2025 March 22 ~ Jekyll Island Club Resort and State Park Beach

 A step back in time............our first impression of the famous Jekyll Island Club Resort. 

Once an exclusive retreat for America's wealthiest families(including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Morgans),

the historic resort welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Boy, talk about the Gilded Age.... oh my! 

If you are a history enthusiast, you would know that the idea for the FEDERAL RESERVE was secretly discussed within the walls of this 1886 private hunting and social club. That's right! In 1910, a group of powerful bankers and politicians(disguised as duck hunters) met in SECRET, to draft a plan for what would become the U.S. central banking system. This hushhush gathering included figures like Senator Nelson Aldrich and executives from J.P. Morgan and Co. and other major banks. The plan they developed laid the foundation for the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, which created the Federal Reserve System we know today. Who knew banking history could be this dramatic?😁😁😁

Oh the timeless elegance💓! The Spanish moss-draped live oaks, the manicured croquet grounds, the horse drawn carriage rides, afternoon tea on the varandas, and soaking up a little Vitamin D around the pool, .... what's not to love? 

 

While we were visiting, we caught the beginning of  wedding festivities that took place on the grounds.

The Victorian charm Jekyll Island Club Resort on 371 Riverview Drive is in the Historic District of the Island. Close by is the State Park Beach, which on this particular day, was just the way we like the beaches.........

The entry fee to Jekyll Island is $10.00.....pay-by-the-day. Shopping, eateries, lodging, recreation and wildlife, camping, bike trails and more.... our first visit to Jekyll Island was delightful!

Our big purchase for the afternoon: 🤣🤣🤣

  
 

2025 March 22 Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Driftwood Beach, on Jekyll Island is an escape to another world!

 The ancient driftwood monuments line the waterfront, creating an unforgettable backdrop! The beach and its iconic driftwood formed as a result of decades of erosion. There are hundreds of trees standing, fallen, eroded and sometimes petrified. 

It's like a natural art gallery, and famous for its super cool shoreline.... quite a mysterious beauty of coastal Georgia!

The sunrises and sunsets make the driftwood glow(so I've been told), which makes it a photographer's dream. 

Indeed, a NEW TO ME AT 76 EXPERIENCE! If you know, you go! 

2025 March 21~ Savannah, GA

 A perfect day in Savannah, Georgia……blends history, charm, Southern hospitality…..and an abundance of WALKING! 

While our time in Savannah was limited, we wasted not a hot minute in returning to some of our favorite sights! Our first stop was River Street and City Market area, which included watching the cargo ships drift by at the John P. Rousakis Riverfront Plaza; iconic City Hall dome building in the North Historic district; Savannah Cotton Exchange; Georgia Queen Riverboat(Dinner Cruise); people watching; cobblestone streets by the Savannah River and more !

Our second stop ……South Historic District. We strolled through Forsyth Park to admire the iconic fountain, the moss-draped oak trees, and the blooming azaleas! Parking was easily available on the side streets near the historic homes(Included the Mercer-Williams House and the Armstrong Kessler Mansion.

The Armstong Kessler Mansion 👇

Monterey Square 👇

Mercer Williams House and Museum 👇

Our third stop …..was the famous Bonaventure Cemetery….a must-see for its haunting beauty, history, and connection to the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”

Advice for visiting Savannah:😂😂😂

1. Watch out for the “S” in Forsyth Park – It stands for Spanish moss, squirrels, and spirits. The moss is beautiful but full of bugs, the squirrels will judge your snack choices, and the ghosts? Well, they might just join you for a drink.

2. Speaking of drinks… Savannah has an open-container law, meaning you can walk around with alcohol. But be careful—after a few to-go cups, you might start giving historical tours of buildings you’ve never been in.

3. The cobblestones on River Street were designed by someone who hated ankles. Wear good shoes, and don’t try to impress anyone with fancy footwork. The ghosts don’t care.

4. Southern hospitality is real, but so is the humidity. People will call you “sweetheart,” but your hair might betray you in ways you never imagined.

5. If a local tells you a ghost story, believe them. And maybe don’t book the cheapest Airbnb in a 200-year-old house unless you enjoy flickering lights and unexplained noises.

6. The pralines are free samples for a reason. They know you’ll be back for a full bag. You won’t win this battle—just buy them.

7. Never challenge a local to a debate about the best fried chicken. It’s a trap. Just nod, agree, and enjoy every bite.

8. The fountains run green for St. Patrick’s Day. No, it’s not a plumbing issue. Yes, the entire city turns into a party. Pace yourself.

9. If you hear hooves, don’t panic—it’s just a carriage tour. But if the horse looks at you funny, it might be sizing you up for a past-life encounter.

10. Enjoy the slow pace. If you’re in a hurry, Savannah will politely remind you to sit your sweet self down and enjoy another glass of sweet tea.

Have fun in Savannah—just don’t trip on a cobblestone!

2025 March 19 Dance Espanol

 

Dance Espanol ..........this fourth grader showed off his smooth moves. He and all of the fourth graders in Roanoke City have been practicing for weeks for this production. The choreography was led by Pedro Szalay.

Petro is partnered with Southwest Virginia Ballet, as the Artistic Director. The performance  included over 253 students from 13 fourth grade classes. He will be retiring this year, and boy will he be missed! 

I can't wait for Mr Fourth Grader to teach me some of these moves! (Maybe I can teach him some of my line dancing moves😁😁😁)