For Ashley and Kelly Vick, Isle of Hope isn’t just where they live — it’s a way of life they’ve intentionally passed down to their children, Hunter, 12, and Wymberly, 9.

Kelly, a lifelong Isle of Hope resident, always knew he wanted to raise a family in the same place he grew up exploring. The couple, who met 19 years ago at Sandfly Bar & Grill, has now spent more than a decade building both a home and a livelihood here. Together, they’ve each carved out long-standing careers rooted in the community. Kelly took over Dockworks from his father at just 24 and has since built a reputation for skilled craftsmanship, backed by decades of experience navigating local waterways. Ashley, meanwhile, entered beauty school at 18 and opened her own salon in Sandfly by 23. Both have now been business owners for more than 20 years.

Their children are just as driven. Hunter attends Savannah Country Day School and competes with the Forest City Juniors clay target team, where he currently holds the title of No. 1 middle school skeet shooter in Georgia. Wymberly, also a Country Day student, trains with Legacy Irish Dance and competes nationally, with her sights set on qualifying for the World Championships in Ireland.

Outside of school and competition, the Vick kids are known by neighbors for another venture: “Vick’s Veggies,” a small roadside stand stocked with produce grown by the family.

At home, life is lively — and often crowded in the best way. The Vicks are known for hosting holidays, birthdays, and impromptu gatherings, frequently welcoming 20 or more relatives for a shared meal. Their dog, Benny, a 6-year-old black lab mix, is always part of the action, whether tagging along on walks or darting through the marsh behind their home.

The family stays active in the community, supporting events like the Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival, where Dockworks has served as a title sponsor, and Wymberly’s dance studio has participated.

When they’re not working or competing, the Vicks can often be found enjoying the simple pleasures of island living — afternoons at the pool, time on their boat at the marina, or watching their kids bike off to meet friends.

For the Vick family, Isle of Hope offers exactly what they hoped to give their children: freedom, connection, and plenty of room to grow.