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Category: Rivers & Lakes

Dorchester Preserve Offers Prime Sporting for Ford Members

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For members of The Ford Field & River Club, privileged access to Dorchester Shooting Preserve provides a unique opportunity to experience one of the finest sporting destinations along the southeast Georgia coast. Established in 1999 and spanning 5,000 acres of meticulously maintained land, Dorchester is a renowned preserve located less than 20 minutes from The Ford. With a variety of outdoor activities such as sporting clays, wing shooting and hunting, the preserve promises an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Explore its history, sporting opportunities, dining offerings and how to make the most of your visit.

Since 2008, The Ford has enjoyed a close relationship with the Dorchester Shooting Preserve, granting members exclusive access to this premier sporting venue. This membership privilege is especially valuable, as Dorchester has maintained a waiting list for the past three seasons.

A Legacy of Adventure

Dorchester was born out of a shared passion between father and son, Charlie and Chuck Gaskin. Their dream of creating a place for fellowship and outdoor recreation has transformed into a revered haven for quail hunting, pheasant shoots, sporting clays and fishing. The heart of the preserve lies in its rich quail habitat, which has been carefully cultivated to rival the finest quail hunting environments in the South.

Members are invited to immerse themselves in the traditions of upland wing shooting or test their marksmanship at the sporting clays course, among other adventures offered. To enhance your experience, two complimentary golf carts are available for visiting members.

Outstanding Sporting Opportunities

Dorchester’s appeal lies in its commitment to providing diverse and high-quality sporting experiences:

Quail Hunting: The preserve’s primary attraction, featuring carefully maintained habitats that stand out among the best in the South. With experienced guides and well-trained retrievers and pointers, each hunt is tailored for an exceptional experience. 

Continental Pheasant Shoots: Experience the excitement of driven shoots in a classic Southern setting. Participants rotate between 12 shooting stations arranged in a circle around a 60-foot tower, with birds released in rounds. 

Sporting Clays: Improve your skills on ten challenging stations designed for all skill levels. Certified instructors are available for lessons.

The Taste of Southern Charm

The Lodge at Dorchester, a 10,000-square-foot haven of rustic charm, invites guests to indulge in exceptional Southern cuisine. With its natural wood accents, large fireplaces and cozy porches, this welcoming gathering spot is an essential part of any visit. During the hunting season, lunch features traditional fare such as fried chicken, roast beef and meatloaf. Homemade biscuits and desserts are as sweet and Southern as banana pudding, peach cobbler and homemade pound cake served with ice cream.

As the sun sets on a day of outdoor adventure at Dorchester, guests gather for impressive evening meals. The dinner menu showcases a variety of Southern specialties, from charred beef steaks and barbecue ribs to traditional Lowcountry boils and oyster roasts—each dish a perfect finale to a memorable day.

Photo: Dorchester

Interested in experiencing the nation’s finest coastal sporting club community first-hand? Plan your Discovery Visit today by choosing from a two-night, three-day Discovery Stay, custom-curated Couples Lowcountry Getaway, or our epic Discovery Day visit. 

For more information on Dorchester Shooting Preserve visit https://huntdsp.com/. 

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Flora, Fauna & Fishing:
A Spring Update from Our Naturalist Center and Outdoor Pursuits Team

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Spring has officially begun in Coastal Georgia, and nature is coming to life at The Ford Field & River Club. Under the bright, blue skies, the plants and animals are becoming active after a sleepy winter, making it a prime time to explore our 1,800 acres of Lowcountry land and waterways. Below, find a spring update from The Naturalist Center, and an angler’s update from our Outdoor Pursuits team at the Deepwater Marina.

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Matzke

 

All the Buzz from The Ford’s Naturalist Center

Our lovely azaleas and redbuds have bloomed, along with our jessamine, which vine with yellow, sweet-smelling flowers—the South’s answer to forsythia. Red maples and Southern live oaks have leafed out for the season. Eastern redbuds are full of their lovely bright pink and purple blooms, and our native pollinators are taking full advantage of this early source of nectar. 

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Matzke

 

Carpenter bees, bumble bees, and honey bees are abuzz looking for food, along with many of our favorite butterflies including monarchs, Eastern tiger swallowtails, and cloudless sulphurs. Birds are singing almost constantly, and we are beginning to see bluebirds building nests. We already have 20 nests in the Ford Bluebird Trail Boxes with over 40 eggs! 

 

Photo by: John Teegen

Angler’s Update from The Outdoor Pursuits Team

As the winter comes to a close, the largemouth bass on the property and in the Ogeechee River become more active as they move from their deeper winter hideouts to the shallow banks, looking for a good place to make a bed for the spawn. In preparation for the spawn, they flip the switch to feed and are more willing to take the bait. Bass are not the only fish ready for the spring; the lakes are loaded with large bluegill, crappie, and catfish, all looking to fill their bellies and fatten up for the spawning season.

To add to the excitement, the Outdoor Pursuits program teams up with the Golf staff to host our one-of-a-kind Hook & Slice® Tournament on our award-winning Pete Dye Golf Course. Teams of four show off their golf and fishing skills in a fun-filled competition during which two members fish the lakes on a given hole while the other two play the hole, switching each hole. 

If you are feeling more adventurous, book a trip with one of the seasoned captains and take advantage of all the fishing opportunities just a boat ride away from The Ford. Much like their freshwater counterparts, the saltwater fish are moving out of their winter refuges and looking to fill their empty stomachs. Trout and redfish can often be found working the marsh edges or holding up on structures such as docks, bridges, and oyster beds. Once found, they can easily be convinced to take live bait or an artificial lure if you want an added challenge. Children can join in the fun, taking a boat ride to spot bald eagles, river otters and dolphins on the way to a channel’s edge to catch some whiting. Whiting are a great catch for kids and can provide constant action for younger children. (Plus, they taste delicious.)

As you move out past the Ossabaw Sound and into the Atlantic Ocean, there are several man-made artificial reefs that are maintained by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. These reefs become fish havens and offer many different species of fish to target, such as sheepshead, black sea bass, red snapper, and grouper, to name a few. As the water temperatures rise, it’s a great time to enjoy a beautiful spring day with our team on the banks or in the boats.

Photo by: Dawn French

Interested in experiencing the flora and fauna at The Ford? Schedule your Discovery Visit today to immerse yourself in our one–of–a–kind style of Lowcountry living. 

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From Eagles to Boating:
Discover The Ford’s Winter Wonder

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Nestled amidst serene Lowcountry landscapes, The Ford Field & River Club invites outdoor enthusiasts to embrace the enchanting beauty of winter in Georgia through an exhilarating spectrum of outdoor pursuits. With the natural world a bit quieter in winter, our renowned coastal sporting haven turns into a playground for those seeking adventure and solace in equal measure. From cherished classics like sunset kayaking to new programs such as “Fishing The Ford,” every day offers a winter wilderness for those wanting a unique blend of engaging recreation and natural splendor.

The winter months hold a special allure for fishing aficionados both on and off our property. Before February arrives, stripers and bass are regular catches in our waters. Longtime fishing enthusiasts and curious novices alike are welcome on our surrounding freshwater lakes and the Ogeechee River. On the horizon, we’ll see the launch of a new fishing lesson program called “Fishing The Ford” as well as the relaunch of the fly fishing tutorial program known as “Ford on the Fly.”

A youth-centric program called “Kids & Captains” is set to be a wonderful rotating mix of adventurous on-property pursuits for children, ranging from being taught archery to going on guided nature walks, on the lookout for local birds, turtles and more.

There’s winter fun for the whole family, as guided tours remain popular year-round. Embark on guided sunset kayak tours of Lake Clara, where your informative guide will point out native plants and colorful birds. It’s warm enough at dusk in the winter, and if you’re lucky, you may see birds returning to their nightly roosts as flocks of white ibis and tree swallows fly over with the setting sun. For those preferring a land-based adventure, members also enjoy guided bike tours of The Ford, where you’re able to learn its rich history while exploring the sprawling, storied grounds and riverfront trails.

An upcoming time honored tradition is our much-anticipated wing and clay tournament this winter. This event consists of morning quail hunting and a Southern-style lunch, followed by an afternoon of clay shooting at Dorchester Shooting Preserve, where Ford members are afforded privileged access.

A monthly highlight, “Coffee With Captains” is an nature-focused presentation at the marina given by our outdoor pursuits staff or a special guest lecturer, such as a marine biologist who may explain how offshore reefs are built. Topics range from conservation tactics to hunting and fishing, always looking to celebrate life outdoors and the natural world that defines it, with a coffee in hand, of course.

Head off property in a private van tour if you’re looking for a change of scenery with the “Explore Georgia” program. This program features different, interesting and potentially lesser-known parts of Georgia, including its coastal wonders.

Amidst the simple joys of winter, our discovery boat cruises welcome all aboard to travel along the Ogeechee River in comfort. Snuggle into bean bags with waterproof blankets, spotting dolphins, otters, osprey and bald eagles, creating cherished memories against the backdrop of a Georgia winter. At The Ford, every moment is an opportunity to come home to the embrace of nature, and the winter season is no exception.

Want to experience the outdoor pursuits enjoyed in our Lowcountry community? Schedule a Discovery Visit today and explore The Ford for yourself.

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Thriving Together:
How Women at The Ford Unite Through Sport and Camaraderie

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At The Ford Field & River Club, the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition flourishes among women through an array of sporting and social activities. From days spent on our Pete Dye-designed golf course to equestrian adventures, card games to clay shooting, The Ford is a haven for members to embrace their passions, build friendships and create lasting memories.

Girls on the Green: Laughs and Lively Rounds

“Girls on the Green”, affectionately known as GONG, is a golf clinic for golfers of all levels. Here, the focus is on enjoyment, not intimidation. With a mission to create an environment where laughter echoes more than frustration, GONG encapsulates the spirit of supportive golf etiquette with a playful twist. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice, GONG promises a community where individual achievements are celebrated together, and fun on the course is always guaranteed.

Equestrian Center: Leisurely Rides and Exciting Events

Embrace your passion for horses at our state-of-the-art Equestrian Center—an idyllic haven for riders of all levels. Whether you’ve spent a lifetime in the saddle or are saddling up for the very first time, our seasoned instructors and world-class facilities cater to your individual skill level and style. Our women riders coordinate frequent trail rides together to enjoy the serenity of the Lowcountry and bond with their trusty steeds. From lessons and clinics to group trail rides and on-site events, there’s something for every rider to enjoy and explore.

Sporting Adventures: The Thrill of Shooting and Hunting

Venture beyond the ordinary with sporting clays, wing shooting and hunting at Dorchester Shooting Preserve, just a short drive away and open to all Ford members. After a few rounds of fun, swap scores and stories over lunch or dinner in the lodge. Whether it’s testing your aim or embracing the thrill of the hunt, Dorchester Shooting Preserve offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking adventure and shared excitement.

Weekly Card Games and Book Club: Connecting Through Play and Literature

For those who delight in card games and curling up with a book, The Ford presents weekly opportunities to bond. Members can join fellow card game lovers in the Clubhouse Dining Room to enjoy a weekly ladies’ game of “Hand and Foot.” Those who aren’t familiar with the game are welcome to come “watch and learn” before trying their hand or schedule a lesson with fellow members before joining the group to play. If you’re a literature enthusiast, our Ladies Book Club invites you to discuss captivating reads over dinner, sharing insights and perspectives with fellow members.

Pickleball Clinics: Active Pursuits and Friendly Rallies

Elevate your athleticism at our Pickleball Clinics, designed to suit varying skill levels. From intermediate players to seasoned pros, the pickleball court becomes a canvas for friendly rallies and active enjoyment. Members can participate in our clinics on Mondays and Thursdays, where topics change weekly, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience.

The Spa: Indulge and Rejuvenate

For those seeking relaxation and pampering, The Spa at The Ford offers a tranquil escape. Tailored to the comfort of members, The Spa provides a range of services, from hair design and cosmetology to massages and facials. With licensed professionals tending to your needs, The Spa promises a retreat where rejuvenation and enjoyment take center stage. The private rooms, locker rooms, and serene environment offer a space where you can unwind and refresh, embracing moments of pure bliss.

At The Ford, shared passions among members are what shape our community, embodying the true spirit of togetherness. If you’re interested in ownership, schedule a Discovery Visit today and explore everything this Lowcountry retreat has to offer.

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Audubon International Recognizes The Ford Field & River Club for Environmental Excellence

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The Ford Field & River Club is delighted to announce that it has retained its prestigious status as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International initiative.

First achieved by The Ford in 2020, this accomplishment underscores the community’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices and places The Ford’s Pete Dye-designed course among one of only 16 golf properties in Georgia that hold this prestigious certification.

John Johnstone, General Manager/COO of The Ford Field & River Club, expressed his gratitude, “I want to extend a special thank you to our Director of Golf Course and Grounds, Jared Nemitz, and The Ford’s Audubon committee for their remarkable dedication and efforts. Our successful recertification is a testament to The Ford’s emphasis on education, community outreach and commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Valerie Foradas, Audubon Committee Chair, Dr. Bill Thompson, Green and Grounds Committee Chair, Jacob Bennett, Golf Course Superintendent, Shannon Matzke, Naturalist and Lakes Manager Dalton Taylor were instrumental in achieving recertification.

Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International, commended The Ford for its dedication to environmental preservation, stating, “The Ford Field & River Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They continue to safeguard the natural heritage of the area by protecting the local watershed and creating a sanctuary for local wildlife within the golf course property.”

Kane explained that to retain this certification, a golf course must consistently maintain high standards of environmental quality across multiple categories, including Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Golf courses must undergo a rigorous recertification process every three years to ensure these standards are upheld.

Recognized by the United States Golf Association, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses offers resources and expert guidance to golf courses, enabling them to enhance wildlife habitats and protect invaluable natural resources. The Ford’s successful recertification reaffirms its position as a leading residential community in environmental stewardship, setting the benchmark for harmonizing luxury and sustainability within the sporting club space.

Learn More

To learn more about the efforts of The Ford in conserving the Lowcountry while engaging its members in meaningful and memorable ways, including the community’s Bluebird and bat boxes, Native Plant Sale, BioBlitz and Monarch’s in the Rough program read this Field Notes story.

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Discover Endless Coastal Sporting Pursuits at The Ford

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The moment you arrive at The Ford Field & River Club, you’re immersed in a culture that thrives on connection to the land and a love of adventure. Located amid some of the most stunning natural waterways, pine and oak forests and vast green spaces, our private club community inspires recreation at every turn. Whether you’re setting out from the Deepwater Marina with fishing poles in tow, teeing off on the Pete Dye championship golf course or grabbing a racket to play tennis on our Har-Tru courts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.

The pursuit of a sport at The Ford offers an endless journey to refine skill and strategy, while also deepening the bonds of community. Our members seize every opportunity to entertain their interest in nearly any sport imaginable, regardless of skill level. Within the gates of the community, members enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors to ensure each member receives the support and guidance necessary to excel or simply have a good time. Take in the incredible natural surroundings on foot or bike several on-site trails, including the popular waterfront Lake Clara Dike Trail, McAllister Trail and scenic Sterling Creek Trail.

But it’s not just about the activities — the relationships our members form through adventuring together make an impact, too. New members mingle with longtime members on the golf course, forming lasting friendships that extend far beyond the fairways and greens. Grandparents spend time with their grandchildren by teaching them how to catch shrimp right off the dock in the deepwater marina. Our tight-knit community radiates with a shared love of both adventure and growth, enduring from one generation to the next.

Frequent social events and workshops hosted by The Ford get our members outdoors, too. Fridays on the Fly is a weekly introduction to fly casting held at Ogeechee Outfitters, our on-property sports supply store. Girls on the Green is another weekly workshop where the women of our community gather to play the game in a friendly and supportive space. Additionally, many women participate in our monthly ladies’ archery group, which is always a favorite. Social gatherings like these focused on recreation foster a sense of camaraderie among members, especially when a little bit of friendly competition is involved.

Sporting life at The Ford is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life. When members of all ages and backgrounds come together for a game or head out by boat for a day spent on the Ogeechee River, the undeniable sense of community and fellowship is felt all around.

Schedule a Discovery Visit today and explore all the outdoor coastal pursuits The Ford has to offer.

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‘Tis The Season for Oyster Roasts at The Ford

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October is here, which means it’s time to get shuckin’ at The Ford Field & River Club. Here at The Ford, the oyster roast is a seasonal tradition for the families of our community each year from October through March. A very special evening of food, fun and celebration is shared among our members at the Oyster House, a gathering space in the backwoods created just for the occasion.

Dive into more details about the famous oyster roasts at The Ford, below:

A Treasured Lowcountry Celebration

In the Lowcountry, oysters are an essential part of the cuisine. Locals have enjoyed savoring the mouth-watering delicacy for decades, ever since the first fishermen began celebrating it in the 1800s. A marsh-to-table feast that truly can’t be beat!

Soft lights illuminate the Oyster House at The Ford, where members gather for the seasonal oyster roasts each year. The casual evenings spent in the open air below the stars while dining with neighbors are some of our members’ most cherished moments in our community. The camaraderie while sharing a bucket of steamed oysters is truly unique to The Ford.

Piping Hot, Roasted Oysters Paired with Southern Staples

The fresh oysters caught along the Georgia coast are known for their plump, briny texture and flavor. At The Ford, we source our oysters locally while in season, along with fresh shrimp. First, the oysters are roasted over an open fire with a metal pan, burlap and a shovel. Then, the increasing steam brings the oysters up to a piping-hot temperature until they’re fully cooked.

The perfect pairing with oysters tends to come with the likes of fresh shrimp, fried chicken, jalapeno cornbread, mac & cheese, braised collard greens and herb-roasted potatoes. If you still have room for more, take a bite out of a chocolate trifle or make your own s’mores!

History Imbued into the Walls of the Oyster House

Walk up to the Oyster House and you’ll see an intriguing sign above the doorway: AIG-ROEG. What does it mean? The story goes, Henry Ford asked his workmen to build a cabin for the very first oyster roast ever back in the 1930s – in just under four days flat. Somehow, the men managed to construct it by the time of the party, even on such short notice.

As guests entered, they saw the legendary sign as we know it today. Read it backward, and you’ll see “GEORGIA” plain and clear. Some believe Henry had the sign made as a joke after some of his friends asked what he was doing “down there in backwards Georgia!”

Members-Only Oyster Roasts at The Ford

Our oyster roasts take place annually from October through March. This year, we’re hosting several exclusive roasts, where members can meet newcomers to The Ford and catch up with old friends. The most anticipated roast is our Homecoming Oyster Roast in mid-October, with more to come in the following months. We can’t wait to see you there!

Interested in learning more about life at The Ford? Schedule your visit today and discover why families from around the nation are choosing to make our one-of-a-kind community in the Georgia Lowcountry their home.

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A Day on the Water at The Ford: Adventures on the Ogeechee River & Beyond

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From fishing, kayaking and water-skiing to swimming and island-hopping, when The Ford Field & River Club is home, unforgettable water adventures are on deck year-round. 

Members can request expert-led excursions from the Deepwater Marina and explore The Ford’s four miles of Ogeechee River frontage, nearby Ossabaw Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway—all of which represent some of the finest marine and freshwater habitats in the Southeast. Anglers of all skill levels will delight in fishing for bass, trout, snapper, triple tail and red fish. 

When exploration calls, residents can motor out to Ossabaw Island for private picnics and relaxed, island-to-yourself beach days filled with dolphin-watching. Farther out are St. Simons, Jekyll and Amelia Islands, each offering their own unique wildlife, scenic beaches and sandy terrain. 

Before heading home, be sure to stop by Fish Tales for fried fish baskets and hit-the-spot hushpuppies. Casual and family-friendly, this riverfront restaurant at Richmond Hill’s Fort McAllister marina is a longtime favorite among Ford members. 

For more on nearby water adventures at The Ford, read Best On-Water Excursions That Are Just a Boat Ride Away. 

To learn more about The Ford Field & River Club or to arrange a Discovery Visit, call Danielle Hopper at 912.756.5614 or email [email protected]. 

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Best On-Water Excursions That Are Just a Boat Ride Away

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One of the nicest things about living in the Georgia Lowcountry is that the transition between seasons tends to be gradual. Even though fall is upon us, we can comfortably enjoy some of summer’s best summer activities year-round—from boat rides and beach days to outdoor dining and more. For those looking to spend some extra time on the water this season, here’s a list of our favorite coastal and riverside stops, each accessible by either car or boat.

1. A Guided Island Tour

This time of year, Ossabaw and Wassaw Islands will feel like your own private oasis. Venture out for a day of solitude—looking out for dolphins or casting a line and seeing what fish you can catch. While you can easily access these islands on your own, we recommend a guided tour—departing from The Ford’s Deepwater Marina, with one of our experts from the Outdoor Pursuits Program as your captain. Be sure to make a stop at one of our favorite restaurants below on the way back!

2. Dinner & Live Music at Fish Tales, Richmond Hill

Located along the banks of the Ogeechee River, Fish Tales is a favorite restaurant among The Ford members. Serving up a rotating selection of fresh fish, delectable fried seafood baskets and famous hushpuppies, it’s fun for the whole family. Take a look at their website for menu details and visit their Instagram page for specials and upcoming events—from live music to boat parades and more.

3. The Wyld Dock Bar, Savannah

Overlooking Country Club Creek in Savannah, The Wyld Dock Bar has plenty of outdoor seating—both totally open-air and covered options—to enjoy a beautiful breeze and view while you eat, drink and converse. Locally caught faves include shrimp or fish tacos, which pair beautifully with small plates like scallop corn fritters, peach salad or chicharrones with truffle hot sauce.

 

4. Skull Creek Boathouse, Hilton Head Island, SC

An hour’s drive from The Ford, Hilton Head Island is a picturesque destination with an abundance of things to do—from strolling through museums to exploring wildlife refuges to relaxing on the beach. Of course, one of our favorite things to do is feast on local seafood with a stunning view of the water. Skull Creek Boathouse is a landmark, award-winning restaurant—famous for its lowcountry eats.

 

5. AJ’s Dockside Restaurant, Tybee Island

Comfort food with a view—what more could you ask for? AJ’s Dockside Restaurant serves up crab legs, jumbo shrimp and all types of fried seafood—sure to please any palate. Tybee Island offers quite a few impressive attractions for being such a quaint city. Make a day of it and explore the pier and pavilion or take a walk around Fort Screven or the still-functioning Tybee Island Light Station.

Looking for more adventure? Here’s a taste of life at and beyond The Ford.

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