There is no doubt Brunswick - and all its barrier islands - is one of the most beautiful places in all of Georgia. But I’ve come to realize over the years that the quality of adventure is completely contingent upon the time of year in which the adventure is had; there is definitely more to this place than beaches and bike paths (though I’m a huge fan of those as well!). As a local resident, one of my absolute favorite times to explore is in the cooler months, where there is wide open space for unbridled encounters with nature and mystery. (But way less mosquitos and gnats.)

There is something about the dim, dreary Fall sky blanketing the Golden Isles that perfectly contrasts all the details that characterize this beautiful place. Known for its history and marsh landscape, it’s undeniable that the giant Oaks and Spanish moss are still protecting secrets we may never discover. Yet, the haunting stories that penetrate the humid air invite anyone who visits to, in the very least, make the attempt.

One of my favorite places to take the boys is Jekyll Island, which is just over the bridge from us. Technically a state park, the entire island has been very well-maintained, offering both a lovely shopping experience and endless nature trails, bike paths, and beaches. In mapping out our trip, the boys and myself had voted on a playground, which had astounding Google reviews. Luckily, we never made it that far. As if a sign from the Universe and for the first time ever, my GPS couldn’t map directions to the playground, so I opted for the old-school method and purposed to drive until we found it and almost immediately, we found ourselves pulling into St. Andrews Beach Park. Nostalgia consumed me as I revisited memories of my first days of visiting this place; young, free, and without a care in the world, even back then I drank in the deep Southern past and all the ways I could imagine living here before motorized vehicles, television, and air conditioning. I have always appreciated the undeniable hard work that was required to survive in such terrain. Remembering the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach as I trailed behind some friends through a narrow path and over a steep hill, I quickly turned my head to peer through the passenger’s window and braked to admire the same clear path staring back at me. Covered by Hurricane Matthew some years ago, it was impassible on my last visit. Alas, it was time to introduce my own children to one of Jekyll Island’s secret treasures! (At least before social media.)

Endless questions and chatter filled the air as our feet crunched over the drying, fallen leaves and twigs until, finally, we stood at the top of the hill overlooking the same view I recalled from nearly two decades prior. I smiled at the rope swing, the branch supporting it, and the intricate root system proudly displayed just to the side. Though the rope had been replaced from its original, it still carried the same magic. After explaining all the safety considerations, the older two boys didn’t hesitate to jump on. It’s absolutely indescribable the joy that accompanies watching my children swing back and forth with wonder in their eyes and a smile across their face.

Following our rope swing adventures, we ventured out to the beach, adorned with some large driftwood, learned about some of our dark past through the Wanderer Memory Trail, and ended the trip with a visit to the shopping center, already decorated nicely for Christmas!

It was truly a wonderful trip and we can’t wait to discover what other adventures await us! We are truly grateful to be a part of such history with access to countless local treasures!

From my family to yours, we hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, full of gratitude, warmth, and love!