Up a Tree? No Problem in Hostel

Midway between Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the most unusual budget accommodations in North America. You can stay in a tree house for $7 a night.

The Hostel in the Forest is a complex of geodesic domes and two tree houses tucked away in a 90-acre patch of forest 10 miles from the coastal city of Brunswick.

Peacocks nest on the roof while visitors paddle in a small boat on the fish pond in front of a cozy cottage.

The hostel was created 13 years ago by lawyer Tom Dennard after he enjoyed a similar atmosphere at budget lodgings in Europe.

The maximum rate for dormitory lodgings is $7 a night for beds in the dome (there are men’s, women’s and couple’s rooms) or tree houses.

Reached by Ladder

The tree houses are set 15 feet above ground and reached by climbing wood ladders. They are single rooms with picture windows on two sides.

The hostel draws an average of 20 visitors per night. If you want to guarantee being able to stay in one of the tree houses, write ahead for reservations. A deposit is not required. Contact Hostel in the Forest, Box 1496, Brunswick, Ga. 31512.

If you don’t have transportation from Brunswick, call (912) 264-9738 and for $2, the hostel managers will arrange for you to be picked up from the bus terminal. During the daytime, you may have to wait a few hours. After 5 p.m., a vehicle will be sent as soon as possible.

The hostel is often used by young budget travelers heading on to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a 16-by-3-mile undeveloped island that’s a 50-minute drive away.

You can’t visit the island without a reservation from the National Parks Service; call (912) 882-4335. Only 300 people are allowed to make the 45-minute ferry ride to Cumberland Island for day visits, and only about 40 are permitted to camp overnight.

Wild Horses

Attractions include bird watching, hiking, beautiful beaches, wild horses and exploring the ruins of the 40-room Carnegie Mansion. Andrew Carnegie’s descendants still operate a small inn on the island.

Farther north and a 20-minute drive inland, you can investigate the history of the Colonial South in Savannah’s 2.5-square-mile historic district, the largest in the United States.

It’s a great area to try your own walking tour. You’ll find that the 26 squares (which are joined by cobblestone streets, surrounded by restored homes and sheltered by trees draped in Spanish moss) have historical plaques describing notable sites along with the history of the area.

A good place to begin is the Savannah Welcome Center at 301 W. Broad St., where you can get information, a walking tour map and see a free 15-minute slide show on the history of the city.

Unfortunately, Savannah doesn’t have any special youth accommodations. If you have your own transportation you can camp economically at Skidaway Island State Park, six miles from the city. Phone (912) 356-2523 for details.

During spring and fall, you can get economical off-season rates at the motels 18 miles away at the Tybee Island beach resort.

Stay in Historic District

If you want to stay in the historic district, a good bet is the Bed & Breakfast Inn at 117 W. Gordon St., phone (912) 238-0518. A guest room with a semiprivate bath and full breakfast is $30 single, $38 double.

Be sure to include a stop at Mrs. Wilkes’ Boarding House, one of the best meal deals of any city. There’s no sign, just a line in front of 107 Jones St. For 40 years Wilkes has been dishing out Southern hospitality in the form of all-you-can-eat meals; lunch features 20 items.

Patrons share 10-person tables and are expected to carry their dishes to the kitchen at the end of the meal. It’s open Monday through Friday. Breakfast ($3.25) is served from 8 to 9 a.m., lunch ($6) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For live evening entertainment without a cover charge, you can hear jazz at Sweet Georgia Brown’s in the new City Market complex on West Julian Street.