What: Shrimpin’ on the Lady Jane Where: Golden Isles, Ga. (Includes Brunswick, Jekyll Island, St. Simons and Sea Island) When: Generally Wed. – Sun., but check the schedule online Cost: $39.95 per person, $25 6 and under

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a shrimper, then a tour on the Lady Jane is for you. It’s [...]]]>

What: Shrimpin’ on the Lady Jane
Where: Golden Isles, Ga. (Includes Brunswick, Jekyll Island, St. Simons and Sea Island)
When: Generally Wed. – Sun., but check the schedule online
Cost: $39.95 per person, $25 6 and under

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a shrimper, then a tour on the Lady Jane is for you. It’s the Deadliest Catch, Golden Isles style.

After boarding the authentic shrimp boat, the vessel heads out into the marsh to see what adventure awaits. A few minutes out you hear “Lowering the nets” and watch as the shrimp nets go into the water. After about 10 – 20 minutes of trawling, the nets are brought up and the sea’s bounty spread on a table before you. In addition to shrimp, we caught puffer fish – all puffed out, grouper, squid, crabs, shark and even a 4 foot spotted eagle ray. The catch is laid out and guests are encouraged to pick up the sea creatures as first mate Cliff, explains a little about the fish we caught. Once all the shrimp are pulled out and guests have touched all the fish, everything is returned to the sea where the hearty swim away and the not so hearty become food for the flock of seagulls following the boat.

The crew of the Lady Jane generally drags the net two to three times each trip, depending on tides, crowds and the catch. After the first catch, boat guests feast on boiled shrimp, caught fresh the day before. While waiting for the next catch, we watched shore birds and even spotted a few dolphins along the marsh. There is bottled water on board for guests and some enterprising folks brought their own cooler with additional kid and adult beverages. Even in mid-July, the trip was pleasant with a cool sea breeze. There is ample shade on board and guests can duck inside the cabin where there is air conditioning if it gets too hot. This is also where the on-board bathrooms are located.

The best part is seeing what comes up in the nets, followed closely by feeding the seagulls and seeing if they can catch the fish in mid-air. A shrimp boat cruise is a great way to not only learn about the sea life that lives along the Georgia coast, but also get up close and personal with it.

What: George T. Bagby State Park Where: Fort Gaines, Georgia When: Open Daily Cost: $5 Parking Fee

I once heard when raising children, it’s better to vacation at state parks, not theme parks. Although I do love a good theme park adventure, we took that advice this past spring break and visited three Georgia State Parks.

Our first stop, George [...]]]>

What: George T. Bagby State Park
Where: Fort Gaines, Georgia
When: Open Daily
Cost: $5 Parking Fee

I once heard when raising children, it’s better to vacation at state parks, not theme parks. Although I do love a good theme park adventure, we took that advice this past spring break and visited three Georgia State Parks.

Our first stop, George T. Bagby State Park, along the banks of 48,000 acre Lake Walter F. George in Ft. Gaines, Ga. After an active day touring attractions in Albany, Ga., the boys were excited to just hang out at the park. In addition three miles of hiking trails, here’s what we found:

1. Boating: There is a full-service marina at the lake. Since we didn’t have a boat, we rented a canoe ($5 for an hour!) and paddled around beautiful cypress tree outcrops in the middle of the lake, explored inlets and even put in on a peninsula and did some exploring on foot. I was quite proud of my pinecone Christmas tree with shells and sand decorations.

2. Fishing: Anglers will be excited to know that a new state record blue catfish was captured on Walter F. George Lake in February. Too bad we didn’t fair as well. On our trip, we borrowed rods from the marina and purchased some crickets for $3. A very nice couple from Cuthbert, Ga. shared their fishing spot, but alas, we came up empty. It was a relaxing few hours though and we even had a picnic while we waited patiently for the fish to bite.

3. Golf: George T. Bagby has a Willard Byrd designed golf course and was ranked 6th best affordable public course in the U.S. by Golf Digest in 1998. Summer can get a bit hot and buggy here, but it’s the perfect location for a family golf trip any other season. Kids play for only $5 during the week and weekend afternoons. Georgia’s State Parks also sponsor junior golf leagues and tournaments.

4. Swim/Tennis/Playground: At the lodge is a traditional in-ground swimming pool and well maintained tennis courts including a backboard for solo hitting. The playground at George T. Bagby offers lots of different climbing, swinging and play structures. It’s located near the beach and picnic area, so wear a bathing suit and take a dip when you get too hot. There’s even a sand volleyball court for the older kids.

5. 1814 Frontier Village: A short drive south is the Frontier Village in Fort Gaines. Located on a bluff overlooking the Flint River and literally at the end of residential street, Frontier Village is an assembly of historic buildings from across the county. There is no entry fee or costumed interpreters, just buildings and historic markers letting you know the history. The village had a bit of a ghost town feel, as we were the only people there, but my boys had a blast playing in the lookout tower while I walked around. Now if Ft. Gaines would just get an ice cream shop!

Where to Stay: George T. Bagby State Park has cottages, lodge rooms and camping available. We stayed at the lodge and took advantage of the Georgia State Park “logical” rate of $69 a night which includes breakfast for two each morning. There are only a few cottages, so book well in advance if you want to stay there. The lodge rooms were clean, standard motel type rooms with outdoor access. The lodge has meeting facilities and a full restaurant.