Jekyll Island has become a familiar second home for DAK as a peaceful and warm break from the grey and cold Michigan winters. This marks our fourth consecutive year enjoying the “splendid isolation” of this island.
Once again, we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn. This year in the exact same ocean front suite as last year (Room 102). The weather was a little cooler than usual due to a “super” El Nino across the country this winter. But we still managed to get a couple of days in the ocean and/or heated pool. On the literal bright side, it was usually sunny and made for good running and biking conditions relative to Michigan winters (certainly no snow or ice to contend with).
We made it our goal this year to focus on a healthy lifestyle while here. This included “plant forward” eating, daily exercise (usually running, bicycling, weightlifting, and walking), daily mental stimulation (various games and reading).
We made a point to seek out and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife on the island almost every day. From dolphins swimming by (20 feet from me) in the ocean to alligators in the ponds, to birds and armadillos on the interior paths, we were as immersed in nature as we chose to be.
We managed to fit in a few day trips during our stay on Jekyll Island. Two trips to Savanah, four stops at neighboring St. Simon Island (mostly for dinner and groceries), one trip to Amelia Island (for a long bike ride), one jaunt to Jacksonville (shopping), and several quick trips to Brunswick (for supplies and dinners).
“First Fridays” occurs on the first Friday of each month in downtown Brunswick, GA (just over the bridge from Jekyll Island). Brunswick has made some improvements to the downtown district since last year and several new businesses have opened. We stuck around after having dinner at Fox’s Pizza on the First Friday in February to see the festivities downtown. We were pleasantly surprised to check out some of the new establishments that stayed open later and take in some live music in the park.
Although it was hard to leave such a serene and familiar Jekyll Island this year, we may take a break from it next year. We like adventure and being so remote made our time there, this year, feel a little too familiar and routine.
But before we left Georgia heading towards home, we made an overnight stop to see one of my close friends (of over 30 years) that I used to work with. Dave and his wife Michaela relocated to a beautiful golf/lake community in Georgia from Michigan almost two years ago. Their home was gorgeous and their community has so many activities that I don’t see them ever lacking things to do.
We had a great time catching up and seeing there new place in the very short time that we had with them.
Next and last stop Greenville, SC before heading home.