Elegant Island Living - March 2024

“I’ve found that growing up in the sixties was a lot more fun than being in my sixties.

Time is an Illusion

I turn 62 this month and I’m starting to realize I’m not as young as I used to be. There are some red flags. You know you’re getting older when:

You’re watching a family sitcom and realize that you agree with the parents more than the kids and that the kids are doing stupid and reckless behavior.

You realize how far you have to scroll down to find your birth year in a drop-down menu.

You make “getting up” and “sitting down” noises.

You need to start googling words and slang people are using because you have no idea what LOL means.

“Celebrities” are advertising on TV and you have no idea who they are.

Going out on a Friday or Saturday night feels more like a hassle than fun.

All of your favorite bands have retired.

The music you used to listen to is now playing in an elevator

Seinfeld debuted more than 30 years ago.

E.T. phoned home 40 years ago.

The Karate Kid is now older than Mr. Miyagi.

Mick Jagger is a great-grandfather.

And finally, perhaps the worst sign, when a hangover lasts days not hours!

PUBLISHER

David Butler

EDITORIAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Kathi Williams 912.399.8797

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Abbi Carter Gravino

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Terry McCarthy 912.399.3699

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Julie Andrew 912.269.0476

ADVERTISING SALES

Yolanda O’Hern Senior Account Manager 770.490.3348

Molly Duckworth Regional Media Sales 912.506.1115

Melissa Spearman Account Representative 912.248.1165

Todd Baker Real Estate Manager 912.506.3625

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Richard Hathaway

Bonnie Springer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lindy Cofer

Laura Angela Photography

Joe Loehle Photography

ON THE COVER:

Wading birds like these great egrets are just some of the wide variety of wildlife you’ll see when visiting Little St. Simons Island or many of the other spots we suggest for day trips in this issue.

Cover photo by Joe Loehle Photography

Elegant IslandLiving is published monthly. Reproduction of any photographs, artwork, or copy prepared by Elegant Island Living is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. The advertisers and publisher are not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. All electronic files submitted to Elegant Island Living become property of the magazine. ©2024 Elegant Island Living P.O. Box 21763 St. Simons Island, GA 31522. All Rights Reserved.

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Daytrippin'

With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, we’re eager to get out and stretch our legs. Let’s shake off any winter doldrums and declare this our time to explore. Walk on the beach, ride bikes around the island, wander the St. Simons Land Trust’s nature trails, or take a paddle in our waterways to enjoy what’s right here in our own backyard. Go ahead and plan your out of state Spring Break trips to for the first week in April when the kids are out of school, but right now, take some time to stop and smell the azaleas. Here are some ideas for day trips and weekend getaways that allow you to view different vistas and discover new attractions while keeping close to home. Just gas up the car and go!

L i fe isonebig trip, makeitall w o r t h t .edireh

Jekyll Island

WHETHER YOU WANT TO DO SOME BIRDWATCHING, WALK ON UNIQUE BEACHES, PLAY GOLF, OR SEE WHERE THE MILLIONAIRES USED TO PLAY IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY, JEKYLL ISLAND OFFERS ALL THAT AND MORE WITH JUST A QUICK DRIVE SOUTH AND ACROSS THE SIDNEY LANIER BRIDGE.

This 55,000-acre island owned by the State of Georgia boasts approximately 10 miles of beaches and 22 miles of walking/ biking trails. By legislative mandate, 65% of the island must remain in its natural state to preserve its ecosystem as a barrier island.

Guided nature walks are an excellent way to be introduced to the natural beauty of Jekyll Island. The 4-H Tidelands Nature Center offers scheduled nature walks from March through October and nature walks by appointment year-round. Reservations are required. For more information, call 912.635.5032 or visit georgia4h.org and choose 4-H Tidelands Nature Center under the 4-H Centers tab. Tidelands also offers an Exhibit Gallery, open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., where visitors can see live animals native to the Georgia coast including fish, stingrays, crabs, snakes, alligators, gopher tortoises, and turtles.

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a must-see for anyone visiting Jekyll Island for the first time. Approximately 150,000 visitors pass through the doors of Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation center annually and GSTC has provided care for more than 3,000 patients of different sea turtle species and other coastal wildlife. The center, now

under the leadership of director Michelle Kaylor, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offers the public an opportunity to learn about sea turtles through interactive exhibits and see rehabilitation in action with patients in large tanks and a view into the hospital area. The center also hosts behind the scenes tours and summer beach programs that include dawn and night patrol ride-alongs as well as sunrise and evening turtle walks. The beach programs will resume in June. For more information about the center, visit jekyllisland.com/gtsc. This spring you can support the work of GSTC by participating in the Turtle Crawl Race 5K, 10K, or 1K Fun Run on April 27. Registration is now open at runsignup.com.

A visit to Horton Pond is another terrific way to spot some wildlife in its natural habitat. This popular spot for observing alligators, turtles, ducks, and a wide array of birds is always a great place to bring your camera. Many of the pond’s occupants can often be seen sunning themselves on the platform or floating lazily across the water.

While Great Dunes Beach and the Beach Village shopping and dining area draw families looking for a day of fun in the sun and surf, Driftwood Beach is the most recognized beach on Jekyll Island. Often called

Goodyear Cottage

“nature’s sculpture garden,” Driftwood Beach is a unique stretch of shoreline with skeletal trees rising from the sand. While this spot is popular for weddings, photographers, and other visitors any time of day, it’s even more magical at night for stargazing opportunities.

A stroll through the Historic District will take you to the always picturesque Jekyll Island Club Resort with its croquet lawn and immaculate grounds. The rooms and interior at the resort have been newly refreshed and they are excited to be reopening the Grand Dining Room and The Wharf with fresh new menus. Learn more about the island’s past and the cottages built in Millionaire Village during the Jekyll Island Club’s heyday by visiting Mosaic, the Jekyll Island museum, and taking a Landmark Trolley Tour or ride in style in a 1930s Model T replica like one of the original Club members in a private Millionaire Motorcar Tour.

Don’t miss Goodyear Cottage in the Historic District. This is the home of Jekyll Island Arts Association and the site where the 49th Annual Jekyll Island Arts Festival will take place Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10. This free, family-friendly festival includes a juried art show in the gallery, festival and pottery sales, daily artist demonstrations, interactive DIY youth and adult art opportunities, food vendors, bake sale, raffle, and music. The juried art will remain on display in the gallery through March 30. As part of the festival, the Jekyll Island Car Show will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to all makes and models. For more information, visit jekyllartists.com or email jekyllartists@gmail.com.

If that isn’t enough, there are four golf courses, a mini-golf course, and the Summer Waves water park open to provide wet and wild fun for the family during the summer. And while we’ve suggested Jekyll Island as a day trip destination, there’s nothing to say you can’t stay longer!

Jekyll Island Club Resort

Little St. Simons Island

A TRULY DREAMY DAYTRIP IS AN ESCAPE TO LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND. THIS 11,000-ACRE ISLAND WHERE NATURE IS THE LUXURY PROVIDES THE PERFECT PLACE TO STEP AWAY FROM EVERYDAY HUSTLE AND BUSTLE. WITH A LANDSCAPE THAT IS VIRTUALLY UNTOUCHED, GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY, AND NATURALIST-LED ADVENTURES, YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE!

Garden & Gun named The Lodge at Little St. Simons Island as one of its "Five Out-of-the-Way Spring Break Escapes” in a 2016 list updated in 2023. They described the destinations chosen as “remote Southern retreats to help you unwind and unplug.” They cited the island’s more than ten thousand acres of virtually untouched maritime forests, marshlands, and pristine private beaches with cabins and cottages that blend into the natural landscape as its highly attractive features. “Reachable only by boat, the property sleeps just thirty-two guests, so you’ll never feel crowded. You can rent single rooms in one of the larger lodges; reserve a private detached cottage; or if you’re really after a little R&R, you can book the entire island.”

Little St. Simons Island was privately owned since 1760 and used as a family retreat from 1908 until opened to the public in 1979. This pristine barrier island is accessible exclusively by a 15-minute boat ride from Hampton River Marina on the north end of St. Simons Island and is truly a nature lover’s paradise. The Lodge on Little St. Simons offers activityfilled day trips, as well as gracious all-inclusive accommodations for overnight stays in six charming and comfortable cottages, with superb family style dining, and genuine Southern hospitality. The recreational activities led by the island’s phenomenal staff of naturalists include birding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, interpretive tours, beachcombing, fishing, and swimming. And although the Lodge at Little

*Where nature is the luxury

St. Simons Island has won numerous hospitality awards, the number one attraction has always been the Island itself.

If you can spend more time than just a day, some special programs offered on Little St. Simons during the year include three-, four-, or seven- night Spring Birding Days packages April 18-25, a three-day Shark Workshop in June, Turtle Days with evening beach walks in the summer months, and Fall Birding Days packages in September. These all-inclusive programs feature guest ornithologists with insight on bird migration and the abundance of species that flock to the area, shark biologists who offer the unique experience of involving your family in research, including taking and recording data, handling and tagging

sharks. These incredible opportunities are unforgettable for all ages and are available on Little St. Simons Island thanks to the foresight of conservation organizations who have long recognized the importance of the Island’s natural, intact habitats, and healthy populations of rare and threatened wildlife. In 2015, the owners of Little St. Simons Island donated a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy on the entire 11,000+ acre Island. This easement ensures that the preservation efforts that have been practiced by the Island’s owners for many years will be permanent and experiences like these can continue to be offered to visitors. For more information about day trips, overnight accommodations, and special packages, visit littlestsimonsisland.com.

Roseate Spoonbill

Darien

TAKE A DAY TO DISCOVER DARIEN. ESTABLISHED AS A PORT AND OUTPOST ON THE ALTAMAHA RIVER

BY SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS

IN 1736, THIS SERENE SPOT TO OUR NORTH IS RICH IN HISTORY AND CURRENT EFFORTS TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THAT HISTORY ARE EVIDENT AT EVERY TURN.

Awalk along the waterfront offers the sight of docked shrimp boats that have been at the very core of life here and reveals the tabby ruins of the warehouses and other buildings that used to line the river.

Of particular note is the current restoration and revitalization of the Adam Strain Building on Broad Street. Currently surrounded by scaffolding, this former waterfront warehouse was built circa. 1815 and is one of the last intact tabby structures in coastal Georgia as well as one of the only buildings to survive the Burning of Darien during the Civil War. The building utilized a method of construction developed in McIntosh County by Thomas Spalding. Long abandoned and dilapidated to the point of danger, the Strain Building and the adjacent one-story building built circa. 1889 known as the Old Darien Bank were purchased in 2020 and restoration was begun by Ethos Preservation. Once restoration is complete the venue will serve as an event space and nanobrewery.

Keep up with the remarkable progress being made on the building by following The Revitalization of the Adam Strain page on Facebook.

Just a few blocks away is the new kid in town, Oaks on the River Resort. This boutique resort stands as a testament to the dream of its founder, Art Lucas, to revitalize a portion of Darien’s historic riverfront bluff into a beacon of luxury and local economic potential. Since its inception, the resort has remained grounded in its roots while offering the best in modern hospitality. From a stunning bar top hewn from an aged oak on Lucas’ own property to an in-house gallery showcasing curated works of art from talented Coastal Georgia artists there is unity of past, present, and place. In addition to the exquisite accommodations at Oaks on the River, it also offers an indulgent, full-service spa menu in a luxurious facility dedicated to your heath and wellness. For an unparalleled dining experience, you’ll want to enjoy the captivating waterfront view and mouthwatering culinary creations of The Oaks Club & Cedar Bar. Make

your day trip a day of pampering and book a Spa Day package at Oaks on the River to enjoy spa services and get a taste of what the restaurant has to offer. They’re offering 10% off the package to our readers if you call 833.550.OAKS and use the special phrase “day trip” when you book. (See page 39 for details.) To see other services, restaurant menus, and accommodations, visit oaksontheriverresort.com.

Another historic structure that has received a facelift and a new home in downtown Darien outside the Old Jail Art Center is the Kit Jones. “She is 60 feet long, 17 feet wide, 18 feet tall, and weighs 60,000lbs. She’s a historic, wood-hull vessel built on Sapelo Island, GA and launched March 1939 by island owner and tobacco company heir R.J. Reynolds, Jr. Her name is Kit Jones.” The Kit was uniquely constructed of native heart pine and live oak timbers which were harvested and milled on Sapelo and using blueprints by esteemed yacht designers, Sparkman & Stephens of New York. Assisting in the construction, under the direction of Danish

numerous Sapelo residents of Geechee Gullah heritage. Over her lifetime on the water, she served as a tugboat, a ferry that provided a lifeline to the mainland for the more than 500 residents of Sapelo Island, a freight hauler, a fireboat during her military service in World War II, and an important research vessel for the UGA Marine Institute and the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. And she just happens to be named for Katherine Talbott Jones, wife of R.J. Reynolds, Jr.’s friend, Alfred W. (Bill) Jones.

If you haven’t been to Fort King George State Historic Site lately, not only do they offer regular guided tours of Georgia’s first fort on Sundays, but they have also been hosting some wonderful new living history programs on Saturdays that are both entertaining and educational. The Scottish Heritage Days event is open to the public with paid regular admission fee on Saturday, March 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This annual celebration of the heritage of Darien’s founders includes Scottish

Kit Jones outside of the Old Jail Art Center

Adam Strain Building

Fort King George Historic Site

living history demonstrations, musket and cannon firings, blacksmithing, carpentry, cooking, music and more. Don your tartan and join the fun.

Another must-do during any day trip to Darien is a stop at Sugar Marsh Cottage. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., this small batch artisan confectionary can be found in a circa. 1935 historic home at Franklin Steet on lovely Vernon Square. Their luxury artisan milk and dark chocolates and signature seashell shaped shortbread cookies have won awards, but they are only part of a collection that includes gourmet bon bons handcrafted in unique flavor combinations using regionally sourced ingredients like Richland Rum, divine buttery rich Fleur de Sel toffee, and other cottage specialties. Gift boxes are offered and can be customized. And the best part? You can taste samples while you browse!

If you feel a need to walk off any extra calories consumed with a nature walk, head a little further north to nearby Townsend to walk/hike the 20 miles of trails at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Spring is prime time for birdwatching as wintering species like ducks and bald eagles may linger and migratory birds and summer residents arrive. Commonly spotted are snowy egrets, great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, ibis and wood storks will be beginning to nest as well. Other species of wildlife from alligators to armadillos and white-tailed deer to whiting all inhabit the refuge and there are excellent viewing opportunities year-round. For more information about Harris Neck, visit fws.gov/refuge/harris-neck.

For a day trip that captures a quintessentially Darien event, plan to visit during the 56th Annual Blessing of the Fleet. Festivities on the historic riverfront begin at 4:00 p.m. on April 5 and continue through 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7. There will be arts, crafts, a vendor village, food trucks, car show, parade, and live music to enjoy while celebrating Darien’s heritage and its beloved shrimping fleet. Scheduled performers on Friday night are Derrick Flowers and The Pine Box Dwellers. On Saturday night Kyle Turner Band will open for SkynFolks, the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band. The boat parade and blessing take place on Sunday afternoon. It’s a fun festival for all ages. For a detailed schedule of events, visit mcintoshchamber.com.

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Sugar Marsh Cottage

*One

ISapelo Island

SAPELO ISLAND IS THE FOURTH LARGEST COASTAL GEORGIA BARRIER ISLAND BETWEEN THE SAVANNAH AND MARYS RIVERS, SAPELO ISLAND IS A NATURAL HABITAT OF PINE AND HARDWOOD FORESTS, SALT MARSH, OVER TWO MILES OF WIDE, SANDY BEACHES MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

ornately decorated Circus Room, Game Room with billiards and table tennis, bowling lane, a library that houses volumes from Reynolds’ private collection, and other interesting and memorable architectural details. There are multiple options for guided tours offered that highlight these points of interest on Sapelo, as well as Nanny Goat Beach and the iconic restored 1920 lighthouse.

16,006-acre island, the DNR operates the passenger ferry service that provides the only access to Sapelo, the R.J. Reynolds Mansion and Cabretta Pioneer Campground where overnight stays for groups are permitted. They also serve as state liaison for the 6,110-acre Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, the University of Georgia Marine Institute, and the Gullah community of Hog Hammock, the permanent home of approximately 70 full-time residents, many of whom are descendants of the enslaved workers on Sapelo's antebellum plantations.

The original Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo was yet another tabby structure designed and built by Thomas Spalding, the architect, statesman and plantation owner who purchased the south end of the island in 1802. It was the manor house for Spalding Plantation from 1810 until the Civil War, when it was damaged by Union attack and fell into ruin. Detroit automotive pioneer and eventual Sea Island founder Howard Coffin purchased and rebuilt the mansion in 1912. The mansion changed hands again in 1934 when tobacco heir Richard Reynolds purchased the property and allowed the University of Georgia to use the facilities for marine research. Reynolds died in 1964 and the Georgia DNR obtained the mansion and most of the island in 1975. The unusual mansion features marble sculptures, murals by Athos Menaboni, an

To visit this pristine 12-mile-long barrier island, you must make advance reservations for the ferry from the dock at the Mainland Visitors Center in Meridian by calling 912.437.3224. The Visitors Center is open from 7:30-5:30 Tuesday through Saturday and is closed Sunday and Monday.

Gullah Geechee Master Sweetgrass Basket Weaver

*Largest

Cumberland Island

CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE IS THE STATE’S

LARGEST AND SOUTHERNMOST BARRIER ISLAND AND IS ACCESSIBLE BY FERRY FROM ST. MARYS.

Once voted "Best Wilderness Beach" by the Travel Channel, Cumberland Island offers 18-miles of secluded white, sandy beaches and windswept dunes, centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, crushed shell paths, and an abundance of wildlife untouched by the outside world. The Georgian Revival-style mansion known as Plum Orchard and the dramatic Dungeness ruins where wild horses and other island wildlife roam freely are its main attractions. The Greyfield Inn offers timeless luxury accommodations.

Over half of Cumberland is protected wilderness. Many miles of trails provide excellent access to expansive salt marshes and tidal estuaries as well as dense oak, palmetto, and pine forests, freshwater sloughs, and long sand dune ridges that provide for thriving plant and animal communities of great diversity, including wild horses, turkeys, alligators, deer, armadillos, and a plethora of coastal birds At least 4,000 years of human history are revealed through relics buried in the island’s soil. From the Aboriginal shell mounds that line the island’s marsh side, to remnants of Spanish mission churches, British military outposts, African slave villages and antebellum plantation homes that have almost completely disappeared, they tell the island’s story.

The historic Dungeness ruins seem the best place to begin. The origin of the name of these ruins traces all the way back to General James

Oglethorpe who established a hunting lodge called Dungeness on Cumberland Island along with two forts, Fort William on the southern point and Fort Andrews on the north end. Following the defeat of the Spanish in the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742, the now superfluous forts were abandoned, and the village vanished as well, leaving Cumberland virtually uninhabited. Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene became owner of the property in the 1783 and began building a small home for he and his wife Catharine before his untimely death in 1786. When Catherine married Greene’s former plantation manager Phineas Miller in 1796, they expanded that house into a four-story mansion which Catharine called Dungeness after Oglethorpe’s hunting lodge. The Millers grew Sea Island cotton, indigo, rice, and oranges. Phineas died in 1803 and Catherine died in 1814, and the plantation continued to run under daughter Louisa Shaw’s care until her death in 1831. Used as a garrison for Union soldiers during the Civil War, the Millers’ Dungeness burned down in 1866.

The Gilded Age changed everything. Following a visit to Cumberland Island where they were captivated by its beauty, Thomas Carnegie (Andrew’s brother) and his wife Lucy decided to make it their winter home. Thomas purchased land on the island that included the site of the former Dungeness mansion and in the years that followed not only did the Carnegies build the structure that expanded into a 59-room

Greyfield Inn

mansion, but they also purchased most of the island by 1886. Tragically, Thomas died from typhoid fever in 1886 and never saw the completion of Dungeness. Lucy finished the home and made it her family’s permanent residence. She then had homes built for her children, including Stafford Mansion, Plum Orchard, and Greyfield House. Lucy died in 1916 and the family moved out of Dungeness in 1925 due to its costly upkeep. A massive fire of mysterious origin destroyed Dungeness in 1959. Today, Cumberland’s wild horses and other island wildlife roam freely throughout the ruins and along the beach.

Visitors can take a free tour of the 22,000 square foot mansion known as Plum Orchard. The home was originally built for George Lauder Carnegie and his new wife Margaret Thaw. Construction of the Georgia Revival style mansion designed by Peabody & Stearns began in 1898, with several additions to the house were made through 1906. The house served as the couple's primary winter residence until George passed away in 1921. Soon after his death, his younger sister Nancy made it her home following her marriage to the island doctor, Dr. Marius Johnston, in 1924. After Dr. Johnston died, Margaret auctioned off many of the original furnishings from Plum Orchard. Nancy did move many furniture items to Plum Orchard from Dungeness, saving these pieces from the eventual fire that consumed that house in 1959. On display are the architecture, furnishings, and machinery that made operation of Plum Orchard possible. The tour will give you a glimpse into Edwardian High

Society at the turn of the 20th century and the importance of recreation, indulgence, and rejuvenation in nature. Further exploration tells the story of a family who valued the island, and their time spent with friends and family.

Greyfield Inn is the sole commercial establishment on Cumberland Island. Built in 1890 for Thomas and Lucy Carnegie’s daughter, Margaret Ricketson, the home was converted to an inn in 1964 by Margaret’s daughter, Lucy R. Ferguson, and her family. The Carnegie family still oversees the property, where the furnishings and style remain true to its history, and the inn exudes the romance and luxury of a grand hotel with the hospitality and charm of a family home. Greyfield Inn offers 15 comfortable rooms in the main house and two additional cottages. The inn’s cozy fireplaces and breezy, shaded veranda make it an especially attractive year-round travel destination. The library, dinner bell, and a serve-yourself bar invite guests to gather together and feel at home. The 1.5-acre Greyfield Garden supplies a bounty of fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, honey, and even fresh cut flowers, making each meal at the inn a truly authentic farm-to-table experience. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks included in your stay at Greyfield, you’ll feel just as pampered as the Carnegies of the Gilded Age. To book a stay, visit greyfieldinn.com. To visit Cumberland Island National Seashore without a stay at Greyfield and to plan your ferry trip from St. Marys, visit nps.gov/cuis or call 912.882.4335.

St. Marys Island

Learn about the history and culture of the area by following the St. Marys History Walk, a 600-foot walking trail with 24 interpretive panels of information. Start at the corner of Barlett Street and W. St. Marys Street. This is also where you’ll find Oak Grove Cemetery. For more history, there’s the St. Marys Submarine Museum, a site that joins St. Simons’ own World War II Home Front Museum as a stop on the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail. Walking tours are offered to help acquaint visitors with the town’s iconic landmarks. If you’re more of a DIY person, you can pick up a self-guided tour brochure at the Mainland Visitor Center. This is also where to check in for Cumberland ferry reservations.

The Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum is also located on the mainland in St. Marys. Free and open daily, the museum has displays of artifacts representing daily life of the people who influenced the

HISTORIC ST. MARYS IS THE GATEWAY TO CUMBERLAND ISLAND BUT OFFERS NUMEROUS ATTRACTIONS AND FUN ACTIVITIES OF ITS OWN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

island’s history throughout thousands of years. Exhibits span from Timucuan Culture through the Colonial, Plantation and Industrialist Eras and highlight significant events and sites of regional significance like Dungeness and the Greene-Miller Plantation, First African Baptist Church, and the War of 1812’s “Forgotten Invasion.”

Beyond the Historic District and ample opportunities to eat and shop, there’s St. Mary’s Waterfront Park for enjoying sunset strolls, live music, and other community events. For more recreational activity, take the 11-mile bike and multi-use path known as St. Marys Tabby Trail from the Waterfront Park to Crooked River State Park where there are nature trails through maritime forest and salt marsh. St. Mary’s Aquatic Center with pools, water playground, lazy river, and water slide provides splashtastic fun from May through September.

Savannah

WHEN GENERAL JAMES OGLETHORPE AND THE 120 PASSENGERS WHO ACCOMPANIED HIM ON THE GOOD SHIP “ANNE” LANDED ON A BLUFF HIGH ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER IN 1733, THE RECORDED HISTORY OF SAVANNAH BEGAN.

colony of Georgia, named for England’s King George II, was founded by Oglethorpe as the 13th and final American colony. Savannah became America’s first planned city, laid out in a series of grids with wide open streets intertwined with public and parks as common and commercial areas. If you know the Historic Downtown Brunswick and are familiar with the parks known as signature squares, you’re aware that our city was the same manner.

original 24 squares that made up the city, 22 of those squares and make up Savannah’s Historic Landmark District, which is by picturesque Forsyth Park to the south and the Savannah the north. Some of these squares are more well-known than Chippewa Square is where Forrest Gump sat on the bench

at the bus stop. A replica of that bench is on display at the Savannah History Museum. Another spot made famous by film (and THE book) is Monterey Square, the site of the Mercer-Williams House Museum and Carriage Shop, a key location in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Telfair Square is home to the oldest art museum in the South, Telfair Academy (where the Bird Girl now resides), its contemporary sister museum, the Jepson Center, and Telfair Children’s Art Museum. Also similar to Brunswick, Savannah has a Victorian District located just south of the Historic District with approximately 50 blocks of elaborate and colorful Victorian homes with wraparound porches and fabulous details that make them look like real-life gingerbread houses. Between homes like this and the stunning neo-Gothic Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, architecture enthusiasts will have an absolute field day in Savannah.

St.

*Named one of the “world’s friendliest cities” by Condé Nast Traveler

If shopping is what you’d like to do for the day, you’ll want to explore the pedestrian-only City Market which features boutiques, galleries, and shops offering sweet treats, as well as restaurants to keep you fueled. Bull Street is also a popular place to pass the time and you’ll find plenty of places to keep you occupied between Victory Drive all the way north to the riverfront. The Downtown Design District is located between Gaston and Liberty Streets on Whitaker Street. Clothing boutiques, upscale consignment, interior design, and home décor shops beckon. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home artwork, jewelry, and other creations by SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) students at shopSCAD. Also be sure to treat yourself to a cone or cup at Leopold’s Ice Cream! A Savannah staple since 1919, this creamy treat in a wide variety of delicious and unique flavors, including the decadent chocolate bourbon caramel pecan combination of Savannah Socialite, is well-worth the wait in line on Broughton Street. Other sweet treats you may want to take home or give as gifts to commemorate time in Savannah are the tasty bites from Byrd Cookie Company and pralines from River Street Sweets.

Historic River Street is situated along the Savannah River in the location of the original Port of Savannah. In the 1700s this was the main location for goods coming into the city and by the mid-1800s Savannah was the leading exporter of cotton in the world. The four and five story buildings along the waterfront were cotton warehouses. A series of iron and concrete walkways between Bay Street and River Street connected the buildings to the bluff and are known as Factors Walk for the men who set the prices for cotton and other export. The hand-laid cobblestones that pave the slopes that lead from Bay Street down the bluff to River Street were originally used as ballast material on the many ships that sailed into Savannah’s harbor. The quartz, granite, basalt, chert, and other rocks collected by the ships from their initial locations, and exotic locations like Spain, France, Canada, and the British Isles, were deposited in Savannah when they unloaded, making them an affordable and abundant material and savvy craftsmen used them to build throughout the Historic District. The last cotton office on the waterfront closed in 1956 and the area was redeveloped in the 1970s to offer a variety of shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants.

One of the best ways to sightsee in Savannah is a ride on the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen, historic, restored riverboats that provide amazing views and the offer the luxury of a midday brunch or evening dinner while you enjoy the ride. The riverboat tours leave the dock right next to the exact location where General Oglethorpe first landed and head upriver, into the Port of Savannah, then turn around and head back under the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge and past the historic riverfront. The tours continue downriver passing the worldfamous Waving Girl, Florence Martus, through the shipyards and just past the tip of Hutchinson Island and Old Fort Jackson, where boat then circles back upriver to return to the dock. To see more about the cruises offered and purchase tickets, visit savannahriverboat.com.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Of course, no trip to Savannah would be complete without learning more about the tales of pirates and ghosts that are imbued in the very character of the city. A visit to the world-famous Pirate’s House restaurant provides you with a delicious meal in a historic tavern that was first opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers. Wooden ships, iron pirates and framed pages from an early edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island adorn the walls throughout the restaurant, but its most talked about feature might be its haunted rum cellar, accessible only by special tour. You’ll find numerous ghost tours offering you guided passage through the spectral and spooky haunts throughout Savannah. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stroll through the 100-acre Bonaventure Cemetery satisfies more than morbid curiosity when you pause to appreciate the beauty of its ornate, centuries-old gravestones and statuary.

If you’re a brave adventure-seeking bon vivant, make your day trip plans to include the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. Planned for the morning of Saturday, March 16, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in U.S., right behind New York City and Chicago. People come from all over the world to participate in this celebration of Irish heritage, marching bands, traditional dancers, and elaborate floats. Be prepared for a crowd though, because dedicated attendees camp out along the parade route, which begins at Gwinnett and Abercorn, to ensure they have the best views.

River Street

Bonaventure Cemetery

Tybee Island

THE SUNNY BARRIER ISLAND OF TYBEE ISLAND OFFERS A LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE WITH MORE THAN THREE MILES OF BEACHES ON WHICH TO FROLIC, SALT MARSHES AND NATURE TRAILS TO EXPLORE AND VIEW A WIDE ARRAY OF COASTAL WILDLIFE.

History and culture buffs will have plenty to keep them occupied with Fort Pulaski National Monument, the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. The Tybee Island Marine Science Center provides families with a chance to get up close and personal with marine life with touch tanks, observation decks, and a fun interactive playground. The Tybee Pier and Pavilion allows for a pleasant afternoon of people-watching if you’re not entranced by the waves and beautiful surroundings. For a more secluded experience, take a boat ride (or kayak or jet ski) across the Back River to Little Tybee Island – it’s a stunning spot for an intimate sunset picnic on your own private beach. Once designated as the “Best One Tank Trip” by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Tybee has much to offer day trip visitors.

While we may claim the St. Simons light as our favorite lighthouse due to hometown bias, Tybee Island’s light has the distinction of being Georgia’s oldest and tallest light. It is also one of America's most intact light stations, having all of its historic support buildings on its three-acre site. Ordered by Governor James Oglethorpe in 1732, the Tybee Island Light Station has been guiding mariners safely into the Savannah River for more than 285 years. Rebuilt several times, the current lighthouse displays its 1916 daymark (lighthouse without a light) with 178 steps and a First Order Fresnel lens. In 1790, the United States Lighthouse Establishment took over operation of the day-mark and turned it into a lighthouse. The 100-foottall brick and wood structure was lit for the first time in 1791. After much

of the tower was destroyed during the Civil War, it was rebuilt using the existing structure. This fireproof, first order light station is the structure that stands today. Although the lighthouse is currently under restoration and closed through March 13, the rest of the light station and museum are still open to visitors 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. For more information, visit tybeelighthouse.org.

Not far from the lighthouse on Meddin Drive is the Tybee Island Marine Science Center. A relatively new sprawling facility houses spacious galleries with live animal exhibits including loggerhead sea turtles, baby American alligators, a diamondback terrapin and several local fish, as well as a sea table touch tank filled with live sand dollars, sea stars, hermit crabs, and snails. Their Grey’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary exhibit offers visitors a chance to virtually experience the NOAA live-bottom reef without actually having to travel to the Gray’s Reef site 19 miles off the coast. The Marine Science Center also hosts beach walks, bird walks, marsh treks, sea camps for kids, and other programming for all ages that is designed to nurture a lasting love and responsible stewardship for the Georgia coast. For more information, visit tybeemarinescience.org.

Standing guard over the Savannah River for over 150 years, Fort Pulaski's heritage represents an important phase of the nation’s history and lives on in the stories of the people, places, and events that helped shape the imposing fortress. Fort Pulaski took approximately 18 years and $1

Tybee Island Lighthouse

million to build. Part of America’s ambitious Third System of coastal fortifications, the completed two-tier structure is a truncated hexagon that includes a demilune, moat, two powder magazines, and a large parade ground. With 7½ foot-thick solid brick walls backed by massive piers of masonry and surrounded by swampy marshes and the waters of the Savannah River, the fort was considered impregnable. A 30-hour bombardment of the fort using newly developed rifled cannons that had superior range and penetrating power proved that wrong. The restored fort stands today as a monument to that milepost in history when the power of technology and progress prevailed over a false sense of

indestructability. Learn more about the fort and get information to plan your visit at nps.gov/fopu.

If you’re looking for entertainment, Tybee Island also has a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Heritage Celebration, but theirs will held on Saturday, March 9, from 3:00-5:00 p.m., the procession of marchers, music, and floats will commence from Tybee City Hall. There are some fantastic concerts, movies, and other performances scheduled at Tybee Post Theater this spring. Visit their site at tybeeposttheater.org to see their calendar and get tickets to shows. Join the fun!

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Okefenokee Swamp

Every visit is an adventure, and you can choose your own based on which entrance you select. There is something for everyone! Explore by land or by water. There are opportunities for guided or self-guided tours, hiking, canoeing, fishing, observation and photography, education about Native American civilizations, pioneers and settlers, and local wildlife and waterways.

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge’s Suwannee Canal Recreation Area main entrance located in Folkston, is managed by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service. Here you can experience the beauty of the refuge in a stress-free way by following the paved Auto Tour Route, also known as Swamp Island Drive, hike one of several upland trails, or visit the Chesser Island Homestead and Boardwalk. The onsite concession service Okefenokee Adventures offers guided boat tours, canoe/kayak rentals, boat rentals, runs a gift shop, and food service. A living history museum, the Chesser Island Homestead showcases structural necessities of selfsufficient living in the resource-rich Okefenokee from the 1850s through the 1950s. Imagine what life would have been like for an early settler as

THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP IS NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST “BLACKWATER” SWAMP WITH 438,000 ACRES OF NATURAL SPLENDOR AND IS ACCESSIBLE VIA THREE UNIQUE SWAMP ENTRANCES.

you explore the grounds of the Homestead. Volunteer docents offer tours of the inside of the house seasonally. Educational programs are also offered.

The Stephen C. Foster State Park entrance east of Fargo is managed cooperatively between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. While there are also boat tours, fishing, canoe and motorboat rentals offered here to make a day trip fun, this is an even better spot for a NIGHT trip! Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, night sky observation conditions are ideal. Facilities including cabins, tent and RV campsites are available so you can easily plan an overnight stay. There are also interpretive programs at the park.

The Okefenokee Swamp Park entrance in Waycross is a private nonprofit facility. Boat and train tours and live animal shows are popular here. There are also interpretive displays and a boardwalk. You can see detailed information about all three locations and the experiences they offer online at visittheswamp.com or learn more at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at the Main Entrance.

While you can visit at any time, if you want to observe wildlife (namely the alligators), early morning or later in the evening are the best times to catch them up and moving around. Early morning trips are also best during summer months because it can be quite hot and buggy by the afternoon. It is a swamp, after all!

Day Trip Tips

WITH THIS GUIDE TO FUN DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, ALL YOU NEED NOW IS TO PICK ONE AND GET STARTED. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DAY.

1. DECIDE ON A THEME OR GOAL FOR THE TRIP. Are you looking for fun in the sun or would you rather step back in time? Would you like a close-up experience with wildlife or a day of shopping and self-care? Do you want a quiet escape or an energetic outing? All of these things influence what attractions and activities you’ll want to include at the location you choose.

2. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET. Determine in advance how much you want to spend for dining, admission fees, etc. and plan accordingly. Check for special days with reduced price or free admission or other discounts that might be available.

3. KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Don’t pack in too many activities in just because they’re offered. Focus on a few specific areas or attractions and get the most out of those. You can always plan another visit.

4. CHECK THE WEATHER. Rain and hot Georgia sun should factor into your plans and your attire for the day. Although sometimes unpredictable, weather forecasts can help you decide whether your activities should be indoor or outdoor. Sometimes you’ll enjoy the benefit of fewer crowds if you don’t mind a few sprinkles and dress accordingly!

5. SNACKS ARE ESSENTIAL. No explanation is necessary, but a cooler pack might be if you’re bringing items that might melt or spoil if sitting in a warm car.

6. KNOW WHAT TO PACK. Remember your phone charger or remote battery pack and appropriate USB cable. Make sure to have some cash on hand in case credit cards are not accepted. Pack sunscreen, insect repellant, and water no matter the weather or the destination. A blanket for picnics and towels to hit the beach or wipe off sandy feet are handy. Keeping a jacket and extra change of clothes and shoes in the car is never a bad idea.

7. MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS READY TO GO. Fuel up, check tire pressure, and have a flashlight and set of jumper cables in the trunk. Once upon a time, we’d suggest maps, but now we’ll just remind you to keep your phone charged.

8. BRING YOUR CAMERA. This too may be an outdated suggestion with today’s phone cameras, but for snapping nature shots or architectural details a real camera is best. Make sure your battery is charged and there’s plenty of room on your memory card.

9. BE FLEXIBLE. As we all know, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Don’t let it ruin your trip. Pivot.

10. TAKE HOME MEMORIES. Focus on enjoying the experience and the company of any travel companions. Remember, happiness is in the journey, not the destination.

ALL THAT JAZZ

By Richard Hathaway with Bonnie Springer

More than six decades of it! The Golden Isles’ own Phil Morrison has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 65 years with his creative and upbeat sound. To celebrate his 90th birthday, this prolific composer and bassist will be collaborating with several other accomplished musicians and special guest performers for a one-time concert at the historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick on March 17. Sharing the stage with Morrison will be Dr. Ken Trimmins, a Brunswick native now with Albany State University, on trumpet and Joe Watts of Jacksonville on piano/vocals/ trombone. Together with Jody Espina on saxophone, Clyde Connor on drums, and multi-percussionist Ekendra Das, they make up the Phil Morrison Ken Trimmins Jazz Collective. Each of these veteran performers are amazing musicians in their own right. An extra special treat for the afternoon will be the appearance of Morrison’s longtime friend, pianist Keith Williams, who is flying in from Japan to perform with the quintet at the celebration of this beloved local jazz treasure.

Throughout Morrison’s incredible career, he has been called to play music in Europe, China, Japan, Brazil, Honduras, and the Golden Isles which he has called home for the past 30 years. No matter where he is in the world, Morrison always makes a point of collaborating with the musicians he meets to play and compose together while embracing racial harmony and the oneness of humanity. The songs and essays on his website, philtrio. blogspot.com, showcase his varied thoughts and interests and reflect his life’s mission. Even his email sign-off reads “Striving to be of Service to Humanity by Promoting International Harmony Through Music.”

there and I was the co-captain of the basketball team with a Jewish boy.” He enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation and became a radio operator, training at Sampson Air Force Base in New York. When he was transferred to Keesler AF Base in Biloxi, Mississippi for nine months to continue his radio training, he encountered a whole new world view. Morrison’s time in the South exposed him to a different kind of education: that of segregation and the realities of the Jim Crow era. “I was amazed that signs in town said “colored” and “white.” It wasn’t like that in Boston.”

In May 1953, Morrison was posted to Shiroi AF Base in occupied Japan, and it was there that his love of jazz blossomed. While he was learning the rhythms of Morse Code for the military a friend was also teaching him drumbeats on an upside-down metal ashtray. When Morrison was discharged in 1956, he took the skills he had learned back to Boston and took lessons on a more complete set of drums while he worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. After playing drums in Boston jazz clubs in the 1950s, he then learned the acoustic bass. “They always seemed to need a bass player, so I learned,” he explains. By the late 1950’s Morrison was able to quit his job with the post office to play jazz full time and continue to hone his acoustic bass skills.

Born and raised as one of six children in Boston, Massachusetts, Morrison attended Roxbury Memorial High School, an integrated school at the time, graduating in 1952. “There were Irish, Jews and Blacks

In 1961, Morrison moved to Hawaii, playing a regular gig at Waikiki Beach hotels for two years. Through the kindness shown to him by Hawaiian members there, as opposed to many Hawaiians he had experienced who looked down on American Blacks, he learned about the Bah’i faith. The kindness represented by this faith and its emphasis on world peace and racial unity were tenets he appreciated and adopted into his own life. When he returned to Boston at the end of 1963, he carried his interest in that faith with him.

Phil and Keith - Beijing Olympics

Playing at the Ritz

Phil Morrison Trio

Morrison’s growth as a musician flourished between 1963 and 1978. He founded the band Stark Reality, toured with blues pioneer T-Bone Walker, and began composing his own songs. Stark Reality, founded with Monty Stark, was an eclectic and psychedelic fusion band that cut one double album in 1970, The Stark Reality Discovers Hoagy Carmichael's Music Shop. A version of this music, adopted from Hoagy Carmichael’s album of children’s music, played during the opening and closing on WGBH TV’s Children’s Hour which was a precursor to Sesame Street. Although short-lived, Stark Reality enjoyed resurgent interest in 2005 when the Black-Eyed Peas sampled Stark Reality’s song “Comrade” on their Monkey Business CD.

In 1972, renowned blues composer and player T-Bone Walker invited Morrison to join his band during an engagement in Boston when he needed a rhythm section. This led to a yearlong European and Canadian tour, backing up Big Mamma Thornton and playing the American Folk Blues Festival in Europe. Later that same year, Morrison joined with friend and fellow Baha’i Keith Williams to form a loose confederation, the New World Generation, that wrote songs about injustice and the oneness of humanity. For six years they played gigs around Boston and spent months performing in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 1978, Freddy Cole, the youngest brother of Nat King Cole, invited Morrison to tour with his band in England and Brazil where Morrison met Helo Pineiro, the famous “Girl from Ipanema,” and even co-wrote another song about her with Williams. Playing with Freddy Cole eventually led Morrison to move to Atlanta where Cole had his base. He stayed in Atlanta for 13 years, playing and touring with Freddy Cole until 1983, and then joined the Paul Mitchell Trio, playing at Dante’s Down the Hatch and the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, among other Atlanta spots. During this time, he reconnected with Williams who had moved to Atlanta and led his own trio, The Brothers 3, also playing at Dante’s Down the Hatch.

The Golden Isles finally drew Morrison to its shores in the early 1990s, when Sea Island called him to be part of their house band. He moved here and played with the Sea Island band for two years before forming the Phil Morrison Trio with Keith Williams, who had moved to Brunswick.

Patrons of J. Mac’s will recall them as the main band for the restaurant for many years.

As fate would have it, Morrison and Williams were invited to play extended gigs at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Osaka, Japan and the J. W. Marriott in Shanghai, China from the late 1990s into the 21st century. During breaks from those gigs, they made regular trips home to the Golden Isles, playing Jazz in the Park and other venues while here.

In 2008, they had the incredible distinction of being asked to write an official song for the Beijing Olympics. They were also invited to play during the Olympics festivities, an amazing honor for American musicians.

Wanting to bring a taste of Asia back home, Morrison and Williams invited a musician friend they had met in China, Xiao Hui Ma, who was featured on the soundtrack for the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, to play with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, an amateur group at the time. Later, trumpeter Trimmins invited Morrison and Williams to play with him in Honduras during his time there as a type of ambassador. These collaborations illustrate their vision for enriching the lives of different people by bringing everyone together. The Morrison and Williams collaboration essentially disbanded when Williams married Kaori Yamada, a Japanese woman he had met when playing at the Ritz Carlton Osaka and returned to California to care for his mother. Williams ultimately moved to Japan in 2012.

As Morrison evolved, he focused more on his vision of world harmony, even naming one of his bands the World Unity Jazz Ensemble, which included members of a variety of races from America, China, Japan, and Brazil. He quietly tries to make a difference and continues sharing his vision of the unity of mankind through his music, such as his song about 9/11, “When the World Came Together.” These days, Morrison can be found playing with the Darien Cabaret on varied Thursday nights at The Studio in Darien, an intimate venue unique for a small Southern town because of its mixture of race, age and feeling of congeniality. The trio also performs during Wednesday Jazz Nights at the newly opened SchroGro Community Restaurant & Bar in downtown Brunswick. He also continues to play gigs at Sea Island, and in Savannah and St. Augustine.

Morrison’s beautiful music and inclusionary vision continues to call us to fulfill our better selves and to work towards peace, justice, and unity for all. The March 17th concert celebrating Morrison’s 90 years of a life well lived at its core is not really about him, but about the music he has given us all as a gift over the years. Please plan to attend the concert at 3:00 p.m. on March 17 at Ritz Theatre to join this joyous event as Morrison brings together friends and colleagues from different chapters of his incredible career to share with our community. Tickets are available now at goldenislesarts.org. It will undoubtedly be an afternoon of jazz to remember!

Phil and Keith in Japan

SchroGlo

DIXON BENEFIT GROUP EXPANDS

Pamela Dixon, a trusted and licensed Medicare insurance agent in the Golden Isles, proudly announces the expansion of her agency, Dixon Benefit Group. Dixon and her agency specialize in health plans to complement your Medicare and the number of community members reaching out to her for expertise has grown exponentially. To give each new and current customer the level of care they deserve, Dixon added a member to her team: her son-in-law, Josh Wilkerson. He answers customer calls, schedules personal consultation appointments, and completes customer-requested drug plan reviews. As a licensed Medicare insurance agent, Wilkerson is authorized to offer health plans with additional carriers, as well as vision, dental, and hearing plans. For the last 5 years, Dixon has been ranked among UnitedHealthcare’s Top 2% of Medicare agents in America and she is frequently sought out to speak at retirement planning seminars for local corporations. Visit dixonbenefitgroup.com or call 912.269.4755.

SALTWATER BOYS CO. OPENS FIRST RETAIL STORE

Feeling that quality boys clothing was underrepresented, Laci Hewett created a collection of coastal lifestyle inspired designs that young boys could live in and love. She started by selling T-shirts to friends and moms groups and was quickly approached to wholesale her merchandise to showrooms in Dallas and Atlanta. She soon landed Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf store in the world, and expanded Saltwater Boys Co. from there. Laci’s wish is that knowing the humble origins of Saltwater helps female entrepreneurs everywhere recognize that the sky is the limit for anyone who is willing move forward and realize their dream. The new retail location for Saltwater Boys Co. is open at 50 Aviator Plaza, Ste 105, not far from the thriving wholesale business. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. saltwaterboysco.com.

WELCOME TO YOUR ULTIMATE GOLF DESTINATION

Fitted Fairways Golf Studio is a premier indoor golf experience located on St. Simons Island. The studio is dedicated to providing golfers of all levels with an exceptional fitting, teaching, and play experience. Their mission is to share a passion for golf with everyone. Owner and Founder, Michael Morgan says, “We want to help people love the game and make the most of their experience. Indoor golf has opened the doorway to even more ways to enjoy the sport and we want to be a place for you to get that exposure. Everything from learning the game, custom fit equipment, competitions, to family fun. We hope you enjoy all we have to offer and share the experience with others.” Please visit the golf studio located at 1624 Frederica Rd., Unit 5A. Private events offered. Contact 912.357.3877 or info@fittedfairways.com. fittedfairways.com.

CALLING YOUNG ANGLERS

St. Simons Bait & Tackle is hosting a Summer Long Fishing Extravaganza for youth ages 17 and under – split into two categories: 10 and under (can be assisted by adult), and 11-17 (must bait, cast, and reel in solo). Longest catch wins in categories that include whiting, trout, flounder, blue crab, stingray, sheepshead, and more. The tournament begins March 1 and runs through September 2. $30 registration fee enters participant in every catch category. No deadline for registration – you can sign up all the way to the last day of the tournament. You’ll receive a tape measure and tournament certificate for your catch photos plus a raffle ticket. Fishing locations include SSI and Jekyll (land or pier). Each category winner will receive a PENN Battle III combo. Turn photos in to ssibaitshop@gmail.com or 912.270.1271. Come by the bait shop and sign up!

CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER

Do you love to eat comfort food? Then Chubs Diner at 203 Edwards Plaza on St. Simons Island is the place to be! Now under new ownership and open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Chub’s is a favorite among residents, with many customers visiting twice a day to satisfy their hunger. It’s obvious why. Their extensive served-allday menu options offer something for everybody, from sweet and fluffy pancakes to mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks and cauliflower keto hash browns to thick chocolate shakes. Fulfilling cravings is the mission for this family-owned eatery. The food is made to order with a loving touch and served with a smile in a classically charming environment. They even have convenient grab-and-go items! Come visit and “Get your grub at Chubs.” To view the menu online, go to chubsdiner.com and follow @ChubsDinerSSI on Instagram and TikTok.

COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNIZED

Keep Golden Isles Beautiful recently honored local businesses and community members at a Volunteer Recognition breakfast. The 45-year-old educational non-profit depends on volunteer effort, community/government partners and financial supporters to further community betterment activities, projects, and initiatives. Awards presented for calendar year 2023: Community Partner of the Year/Non-Profit, New Beginning Fellowship; Community Partner of the Year/Profit, King and Prince Hotel & Golf Resort; Outstanding Public Service/City Government, Jeff Faletto; Outstanding Public Service/County Government, Larry Little; Outstanding Elected Official, Brunswick City Commissioner Johnny Cason; Pittenger Environmental Steward of the Year, Logan Zimmerman; Horizon Award, UGA Friends & Family; Shining Star Award, Dr. Matthew Mosley; Hindery Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer of the Year Award, Omega Psi Phi, Inc., Lambda Tau Chapter; Bootsie Mason Award of Excellence, Cheston Broomell. In 2023, residents and visitors volunteered with KGIB 5,345 times for a combined 9082 volunteer hours, 741 litter cleanups, removing 64 tons of litter. kbgib.com.

LILLIAN’S LEGACY

CASA Glynn invites you to join them at The Cloister on March 27 for their annual Luncheon and Fashion Show. This year’s program is dedicated to former Board Chair Lillian Clarke who was at the fundraiser’s helm when it began 28 years ago and grew it to what it is today. A steadfast helper, and loyal supporter of CASA Glynn who held many roles in the organization, Lillian was fiercely dedicated to helping the most vulnerable children in our community, those who were abused and neglected. She touched the lives of a massive number of people, without most knowing of her involvement. That was always the Lillian way. Her spirit will certainly always be around as a reminder to love each other with purpose, do for others as much as you can, and find little ways to find humor even in the hard things. Help them continue her legacy. For tickets, call 912.264.4448.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB PUTS FUN IN FUNDRAISERS

Start practicing your aim! The 6th Annual Cornhole Tournament benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Georgia is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th at Village Creek Landing. All ages are welcome to participate in this double elimination tourney with 2 players per team. Team registration is $100, and proceeds will go towards supporting BGCSEGA youth development programs and initiatives. Register your team today for a day of friendly competition, food trucks, and live music. Another fun event that will benefit BGCSEGA is the Chicago Tribute Luau at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Enjoy a concert by Chicago Rewired, the premier Chicago tribute band, and a delicious Hawaiian luau style dinner while supporting kids in our community. Tickets are $150/person. Registration/tickets for both events at bgcsega.com.

GET MUDDY

Be part of the 10th annual effort to help keep the beautiful Marshes of Glynn litter free at one of the 35 “Marsh Madness” cleanups scheduled in March by Keep Golden Isles Beautiful. Sponsored locally by Georgia-Pacific Brunswick Cellulose Mill and kicking off the national Great America Cleanup effort here, salt marsh cleanups have been planned for various days of the week and times to accommodate the largest number of volunteers possible. “Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in Marsh Madness,” said KGIB executive director Lea King-Badyna. “This is one of our most expansive efforts with a record number of cleanups scheduled, so a large volunteer turn out is crucial!” Volunteers working a minimum of 3 cleanups will receive a custom t-shirt and a minimum of 5 cleanups earns a custom aluminum water bottle. Individual cleanup event listings containing location maps are online at kgib.org\events.

Hans F. Trupp, CCIM founder and former Chairman of Trupp Hodnett Enterprises and The Management Company prior to taking the companies public (NYSE, RZT) in an IPO in 1998 has reentered the real estate business locally through an affiliation with eXp realty. eXp is a cloud based publicly traded (NASDAQ, EXPI) company with more than 96,000 real estate agents in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain and continues to scale internationally.

This internet based high technology company will totally revolutionize the real estate

industry both with relationships of buyers and sellers and the relationship that sales people have with the company. Trend Magazine has described eXp as the Amazon of real estate. eXp realty offers a very unique agent attraction program and Hans has partnered with veteran Atlanta broker John Adams to inform and educate agents throughout the United States about eXp, one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the nation. Adams is well known throughout Georgia for his educational activities on behalf of the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and his regular appearances on Fox 5 Atlanta and CNN. He continues to be a freelance journalist with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with more than 1,000 articles in print.

Thanks to the internet, eXp’s state of the art revolutionary cloud based technology and a unique revenue sharing plan Hans and his team are able to offer a performance-based, no risk maximum 4% listing commission on any real estate both residential and commercial. No risk - you can cancel the listing at any time for any reason. Hans would also be pleased to share his broad business knowledge and experience with anyone interested in a free no obligation consultation session with regard to any real estate problem. Call, email or text him if you would like to explore his listing program or if you have any questions with regard to eXp, one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the nation with now over 96,000 agents and growing.

ART FESTIVAL RETURNS TO POSTELL PARK

April brings spring flowers and artists galore to St. Simons Island for Glynn Visual Arts’ 29th annual Art in the Park Fine Art Festival. Scheduled for the weekend of April 6-7 under the beautiful live oaks of Postell Park in the heart of the Pier village, there will be more than 60 juried talented artists and skilled artisans from around the region participating. They will offer an impressive and eclectic collection of handmade artwork including a wide variety of two dimensional art, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, textiles, wood, metal and glass. Vendors will be open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you’re an artist or artisan maker who would like to participate, applications are now open. For more information, visit glynnvisualarts.org/festivals.

CELEBRATING SURVIVORS

The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life Celebration will return to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Brunswick on April 12. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will include a survivor lap, luminaria ceremony, silent auction, food, children’s area, and live music by South of Savannah. Bring a chair and enjoy the celebration of life and hope for a cure! The American Cancer Society Survivors Dinner is being held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12 at Golden Isles Church of God. If you are a cancer survivor who wishes to attend, please RSVP to Lauren McGrath at 912.341.6674 or lauren.mcgrath@cancer.org.

SEEKING SPONSORS AND SUPPORT

Memory Matters, Glynn County’s only non-profit dedicated to the support, education and enrichment of local families dealing with dementia, will be holding its 3rd Annual Music and Memories fundraiser at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center on April 28. As an agency that provides funded exclusively through donations and grants, they need your support! This fun evening includes delicious cuisine, music and dancing with Michael Hulett, Yolanda Neely and others, silent and live auctions full of amazing prize packages, and fun games like a wine toss and stock the bar raffle! The signature event is the agency’s primary means of securing funding so they can continue to provide programming and services to our community at no charge. These services meet a critical need in Glynn County and your support through sponsorship or by purchasing tickets to attend is essential. For more information, call 912.264.0777 or visit memorymattersglynn.com.

THE TICKETS FOR THE ST. SIMONS LAND TRUST OYSTER ROAST SOLD OUT IN RECORD TIME THIS YEAR AND THE REASON FOR THAT WAS CLEAR SEEING EVERYONE ENJOYING THE FOOD, MUSIC, AND FUN ATMOSPHERE AT GASCOIGNE BLUFF THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT. Even the cold weather didn’t put a damper on this fabulous party with a purpose. Besides the many, many bushels of oysters shucked, from Jekyll Island Club’s “People’s Choice” winning seafood chowder to Georgia Sea Grill collective’s Brunswick Stew, there were plenty of delicious options to warm your belly and lots of friends gathered to warm your soul. Let’s do it again next year!

THE 24TH ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BREAST CANCER FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON WAS RECENTLY HELD AT SEA PALMS RESORT. Eleven local breast cancer survivors modeled clothing and accessories from Cloister Collection, Evelyne Talman, Maggie’s Boutique, Shackelford Shoes, and Southern Hanger. These survivors who have a combined 68 survivor years participated in this special event to support those newly diagnosed and share that THERE IS HOPE! (Photos by Lindy Cofer) 1. ACS Committee members: ; (front row) Andrea Dawn Vacheron, Diane Heinecke, Rhonda Barlow, Kathleen Orians Dawson, Liz McDermitt, Peggy Tuten; (back row) Jackie Mull, Connie Hiott, Raylene Grynkewich, Stephanie Cathcart, Joy Cook, Diann Clark, Lauren McGrath. 2. Lori Strande, Barbara Foster, Mia Green of Evelyne Talman, Michele Schwartz. 3. Front row: Darlene Moye, Wendy Googe, Erica Stamp; back row: Dr. Diane Bowen, Neisha Lewis, Charlotte Brookshire. 4. Amy Mayo, Colleen Ortman, Rhonda Manning, Emelia Stambaugh, Betty Harris. 5. Cody Wetherington, Rebecca Hunnewell. 6. Gail Owens, Laura Morrison, Gail Stringer of Maggie’s, Lynn Pease, Ashley Shanke. 7. Fashion show models: (front row) Barbara Foster, Laura Morrison, Ken Gaubert, Gail Owens, Lynn Pease; (back row) Michele Schwartz, Elizabeth Hayes, Jarette Moran, Ashley Shanke, Lori Strande, Shelia Scanlon. 8. Nancy Krull, Eleanor Brooks Rawls, Tracy Meazell & Jennifer Blackerby. 9. Willetta Hulett McGowen with Master of Ceremony Bryan Thompson. 10. Maggie Dutton, Sharon Proudfoot. 11. Front row: Hilda McMonigle, Sissy Baxley, Deidra Thomas; back row: Reba Smith, Abby Hickox, Rosemarie Strickland, Amelia Dillivan, Leah Hickox. 12. Marjory Lenox, Diane Closs.

ATTENDEES OF THE ANNUAL HUNT BALL BENEFITING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GLYNN COUNTY ENJOYED CREATIVE CULINARY DISHES, VENDORS OFFERING A WIDE VARIETY OF ITEMS AND APPAREL APPEALING TO THOSE WHO ENJOY HUNTING AND FISHING, AND A LIVELY AUCTION IN THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF FREDERICA GOLF CLUB’S NEW TERRACE. A special highlight of the evening was Adam Wainwright’s performance of songs from his debut Country album. 1. Adam Wainwright performing with daughter Baylie Grace. 2. Jon and Janine Weller, Kevin and Susie Rassas. 3. Front row: Lizzie Muehlmeier and Kate Dart, Back row: Suzanne Buckley, Sally Freyer, Michelle Fox, Linda Isaac, Beth Carpenter. 4. Ashley and Dan Asdell, Mark Stovall, Joey Hatley. 5. Gerry and Cat Oswald, Robby and Dan Speight, Jim Kaat. 6. Chuck and Deborah Carter, Carol and Ben Slade, Susan Watts, Leo Pieri. 7. Beth Williams, Emily Alonso, Lexie Whatley. 8. Jan Auffenberg, Marie Artman. 9. Meg Corry, Laura Anne Barron, Ashley Seaman. 10. David Ramba, Lisa and Bill Carmichael. 11. George Netherton, Merry and Bill Tipto. 12. Tommy Stroud, Jr., Brian Corry, Jimmy Seama. 13. Alison Bouts, Debbie Murphy, Kathy Flynn. 14. Dana and Patrick Parker.

Laura Angela Photography

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY VICTORY BOARD’S ANNUAL FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE WAS ONCE AGAIN A SWEET AFTERNOON OF SPECIAL MOMENTS. Ziggy’s was packed with proud papas and their precious princesses dancing, posing for photos in the Barbie booth, and nibbling tasty treats. They certainly made their own sunshine on this rainy day!

THE BIG READ: COASTAL GEORGIA READS THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ RECENTLY KICKED OFF AT FIRST FRIDAY. Attendees were encouraged to grab a passport to Oz, enjoy story time with Dorothy at the library, and explore the Story Walk on the way to The Ritz Theatre to take in a free screening of TheMuppet Wizard of Oz. With exciting activities, live music, and more each month, First Friday is always fun!

CAMOUFLAGE AND CAMARADERIE WERE THE PREVAILING THEMES AT SEA PALMS RESORT FOR THE ANNUAL BANQUET FOR THE COASTAL GEORGIA CHAPTER OF DUCKS UNLIMITED. If you’d like to get your kids involved in outdoor sportsmanship, sign up for the inaugural Brooks McDonald Greenwing Event at Altama Plantation WMS on Sunday, March 10. Free for youth up to 18 years with skeet and turkey shoot, archery, and more. Call Bill Woodroof at 678.5877 for information.

IT WAS A HOT TIME WITH A HUGE CROWD AT MARY ROSS PARK FOR THE 2024 BRUNSWICK ROCKIN’ STEWBILEE. Approximately 30 teams competed this year, with The Seafarers named Grand Champion and first place winner in the Organizations category. Chief’s Smoke n’ Que took home top honors in the People’s Choice and Professional categories. Glynn Originals placed first in the General category and Coldwell Banker Access Realty won for Team Presentation.

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4 Fred Drive • $1,875,000 3,615+/- SF | 4BR | 4.5BA | MLS 1644251

44 Erica Lane • $1,965,000 3,748+/- SF | 4BR | 4.5BA | MLS 1644260

40 Erica Lane • $2,095,000 4,119+/- SF | 4BR | 4.55BA | MLS 1644361

6 Fred Drive • $1,895,000 3,647+/- SF | 4BR | 4.5BA | MLS 1644321

2 Fred Drive • $1,835,000 3,447+/- SF | 4 or 5BR | 5BA | MLS 1644252

9 Fred Drive • $1,895,000 3,328+/- SF | 4BR | 4.5BA | MLS 1644253

An intimate gated community of 27 luxury homes adjacent to the prestigious Frederica Golf Club on beautiful Saint Simons Island. Scan the QR code for

101 Hawkins Island Circle, Saint Simons Island

•

Recognizably diffeRent

$2,950,000 Experience the very best of coastal living in this fully-renovated home on Hawkins Island, a private island on St. Simons and one of the island’s most premier gated neighborhoods. This stunning house boasts a spacious and airy ambiance with its high ceilings adorned with white oak beams throughout the common areas, creating an inviting, yet luxurious living space. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring state-of-the-art appliances, ample counter space and a functional island for casual dining or food preparation. Large windows along the back of the home showcase panoramic views of the 1.14 acre backyard decorated with numerous live oaks, bringing the outdoors in and creating a serene and relaxing environment. The first floor primary suite is a true sanctuary, complete with a spa-like ensuite bathroom and his & her walk in-closets. Two additional generously sized bedrooms are located across the home on the first floor, each with an accompanying en suite bathroom. Upstairs, you’ll find the 4th bedroom with it’s own private bath. Step outside to discover a private backyard haven made for relaxation and entertainment. From the Italian stone floors, to the French antique doors leading to the primary and study, this home exudes charm and personality. The perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and modern amenities, making it an idyllic retreat for those who appreciate the finer things in life. MLS# 1644473

133 Dunbarton • St. Simons 2,343SF | 4BR | 3BA | $789,000

This is the fully-updated, all on one level, sprawling ranch home you've been waiting for! As soon as you open the front door, you're instantly greeted by the den that features vaulted ceilings with wooden beams, a gas log fireplace and natural light galore! French doors lead out to the expansive patio that is perfect for entertaining and enjoying the year-round mild weather St. Simons has to offer. X flood zone. Room for pool! MLS# 1643279

435, 455 Walker Rd • Prime development site for up to 216 units | $4,295,000

Prime 18.21+/- acre tract on Golden Isles Parkway. Within one mile of I-95, Exit 38. Zoning: Planned Development Text allowing for 216 total units - multi-family, townhome, duplex, and/or single-family. 5.74 acres allows for up to 16 units per acre,12.47 acres allows for up to 10 units per acre. Environmental and Geo-technical reports available. Public utilities available. 1,000' of frontage on Golden Isles Parkway, High Traffic counts with 28,000 ± day. MLS# 1639387

134 Kirkaldy Lane, Lot # 150 • St Simons Frederica Township | $399,000

This sprawling 5.75 acre lot is one of the largest lots that backs up to the protected, wooded rookery in Frederica Township. With multiple large oaks spread throughout and mature pine trees along the back of the property, this is the perfect lot to nestle your custom dream home amongst the island's native landscape. Seller is licensed real estate agent in the state of Georgia. MLS# 1641871

Real Escapes Properties is one the largest Property Management Companies on St. Simons Island. We’ve been a local, family-owned and operated business since 2004. We currently have over 150 short term vacation rentals and several long-term rentals and all are located right here on St. Simons Island - where our focus has always been!

At Real Escapes Properties, we do so much more than simply putting a few pictures of your investment property online and waiting for the interested parties to call in. Instead, we create an individual profile for each and every property to really emphasize everything that makes your property appealing and special. We meet with our homeowners and discuss their needs and their goals and set pricing based on each unique property.

We look forward to proving our motto that "You already have a friend on the Island" with the wonderful staff at Real Escapes Properties. Call us today to discuss property management options - we look forward to hearing from you soon!

100 Twelfth Street Amazing location!! Magnificent views over the water towards Jekyll Island and next to The Village, Pier, and Lighthouse. Completely renovated, luxurious home features a panoramic ocean views, multiple outside decks, Thor kitchen appliances, garage and outside decks overlooking the water. $2,900,000

UNDER CONTRACT

pool, and golf course. House is being sold furnished. $1,525,000

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

King & Prince North Villas #477 Gorgeous ocean views in these 4th floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condos in the King and Prince historic resort! Overlooking one of the three outdoor swimming pools and just a short walk to the beach. $1,025,000

www.oystergrove.com

107 Biltmore Street All one level tabby exterior house in the St Simons Island Club. Split bedroom floorplan with large living areas. Great for entertaining. 3BD, 2.5BA. $1,150,000

13 Oyster Lane NEW CONSTRUCTION in Oyster Grove. Two-story 4BR, 3.5 BA. Primary suite on main. Luxury interior features include hwd flooring, tile flooring in all wet areas, carpet, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, custom wood shelving, and a gas tankless water heater.

$882,500

23 Orchard Road Ugrades galore! This professionally decorated home will WOW your guests from the moment they enter the front door. 4BD, 3.5BA home with spacious backyard. $1,150,000

955 Champney This home has it all -- four bedrooms, primary on the main, mudroom, screened porch, pool with hot tub, and located on a cul-de-sac. A one bedroom with full bath is located above the detached garage. Breathtaking marsh views! $1,100,000

2100 Prince Lane, Unit #2100 Luxury meets convenience. One level living in the heart of the Village. Elevator access to your front door, gated community, two car garage with storage room. You can use the grill while having cocktails at the pool. Walk to village, pier, shops and restaurants. $940,000

300 Carnoustie Elegant all one-level 4 BD, 4.5 BA stucco home with many custom features. Screened-in back porch with a private back patio and yard. Large corner lot within easy walking distance to clubhouse, tennis,

315 Lantern Walk Amazing opportunity to own a meticulously maintained condo on beautiful St Simons Island. 3BD, 3.5BA condo in The Gates, gated community located on the south end of the island. $615,000

East Beach - 4217 Seventh Street Amazing 4BR, 3BA family friendly home with pool. Short walk to beach. Sleeps 9.

409 Beach Drive - Island cottage with central location near beach access, restaurants, and shopping. Sleeps 10.

Demere Landing - Beautiful condo in a lovely neighborhood convenient to the Village, shopping, restaurants, and beach access. Sleeps 6.

East Beach - 7 Coast Cottage Coastal gem steps away from the best beach on the island. 4BR, 4.5BA. Sleeps 8.

East Beach - Sixteenth Street 5BR, 5.5BA. Breathtaking ocean views. Amazing outdoor kitchen and private pool. Sleeps 10.

King & Prince - St. Simons Island King and Prince ocean view villas. Call today to check availability!

621 May Joe - 4BR, 5.5BA vacation home with open floorplan and private pool. Sleeps 12.

400 Ocean - One bedroom updated condo within walking distance of The Village and Pier. Sleeps 4.

2101 Bruce Drive, East Beach 3BR, 2.5BA. Spacious one-level home w/ large pool and multiple areas for entertaining. Sleeps 8.

4.5BA. Elegant, Immaculate Home. $789,500. Cynthia Brown. 662-694-9235.

4BR,

3BR, 3BA. Rarely available. On the marsh $579,000. Betsy 269-1690/Sandra 269-1129.

2BR, 2BA. Deep Water & Marsh

$349,000. Carla 266-3111. Janice 580-1833.

107 Fiddlers Cove Dr | Kingsland

2.5BA. Stunning single family home. $399.900. Kay 912-230-3253. Cynthia 662-694-9235.

103 Kingsmarsh Way | St. Simons

1 Marina Dr 202 A&B | St. Simons

2BR, 2BA. Captivating Marsh Views. $350,000. Kelli Osteen. 912-270-2505

425 Magnolia Ave. #B | St. Simons 2BR, 1.5BA. Furnished condo in The Village $399,000. Diana Fisher. 912-399-9910.

132 Montrose | St. Simons

4BR, 5.5BA. New construction home in Hampton Plantation. $949,900. Margaret Anne Proctor. 222-6629.

1 Marina Dr 204 A&B | St. Simons

Views.

21 Willow Court | Brunswick 5BR,

101 Hasell Lane | St. Simons

4BR, 4BA. Secluded Island Paradise. $895,000. Margaret Anne Proctor. 912-222-6629

205 Kingsmarsh Way | St. Simons 3BR, 3BA. Marsh and Tidal Creek views. $529,990. Janice Morgan. 912-580-1833.

2507 Demere Rd. #8 | St. Simons 3BR, 2BA. Spacious 2nd Floor Condo. $399,000. Carla Jernigan. 912-266-3111

850 Mallery St. #O-2 | St. Simons 2BR, 1.5BA. Walking distance to Village. $412,500. Joan Lewis. 912-258-5841

1059 Sinclair Pointe | St. Simons 3BR, 3.5BA. Coastal Elegance. Like New! $899,900. Joan Lewis. 912-258-5841

1059 Sinclair Point, St. Simons Island. Coastal Elegance best describes this remarkable, like new 3BR, 3.5BA 2,400SF home. Custom constructed with signature features like shiplap walls highlighted by additional moldings and striking ceiling designs, but also upgraded fixtures, lighting and hard surfaces. The open floor plan creates a sense of spaciousness and flow. Walk in attic, double garage with tall doors, fenced yard and screened porch. Washer and dryer included! This remarkable home is so immaculate you will believe you're the 1st owner! Easy to show on short notice and completely move in ready. $899,900

Joan Lewis

Cell: 912.258.5841

joanlewis65@gmail.com

1709 Frederica Road SSI, GA 31522 | 912.634.9995 | signaturepropertiesgroup.com

SalePending

mary Jo Prater

Managing Broker

Cell: 912-223-2283

maryjoprater@gmail.com

cece Gandy

Realtor

Cell: 404-797-4373

cecegandyrealestate@gmail.com

1630 Bruce DrIve - eaSt Beach - St. SImonS

Nestled in the sought after community of East Beach, this exquisite 5BR, 5.5BA, 3,930 SF haven boasts the epitome of luxury living. A prime opportunity awaits for those looking to make this house their primary residence, a secondary vacation home, or a savvy investment property with high rental potential. Located just one block from the beach. Welcome to a lifestyle of luxury, comfort, and coastal charm. $2,925,000

1709 Frederica Road SSI, GA 31522 | 912.634.9995 | signaturepropertiesgroup.com

JOY WRIGHT

912-230-0134

joydonwright@gmail.com

912-638-4740

119 MaRIna DR

ST. SIMOnS ISlanD, Ga 31522

115 SIMONTON WAY - $589,000 Great 1.5 story home has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths perfect for a family and located in a desirable neighborhood in mid-north St. Simons. Primary bedroom is located on the main level and the primary bath has double vanity, separate shower, and tub. One of the upst airs bedrooms could be used as a bonus room with a full bathroom and closet space. Living room and dining room have vaulted ceilings and a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen features all new stainless Whirlpool appliances and granite countertops. The laundry room is located off the kitchen and includes a full-size washer/dryer. A nice breakfast area leads to the deck and private fenced backyard. Home has two HVAC units and is located in the "X" flood zone. Call Joy Wright (912) 230-0134

RENTED

108 CLAPPER RAIL LANE, SSI - $1700 PER MONTH This quaint cott age has 1BR, 1BA, kitchen, and living. Home is fully furnished including dishes, kitchen utensils, and linens. Very quiet and peaceful setting behind owners home. No pets! Call Joy Wright (912) 230-0134.

607 BRICKYARD LANE Saint Simons Island, GA | 4BR | 4BA | Completely Renovated | $1,450,000

Located in gated Hamilton Landing, this home offers ONE LEVEL LIVING with a huge salt water heated pool. The main floor has 3 bedrooms, primary suite with 2 walk-in closets and 2 guest bedrooms, one is a private suite with walk-in closet. The fourth bedroom/bath is a private suite with a walk-in closet upstairs. The living room is enhanced by a gas fireplace and high ceilings. Enjoy dinner on the screened porch overlooking the lush backyard. Oversized two-car garage, along with ample driveway parking for guests, Walk-in attic with tons of floored space! Amenities include: a community dock and park / playground. Listed by Amanda Duffey 912.222.3557

108 MEWS CIRCLE Saint Simons Island, GA | 4 BR | 3 BA | Village Area | $1,350,000

Charming beach cottage in the Butler Mews neighborhood, a short stroll to the beach, the village pier and dozens of restaurants. Primary bedroom downstairs opens up to a very private back deck. There is a second primary bedroom that can also serve as a large family room / den including vaulted ceiling, lots of light, a full bath, and a wet bar for entertaining indoors. Upstairs are two more large bedrooms that share a bath. Turn key and being sold completely furnished including a snazzy 2022 6-passenger golf cart that goes 45 mph. Recent renovations make this home even more desirable including a new garage, new windows and doors, new HVAC, a tankless water heater, new granite countertops, new exterior cedar siding, new landscaping and more. Listed by Catherine McCrary 912.782.0404

163 MERION Saint Simons Island, GA | 3 BR | 2.5 BA | Island Club | $1,295,000

This unique residence in the Island Club stands out with its distinctive stone and stucco exterior. This home boasts an exceptional floor plan spanning 2,708SF. The interior features elegant Travertine flooring throughout, 10’ ceilings, and a recently updated kitchen equipped with gas cooking and a convenient beverage center with a wet bar. The bedrooms are thoughtfully arranged in a split layout, offering ample closet For those seeking additional space, there is the potential to finish the walk-up attic, accessible through a door in the dining room. With a three-car garage, storage options, and a water softener, this home offers both functionality and privacy. Listed by Phoebe Hoaster 912.270.5730

4107 OGLETHORPE DRIVE Sea Island, GA | 7 BR | 7.5 BA | Total Renovation | $5,499,000

Cottage 333 is a symphony of luxury, celebrating the epitome of grand living in every detail, waiting to welcome those who seek the extraordinary. Complete renovation. There is a fully-equipped Viking Chef’s kitchen featuring dual dishwashers, a statement island with an additional prep sink, an extensive beverage bar complete with a wine cooler, beverage cooler, ice machine, and wet bar, all enclosed within custom-made cabinetry. The open-concept layout is a testament to large-scale entertaining! The main floor accommodates five bedrooms, including a secondary primary suite. The sunroom graciously unfolds to a trellised loggia, offering views over a generous rear terrace, prime for a pool addition if one so desires. There are so many luxurious features that you must see this cottage in person. Listed by Susan Imhoff 912.222.5686

912-222-4002

316 FOREST OAKS

St. Simons Island Club

5BR | 5BA | 2HBA $2,250,000

Down a private hedge lined drive and overlooking the 14th and 15th fairways of the Retreat golf course, this Mediterranean home is stunning! The large sun-splashed living, dining, and family rooms flow out to a lovely terrace, all offering fantastic entertaining venues. The chef's kitchen has custom cabinetry, a generous island, Thermador appliances, a breakfast area and even the perfect spot to serve charcuterie. Featuring glass walls, high ceilings, hardwood and stone floors and curated architectural antiques, the home manifests quality. Amenities include an exercise room, a wine cellar and a beautiful arbored terrace with a fountain. The primary and a guest suite are down with other suites up. With its clay tile roof and three car garage, this home is in a perfect island location in a Sea Island developed subdivision close to the village.

5 & 7 SEA OATS LANE

St. Simons Island, Near Beach

Beach View Lot | $1,750,000

This .14 acre lot has a prime location with ocean views in the gated community of the Villas of Coast Cottages giving it a luxury beach experience like no other. It can be developed with either a single family home or two connected villas. Enjoy the direct private beach access and the oceanside pool pavilion when you build your dream in this private beach location!

1601 BRUCE DRIVE

East Beach, Saint Simons Island

3BR with potential 4th | 2.5BA | $1,695,000

NEW LISTING- This coastal haven nestled in East Beach has views to water over the historic Coast Guard station and Golden Isles marsh views. The raised coastal cottage’s interiors reflect coastal elegance with 9 ft. ceilings and hickory floors. Recent enhancements include a new roof, an open kitchen layout with custom island and stainless steel appliances and new flooring. The primary suite has excellent views, two guest rooms share a Jack-Jill bath and a versatile room currently serves as a fourth BR with nearby closet. Being sold furnished and equipped down to the 2023 golf cart in the 3 car garage. The owners are meticulous!

This totally renovated 7BR, 7.5 BA residence stands as a homage to the grandeur of living. Full Viking chef's kitchen w 2 dishwashers. 4 custom fireplaces. The open-concept layout is a testament to large-scale entertaining! European hwd flooring flows through the main living area. The main floor accommodates five bedrooms, including a secondary primary suite. A realm of serenity, the primary bedroom is adorned with its fireplace, high ceilings, and dual walk-in closets. This Cottage is a symphony of luxury awaiting to welcome those who seek the extraordinary. $5,499,000

798 MALLERY STREET UNIT #30 St Simons Island

Positioned in the heart of St. Simons Island's vibrant activity, this townhome within a quiet gated community offers unparalleled access to parks, beaches, restaurants, The Lighthouse, and St. Simons Pier, making it an ideal residence for soaking up the island life. Boasting excellent structure, it features hardwood floors and a spacious great room with a fireplace that seamlessly opens to an outdoor balcony overlooking a rare, shared fenced courtyard—perfect for entertaining or indulging in a spot of gardening, a luxury in townhome living. Exclusive amenities such as a community pool and a no short-term rental policy ensure a serene and secure living environment. $649,000

931 CHAMPNEY, HAMPTON PLANTATION

This 6000 SF brick marshfront home stands alone in its marketplace. Ready to be lived in and loved! The custom fireplace with 25 foot mahogany floor to ceiling wall covering is breathtaking! Gorgeous sunset views! New roof in 2018. Newer KitchenAid appliances with very large refrigerator/ freezer, double oven. There is so much storage!! In 2023 the swimming pool was changed to a saltwater pool.The pool bench seat extends the length of the pool under the spillover fountain. Inside features custom wood medallions, crown moldings and plantation shutters. 12 foot ceilings .$1,799,000

107 MEADOWBROOK, ST. SIMONS ISLAND CLUB

This splendid home on the island's southern end beckons with its blend of traditional charm and modern elegance. The interior features rich oak look flooring, custom built-ins, plantation shutters, and exquisite crown molding. Generous .49-acre lot. The property masterfully separates areas for relaxation and entertainment. Central to its charm is the beautifully renovated eat-in kitchen, with a large center island inviting social interaction and culinary creativity. French doors from the kitchen lead directly to an outdoor patio, connecting indoor luxury with outdoor tranquility. $1,380,000

4107 OGLETHORPE DRIVE Sea Island

PhoebeHoaster@gmail.com

PhoebeHoaster.com

163 MERION, Saint Simons Island, 3BR | 2.5 BA | 2,708 SF | $1,295,000 This unique residence in the Island Club stands out with its distinctive stone and stucco exterior. Built to the specific preferences of its current owners, this home boasts an exceptional floor plan spanning 2,708 square feet. The interior features elegant Travertine flooring throughout, 10’ ceilings, and a recently updated kitchen equipped with gas cooking and a convent beverage center with a wet bar.

124 SEA PALMS LANE, Saint Simons Island, 4 BR | 4 BA | $775,000 Beautiful Sea Palm Cottages home complete with home theater!!

This was a custom-built home by the original owner with many upgrades - cherry cabinets, hardwood floors, wrought iron rails in the staircase, gorgeous trim throughout the home, central vacuum, private study off of the foyer. Double front doors, primary bedroom on main double vanities and whirlpool bath and walkin shower with rain shower, BIG walk-in closet! This is a one-of-a-kind property that you don’t want to miss and the price was just improved to $775,000!

135 LEDBETTER Saint Simons Island

3BR | 2BA | 1,416 sq. Ft. | $670,000 This charming home in Riverview offers some great upgrades! New LVP was installed throughout the home and the house got a new roof in 2022. The interior was completely repainted in 2023, and there is also a heated and cooled finished bonus room in the basement. Fruit trees and bushes adorn this unique property that you don’t want to miss out on!

76 WEST POINT Saint Simons Island

1.16 acre residential lot | $259,000 Build your dream home on this exquisite, ready-to-build 1.16-acre marshfront lot just past the historic Christ Church on the North end of St. Simons Island. This property, already cleared and ready for gas, electric, sewer, and cable access, offers breathtaking, unobstructed marsh views - and no HOA! Enjoy a blend of privacy and convenience in this unique location.

Catch of the Centuries

Jean Ribault, leader of one of the first groups of Europeans to explore Coastal Georgia, arrived in the area in 1562. In an account of his voyage, he noted the salt marshes and rivers for both their beauty and their bounty. Ribault wrote that the area was “a country full of havens, rivers, and islands of such fruitfulness as cannot be expressed,” filled with “great islands and small and everywhere such abundance of fish as is incredible.”

He wasn’t the first to discover or make use of the coast’s natural resources. On islands like St. Simons and Jekyll, the native people—the Timucua—lived comfortably from the crops they planted, the animals they hunted, and the fish and shellfish they drew from nearby rivers. Centuries later, author, lawyer, and artist Vara Majette would paint a series of vignettes of Timucuan traditions, including the drying of meat and fish, which Ribault’s party noted was done “thoroughly and meticulously, so that [the food] can more easily be kept from going bad.”

At the turn of the twentieth century, fishing remained vital to the diets of local families, but also started to become an attraction to visitors. The Jekyll Island Club’s 1901 constitution described it as “a hunting, fishing, yachting and general sporting resort.” Ferry and pilot boats that navigated the St. Simons Sound, bringing visitors to the islands, sometimes doubled as fishing charters. On the islands, the craft of net making was alive and well, especially among African American residents.

Fishing remained a beloved pastime even as Coastal Georgia grew during the mid-twentieth century. Jekyll Island constructed a modern fishing pier in 1969 at Clam Creek, on St. Simons Sound, that is still in use today. And, in addition to the popular St. Simons Island Pier, the F.J. Torras Causeway was reported by a local newpaper in 1973 to be “filled with fishermen, young and old and they are really catching fish! Lots of them!”

This month’s featured images are from the archives of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, including the Vara A. Majette Paintings and Photograph Collection, the Margaret Davis Cate Collection, and the Mrs. F.J. Torras Collection.

Coastal Georgia Historical Society presents this article and images from our archives as part of our mission “to connect people to Coastal Georgia’s dynamic history.” The Society operates the iconic St. Simons Lighthouse Museum and the World War II Home Front Museum, housed in the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach. To learn more about the Society, its museums, diverse programs, and membership, please visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.

Jekyll Fishing Pier

Vara Majette

1973