Cabin Bluff (July 14 – 20, 2011)
I’m on location at Cabin Bluff, a Cumberland Island retreat located in Monroe, Georgia, just a short mile from Jacksonville, approximately 45 minutes from JIA.
The only information I have is a media itinerary listing activities and the words “historic cabin” in the woods. As I drive through the gate, there’s a long road that takes you to the river, I am amazed at the serenity, the cabins, and the coziness. Nestled in the back woods of Georgia, this Michigan girl was reminded that experiencing true nature is the joy of the South – alligators and all!
It’s Friday evening and you know its happy hour so I’m ready for my cocktail. There is no front desk in this rustic retreat. As I reach the end of the road, resident rangers reach for my hand and lead me to my cabin and wouldn’t you know my cabin is the original domain where President Coolidge took his daily swig and quail fished!
I’m informed that this historic area was established in 1928 as a world class hunting and fishing destination. Cabin bluff has hosted Presidents and distinguished sporting enthusiasts from around the world. After a brief history lesson it was time for dinner. As I prepared for my unknown culinary treat, I canvassed the stuffed animals that lurked in the living room. There were a myriad of alligators, squirrels, wolves, bobcats and other wildlife staring right at me.
Dinner that night was fried shrimp, fish, stone ground grits, apple pie, cornbread, and all the fixins accompanied by a full bar that actually followed you wherever you went. After dinner it was time for the classic Italian bowling game, Bocce ball.
Saturday morning guests awoke to a hearty home-style buffet breakfast. There were twenty other media representatives with myself eager to get the day started. Everyone had a schedule. Cabin Bluff offers fishing, golf, tennis, sporting clay, but not necessarily in that order.
My first activity was the quail hunt dogs. I watched the dogs hunt a quail; it was impressive as their scent and their style makes them unique. Next it was on to the Clay Shooting. I’ve never held a rifle so I had to learn the basics. Once I started shooting, I was on a roll, up, under, shooting the clay, I was now an expert! What a thrill and a challenge.
Next it was swimming, then out on the boat for a private ride across the river to Cumberland Island with a tour of the Carnegie mansion. Dinner that night was even more exquisite as we ate wild boar chops, the best key lime in Florida, Mahi Mahi, etc!
Cabin Bluff is an all inclusive resort serving their limited number of 40 guests midday meals to marsh side oyster roasts, open-air cookouts and special functions. The fare at Cabin Bluff is hearty and distinctly Southern. Cabin Bluff is a rustic outdoors experience that sooths your spirit with nature. There is also a golf course designed by David Love III. Cabin Bluff is a great place for a singles retreat, a conference or just you and your mate! Thanks to my hosts Brandon the Bartender, Scott the tour guide and Sales Manager Andy Ippensen. Call 912.729.5960 or visit www.cabinbluff.com for more insight into this historic monument just minutes away from Jacksonville.
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