While enjoying a spectacular flight up the Florida coast from Eagles Nest (FD44), Peter and I decided to call in on one of our favorite destinations, the Georgian barrier island, Jekyll. Eighty miles north of St. Augustine, the state park with its miles of pristine shoreline, Gilded era architecture, maritime forests, quaint shops and heaping doses of genuine southern hospitality, will entertain eco-tourists, history buffs and boutique shoppers alike.
Although completely unannounced, we were met on the tarmac by fellow aviator, Rich Van Iderstyne, owner of Red Bug Motors. Rich generously provided us with a complimentary electric vehicle for the afternoon. His only request-- If we were staying for lunch, to please dine at Red Bug Motor's Pizza and Pub located next to the Great Dunes Golf Course
Grateful for the free use of the car, we were happy to oblige and were not disappointed with our selection, Johnny's Italian Sub. The eclectic menu offered everything from traditional pub fare, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, to specialty pizza and even Greek food. Their outdoor patio even welcomes your furry companions- dogs that is, although, husbands are welcome, too.
After a satisfying lunch, we drove to the north end of the island for a mystical stroll on one of my favorite haunts, Driftwood Beech. The stark parade of once thriving trees have become a mesmerizing gallery of naturally carved art forms.
After our romantic stroll, we motored to Jekyll's historic district. Most visitors learn the island was purchased in 1886 by America's richest families, including the Rockefeller, Pulitzers, and Morgans, and used for more than 50 years as the country's most elite winter escape, until the depression, at which time the resort became derelict.
What fewer guests find out, is that the U.S Federal Reserve was conceived at the luxury camp to protect its rich members from competition. Stealthily meeting at the remote location, seven men representing one fourth of the world's wealth convinced the public and congress that the reserve was an agency of the United States Government . History's greatest slight-of-hand.
"Some people think that the Federal Reserve Banks are United States Government institutions. They are private monopolies which prey upon the people of these United States for the benefit of themselves and their foreign customers; foreign and domestic speculators and swindlers; and rich and predatory money lenders."
– The Honorable Louis McFadden, Chairman of the House Banking and Currency Committee in the 1930s.
Simply put, the goal was two-fold; to keep the nation's public in debt, slaving away to pay interest to private lenders until the day they died, and to create a banking cartel that was competition proof. The Federal Reserve is also known as "The Creature from Jekyll Island."
What the clever industrialists left behind, was an authentic collection of stunning southern architecture just perfect for wandering around whilst eating ice-cream.
With its sweeping romantic porches and captivating Victorian turret, the village centerpiece is Jekyll Island Club hotel. I most enjoyed the restored cottages surrounding the landmark, now converted into quaint gift shops and art galleries. The history of each cottage is posted outside the front doors. From groundskeepers, to boat captains and carpenters, the laymens' quarters have their own unique micro-history.
At the end of a perfectly wonderful day, Peter and I chatted again with Rich Van Iderstyne when returning the Red Bug. We discovered that not only was Rich a pilot mentoring young aspiring pilots; he spearheaded the movement to save the Jekyll Island runway from extinction by taking on powerful developers and winning!
We general aviation folks owe it to Rich to stop in and take advantage of the free use of the runway and enjoy all that Jekyll Island has to offer.
USEFUL TIPS
1. Be sure to watch out for the beautiful views of St. Augustine when passing over.
2. Between St. Augustine, and Jekyll, be on the lookout for Amelia Island which is immediately south of the Georgia border.
3. The islands just north of Amelia are home to wild horses.
4. There are hotels in every budget, from $50 per night as well as camp sites.
5. Beach bikes and kayaks are available for rent.
6. Horseback riding on the beach is offered at $60 per hour.
7. Dolphin tours and fishing expeditions are available at the marina.
8 . FAA IDENTIFIER 09J Airnav link
9. For more info: www. jekyllisland.com
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