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Vanderford's
Travels
Georgia’s coastal
Tri-Cities area is hidden jewel
Natural beauty, important
history, and a vast array of fabulous recreational opportunities are
no more than an I-95 exit away along the southernmost coast of
Georgia. This area is often called “Tri-Cities,” and includes the
two historic villages of Woodbine and St. Marys as well as the
bustling community of Kingsland.
 The
best known of these places is the sleepy coastal town of St. Marys,
which was founded in 1787 and has numerous Victorian and Antebellum
homes, but offers far more to visitors than immediately catches the
eye. Simply experiencing a gorgeous sunrise streaking across the
marshes of the St. Marys River from the new Waterfront Park is
spectacular. Nevertheless, one wouldn’t want to miss the famous
Orange Hall, which is a Greek Revival Antebellum mansion that was
built in 1830 and is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places.
 Also
worth a visit is the St. Marys First Presbyterian Church, which was
constructed in 1808 and is still in service. The life of this old
church is heavily entwined in the history of St. Marys, and the
nearby Oak Grove Cemetery has many unique monuments and abundant
ghost stories. A free walking map is available from the St. Marys
Welcome Center on Osborne Street, but the best way to tour is to
rent a golf cart.
Visiting anglers will find that
numerous public fishing piers are located within several miles of
St. Marys. The main catches from these piers are spotted sea trout,
redfish, flounder, black drum and sheepshead.
 Forty-five
minute day trips are available from St. Marys to the natural beauty
of Cumberland Island, which is the largest and most remote of
Georgia’s barrier islands. Without prior arrangements, however,
primitive camping is the only way one can stay overnight at
Cumberland Island. Even on day trips, families must provide their
own food and water. Despite these inconveniences, seeing wild horses
and a multitude of other interesting wildlife, plus the great
shelling, fishing or swimming along miles of pristine beaches makes
this trip a memorable experience.
 Along
the meandering marshes of the Satilla River is the old town of
Woodbine, and if one is lucky enough to be there on a Saturday
night, great home cooked food and unique entertainment is always the
attraction. No glittery signs or flashing lights will help you find
the location, but if you listen for musical sounds or ask locals
where to find the old Woodbine High School, you will reach the
exciting “Woodbine Opry”!
In an effort to save the old
school from the wrecking ball, many former students have banded
together to raise funds with an amusing idea. Dinners are sold each
week that include local veggies, several styles of chicken, and
mouth watering desserts by the Woodbine Woman’s Club. The filling
meal is followed by a jam session of country, gospel, and folk music
on the stage of the former high school auditorium performed by local
and visiting musicians and singers. Plenty of impromptu frolic and
fun is incorporated along with a drawing for local pies and cakes
from some of the best cooks in the area.
 Though
Kingsland seems to be more related to the needs of sojourners along
I-95, it is a community that also includes pristine coastal elegance
with winding tidal creeks and marshes that are brimming with
abundant wildlife and shore birds. Many retirees have made their
homes in beautiful golfing communities that are tastefully woven
into the natural landscape.
Despite many recent changes to
this region, much of the Tri Cities area has remained the same as it
has been for more than two centuries. It is a place where the stars
seem closer, the nights are quieter, and time appears to move as
slowly as the rivers. Nevertheless, whatever your interests,
wonderful memories will be a part of any visit to this hidden jewel
of the Georgia Coast!
Bill
Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography,
and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of
Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-289-1543,
JFish51@aol.com or visit:
www.fishinglanier.com.
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