When we were first making our plans to come to coastal Georgia, we thought we would stay in the campground on Jekyll Island. With lots of bike paths, the beach, and the sea turtle center, it looked like there would be a lot to keep us busy for a few days.
When we called, though, none of their “big rig” sites were available. So, we ended up at Blythe Island . . . and it was a good thing!
We still wanted to visit Jekyll Island, so on Wednesday we loaded up the truck with our bikes and a picnic lunch, and headed over the causeway.
We had been told that there was a good place to park at the fishing pier across from the campground. We wanted to check out the campground anyway, so we drove that way. Good thing we weren’t pulling the RV, because we ended up getting all turned around in the historic village before we finally found our way to the campground! We would have been in big trouble if we had the RV!
A quick drive through the campground was all we needed to know that we were much better off at Blythe Island! They may have had a few big rig sites here on Jekyll Island, but getting to them would have been a real challenge – narrow roads and LOTS of trees – and hardly any definition to the sites!
After the campground, we drove into the park where the fishing pier is,
and took a look around.
There was plenty of parking available, but we decided that it we’d rather park at the more centrally-located beach parking lots that we had seen when we first arrived on the island.
The Great Dunes Park has lots of parking, a nice covered picnic pavilion overlooking the beach, and a restroom with changing rooms. It’s also right in the center of the island, right on the bike path.
We ate our lunch, and then got the bikes out of the truck.
It was a beautiful, sunny day in the mid-70s – perfect weather for a bike tour around the island! 
We filled our water bottles and were ready for our ride.
There’s a lot of variety in the bike path – we rode on open paths along the beach, 
tree-lined shaded paths,
boardwalks,
historic, cobblestone roads,
and wooded dirt paths.
Around the island, criss-crossing through the center several times, and getting lost in the woods once, too . . . we figure we rode about 15 miles!
We rode past village shops that have been displaced to temporary trailers until the new downtown construction is complete,
marina and boats,
and plenty of nametag-wearing, tour bus patrons!
Helicopter tours must also be a popular option, as we constantly heard them buzzing overhead. 
Our last stop was the historic district where there are numerous old “cottages”, 
a chapel, and a shopping district. 
We stopped for ice cream cones at the Sweet Shoppe.
In the center of the historic district is the Jekyll Island Hotel,
an old, upscale hotel that looks just like it did at the turn of the century . . . complete with croquet players on the front lawn!
I wonder if it’s a rule that they have to wear white??!!
Jekyll Island is a great place for exploring on bikes, and we all had a great time . . . even Bryce!
Back at Dunes Park, we changed into bathing suits and headed down to the beach. 
It was late afternoon by then, and approaching low tide, and the beach was not too crowded.
It was a beautiful day, and we relaxed in the sun for an hour or so before we packed everything up and headed back over the causeway.
We decided to stop and get some dinner on the way home, and we found a nice little bar and grill just over the giant bridge that goes into Brunswick.
That was definitely a trip to drive over!!
Nice view from up there, though!
After two busy days of exploring, we spent our last day just chilling around the campsite, and got all packed up and ready to move on to Charleston.
We’re really excited to spend the next three weeks with our very special sailor! 
Back when we had the VAN, we stayed at Jekyll Island Campground in December on our way to Disney World. I remember thinking it was a tight and not too exciting campground. We also bike the island which was fun, but I remember thinking... what is all the hype about Jekyll Island?? Next trip that way, we stayed at Blythe Island and enjoyed that much more!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Charleston with your very special sailor:o)))
Another great day of exploring and thanks for the review of the parks.
ReplyDeleteBryce is really maturing but still has a lot of spunk in him.
Your special sailor also looks like he's maturing. Enjoy your time with him.
Be Safe!
It's about time.