand blown glass balls as floats to hold up their nets. Time and tide being what they were, sometimes these floats would work their way loose and were cast adrift, floating merrily out to sea. They'd wind up on beaches all over the world, and were highly prized as artifacts. Jekyll Island has gotten into the sense of history, fun and adventure and worked with glass artists conutry-wide to create their own glass float treasures. And each year, in January and February, the folks of Jekyll Island hide these floats along the island beaches for lucky beachcombers to hunt for and find. Found treasures can be registered at the Jekyll Island Visitor Center, where finders can get a biography of the artist and a certificate of authenticity for their glass float. So hoist your sails and head to Jekyll Island for a winter treasure worth hunting for. And if you don't find your own glass float treasure - who cares? You're on the greatest treasure of the Georgia Coast - Jekyll Island. And it don't get much better than that! Nough said - Rick

Dec 12, Parker-Kaufman Comes Through

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:34:06 GMT

We went to Jekyll Island this past October, that being my favorite month to visit (heck, any month on J.I. is a good month!). Our rental was Palmetto Cove B, a duplex which had served us well in the past, and one I'd listed on the website as one of our favorite rentals. I guess Palmetto Cove B had grown tired, cause we ran into a few problems that could have impacted our stay had Martha not put her foot down (you can tell who wears the pants in our family!). The problems:

One, our bed was a disaster. The most uncomfortable mattress I've ever tried to sleep on.
Two - Josh and Scott had twin beds. Scott's was falling apart, and Josh's mattress was almost as bad as ours. We'd read the cottage guest book, and, while complimentary as a whole, previous guests had come down hard on the mattresses, but the owner hadn't elected to change them.
Three - the dryer door would not stay closed. We had to prop a chair in front of it to keep the dryer going.
Four - our frying pan was so warped we couldn't get bacon to cook. While one side of the pan was in contact with the range top, the other was high and dry.
Five - Also, we found we had no dish drainer, and
Six - the stopper in the bathtub was malfunctioning and water wouldn't stay in the tub.

While I tossed and turned and mumbled and griped about these things, Martha, in no uncertain terms, demanded I call Parker-Kaufman and complain. After all, this was our vacation. Had we wanted to wrestle with fix-ups, we could have stayed home. So I called, and lo and behold, in just a little while we had workers crawling all over the place. By later in the day I had

brand new mattresses on the beds
a working dryer (they couldn't fix the old one, so brought in a new one)
a new frying pan
a dish drainer and bath tub stopper
a happier wife

All in all, we were sad to see the shape Palmetto cove B had been allowed to deteriorate to. I guess investment owners are feeling the economic crunch too. But, for gosh sakes - if you're making a livelihood from a rental property in a location as fine as Jekyll Island, it looks like you'd want to put your best foot forward, so to speak. After all, there are a lot more rentals folks can choose. Homes that just might be in working order from day one. But we were very happy with Parker-Kaufman's response to our needs. We slept well for the remainder of our vacation. Nough said - Rick

Dec 12, Best Jekyll Island Marina is Jekyll Harbor Resort Marina

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:28:20 GMT

Jekyll Harbor - this fine Jekyll Island marina lets you lay up in style!

Dec 12, Hotels in Jekyll Island Now Include the New Hampton Inn and Suites

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:21:09 GMT

Looking for Hotels in Jekyll Island offering elegance on a budget? Book your premier stay at the new Hampton Inn.

Dec 12, The Jekyll Island Club Hotel Offers Folks Luxury Island Living

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:14:46 GMT

Make like a millionaire at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Experience Southern hospitality at affordable prices.

Dec 12, Quality Inn and Suites on Jekyll Island One of Best Cheap Hotel Deals

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:57:20 GMT

Looking for cheap hotel deals? Jekyll Island's Quality Inn and Suites is perfect for familys on a budget.

Dec 12, Villas by the Sea a Great Place for Families Visiting Jekyll Island

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:29:35 GMT

Find an affordable family condo rental at Villas by the Sea on Beautiful Jekyll Island.

Dec 12, Jekyll Island Hotels for the Budget Minded

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:17:55 GMT

Looking for Jekyll Island Hotels to Fit Your Budget? The Beachview Club is a Great Family Hotel for the Frugal.

Dec 7, Jekyll Island Construction Update

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:37:03 GMT

A quick heads-up on the ongoing Jekyll Island revitalization:

Convention Center - almost done! It's ahead of schedule, according to Eric Garvey of the Jekyll Island Authority. Around 75% complete, sailing towards a May 2012 opening. The 128,000 s.f. facility was originally scheduled to open at the end of 2012. The JIA has already booked 51 conventions at the new center for the coming year.
Road Improvements - the new alignment for the entrance road (including a round-about and relocation of the entrance kiosk) is well underway and will be finished by the time the Convention Center opens.
Great Dunes Park Phase 2 - a late addition to the planned revitalization, Phase 2 of the Great Dunes Park will be done about the time the Convention Center opens. Phase 1 was a rousing success.
Hotel # 1: the Hyatt Place Hotel - construction of this limited-service, 135-room hotel is planned to begin in January, and should be finished by the end of 2012.
Hotel # 2: the Hilton Hotel - groundbreaking for this full-service, 200 room hotel will begin in mid-2012. Construction is slated to be finished in about a year.
The Village Retail Center - the economy has forced a later start to this much-anticipated project, but estimates put completion around the same time as the Hilton hotel.

We're keeping close tabs on the construction of these varied projects that, when finished, will make a huge statement at the entrance to Jekyll Island. Hopefully, the area will blend in with the natural beauty of the island and the whole will be much greater than the parts. I, for one, can't wait! Nough said - Rick

Dec 5, Seaside Restaurants on Jekyll Island Fins on the Beach

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:10:02 GMT

Seaside restaurants like Jekyll Island's Fins on the Beach lets you eat overlooking the blue Atlantic. Good food, coastal flair.

Dec 1, Jekyll Island Books Make Great Beach Reads

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:03:15 GMT

Pick up thsee great Jekyll Island books for your vacation beach reads

Nov 29, An Island Christmas

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:36:11 GMT

"Yo, ho ho and a bottle of rum!" Or is that, "Ho, ho, ho, and a mug of eggnog?" Faithful readers know all about living a pirate's life on Jekyll Island. But now you can live like Kris Kringle - or at least see the jolly old elf - when Jekyll Island becomes Christmas Island. Bring the kiddos and the spouse and experience a holiday fantasy come to life.

wander through the Historic District. It's dolled up in holiday finery, for your enjoyment
journey back in time with a theme-centered tour, and see how Christmas was celebrated in the Gilded Age
take advantage of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel's Christmas Package, good through Dec. 29
drop in on the Christmas Shoppe, one of the many quaint shops lining the historic Pier Road

Wherever your heart leads you at Christmas time, take a side trip to Jekyll Island for holiday cheer for the whole family. Who knows - you may see Capt. Hook decked out as Santa Claws! Nough said - Rick

Nov 25, Culling the Herd - Part 2

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:58:27 GMT

A few months after Martha & I visited Red Top, the GDNR authorized controlled hunts to thin the herd and salvage both the deer and the ecosystem. It worked like a charm. Forewarned is Forearmed And that's what's being proposed for Jekyll Island - a special hunt to thin the herd, protecting both deer and environment. The GDNR is being pro-active, and I applaud that. They don't want a repeat of the Red Top Mountain situation. According to Will Ricks, (Assistant Regional Supervisor for the GDNR) in a recent article in the Florida Times, the deer population on Jekyll Island tops 700 - more than 1 animal per 8 acres. There are 640 acres in a square mile, which gives us 80 deer per square mile. Not quite as bad as Red Top Mountain, but getting there - and far from optimum. My family was on Jekyll Island this past October. We saw plenty of deer. They all looked healthy to me. But, apparently, looks can be deceiving. So I'm all for a hunt to cull Jekyll Island's surplus deer population. Before starvation and habitat devastation sets in. Before we're seeing zombie-like deer roaming the island, eating anything they can get their teeth into. Before we have another Red Top Mountain. According to Ricks, the proposed hunt will be held only on the unpopulated areas of the island, and be limited to bows only. Hopefully, the harvested meat can be donated to charity. Still conflicted about the upcoming hunt on Jekyll Island? Ask a hunter. They can explain why it's important to keep game populations under control - especially in the absence of natural predators. (Find out more about Jekyll Island's Coastal Whitetail Deer) Nough said - Rick

Nov 25, Culling the Herd - Part 1

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:54:38 GMT

Deer Hunting on Jekyll Island? I know little about ecology, but one thing I remember from those long-ago lectures at UGA was, to put it simply - if a species exceeds the carrying capacity of it's habitat, bad things will happen to both species and habitat. On Jekyll Island, the Powers that Be (in this case the Georgia Department of Natural Resources) have decreed that Jekyll Island's deer have done just that. There are too many of the buggers to support both them and their habitat in optimum health. Solution: Thin the herd. I've not always agreed with GDNR policy, but in this case I do. Why? Because of what happened at Georgia's Red Top Mountain State Park. The Great Starvation on Red Top Mountain Red Top Mountain was a great place to see deer, but by the early 2000's they had grossly over-populated the park. Martha and I visited in late 2003, and while the park was beautiful, you could see the pathetic deer everywhere. Deer eat just about anything, and when hungry, will consume some things they normally wouldn't. These deer had decimated their environment to the point where vegetation was being destroyed, to the detriment of not only the deer but other species, too. The evidence was readily apparent. Browse was almost non-existent. The lower tree canopy had been pruned perfectly level at the height a deer could reach standing on its hind legs. Deer were migrating into human use areas. The grass within road right-of-ways had been cropped to the ground. Shrubs and late flowers were destroyed. We saw a lot of deer on our trip; starvation over-rode their natural fear of humans. One morning we watched 4 gaunt deer, ribs perfectly outlined against their drab hides, descend from the high woods down to our lodge. Two came almost to our door. We fed them crackers, which they devoured. I could have gotten one of them to follow me into the room, they were that hungry! According to Rob Warren (Prof. of Wildlife Ecology & Management at UGA) in a Nov. 2003 article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution), less than 20 deer per square mile is optimum. On Red Top Mountain, there were 180 deer per square mile. (See Part 2 for conclusion) Nough said - Rick

Nov 24, You're Jekyll Island Christmas at the JI Club Hotel

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:16:22 GMT

Making memories is what Jekyll Island Family Adventures is all about. And what better time than Christmas to forge some lasting family memories. This December, celebrate the holidays at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. They have several ways your family can get into the holiday spirit. The Jekyll Island Club Christmas lasts from November 27 to December 29. Show up early (Nov. 26) and enjoy the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. What can you experience in your JI Club Christmas? Festive Decorations adorn the historic hotel. You'll believe you've stepped into a Charles Dickens Christmas when you see the JI Club Hotel in all her holiday finery.

Enjoy strands of evergreen garlands adorned with hand-tied red velvet bows, decorating the veranda railings
Gaze in wonder at interior delights like Christmas wreaths and live, decorated trees showcased at their best in the Hall of Mirrors

Holiday Programs -

it's tea time at the Holiday High Tea get-together
treat the kids to Santa at Crane
enjoy Christmas-themed Chef demonstrations
listen to the haunting music of the Christmas Bagpiper
sign up for a Christmas Cookie workshop

Special Christmas Package - enjoy...

accommodations with Queen, King and 2 Double Beds
a Breakfast Buffet
your family Christmas Stocking, complete with hand-crafted ornament for your tree
lasts through December. As of this writing, prices are $199.00 double occupancy, $159.00 single occupancy.

Check with the Jekyll Island Club Hotel for any revisions or additions to their Christmas doings, and to confirm pricing. Their number: (800) 535-9547, or (912) 635-2600 Now, go make some memories! Nough said - Rick

Nov 23, What We're Thankful For

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:30:07 GMT

The Thanksgiving Day sails (pun intended) are peeking over the horizon, and any old salt worth his salt might choose to sit back and contemplate just what he's thankful for. Here's some of my thoughts on the matter. I'm thankful for

my family. Martha, Josh and Scott (and Henry, our cat - King of the Known Universe)
good health. That we're all still healthy, alive and kicking
our extended family - good friends and relations, here in Gainesville, at our church, on Jekyll Island, across the country and the world
the folks and families who read Jekyll Island Family Adventures. I hope you all gain a little knowledge, or get a few laughs, from my chicken scratching
politicians. No, really. You have to give 'em credit for standing once more in the breach. Gotta love 'em. Now if only they can get their acts together.
the privilege of living in a great country, one that allows me to get up in the morning and try to achieve something of note for myself, my family, and my community
what little writing ability I might have. Seems to be my only talent! :)
our time spent on Jekyll Island, with family and friends, having fun, sharing experiences, playing, lounging, eating, listening to music, watching wildlife, and generally enjoying life
chances to learn and see new things
the coming feast!
fall leaves, the scent of wood smoke, the taste of pumpkin pie, a warm place to hole up with winter coming - and spring on the horizon!
our fighting men and women, those who risk all to protect us and our values. Stay safe, and have a great Thanksgiving

There's more, or course. But I'll leave it at that for now. Hope you all have a great and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday. (Now where'd I put that turkey leg...?) Bon appetit! Nough said - Rick

Nov 1, October Magic on Jekyll Island

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:01:48 GMT

Just got back from a great trip to "our" island, in the near-perfect month of October. Weather was beautiful, temperature was perfect. Only down side - the sand gnats were out. Take bug stuff! We had a blast, but as my Grandma used to say, "We pert near wore ourselves out!" I think we meed another trip to JI just to rest up from this one. This is the first time is over 10 years that the whole family was there at the same time. Highlights:

played lots of clay court tennis with Martha, Josh and Scott (spent a lot of time watching shots go by like meteors)
took a guided kayak trip through Tidelands Nature Center (I might have seen a manatee, but whatever it was breached and submerged so fast I couldn't really identify it - but it was BIG!)
played golf with the boys at the Indian Mound course, one of Jekyll Island's most beautiful courses (got beat, of course)
played mini-golf with the family (got beat again - is there a pattern developing here???)
took hundreds of pictures around the island, especially of the millionaire's cottages within the Historic District (in preparation of my upcoming series on said cottages)
hiked the marsh trail and the amphitheater trail looking for birds (saw lots of herons, kingfishers, and songbirds)
partied down at SeaJay's to the music of our friend Eddie Pickett and the Wharf Ratz Band.
pigged out on seafood at SeaJay's, and the newest Jekyll Island restaurant, Fins on the Beach (look for my upcoming write-up on Fins. We drove ourselves batty driving north and south on Beachview, and every time we passed Fins on the Beach, hollering "Fins on the left!", or "Fins on the right!". You have to be a Parrothead to get that reference!
went hiking off-island at Crooked River State Park (got pics of a gopher tortoise.)
walked miles on the beaches of Jekyll Island.

In fact, we did about everything we could do but REST! Which is now catching up with me, so I think I'll go take a nap. Upcoming on Jekyll Island Family Adventures. Look for...

an interview with Eddie Pickett
my series on the Cottages of Jekyll Island (preview: some are haunted!)
great photos of Jekyll Island from my niece Meredith (a much better photographer than me!)
and I'll be heading back to Jekyll Island in the spring for a series of planned video spots, so stay tuned to JIFA - no telling what may show up. Nough said - Rick

Oct 21, Jekyll Island - The Nearest Faraway Place

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:27:19 GMT

Christmas is just around the corner! Ho, Ho, Ho! Looking for a unique present? Get an early jump on your shopping and give the gift of island life to your friends and loved ones this year. A new book commemorating Jekyll Island - Jekyll Island: The Nearest Faraway Place (Volume 1) - published by the Jekyll Island Authority showcases the rare beauty and wonder of the island through unique photos and poems from the folks who visit Jekyll Island and those who make her their home. Experience Jekyll Island through the vivid photographs and heartfelt words of others who love the island and the lifestyle it represents. Walk paths shaded by live oaks, feel the ocean breeze, tour the renovated homes of past millionaires, all through the magic of lens and pen. And then, with your explorer's appetite whetted - make your own excursion to this island paradise, cause a Jekyll Island Family Adventure is much more fun experienced in real life! You can get Jekyll Island: The Nearest Faraway Place (Volume 1) through Amazon.com, or on the island at the Jekyll Island Visitor's Center, the Commissary, the Jekyll Island Book Store, the Jekyll Island Museum Store, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or Hattie's Books in Brunswick. Nough said - Rick

Oct 17, Jekyll Island Bucket List # 5 - Shoot Sunrise Photos at Driftwood Beach

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:53:30 GMT

Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach is famous for its scenic beauty, and known as one of the most romantic beaches in the country. It's a popular wedding photography destination. But did you know that Driftwood Beach is a great place to photograph the sunrise over the ocean? Get up before dawn, fuel up on caffeine, and get to the beach to capture the perfect sunrise moment. The sun peeks over the horizon, then slowly climbs, spreading color across the sky. Frame your shots with some of the driftwood dotting the sand, or back off the beach a bit and use live trees as your foreground frames. Either way, sunrise over Driftwood Beach is a must-see event while you're on Jekyll Island. Just don't forget your camera! Nough said - Rick

Oct 14, Georgia Florida Golf Tournament on Jekyll Island

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:27:59 GMT

Georgia Florida Golf Tournament Offers Great Golfing Fun

Oct 14, Bark vs. Chomp

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:28:24 GMT

Break out your school colors and your golf clubs and head to Jekyll Island for the Annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic. This tourney has been held for the last 32 years as a prelude to the Georgia-Florida football game in Jacksonville. Experience

two rounds of tournament play on Thursday, Oct. 27 and Friday, Oct. 28 (there's an optional practice round on the 26th).
Wednesday evening Cocktail Party
Thursday evening Low Country Boil
and much more!

October is my favorite month on Jekyll Island. The air is crisp and clean, and you feel as if you can see for miles. If you get tired of golf, there's

tennis on Har-tru courts at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center
shopping and renovated millionaire "cottages" in the Historic District
getting in touch with your inner turtle at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center
sea kayaking through Tidelands Nature Center
inshore fishing with one of the areas great knowledgeable guides
exploring Jekyll Island's ten miles of wide, flat, uncrowded beaches

Come join the fun on Jekyll Island. Drive on down and dive right in! And...GO DAWGS!!! Nough said - Rick

Oct 10, faith chapel jekyll island royal wedding destination

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:58:14 GMT

Faith Chapel Perfect Choice for Your Royal Wedding

Oct 7, Things Are Heatin' Up at Jekyll Island Family Adventures

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:10:20 GMT

Finally! October! Cool breezes, hot fall colors - the perfect season to visit Jekyll Island. And Martha and I will be heading that way later this month, with a whole slew of things planned for taking JIFA to the next level. I'll be taking thousands of pictures (would you believe hundreds? How 'bout a few dozen?), filming some video, and interviewing some local personalities. Like Eddie Pickett, of the Wharf Ratz band. And (hopefully) Pamela Bauer Mueller, author of Splendid Isolation: The Jekyll Island Millionaires Club 1888-1942 Speaking of millionaires - over the next few weeks, I invite you to stay tuned to the Turtle Gram so you can follow my new series of articles about Jekyll Island's historic cottages. Martha and I plan to visit all these cottages on our upcoming trip, talk to folks at the Jekyll Island museum, and glean as much info as we can about these wonderful old homes, and we'll be sharing what we learn about them with you as soon as we can. You might want to snarf up Ms. Mueller's book to get some background info on those feisty millionaires before our virtual "tour" - Splendid Isolation: The Jekyll Island Millionaires Club 1888-1942 Don't forget - Christmas is coming, and you can take a Holiday Tour of these homes if you go "down to the island" for the holidays! I can't think of a better place to spend the Yuletide! And speaking of tide - look for my new song "Jekyll Island Tide" appearing sometime in the near future on Jekyll Island Family Adventures! (If I can find somebody better than me to sing it - which shouldn't be too hard!). Nough said - Rick PS - check out what's happening on my other websites: Potsibilities - all about Container Gardening, and DragonLyre - my author site. Really, 'Nough said - Rick

Oct 7, historic cottages in jekyll island's millionaire's village island history

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:38:30 GMT

Historic Cottages are Must-See Jewells in Jekyll Island's Historic District Crown

Sep 29, A New Way to Reach Jekyll Island

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:19:25 GMT

To me, Jekyll Island is paradise on earth. You can get to paradise by several modes of transportation.

ROAD TRIP!!! The trip is part of the adventure - especially with youngsters.
Even more adventurous - fly in by plane!
Feeling masochistic? Take the bus

But this is my favorite, even though I haven't yet done it - arrive by water on the Intra-coastal Waterway. Now there's a new way to come by water - via an Amelia River Cruise. Heck, face it. Anyway you can get to Jekyll Island is a good way. Hitch-hike? Walk? Swim? In the belly of a whale? Paradise awaits. Nough said - Rick

Sep 28, Wedding Bells on Jekyll Island

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:03:00 GMT

Congrats to Jennifer & Paul, the Tennessee couple who won Jekyll Island's $74,000 "Dream Wedding Giveaway"! They triumphed over 600 entrants hoping to have their wedding dreams come true on beautiful Jekyll Island. Percs include a weekend long wedding planning session at the Beachview Club Hotel. Plus, the lucky couple will exchange vows at the historic Faith Chapel, with a reception for invited guests at the Crane Cottage, which the 1924 Architectural Record dubbed "the most expensive and elegant winter home ever built on Jekyll Island". Happy honeymoonin', Jennifer and Paul! Nough said - Rick

Sep 22, Lightening

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:33:19 GMT

My first trip to Shark's Tooth Beach almost ended in disaster. I started out in a light drizzle that turned into a steady downpour before I was halfway to the beach. About at the halfway point, the trail narrowed considerably, passing between 2 sections of marsh. A lone, tall pine grew close to the narrow point. There was no way to proceed except to pass close to the pine. So I did, and continued on my way. But a few hundred yards further, the storm clouds began to spit lightening. After a bit more walking I'd had enough. Lightening was striking the marsh all around, and it was getting hairy. I reversed my trek and walked (fast!) towards the trailhead, but about 30 yards from that lone pine, I stopped. Rain was coming down by the bucket full, lightening sizzling all around me, thunder booming incessantly. And I was scared to pass that lightening rod tree. Finally I screwed up my courage and sprinted as fast as I could past the tree (and if you knew how bad my knees were, you'd know I rarely sprint anywhere!). I made it back safely, but there could have been less happy consequences. Lightening is dangerous anytime you're out in the open, especially around water - like on the beach. Flying kites on the beach in a lightening storm is a sure way to get lit up. The rule of thumb is that if lightening is closer to 6 miles from you, it's time to head indoors. How do you tell how far away the lightening is? The old rule of thumb is to count the number of seconds between the lightening flash and the thunder, then divide by five, and the result is the number of miles away the lightening is. If there's 30 seconds in between, dividing by five gives you 6 miles. Time to head for the house! Nough said - Rick

Sep 15, Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:01:07 GMT

Tidelands Nature Center introduces kids to nature with fun walks and activities for kids.

Sep 9, historic horton house on jekyll island from georgia's history

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:59:01 GMT

Historic Horton House Ruins Teach Kids Georgia History

Sep 8, Be a Shrimp & Grits V.I.P.!

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:56:33 GMT

If your mouth waters at just the thought of delectable fresh Wild Georgia Shrimp, than you need to feed your fix - at the 2011 Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits Festival, Sept. 16-18 on Jekyll Island. And why not do it up right with a VIP Package. What's that, you say? Just a passport to Jekyll Island's most fabulous event! You get

a parking pass to the festival, along with
passes for Friday Night's $3.00 Sample Night (believe me, you can pig out on sample night!).

Still hungry? How about

more passes for shrimp and grits meals on Saturday and Sunday. You'll also snare
a commemorative festival poster, and
VIP access to the VIP tent, where you'll find an exclusive cash bar and seats in the shade. Settle back and relax, and stay caught up on your favorite football game through the satellite feed offered by VIP tent sponsor Direct T.V.

Shell out $55 for tickets, and enjoy! Get your tickets online or by calling the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at 1-877-453-5955. Just don't doze off in the tent, and miss out on all the Shrimp and Grit Festival happenings! Have fun, and devour shrimp! Nough said - Rick

Aug 25, Hurricane Irene

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:42:58 GMT

Looks like Irene won't be making landfall on the Georgia coast, but maybe further north. Let's give thanks that Georgia seems to have been spared, and pray that the storm will miss our northern neighbors as well. We could use a little of Irene's rain, however. Nough said - Rick

Aug 22, Mmmmmmm - Seafood (drool)

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:35:02 GMT

Think Georgia coast, and your mouth waters in anticipation of Wild Georgia Shrimp. Or crab legs. Or fish fillets. Or... Pick your poison. Or, in this case, your nectar of the Gods. That's seafood, man. And you can get plenty of it on Jekyll Island. In September, there's the Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits Festival, where you can pig out on shrimp and grits, a Southern delicacy. Or head to any of the great island restaurants - the Grand Dining Room at the J.I. Club Hotel; Fins on Beach (formally Blackbeard's); the Rah Bar (for wonderfully fresh oysters and shrimp); Latitude 31 (for a great meal overlooking the water); SeaJays (more laid back, with Low Country Boil and good music to boot); and others. Or set sail with the captain and crew of the Lady Jane, a refurbished shrimp boat now fitted out for 49 passengers. They'll pull your shrimp feast fresh from the sea and prepare it for you right on the deck - can't get any fresher than that! The Brunswick docks are another good place to find working shrimp boats coming home with their catch. Make a deal with their captains, and take home a mess of crustacean critters for the pot. Want a little more hands-on adventure? Hire out with one of the area fishing guides (like Capt. Larry Crews or Capt. Vernon Reynolds) and catch your own finny meal, either off shore or from shallow, coastal waters. They'll even clean your catch for you. Whichever direction you go on Jekyll Island, fresh, scrumptious seafood is only a plate away! Yum!!! Nough said - Rick PS - have your fish with a cold margarita!

Aug 11, Amphitheater Odyssey

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:22:23 GMT

From the 1970's to 2005, the Jekyll Island Amphitheater hosted wonderful family events, from theater productions to movies to concerts. It's been out of commission for a bit, but now there's hope on the horizon that the old girl will once again play to captive audiences in all her glory. The Jekyll Island Authority recently completed a structural assessment of the amphitheater, the first step in getting her back on track. Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the JIA, says that getting the amphitheater up and going again is a project that he's been looking at since he arrived as captain of the Jekyll Island ship. "We have a tremendous opportunity with this amphitheater, but also a tremendous amount of work to do with it," Hooks said in an interview with the Brunswick News. Like an aging stage star, the amphitheater has seen better days, and not only must be renovated physically but matched with the right type of venues to please Jekyll Island's many visitors, as well as the surrounding community. As ever, funding the rejuvenation project is a top concern, and the lady must wait for her time in the spotlight until higher priority projects (like the new convention center) are completed. But we're glad the JIA hasn't abandoned a facility that has been so much a part of our families Jekyll Island Family Adventures over the years. Our sons were introduced to live theater there, and we saw dozens of plays during our island sojourns. We're looking forward for "Opening Night" at the Jekyll Island Amphitheater again as the old girl returns to center stage for one more bow. 'Nough said - Rick

Aug 1, Jekyll Island Club Hotel Chef's Demonstration

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:25:24 GMT

What better way to start off the Shrimp & Grits Festival weekend than with our Chefs demonstrating our ”Award Winning” Shrimp & Grits! Questions and

Jul 29, Share Your Favorite Jekyll Island Festival or Event

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:09:29 GMT

Are you a rabid shag dancer who attends the Beach Music Festival regularly? Do you make your vacation plans around the Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits Festival? Or do you promise anything to be able to go to the Georgia/Florida golf tournament? Everyone has a favorite Jekyll Island event, festival or celebration. Now you have a chance to share stories of yourfavorite. Just head over to the Events Spotlight, Jekyll Island Family Adventure's new venue for special event, festival and celebration news and info, and tell us about your fav event. Your story will be published on the Jekyll Island Family Adventures website. Now get on over there and get to writing! 'Nough said - Rick

Jul 29, Sunday Lemonade at Summer Waves

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:58:19 GMT

Another good reason to visit Summer Waves Water Park at Jekyll Island this Sunday (other than relief from the heat, which is reason enough!) is fresh, cold, sweat, tart lemonade, served with a smile by the Midway Lemonade Girls. You may have heard of them - young entrepreneurs Kasity Dixon, 14, Tiffany Cassin, 12, and Skylar Roberts, 10 - who were selling lemonade from a stand in the Robert's front yard to raise money for a trip to Summer Waves Water Park when they were shut down by Midway police for not having a permit. I won't mention what I think of that. But when Jekyll Island and Summer Waves heard about the girl's plight, they jumped right in with an offer to set the girls up in a stand of their own for a Sunday of lemonade sales in the park. So come on out to Summer Waves this weekend, enjoy the water slides, wave pool and lazy river, and support the girl's entrepreneural spirit by buying and snarfing down buckets of sweet lemonade! 'Nough said - Rick

Jul 28, Governer Deal Gives High-Five to Jekyll Island Convention Center

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:07:13 GMT

Gov. Nathan Deal did a walk through at the site of the new Jekyll Island Convention Center and gave it his blessing, encouraging Georgia businesses to "strongly consider the Jekyll Island Convention Center for their future meetings, retreats or events.” The Center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012 and offers many attractions to potential conventioneers, including

78,000 s.f. of quality meeting space
panoramic ocean views
silver LEED certification
the only oceanfront convention facility in the southeast
proximity to the new 134 room Hyatt Place Hotel, also under construction
premier location within the Jekyll Island Beach Village, with access to another planned 200 room hotel for convention guests, a 46,425 s.f. retail area, condos and Great Dunes Park

According to the Jekyll Island Authority, 40 groups (amounting to over 26,000 attendees and over 30,000 room nights), have committed to meetings on Jekyll Island in 2012. JIA Board Chairman Bob Krueger states that “Ultimately the project will create construction jobs at a payroll of approximately $56,000,000 and include 350 to 400 permanent jobs.” Further Info

Jul 26, Upcoming Events, Festivals, Celebrations on Jekyll Island

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:09:00 GMT

Upcoming events and celebrations for family fun on Jekyll Island

Jul 22, Jekyll Island Fishing Pier, Georgia Saltwater Fishing

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:38:57 GMT

Jekyll Island fishing pier perfect for family fun fishing

Jul 21, Jekyll Island Fishing Center Supplies Bait, Guides, and Advice

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:52:51 GMT

Looking to catch fish? Make the Jekyll Island Fishing Center your first stop.

Jul 21, Wind Swept Trees - Balm to the Spirit

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:32:05 GMT

Jekyll Island is the perfect family getaway, with adventures to delight young and old around every corner. But you can also do something else you might not get a chance to do in your "normal" life - relax. The lull of the lowlands seeps into your bones, drawing out tension and soothing body, mind and spirit. One of the most relaxing things on Jekyll Island (too me, anyway) are the forms of windswept trees on the coast. Close to the beach, the ever-present breeze has had an influence on pine and live oak. They have bowed before the wind, have been shaped into almost sculptural forms, leaning away from that constant breeze. For some reason, these contorted tree forms relax me. Maybe its just that you can't really find them anywhere else except where the long wind blows. Or maybe I just relate them to the coast. Whatever it is, I find myself loosening the reins on my worries, dropping further into "island mode", whenever I walk under the spreading limbs of those ancient live oaks and sculpted pines. A good place to snooze in the shade of windswept live oaks is the Historic District. There, grandfather live oak abound, and the St. Augustine grass underneath beckons. Spread a quilt, pack a lunch, and picnic under their stalwart limbs in the cooling shade. And then, take a nap. Here a few other things on Jekyll Island that relax us:

the soft lap of waves on the beach
dozing in the shade of Cafe Solterra's veranda
napping in the cool "Jekyll room" at our favorite marsh home
enjoying a drink poolside at any of island's tiki hut bars
strolling hand in hand among the driftwood (more windswept trees!) at Driftwood Beach

There are many more opportunities relax on Jekyll Island - between adventures, that is. Make relaxation a priority while on your next Jekyll Island Family Adventure. Nough said - Rick

Jul 19, Find Prehistoric Sharks Teeth on Sharks Tooth Beach

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:54:33 GMT

Hunt for prehistoric sharks teeth on Sharks Tooth Beach