DARIEN – This charming coastal enclave is a banana split town.  If that causes a mite of head scratching, just remember what was said about that tasty treat in years past—that one banana split was never enough.

Likewise, one visit here is shortchanging oneself.  My goal is to spend time here as often as possible.  To take respite at the Oaks on the River, Darien’s classic boutique hotel, which gets the highest marks for its lodging environment.    Open the drapes when you bed down for the evening and you can experience the moon giving you the greatest absorption with its beams reflecting off the bountiful marsh and the shrimp boats anchored at the docks on the Darien River.

Turn in with visions of trout and sea bass dancing through your head and awaken to the sun’s rays reflecting off the same stately marsh and those same companionless shrimp boats.  Betty Foy Sanders, the late wife of the late Georgia governor, Carl Sanders, her husband, painted that shrimp boat scene which brought her generous praise and compliment.

There may be a blight or two in Darien such as a shack that needs a makeover and a rusting automobile that is ready for a junkyard, but for the most part, it is a laid-back place where you can embrace nature’s finest offerings.  Locals like to say coastal McIntosh County is the last frontier on the Eastern Seaboard. 

The Darien River stretches only 10 miles, but its abbreviated length is long on charm, natural beauty, and picturesque scenes that never leave your mind’s eye.

When it comes to dining at the Oaks on the River, there is variety and fulfillment.  My favorite meal here is breakfast.  Ask for a table with a view of the river and the marsh.  You might meet up with Art Lucas, the owner, who often spends an occasional night here to enjoy himself and to observe the operation with an accent on making sure there is nothing slack about the operation and to come up with ideas that might enhance the appeal of the overnight experience.

Not sure of the property value of this boutique hotel, but he paid the same thing guests pay for the arresting views which is what makes this area of our state especial—nothing.

Kathleen Russell, publisher of the Darien News, is downright giddy about the latest development, which is the restoration of the Adam Strain Building at 111 Broad Street.   

Built in 1815, this building is one of the last intact tabby structures in coastal Georgia.  It is one of the only buildings to survive the burning of Darien during the Civil War.  It is an attractive bar and restaurant now, “Tabby House Brewing Company,” but its ruins were about to collapse until owners Marion and Milan Savic of Marietta came to the rescue.

They not only created a becoming landmark on the banks of the Darien River, but they also restored an original structure that is in keeping with the new wave of environmental excitement that is similar with what Art Lucas has done with Oaks on the River.

“Landmark Preservation, from Savannah, was hired to save the building from imploding and restoring it, according to historic preservation standards,” Kathleen says.  She quotes Landmark’s Fred Ecker who says, “When you remove old timbers and flooring, you don’t know what is holding it together.” Whatever it needed, Landmark confirmed it was possible to accomplish the mission.

Darien is a place where you can go fishing for a trophy redfish, gliding though the wetlands to enjoy the greatest of outdoor experiences.  You can come back when cold weather abounds and go back into the marsh and kill a few marsh hens which cooked with the right touch can bring about a nice saltwater treat.

The comforting Georgia coast has renewal influence.  You just can’t come here and not want to return.  I am happy to say that Darien is on my “see you later” list.  

There’s nature, history, outdoor splendor, genial hospitality by the locals, and a once-is-not-enough rating.