By Len Ziehm with Pictures by Joy Sarver
Georgia State parks are impressive, but one in particular stands out, Jekyll Island is historic, plus it has a sparkling new look. There are only 600 residents on the entire island, located off the Georgia coastline, not too far from either Savannah, or Jacksonville.
In addition to 63 holes of golf, Jekyll Island offers 22 miles of biking and hiking trails, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the Summer Waves Water Park, The Wharf Restaurant, the enchanting Driftwood Beach, tennis, croquet and fishing, horse riding, a campground, plus a wide variety of lodging and gift shops, for retail therapy.
What Jekyll is really all about, though, is history. The state recently invested $25 million renovation project to preserve those historic aspects.
“There was a Master Plan put into effect 10-12 years ago,’’ said Kevin Baker, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Jekyll Island Club Resort. “That included a Convention Center and Beach Village, but it feels different here now because the majority of the big construction is done. A lot of things were completed last year and the Master Plan is pretty much complete. Just little bits and pieces are still being upgraded.’’
The first residents included, J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Vincent Astor, Joseph Pulitzer, William Vanderbilt and Marshall Field, when the Jekyll Club opened in 1888. It was considered “the richest, most exclusive and most inaccessible club in the world.’’
The island could only be accessed by boat, but electricity was available on the island before it became available to the rest of the country.
Residents could design and build their own homes, or cottages. The variety of tastes and architectural looks added to the island’s beauty and mystique.
There were originally 12 cottages and three of those were addressed in the most recent renovation. The biggest, the Crane Cottage, built in 1917, had 20 guest rooms and 17 baths. In the renovation it is a favorite for wedding parties, family reunions and corporate retreats.
The San Souci Cottage, built in 1896 by J.P. Morgan, became the first condominium in the country and the first transcontinental phone call was made from Jekyll in 1915. More importantly, The Federal Reserve System was conceived in a secret meeting, among Jekyll’s rich and powerful, in 1907.
The Great Depression signaled the club’s downfall and World War II sped up the process. Afraid that German submarines would invade the local waters, members sold their cottages, bringing an end to Jekyll’s “Club Era.’’
In 1948, Jekyll was declared a Georgia State Park. Old buildings were used by visitors, but the flavor of the good old days was missing until recently, when 200 guest room at the Jekyll Island Club were upgraded.
“Every single guest room was completely renovated. More color was brought into the rooms. In the past everything was painted white. The exterior of the buildings hasn’t changed, but now the colors in the rooms really pop. We maintained the historic rooms. It was a modern take on history. It’s been more like a coastal eclectic look while honoring the past.’’
The rooms have all been tastefully updated. The Grand Dining Room was completely renovated and serves breakfast, as well as a delicious Sunday buffet.
“By no means is it modern, but it’s very historic. That’s why people come here. Luxury and style were elevated to a level that it should be. The guest rooms are now at the level of comfort and style of the luxury hotels, but what makes us special is our history.’’
Tours are conducted daily beginning from the Mosaic Museum. While it is easy to drive around the island, bicycling, or walking is the preferred method of traversing the island.
The historic Jekyll Island Hotel, or cottages are not the only accommodations available. Other lodging includes, Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Holiday Inn, plus Days Inn.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an especially interesting attraction, and it is given extra promotion with stuffed turtles in every guest room.
Beach Village gives the island a major attraction apart from the Historic District. Located near the ocean, it features the Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar, plus retail shops and is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll.
One thing that you can’t miss are the magnificent trees. The one that stands out is a Plantation Oak estimated to be about 350 years old. Visitors also are amazed by the eerily twisted and gnarled trees on Driftwood Beach, easily one of the most distinct attractions on Jekyll.
One quick note for pet lovers, Jekyll Island is very pet friendly. Most restaurants offer outside seating and dogs are welcome to join in your dining experience.
To conclude, Jekyll Island has a unique history, but with the recent renovations it offers visitors a relaxed and modern vacation destination with everything a seasoned traveler could want.
To book your next adventure to Jekyll Island visit GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com
