Sweet Georgia: Rediscover her Golden Isles
By Ann Woodward
Sea Kayaking in the Golden Isles
When many Americans think of Georgia, what comes to mind is Atlanta, the land-locked state capital. However, the Georgia coast is substantial; it contains 1/3 of the salt marsh on the United States’ East Coast. The coast of Georgia is lined with barrier islands, some of which are called “the Golden Isles.” Even on the most developed of these islands, St. Simons Island, it’s possible to get a nice patch of beach to yourself.
I grew up in south Georgia near the coast, and I took this type of beach experience for granted. After moving to New York City, I discovered Long Island and New Jersey beaches so crowded on summer days that strangers’ towels usually overlap with mine on the sand. In April, New York was still struggling to break free from snow and chilly temperatures, so I booked a trip to Georgia for some island time.
Eco-travel doesn’t always have to mean staying in a hut without electricity and showering with solar-heated water. It is possible to make ecologically sound choices during “traditional” vacations, by giving care to things like lodging and activities.
I arrived on St. Simons Island on a Thursday afternoon, and went straight to the beach. It was high tide, and I spotted three dolphins swimming very close to the shoreline. A good way to start the trip!
This was a beach vacation for me, but on Saturday afternoon, I took a break from lounging to go sea kayaking. Local shop Ocean Motion (912-638-5225) arranges tours of various destination and length. My friend Nora and I chose to do a two-hour trip through the marshes.
Kayaking through the marshes
Being in the water and paddling out amid the marsh grass was very relaxing. We saw birds like egrets, heron and pelicans. You may see dolphins during high tide, and oyster beds are evident during low tide tours. Sea kayaks are slightly wider, and therefore more stable, than river kayaks. I’m not terribly athletic or coordinated, but it was fairly easy for me to get the hang of maneuvering the kayak.
Other activities on and near St. Simons:
- Biking ~ There are bike paths along the main streets of the island. This is a good way to get some exercise and leisurely enjoy the island’s scenery.
- Fort Frederica ~ For the history buffs, St. Simons was the site of skirmishes between Spanish and British forces in 1742. Fort Frederica is the architectural remains of a fort that protected the southern border of Georgia
- Jekyll Island ~ Once a popular winter resort for the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts from the late 1880s through the 1920s; today, the island is much more mellow than neighboring St. Simons and is home to The Georgia Sea Turtle Center a facility where sick and injured sea turtles are rehabilitated before being released into the ocean.
- Cumberland Island ~ The southernmost barrier island is known for its incredibly pristine beaches and wild horse sightings. Accessible only by ferry.
Where to stay:
The Village Inn and Pub is a 28-room inn that’s adjacent to “The Village,” the part of St. Simons with the lighthouse, the fishing pier, and many shops and restaurants. The pub is a cozy spot for a drink and occasionally features live music. Room rates include continental breakfast.
The inn has won environmental design awards for building around the majestic live oak trees on the property. The reception area and pub is a refurbished 1930s beach cottage. The inn’s parking area is composed of seashells and grass instead of asphalt, to protect the trees’ roots and limit pollution from run-off.
Getting in to St. Simons:
The closest commercial airport is Brunswick, GA (BQK). It is serviced by Delta airlines. However, St. Simons Island is about 70 miles away from Jacksonville, FL (JAX) and 80 miles from Savannah, GA (SAV). These two airports are larger and offer more flight options.
About our guest eco-travel blogger, Ann Woodward:
Ann grew up on a farm near Savannah, GA and currently resides in Manhattan’s East Village. She pays the rent by working as Account Director at an advertising agency, but she is passionate about travel and is known for her globetrotting ways. Ann is partial to tropical destinations such as Sri Lanka and Brazil, although she did visit Iceland last winter. Ann holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Georgia in Athens. Ann will be posting her eco-travel adventures along the coast of Brazil in July. We look forward to it!
Share your eco-travel log with us: travel@livegreenorleans.com
Topic: Eco Travel Tags: eco-beach vacation, Georgia, Golden Isles
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