The Twenty Year Dream

OK, for those of you who don't know, I have found Nirvana. I mean, here on earth. As close to Nirvana as you can get. It's Tybee Island, GA. http://www.tybeeisland.com/ We have lived here for four weeks, and the joy is just exponential -

Here's the top 3 reasons I love Tybee Island. I mean, the top 3 today...check back tomorrow for more reasons.

1. Bike Riding...Tybee is a small Island, only 2.5 miles long. It has one main road, Butler Ave, on and off the Island. So the key to biking is to stay off that main road and use the back residential streets. Huge green tree's line the streets and shelter colorful beach homes. Other bikers are everywhere, When a family passes us on their bikes, the parents and I seem to exchange a glance that say's "I know, is this heaven or what!?"

OK, I have to give you a website, of one of the houses for rent here. Check out the greenery around this house - so you can know I'm not exaggerating. http://www.bigmagnoliaplace.com/

There is a bike shop on Butler Ave, one block from the Pier which offers free pick up and delivery for anyone who wants to rent a bike or even if you didn't rent a bike from them, if they pass you on the street, or you call and you're having any kind of trouble, their van will offer free transportation. And they rent all kinds of bikes. http://www.tybeevisit.com/outdoors-services.php (Scroll down to bike shop link)


2. The ambiance of the Island. My husband described Tybee Island, last night, as a cross between Manhatton Beach, CA, and Lake Wobegon. There's something about this Island that is more of a funky old-Lake-town destination - there's no Golf here. But, like Manhatton Beach, CA... there are bars with live music and shopping and 50 or so restaurants nestled between the beach and the residential community that makes Manhatton Beach, what it is. Some Upper East Coast friends visited the Island last year and described it as: THE HAMPTONS IN THE FIFTIES --residential, and low key. We love it.

One of the odd things about this Island (coming from the West Coast) is the absence of the masses of perfect bodies. Over 50% of Bathing Beauties here could be described as seriously overweight, or moderately packing about 50 extra pounds -- but they don't care. There's something refreshing about people who are going to get a tan on their bellies no matter what.

3. Mornings on the Pier. I'm a writer. That's what I do. http://www.marshamarks.com/ I'm currently working on a book about moving to Tybee Island, called THE TWENTY YEAR DREAM - A Memoir of Joy lost and found again. So, as a writer - I'm looking for places to write, outside my home. And as a starving artist, who spent all her money on buying a small place on this Island, I need places to write that are GRATIS --- but also, inspiring. I like to be able to look out at the Ocean. The Pier is perfect. http://tybeeisland.com/tybee-island-pier-pavilion.shtml It's covered, and sheltered, with an unobstructed view of miles of Ocean. The perfect place to write from 7:30AM to 9:30AM. Got to go to my other job now - see you on the Pier.