Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Cumberland Island


Even though I grew up in Coastal Georgia, I traveled to the shores of Cumberland Island for the first time. I think Sapelo Island is magical, but Cumberland has the same simple atmosphere. It is easier to envision yourself in another time period when on Cumberland.

I first toured St. Marys, which is a very charming little town. I definitely would recommend any restaurant or bed and breakfast in downtown St. Marys. There are also some very cute shops. For the history lover, the neighborhood, churches, and Orange Hall Museum are a breath of fresh air. There is also a Cumberland Island Museum and Submarine Museum that I definitely want to try at a later date.

I caught the ferry early in the morning and took a peaceful ride to Cumberland. We first stopped at the ruins of Dungeness. The original tabby house was built by Revolutionary War Hero Nathaniel Greene's wife Catherine. She built the home with her second husband Phineas Miller.

Thomas and Lucy Carnegie (brother to Andrew) started buying land on the island in the 1880s. In 1884, they built a 59 room Scottish castle replica on the site of the old Dungeness. The ruins are a testament to the old house, but also a really good picture of the remnants of the Gilded Age. We saw the famous horses right at the ruins of Dungeness. The outbuildings maintained by the National Parks Service were very picturesque. Also the remnants of old rusted cars were actually a little sad.

Because this was a private tour, we were allowed to go to the Greyfield Inn. I would LOVE to stay there. Fellas if you want to impress the Ladies, this is certainly one of the places that would work. They offer great food, atmosphere, and tours.

My short tour to this island lasted only 5 hours, but it was only a glimpse of the possiblities. I am already making plans for my next trip...

The picture was taken by Carl Eggerson and features my partner in crime for the day Andy.

Cumberland Island Info:
http://www.nps.gov/cuis/

Greyfield Inn:
http://www.greyfieldinn.com/

St. Marys:
http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/

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