Open Gates  

"Located in McIntosh County on the banks of the Altamaha River, the Open Gates Bed and Breakfast is uniquely situated for nature-lovers, birders, kayakers, boaters and fishing enthusiasts wanting to experience a rich natural ecosystem that The Nature Conservancy has designated one of the world's 75 "Last Great Places." Trained as professional biologists, your hosts at the Open Gates Bed and Breakfast will arrange for guided nature tours of the River, the surrounding marshes and isolated islands, all of which abound with wildlife. Explore the old-fashioned small town of Darien, with her rich pre-colonial and Civil War history. Stroll along the scenic Darien waterfront, watch the shrimp boats, and shop in the eclectic antique shops. Or walk with the kids to historic Fort King George , the oldest European fort in the United States. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation , a restored 19th century rice plantation, is only a 5-minute drive away. The Open Gates B & B is also the closest lodging available to those wanting to visit Sapelo Island , one of Georgia's most distinctive barrier islands, and Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive away. The Open Gates Bed and Breakfast overlooks historic Vernon Square in downtown Darien, within sight of the shrimp boats docked along the Darien waterfront. Built by a wealthy timber baron in 1876, the home offers spacious rooms with beautiful views of a memorial fountain, two historic churches, gardens, and our pool. A large cypress library offers a quiet comfortable setting in which to peruse the owners' extensive collection of field guides and books on local natural history. A full-sized southern breakfast, including seasonal fresh fruit is provided. Complimentary evening cocktails encourage our guests to relax by the pool and share the day's adventures before heading out for a fresh local seafood dinner. Your hosts will also arrange: Altamaha River Tours Kayaking Bird watching Nature Tours Marsh Walks Walking Tours of Darien Private Tours of Sapelo Hiking Take a tour of Open Gates: Entrance Garden Room Entrance Garden Room River Room Island Room Living Room Magnolia Room Dining Room Bluebird Room Library Gift Shop Entrance Gift Shop Pool Porch Photo Gallery: Waterfront Sunset Whiskey Tasting Blessing of the Fleet Darien Waterfront Historic Vernon Square Social Events Meet the innkeepers Your hosts, Kelly and Jeff Spratt, with their daughter Hannah and son Hank, will treat you like family. Both Kelly and Jeff hold Masters degrees in Biology and work professionally with the preservation and conservation of endangered species. Hannah and Hank have not earned their Masters in biology, but are learning the tradition of southern hospitality and environmental values from their parents."