Few people have heard of Jekyll Island, Georgia. But huge, world-changing things once happened in this tiny spot – one of four barrier islands known as the Golden Isles.

Today this former retreat for Gilded Age tycoons is a treasure trove of historic homes, nature, beaches and mighty fine seafood dishes.

In its early days, thousands of Guale Indians lived and traveled along this coastline, frequenting the island to hunt and fish. French explorers arrived in the 16th century, before the British lobbed ashore.

In 1886, the island was purchased by the Jekyll Island Club and became an exclusive holiday resort for members and their wives and families, including: Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller, JP Morgan, William K Vanderbilt and Marshall Field.

The good news is that these days, this idyllic island – which measures seven by 1.5 miles at its narrowest point – is accessible to everyone including visitors like us.

After waiting for high tide to traverse the shallow entrance channel, we arrived in Jekyll Island Harbor marina shortly after lunch. We quickly signed up for the free golf cart rental to get the lay of the land. First stop we head straight for the must-see visually stunning “Driftwood Beach”.

Driftwood Beach has to be one of the greatest places for pictures in the world — It’s a truly unique landscape you won’t see anywhere else and it’s one of the most popular places on the island. Originally a forest, the northern end of the island has slowly eroded over time, washing the soil away and leaving behind the trees that once grew in that soil. Now, these massive, gnarled trees and ancient driftwood rest on a beach that resembles a dinosaur boneyard. It’s an otherwordly sight, and it’s particularly beautiful at sunset.

We continued our golf cart expedition by rounding the eastern side of the island checking out “the great sand dune beach park”. We entered the beach on the left side of the parking lot, where the boardwalk path took us down some stairs and into a tunnel of dense, scrubby trees before emerging onto the beach. It’s a very cool experience.

Next day we biked over to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. All animals should have it as good as the patients at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where the staff is doing some richly rewarding work! The highlight of our visit is an up-close look at a surgical procedure on an injured sea turtle named Benjamin. In addition, we saw a loggerhead named Adrian feeding on seafood and vegetables and learned about their injuries and when they are expected to be returned to their natural habitat. Teachable Moments include a definition and explanation of ecosystems, and a description of why honey is a great substance for treating turtle wounds.

Nothing sets the tone for a Broadway musical like a captivating opening number. And if the same holds true for beach towns, then Jekyll Island may very well be the Hamilton of them all.

Maybe that’s a strange analogy, but it’s exactly what we think of Jekyll Island. There are no high-rise condominiums or tacky souvenir shops — only sky, water birds, and an endless sea of shimmering, golden-green marsh grass. Pedaling down the bike path, inhaling the warm, salty air, is like hearing the opening bars of what will become your favorite symphony. It’s like a hug from your grandmother. It is relief, in its most elemental form. You’ve arrived. The miles are behind you. And this is only the beginning.