Skidaway Island
My bucket list has included Skidaway Island State Park in Georgia since we first began camping. We were eager to visit because it’s so highly rated and near the beautiful Savannah. So, it seemed a logical stop on our way home from our winter trip along the Florida coast.
At the campground, there was a handy map of all the Georgia State Parks. I took a photo because I think it might help future trip planning.
Skidaway has an abundance of gorgeous Spanish moss laden live oak trees which are such an iconic part of the Savannah area. We had site # 42; a lovely pull through with full hookups.
We arrived just before sunset and were able to set up ahead the rain. However, dinner out at a nearby Chinese restaurant involved torrential rain and wading through ponds of water. Also, it had gotten much colder! The rain did, however, sound good on our camper while we slept.
A Rainy Day Plan
Our first full day in the area was filled with cold and rain, so we sought mostly indoor things to do. Despite the weather, it was a memorable day.
Pin Point Heritage Museum
This proved to be an interesting place. The museum is dedicated to the Gullah/Geechee culture, of which I did not know anything. The people there harvested oysters and crabs for 100 years, starting during the time of slavery. There is a movie with interviews of people in the area and an excellent tour that takes you into the history of the life and times in the area.
Interestingly, a famous person hailed from the area. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was born there.
Mrs.Wilkes Dining Room
We were looking for lunch after Pin Point and literary stumbled on a very unique dining experience. I chose it because we wanted a nearby place to eat while it was raining. The address was in our GPS, but it it was not much for signage. I asked a man on the street about it and he said, “follow the smells.” You could tell there was food in the area.
At Mrs. Wilkes, there are large tables that seat ten people and you eat with those that arrive at the same approximate time as you. We sat with travelers from as far away as New York. All were friendly! One couple had traveled hundreds of miles to eat at this restaurant for his birthday.
The food was homemade, abundant, and delicious. Some of our lunch mates had been there many times before and they said that the line is typically around the block to get in. That day for lunch, the rain was our friend.
Forsyth Park
After eating way too much lunch, we were in need of a little exercise. Nearby Forsyth Park was just the ticket. It is a beautiful park with a lovely fountain. However, we did not stay long because of the rain and cold.
American Prohibition Museum
This was a great rainy day thing to do. It is the only museum in America dedicated to the history of prohibition, which occurred from 1920-1933. Firstly, it features some excellent displays with realistic wax figures.
Most noteworthy, the museum also provides scads of facts about what lead to the 18th Amendment which banned liquor and the resultant times. Prohibition ended with the 21st Amendment.
The self-guided tour ends with entrance into a speak easy where you can have a cocktail reminiscent of the times. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and learned a bit as well.
Skidaway Island and A Sunny Day
Our second full day was sunny and dry. Such a welcome sight! We rented bikes and explored the campground. It was a nice peaceful day.
Lastly, we met friends who had moved to nearby Jekyll Island from our hometown for dinner. It was very nice to see them!
A Foreboding
The last few days of our trip, we were beginning to hear more everyday about a new threat, the Covid-19. As we were still traveling, we sought some hand sanitizer. Alas, none were to be had at the local Publix nor Walmart. Little did we know that most of the world would soon be on lockdown and future travel plans would be cancelled.
Wishing you well and safe from the virus! Hoping we can all go camping soon!
