Sapelo Island is a beautiful and well-conserved example of a barrier island. But most important for the traveler, reservations are required for a visit to the island itself. Every trip to Sapelo begins and ends the same way – on a ferry. The Sapelo ferry and visitor center, operated by Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, are located in Meridian, eight miles northeast of Darien. The Reynolds Mansion, home of R.J. Reynolds, the last private owner of the island, is available for group retreats. Check out the website for details. Accommodations are also available in the last intact Geechee community on the Georgia coast, Hog Hammock.