Holiday Destination: Georgia – Jekyll Island

This holiday season, step back in time and visit Jekyl Island on the coast of Georgia for a spectacular Christmas light display.  Jekyll is only a hop, skip and jump from where I live on St. Simons Island and every time I go, I wonder why I don’t go more often.  Once you arrive on Jekyll, the natural beauty and romance of the island immediately puts a spell on you as you are drawn into a different world with a slower pace.

When most people think of Jekyll Island, they think of it as a warm weather destination to visit only in the spring and summer, but that is not so.  In December, you may catch temperatures in the 60’s during the day and a little cooler at night—a golfer’s dream.

When our daughter was younger, we spent one weekend each November on Jekyll at the Jekyll Island Club* and while my husband enjoyed his golf tournament, we rode bikes, went to the beach in search of dolphins, enjoyed an occasional horse and buggy ride as well as browsing through the shops.  There was always that special visit to the Christmas Shop to buy a Christmas ornament to mark the occasion of our trip and now each year when we decorate our tree, we recount those memories.

A favorite for many is to visit Jekyll during the holidays for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival when the island is transformed into a Holiday Island.  This year, the festival takes place November 28 in the Jekyll Island Historic District but you may go anytime during the month after that to enjoy the beautiful lights and holiday spirit.  Step back in time and take a tour of the cottages in the National Historic Landmark District — from the Victorian Era to the Jazz Age.  Imagine what it must have been like when the Vanderbilt’s and Rockefellers visited with their families.  Other industrialists that were a part of Jekyll’s growth include George F. Baker, Marshall Field, J. P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer.

If you are looking for something special to do with your family, take them on an overnight stay this holiday season to this little jewel in the Golden Isles and it will be a memory your children will cherish always.

For more information about Jekyll Island, click here.

Click here to read about the history of the Jekyll Island Club when a group of industrialists made it their island retreat.

*Rated among the top 500 resorts in the world by Travel & Leisure.