I think we had the road on our mind! After 3 long winter months of being stationary, we were itching to be on the go. Don’t misunderstand, WE LOVED our time at the farm with Bro Tom and visiting with our other Brothers and Sisters. But life on the road was calling us! Our destination…sunshine and warmer temperatures!
Saying Goodbye
On a cloudy February 9th, we hugged Brother Tom, then made a short jaunt down the road. A chance to visit with my sister Beth and her family before we ventured further south made Richmond Hill, GA a perfect destination. Not far from Savannah, there is a great little state park, Fort McAllister. And it’s 5 minutes from my sis!
Fort McAllister State Park
Fort McAllister has an abundance of wildlife that lives among the live oaks, pines, and palms along the Ogeechee River. We were entertained by the squirrels and birds. John had a recurring early morning visit from a raccoon who would wander over to say good morning or maybe it was good night! LOL I loved walking this park. There was always something new and interesting to see, especially Batman at the bat box. I laughed out loud!!
Traveled 88 miles. 2 hours (with a stop for lunch!)
Drone’s Eye View
A Special Guest
Kalie Spends the Night 
Chick Flick! 
Love this Girl!
The Golden Isles of Georgia
We packed up and headed a little further down the coast to explore Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll and St. Simon’s. Knowing we would have difficulty getting our Beast in Jekyll Island Campground, I opted for a park near Brunswick. In the little city of Darien, right off of I-95, sits Inland Harbor RV Park. This family owned park is perfectly located for exploring the area.
Traveled 46 miles. About an hour!
Daytrippin’ in Darien
John had stuff to do, so I ventured out on my own for a fun day trip. I googled places to go, see, do in the area. Checked my favorite quirky sites, Atlas Obscura and Roadside America and headed off.
Fort King George
This is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia’s coast. Built in 1721, it was the southern most outpost for the British. Stories of the hardships faced by the soldiers surviving the hot and humid climate and the disease carrying mosquitos, made me think some things never change. It’s still hot and humid and those mosquitos! Argh! Thank goodness for AC! 🙂
Butler Island Plantation
I originally sought this spot out because I was told it was a good place to spot manatees. I walked the dike along the Butler River and hung out on a dock. I didn’t see any manatees, but I did see lots of shore birds and learned some history along the way!
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
Found this plantation just driving down the road. Decided to check it out. So glad I did! The tour of the plantation house was interesting, but the real stars here are the beautiful trees! From the majestic live oaks to the stately magnolias to the flowering camellias and azaleas, I was in heaven!
The plantation has an interesting history. Started as a rice plantation in the early 1800s, the Broadfield was part of the genteel society that developed during the antebellum period. The house is a showcase of some of the original furniture, china, and silver. Never making a profit (mostly due to the opulent life style the previous families wanted to portray) the fifth generation started a dairy farm (around 1930s) rather than sell their family home. The success of the dairy farm allowed the family to keep their home and Sisters Miriam and Ophelia continued to live at Hofwyl-Broadfield in the rich traditions of their ancestors. Ophelia was the last heir and she left the plantation and it’s contents to the State of Georgia upon her death in 1973.
The marsh has reclaimed the rice fields, but the grandeur of the trees remains. I have always been in awe of the stately live oaks. Draped in Spanish moss and Resurrection ferns, they have withstood centuries.
If trees could talk…
What a great day!
Exploring Jekyll Island
I was super stoked to spend the day on Jekyll. I did my research and had a list of places to go, see, do. And we still didn’t see it all!
Jekyll Island has a rich history (literally!), from British colonists to plantation owners to millionaires to a State Park. The ownership of Jekyll has changed hands several times.
History moment…The Horton family started the first plantation on the island in 1741. After the death of British Major Horton the island plantation was sold to the DuBignon family who successfully raised Sea Island Cotton on the plantation. Following the Civil War, a great-grandson in the DuBignon family marketed Jekyll as the perfect site for a hunting club. In 1886 the island was purchased by the Jekyll Island Club. It became a turn-of-the-century vacation resort patronized by the nation’s leading families, the Morgans, Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, and Rockefellers to name a few! After WWII, the Club Era came to an end and the island was sold to the State of Georgia. Since 1947, the island has operated as a State Park.
Be prepared to stop and pay the “toll” to go onto the island! $8 for a day pass!
Driftwood Beach
Our first stop had to be the beach! The effects of erosion are clearly shown in the remnants of this maritime forest and the results make for great photo ops! It may have been a little chilly, but the blue sky and sunshine…Just WOW! For my camping friends, this is a short walk from Jekyll Island Campground. Which is a nice campground, just a little crowded for our taste and the trees would make navigating our big rig challenging.
Horton House
The Horton House is one of the oldest tabby buildings still standing in GA. Tabby is made of equal parts lime, water, sand, oyster shells, and ash and can be poured into molds. It was the go to building material on the southeast coastal areas until the early 19th century. The Horton House was built in 1743 and John marveled at the construction. 🙂
History moment…Major William Horton also built a tabby brewery and produced Georgia’s first beer from the barley and hops he grew on the island!
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
A trip to Jekyll can not be complete without a stop at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Not just an education center, it’s a rehab hospital for injured turtles. They do amazing work here!!! Having toured it several years ago with my nieces, I only spent time in the gift shop where I marveled at the size of the sea turtle skeleton while John was on a business call! 🙂 For all my fellow turtle lovers, check out Scute’s School for behind the scenes rehab info, turtle resources, and virtual field trips.
Time for refreshments! We drove over to the Beach Village area. That’s where they keep the hotels, restaurants, and shops! The Sunrise Grille was highly recommended by some locals and it didn’t disappoint! After a couple of rum drinks and locally caught seafood dishes our tummies were full! John opted for a quick nap while I took a stroll on the beach!
Wanderer Memory Trail
Next stop on the agenda was the Wanderer Memory Trail. I remember coming here with my niece when it was just being constructed. It is a unique trail that chronicles the life of a young African boy named Umwalla. Visitors follow his journey from capture to freedom through interactive exhibits along the trail.
The Wanderer was the last known slave ship in America. It illegally came ashore on Jekyll in this location some 160 years ago with more than 500 enslaved Africans. It is a humbling experience to stand on this beach.
Brunswick and Lover’s Oak
Brunswick, Georgia is just over the bridge from the barrier islands. We were going to drive around looking at the recommended touristy sites. But after a day on Jekyll, we were ready to head home! We did stop at Lover’s Oak. Have I mentioned I am fascinated with these old oaks!! This one is as old as our Constitution!
Chasing Sunsets
Afternoon toddies on the water watching the sunset with the man you love. Priceless!
Wandering the historic waterfront of Darien, GA, we found the shrimp boats and a gorgeous place to watch the sunset into the Darien River. Sadly, this little fleet of trawlers is one of a few remaining along the Georgia coast. With fewer wild shrimp running the coastal waters and the price of fuel, the shrimping industry has suffered. I remember growing up on the Isle of Palms and seeing 10 or more boats on the water, now your lucky to see 1 or 2.
More Tabby Ruins
Last Supper
Sister Beth mentioned a must go to restaurant in Darien, Skippers Fish Camp. It’s on the Waterfront and their seafood comes right off the docks! So our last night in Georgia, Beth, Marion, Tori and Kalie joined us for supper! With it’s reputation, we weren’t surprised to have an hour waiting time. No worries…Tori has a plan!
I wasn’t even out of our truck, when she grabbed my hand and led me to neighboring wine bar featuring Horse Creek Wines. We each ordered a flight of wines. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone I shared with K!
It was a great night of food and fun. I felt blessed to share it with my big Sis and her family. Tomorrow we move on down the road…Sunny Florida here we come!