Away from the maddening crowd...



Darien, Georgia is definitely away from the crowd yet it is only minutes from the interstate. Interstates provide the fastest route to get us from point A to point B, but occasionally, point B can wait. On impulse, I leave I-95 to take a peek at Darien on my way to Jekyll Island.
Approx. 2, 000 residents are tucked into this historic coastal town--the second oldest in Georgia. Fishing boats port in and out at the mouth of the Altamaha River. Mudcat Charlies and other fooderies provide a place to enjoy a bite of local fare along the river, and there are a few small shops to browse art, antiques, and more. I find it hard to resist small, independent bookstores like "Books about the South"--that, in and of itself, compels a stop in Darien https://www.biblio.com/booksto…/books-about-the-south-darien.
History buffs may also explore the Fort King George, which is the oldest remaining English fort along the Georgia coast. http://gastateparks.org/FortKingGeorge/.
Across the street from the Episcopal church, the River House restaurant is for sale. If my husband were inclined to flip his hobby into a business, I wonder who would venture to Darien for one of his, "this-is-the-best-I've-ever-had" dishes. I would.
I take the road less traveled through Darien and soak in the salt air along the scenic highway on my way to Jekyll. I realize how good it feels to be away--far from the maddening crowd.

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