The Okefenokee Swamp is a vast 396,000 acre wilderness. Nothing compares to this national wildlife refuge, home to the American alligator and 234 species of birds. Okefenokee's dark, still waters reflect the serene landscapes of its open prairies and moss-laden cypress trees. When you venture into this vast wilderness, let nature be your guide.

But the wilderness experience is not the only reason visitors come to the area. Just ten minutes away from this awesome wild area lies the sleepy little town of Folkston, Georgia, where local folks gather at The Okefenokee Restaurant for their batter fried bacon and catfish dinners. Big city visitors are amazed at the portions - and the low prices. For real southern cookin', nothing compares to The Okefenokee Restaurant. Unless it's Harold Aldridge's slow-cookin' barbecue and all the fixins' (topped off with his famous pecan pie) - served in picnic table style at C&M Barbecue.

Although the city of Folkston makes some folks feel like they have stepped back into another place and time, Folkston is only a short distance from one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the USA - Jacksonville, Florida, host city for the 2005 Super Bowl. The Jacksonville International Airport is less than an hour from Folkston. Visitors can rent a car and arrive at The Inn at Folkston in only 40 minutes via the back roads, a perfect getaway spot!

Listed below is a quick overview with general information. For more details on what Folkston can offer, contact the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce at 912-496-2536, www.folkston.com.

Okefenokee Swamp - General Information

East Entrance - Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Main entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp
Visitors Center and Okefenokee Adventures Boat Concession
Folkston, GA
912-496-7836 or 912-496-7156 or 1-866-THE-SWAMP

West Entrance - Stephen C. Foster State Park
Fargo, GA
912-637-5274

North Entrance - Okefenokee Swamp Park
Waycross, GA
912-283-0583
www.okeswamp.com

Historical

Charlton County Courthouse
Main Street, Folkston, GA
Listed on National Registry - c. 1928.

Folkston Train Depot
Main Street, Folkston, GA
Built in 1903.

Sardis Church
Route 2, Folkston, GA
The oldest church in Charlton County. Organized prior to 1821.

Mizell House
Folkston, GA
On historical register and is available through the city for meetings, receptions, weddings, and other events. Call Folkston Better Home Town at 912-496-7116 for information.

Okefenokee Adventures at Suwannee Canal Recreation Area
Chip and Joy Campbell
Official participating partner providing complete outfitting services. Located on the water at the East Entrance of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, GA
912-496-7156 or 866-THE-SWAMP
www.okefenokeeadventures.com

Traders Hill Recreation Park and Campground
on the St. Marys River
Route 2, Folkston, GA
912-496-3412

Okefenokee Sporting Clays
Okefenokee Sporting Clays is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon until dark.
Six 400-shot tournaments are held yearly, with two shoots on Saturday and two on Sunday. Private parties are available. Contact Roni or Sue Murray for details at 912-496-2417.
Folkston, GA

Okefenokee Sportsman
411 2nd Street, Folkston, GA
912-496-7286

Kayak Amelia
Ray and Jody Hetchka
Marsh canoeing/kayaking
13030 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL
888-30-KAYAK
904-251-0016
www.kayakamelia.com

Up The Creek
St. Mary's
877-UPTHECREEK
912-882-0911
www.upthecreektrips.com

Hidden River Resort
Clothing optional resort on the St. Marys River
South of Moniac, GA
912-843-2603
www.hiddenriverresort.com

Golfing

Folkston Golf Club
Folkston, GA
912-496-7155

Laurel Island Links
(designed by Davis Love)
Kingsland, GA
912-729-7277
Tee reservations 888-480-7277

World Golf Village
St. Augustine, FL
www.wgv.com

Osprey Cove
St. Marys, GA
800-352-5575

Jekyll Island Golf Club
Jekyll Island, GA
912-635-2368

The Lakes at Laura Walker Golf Club
Laura Walker State Park, Waycross, GA
912-285-6154

Shopping

Rosa Lee's Unique Flowery
Antiques, gift boutique, home decorating and specializing in wedding and party work
108 South First Street, Folkston, GA
912-496-4702
www.rosaleesflowery.com

Heaven to Seven
Children's apparel from infant to preteen for girls and infant to size 18 for boys.
105 West Main Street, Folkston, GA
912-462-3411

Folkston Furniture
211 W. Main Street, Folkston, GA
912-496-2440

Frank's Antiques
Hilliard, FL (10 minutes south of Folkston)
Auctions first Sunday of each month
904-845-2870

Outlet Malls
Darien, GA and St. Augustine FL (both just over an hour away)