Saint Simons Island - Georgia Community Magazines

Saint Simons Island:
KISSED BY THE SUN, THE SAND, AND THE SEA
H
eading across the causeway toward Saint
Simons on any given day, you’ll be treated
to magical views of the fabled “Marshes of
Glynn”, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier.
You’ll soon realize why we’re called the Golden
Isles. Stunning panoramic vistas of lush grasses
feast the eyes in every direction as you make
your way over the scenic Frederica River and
past the beautiful marinas to your right and left.
As you arrive on Saint Simons Island, bear to
the right and head toward The Pier Village–
one of Saint Simons Island’s most popular
destinations. Quaint shops and restaurants, a
fishing pier, Neptune Park for outdoor family
gatherings, are all within eyesight of the most
beloved landmark of all – the Saint Simons
Island Lighthouse. Visit the headquarters
for the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, tour
the museum and climb the 129 steps of the
lighthouse. From this vantage point you can
see neighboring Jekyll Island, the awesome
Sidney Lanier Bridge and the southern end
of Saint Simons Island. You’ll purchase your
tickets at the adjoining impressive 10,000
square-foot A.W. Jones Heritage Center. The
facility opened in 2008 following a $5.5 million
fundraising project which was raised locally over
a two-and-a-half year campaign. The Heritage
Center was conceived as a “community legacy
project” when the G8 Host Committee for the
2004 Group of Eight Sea Island Summit agreed
to set aside $2.5 million toward the project if $5
million could be raised by the Coastal Georgia
Historical Society. Inside you can view the
permanent exhibit about the historic Summit,
including details on how Sea Island was selected
for this international gathering of world leaders.
There is an intriguing memorabilia section, an
extensive research library, and a 1,400 squarefoot multi-purpose room, providing a stage and
a catering kitchen for special events. You’ll most
assuredly be enthralled by the changing displays
devoted to Georgia’s rich cultural and natural
history.
Independence Day in the Golden Isles is a cherished and colorful time for family fun! Kites
fly, beach-goers relax, swimmers take a dip, and later in the evening fireworks explode
over Saint Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick. This aerial kite photo
taken by Peter Boyton captured the perfect beach scene on Saint Simons Island.
View this publication online at: www.BrunswickGoldenIslesChamber.com or www.buygeorgia.com
21
We recommend you take a trolley tour of the
island. Pickups take place in the Pier-Village
area. Or, you may prefer to see the island by car
or bike. The Sea Island Golf Club is located
on the site of Retreat Plantation. As you
pass by the entrance of this amazing resort,
home of the highly-heralded
Lodge at Sea Island, you will
get a glimpse at the Avenue of
Oaks, certainly one of the most
beautiful natural stretches of real
estate in the Southeast.
Other nearby historic attractions
include the Bloody Marsh
Battle Site, site of the 1742
skirmish where the British
ambushed and defeated Spanish
troops. Take a drive toward the
northern end of the island on
Frederica Road, the site of several
shopping centers, en route to
historic Christ Church, one of the
most photographed sites in America. Many of
the island’s leading pioneer families are buried
here including many of the same characters
noted in the late Eugenia Price’s novels –
The Lighthouse, The Beloved Invader and
others. Nearby is another “must-see” destination
for history buffs. Fort Frederica National
Monument was built in 1736, just three years
after the founding of Savannah. Informative talks
by park rangers and interesting exhibits will
acquaint history lovers with the importance of
this British-fortified settlement which served as
Explore the beautiful grounds of Epworth
By The Sea, today a Methodist Conference
Center and the site of historic Hamilton
Plantation. Close by is Gascoigne Bluff where
oak timbers for building “Old Ironsides” were
milled in 1794. Old slave dwellings still stand
near this picturesque site, which
also provides a view of some
of the Island’s most dramatic
sunsets. Also at Gascoigne Bluff
is a popular fishing pier and
recreational area with dramatic
views of moss-draped oaks.
Take advantage of the Island’s
great fishing spots. The long
stretches of sandy beaches are
a great place for surf fishing,
crabbing or seining. The Saint
Simons Island Pier is a popular
fishing spot for locals and visitors
alike.
For serious sports fishermen, tournaments
are held throughout the year, including the
Golden Isles Kingfish Classic, one of the
largest in the South. For a list of area fishing
charter operations, marinas, fishing licenses
Chamber Relo Guide (2014):Layout 1 3/20/14
and supplies, visit the Convention and Visitors
a buffer to counter Spanish efforts to conquer
the territory. We highly recommend seeing the
23-minute park film titled “History Uncovered”
to gain even more insight into the life and labors
of this early Georgia settlement.
Offering homes and
homesites in the
Sea Island and
St. Simons communities.
HAL-20504
HALYARDS
Lewis Glenn, Vice President of Real Estate Brokerage
912-638-5161 • seaislandproperties.com
Local seafoods, grilled steaks, local vegetables, nightly specials, great wines.
A new, buzzing bar with specialty cocktails. Dinner served Mon.-Sat., 5-10 pm.
55 CINEMA LANE • ST. SIMONS ISLAND • 638-91OO • halyardsrestaurant.com
tramici
neighborhood italian
Inspired Italian cuisine for lunch or dinner, inside or outside.
Bring friends. Come hungry.
Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm. Saturday and Sunday, 5pm-10pm.
75 CINEMA LANE • ST. SIMONS ISLAND • 634-22O2 •
tramicirestaurant.com
halyards
catering
a passion for
the perfect event
Exceeding expectations and delighting guests
with sensational cuisine and a passionate attention to every detail.
912-399-O241 • halyardscatering.com
®
®
Chef Dave Snyder and the crew of the
Halyard Restaurant Group welcome you to
The Golden Isles and invite you to join us.
Follow our food and fun on
22
7:23 AM
Bureau online at www.GoldenIsles.com, or call
the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at
912-264-7218 for current regulations.
If you love to shop then you have come to the
right island. Antique shops and art galleries are
abundant. The Pier Village, Demere Village,
Retreat Village, Redfern Village, Longview
Shopping Center, Hanover Square, Shops at
Sea Island, Island Walk, and Frederica North
offer a variety of unique and eclectic stores.
Other suggested destinations include the
Hampton River Club Marina on the
extreme northern end of the island and the
Morningstar Marina on the causeway leading
from Brunswick to Saint Simons Island. Boating
enthusiasts venture out to other Glynn County
harbors including the Brunswick Landing
Marina (the largest in Georgia), the Jekyll
Harbor Marina (Jekyll Island), and the TwoWay Fish Camp & Marina (en route to nearby
Darien), to name just a few. The tides of coastal
Georgia can be challenging, but area marinas have
the staff and information to guide captains.
If the beach is calling, you will find several miles
of fine public beach off Ocean Boulevard to
the north and south of the historic U.S. Coast
Guard Station. The former U.S. Coast Guard
Station today serves as the Maritime Center, a
wonderful family natural history and ecological
experience which has been restored under
the auspicies of the Coastal Georgia Historical
Society. The county has constructed impressive
new bathroom facilities near the beach entrance.
Nearby is Massengale Park which provides
picnic and bathroom facilities. For an awesome
sunrise head to East Beach at the break of
day, or perhaps you might prefer a moonlight
stroll with someone special. It’s also a popular
hangout for fishermen. Locally, this extreme
northern tip of East Beach is known as Gould’s
Inlet. The small fishing pier is an amazing place
to photograph a glorious sunrise, or to view an
extraordinary gathering of sea birds. Look to your
left while standing on the pier and you will have
a view of the southern end of Sea Island, one of
America’s most prestigious coastal communities,
site of the five-star Cloister Hotel. A private
highway and bridge connects Sea Island with Saint
23
Simons. However, one must be a resident of
Sea Island, a guest of a resident, or a registered
lodging guest to gain access.
Service is our business...
Convenience is our drive
Professional Dry Cleaning • Platinum Shirt Service • Sheets
Comforters & Blankets • Alterations • Free Pickup & Delivery
3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS...YOUR HOME COULD BE NEXT
3420 Fourth St
Brunswick
126 Retreat Plaza
St. Simons Island
5446 New Jesup Hwy
Brunswick
WWW.CANNONSCOASTALCLEANERS.COM • 912.506.9001
 The King & Prince Beach &
Golf Resort’s salute to Christmas
became a popular gathering
place for family and friends
during the festive holiday season.
24
An exhilarating mile walk south of East Beach
is the impressive King & Prince Beach &
Golf Resort (hotel circa 1941). The stained
glass windows in the main dining room are
stunning and the beach view from the lush Saint
Augustine-grass lawn is unsurpassed. In 2014,
the resort unveiled an impressive renovation of
the atrium lobby and introduced their ECHO
dining room, featuring splendid ocean-front
views.
Challenging golf courses (public and private),
and scores of tennis courts give residents and
their guests ample opportunity for challenging
recreational diversions. Biking is another
popular island tradition (even on the beaches
when the tides allow).
G E O R G I A’ S
I S LAN D
G ETAWAY
Easy-going,
relaxing,
Southern.What
could
you ask
for?ask
Just an
easyJust
drivean
from
anywhere
the Southeast,
Easy-going,
relaxing,
Southern.
Whatmore
more
could
you
for?
easy
driveinfrom
anywhere in
The King The
and Prince
& Golf Resort
perfect
getaway.
Plus,
a stunning
new atrium
lobby
and our new
the Southeast,
King Beach
and Prince
Beachis&the
Golf
Resort
is the
perfect
getaway.
Plus,
a stunning
ECHO restaurant, lounge, and patio give you the island’s best location for food and drinks overlooking the ocean.
Call 800-342-0212 for more information, or to book your getaway today.
atrium and restaurant give you the island’s best location for food and drinks overlooking the ocean.
Call 888-647-8981 for more information, or to book your getaway today.
SM