|
Doggin'
The Golden Isles
The Georgia mainland is completely protected
by a chain of barrier islands that march down the coastline.
So the mainland is comprised of salt marshes and the beaches
are on the barrier islands. Several of the islands are wildlife
refuges. The northernmost, Tybee Island, is the playground for
Savannah and dogs aren't allowed there. The southernmost, Cumberland
Island, is a national seashore reached only by passenger ferry.
No dogs allowed there either.
For dog owners that leaves only one target - the Golden
Isles.
The Golden Isles are four barrier islands
centered around the historic port town of Brunswick. They are
easily differentiated for the visiting dog owner. There is no
land access to Little St. Simons Island. Sea Island is private
and also has no access. St. Simon Island is heavily residential
with a sandy beach that swings around its southern tip. The beach
is backed by small dunes, beach houses and high rises. Dogs are
allowed to trot the beach anytime except during the high season
from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the summer you can hike the
beach before 9 am and after 6 pm.
Most dog lovers visiting the Golden Isles
will want to head straight for the fourth barrier isle, Jekyll
Island, billed as Georgia's jewel. First developed in the
late 1800s as a playground for America's riches families, today
the entire island, including 11 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach,
is a state park. Dogs are allowed on all the beaches anytime.
The beaches around Jekyll Point at the
south end are undeveloped and you can hike with your dog for
hours beside natural wind-sculpted dunes. At the north end is
Driftwood Beach where the forests come right down to the beach.
here the sands are harder and the surf gentler. A great beach
for strolling with your dog.
Away from the beaches there is no trail
hiking for your dog in the Golden Isles, unless you like yo travel
on paved bike paths. On Jekyll Island you can walk your dog through
the 240-acre historic district anchored by the opulent Jeykll
Island Club. You will wander on carriage roads around fantastic
cottages built by the Vanderbilts, Morgans, Rockefellers, Goodyears,
Pulitzers and so on.
<<Back To March 2008 Newsletter
<<Go To Article Index
|
