What to do in around King's bay Georgia

[Vistanamama]

I was wondering if any kind Dis'er would give me some advice.
My family and I are headed to the Mouse July 11th and we will be staying at Sheraton's Vistana resort for the 26th time. I will be going down with DH, DD19, DD16 and DD14. Flying down from DTW and renting a car.
My oldest daugher's boyfriend is a young Marine who is currently assigned to their security forces battalion at the Navy base on King's Bay, GA. The two have been dating for 3 years, and although they are young, they are both devoted to each other. Anyway DD 19 is begging me to drive her up to GA midweek during the trip so she can visit Z (the young Marine). She can not drive our rental because she is too young. So it will be a one-day only trip, just me and her.
Soooo the question is, what on earth will I do with myself after dropping DD 19 with her Marine (trust me, they will want some private time and have not seen each other in 3 months). Should I go to a local beach? How about Jacksonville? What is there to do in this area for a 44 year old mom on her own? I will probably have about 10 hrs to myself. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[tiggerlover]

I used to live in that area years ago and there really isn't anything much to do in Kings Bay or St. Mary's. You could always head back south across the border into Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island (FL), less than a 30 min drive from Kings Bay. I think your daughter will really appreciate your doing this for her, I know at her age I would have loved it. Sounds like you are a special mom.

http://www.ameliaisland.com/
http://www.islandchamber.com/Welcome-Visitors.aspx

 

[Ephany]

King's Bay is the base, St. Marys and Kingsland are the closest towns. You can't really go to the beach here per se, you need to go south to the Fernandina/Amelia Island, Florida area or north to Jekyll Island or St. Simons Island. St. Mary's has a historic downtown and you can now catch a ferry across the river to Fernandina which docks in their downtown (I think); I'm not sure if it supports vehicles or not though. There's also Cumberland Island National Park which is also reached by ferry boat.

http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/
http://www.kingslandgeorgia.com/
http://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm
http://www.fbfl.us/
http://www.jekyllisland.com/
http://www.explorestsimonsisland.com/

 

[DisneyFed]

Sort of adding on to the post by Ephany who pretty much has "all there is to do" covered....you'll spend a grand total of 15 minutes in downtown...especially midweek

I live in Saint Mary's as well, don't know if you want to do some shopping, but Saint John's Town Center is about 40 minutes back south in Jacksonville of 9A. It's a decent place to kill some time off.

If you're wanted just to lounge on the beach, Fernandina Beach (last, US 17 and Second to Last, A1A) is your best bet.

Taking the boat to Cumberland Island is also cool, but it's going to be very hot, will involve a lot of boat riding and walking.

There is a water Taxi to the town of Fernandina, but it runs at odd hours, and you can't take a car on it--it's just a small passenger boat.

Hope this helps....

Tell the young Marine to behave...his Commanding Officer is a good friend of mine

 

[Shmily1]

I agree with going back toward Jacksonville or heading to Jekyll Island. If you want to shop, take Jacksonville. There's a big new shopping center opposite the airport exit (I think it's either 361 or 364) and then the Regency mall (take 9A to Atlantic). If you go to Jekyll (exit 29 in GA), you can go to the beach, to Summer Waves water park, or you can go sight seeing and take a tour of the millionaire homes. That is interesting and they are beautiful!! If you get bored later on at Jekyll, St Simon's isn't that far and you can go to the pier to eat or do some local shopping.

Have fun!!

 

[Vistanamama]

Thanks so much to those who offered advice! I will start my planning now, since I don't want to feel like a lost 6 year old when I get there!

 

[Golf4food]

I agree with going back toward Jacksonville or heading to Jekyll Island. If you want to shop, take Jacksonville. There's a big new shopping center opposite the airport exit (I think it's either 361 or 364) and then the Regency mall (take 9A to Atlantic).
Have fun!!

If you are going into Jacksonville avoid the Regency Mall and drive the extra 5 minutes down 9A to the St. Johns Town Center - it is much nicer and not full of half-closed stores and you'll feel safer.

The Jacksonville Zoo is also quite nice and could easily take up a good chunk of your time.

 

[mhsjax]

If you are going into Jacksonville avoid the Regency Mall and drive the extra 5 minutes down 9A to the St. Johns Town Center - it is much nicer and not full of half-closed stores and you'll feel safer.

The Jacksonville Zoo is also quite nice and could easily take up a good chunk of your time.

I live in Jacksonville, I totally agree. Stay away from Regency. YUCK. St Johns town center is nice. It has some great restaurants and shopping.

I tell everyone to stay away from Regency Mall