"An Island Getaway That's Murder"

/PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island Club Hotel announces its annual Murder Mystery Weekend, "An Island Getaway That's Murder" August 19-21, 2011. Book this Jekyll Island vacation package and get away with murder! Murder Mystery Weekend, Inc. presents a weekend to kill for…Expect the unexpected, search for clues, and solve the crime, all while enjoying luxury accommodations at the famed Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

If there's a detective lurking inside you just waiting to solve a "whodunit," this is your chance to become a super sleuth and even win prizes. After being introduced to your master of ceremonies for the weekend, you'll notice that strange things start to happen. Be careful! You may just find yourself sitting next to the villain! In time, the local detective will answer all your questions. Until then, meet other guests, become entrenched in the plot, and, most of all, have fun.

Our Murder Mystery Weekend Includes:

* Welcome Gift
* Traditional accommodations with Queen, King, or two Double Beds for two nights
* Welcome reception with open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres on Friday evening (two hours)
* Group breakfast buffet on Saturday morning
* Group lunch
* Reception (cash bar) and dinner Saturday evening
* Closing breakfast on Sunday


Please note: All taxes and gratuities on package features are included. Resort fee extra. Upgrades available at additional fee per night. Weekend requires a minimum of 12 packages to be sold 30 days prior to event or hotel reserves the right to cancel said event. Cancellations within 14 days of event forfeits 50% of package . Subject to availability . Certain restrictions apply.

For more information or reservations, contact the Jekyll Island Club Hotel at 912-635-2600 or 800-535-9547, or visit our website at www.jekyllclub.com.

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Good News as Summer Travel Increases on Jekyll Island

T2F Editor Note:  Just say "Jekyll Island" and some of our staff members go all "gooey- eyed."  Stories of years long ago of family vacations just bubble out with everyone in the office enjoying hearing them.  A friend of my family owned a couple of hotels on the island way back when and we would spend a lot of time down in Brunswick on the beach.  Ahh, the stories I could tell!  Hey, why not just go and check it out yourself?  Who knows?  You may come back with great memories for your family. In the meantime,  I'm going to check my calendar to see when I can escape back to my island of fun.

/PRNewswire/ -- With revitalization underway, Jekyll Island is beginning to see a return of visitation despite the sluggish economy. At its regular meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors reviewed hotel reports showing strong revenue growth for the month of June. Hotel revenue was up 28 percent over June 2009. The new Hampton Inn & Suites generated nearly $500,000 in revenue and achieved 92 percent occupancy for the month. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel saw revenue increase 25 percent over last year.

"The new Hampton Inn &Suites is attracting people back to Jekyll," stated JIA chairman Bob Krueger. "I spoke with a hotel guest this morning who had not been to Jekyll in many years. He was having a great time."

The growth in business was split between groups and guests on vacation. Several conventions held their meetings on Jekyll Island in June. Groups were rewarded with great weather and businesses ready to serve up a healthy dose of hospitality

Higher visitation translated into more business for island restaurants, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Summer Waves Water Park, whose revenue is 10 percent or almost $100,000 more than 2008.

"Leveraging events to gain earned media and focusing on internet marketing is paying off," stated Eric Garvey, JIA Chief Communications Officer. "We are in a good position. Our message is out there and we are being rewarded with incremental business."

Ben Porter, Chairman of the JIA Board of Directors Marketing Committee, echoed the optimism. "These results are a reflection of the staff's hard work and commitment, and I am very pleased with the direction we are heading."

With plans for two new hotels, beach village shopping and dining and a new convention center moving forward, Jekyll Island is quickly becoming Georgia's premier beach destination. The good news is timely as the economic recovery tries to pick up steam. When looking for bright spots, look to the beautiful Georgia coast and Jekyll Island.

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The Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the Jekyll Island Authority To Celebrate Sea Turtles With the Annual Shell-E-Bration, Nest Fest and Turtle Crawl Triathlon

/PRNewswire/ -- As coastal Georgia begins to welcome in warmer weather, it is also that time of year to welcome a very special annual visitor to Jekyll Island- the sea turtle! Nesting season begins mid-May and continues through August and hundreds of these amazing sea creatures come home to nest on Jekyll Island's sprawling beaches.

Jekyll Island is home to the internationally-acclaimed Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), an operating sea turtle rehabilitation facility open to the public which is operated by the Jekyll Island Authority, and encourages sea turtle education and preservation through activities and programs and research. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) is dedicated to monitoring the turtles during nesting season and protecting both the turtles and their nests.

Beginning in early spring, Jekyll Island will be celebrating sea turtles with a variety of activities and programs to educate kids and their families on these endangered species. The activities are modestly priced, and many are free and open to the public.

Shell-e-brate Earth Day - Sat., April 17: Guests and residents will celebrate Earth Day this year with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at the third annual Shell-e-brate Earth Day family festival! From eco-friendly entertainment to earth-tastic arts and crafts, this family fun day has something to offer everyone. This event is free with general admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Nest Fest - May 10-15: Undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of the year at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is the sea turtle nesting season. This years' annual Nest Fest marks the eighth anniversary of this fantastic week-long celebration aimed at educating both children and adults on sea turtles, coastal ecology and eco-friendly behavior. To make reservations for any of the Nest Fest events, please contact the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at 912-635-4444.

Turtle Crawl Triathlon - Sat., May 15: The Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl Triathlon is a chance for participants of all skill levels to come together and enjoy an afternoon on the coast. A full triathlon is offered for the most ambitious of athletes. The race begins with a 1.5 mile swim, then continues to a 40K bike ride and finishes up with a 10K run. For those wanting a more leisurely event, the Sprint Triathlon offers a 600 yard swim, 20K bike ride and a 5K run. A 5K Fun Run/Walk will offer a more relaxed way to benefit the GSTC. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit the GSTC on Jekyll Island.

More about the Georgia Sea Turtle Center:

The internationally-acclaimed Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) is located on a barrier island off the coast of Georgia - Jekyll Island. In addition to rehabilitating injured and ill sea turtles, as well as educating the public and conducting research, the GSTC is dedicated to monitoring the turtles during nesting season and protecting them and their nests during this crucial time as the saga of Georgia's sea turtles plays out every summer on the beaches of Jekyll Island. Jekyll, a state-owned island, has been largely preserved in its natural state, and is a favorite location where many of these threatened and endangered turtles come to nest and hatch. Nest Fest and the Turtle Crawl Triathlon are supported by a grant from the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

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The Jekyll Island Authority Announces 2010 Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival

/PRNewswire/ -- Today the Jekyll Island Authority announced they will produce the 2010 Georgia Coast Birding & Nature Festival, scheduled for October 7-10 on Jekyll Island. The Authority has hired Lydia Thompson as the festival's Event Coordinator.

Started in 2002, this marks the eighth year of the Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival. Annually this event brings bird watchers from around the world to Jekyll Island and the Brunswick-Golden Isles area to view the numerous migrating bird species.

"The Georgia Ornithological Society and the Coastal Georgia Audubon Society have done a terrific job executing the festival for the past seven years. We are happy to take over responsibilities with their support to ensure the festival's continued success," said Eric Garvey, Chief Communications Officer for the Jekyll Island Authority.

The Georgia Coast Birding & Nature Festival features numerous field trips, exhibits, and educational sessions related to birding, wildlife viewing, and environmental awareness. Experienced guides show visitors how to spot various birds, learn their calls, and identify their species. Quick field trips are also offered to young bird watchers to introduce them to the hobby and instill an appreciation for the environment.

"It is due to the enthusiasm and passion of our partners and volunteers that the Georgia Coast Birding & Nature Festival continues to grow," said Lydia Thompson. "I cannot wait to work with them again this year as we continue to foster a love for birding while raising awareness of our coastal environment."

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Thousands Expected on Jekyll Island, Ga. for the Country's Only Celebration Dedicated to Iconic Southern Dish: Shrimp & Grits

/PRNewswire/ -- What was once a simple food pairing deeply rooted in the South, Shrimp & Grits has become a menu-must for exclusive restaurants across the country. The only event in the country dedicated to this quintessential Southern dish kicks off Sept 18: "Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival."

Set in the Jekyll Island Club Hotel's landmark historic district, the popular festival boasts amateur and professional cooking competitions, shrimp boat excursions, shrimp eating contests, cooking demonstrations, races, entertainment, and much more.

"The Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival is a great time to enjoy the beauty of Jekyll Island while dining on delicious coastal cuisine caught right off the Georgia coast," said Beth Burnsed, Director of Special Events for Jekyll Island. "We began the Shrimp & Grits Festival as a way to showcase Jekyll Island and Wild Georgia Shrimp. As more and more restaurants began serving shrimp & grits, we realized that we were at the forefront of a growing trend. We are thrilled to host such a prominent and highly anticipated signature event."

In celebration, September has been declared "Wild Georgia Shrimp Month" on Jekyll Island and the neighboring Golden Isles, and some of the South's finest professional and amateur chefs will be competing for the coveted title of "Best Shrimp & Grits" recipe in the country. "Y'all Come!"

Set amid Jekyll Island's picturesque Jekyll Island Club National Landmark Historic District, the festival will kick off on Friday, September 18th at 5:30 p.m. with a "$3 Shrimp Sample Night," where participants will have the opportunity to taste recipes from vendors throughout the region.

On Saturday guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the Amateur Cooking Competition, which offers mouth-watering opportunities to taste and judge ten shrimp & grits dishes prepared by aspiring and self-taught cooks throughout the region. Festivities continue on Sunday when the winner of the Professional Cooking Competition will be announced in the afternoon.

Visitors can purchase VIP tickets in advance or learn more about the weekend festivities by visiting: www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits.

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Families Receive 'Vacation Stimulus' Package in Exchange for Travel Memories

/PRNewswire/ -- Jekyll Island's summer promotion offers families a simple way to save vacation funds and ensure family fun simply by sharing their memorable vacation moments.

Through July 15, Jekyll is running an exciting social networking promotion entitled "Are We There Yet? Memories Won't Wait for an Economic Recovery." The program rewards guests with two Jekyll Island Escape! passes to the Island's premier amenities in exchange for their vacation stories or ideas. Each Escape! Pass is valid for one entry to all of the following Jekyll Island activities: 18 holes of golf, Jekyll Island bike rental, mini-golf, tennis, Summer Waves Water Park and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center ($200.00 value). The offer is open to anyone who reserves a trip to Jekyll Island between now and July 15, and can be reserved by visiting Jekyllisland.com and linking to the "Are We There Yet" promotion. Vacation guests submit their trip recollections via email, Facebook or as a guest blogger on blog.jekyllisland.com at any time throughout their stay.

"With more than 1400 fans on our Facebook Page, we've found that social networking is really popular among our guests who have been coming here for years and even people who have recently discovered all that we have to offer," said Eric Garvey, Senior Director, Marketing, Jekyll Island Authority. "Visitors often write us, or post blogs sharing about their experience, so this promotion is just our way of saying 'thank you.'"

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Coastal Project Documents New Habitat on Jekyll

T2F Note: Jekyll Island, part of Georgia's Golden Isles, is a great place to visit. For the sea turtles and the beautiful nature walks, this week's coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award goes to Jekyll Island.

Beyond the beaches and bike trails at Jekyll Island, a new natural community has been discovered tucked within the island’s iconic maritime forest.

On the southern tip of Jekyll, a boardwalk leads through a relic dune swale. The low-lying area is dominated by Carolina willow, swamp rose mallow and dotted smartweed. To the untrained eye, the patch of vegetation may look like anywhere else on Jekyll. But for two botanists, the area is a rare find – a previously unclassified ecological community.

An ecological community is a group of interacting plant and animal species that live in the same place. The communities are bound by the influences the species have on each other. The main species in the newly described community on Jekyll are common separately but in combination represent a previously unknown community.

Ecological communities are grouped according to the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system maintained by NatureServe, a non-profit conservation organization considered a leading source of information about rare and endangered species and eco-systems. Although extensive, the NatureServe database has limited examples of communities potentially found on the Georgia coast. The Jekyll community discovered by Eamonn Leonard and Jacob Thompson of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has been added as a new ecological association called the Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain Carolina Willow Dune Swale.

This community may be unique to Georgia. Leonard and Thompson, natural resources biologists with the DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division, documented it as part of a three-year project that involves extensive vegetation mapping in 11 coastal Georgia counties. The work will result in a detailed picture of the ecological communities in the counties, including the 25 high-priority habitats designated by the State Wildlife Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy that guides Wildlife Resources and DNR efforts to conserve biological diversity.

“Currently, our understanding of the locations and extent of ecological communities on the coast of Georgia is somewhat limited,” Thompson said. “Our mapping effort will help us know more about the status of known natural communities and describe new community types like the one on Jekyll Island.

“This knowledge is critical in order to preserve the valuable natural resources on our coast.”

The mapping project is part of the larger Coastal Georgia Land Conservation Initiative, a collaborative effort involving the DNR, Georgia Conservancy and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia to preserve critical coastal lands and promote sustainable growth and development.

The ecological communities of the coast represent a diverse set of natural resources and provide habitats for many rare plant and animal species, while also supporting basic ecological functions on which people rely. For example, the barrier islands and associated inter-tidal salt marshes reduce the impact of storm surges, which can damage homes and roads.

“This project will give local governments, conservation organizations and city planners a baseline map of the critical and imperiled communities and important resources within each county,” Leonard said. “With this in hand, coupled with technical assistance from the other organizations involved in this project, coastal counties can plan for future development more sustainably by keeping natural resources in mind and ensure (their) existence in the future.”

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Jekyll Island Ready for Georgia-Florida Fans

PRNewswire/ -- Traditions are held sacred in southeast Georgia, and for the Jekyll Island Authority and the local community that means hosting one of the largest celebrations surrounding the Georgia-Florida college football rivalry in the area. Beginning at 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the first of 576 golfers will tee off in the 29th annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic. Golfers will compete in the two-day event, and between rounds will enjoy celebrating with old friends at the traditional Cocktail Party and Oyster Roast Buffet Dinner.

"The event is now a tradition on Jekyll Island, and we are proud to host our friends each year -- old and new friends alike," stated Johnny Paulk, tournament director. "It is a lot of work, but we have a great team that knows how to pull everything together so everyone will have a good time when they get here.

"It's got to be one of the largest golf tournaments in the country, and maybe one of the longest running," added Paulk.

While the golf tournament is sold out, there are still rooms available on Jekyll Island for fans coming to the game. Some Jekyll Island hotels offer motorcoach transportation packages to and from the game.

"Most of our bus packages are full, but there are always a few rooms left on the island," stated Eric Garvey, Jekyll Island Authority director of marketing. "The golf tournament along with all the parties and other activities creates a fantastic football atmosphere here on Jekyll Island."

Fans looking for hotel rooms or rental cottages in the area should call the Jekyll Island Welcome Center at 877-4JEKYLL or e-mail to cvb@jekyllisland.com. Visitor Information Specialists keep current vacancy information and can quickly direct guests to a hotel with available rooms.

While the Georgia-Florida football game is played in Jacksonville, Florida at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jekyll Island is only a 90-minute drive. Many University of Georgia fans enjoy the tradition of staying in the Jekyll Island-St. Simons Island area and take advantage of the easy drive to the stadium.

Fans without tickets will enjoy the nationally televised game at one of the several sports bars and restaurant on Jekyll Island. Blackbeard's Seafood Restaurant along with the new Time Out Sports Grill and the new Sand Bar & Grill all will be creating a game-like atmosphere with food and drink specials.

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Highly Anticipated 3rd Annual 'Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival' Kicks Off Sept. 19

T2F Note: Jekyll Island is another one of our favorite haunts. It may not be a day tripper from north Georgia, but it is certainly a weekend trip to plan!

PRNewswire/ -- Join the Jekyll Island Authority, the Georgia Shrimp Association, and the Georgia Tourism Foundation for the only event in the Southeast dedicated to celebrating two southern favorites - shrimp and grits!

Set amid Jekyll Island's picturesque Jekyll Island Club National Landmark Historic District, "Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival," will kick off on Friday, Sept. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Festivities will continue throughout the weekend, beginning Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at noon.

The popular annual festival features delicious food, exciting shrimp & grits cooking competitions, great music, and a vendor area complete with arts, crafts, antiques, and collectables. "Uncle Bubba," the brother of southern celebrity-chef Paula Deen, will even make a special guest appearance on Saturday from 10:00 AM-12:00 noon. And to add to the excitement, guests can participate in the 3rd Annual Wild Georgia Golf Tournament, take fun-filled shrimp boat excursions, and play in the "Family Fun Zone" created just for kids. The winner of the 2006 and 2007 World Frisbee Dog Championship will showcase his skills, and area bands will perform throughout the weekend.

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A Blast from the Past: 25 years and Counting

PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for the excitement! Jekyll Island Beach Music Fest '08 takes place August 15-16. Don't miss out on the big news this year; Celebrating 25 years of fun in the sun, Jekyll Island is bringing back an old tradition with a FREE concert on the beach Saturday afternoon. If you love beach music, frat rock, R & B, and shag music this concert is just for you. The concert kicks off with the Rickey Godfrey Band at 12PM, followed by Second Chance at 2:30PM, and concludes with headliners the Swinging Medallions at 4:30PM. Everyone is invited to this free party on the beach while listening to live performances complete with Corona beer and delicious food from various vendors.

However, if sitting in the shade is more of your idea of fun, contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center and sign up to be a Beach Concert VIP. VIP guests receive a free lunch catered by Straton Hall Caterers, snacks, desserts, soft drinks, and beer while relaxing under the VIP tent during the Saturday afternoon Beach Concert. Tickets are $50 and sell quickly, so purchase yours soon.

To complete this rockin' weekend, guests can enjoy Friday and Saturday evening concerts featuring the Swinging Medallions at the Jekyll Island Convention Center's Atlantic Hall. In addition, golfers can start their weekend early with the annual Beach Music Festival Golf Tournament Friday morning. Tickets for the evening concerts and registration forms for the Golf Tournament can be found online at www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival .

As a special bonus for shag club members, Red Bug Motors is also hosting a Thursday night Early Bird Party at the Jekyll Oceanfront Clarion Resort. Shag club members, contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center to reserve your tickets and for $5 per person come enjoy a pool-side cook-out and shagging to the great sounds of DJ Paul Spaulding.

So join your friends on Jekyll Island, August 15-16 and shag to great Beach Music all weekend. For more details visit www.jekyllisland.com/beachmusicfestival or contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at (912) 635-3636 or 1-877-4JEKYLL.