Paradise Lost? No, Found

Written by Chad Potier
April 7, 2010



I was all set to write about the things that went wrong during our trip to Tybee Island, GA, but as I started writing, I found the good far outweighed the bad. So Here We Geaux with the review of our Spring Break 2010 wedding recon trip.

Day 1

Renee and I arrived on Sunday afternoon, and after checking in to our room at The Ocean Plaza Beach Resort, went straight to the beach, armed with a cooler of PBR and vodka drinks. Outside temp was 85 and perfect. The Atlantic water temp was still only about 56, but that wasn't stopping anyone from getting wet. Talking to a few locals, we were ready to see the night life and grab some dinner. I will advise you now, The Dolphin Reef Restaurant closes at 7pm on Sunday, info that would have been handy. We started with a 1 liter Miller High Life, for only $1...yes, paradise found. Entries were crab stuffed flounder and grilled shrimp (even though we ordered sauteed). The food was excellent, in spite of the service, and the view is the best in town. Then we hit the a few shops and grabbed some key lime pie to take back to the room. The night ended with an unsuccessful attempt to get a WiFi signal, and the Yanks vs Red Sox MLB opener on ESPN. Day 1, success.

Day 2

We had a few things planned for day 2. Both together and separate. Renee had a consult for her hair, to verify they could provide the result she wanted for our wedding in June. For me it was meeting up with the first Chaplain I was assigned to while I was a Chaplain's Assistant in the Army. Father Jim Sheil is one of the most colorful people I have ever met, and is retiring this week from Ft. Stewart, about 1 hour from Tybee, so we had brunch. The Morning Star Cafe offered shrimp and grits, smothered in fried bacon, and ice cold sweet tea. It was nice to catch up with Fr. Sheil and talk about old times. While waiting for Renee to get back, I was able to hit the beach and do some boogie boarding during high tide. The waves were about 1 1/2 ft breaking about 25 yards off the beach. The water was still a bit cold but I could not resist. Renee soon joined me and we just sat on the beach relaxing and enjoying the sunshine, and of course, catching the Braves vs Cubs, and 'Stros vs Giants highlights. Dinner on Day 2 was AWESOME. Sting Ray's offered outdoor deck seating, and any kind of seafood you could have wanted. The place was packed. We started with crab balls, a hush puppy type item made of crab, and Harpoon's IPA. Main course: Steamed mussels, boiled shrimp, snow crabs, king crabs, crawfish, and shrimp, with corn on the cobb and hush puppies. Other than the things that go along with the wedding in June, eating here again is what I am most looking forward to when we return. Back at the room, having given up on accessing the WiFi, Duke vs Butler took center stage. Day 2, success.

Day 3

Our final day was also the busiest. After bidding farewell to The Ocean Plaza, we hit the Sugar Shack for breakfast then headed to Savannah to meet with Bonnie, our wedding planner, from Frist City Events. She had set up meetings with the photographer, cake baker, florist, and Rev. Joe. I can say without doubt, Bonnie is great and made it very easy for us to get the things we needed done. Thank you, Bonnie. We then went back to Tybee to see the spot on the beach where the ceremony would take place. Next we checked out two rental properties that the in-laws are deciding between. Lastly we hit the Sugar Shack again; this time for lunch. We enjoyed a crab burger and shrimp po boys, with key lime pie ice cream for dessert. After our meal, with the car packed up, we headed back to the ATL, and, within a few hours, arrived home safely. Day 3, success.

Food, drink, fun and sun... what more could we have asked for? C'ya in June, Tybee Island; brace yourself.