I need a vacation. It is the tail end of MLK weekend: three days of running errands and college homework and time spent with the spousal unit and I need a vacation. The weather is awful here in Georgia. This time last year we were in the grips of “Snowmageddon.” This year the weather has decided to be more bi-polar than I am, alternating between unseasonably frigid and unseasonably hot. Warm or cold, the weather remains seasonably wet however. On the bright side, Brooke and I accomplished a lot in the way of wedding planning and we actually cooked this weekend—several times. Tomorrow: we go back to work and I need a vacation.
It does not help my mood that Brooke and I looked over our budget. We decided to forgo our annual Tybee trip this year, banking our money and vacation days towards our honeymoon instead. I like to think that we are solidly happy with this decision. Yet, we catch ourselves sneaking glances at the photos of our trip last year.
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| "Slanted at Tybee" (c) 2011 Nicole Brooke Rosner Used with Permission |
Brooke, ever the shutterbug, took hundreds of photos on our old Samsung, utilizing the tips she picked up from her copy of BetterPhoto Basics by Jim Miotke. I’m particularly in love with this photo taken by Spousal Unit on our last morning there. We woke up early to catch the sunrise and spent the morning capturing the memories nature gifted us.
It's become sort of a tradition for Brooke and I to go to a Tybee Island each year as a combined birthday trip, arriving there just before the Memorial Day Holiday and leaving in time to avoid the crowds and the price hikes.
One added benefit: the weather. In May, the summer swelter is months away and the salty sea air provides natural air conditioning against the midday sun. Sporadic drizzles might catch you off guard but if you are near Tybrisa Street at 4:00 PM you can duck into Bernie's Oyster House for their $6/dozen oysters and $2 draft happy hour.
At least once on every trip Brooke and I drive out to just outside the city limits to The Crab Shack to have one of their (in)famous "Shack Specialties." At $40 for a platter for two, we get enough shellfish, sausage, corn and potatoes to feed a family of four. The quality and price beat out Joe's Crab Shack any day.
We usually stay at the Ocean Plaza Beach Resort. It's nothing to brag about, but it is the only beach-front hotel on the island and the prices are quite reasonable. Not to mention: free breakfasts. If you watch deal sites like Orbits.com or Hotels.com, you can sometimes get a room for as low as $79/night. The prices do go up starting Memorial Day Monday. Like I said, nothing to brag about but if you only plan to use the room to change clothes and sleep, then it'll do. Brooke and I prefer to be out and about experiencing Tybee anyways.
There are too many attractions to name for this post and honestly, this post/Basic News Writing assignment has gone way beyond its original intent and intended word count. But if you do decide to visit Tybee, check out Historic Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Lighthouse. You can also experience the night life of downtown Tybee which goes into affect on Memorial Day and last all season. During the day lay out or swim and surf at Tybee Beach or walk the iconic Tybee Pier. There is also, of course, Savannah and all the things she offers in exchange for your soul.