JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. -- One would be hard-pressed to find a cluster of more interesting and entertaining islands than the Golden Isles group of Jekyll, St. Simons, Little St. Simons and Sea islands off the southeast coast of Georgia.

Here you find the majestic white oaks, the romantic Spanish moss, the wonderful seacoast views, miles of white sand beaches, the immaculate golf courses, great seafood, historical homes and any level of pampering you could ever want.

Once the playground for the ultra rich and influential men in the the early part of the 19th and 20th centuries, Jekyll Island is now a playground for Mr. and Mrs. America and all the little loved ones.

Jekyll and the other islands, fronted by the industrious town of Brunswick, are located just off Interstate 95, about an hour's drive north of Jacksonville, Fla.

The island was originally bought by a group of wealthy families for use as an island retreat in 1886 and within 14 years such national notables as the Rockefellers, Cranes and Goulds became intimately involved through the formation of the Jekyll Island Club. This group of men represented about one-sixth of the world's wealth at the time.

Many of the nation's financial leaders often gathered here to discuss fiscal policy (indeed, the Federal Reserve Bank program was formulated here).

National figures built "cottages" (castles to ordinary folk) and spent many hours here until about 1942, when the Jekyll Island Club was closed, followed within five years of the sale of the island to the state of Georgia.

The state sold some of the property to homeowners and individual businesses, but retained much of the land and buildings for availability to the public. Now, the public can tour the elaborate mansions once owned by the rich early dwellers.

Jekyll is something of a vacation mecca for parents and children.

The island has golf, sugary beaches, fishing, tennis, many hotels (including most major chains) and restaurants, biking, shopping, soccer, waterpark, camping, etc.

Just north of Jekyll is St. Simons Island, the largest of the quartet of isles, noted for its Spanish influences.

St. Simons has a working lighthouse (200 years old), remnants of the state's first military post (Fort Frederica), many beaches, marinas, bountiful shopping, hotels and restaurants, coastal history museum and the beautiful old Christ Church.

Sea Island, accessible from St. Simons via a causeway, is home of the world-rknown Sea Island Resort and Cloisters Hotel. The resort also has one of the nation's top golf courses, beach club, gun club, horseback riding, etc. Many luxurious private homes also adorn the island.

Little St. Simons Island is the northernmost island and is accessible by boat. The island has more than 10,000 acres of pristine woodlands and offers limited numbers of guests the opportunity to experience its solitude and isolated beaches.

Brunswick has an old English flavor deriving from its early port city years (many of the city's streets are named for English locales). The largest of the business communities in the Golden Isles, Brunswick is the home port for dozens of shrimp and fishing vessels. Also in port here is the state's only casino cruise boat.

Construction is now nearing completion of a new U. S. Highway 17 bridge connecting the Brunswick and Jekyll Island areas (an older bridge underneath the new bridge is still operating).

Phone: 800-933-2627
Internet sites: www.bgivb.com

This story was published on 22 May 2002.