A Romantic Getaway: Surprising My Wife with 
a Trip to Kingsland, Georgia

In the quieter weeks following a busy holiday season, I decided to surprise my wife of 31 years with an unexpected romantic getaway. Our home in Daytona Beach is familiar and comfortable, but just a couple of hours away, Kingsland, Georgia was calling—with the promise of small-town charm and time together without distractions. With a little excitement and a plan tucked away, I set out to create a few unforgettable memories to set the tone for this new year.

Day 1: The Hidden Surprise
I presented my wife an envelope and watched as she read the handwritten note inside. Her eyes lit up with excitement at the unknown adventure that was ahead. With our bags packed and that newlywed feeling creeping back in, we hit the road, eager to spend a few uninterrupted days together. The drive north unfolded with familiar coastal views—winding waterways, open marshlands, and long stretches of sky. It felt just far enough from home to signal something special, yet close enough to stay comfortingly familiar, setting an unhurried tone for the weekend ahead.

The hotel was located within walking distance of a local favorite, Angelo’s Italian Restaurant. The convenience made it easy to slow down and settle into vacation mode right away. With generous portions and excellent red wine, we lingered at the table, talking and laughing without looking at our phones or the clock. We boxed up leftovers—already looking forward to a late-night snack back at the hotel. It was the perfect evening: relaxed, delicious, and effortlessly romantic.

Day 2: Discovering The Local Charm
Waking up in Kingsland set the tone for a relaxing weekend getaway. Our hotel was perfectly situated near convenient dining options and shops, yet just a short drive away, the charm of downtown awaited. We started things off slowly after a cozy night in, with breakfast in bed made from the complimentary offerings at our hotel—no alarms, no rush, just time together.

We left the hotel ready to explore and made the short drive to Downtown St. Marys, wandering the historic streets and taking in the understated beauty of historic churches, charming homes, and local shops that give the town its coastal charm. We stopped for a leisurely waterfront lunch, enjoying the chef’s special of the day while watching boats drift along the river. It was the kind of afternoon that naturally slows your pace and encourages you to linger just a little longer.

We ended the day with a fun and playful stop at Kingsland’s newest sports bar – Axes and 8ights. This may not sound romantic,  but for over an hour I got to show off my strength and skills at axe throwing, while my wife graciously cheered me on. The laughter and friendly competition added a lighthearted energy to the day, a perfect balance to the peaceful day. To cap things off, we made a quick stop near the hotel at Super Sweet Bake Shop, and picked up a variety of pastries and sweets to enjoy later that evening—a little indulgence to savor together after a day of wandering, laughing, and exploring.

Day 3: Nostalgia and Sweet Surprises
The heart of the trip unfolded on the third day. We started with a stop at Blue Bridge Coffeehouse for a warm cup of coffee that gave us the perfect boost for the adventure ahead. Warm beverages in hand, we took a moment for a peaceful stroll through Veterans Memorial Park, where blooming red camellia bushes and bronze statues representing each branch of the United States Military brought back memories of my time in the Navy, and my wife’s many years of unwavering support. The park’s quiet beauty was a perfect backdrop for sharing memories of the past, experiences that made us stronger together. 

From there, we set out for a scenic drive to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, where we spent the remainder of the day immersed in nature. We explored the park on bicycles, pedaling along peaceful trails surrounded by cypress trees, abundant wildlife, and the unique beauty of this iconic swamp. As the day drew to a close, we boarded a sunset prairie boat tour, watching the golden light shimmer across the water while birds and alligators passed by, making it a truly unforgettable end to our weekend.

Our journey back to Daytona Beach the next morning felt unhurried, marked by contented smiles and a deeper sense of connection. Somewhere along the drive, our conversation turned to what we’d do next time—wandering the wild beauty of Cumberland Island, soaking in the untouched coastline, and continuing to explore all that Kingsland has to offer. This was the kind of weekend that brought us closer and gently reset our pace for the adventures still to come.