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Few can resist the lure of the open road once summer rolls around
Sea Islands
Island hopping along the Georgian coastal barrier islands provides a glimpse at historic blue-blood enclaves that also beckon birders and naturalists. Over a long weekend, gain an introduction to intriguing island outposts, connected by causeways and bridges, and, in some cases, only reached by ferries. Start in Savannah and head about 2 hours south by car on coastal Route 17 to Brunswick, the area’s gateway. Drive over the causeway to St. Simons, one of the four Golden Isles along with Little St. Simons, Sea Island, and Jekyll. The largest of the populated islands, upscale St. Simons is known for its golf courses and historical sites and a long, white-sand public beach. Bird watchers should head to Gould’s Inlet on East Beach for sightings, in season, of laughing gulls, royal and caspian terns, red-throated loons, or painted buntings. Sea Island, accessible by car from St. Simons, is synonymous with the Cloister resort, the ne plus ultra when it comes to Southern luxury. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, it’s worth visiting the island to cruise Sea Island Drive, lined with impressive Spanish Mediterranean–style mansions. To reach Jekyll, return to Route 17 on the mainland and turn east on the Jekyll Island Road (Route 520). Once a playground of Rockefellers and Pulitzers, Jekyll today is the stomping ground of leisure travelers who frequent its pristine beaches and golf courses, as well as marshes and maritime forests. Head to the south end for the best birding, or take a guided walk to view nesting loggerhead sea turtles.
Smart Splurge Hotel: Unspoiled Cumberland Island, reached via ferry from either St. Marys on the Georgia mainland or Amelia Island, Florida, is covered in saltwater marshes, maritime forests, quiet beaches, and dunes. A wide variety of animals from alligators and armadillos to wild horses live there. Its one hotel is the stately Greyfield Inn, a mansion built by the Carnegies in the early 20th century and run by the family ever since. www.greyfieldinn.com
Great Value Hotel: The 38-room Beachview Club, Jekyll Island’s smallest hotel, lives up to its name, offering prime ocean views from most rooms and a beachside swimming pool. www.beachviewclub.com
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