Tybee Island, Georgia

On our way from Savannah to Charleston, S.C., we detoured east and spent a few hours on Tybee Island. I had heard of Tybee Island before, primarily as a destination wedding hot spot. And true, we did see a few pop-up chapels. The beach area was crowded and smaller than I expected, But it was a Sunday in June, after all. We saw the usual businesses you'd expect to see in a coastal town that thrives on tourism -- sundries and souvenirs, pizza shops, and ice cream parlors.

The main attraction for Bob and me was the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Originally built in 1773, this site is one of the best preserved Light Stations in the country.

Prior to the installation of electricity in 1933, the light required three light keepers to maintain the flame. The museum is comprised of the light house grounds and the well-restored buildings -- the Head Keeper's Cottage and two Assistant Keepers' cottages, and a summer kitchen. The gift shop is housed in what was once a three-car garage. Besides the light itself, my favorite building was the Head Keeper's Cottage. The Keeper and his entire family lived on the grounds. For a "cottage" it was quite spacious and comfortable. It was easy to imagine a family living there in the shadow of the lighthouse.

Bob and I climbed the 178 steps to the top.

The view was worth it.

Of course, we couldn't go to Tybee Island without a stroll along the beach. We found a fun swing overlooking the ocean.

Next stop, Charleston, South Carolina.