After spending a glorious long weekend in beautiful Tybee Island, Georgia with some of my favorite people last week, I’m here to report back on the top ten things you should do while vacationing in Tybee Island. Trust me, after you see these pictures, you’re going to want to book a vacation at this gorgeous slice of heaven called Tybee. Here is the backstory: Twenty bloggers were invited to stay in six different Mermaid Cottages scattered across the tiny three mile wide island. The homes ranged from cute little beach cottages perfect for two people up to massive beach front mansions that could easily accommodate 10 or more. Every single home was decorated perfectly, especially Whitecaps cottage on Officers Row, where I stayed with my friends Rhoda, Lucy and Jenn. Rhoda has shown the tour on her blog, so head over there for a visit to see just how gorgeous it was! Kari, Heather, Vanessa and Laura stayed in Mary Kay Andrews home called Ebbtide, which became our gathering spot for the whole weekend since it was large enough to hold all 20 of us and our loud mouths. Kari, Rhoda and Laura have spotlighted that home already, so be sure to take the tour of it here. Or see more of it over at Rhoda’s Feature Friday today! Also go check out The Screened Inn review by Pretty Handy Girl. This cottage was decorated by the amazing Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage.
To see our photos from the amazing weekend, follow the hashtag #tybeesleepover on instagram or twitter. It was SUCH a fun trip to do with a group of girlfriends.
Since you’re bound to see amazing photos of all the cottages that each blogger stayed in while on Tybee, I wanted to take a different approach and give you my Top Ten Things To Do in Tybee. When I’m planning a vacation I always like to hear an insider’s perspective on the best places to eat, shop, drink and relax.
So, let’s do this.
1. Eat a fish taco at The Tybee Island Social Club. Seriously, it was the best fish taco I’ve ever eaten. White fish topped with bacon and a pear chorizo salsa? I ate like 5 while we were in town. I ate them so fast I didn’t even stop to take a picture of how beautiful they were. And still I crave them. Even if you don’t like fish tacos, you will not be disappointed by this local establishment that oozes with character in every corner. We ate here for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and enjoyed a different live music genre with every single meal. I scooped cheese fondue from an iron skillet while listening to the beautiful Nikki Talley croon out beautiful acoustic ballads. Excellent food, service and live music? It was my idea of perfection. Try The Best Smoked Vodka Bacon Bloody Mary if you’re feeling brave or the Porch Punch if you prefer a sweet, easy cocktail.
2. Take an Eco-Beach Walk with Dr. Joe. Tybee Island Ecology Trips with Dr. Joe Richardson is the perfect opportunity to learn about the local marine life and discover beach treasures that you otherwise would have stepped right over. As a bonus, you’ll also work off all those fish tacos and cheese fondue while walking along the beach! We got to poke around in the sand, dig for treasures and learn interesting bits of biology from Dr. Joe. This pretty pink barnacle that he is holding just showed up on Tybee in recent years, but typically it’s only found in the waters of the Caribbean. My six year old would have loved this nature walk on the beach! Perfect thing to do on a family vacation.
3. 3. Do some front porch sittin’ with a good book and a glass of wine. Need the perfect beach read? Anything written by Mary Kay Andrews fits the bill nicely! Her book Ladies Night is about a blogger with a juicy personal life that makes mine look positively boring. It makes for some great entertainment and the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon on vacation.
4. Shop the Local Boutiques. If shopping is more your speed, be sure to stop by Seaside Sisters shop and browse all the pretty collectibles and fun vintage finds. I fell in love with these Vintage Do Not Disturb door hangers. I couldn’t resist buying a vintage Florida tablecloth and a few cute vintage Valentines (that might be up for grabs at the end of this post!) How many more times do you think I can say the word vintage in one paragraph? Seriously cute stuff in this shop!
5. Spend a day in Savannah. So, I realize that Savannah could easily take up an entire week long vacation all by itself, but since it’s just a 30 minute drive from Tybee it’s like you get a two-fer vacation wrapped up into one great deal. You can head over to Savannah and shop til you drop at the Antique stores, then be back on the island in time for sunset! We visited Habersham Antique Market, The Paris Market and Alex Raskin Antiques. The latter was definitely more of a window shopping kind of place, but it was SO worth seeing antiques packed into four stories of a Savannah mansion that took up half a city block.
6. Eat at The Lady and Sons. Oh y’all. This one has been on my bucket list for a long while, and it was worth every single bite. If you grew up with a southern Granny who cooked every single meal from scratch then you must go eat at this place and reminisce about your Granny’s fried chicken and collard greens. The banana pudding? Lordy mercy it was delicious. Like licking heaven off a spoon.
7.Take a bike ride. After eating and eating and eating some more, you gotta expend some energy the fun way by taking a bike ride around the island. At just three miles wide, Tybee is the perfect size for bike riding. If you don’t have your own, you can rent a bike from Tim’s Bike and Beach gear and have it delivered to your cottage. Super convenient, and it’s so much fun!
There is no better way to see the gorgeous homes that dot the back streets of Tybee than on bike. Be sure to pack your camera so you can stop and snap some pictures of the cute cottages along the way. I love the outside of The Breeze Inn, with it’s white picket fence and perfect aqua paint color.
8. Have a drink with the locals. With no cover charge and bottles of beer for just $2.00 a piece, Hucapoo’s on the north end of island is the perfect spot to spend a late night rubbing elbows with the locals. It’s where all the locals go after work to listen to some live music, do a little dancing, and belly up to the bar. Go make some new friends while playing a game on the deck. It’s THE place to go on a Friday night (or even Sunday Funday, if you’re up for it!)
9. Throw a picnic on the beach. Whether it’s planned or impromptu, it’s always fun to channel your inner Ina Garten and head down to the windy beach with some friends and a cooler. Even though it was chilly, we spent a few hours lounging around, sipping on a cocktail and eating some cheese and crackers. There is just nothing better than getting a group of friends together on the beach for a meal.
10. Finally, go chase the sunset. Beach sunsets are the epitome of the perfect ending to a perfect day. Whether you watch the sun go down from the beach, the Tybee lighthouse, or from the back porch of your rental cottage, there is no such thing as a bad sunset on Tybee.
Seriously, have you ever seen a more gorgeous sunset?
Ok. So, have I talked you into going to Tybee yet?
For all you HUGE Mary Kay Andrews fans out there, let me say that she is just as cool in person as you imagine her to be. This lady was so hilarious, and super generous to host all of us along with Diane at Mermaid Cottages this weekend. Thanks so much, Mary Kay and a HUGE thanks to Mermaid Cottages for sponsoring this awesome giveaway for my readers. I have fallen in love with Tybee, and I plan to make the trip back over there very soon.
Just in case you are ready to plan your trip, you can get a very sweet deal by contacting Diane at Mermaid Cottages and using the code “UNSKINNYBOPPY” to get 20% off your Mermaid cottage booking. Contact Diane at (912) 313-0784 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
This post was sponsored by Mermaid Cottages of Tybee Island. I was given a free stay in a Mermaid Cottage in exchange for promotion of the beautiful Tybee Island. All opinions and recommendations about the best things to do on Tybee are my own.
mary b says
I would love to go to Tybee and do all ten things especially picnic on the beach!!!!
Viktoriya says
The only one I’ve not done is the eco-walk. The rest of them are done, done and done! I highly recommend Government Mule at the Social Club if you like something with a little (well, a big..) kick 🙂 MKA’s Hissy Fit was THE PERFECT read for my Tybee vacation last year. Just typing this makes me giddy – I am so ready to come back to Tybee! 🙂
Cyndy says
Wish I were there now to enjoy a Valentine’s getaway!!!
Tracy B. says
Oh, how I miss Tybee Island! I love absolutely everything about it. I got married on the beautiful beach there 6 years ago, and I haven’t had a chance to go back since then :’-( I would love to be able to go there, to the place that captured my heart. There’s really nowhere in the world quite like it.
Susan Scott says
I love Tybee Island! I have visited the island 2X and stayed at The Breeze Inn both times…it just doesn’t get any better!
Belinda Stoker says
The picnic on the beach with my love!
Kathy says
Beth, thank you for writing this post. I just totally relived every second of our wonderful weekend! I still can’t believe that “The Ladies” got to be a part of it all. Loved getting to know you, my friend!
Dianne Tant says
first…the BEACH of course…
Laura says
I’d have a picnic on the beach first!
LinhC says
Take a bike ride.
Becky in Georgia says
Thanks for a wonderful review and list! The fish tacos sound awesome. I’d love to rent bikes and explore the island. Tybee us one if my favorite places! Thanks for the giveaway
Liz Bowman says
Anything outside would be great, especially the bike ride around the island. Having been cooped up for most of the winter, I’m ready for some time outdoors. Reading anything by Mary Kay Andrews on the beach would be fun too, although I think I’ve already read everything she’s written!
Lisa Huff Kroll says
Hi What a beautiful vacation and giveaway!! I would love to go and take a bike ride and then have wine and read a great book on the porch!! Have a wonderful weekend, Lisa
Marianne says
That’s a tough one…so many choices! I’d love to go on the ecology tour (probably more than once), but the seafood meals will be calling me to them first! 😉
Margie says
that front porch looks just like what I need!
Tracy says
please I want to take my husband he’s never been
Dawn says
I have dreamed of going to Tybee Island and absolutely love lighthouses!
charlotte Vinson says
My fav author, Mary Kay Andrews, posted on her Facebook page about your giveaway. It would be a dream come true to stay at the Breeze Inn or Ebbtide!
Martha Franks says
Love Tybee! Glad ya’ll had so much fun!
Diane Palmer says
Have been to Tybee Island once and fell in love.. I may have left a piece of my heart there and long to walk the beach, watch the sunset from the pier, and wander through the shops another time. Two days on Tybee would restore my soul and help me move back to center.
Kim Helms says
I LOVE Tybee Island! We always stay at the Ocean Plaza, but I sooooo want to stay at a Mermaid Cottage someday!
Bobbi says
Tybee is my perfect place. It’s my own little piece of Heaven!
Becky Richardson says
I’d love to just sit on the beach and have a picnic with my husband! We are getting ready to celebrate our 30th anniversary and in all the years that we’ve been married, we’ve never been able to take a vacation! This would be perfect!
Lori King says
Oh how I would love to stay in one of the cottages! I love the beach and I love old southern traditions! Oh and I’m jealous you got to experience both with Mary Kay Andrews!
Beverly Shearon says
I visited Tybee Island for a day several years ago and have always wanted to come back. Looks like my kind of place to relax and read!
Beth Chaffin says
Bike ride around the island. Then on to the fish tacos. But a long lazy day on the beach would be perfect.
Cindy Taylor says
I would go to The Sundae Cafe to eat!
Carol Wyndham says
Thanks for the list of activities! I can’t wait to spend time on Tybee Island. Thanks, Beth!!
Kathi Spence says
I would love to sit on the porch, with a glass of wine and a Mary Kay Andrews book. Although we’ve never met – I get a daily dose of laughter from her posts on FB. I just love her! Definitely would be trying to visit her at Seaside Sisters. Thanks so much for the chance. I finally did make my first ever trip to Savannah this year. Times a wasitin’ – I need to come back !
cindy chupp says
Would be the wine on the porch with my sisters, how I start all my Tybee vacations!
Judy says
Reading a book on the porch would happen first.
Karyn Pringle says
We had a family reunion on Tybee Island at Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. We stayed in a Mermaid Cottage that suited our whole family so well. Great place to visit…met Mary Kay Andrews at Seaside Sisters while Christmas shopping!
Beth says
Oh my! What to choose? I SOOOO want to see all the places I’ve read about in Mary Kay Andrews’ books:) After that, a nice chow down at The Lady and Sons.
stephanie says
I’ve been to Tybee once before, found a beautiful sanddollar on the beach and ate at Bubba’s. Found out I’m allergic to crab, eyes swelled shut. However I took Benadryl, had a great nap at the hotel, and made it out alive! all in all great trip. learned about mermaid cottages after reading a Mary Kay Andrews book. would love to visit again.
Amanda Ridge says
What an awesome giveaway! I would love to have a picnic on the beach. Tybee is our favorite vacation spot! 🙂
Carol Hurtig says
My husband and I were just discussing where to vacation this year. This would be a wonderful trip for us.
colleen says
read on the porch!!!!
Andrea says
First thing I’d do- toes in the ocean!
Vikki says
Somewhere I have wanted to go for many years. Thanks for the chance to try all 10 things on Tybee time!
Faith Black says
After Snow Storms Leon and Pax have been so downright rude to us it would be heavenly to visit The Mermaid Cottages. I’ve wanted to go for a stay since I learned about the cottages and see for myself just how awesome a place it is.
Nancy Blair Koporc says
I want to do all of these fun things at Tybee!! Hope I win!!
Denise says
I have wanted to go to Tybee in the worst way for the longest time. I’d just love to stay in a Mermaid Cottage. Thanks for a chance to win!
cynthia says
i love fish tacos and tybee island; ty for the opportunity to play…..and win. 😉
Kelly W. says
I’m not sure that there are any of those things that I wouldn’t want to do. 🙂 The ecowalk sounds like a fun family adventure but I’d love to just sit and read and listen to the waves!
caryn kicklighter says
I have never been to Typee but would love to explore the beaches, have a tropical drink and just soak in the sun!
Beth Maxwell says
Oh my goodness! I would want to experience all 10 things on Tybee Island. I have only been to Savannah once. And to stay at Mermaid Cottage is defiantly on my “Bucket-List”. What a dream come true for anyone who wins this fabulous prize! Good luck to everyone…(as I cross my fingers!)
Linda Cann says
I have never been to Tybee! This would be a dream come true for me . I have ALWAYS wanted to visit this wonderful place!
Debbie w says
#3. A little porch sitting sounds really inviting to need! Would love to win!
Leslie says
We love Tybee Island and love Diane’s Mermaid Cottages. Have had some wonderful trips here and we’ll be back some day!
Lynn Grabe says
First of all some porch sitting with a good book and glass of wine. Then I’d like to do all of the rest. I grew up in Savannah not far from Tybee on Wilmington Island. Tybee is my most favorite place. I’d love to stay in a cottage on Tybee as a tourist.