Destined to Travel
Plantation to Playground
Colonial Jekyll was once a large plantation; now it is a beautiful playground to which people come for the wealth of recreational opportunities. But it was another sort of wealth that attracted people in the 1800s, and therein lies the island's real history.
In the late 19th century, south Georgia was a popular seasonal refuge, since Florida was still largely undeveloped and inaccessible.
Newton Finney, a merchant from New York, hit upon the idea of a hunting retreat on Jekyll Island, similar to other developments along the southern coast. Finney sold memberships to 100 wealthy people for $600 apiece. The first members included families like the Morgans, Macys, Vanderbilts, Pulitzers, Goodyears, Fields and Rockefellers.
Clubhouse Elite
During the early years of ownership, members invested in building a clubhouse. Completed in 1888, the huge building included indoor plumbing, dozens of fireplaces, a turret and numerous porches.
Later, other services were added, including telephone and a dining room. Lots were laid out around the clubhouse and lavish "cottages" were built. Since the members spent most of their winters at the club, a great deal of important business was conducted from this secluded enclave.
Era of Change
By the 1920s, many original members had died out, and their shares were turned in to the club for resale to new members. During the 1940s, the threat of German U–boats prevented travel to the island. For several years, the island was largely abandoned and, after the war, efforts to revitalize it failed. The club closed and fell into disrepair.
State Authority
In 1947, the State of Georgia purchased all outstanding shares of stock and turned the island into a state park. In 1950, the Jekyll Island Authority was formed to manage the island's 5,600 acres of highlands and 10,000 acres of marshlands.
The clubhouse was reopened, but few people had access since the causeway had not yet been built. By 1970, the little–used club had further deteriorated. Historic furnishings were stolen, and the downward spiral continued until 1980.
New Beginning
At that point, architect Barry Evans visited the island to play golf. He became fascinated by the clubhouse and its history. He and his partners transformed the Jekyll Island Club into a resort hotel.
Today, you can bask in the sunshine on the veranda and take in the salt–tinged fragrance of the sea.
Summer or winter, the landscape is of lovely native grasses and Spanish moss draped from massive live oaks. Often in bloom are the many magnolias, their sweet scent filling the air. Gently swaying palms complete this picture of serenity.
Look through the bay window of your richly appointed room and appreciate the beauty of this palatial resort. Note the fancy scrollwork, the manicured gardens, the unusual turret, and sense what it was like to live here a century ago.
Historic Center
Here, you're in the center of what is now called the Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, which has been lovingly restored.
A 240–acre riverfront compound, this is one of the largest ongoing U.S. restoration projects. Once accessible only by boat, the island paradise is now accessible by causeway.
Here, you can revisit this exciting era of Jekyll's history with a tram or walking tour of the historic district. Enjoy the exhibits, shops, restaurants and bathe in the island's natural beauty. Many of the club structures and members' cottages, 33 in all, have been renovated and are open for public tours. The original clubhouse is restored to a turn–of–the–century elegant yet comfortably grand hotel.
Alternate Lodgings
If the club is a bit too swanky for your taste or if you'd prefer lodging on the oceanfront, you'll find a number of upscale resort hotels and cottages from which to choose.
The Jekyll Island Campground offers 220 campsites, including pull–through RV sites, on 18 wooded acres. During the day, take your lunch to the Clam Creek picnic area. Later, examine seashells along the 10 miles of pristine golden beaches, pedal the more than 20 miles of bike trails, choose from 63 holes of golf at four courses; plus miniature golf, take a guided horseback tour or fish from the beach or the pier.
If tennis is your game, you'll appreciate the Jekyll Island Tennis Center, named by Tennis Magazine as one of the 25 best municipal tennis facilities in the country. You can take a carriage ride or a romantic stroll along a moonlit beach. To cool off, drop in at the Summer Waves water park.
For a slower pace, visit the Tidelands Nature Center, view exhibits, learn about giant sea turtles and, in season, sign up for the nighttime guided tour to watch these huge creatures lay their eggs.
At dinnertime, try one of more than 15 great restaurants and lounges, such as Blackbeard's Seafood Restaurant. Often, there are concerts, tours, holiday extravaganzas, sporting events and more.
Jekyll is a delightful place for shoppers to escape in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Shop the historic district or the beachside shopping plazas. Here, you'll find more than 25 retail stores offering everything from special gifts from around the world and seaside treasures to golf attire, postcards, books as well as hand–crafted arts.
Order today to have Southern RV delivered directly to your home.
Consult your 2007 Woodall’s North American Campground Directory for a complete list of area campgrounds.
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