Jekyll Island-Sea Island-St Simons

Jekyll Island and Sea Island are part of a timeless world, steeped in tradition and surrounded by pristine beauty. With a history that's just as rich and varied as the land it shares. Its heritage actually originates with the humblest of beginnings: a Quaker family on an Ohio farm. Howard Coffin, Sea Island's founder, started life on that farm, a boy of simple background, but with a magnificently imaginative mind. It was he who turned these islands into a playing ground for the world’s wealthiest.

Over time the surrounding islands were no longer used for hunting and were sold off as property development. But he retained Sea Island as a special gem for his friends. Today, the Cloister at Sea Island was rated as the number one resort in America. It also originated as a ‘restricted’ resort. During my childhood the waiters used to deliver meals to us at our cottage by balancing the meals on their heads as they rode their bicycles.

In the main dining room, today, finger bowls, a full compliment of silver table settings and fine china are used. Ladies wear dresses and gentlemen wear jackets and ties in the evening. In the summer months full orchestra dancing is offered on the terrace by the sea.

Mr Coffin recognised that there was a group of people who preferred less lavish experiences and encouraged property developers to build a limited number of hotels on the adjoining islands, thus, between St Simon’s and Jekyll, there are a number of lovely as well as more economical hotels.

The island is covered with live oaks, Spanish moss, and palmetto. Criss-crossing the island is over 20 miles of bicycling and walking paths. You can always find a peaceful spot on the beach. Few locals come over to Jekyll from nearby Brunswick because of the fees charged to all cars entering the island. There are sfew year-round residents but many investment property owners who have held their homes for generations. This is definitely NOT a place to visit if you are looking for nightlife!

It’s a lovely climate and nature's panorama of ocean, waterways, marsh and woodlands define life on Sea Island.

I need to warn you about Jelly-fish. They’re abundant this time of year, so just be aware, should you decide to swim in the ocean!

Don’t be shy to go to the Cloister. It is truly magnificent and worth having a walk around. No one will challenge you and I’d encourage you to take photos. This coastal area is one of the vanishing vistas of the United States.

The Cloister offers their Sea Island tradition; the Plantation Supper, which is a Definitely a unique experience. It is a casual mix of Southern "comfort" food, such as local shrimp, crispy fried chicken, pork barbecue, chocolate cake and fruit cobbler, with bluegrass music and the soulful sounds of gospel singers. They use a ‘Jeep Train’ to carry you out into the grassland forest, surrounded by old oak trees with hanging moss. It’s a wonderful experience on a warm evening. Food is prepared outdoors and with the combination of music and good food, you are guaranteed never to forget the experience.

You didn't think I'd get in a few paragraphs without writing something about food, did you?!