Georgia? Georgia!

Escapes

by Ralph McGill Jr.

May 2, 2008

Like to discover a gorgeous getaway that seems worlds away, but doesn’t require the ordeal of a trek through Hartsfield-Jackson? No, it is not a theme park. But it is a park. Yep, a park. Hold on. Don’t flip that page. We’re not talking about tents or trailers or RVs or damp, screened-in cabins here. The State Parks & Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates seven impressively upscale lodges throughout the state that offer resort-level accommodations, breathtaking nature views and a variety of dining experiences, from rustic to gourmet. There really is something for everyone, and it is a great example of your tax dollars at work.

Kim Murphy, spokesperson for the lodge system, says “Our lodges combine a natural environment with all the comforts of a modern hotel. While all lodges offer a true hotel experience, two of them stand out from all the rest and are the most popular.”

One of those is The Lodge at Smithgall Woods, a 5,600-acre mountain retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Helen that combines the seclusion and rustic charm of a private mountain estate with the amenities of a top national resort. The lodge is ideal for corporate retreats, small meetings as well as romantic getaways. A gift from the Smithgall family, it can accommodate 28 overnight guests who are housed in five distinctive cottages. Guests may make a reservation by room, the cottage or the entire facility. Another highlight is the gourmet dining, especially the fresh trout, which is prepared in several ways by the resort’s gourmet chef. Hiking, mountain bicycling, wildlife observation, fishing along 12 miles of pure trout streams, and naturalist programs are among the activities that beckon guests to explore this natural landscape. Dukes Creek, which runs through the property, has been named “one of the Top 100 Trout Streams in the U.S.” by Trout Unlimited.

The other superlative property is the Reynolds Mansion of Little Sapelo Island. The Reynolds Mansion is a historical estate property set on a genuine island retreat and is the most popular lodge in the system. Unlike the other properties, all bookings require a two-night reservation with a minimum of 16 adults. The Reynolds Mansion can accommodate up to 29 guests in the 13 bedrooms and 11 baths brimming with turnof- the century ambience, architecture and art. “Family groups vacations and executive meeting planners usually have to make reservations far in advance of the desired date,” Murphy adds.

The original mansion was designed and built from tabby, a mixture of lime, shells and water, by Thomas Spalding, an architect, statesman and plantation owner who purchased the south end of the island in 1802. The Mansion served as the Spalding Plantation Manor from 1810 until the Civil War when it was damaged by a Union attack. It was later purchased and rebuilt by Detroit automotive engineer Howard Coffin in 1912. Tobacco heir Richard Reynolds purchased the property in 1934, and it was obtained by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in 1975.

Guests can spend an entire visit to the island just exploring Reynolds Mansion and the expansive grounds dotted with massive live oaks. The Mansion’s grounds are linked by pathways to the Atlantic Ocean, where a beachfront pavilion is available. Swimming, fishing, hiking and birding on miles of unspoiled beach offer endless possibilities for relaxation and reflection.