Peach to the Beach

Georgia's Undisturbed Beaches

By Julie Senger

Many of us are familiar with Georgias Tybee, St. Simons and Cumberland Islands. However, Georgias other, less publicized beaches also have a story to tell, a story thats undisturbed by chain hotels, restaurants and shopping establishments. Sapelo, Ossabaw and Wassaw are barrier islands off the coast of Georgia that are exclusive, exquisite and have much to offer in the way of breathtaking scenery, wildlife, nature and history.

Sapelo Island

Things to See

Sapelo Island is home to the last remaining Geechee/Gullah community in the U.S., which is known as Hog Hammock. The Geechee/Gullah community members are descendants of slaves who worked the plantation of Thomas Spalding. They have retained much of their African culture, and they have their own distinct language. They also have their own burial ground, Behavior Cemetery, which reflects African-American burial customs.

Sapelo Island Lighthouse This lighthouse was built in the 1800s. It has a very rich history and is currently still in operation.

RJ Reynolds Mansion The Mansion served as the Spalding Plantation Manor from 1810 until the Civil War. Visitors can rent one of its 13 bedrooms and enjoy its game room and exploring the grounds, which have beautiful sculptures and massive live oaks. The Mansion also has a library containing many old, original volumes of Mr. Reynolds private collection.

Chocolate Plantation This was once a prosperous sugar cane and Sea Island cotton plantation. The remaining ruins are of slave cabins, the main house, the restored tabby barn, the Sears Roebuck house and many others.

Sapelo Indian Shell Ring Complex This mysterious site consists of three doughnut-shaped Indian mounds left centuries ago by Native Americans. It was formed over a period of hundreds of years. The site has been radiocarbon dated at 2170 B.C., making it older than many of Egypts pyramids!

When Should I Go? A great time to visit the island would be during its Culture Day Festival, which is held each year on the second Saturday in October. The festival features West African food, music, arts and crafts and storytelling.

Ossabaw Island

Things to See

Ossabaw Island is a 20 minute boat ride from Savannah. It has been preserved by the state of Georgia for natural, scientific and cultural study as well as research and education. Its unspoiled beauty has attracted creative types to live on the island for short periods of time while researching and creating new works. Ralph Ellison, Annie Dillard and Alice Walker have all spent time on the island.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Endangered Wood Storks Both of these precious animals nest on Ossabaw Island.

Ossabaw Hogs The Ossabaw hog is the closest genetic representative of historic Spanish stocks because the population remained on the island, where it didnt come into contact with mainland breeds. They are biologically unique because theyve adapted to the islands heat, humidity and seasonal food scarcity.

North End Plantation Tabbies The Plantation Tabbies are 3 surviving slave quarters dating back to the antebellum period that are considered to be some of the best preserved examples of slave settlement architecture in the southeast.

Main Road This dirt road was carved into the island in the 1760s and is considered to be one of the oldest continually used roads in America.

When Should I Go? In October and November (annually), the Georgia Department of Natural Resources conducts controlled hunting for Ossabaw hogs, deer and alligator for population control. Theres also an annual fundraiser, usually held in October, called the Ossabaw Island Pig Roast and Art Auction. If youre a writer, you may want to look into the Ossabaw Island Writers Retreat, held once in spring and once in autumn each year. And if you love turtles, you can book a trip through the Ossabaw Island Foundation for a two-night weekend to observe seasonal turtle hatching.

Wassaw Island

Things to See

Wassaw Island is a designated National Wildlife Refuge and is the most primitive of all of Georgias barrier islands. If you want to see what Georgias islands looked like before the Europeans arrived, Wassaw Island is the place for you.

Boneyard Beach Beachcombing at Boneyard Beach can be breathtaking. The beautiful shapes of the twisted driftwood that rests here for unknown periods of time can make for some very dramatic photo opportunities. Since the ocean is this beachs decorator, its landscape changes with the tide, so no two visits to Boneyard Beach are likely to look the same. You may also catch sight of a bottlenose dolphin, as they like to hang out around the island. Loggerhead turtles also come to shore to nest here.

Fort Morgan This structure was built during the Spanish-American War. As it was only constructed several hundred feet from the shore, the ocean tide has begun to erode and bury this bit of history. It looks as though its days may be numbered before it is overtaken by the sea altogether.

When Should I Go? Since the island is only open for visitation during the day, it is highly recommended that you time your visit to allow for you to experience Boneyard Beach at sunset! There is also seasonal deer hunting, by permit only. Loggerhead turtles usually come to nest in April each year.

If youre looking to leave your footprints in some less-populated beach sand, Sapelo, Ossabaw and Wassaw are the ideal beaches for you!

*Sources: GeorgiaStateParks.org, TourSapelo.com, LostWorlds.org, OssabawIsland.org,
FWS.gov, SlowFoodUSA.org