Retro Revival

ST. SIMONS ISLAND IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO STEP BACK IN TIME. And it’s been an ideal location to vacation since the 1870s. Back in the days of the lumber mills, boats brought mail and passengers from the mainland. When the new lighthouse was built in 1872, the keeper created a small amusement park that attracted numerous visitors. Families from Brunswick, Waycross, and Baxley made the island their summer retreat and by the 1880s the resort industry was thriving. When hotels and a new pier were erected on the south end with regular ferry service available, wealthy northerners began spending their vacations here too. The opening of the Torras Causeway in 1924 marked a new era by making the island’s beaches easily accessible by automobile to locals and tourists alike. A few years later Howard Coffin added to the island’s appeal with a golf course, yacht club, and residential development complete with paved roads.

Float with the flamingos and dive into our retro revival at Queens Court Inn with Mackenzie Buckley who channels her inner pin-up girl in a fab polka dot Michael Kors belted swimdress from Cricket Shop. Hibiscus from ACE Garden Center.

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Island Unwind

During World War II, troops stationed in Jacksonville, Savannah, and Camp Stewart enjoyed weekend vacations on the island. Officers and soldiers and their families also took up residence at Naval Air Station St. Simons, the newly designated Navy training facility and radar station located where The King and Prince Resort is today. Because of this increased growth, the military made substantial improvements to the island’s infrastructure, leading to booming development on St. Simons Island in the 1950s and 60s. The setting for the photos you’ll see on these pages was already established at that time. Queens Court Inn first opened its doors to vacationers in 1948 and, having undergone a recent renovation, is more ready than ever to host beachgoers and island explorers today. With a nod to nostalgia, we welcome you to summer on St. Simons Island.

Now that you’re here, we’ll give you some basic info to help you navigate the island and understand the locals.

At Queens Court Inn, you’re located on the south end of the island, in the Village (signs also refer to it as Pier Village). This is the main hub of the island, a popular shopping, dining, and recreation area near the main fishing pier, known to locals simply as The Pier. We’re a pet-friendly place, so don’t be surprised to see watering stations outside the shops or have a pup dining at a patio table nearby. The Village is also where you’ll find our iconic lighthouse and the Casino Building that houses our public library and a theatre (but has nothing whatsoever to do with gambling). While there are stairs to access the beach in the Village, this is not considered our main beach area as the sandy shoreline disappears and the water reaches to the Johnson rocks at high tide. You’ll want to head north up the island to East Beach for all day play in the sand and surf.

Another great place to visit is the Golden Isles CVB Welcome Center located at 529 Beachview Drive. They have information about local attractions, activities, accommodations, transportation, and the latest issue of Elegant Island Living! On the walls of the bright and airy space and in their Live Oak Store, you’ll see a wide variety of works by local artists. They also have spiffy Golden Isles gear, RSM Classic branded attire, books, toys, and gift items.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Old school cool is the ambiance as Andrew Altman checks in at the colorful lobby desk accentuated with floral arrangement and tropical plants from ACE Garden Center. Andrew wears classic attire and carries a leather bag from Bullington. The vintage suitcase is from Olde Town Antiques.

The Live Oak Store at the Golden Isles CVB Welcome Center

The Village is also where you’ll find Neptune Park, a site for community events, playground, picnic area under the oaks, and home to the Fun Zone pools and minigolf. Despite its view overlooking the ocean, Neptune Park was not named to honor the god of the sea, but to memorialize a man important in the island’s history. Neptune Small was born into slavery on Retreat Plantation in 1831. He served Thomas Butler King and accompanied his sons into battle during the Civil War. When Henry Lord Page King was killed in battle in 1862, he located and retrieved his body from the battlefield and accompanied him to Savannah, where a temporary burial location was secured until the area was once again safe after the war. Although he had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, Small returned to the front to serve the youngest King son until the surrender of the Confederate troops in 1865. Small then returned to Savannah to accompany Lord King’s body back to his final resting place at Christ Church Cemetery on St. Simons Island. In gratitude, the Kings granted Neptune a parcel of property on their land where he lived as a free man until his death in 1907. Today, the park rests on what used to be part of that property.

Redfern Village is our mid-island hotspot for shopping and dining. We do not call that “The Village,” it’s simply “Redfern.” Although people mistakenly use “Red Fern,” perhaps thinking the name is botanical in nature, it actually honors a young pilot. Paul Redfern departed Sea Island in his monoplane, Port of Brunswick, on August 25, 1927 in an attempt to make a solo non-stop flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that would break Charles Lindbergh’s distance record. He tragically

OPPOSITE PAGE: A throwback classic cruiser from the 1960s, Moke was initially designed by British Motor Company and Sir Issac Issigonis (father of the Austin Mini) to be a combat ready vehicle that could be air-dropped by the British Army. The open air, low speed vehicles became a beloved car for Caribbean tourists and icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jackie O. St. Simons Moke America is Georgia’s original Moke America dealership and sells these electric, street legal vehicles in 11 stylish colors. Rentals also available so you can enjoy fun in the sun.

never made it to his destination, with his plane last spotted 200 miles off the coast of South America. Feel free to impress the locals with that bit of history, many don’t know it!

You can get most places on the island by way of Demere (running east-west) and Frederica (running north-south) Roads. Demere is pronounced dem’ree, not deh-mare as the French might say it. The street is named for Captain Raymond Demere who arrived on the island in 1736 and played a key role in preplantation history. Frederica has four syllables: fred-er-ee’-kah. This was the name bestowed on the colonial fort and town established on the north end of the island to honor Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, on September 26, 1735.

When you drove onto the island, you arrived via the causeway. Causeways and bridges are not the same and we mean different things when we refer to them. The F.J. Torras Causeway is the road that connects the mainland of Brunswick to St. Simons Island. There are two bridges on this causeway, the Back River Bridge and the Mackay River bridge, but when we talk about “the bridge,” we’re referring to the Sidney Lanier Bridge. This large cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River was named after poet Sidney Lanier who penned the poem “Marshes of Glynn.” When you hear “There’s a wreck on the causeway,” it’s likely the Torras Causeway they’re talking about, although there’s also the Sea Island causeway on the island and Jekyll Island has a causeway to the mainland as well. Unfortunately, accidents on the Torras Causeway are not uncommon and create traffic headaches and frustrating delays both on and off the island. To help prevent that, please watch your speed, don’t drive distracted by texting or otherwise, and make sure all loads and trailers are secure. Many visitors say their cares and worries slip away as they cross the causeway onto the island, we want that to be your experience too.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Swim style fit for a queen. Ashley VanDonkelaar wears a Kate Spade bikini from Cricket Shop and a Harika Turkish cotton and bamboo cover-up from ALo Naturals.

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Shoes • Accessories • Gifts

Visit us on Market Street!

28 Market Street, Suite 122 St. Simons Island, GA 912.634.0924

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

Rev it Up!

Imagine a map with a YOU ARE HERE marker. That dot rests on your current location of Queens Court Inn, located at 437 Kings Way, our starting point. Let’s take a closer look. Nestled among swaying palms and live oak trees dripping with Spanish Moss, the Queens Court Inn is a hidden gem on the south end of St. Simons Island. Sean Hargraves, co-owner of this iconic vintage motel, is a hospitality veteran with 22 years of experience in the industry. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University, Sean returned home to St Simons Island where he started his business and his passion for hospitality grew. Over the past year, Sean and his team have completely restored this historic property, creating a beautiful vacation getaway with a retro flare. Rooms range from standard king and queen to two bed suites with kitchenettes and short and long term rentals are available. Amenities include an outdoor pool and covered grilling area. The location is within walking and biking distance of the pier, historic sites, shopping and dining, so you can park your car and leave it. The staff at Queens Court Inn is committed to investing in your island experience and dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and building authentic, long-term relationships with visiting guests. For more information or to book rooms, call 912.268.4966 or visit queenscourtinn.com. Now, let’s head out and explore! From Kings Way, you’ll find yourself just west of Mallery Street, the “Main Street” of the Village, which will take you directly south to the pier. Numerous shops and restaurants line the street and Ocean Boulevard. Two Brothers Bike Shop at 227 Mallery offers bike rentals if you’d rather ride than walk. There are also electric bike rental services on the island. Walking and pedaling allow you to take in the beauty and serenity of your surroundings while exploring historic sites, quaint neighborhoods, welcoming beaches, verdant maritime forest

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Moke was also popular with the Beach Boys and the surf community. Dave Walton and Allyson Roberts are on board! Dave sports beach attire from Ocean Motion, the sweet Village surf shop that also supplied the colorful skimboards and Allyson’s sandals. Her swimsuit is from Cricket Shop.

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and marshes. There are miles of scenic trails, paved bike paths, and hardpacked beaches on St. Simons and Jekyll Island that provide easy and safe access to popular sites without the use of a car. Bikes are permitted on the beaches and East Beach is an excellent spot to ride during low tide. The paved St. Simons Island biking trail system provides connections to various points of interest across the island that offer activities, such as St. Simons Land Trust properties like Cannon’s Point Preserve, where you can view wildlife and take tours, or historic sites like Harrington School and Fort Frederica. There are similar options available on Jekyll Island if you’d like to expand your exploration. Biking trail maps can be found at goldenisles.com/things-to-do/activities/biking.

If cycling isn’t your thing or you require transportation for the whole family, there are also golf cart rental locations nearby. To capture the ultimate retro beach vibe, rent a Moke like the one seen on pages 21 and 25. While most locals will tell you that we prefer that golf carts stay on our fabulous golf courses, if you do choose to rent a golf cart, we offer a couple notes about golf cart rules and safety: Glynn County ordinances state that golf carts can only be driven by licensed drivers (For persons with license restrictions regarding passengers, all restrictions apply to these vehicles.) on streets where the posted speed is 35mph or less. They are not permitted on sidewalks or on beaches. Only one passenger is permitted per seat and child restraints and child safety seats are required. If three or more vehicles are immediately following the golf cart, the operator shall pull off the road at the first safe opportunity to do so to let them pass. While St. Simons Island does not have a public transportation system, Uber and Lyft service are available. For large group or airport transportation, including rides to/ from Jacksonville and Savannah, there are car services like Edward Transportation. If you need to ride in style for a special occasion, Martin’s Vintage Rides can hook you up with a cool coupe. If you’d like to sit back and enjoy some sightseeing, multiple trolleys offer daily tours that highlight island history and main attractions.

If you’re the one doing the driving and you aren’t familiar with St. Simons Island, you

might want to brush up on rules for navigating roundabouts because we have several. Some call them rotaries, others refer to them as traffic circles of death. Roundabouts and traffic circles are actually different. A roundabout is a series of “crossing intersections” where the entering traffic is controlled by yield signs. A traffic circle is a series of “T intersections” with a circle road. Each “T” intersection may be controlled differently. Before entering the island’s roundabouts, motorists will see signs that give them lane options. Enter the roundabout when it’s clear to do so and follow your allowed course of direction for your lane without changing lanes. If you follow those simple guidelines, the clearly marked arrows and the signs posted, our roundabouts shouldn’t be intimidating.

Rules of the Roundabout:

I Choose your lane before entering the roundabout.

I Do not change lanes once inside the roundabout.

I Do not stop in the roundabout. I Be aware of pedestrians. I Yield to all traffic in the roundabout.

Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. I Drive counterclockwise ONLY in the roundabout.

I Do not enter the roundabout when emergency vehicles are in the vicinity; pull to the right, outside lane.

Your exploration of the isles shouldn’t be limited to land; our marshes and waterways offer some of the best views and a wonderful world of wildlife to observe. As they say at Southeast Adventure Outfitters, “Coastal Georgia has a huge trail system — it’s just all wet!” and they’ve been getting people out there since 1994. But they certainly aren’t the only ones! From scenic kayak and paddleboard tours with Southeast Adventure Outfitters or Turtle Tides Outfitters to dolphin cruises with Cap Fendig’s Dolphin & Fishing Tours and numerous in-shore and off-shore fishing charters, there’s a wide array of offerings to get you out on the water. Not only will you be treated to a more up close and personal look at playful dolphins, grinning gators, scavenging shorebirds, and maybe the occasional otter, sea turtle, mink, or manatee, you can search for shark teeth on remote beaches and see private islands full of wildlife that are otherwise inaccessible, so make sure to bring a camera. A favorite for families is an excursion on the Lady Jane shrimp boat, a retired trawler that provides demonstrations on how the catch is hauled in and sorted. During our winter and spring months, you can even enjoy an educational sailing experience on the Tall Ship Lynx, a privateer inspired by a historic tall ship from the War of 1812.

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fromHigh Tea toLow Country Boil

Something visitors find amazing about the Golden Isles is the number of excellent eateries in the area. It’s easy to find something to please every palate. Whether you want chicken fried steak or chickpea salad, polenta or pad Thai, banana pudding or boba tea, there are sweet and savory options to enjoy just about everywhere you turn. A few breakfast options include NY bagels from Sandy Bottom Bagels, pastries and deliciousness like the Paradise Croissant from Palm Coast Coffee Cafe & Pub. Palmer’s Village Café is known for fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations with omelets like The Hooch and The Local. ECHO at The King and Prince Resort offers breakfast with an ocean view. For grab & go options, there’s Certified Pantry & Provisions for quick snacks to fantastic family meals, and we can’t wait to see what Three Little Birds will offer at their new Fly In, Fly Out spot in the Village. If you’re in the mood for spicier fare, cantinas like Bubba Garcia’s and La Plancha range from gringo-friendly to authentic Mexican

OPPOSITE PAGE: Marissa Mercer jazzed up her room with a little tropical flair and has invited friends over to enjoy some mouthwatering pies from Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria. Flowers and flamingo from ACE Garden Center, blown glass and driftwood vase from Cunningham Jewelers, Turkish towel and skincare products from ALo Naturals. ROXY beach bag, bathing suit, cover-up, and sandals from Ocean Motion.

Who needs Nashville hot chicken when you can have Nashville hot Wild Georgia shrimp?! Put a sweet local spin on this spicy favorite at Porch. From naked to napalm, you choose your heat. To cool down, grab a frosé!

dishes, and Porch services up Nashville hot chicken, shrimp, and catfish in the heat of your choice. Fancy Q is your hot spot for sushi and hibachi. Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria has pizza, “Salzones,” and Italian dishes that are nothing short of a knock-out.

When you’re craving burgers, fries, and milkshakes, there are options for folks on the north and south ends of the island with Zuzu’s in the Village and Certified Burgers & Beverage near Shops at Sea Island both grilling up goodness. If it’s just the milkshake, ice cream, or another sweet treat you want, St. Simons Sweets is your inner child’s dream come true. To indulge the adult side, grab some friends to wind down with some wine on the patio at Golden Isles Olive Oil by pairing a glass or two with one of the cheese & charcuterie boards they do so well. For something different, try their traditional afternoon tea on Wednesday (advance reservation required).

If you want to soak in true island ambiance, Bennie’s Red Barn on the north end and The Crab Trap are some of our oldest establishments, with approximately a half century of tradition each, while Southern Soul Barbeque is perhaps our best known, thanks

Here’s a trendy treat to take to the beach: boba tea from Certified Pantry & Provisions. That’s right; you can now get boba on SSI! Shown here in matcha, passion fruit, and sweet tea flavors.

to national media coverage and accolades. Barbara Jean’s Restuarant is a mainstay for Southern comfort food at its finest. Many of our casual and fine dining establishments, including Catch 228, Georgia Sea Grill, Halyards, and Crabdaddy’s specialize in fresh fish and seafood. You’ll find everything from fresh catch right off the boat to steamed, raw and specialty oysters, to shrimp prepared just about every way mentioned in Forrest Gump. And whether you choose having peel-and-eat shrimp, a platter of fried shrimp, slaw, and hushpuppies, coastal classic shrimp and grits, or Low Country Boil, the plump, sweet, white Wild Georgia Shrimp that come from our waters are our pride and joy.

It might surprise new visitors to learn that the murky brown seawater surrounding Georgia’s barrier islands isn’t “dirty” at all and actually contributes to the delicious appeal of our shrimp. Stirred up sediment and tannins leached from decaying organic material, such as the spartina grasses, leaves, and tree bark that wash offshore from the swamps and marshes give the water its brown coloring. Sedimentary deposits from the large rivers here that flow into the ocean make the seabed near our shore muddy, rather than sandy. Storms churning off the coast stir that sediment up, making the mix darker and more obvious, but the “sweet tea” color is a consistent trait of our waters, no matter the weather. While this might not make for an Instagrammable pristine turquoise paradise, it’s not a bad thing either, because the water is rich in nutrients that are ideal for our wildlife. Fish, crustaceans, and other sea life are plentiful, which also attracts a wide variety of birds and provides a healthy diet for other animals too. The locally caught sweet white Wild Georgia Shrimp are in high demand in the seafood market because they have the best flavor. They’re caught with nets right out of their natural environment off our shores and not farm-raised or altered in any way. Perfection!

So, if you find yourself wishing the Golden Isles had the clear waters and white sands of the Gulf, just grab a table overlooking the water at sunset, order a large glass of sweet tea, some peel and eat shrimp or Low Country Boil. Take in the picturesque view of the shrimp boats on the horizon with birds fluttering above and dolphins frolicking in their wake. Marvel at the beauty of the egrets and herons fishing in the marsh, and the pelicans perched on their posts, as if posing for the pictures you’re sure to take. While you sip your sweet tea consider whether you’d trade that delicious distinctive Southern flavor for a plain glass of water even if it looked prettier. Eat local. Eat lots! Enjoy!

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good

Vibrations

While you’re here, take a load off and live a life of leisure. You’ll have plenty of time to lounge in the pool and take in the island’s sights too. Shop ’til you drop, spoil yourself with a spa day, or dust off your tennis game. There’s so much to do, even when you’re taking it easy!

If you like to start your day with some yoga or other fitness activities, we have several local studios like Omcore Yoga that offer a variety of classes or one-on-one sessions. The Club is our full-service health and fitness center with attached yoga center, cycle studio, heated pool and more. Get that blood pumping with some cardio or start the day with a swim. It’ll help burn off those calories from the that fried shrimp and Key lime pie you enjoyed the night before! $25 daily passes and 10 class passes for $200 are available for non-members.

Perhaps you’d rather begin your morning as the subject of some pampering. Island Day Spa offers massage and other spa services like body wraps, facial treatments, manicures and pedicures, and more. To indulge in the pampering at home, drop by ALo Naturals to pick up some of their all-natural skin and body care products. Their fabulous bath salts are known for their therapeutic properties and promoting relaxation for the body. Pick out your favorite natural scent and get detoxing and relaxing! Follow with body butter to hydrate and retain moisture. From sunscreen to moisturizers, it’s important to take care of your skin if you’ll be spending time in the sun. St. Simons Drug Co., Parker’s, and Frederica Pharmacy also have a full array of sunscreens and skincare products, plus whatever else you might need to pack in your beach bag – including the beach bag itself!

When you go out to hit the shops, there are several distinct shopping areas on St. Simons Island. In the Village, you’ll find

OPPOSITE PAGE: Just chill! Take a page from Ashley’s book and enjoy some pool time with a good read and refreshing drink. If you happen to have a grill master along, maybe they’ll take advantage of the covered grilling area at Queens Court to cook up dinner while you relax. Serving tray and glassware from Dutchmans, Tibi sandals, clutch from Planters Exchange, paperback from GJ Ford Book Shop.

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numerous shops lining Mallery Street that offer souvenirs, unique gifts and art, apparel for men, women, teens and kids, beach accessories and toys, jewelry, and more. Ocean Motion and Southeast Adventure Outfitters can get you geared up for time on the water, beach, or hiking the trails. For a special keepsake to remember your time here, stop by Golden Isles Bracelet Co. for their St. Simons signature bracelet, or any of the other styles of bracelets, earrings, rings, or pendants that they artfully design and craft by hand. Dog owners will definitely want to check out amazing array of pet accessories, treats, toys and grooming products at Island Dog. And never fear, cat lovers, they have things for our feline friends too.

Main areas on the island for boutique shopping include Redfern Village, Shops at Sea Island, and Shops on Market Street. Other areas to be familiar with include Retreat Village, where Winn-Dixie is located, and Longview Plaza, the location of St. Simons Drug Co. and Island ACE Hardware. Redfern Village has multiple restaurants and several boutiques, including the spot for swimwear, Cricket Shop; trendy fashions at Wild & Personal Boutique; and the chic European styles of Cobblestone Living, as well as the island’s Gogo Jewelry retail store. And don’t forget Maggie’s Boutique just across Frederica Road, known as Lady Dawg Headquarters and for their extensive Krazy Larry collection.

Engagement ring experts Joseph Jewelers; Cloister Collection, the island’s spot for Lilly Pulitzer; specialists in both casual attire and men’s formal wear Gentlemen’s & Lady Outfitters, and its sister store Southern Tide are highlights in the Shops at Sea Island. Harris-Teeter is also located there. Head north across Sea Island Road to Shops on Market Street where you can meet sweet Duchess while you peruse the dress selection at Ronne’s, see the latest looks from NY designer Amy Smilovic at Tibi, and accessorize from head to toe at Shackelford. Just up the road, you’ll find Evelyne Talman, our top stop for women’s formal wear, and Mixed Nuts Boutique, a luxury consignment

Your Stylefor all Seasons

shop with some fantastic discounts on designer bags and clothing. National children and infants’ clothing line Bailey Boys is headquartered on St. Simons Island and has a retail store on Skylane Road.

While you’re out and about, grab some fresh fruit and veggies to enjoy or take home. The Farmer’s Market by the St. Simons airport is an honor market with delicious tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, sweet corn, strawberries, and other seasonal offerings. Peach lovers, be sure to keep your eye out for the return of The Peach Stand pop-ups at the Poor Stephens corner (1617 Frederica Road) in June and July. Clay Strother and his young crew bring same-day picked peaches from the family’s Pearson Farm directly to the island. Drop by to get these sweet, juicy stone fruits by the bag or case before they’re gone—they don’t last long! The stand workers are volunteers and all proceeds from sales are donated to local charity and stay in the community. Peaches to the people!

Once you’ve got everything you need for your island adventures, you’re ready for some outdoor fun. Beyond the beach, trails and St. Simons Land Trust parks, you’ll find more opportunities for open air recreation. The Golden Isles is a golf destination, so if you’re here for that, chances are you already know what options are available. But for those who take the game a bit less seriously, there’s a miniature golf course in the Neptune Park Fun Zone near the pier and another over on Jekyll. If disc golf is the version of the sport you like to play, you’ll find baskets set up in a course at Gascoigne Bluff. For friendly competition on the tennis or pickle ball court, grab your racket and see if there’s an open spot to play at the courts on Demere Road. There’s also a skate park if you have the desire to channel your inner Tony Hawk. You can even play cornhole board or giant Jenga on the lawn at Porch while you wait for your dinner.

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Sportschuetz Deborah Jinkins Michael Jinkins

The Gallery with the Orange Door Open Tuesday - Saturday 10-4 and by appointment

Feelin’ Artsy

Arts and culture are alive and well in the Golden Isles. The scene encompasses a large community of artists and artisan creators inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. In addition to painters, potters, sculptors, woodcrafters, and jewelry makers, we also have prolific writers and talented stage performers. On St. Simons Island, Glynn Visual Arts (glynnvisualarts.org) is at the heart of the art community, with a main gallery on Skylane Drive, and space in the Visitor’s Center on Beachview. They offer more than a dozen exhibitions by local and nationally celebrated artists annually, three major art festivals, and a variety of classes and creative opportunities for adults and children. ArtTrends Gallery (arttrends.gallery) is an artists’ co-op displaying and selling eclectic works by local artists. They co-host periodic “Art Strolls” that urge visitors to stop in and visit participating galleries. Anderson Fine Art Gallery (andersonfineartgallery.com) is a destination gallery for the finest in original representational paintings that encompass landscapes and still life scenes, as well as some non-representational works. The gallery’s roster includes an outstanding group of professional and emerging artists. For more than decade Anderson Fine Art has sponsored workshops taught by professional artists from across the country who are brought here to instruct follow painters. Around the corner from Anderson Fine Art is the Artists’ Annex, home to several local artists, including Marden Headley, seen on the opposite page, who also teaches classes there. Artist Ken Wallin also has a studio on the island and participates in the St. Simons Art Strolls, otherwise his works can be seen by appointment only.

A hop, skip, and a jump off of St. Simons Island, just across the causeway in Historic Downtown Brunswick, you’ll discover the arts are well represented in the “SoGlo” district. The Ritz Theatre is home to Golden Isles Arts & Humanities (goldenislesarts.org) and the Wilcox Gallery, which features touring exhibits, local and regional artists and student art. Exhibit opening receptions with the artists coincide with First Friday in downtown Brunswick. SoGlo Gallery (soglogallery.com) displays multi-media works by local artists and photographers, recent exhibits have included works by Jim Jones, Anne & Christophe Goodstein, and emerging artist Nathaniel Thompson. SoGlo also hosts the annual show for the Golden Isles FiberArts Guild. The Gallery on Newcastle, Brunswick Artery, and Blue Cottage Art Market are a few other spots where works by local artists are on display and classes and workshops may be offered.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Artistic inspiration is everywhere on St. Simons Island. Take time to explore the galleries or take in a workshop. Marden Headley, an instructor at the Artists’ Annex, wears attire and jewelry from Cobblestone Living as she readies to capture the picturesque scene of a bike with a basket full of flowers. Two Brothers Bike Shop can sell you a new beach cruiser or other bikes and accessories. They also offer rentals and repairs. Golden Isles Bracelet Co., is where you can find Marden’s turtle bracelet, designed exclusively for Jekyll Island, which directly benefits the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Goodyear Cottage in Jekyll Island’s Historic District is the home of the Jekyll Island Artists Association (jekyllartists.com). JIAA presents monthly exhibits and maintains a gift shop of consigned works by members. Every March, they present a 3-day art festival. Also keep an eye out for seasonal shows by the Georgia Coastal Artists Guild and Coastal Photographers Guild.

Community theatre is also alive and well here. The Island Players (theislandplayers.com) have been bringing the stage to life with a variety of productions since 1956. The oldest community theatre in the Golden Isles, their annual season offers four shows, including a musical, plus the Young Peoples Summer Workshop production in July. Everyone is not only invited to attend their performances in the St. Simons Casino Theatre, but also to audition or join the production teams. The Brunswick Actors Theatre (soglogallery.com) is an intimate 111 seat theatre in SoGlo Gallery on Newcastle St. that hosts productions from February to December. Tickets include desserts and coffee/tea and their always humorous shows are always a real treat. The Ritz Theatre is where you’ll find the Golden Isles Penguin Project performing their annual summer musical theater production with a cast of children and young adults with disabilities and special needs in all roles, performing with the assistance of on-stage mentors. Such a heartwarming experience to watch! They also host performances by touring groups like the Peach State opera and others, as well as holiday productions.

Under the canopy of live oaks at Postell Park, you’ll find monthly Crafts in the Village arts and fine craft shows and the St. Simons Vintage and Antique Market from spring through fall, as well as the spring Art in the Park and fall Art Under the Oaks festivals by Glynn Visual Arts. These shows generally host 40-50 vendors that offer everything from fine art and photography to pottery and woodworking, jewelry, and gourmet goodies. Vendors vary monthly and with the organization hosting the show, so you never know what you might find! Vendors are set up from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (depending on the show) and may include extra days during holidays. Inclement weather cancels. For schedules, see social media accounts and websites for Crafts in the Village, St. Simons Vintage, and Glynn Visual Arts. The colorful art on page 44 is a watercolor sketch by Greer Thomas Shinall capturing the scene at Crafts in the Village events.

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If it’s live music you want, we know just where to find it. We have a rich local music scene if you just know where to look! There is live music in the Golden Isles each and every night of the week from the piano bar at Georgia Sea Grill to Wednesday open mic night at Wine Alley, next to Wine, Body & Soul, in Redfern Village and karaoke nights at various venues, like Thursdays in the Tree Bar at Bennie’s Red Barn, to seasoned performers, popular local cover bands, and touring musicians here to rock our stages and outdoor concerts. While music offerings are lighter on weekdays, every Friday and Saturday there are at least a dozen local venues hosting live music both indoors and outside. If you cross the causeway on those evenings, you can catch the Brunswick Music District concerts with favorite local and visiting bands from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in Jekyll Square East, next to Tipsy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. EIL is a proud sponsor of these free community concerts, OPPOSITE PAGE: Kenzie Patton and Staci Bennett are ready to and while you’re there go twist and shout. Kenzie wears clothing, jewelry, and sandals from Planters Exchange. You’ll find Staci’s look at Tibi from the we encourage you to fishnet macrame oversized T-shirt to her emerald Amari suede grab a drink or a bite sandals. Her necklace is by Bittersweet Designs from Planters from the music sponsor Exchange. Candles/holders from Planters Exchange.

Rock Aroundthe Clock Tipsy McSway’s to thank them for playing a major part in keeping the music scene alive downtown. You can even enjoy live music during Sunday brunch with multiple venues offering afternoon entertainment, including Golden Isles Olive Oil in Redfern Village. “But what KIND of music is out there?” you might ask. Our local bands truly run the gamut, playing classic rock, 80s and 90s covers, jazz, Southern blues, country, and more. The best way to find out where the music you like is being played each week is by checking out “I’m With the Band” on the EIL website at elegantislandliving.net, Facebook and Instagram @imwiththebandssi. This is a comprehensive and frequently updated list of who’s playing where and when each week, including special concerts that pop up and any nearby festivals. There are also guides to local artists and music venues on the site in case you aren’t familiar with them. Elegant Island Living is also a proud sponsor of the A Little Light Music summer concert series, presented by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. A Little Light Music concerts are held on select Sunday evenings May through September at 7:00 p.m. on the oceanfront lawns of the St. Simons Lighthouse when the tide is just right to bring a breeze. These concerts are the biggest and best

“block party” where you’ll find all of your friends and neighbors. Picnic dinners accompanied by your favorite beverages are encouraged. Tickets are $15 for adults; children under 12 and Keepers of the Light are admitted free of charge. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets in advance in the Lighthouse Museum Store or online at coastalgeorgiahistory.org. Present your receipt at the ticket gate the evening of the concert to receive an admission sticker. No cash will be accepted at the gate. Tickets are non-refundable. Concerts are cancelled for inclement weather, so be sure to follow the Society’s Facebook page and check their website or news and weather updates during the concert season. Plan to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for a musical evening with friends under the stars.

If all of that information doesn’t convince you that we have a thriving local music scene, you’ll just have to come out and hear for yourself. Bookmark the EIL website so you’ll have the I’m With the Band blog and the events calendar at your fingertips, follow the I’m With the Band social media accounts, and sign up for the EIL Insider e-newsletter to get info about community events and live music delivered right to your inbox weekly. We’re passionate about music and want to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Staci Bennett puts on a Teardrop ear cuff to complete her Tibi ensemble.

THIS PAGE: What a pearl! Kenzie Patton shows off “Pebble Pearl” earrings by Catherine Canino. Necklace and earrings are both available at Planters Exchange.