Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Date night took us to the restaurant at the Oaks on the River Boutique Hotel. As Olivia would say, “Fancy!” Our table had a cozy feel and a beautiful view of the river.
Shortly after we ordered, we noticed other guests moving toward the windows. Moments later, we realized why—we could see the Artemis II launch from Cape Canaveral. What an unexpected and unforgettable bonus to the evening!
After the excitement, our dinner arrived: ribeye for Kevin and filet for Beth. Both steaks were cooked to perfection, just as expected. What wasn’t expected (or needed) was the overly salty gravy served on top. We’ve noticed this Southern-style presentation before—steaks over mashed potatoes with gravy—but in this case, the quality of the meat stood perfectly on its own. The asparagus was crisp and evenly prepared, and the attention to detail throughout the meal reflected a truly high-end dining experience.
No meal like this is complete without dessert. Beth enjoyed her favorite—crème brûlée—while I had the apple galette, which was outstanding. We treat ourselves to great meals often, but this one felt especially memorable.
Thursday, April 2, 2026: We spent the day on Jekyll Island, starting with a visit to the Welcome Center at the main gate. There we learned more about the island and decided to purchase an annual parking pass. After doing the math, it made perfect sense—ten visits covers the cost, and we’ve already been three times, with more trips planned soon.
For lunch, we stopped at Sunrise Grill in Beach Village and grabbed an outdoor table. The weather was beautiful, though the breeze made it a bit cool in the shade. We kept it simple with a BLT and a grilled cheese “with a twist” (bacon and tomato added). Somehow, they managed to perfectly melt the cheese on lightly toasted bread—both sandwiches were exceptional. Easily some of the best lunch sandwiches we’ve had in a long time.
We shared the space with a few ravens, who seemed happy to help clean up after departing guests. They were fun to watch as they swooped through the area.
After lunch, we headed to Driftwood Beach for the first time. Just a short walk from the parking along the road, we entered the sandy trail to the beach. The view was concealed as we walked the short trail and then had to step aside to allow the horseback riding tour through. That may be added to our list of things to do.
Just as the trail opened up on the beach, we got a view that pictures simply can’t capture.
The shoreline stretched in both directions, filled with weathered driftwood trees sculpted by years of erosion. Each one felt like it had a story to tell. We spent a long time walking and taking it all in.
Next, we stopped by Jekyll Island Campground. What began as a quick stop for drinks turned into a drive through the oak-lined grounds. With rates similar to a state park, it’s definitely a place we could see ourselves staying for a couple of weeks someday.
Later, we headed to the Horton Pond Trail, connecting the William Horton House to the pond. The trail was wide, shaded, and peaceful—perfect for walking. About halfway along, we noticed a group with binoculars watching something in the marsh. They pointed out a camouflaged alligator just about ten feet away. Even with help, it took us a moment to see it—an incredible experience.
We spotted two more alligators at the pond, including one swimming toward the observation deck. On our way back, the marsh gators had moved slightly closer before turning away. A great addition to an already enjoyable walk.
We wrapped up the day back at camp with Thursday night Bingo. With only four players (the seasonal crowd had headed home), it was a smaller group—but just as much fun, filled with conversation and plenty of laughter.
Saturday, April 4, 2026: Friday was a day around camp resting up for our Saturday adventure back on Jekyll Island. For one day only, they were offering the tour as a hop on/hop off event that included the ability to visit each cottage at your own pace. Having seen Indian Mound Cottage, we were eager to explore the rest and learn more about the island. We started the tour at Mosaic where we were surprised that our first trolley tour guide was a familiar face and voice. I am sure seeing hundreds of people a day is overwhelming, but in just a moment, Vickey remembered us from a few days earlier. We loaded and were off.
The hop on/hop off tour would give us the ability to grab some lunch and break for a class we had signed up for. At our first stop, we chose to stay on the trolley and start at some of the later ones. Since DuBignon Cottage was just across from Founder’s Social, we could visit it after lunch. That was our plan, but as you know, plans change. Since it was already 11:15, we needed to eat so that we would be at our class at 12:30 back at Mosaic. We broke the rules and hopped off the trolley as it was pulling out of DuBignon and headed to lunch instead. We would pick the tour back up later.
Founder’s Social again served up some great food. We opted for the Schnitzel Chicken sandwich, some more delicious pretzel bites, and some corn battered mini hotdogs.
Finishing lunch a little early, we made our way back to DuBignon Cottage. Built in 1884, it stands as one of the earliest cottages in what would later become the clubhouse district.
At the time, the DuBignon family still owned the entire island and used the home to entertain and impress prospective members of the Jekyll Island Club. While the house was clearly designed to make a strong impression, it was actually constructed quite economically.
That contrast became part of its charm. Details that appear luxurious at first glance—like what looks to be intricate inlaid flooring—are, in reality, carefully stained to mimic a more high-end finish. It’s likely a reflection of the family’s financial situation at the time, as they were nearing the limits of their resources and relying on the growth of the club to maintain their presence on the island.
Just beside the cottage, we found the Easter Bunny Cottage. The cottage was being setup the week before but was open this weekend as a photography booth. I guess he was out gathering carrots, but we were able to browse since the doors were open.
Back at Mosaic, we were excited for our next adventure. We were welcomed by our host Ayron and we all gathered around the table at the front. On the table sat a big glass sided box with secure latches at the top. Inside was a small black girl coiled up in the front corner like she was scared. As a Dusky Pygmy, we were the ones who should have been worried.
You guessed it! First it was alligators, and now we are learning about snakes. There were seven of us in the class: a gentleman who must frequent the island and was familiar with a lot of the conservation’s species; a family of four with two children, and Beth and me. Each of us learned a lot from the program. We got to touch and handle a couple of the non-venomous ambassadors Ayron had brought to show and tell.
We did not catch any names of the other guests, but this kid was full of his own knowledge of snakes and provided most answers to any questions asked. He may be leading this program in about 15 years. As with every other program or tour we have done so far, Jekyll Island does a tremendous job!
Back on the trolley, we headed to a few more cottages. Mistletoe Cottage, known as the party house. The first floor has doors that open onto a large porch that spills into the yard. You can see the entertaining value the design of the house created.
Moss Cottage was close so we walked down the street to tour. This cottage was built in 1896, as shown by the inscription in seashells on the front dormer. The cottage was full of facts and information about the lifestyle and times. The house sported an early “man cave”.
Then it was back on the trolley to visit the last cottage of the day, Hollybourne Cottage. Jekyll’s preservation is showcased in this cottage which is full of architectural information, building design, meal planning, and more information about the families.
Getting the opportunity to see each of the cottages was a great find. Spending most of the day on the island was a treat. With the timing of the event being held on Easter weekend, the place was full with families taking in the sites, bicycling, socializing, and a fairly good group on the island for a wedding. We stopped by Jekyll Island Sweets for some more ice cream then stopped in the Georgia Grown store. This will be a place to revisit for gifts, produce, Leopold’s Ice Cream, and other local goods.
Wrapping up the day, we headed back toward camp. By the time we got to Brunswick, we decided we should grab some dinner. Some campers had mentioned Metro Diner, so we gave it a try. We did not know that this was a chain and that it also had been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Iron City Meatloaf and Oatmeal with fruit were our orders, this time. Breakfast all day may just lure us back.
The welcome from the hostess, the service from our waitress, Courtny, and the food presentation and timing were all very good. Even an old school moment when the manager stopped by our table and genuinely asked, “How is everything?” was perfect. Full from the meals, we ordered desserts to go: carrot cake bread pudding and chocolate cake. Don’t be fooled, even the next day these were very fresh and tasteful. Well done Metro Diner! We will be back.
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Sounds like a most interesting and fun day! Good food too.