So did you guess which islands I am featuring today?  Did you even know Georgia had islands?!  Jekyll Island and St. Simon Island are actually two of Georgia’s best kept secrets. 

Jekyll Island is currently going through a total revitalization so that it will stand out among family-friendly US vacation locations.  It is a place dedicated to educating its visitors about sustaining coastal ecology and the island’s natural habitats.  The Jekyll Island Club is a historic landmark and has long been the lodging standard in the area. Choose from over 160 beautiful options at Villas by the Sea; welcoming coastal living-style in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom Villas.  A must see is Driftwood Beach which is located at the north end of Jekyll Island. Here you will find driftwood trees which many refer to as resembling a “driftwood graveyard”.  Jekyll Island is well known for its passion to help sea turtles, which is why they created the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.  The center helps stranded sea turtles get out of harms way and on their way to the sea.  If you’re an animal lover like myself, a visit here could probably be life changing for you!  If you’re someone that appreciates a good festival, then you have got to visit one of Jekyll Islands annual festivals!  They have a weekend-long music festival in August, and a “Shrimp and Grits” festival in September! All I can think about is Bubba from Forrest Gump talking about “pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp...”  YUM!!    

St. Simon Island, a short 35 minute drive from Jekyll Island, is another gem of the Georgia southern coast.  For a true southern hospitality experience, try The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.  Here you will enjoy ocean views, Southern coastal cuisine, a Friday night seafood buffet and total R&R at their Royal Treatment Cottage massage spa. Ooh la la!  For an ultimate experience try the Little St. Simon's Island, accessible only by boat and serving just 32 people at a time. St. Simon Island prides on their local artists and hosts annual exhibits to showcase their work.  A local non profit organization, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA), “provides distinctive cultural events and education that engages, inspires and celebrates our community”.  They are also home to the Georgia-famous St. Simon Island Lighthouse, an outdoor weekly farmers market, Jazz festivals, classic movie viewings and more which you can find on their calendar.

Why not tour the Historic Districts of both islands by horse drawn carriage?  Or travel the coastline by horseback?  Three Oaks Carriage and Trail Company can accommodate whichever you choose!  These islands seem more like something you would find in the movies right?  Well, you can make your own movie and happy ending by visiting Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, Georgia!  You will forever hold a piece of each in your heart. 
MKlinger

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Wondering where this little piece of paradise is?  Did you guess Florida? You guessed right!  Anna Maria Island and Marco Island, both on the west coast of Florida are two places that you must visit.  Anna Maria Island is located just below St. Petersburg in the Sarasota area.  Marco Island is about 3 hours south of Anna Maria, right below Naples.  These islands are well known for their white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.  There are so many misconceptions about the west coast of Florida; one being that it is only for people who have retired.  The west coast is no Miami if that is your style, but here you will find pure relaxation and serenity, which I am sure most of you are looking for.

First recommendation is to check out HomeAway, where you can find over 225,000 vacation rental homes around the US.  Renting a home or condo can make you truly feel like you are living the west coast lifestyle.  You can pick up some locally caught seafood and dine around the comfort of your own table when opting for a rental home.  This is not to say that there aren’t delicious restaurants on every corner, because there are!  If you are staying in Marco Island try the world famous Snook Inn if you are looking for a fun, live music-filled experience; or at Ristorante Da Vinci for a more quiet authentic Italian dinner.  If you find yourself in Anna Maria Island, the Beach Bistro is literally right on the beach and is one of the most acclaimed restaurants on the West Coast. There is also The Water Front Restaurant for fresh seafood and a bit more of an upscale feel.

Want to know the BEST ways to see these islands?  Marco Island’s Off The Hook Adventures is a 2-3 hour catamaran trip where you land upon sand bars to gather the most beautiful seashells; watch dolphins, manatees and sea turtles swim beside you; and even catch the occasional view of bald eagles and baby pelicans!  Anna Maria Islands Zegway By The Bay tours are a fun and thrilling way to see this island.  You will be guided on Segway’s around the island, given a historical background on Anna Maria and be shown some of the greatest spots that you may not have been able to find on your own!

Wake up and live people!  Life is too short for you to miss visiting these islands!  Up next on the “No Passport Required Island Tour” are two islands located about 30 minutes from one another.  These islands are well known for being the home to many plantations in the 1800’s.  They are considered two of the four “Golden Islands”... and that is all I will say- until Sunday!

MKlinger

           

                 

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We are often asked what our favorite destination is from all the places we have traveled for BestWeekends.com. Without a doubt it is Nantucket, that gorgeous island off the coast of Massachusetts. No chain stores, no traffic lights, pristine homes, cobblestone streets and gas lamps, 82 miles of beach and a preserved landscape, half of which can never be developed.  It is a place to relax, to enjoy great food, to ride your bike, to gaze at the boats in the harbor. We usually rent a house for a week in September, but this year we had occasion to visit in early June and we found some changes on the island and we made some new discoveries.

Long time restaurants, 21 Federal, Cinco and Sfoglia are gone. Ventuno, a very good Italian restaurant is in the 21 Federal space and thankfully Johnny B our favorite bartender is still there. Pazzo, with a Mediterranean theme from the owners of Lo La 41 has replaced Sfoglia. The Brick Bistro has transformed the dining space at the Jared Coffin House into a very sophisticated lounge, bar and dining room. And finally, casual 12 Degrees East has opened on Cambridge Street with a killer raw bar, casual, inexpensive and very good food.

Miacomet has always been our favorite beach, out by Bartlett's Farm and Triple 8 Distillery and Cisco Brewery, but this time without a car we were forced to try another, in this case Steps Beach, located at the end of Cliff Road. The path and "steps" down to the beach were lined with beach roses...just beautiful and the beach is next to one of our favorite restaurants and a great spot for lunch..Galley Beach.

We discovered two wonderful B&B's on this trip, The Century House on Cliff Road, about 10 minutes from town and the Sherburne Inn on Gay Street, just a block from town. These are two terrific finds and a great alternative to more expensive lodging on the island.
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