Historic Jekyll Island Through a Dog's Eyes

This weekend, the "Doghouse on Wheels" pulled into the Coastal Georgia RV Park in Brunswick. Located just west of I-95 at Exit 29, it served as our base camp for a journey back in time. We weren't just visiting another state; we were visiting the playground of the 19th-century elite: Jekyll Island.

Walking Among the Millionaires

In the late 1890s and early 1900s, Jekyll Island was the most exclusive club in the world. We walked through the Historic District, a 240-acre site filled with "cottages" that are actually massive mansions built by names you might recognize—Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Morgan.

As we strolled past the Jekyll Island Club House (the center of social life back then), I could almost imagine the wealthy owners arriving by steamship. We saw the Hollybourne Cottage, with its unique tabby construction, and the Crane Cottage, which looks like an Italian Renaissance villa. Patches was more interested in the landscaping, but I appreciated the architecture—very sturdy, excellent for leaning against during a mid-walk break.

A Sensory Overload

The historic area isn't just about old buildings; it’s a feast for the nose. We walked by:

The Candy Store: The smell of bubbling sugar and chocolate was enough to make Patches’ ears do that weird twitching thing.
The Post Office: A very official-smelling place. I assume important dog news is routed through here.
The Christmas Store: Even in February, it smelled like pine and magic.
The Restaurants: We passed several outdoor patios where the scents were—frankly—out of this world. Seafood, grilled steaks, and southern spices. I offered to "sample" some for quality control, but the humans insisted we keep moving.

🐾 Shadow’s Final Thought:

"Whether you are a Rockefeller or a Lab mix, Jekyll Island is a beautiful place to spend a Saturday. The humans loved the history, I loved the salty air, and Patches loved... well, Patches just loved being the most important Heeler on the island."

🐢 Beyond the Mansions: A Life-Saving Stop at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center

While the gilded mansions were a sight to behold, the humans found the most impactful part of the trip at a building with a very different history. Located in the heart of the historic district, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a must-visit for any animal lover.

From Power Plant to Recovery Ward

The building itself is a piece of history, built in 1902 to serve as the island’s original power plant. In 2007, it was transformed into a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center. Today, instead of generating electricity, it generates hope for sea turtles in distress.

Facing the "Cold Stun"

Because of the extreme cold we’ve had on the East Coast recently, the center was busy. We saw many turtles that had been "cold stunned"—a condition where their bodies shut down from freezing water temperatures.

The humans even got to witness a new arrival being processed. The staff was incredible, performing a head-to-toe checkup with meticulous care. What’s truly amazing is that this center is 100% publicly funded; they receive no federal or state money, relying entirely on visitors and donors to keep their doors open.

Meeting Earl Grey

One of the most memorable patients was Earl Grey, a juvenile Loggerhead. Earl was transferred all the way from the New England Aquarium on November 28, 2025. We got to see him navigating his recovery in one of the large rehab pools—he’s a fighter!

📍 Traveler’s Tip:

If you are traveling I-95, take Exit 29 and head East on GA-17. It’s only a 15-mile detour. Note that Jekyll Island State Park does have an entrance fee (less than $20), but the experience is worth every penny.