Living in Jacksonville, Florida has lots of perks- one being a very close drive to one of our favorite weekend getaways, Jekyll Island. My husband is originally from the North Georgia area, so he grew up spending a lot of time there! After we got married was the first time I visited, and I was hooked. The old historic Club, the marshes, the quiet beach, the cute little town with mom and pop shops, and the outdoor entertainment are some of my favorite things. We try to go during every season as the grounds at the Jekyll Island Club are gorgeous throughout the year, but my favorite time to visit is October – December.
A Little Background:
The Jekyll Island Club was originally built in in 1886 as a vacation home during the winter months for some of America’s wealthiest families. Over the years, it has been restored and expanded into a luxe hotel. The rooms and the grounds truly make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time!
Food + Drink
My favorite morning routine is breakfast in the Grand Dining Room. Check on their website as sometimes this changes, but I want to say most weekend mornings they have a pianist and the most amazing buffet spread that’s a little more impressive than on the weekdays.
During the holidays, Jekyll Island Club offers High Tea in the afternoons at the Grand Dining Room! This is on our list to do this year.
While you’re here, make a dinner reservation at The Wharf, which is the restaurant you’ll see to your left as you come into the club grounds. It’s on the marsh and usually has live music on the weekends. This gem has the best seafood and atmosphere! We have so many happy memories here, and I can’t say enough good things about the sweet staff.
The Bar on the main floor of the Club makes you feel as if you were stepping into Richard Gilmore’s study. The ceiling-high bookcases, the soft jazz, and the leather couches next to a roaring fireplace is beyond cozy for a nightcap after dinner. This bar is where I found my love for Manhattans.
There are other food spots, like the Pantry for coffee/tea and light bites, or inside some of the cottage shops on the grounds. Check out Eighty Ocean Kitchen + Bar by the pool for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Rooms
If I were to pick any room at the Club, I would make sure to book one with a balcony access. The rooms at the front of the resort have a bay window style porch that’s so relaxing to sit and drink coffee in the morning before heading down to breakfast. Or during Christmas, the front of the club has a million lit trees and decorations that twinkles right outside your door.
The rooms hold so much timeless and southern character. The renovations have been perfectly done to preserve the history while still keeping things updated and ultra comfortable.
Amenities
If you come during the spring or summer months, make sure to pack the cutest suits you’ve got because the pool areas are adorable. Also, you’re a five minute bike to the beach!
There are tons and tons of things to do. Golf, pickleball, tennis, croquet, historic tours, daily events, art galleries, and the spa. The shopping is so fun too! Check the Jekyll Island Club calendar during your trip to see what offers are available.
One of my favorite things to do in Jekyll Island is just to wander around. There are tons of gorgeous gardens and huge cottages behind the Club that once belonged to various members (J.P Morgan, William Vanderbilt, William Rockefeller) and they each have their own unique style. Some of them can be used as event venues, some can now be rented out for vacations. A bike rental is a must! One year, John and I did the tandem bike and it was so difficult to pedal that we were holding our stomachs we were laughing so hard! There are lots of fun transportation options to get a feel of Jekyll, like a horse drawn carriage. Try to do at least one of these! 🙂
To summarize, I really can’t recommend visiting Jekyll Island and staying at the Jekyll Club more. It’s a great spot to go for a girls trip, a family vacation, or a couples trip! While you’re in town, pop over to Amelia Island or St. Simons Island for some shopping and more things to do. I hope you have a great trip!
Headed somewhere else? Here are more of my curated travel guides!
Traveling to Charleston, South Carolina
My full St. Augustine travel guide
Visiting Jacksonville, Florida
HAPPY TRAVELS!
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