Written by Len Ziehm with Pictures by Joy Sarver Jekyll Island Transforms & Honors Its Rich History Without question, Jekyll Island is the very best state park in Georgia and it has received a sparkling new look. The 600 residents on the island, located on Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, between Savannah, and Jacksonville, enjoy the relaxed life only an island oasis like Jekyll Island can provide. Island attractions include, a 22-mile bike/hiking trail, the Sea Turtle Center, a water park, The Wharf restaurant, the enchanting Driftwood Beach, tennis courts, croquet, fishing centers, horse stables, a wide variety of lodging, plus a camp ground, as well as 63 holes of golf. If you are a history buff, there really isn’t another place quite like Jekyll Island, plus Vincent Astor, Joseph Pulitzer, William Vanderbilt and Marshall Field. The club became known as a “Southern Haven for America’s Millionaires.’’ Guests arrived by boat and traveled around the island in carriages. Electricity was available before it came to most of the rest of the country. Life was good on this little slice of heaven. Residents designed their own cottages and the variety of architectural styles adds to the beauty and mystique of the island. In addition to the Jekyll Island Club Resort hotel, 12 cottages were built by members. The biggest being the Crane the island underwent a $25 million renovation that touched nearly every area of this historic property. “A Master Plan was 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. The majority of the big construction is done. A lot of things have been completed and the Master Plan is pretty much complete.’’ Back in 1888, fifty of the wealthiest families in America combined to create “the richest, most exclusive and most inaccessible club in the world.’’ Early members included J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Michigan Golf Journal
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ2Nzk4