Spring on Jekyll Island
As winter finally starts to release its icy grip and the days turn longer, it signals one of our favorite seasons on Jekyll Island; spring! The warmth of the sun, bike rides along the ocean, mini-golf and the first ice cream cone of the season seem more special when it happens weeks before spring has arrived at home.
Spring also brings Easter. Easter on Jekyll is full of traditions and wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday. Our family recipe for Easter weekend success includes family, shrimp, Easter egg scavenger hunt, services, candy and brunch to name just a few. We’ve listed our spring and Easter favorites to help you make the most of your time on this beautiful island.
Easter Egg Stroll: A festival located in the National Historic Landmark District provides for a wonderful morning filled with pictures with the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunt, pony rides, crafts, trolley rides, great food and strolling through the beautiful shops. There is something so beautiful about experiencing these traditions in such a one-of-a-kind surrounding. More information on dates and times can be found at: www.jekyllisland.com/signatureevents/easter-egg-stroll/
Georgia Sea Turtle Center: Located right off the parking lot near the Easter Egg Stroll is a favorite for adults and kids alike. See rescued turtles from all over the Southeast, catch a turtle surgery in progress and learn about Sea Turtle nesting in the beaches of Jekyll. Hours and tour information can be found at: gstc.jekyllisland.com
Brunch at the Jekyll Island Club Resort: A family tradition of ours for over 20 years; Easter brunch in the Grand Dining Room and candid family photos on the beautiful grounds. The food is out of this world. Reservations are required as is your Sunday best but I promise, this is an experience you’ll never forget. Brunch is every Sunday so if your stay doesn’t include Easter, don’t fret. You can go for dinner or brunch throughout the year. Reservations can be made at: www.jekyllclub.com/jekyll-island-restaurants/grand-dining-room/
Shrimp Boat Cruise: Board the Lade Jane for an experience like no other. Located just over the Sidney Lanier Bridge, behind the Marshside Restaurant, is the home of Lady Jane. The 2 hour cruise on the protected waters provides for calm seas but the best part is trawling the water pulling up shrimp and incredible sea life. The crew helps kids touch and learn about the sea life before releasing back into the water. It’s like an aquarium on a cruise. Our kids still rank this as one of their favorite activities: www.shrimpcruise.com/index.html
Golf: Three – 18 hole public courses, one – 9 hole public course, ride or walk, beautiful courses under old oaks, views of the ocean. For more information or to book tee-times visit: www.jekyllisland.com/activities/rates-membership/
The beach: build a sand castle, read a book, play in the waves
Bike rides: 25 miles of paved paths all over the island make for a great way to see the island
Mini golf and Play Sets: located together in the center section of the island is the regular favorite play sets and two-18 hole mini golf courses. You can also find bike rentals and pizza there for a low-key afternoon or evening.
Beach Village: keep your eye out for fun at Beach Village. From strolling the shops, movies on the green, farmers markets to lunch or dinner under the sun, there is always something going on in this unofficial “island center”. At the time this was written, the schedule for Spring 2018 had not been released but check here for the latest: www.jekyllisland.com/signatureevents/
No matter what vacation activities you choose, we hope you enjoy a beautiful spring on this one-of-a-kind island. And remember your sunscreen. If you’re anything like us, your skin hasn’t seen real sun in months:-). If you conquer this list and are looking for more, check out our Jekyll Island For Kids By Kids list of activities: www.americanabeach.com/single-post/2016/1/8/For-Kids-By-Kids-Our-Favorite-Things-to-Do-on-Jekyll-Island
