a vibrant community to come home to. A lifestyle that embraces true independence, friendships, culinary celebrations, and the safety of community.It’s time to enjoy retirement the way it’s meant to be.
the Magnolia Suite at Sea Palms Resort. This dedicated space is ideal for our brides and their wedding party to prepare for the best day ever. The Magnolia Suite features a spacious living area, a private king bedroom, kitchenette, and large wrap-around deck overlooking the salt marsh. Pamper and polish in the elegantly appointed salon room, containing four vanity stations, a wet bar, and connecting outdoor deck.
Inside and out, this St. Simons home brings all the elements of Coastal splendor together for a truly stunning design. From the marshside pool to the wall of Confederate jasmine, this property serves up serious inspiration.
Pierce and Parker’s offers posh home interiors and design services, but owners Matt and Miller offer a rare peek inside their own home and outline how they renovated their space.
The owners of Xyno Furniture in downtown Brunswick share their journey to Brunswick and how necessity sparked their business venture.
Wick Nalley, owner of Wicnics, shares his best tips for creating a springtime tablescape and imparts ideas for summertime entertaining on the Coast.
Hanover Square home owner Will Pittenger shares his historic downtown home and garden, which he recently revived after a difficult winter.
Publisher Buff Leavy
Editor
Director of Advertising and Marketing
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Proofer
Account Executives
Sales Assistant
Contributing Writers
Lindsey Adkison
Jenn Agnew
Lauren McDonald
Heather Murray
Kasey Rowell
Joy Kendricks
Lindsay Baker
Taylor Cooper
Derrick Davis
Michael Hall
Larry Hobbs
Sam Ghioto
Ronda Rich
Contributing
Photographers
Dresses, Dresses, Dresses
Contributing Designers
Parker Alexander
Derrick Davis
Michael Hall
Leslie Hand
Michelle Holton
Sam Ghioto
SPM Photography
Richard Leo Johnson
Priscilla Ring
Stacey Nichols
Donte Nunnally
Terry Wilson
Golden Isles Magazine is published six times per year by Brunswick News Publishing Company
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About the Cover: This eye-catching kitchen belongs to Matt and Miller Dart, owners of Pierce & Parker on St. Simons Island. The couple shares how they used their professional skills — plus those of their friends and colleagues — to renovate their home. It was photographed by SPM Photography.
Page Aiken and his luxury team specialize in St. Simons and Sea Island Waterfront Homes, Golf Communities, and Legacy Property Investments.
Golden Isles Magazine is in need of talented contributors. Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and stories are welcome.
Please include an email address and telephone number. Submit by email to the editor, Lindsey Adkison: ladkison@goldenislesmagazine.com or by mail to 3011 Altama Ave, Brunswick. Only work accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope will be returned.
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All content is copyright of Golden Isles Magazine, a publication of Brunswick News Publishing Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission from the publisher. We have sought to ensure accuracy and completeness of the content herein, but neither Golden Isles Magazine nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or other inconsistencies, including those related to quotations. We reserve the right to refuse advertising. All advertisements appearing herein are accepted and published on the representation that the advertiser is properly authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. All ads are paid advertisements and/or gifts given as part of a contractual agreement regarding Brunswick News Publishing Company. Neither Golden Isles Magazine nor the publisher is responsible for any statements, claims, or representations made by contributing writers, columnists, or photographers. Golden Isles Magazine and the publisher are also not responsible for anyone’s reliance on the content included in the publication. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No right for commercial use or exploitation is given or implied.
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As a literature major in college, I distinctly remember being struck by Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own.”
In the essay, penned in 1928, the grand dame of Modernism shared that, for a woman to be a successful writer, she had to have “… a room of her own.”
That is, she had to have the space, independence, and a modicum of security (financially and otherwise) to create. That always stuck with me.
But as with most young couples, when Josh and I first moved into our home, it was really about making do. We had to cobble together rooms with whatever furniture survived our college years. As time passed, we were able to buy new pieces, make improvements, and generally evolve. One room that wasn’t high on the priority list was our office. When we first started out, the office took on a very collegiate — and dare I say, masculine — feel. We displayed our newly-framed diplomas, along with shakers and framed pictures of key campus buildings. Truthfully, neither Josh nor I spent much time in it. After taking this role though, I found myself more in need of … a room. Sure, I have my newsroom desk, where I still do the bulk of my work, but I needed a place where I could go during all the other times — the before and after hours reading, writing, and editing that this position demands.
So, after years and years, I decided to give myself a room. The football shakers and scholastic wall art were pulled (along with *gasp* the cream carpet). I brought in a grey wood (actually a laminate because — dogs) and painted the walls white. I hooked up with Gina at the Home Fabric Studio, who helped me find truly fabulous wallpaper for an accent wall (in green, my favorite). Interior designer Heather Jowers helped me find a perfect, feminine desk. I added a seafoam green velvet sofa and an emerald green chair. I laid down a fuzzy white rug (a risky move but the dogs approve). Most recently, I selected a glitzy golden light fixture that will be the crowning achievement (especially if I can get my husband to
install it). Mind you, it’s not all top-ofthe-line stuff, but I purchased or was gifted every piece.
I finally have it — a room of my own. I must be a writer now. And I can report that this aesthetic is certainly a catalyst to creativity.
Just look at this issue — much of which was read, edited, and re-read — in that very room. We have a stunning St. Simons home and garden, the owners, the Pace family, were kind enough to share. My favorite fella, Wick Nalley, is also back to share some terrific tablescapes. Writer Michael Hall spends time with his buddy Will Pittenger to learn about his iconic downtown home and how he revitalized his garden after the harsh winter. Taylor Cooper has a conversation with another downtown resident — the folks at Xyno Furniture, who share their story.
We round it out with a chat with Matt and Miller Dart, owners of Pierce and Parker, who open the doors of their fabulous home and share how they renovated their own space.
As always, we hope you find some ideas and inspiration in our pages … and I hope you have a room of your own.
With love — Lindsey
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Cover @thevelvetoak:
@jlgilstrap: @adairwerley that’s my girl!!!
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@hollyshaedesign: Love @adairwerley so much! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more gorgeous photo of her!
@_billiejanefoulk_: @adairwerley stunning!!!!
TIME
Glam Kam
Christy Durden Jordan: What a fabulous article.
Laura Hinton: You are amazing. You never cease to inspire. Keep it going.
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Beauty spread
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WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PROVIDED PHOTOS
On a shimmering summer morning, figures clad in flowing white gathered on the St. Simons shoreline. The Rev. Gregory Hughes stood at the helm.
One by one, the members of the crowd approached.
Following in the footsteps of generations of the faithful, each was submerged in the waters of the Atlantic. They surfaced renewed, fresh in spirit, and their commitment to Christ. The sacrament is a foundational tenet of Christianity, dating back to John the Baptist, who immersed his followers in the waters of the Jordan.
Like his spiritual forbearers, Hughes felt called to the sea. The pastor of True Life Ministries in Atlanta first made the trip to the coast nearly three decades ago.
“I was at home one day and I wanted to go fishing someplace. Somebody mentioned Brunswick and I’d never been before ... I needed some time away, so two of my friends and I decided to drive down,” he recalls.
After driving around the area, the trio was directed to St. Simons Island. That’s where, Hughes says, the Lord spoke to him.
“I remember stepping out on the pier, and when I got toward the end, I heard the voice of God. He said, ‘you’re in the right place ... baptize people here,’” he says.
Hughes heeded the call, even though his church was a relatively young one. They made plans for an annual pilgrimage to the coast. The first year was small but it’s continued to grow every season since.
“I think the first time was about 30 of us, but after that, it’s been over 100 or even 200plus,” he says.
For the first five years, the baptism service was for members of Hughes’ congregation.
But in the years after, more and more have joined — locals to tourists to those who plan a trip specifically for the baptism.
“One year we had some GBI guys who were training on the beach. They were jogging and asked us if they could be baptized. They took off their gear and got baptized. We’ve had people just coming down the beach with their dog. They told their friend, ‘hold my dog, I’m going to get baptized,’” he says with a laugh.
“Every year, the Lord shows us something different. We’ve had a 98-year-old lady once. We had someone in a motorized wheelchair that weighed about 1,000 pounds. (Brunswick former Mayor) Cornell Harvey always comes, and he had some firefighters come to help carry it to the water.”
The open water baptism went on hiatus for nearly three years due to the Golden Ray shipwreck and the coronavirus pandemic. It returned in 2022 with much fanfare from the community.
“The community has truly been amazing and so welcoming to us,” he says. “We had so many calls during the pandemic asking us if we were going to be doing it, but we wanted to be safe.”
This year, the open water baptism is slated for 11 a.m. June 17 near the pier on St. Simons Island. The group will also host a number of events surrounding it at their base in Epworth by the Sea.
“We’re doing something special this year because it’s Father’s Day weekend. We’re hosting a prayer meeting which will be led by men. It’s open to everyone but it will be led by men of all different ethnicities and backgrounds. It’s important for men to be seen praying, showing that they’re not too macho or too busy to pray,” Hughes says.
They will host a similar event for women, also on Friday. The baptism will be held Saturday and they will end the weekend with a service on the beach on Sunday morning. Hughes says they’re eager to return to share their faith with the Isles.
“God is allowing us to share that he’s the God of everybody — regardless of race, gender, or economic status. He wants to be everybody’s God,” he says.
WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON
PHOTOS BY DERRICK DAVIS
Kazi Haranyi reaches for colorful bottles and shiny shot glasses, before stopping to polish the outside of a copper mug. Then, the bar manager at Dorothy’s Cocktail and Oyster Bar is ready to begin.
“With all of our cocktails, it comes down to two things. The first is balance and the second is freshness,” he says, pulling out sprigs of fresh mint leaves.
“We make everything here from scratch, and we only use the freshest ingredients. That’s true in our cocktails and in our food.”
Today’s objective — creating Dorothy’s version of the beloved Mint Julep. The cocktail is often
The bourbon-based libation has been a part of the springtime soiree, held in Louisville, Ky., since 1875 (fun fact — it’s the oldest sporting event in the country). The julep itself has an even longer history, dating back to at least the early 1800s. That’s when many in “horse country” would reach for a glass as a medicinal remedy for their bodily aches and pains.
Legend has it that the blend of mint, sugar, and liquor would perk farm hands right up, allowing them to power through the day.
Today’s juleps certainly aren’t heralded for any medicinal value but what they do offer is sweet, chilly goodness that pairs
“Historically, mint juleps are pretty much sugar and bourbon,” Dorothy’s owner Daniel Auffenberg says with a laugh. “We do ours differently with more flavor, but without changing the cocktail itself.”
Haranyi nods, holding a glass bottle filled with a golden brown liquid.
“This is a (rendered) duck fat rye. You mix 2 ounces of duck fat with 12 ounces of Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey and shake it together,” Haranyi says.
“That would be enough for about six cocktails,” Auffenberg says of the rye mixture.
After leaving the mix to sit for a couple of days, the whole thing
goes into the freezer. Once the concoction has frozen solid, the fat is removed.
“Then, you strain it, so now it’s just rye but with a lot more flavor,” he says, measuring out the whiskey.
Next, Haranyi adds his handmade grapefruit oleo saccharum (citrus oil sugar).
“I took 40 grams of coriander that I put in a pan and toasted. That opens up the oils in the coriander. Then, I used 300 grams of grapefruit peel and six sprigs of fresh tarragon along with 700 grams of sugar,” he says.
“I throw it all in a bag and I vacuum seal it. You leave it in there for two to three days, about 50 hours.”
“It’s called lacto-fermentation,” Auffenberg says. “Then, it’s put into a bowl. You pour 700g of hot, not boiling, water over the mix and strain through a fine mesh strainer. The oleo can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six weeks.”
Once he has all of these handcrafted, special touches, he’s ready to create his julep.
Haranyi grabs his finely polished glass of hammered copper and places it in the bar’s well of crushed ice.
“I like to make it in the well with the crushed ice sticking to the sides. It looks cool, but it gets a little melty,” he says with a laugh.
Once he adds all of the ingredients and gives it a stir, he tops the julep with bitters and plenty of fresh mint.
“Right on the top, so it hits you in the face,” he says with a grin.
While the julep will certainly be gracing Dorothy’s tables on Derby Day, there are plenty of other cocktails that are just as expertly designed. In fact, anything that makes it to Dorothy’s drink menu is rigorously planned and thoroughly tested.
“I could come up with a drink but it won’t make it onto the menu for months because we are tasting and testing to make sure we have it just right. We try them out on our friends and customers and listen to what they say before we add it,” Haranyi says.
The 148th Run for the Roses will be held at 5 p.m. at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 6. To make your own Mint Julep, try this recipe from Dorothy’s:
2 oz duck fat washed rye (or your favorite regular rye or bourbon)
½ oz grapefruit oleo (you can sub ½ oz simple syrup and ¼ oz Dry Curaçao if you wish in place of the oleo, but it will have a different flavor)
6 mint leaves
8 dashes angostura bitters
1 large mint bouquet for garnish
Place the mint leaves in a mint julep cup, and fill with crushed ice. Pour the rye and oleo over ice. Top the ice with angostura bitters and garnish with the mint bouquet.
FFew locations in the Golden Isles prove better for kicking off the summer season and supporting a local cause than Village Creek Landing.
The event space provides a scenic backdrop of marshes and waterways at the north end of the island. And it will be the setting of the upcoming STARgazing Low Country Boil, a fundraiser for STAR of Coastal Georgia.
The event will include live music and iconic Southern fare, and money raised will support the local nonprofit, which offers career and job readiness programs for adults in the area.
STAR will host the third annual fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. May 19.
“It’s coastal casual featuring food by Mr. Shuck’s Seafood, live
PHOTO BY DERRICK DAVISQmusic by Hot Banana Coffee, and our highly sought after ‘Crazy Pants’ contest for men, who will be crowed STAR’s Crazy Pants Shrimp King,” says Markisha Butler, executive director of STAR.
STAR of Coastal Georgia’s mission is to educate and empower members in the coastal community with the foundational skills needed to thrive personally and professionally.
The organization offers a variety of courses to adults and young adults, including comprehensive training programs and other types of workshops.
“This year, STAR is celebrating 26 years of transformational change,” Butler says. “We have a signature Employment Readiness Program, which is a four-week program, our new teen financial literacy, teen employment bootcamp, senior STAR
scholars program, which is a computer program for seniors, and a lunch and learn series on various employability topics.”
This fundraiser will ensure those programs can continue benefiting the Golden Isles community, Butler says.
“Funds raised will help us to continue these programs and develop new programs which would further our mission of educating and empowering individuals in our community,” she says.
STAR of Coastal Georgia, previously known as the STAR Foundation, traces its roots back to 1996, when Wally and Katie Orrel and Ellen Murphy, Katie’s sister, grew worried about the growing number of technology-focused jobs that required computer knowledge many adults in the community did not have.
They approached the Brunswick Housing Authority with the offer to teach a comput-
er literacy class in hopes of helping housing authority residents have access to better paying jobs. STAR’s work began there.
The annual fundraiser celebrates the organization’s long history in the community while paving the way for future successes.
Workforce development is a critical issue in the Golden Isles, and many local nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations collaborate to ensure the local workforce is able to thrive.
“The low country boil is a way to bring people together and share in a collective win,” Butler says. “As we think about workforce development, we must reimagine our workforce. By training individuals who are justice impacted, encouraging women to seek non-traditional occupations, and reaching those who have untapped talent, we are then able to build our workforce pipeline and ultimately better our community.”
Numerous sponsors make the event possible each year, she says, and donations ensure that STAR continues helping residents reach their potential and contributing to the health of the overall workforce in Glynn County.
“This event could not be held if it wasn’t for the donations and sponsorships of community individuals and businesses who believe in the great work that STAR has been providing for over 26 years,” Butler says.
“At STAR, we are intentional about addressing the needs of the current and future workforce of the community.”
Tickets for the event cost $85 per person or $150 for a couple. Sponsorship packages range from $5,000-$10,000.
More information can be found at www.starofcoastalga.org.
Sometimes the best-laid plans grow into something much greater than ever imagined. Karen Mumford has learned that firsthand over the past decade.
She just wanted to take her grandfather to see the World War II monument in Washington, D.C. She never intended to start a nonprofit organization that flies dozens of veterans to the nation’s capital every year for a whirlwind tour of war memorials, presidential monuments, and the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery.
That idea, with the help of her friend Chandra Kendall, plenty of hardworking volunteers, and generous donors, quickly blossomed into Coastal Georgia Honor Flight. Now in its 10th year, the 2023 edition is set to take off May 13 and will fly more than 50 military veterans along with guardians who act as chaperones to Washington, D.C., and back on a chartered flight, all in one day.
“I got started in it because I wanted my grandfather, who was in World War II, to see the World War II memorial,” Mumford says. “It has just grown and it means the world to those men and women.”
As she thought more about the trip for her grandfather, she realized there had to be others who wanted to tag along. As a hospice social worker, Mumford began finding other veterans, their families, and friends who were interested in being a part of the trip.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HALL
In the first year, Coastal Georgia Honor Flight partnered with Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation to serve as the nonprofit to help make the trip a reality. By the next year, Coastal Georgia Honor Flight was its own nonprofit organization and part of the national Honor Flight Network, which includes 130 hubs in 44 states.
Mumford said it’s an honor for her to be a part of an organization that pays homage to American heroes and has enjoyed watching the local flight grow and expand. In the first year, the veterans mostly served in World War II. Today, a majority of the veterans on the flight served during Vietnam or Korea.
“It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done,” she said.
The best part of the trip is the arrival back at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport in the evening, Mumford says. The Brunswick High School band comes to play patriotic tunes and the community comes out in droves to cheer on the veterans with posters, American flags and plenty of cheering.
“It’s an all-American homecoming,” Mumford says. People who want to come to cheer on the veterans upon their arrival should show up at Brunswick Golden Isles Airport at about 8:30 p.m. to be ready for the homecoming, she said.
“We need lots of support at the welcome that night,” Mumford says.
The program also needs donors and support of any kind. The flight is free for veterans and their guardians, making fundraising an important aspect of Coastal Georgia Honor Flight.
“We always need help,” Mumford says. “Whether it’s through volunteering time or making a donation, being a part of Coastal Georgia Honor Flight is truly time and money well spent.”
She hopes to see another great showing from the community on May 13 when the veterans return to Brunswick and to see the program continue to grow.
• Coastal Georgia’s Honor Flight trip will be held May 13. That evening the public is encouraged to come to the Brunswick-Golden Isles Airport, 295 Aviation Parkway, Brunswick to welcome the heroes home. Participants should arrive by 8:30 p.m. For more information, to apply as a volunteer or to make donations, go to the nonprofit organization’s website at CoastalGeorgiaHonorFlight.org.
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Heather Heath has been involved in theatre for a long time, as
The best she’s experienced, though, takes place on the Ritz Theatre stage every summer, when the Golden Isles Penguin
“It’s the best theatre I’ve done because there’s so much passion on the stage,” says Heath, executive director of Golden Isles Arts and Humanities. “They are so happy to be there and performing for everyone, and that is a palpable feeling that
The Penguin Project is an exhibition of a modified version of a well-known musical in which all parts are played by youth with developmental disabilities. The program aims to create a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creativity.
This experience also creates a community for the students and their families, while helping the participants grow in confidence, communication, and other skills.
“We tell them that the goal is to make friends and have fun and do a really good show, because it’s going to be a good show,” says Heath, show director. “We also want their parents and families and friends to see that they can do whatever they want to do if they’re given the opportunity, and we want to give them the opportunity.”
The Penguin Project will perform “The Lion King Jr.” at the Ritz Theatre at 7 p.m. June 15-17 and at 3 p.m. June 18.
Tickets are available for sale online at goldenislesarts.org/programs/penguin-project/.
“The shows tend to sell out, so we tell people to get them fast,” Heath says.
The Penguin Project begins each year in January with an informational meeting, and rehearsals start in February. For months, the performers and their mentors prepare for the production, memorizing the songs, dances, lines, and learning to feel comfortable and confident on stage.
Between the end of the school year in May and debut of the show in June, many of the student actors are attending rehearsals daily to get ready for the show.
Around 40 artists and 40 mentors are involved in this year’s show. They’re supported by a creative team and a small army of volunteers who sew costumes, build sets, and more.
“It’s a mighty team,” Heath says.
“The Lion King” on Broadway is famous for its colorful costumes and elaborate movements. The local production, while on a smaller scale, will bring the same heart.
“We’re looking at all of our different options because we want to blow everybody away,” Heath says.
The artists love this year’s show choice, she says, as many are familiar with the movie and its beloved music.
The Penguin Project began in the Golden Isles in 2017, when Heath, Allyson Jackson, and others came together to make this opportunity available to local youth. The program has had an enormous impact on all involved, Heath says.
“We certainly can see from working with some of the same artists over the years substantial and amazing improvement in their communication skills, their verbal skills, and certainly in their creative talents,” she says.
Many mentors who have worked with the artists on past productions have gone off to college and chosen majors that will one day allow them to work in special education or physical rehabilitation, Heath says.
“This is a family now, and the families want to help each other as much as they can,” she says.
Many parents and caregivers of young people with disabilities experience a feeling of isolation at times, Heath says, and struggle to find community.
The Penguin Project creates that space for many.
“They have folks that they can reach out to,” Heath says.
The artists also gain a whole new social group, and the friendships formed exist beyond the rehearsal space, as many will spend time together outside of the Penguin Project.
“For a lot of our artists this is about a social experience as well because a lot of them didn’t or don’t have that, and now they really do,” Heath says.
When Heath looks back on past years of the Penguin Project, each season is made up of a thousand small moments — often emotional — that in total create an impactful experience for all involved.
She says she’ll be all business at a rehearsal and often will see one of those small moments happen — an actor overcomes a challenge, a mentor supports a breakthrough, or a parent witnesses their child achieve something new.
“I’ll think, ‘OK, I can’t cry now,’” Heath says.
Each season also typically ends with a lot of emotion, Heath says. The adults are crying — with joy — while the artists are filled with pride at their accomplishments on stage.
“They’re just amazingly proud of themselves, and they should be,” Heath says.
The Golden Isles Penguin Project will present Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, June 15 to 17. There will be a 3 p.m. show June 18. All performances will be at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The Penguin Project features artists with special needs. It is free for all participants, and the program encourages donors to offer their support. To learn more, visit goldenislesarts.org/programs/penguin-project/.
For master florist David Lowe, spring starts to bloom long before petals unfold.
Lowe, who owns Edward on St. Simons along with Chris Triplett, has been in the business for 47 years. With that kind of experience, he knows full well that planning is the key to success.
The team starts putting the pieces in place before the season officially arrives. That includes hitting the state’s best mar -
kets to stock the shelves of their boutique at 224 Redfern Village with all things fresh and new.
“We have three areas. By the second week of January, we start to transition in the first room. We change to winter white and green,” he says.
“Then, we start to bring in the early blooming things for spring like daffodils, tulips, magnolia blooms. We go along with nature. Then, by the time February rolls
around, we are much more colorful but we don’t go full out spring — with eggs and bunnies — until after Valentine’s Day. So it’s about a three-week transition to get spring out completely.”
The season has fully sprouted by March and moves through Easter. And of course, there are dozens upon dozens of weddings sprinkled along the way.
“There’s really never a time that we aren’t busy,” Lowe says with a chuckle.
WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON PHOTOS BY DERRICK DAVIS“There’s always something happening behind the scenes. We’re getting in hundreds of boxes in that have to be unpacked and checked, priced and displayed. There’s always something going on.”
While they’re always busy bees, there’s one occasion that tends to top them all — Mother’s Day. The holiday proves to be the team’s busiest time of the year with a flurry of activity leading up to the big day in May (this year, May 14).
“It’s the biggest single holiday there is ... even though it lasts a week. Christmas is bigger, but that lasts two months,” Lowe says with a grin.
“But for Mother’s Day, we have a portable cooler that we bring in and park outside, so we will have three coolers going at one time.”
Deliveries start rolling out on the Friday before the holiday weekend. Lowe says the arrangements selected come in three sizes with matching price points. The common link between them is that they feature bright, bold blooms in pops of pinks and purples.
“You got your pink hydrangeas, then pink and coral peonies. This is a Phalaenopsis Orchid,” Lowe says, gesturing to the fresh arrangement.
“Assorted roses, of course. This is a Dutch tulip that hasn’t opened all the way. If you leave it out in room temperature overnight, it will get as big as your fist. Then, we have this Nerine Lily and Lisianthus.”
The team takes special care to assemble the freshest flowers and bouquets to celebrate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, and special friends.
While Lowe and his team are top-tier pros, having orders in advance is always a major help to them. Ultimately, it also ensures that these beautiful blooms arrive in plenty of time to make mom’s day.
“We really like to hear from clients at least seven days in advance but a lot of people don’t call until about four or five days before. Sometimes people don’t call until the Friday or Saturday before,” he says.
“It’s the biggest single holiday there is ... even though it lasts a week. Christmas is bigger, but that lasts two months,” Lowe says with a grin.
may
May 2
The Jekyll Island Club Resort will host its Hotel History Tour at 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It is $15 per person. For details, visit jekyllclub.com.
May 4 to 6
The Literary Guild of St. Simons will host its spring book sale from May 4 to 6 in the St. Simons Casino atrium. A member preview will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. May 4. New members are welcome to join. The sale will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5 and from 8:30 to 1 p.m. May 6. A $10 bag sale will begin at 1:30 p.m. May 6. For details, visit LitGuildSSI.org.
May 5 to May 21
The Island Players will stage Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” for multiple performances. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays. There will be a 3 p.m. matinee show on Sundays. Tickets range from $10 to $25. For details, visit islandplayers.com.
May 6
Frederica Academy will host its 21st annual Derby Day at 5 p.m. at the Frederica Golf Clubhouse on St. Simons Island. There will be a silent auction, as well as food, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit fredericaacademy.org/support-fa/derby-day.
May 8
The Coastal Symphony of Georgia will hold its final concert of the season at 8 p.m. at Brunswick High School’s auditorium, 3885 Altama Ave., Brunswick. It will feature selections from Dimitri Shostakovich, Carl Reinecke, and Sarah Kirkland Snider. Tickets are $50. For more information, visit coastalsymphonyorgeorgia.org.
May 12
Golden Isles Live! will host Broadway performer Chester Gregg in concert at 7:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 6520 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for students. For details, visit goldenisleslive.org.
May 13
Crafts in the Village will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Postell Park, 522 Beachview Dr., St. Simons Island. For more information, visit craftsinthevillage.com.
Brunswick’s Mayfair Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick.
May 19
STAR of Coastal Georgia (formerly the STAR Foundation) will host its STARgazing Low Country Boil at 5:30 p.m. at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island. Ticket prices are $85 per individual or $150 per couple. For details, visit starofcoastalga.org.
May 21
The Coastal Georgia Historical Society will host its ongoing concert series A Little Light Music from 7 to 9 p.m. on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. The Hollywood Band will perform. Tickets are $15 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. For details, visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.
May 29
The St. Simons Rotary Club will host its annual Taps at Twilight at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island. The event will begin with the Golden Isles Community Band at 5:45 p.m. Taps will be played at 6:45 p.m. The event is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
June 4
The Coastal Georgia Historical Society will host its ongoing concert series A Little Light Music from 7 to 9 p.m. on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Squirt Gun will perform. Tickets are $15 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. For details, visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.
June 5
Camp Jekyll Summer 4-H Camp will be held weekly, Monday through Friday, through the summer. It will visit various island locations but will be based at the 4-H Center. For details, visit georgia4h.org.
June 7
The Literary Guild of St. Simons will host its Meet the Author series featuring Marie Bostwick from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in room 108 of the St. Simons Island Casino, 550 Beachview Drive. For more information, visit litguildssi.org.
June 15 to 19 and from June 26 to 30
Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Dr., St. Simons Island, will host a summer camp for kids titled Clay and Collage. There will be a variety of other summer programs taking place. For a complete listing or more information, visit glynnvisualarts.org.
June 15 to 18
The Golden Isles Penguin Project will present Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. There will be a 3 p.m. Sunday show. All performances will be at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. The Penguin Project features artists with special needs. For details, visit goldenislesarts.org.
$28.1 billion
Mother’s Day sees spending at $28.1 billion nationally.
$1.9 billion
Flowers rake in $1.9 billion each year. 72% of those celebrating send their mothers flowers.
75%
75% of Americans celebrating send greeting cards.
27
As of 2019, the average age of first-time mothers is 27. Most women in the U.S have their first child in their twenties, with 20% waiting until after 35.
Mother’s Day, the day we all heap wellearned love and praise on the ladies who gave us life. And of course, the occasion isn’t only reserved for biological mothers. In 2023, Mother’s Day embraces step-parents, in-laws, grandmothers, maternal figures, and even dog moms.
While today’s version of Mother’s Day is all about fêteing mamas, the origins of the holiday are a bit more somber. It began when writer Anna Jarvis wanted to create a day to honor the sacrifices of mothers, following the death of her own, Ann Reeves Jarvis, in 1905.
On May 12, 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within just five years, virtually every state was observing the occasion. President Woodrow Wilson sanctioned the first official Mother’s Day in 1914.
This year, it falls on May 14. Read on to learn more about this special day:
2.2
There are an estimated 2.2 billion mothers in the world now.
1/3
Mother’s Day is the busiest day for restaurants with more than ⅓ of adults sitting down at a dining establishment on that day.
$671 million
Greeting cards are the most common gift, with an estimated $671 million being spent.
100
More than 100 countries observe Mother’s Day in some form.
22 million
It’s estimated that 22 million calls are placed in the U.S. on Mother’s Day.
May 9, 1914
Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday on May 9, 1914.
$245.76
The National Retail Federation found that per-person spending for the occasion was $245.76 in 2022.
Of all the words in the world’s languages, one of the sweetest is “home.”
It reminds us of joys, of beloved people in our upbringing and special moments
like birthday celebrations, Christmas, and fancy Easter clothes.
I have a friend who was raised in an orphanage. When Mike, who had relatives, talks about “home,” it is a beautiful brick campus in South Carolina where he played, was loved, memorized Bible scriptures, learned his ABCs, and had weekly picnics with “his family.”
He glows when he talks about it. “Every year, we have a family reunion and I get to see all my brothers and sisters. I had a wonderful home when I was growing up.”
Mike made a home where he was, as did island legend, Neptune Small.
Tink and I were at The Lodge on Sea Island a few weeks ago. We try to never miss the bagpiper who appears at 5 p.m., to play down the sun over the beautiful grounds. Depending on which bagpiper you get, you will hear varying stories of the homeland of Scotland and how important the bagpipes were.
The tribes were always scattered hither and yon, so the bagpiper would play to notify all the people of urgent matters. There was special music for a wedding, another for a death, and yet another for war. From all corners, the people hurried to gather where the bagpiper was and learn the news.
One evening, we listened as he told tales that are familiar to those who are Scottish or, like me, Scotch-Irish. A historian in Belfast, County Antrim, once told me when I was there to research my family that when those wayward travelers arrived in America, people would say, “Oh, you’re Irish,” when they heard the accent.
This angered the Scots who, against their will, had been placed in Northern Ireland by King James in an effort to overcome the Catholicism in Ireland. They were resentful. “NO!” they spat back. “Scotch-Irish.”
As I thought of my original homeland from whence cometh my people almost 300 years ago, I realized that The Lodge sets on land that was once a home to many. It was originally called The Orange Grove, then Retreat Plantation when bought by William Page. Inherited by his daughter, Matilda, it would keep the name, Retreat, but sometimes be referred to as King’s when she married Thomas Butler King,
a New Englander (Please note that I did not say “Yankee” since I am married to a New Englander.)
The Kings were known for their kindness and goodness to everyone. On the plantation was even a hospital which was overseen by Sukey Small and her daughter, Miley. Sukey was the mother of the most precious, noble Neptune. His legend looms large over St. Simons Island.
Neptune Small is a legend for a Hollywood movie. Like William Wallace, of Braveheart, he is true. Neptune was the servant to Henry Lord Page King. He accompanied “Lordy” into Civil War battle and stuck to his side until he was killed in the Battle of Fredricksburg in 1862. Neptune, heartbroken over the death of his best friend, brought him back home where ‘Lordy’ was eventually laid to rest in the Christ Church Cemetery after an original burial in Savannah.
Sweet-hearted Neptune could have remained on the island but chose, instead, to accompany another King son, Cuyler, into battle. Both survived and returned to St. Simons Island. Neptune, who, like the rest of us, loved the feeling of home, settled back on the island.
Several years after the Civil War, he purchased eight acres on St. Simons Island. When he died in 1907, he left a request that his acreage be turned into a park — Neptune Park near the Pier.
Meanwhile, the King’s stately home, built in the 1790s by Thomas Spalding, was destroyed by fire in 1907. In the 1920s, Howard Coffin, founder and developer of Sea Island, bought the Retreat property for a golf resort. The Lodge, my husband’s favorite place, which resides on that property, still has tabby remnants of the estate, scattered about the land.
King’s Way, Retreat Avenue, Mallory Street (a King daughter whose name was spelled Mallery), and Neptune Park all honor the early islanders.
Several years ago, The Lodge built several cottages on property. Each one is name for an island historical figure including: Spalding Cottage, Mallery Cottage, Anna Matilda Cottage, and Neptune Cottage.
Neptune, who lived to be 75, returned home and built a comfortable life, owning land on St. Simons and in Brunswick. He is buried on grounds that once was the Retreat Plantation.
It touches my heart that such an extraordinary man is remembered on his home ground with a cottage named after him. May Neptune Small never be forgotten.
The Low Country coastal plain of Georgia is home to series of upland forest and grasslands, inundated wetlands and woodland habitats. An often-overlooked characteristic of the Georgia coast is that, in many ways, it’s well-conserved compared to other states. For the past 50 years, a decentralized network of empowered professional and citizen scientists who operate with a keen sense for the ecological have been working hard to protect Georgia’s natural resources for posterity. Today, we are living in their wake.
TEamonn Leonard, former chairman of Coastal WildScapes and current wildlife biologist at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), helps manage the Altama Plantation Wildlife Management Area in northern Glynn County on Highway 99. Over the past eight years, the DNR has worked on several restoration and enhancement projects at the former rice plantation and recreation area. These projects include enhancement of the formal demonstration garden, restoring a longleaf pine habitat in an old airstrip, and growing 40 different species of legumes, forbs, and grasses in an old agricultural area.
This team is on the frontlines of understanding coastal ecology and how native plants are the foundation for ecological success. When I asked Leonard about gardening with nonnative tropical plants that are aesthetically pleasing, he remarked that those plants are “green statues” in that they look pretty, but serve no other purpose. They do not provide food or resourc -
es for birds and other animals. The necessary question is how can we shift our definition of beautiful gardens and landscapes to include both aesthetically-pleasing and resource-rich native plants?
The decrease in native plants, trees, and natural habitats results in resource shortages and viable living conditions for animals such as the endangered gopher tortoise, a keystone species of longleaf pine habitats. Global modernization, development, and lack of understanding have unfortunately pushed many ecosystems to edges — dwindling habitats that animals have been cornered into. For example, North American birds, which scientists say are indicators of ecosystem health, have declined by a whopping 3 billion in the past 53 years. That’s one in four birds. Some local species are endangered, like the Red Cockaded Woodpecker that relies on healthy longleaf pine forests.
The solution lies within the problem:
Each and every one of us can play a key hand in our local environments. Introducing local native species of plants sets off a chain reaction of sorts that makes any place teem with caterpillars, butterflies, and other pollinator insects. This, in turn, has the potential to transform any yard into a wildlife sanctuary. The exciting news is that thousands of people across the United States are diving deep into the native plant revolution. Coastal WildScapes is a local nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that is working to change the landscape both figuratively and literally. Inspired by the wonders of the Low Country, the grassroots organization was formed in 2009 and is comprised of an eclectic network empowered professional and citizen scientists.
Deborah Shepard, Coastal WildScapes member, runs a backyard native plant nursery operation in Darien called Florabundance. Although she is not a botanist by training, she has spent five years learning the intricacies of how native plants live and grow in her impressive backyard nursery made up of several micro-ecosystems.
Shepard says that her native plants weathered the winter freeze much better than others.
“All the natives in my nursery survived. The non-natives aren’t as hardy and did not do as well. A lot of people are turning to natives for that exact reason,” Shepard says.
Amy Schuler agrees. The lifelong naturalist and education outreach coordinator for Coastal WildScapes also suggests getting involved with area conservation groups to learn more.
“Volunteering is a great way to learn about native plants,” Schuler says.
Although introducing native plants to your backyard will take lots of time and can feel daunting, Schuler and Shepard recommend starting small, patiently observing and learning along the way. Small efforts in the beginning can compound overtime. Coastal WildScapes will host a Native Plant Sale in September at Shepard’s Florabundance.
• If you want to know more about native plants, other conservation projects, and volunteer opportunities, visit coastalwildscapes.com. To learn more about natives or to book a native plant nursery appointment, visit florabundancegardens.com.
Acommercial space for a few years and later acquiring the old vet clinic at 1958 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, which they totally remodeled to suit their needs. They’ve been going strong ever since.
“We will soon be moving part of our operation into a second space as we have outgrown the current space,” she says.
packaging,” she says. “Store-bought usually come in single width or sometimes 1.5 width panels, either with an un-pleated, standard rod pocket, or huge grommets at the top, crooked hems, and folded in a package.”
The result is ill-fitted, frumpy looking windows. Custom designs, on the other hand, offer a plethora of perks. Styles are wide and varied, Cavedo says, and each can serve a different purpose.
“Custom window treatments will accommodate fluctuating measurements from one window to the next, even in the same room. They are manufactured and sized to both the width and height of your windows with header pleating of your choice. They will hang beautifully and dress your windows to perfection,” she says.
“And we can do it all. Roman or roller shades with various lift systems, motorized, or just regular hand-operated treatments. Options are truly spectacular and unlimited. We have seen a lot of customers choosing motorized drapery. We also do a lot on motorization on Roman shades, but we can also do that with the manual pull. You can also sync them up to your smartphone or integrate it into your home system with Alexa. It’s really come a long way in just a few years.”
Their Roman shades fully adhere to all child safety standards, which has become a crucial part of marketing these treatments.
Auret Cavedo knows a thing or two about fabrics and how to use them. The South African native moved to the Golden Isles 11 years ago to join her mother, Rita, in what started out as a small home-based workroom. Once here, they decided to take a leap of faith and move out to a commercial space on St. Simons Island.
“After us having had two clothing factories in South Africa, we knew that we could build a successful business again,” she says.
Cavedo and Rita founded Island Drapes and Upholstery, first renting a
As a custom drapery and upholstery company, Island Drapes focuses on offering top-tier service while bringing a sense of polish to homes.
Custom window treatments, like the ones Cavedo and her team create, offer a finished, professional look. And one that cannot be found in prepackaged drapery.
“Store-bought panels only come with standard length measurements of 84”, 96,” and 108.” They’re not custom to your windows. In fact, if you lay them out on the table they always differ in size. No two panels are ever the same length, or the length stated on the
In addition to the variety, the customized treatments offer a far superior quality. That goes from the exterior fabrics to the interior lining, the hardware to the personalized installation.
“With custom-made, your choices are unlimited. Price of fabrics can vary vastly, from affordable solids to mid-range patterns, as well as high and very high-end exclusives. In our workroom, we can advise prospective customers on what will work for certain applications, as well as the influence our local weather will have on particular fabrics,” she says.
“Treatments can offer light control, temperature control, acoustics, softening of the space, and create a beautiful ambience not achievable with hard blinds or plantation shutters. They are also a great way to solve privacy issues.”
Once a selection is made, Island Drapery’s seasoned staff will personally measure a client’s windows. They also pair pieces with the proper hardware, factoring in the weight of the treatments, height of the install, ease of operation, and finally the actual installation.
“At times, it is even necessary to consider the physical stature of the homeowner when making certain recommendations. This is something that does not come in the packaging of any store-bought treatments or hardware,” she says.
“The investment in custom window treatments can be significant, and for that reason we ensure that the client is 100% happy with their choices, our recommendations, and the final product.”
• Visit Island Drapes and Upholstery, 1958 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, where the thoughtful staff will make all your decorating dreams a reality and assist in the demystifying process.
Homes are sanctuaries. They’re safe spaces, filled with a lifetime of memories. It’s these sentimental attachments that make us want to stay within those treasured walls. But as health challenges become more prevalent, that can prove more and more difficult.
It’s something that Scott and Amy Pierce understand well. The couple have each had experience with those facing ill health. For Scott, it was his parents.
“I was born and raised in Savannah
and lived there my whole life. In 2008, I moved to Atlanta to take a software job with a healthcare company. In 2016, I was dating Amy at the time, she was an admissions nurse for hospice. I got a call from my dad on a random Tuesday, saying ‘I’m not feeling very good. I’m going to go to the hospital.’ The doctor told me that it was nothing imminent, but that it would be something we’d have to manage ... congestive heart failure,” he recalls.
“My mom was 84 years old and she had already been diagnosed with dementia and was in a wheelchair. So my 86-year-old dad was trying to care for both of them. They lived alone and didn’t have family living in Savannah.”
It was the first time that Scott saw his father in a vulnerable position. It was clear that he was no longer able to take care of himself, much less his wife.
“So I remember turning to Amy and asking, ‘who’s going to take care of this? His primary care doctor?’ And I remember Amy laughing,” he says.
As many discover every day, there is no set answer to this question. Solutions can range from family-assisted care to inpatient living facilities. But the dilemma got Scott and Amy thinking.
“We both have backgrounds in healthcare. I was in healthcare software, so I dealt with the business-side, I sat in the boardrooms of some of the biggest healthcare companies in the country,” he says.
Amy was an admissions nurse for Hospice Savannah, where she would go into the living rooms or the hospital, to access patients for hospice services.
“I would see families struggling to deal with complex health issues,” Amy says.
That’s what moved the pair to create Coastal Care Partners. The customer-focused care system was built to address this very issue. They started in Savannah, creating a multi-pronged organization that now offers in-home care for patients who need assistance, as well as case management that pairs nurses with patients to provide one-on-one care.
“We got licensed by the state to provide in-home care. We have a recruiting philosophy that we call the Donna rule, Donna is my mom. Anyone that we hire, we would feel comfortable with them caring for my mom,” Amy says.
The high-level of service offered by Coastal Care Partners paired with the overwhelming need resulted in continued growth and expansion. Over time, the company opened an emergency care facility, as well as concierge adult primary care in Savannah.
Recently, the Pierces opened a branch on St. Simons Island, where nurses offer case management and in-home care. Families are able to work directly with the company to determine what best fits their needs and are able to pay accordingly. Since they are not bound by insurance, they are able to offer a second-to-none customer experience.
“For instance, the nurse care management is where you hire a nurse. Basically, it’s five hours paid upfront and you use as much as you need. That’s beautiful because the nurses develop a personal relationship with the patient. They go with their clients to all of their doctors’ appointments, so you can imagine the value to both the doctors and the patients,” Scott says. “They can give the doctors the complete view of the client’s health.”
The in-home case management can also provide whatever options best suit the patient. That can include assisting with daily activities, meal prepping, running errands, or engaging in exercise to hospice support care, medication management, or specialized dementia and memory care.
Since the beginning, the Pierces have been inspired by their personal experiences. They continue to find fulfillment in helping other families when they need it most.
“It’s so rewarding. I’ve gone into homes to access a family and afterward they said, ‘I just feel so much relief just talking to you and finding out there is help: It gives them peace of mind,” Amy says.
“The reason we got into this was because of our personal experience. It’s super rewarding. We have people saying, ‘we don’t know what we’d do without you. Mom or dad is doing so great.’ It’s fantastic,” Scott says with a smile.
TWhen considering personal use and return on investment, owners are often divided on how to tackle the vacation rental market; some selecting a professional management company, others determined to oversee the details themselves. The question remains, in a saturated market such as St. Simons Island, are there advantages to working with a professional management company?
ly-owned and operated professional vacation rental manager, Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, to inform your decision:
• How can a professional vacation rental manager assist an owner with the Glynn County Short Term Rental Ordinance?
The face of vacationing is changing. During the initial stages of the pandemic, travel ground to a halt. As restrictions on travel were lifted and people started looking at ways to vacation safely, many travelers experienced short term rentals for the first time. Flash forward two plus years and the vacation rental industry is booming with both occupancy and rates at an all-time high. This incredible demand has also driven new buyers to St. Simons and the Golden Isles, looking for both a second home, and an income-producing property.
To make the most of your vacation rental investment property, it’s important to identify personal goals as an owner. Opposite ends of the spectrum run from “a haven for family and friends to make lifelong memories” to purely return on investment — then there is a sweet spot that can accomplish both. Professional vacation rental managers serve not only guests to the privately owned properties, but more importantly the owners they represent.
Still wondering if a professional vacation rental manger is right for you? Here are the most frequently asked questions from homeowners, and answers from a local-
Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals oversees all aspects of obtaining and maintaining Glynn County’s Short Term Rental Certification. The Glynn County Short-Term Rental Ordinance requires specific responsibilities of vacation rental properties to ensure proper registration, safety equipment, tax collection, parking, and noise restrictions, as well as a local point of contact, who is able to physically respond to the property within hours, should an issue arise. A professional property manager will handle these details, leaving the property owner to focus on how best and often to use their vacation property.
• How could a professional vacation rental manager help with housekeeping or maintenance? Many local profession-
al vacation rental managers work with third party companies to clean and maintain a property. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals goes a step further. In addition to valued third-party partners, Hodnett Cooper employs full-time, in-house Inspection and maintenance teams. The inspection team works in tandem with housekeeping partners to ensure properties are exceptionally clean and every guest has an outstanding experience. The maintenance team ensures minor mishaps in your rental home are addressed immediately, so guests and owners can make the most of their time away.
• How could a professional vacation rental manager help with vendors and upkeep? It is important to keep in mind your vacation rental investment property will require similar maintenance and upkeep as your primary residence, and in many cases even more. A community, similar to an ecosystem, thrives on relationships. Valuable relationships with vendors can be difficult to build if your primary residence is not in the same location as your investment property, or should you only require one off services without a contract or commitment. A professional management company is able to form a bond on your behalf, using specialized, trusted vendors and third-party partners on a regular basis across the inventory of homes to ensure reliable service, and rapid response times, especially when after hours.
• What is dynamic pricing and why is it important? Many professional vacation rental managers use dynamic pricing tools which observe the availability in a specific area to track demand for a set date range, or set type of rental, and update prices minute-to-minute — in real time — to boost a property’s occupancy and maximize revenue. Have you ever looked for a two-bedroom vacation rental, and found 100 properties available for your dates in the area? Thinking there are many options to choose from, searching the same criteria again, only to find only 95 properties available and the nightly rate for the available properties has increased? This is an example of dynamic pricing happening automatically, based on demand, to maximize owner revenue.
• Why does diversified marketing matter? Gone are the days of plopping your beach cottage on a third party website and watching your calendar fill up. Hodnett Cooper uses a multitude of platforms to include VRBO, Airbnb, HomeAway, a top ranked website for 24/7 guest reservations featuring a 75% direct booking rate. Hodnett Cooper maintains active, growing, social media platforms, coupled with an energized catalogue of 40 years’ worth of past and repeat guests participating in regular email campaign — not to mention a devoted in-house team, engaged in the community to analyze and interpret data ensuring your property is presented to a potential guest.
• Hodnett Cooper believes in transparency, which is why they offer a 24/7 private dedicated Owner Portal providing clarity to every reservation, and every transaction. Interested in learning more about how a professional vacation rental manager could help you? Call and speak to one of our dedicated owner services team members, who are reserved specifically to serve owners. They may be reached at 912461-5594.
scored more than 95 career goals and earned recognition as the two-time Region Player of the Year and threetime all-state selection. McMahan will graduate with 20 letters to her resume hailing from six different varsity sports.
Aside from soccer, McMahan has competed in track, cross country, basketball, football, and flag football during her four years at McIntosh County Academy.
And she wasn’t just showing up for practice. McMahan has won region championships in the 800-meter, 1600m, and 3200m runs in track, she’s a two-time region champion and fourtime state qualifier in cross country. She’s a two-year starter on the basketball team, she is a two-time all-area selection in flag football, and she’s the first female in school history to score for the MCA football team — finishing her career with 25 points.
Yet, if McMahan had her way early, we might have never seen the multi-sport star shine. She never envisioned herself in sports before her parents signed her up for soccer.
“I didn’t want to play it, but they put me in it,” McMahan says. “I hated it at first.”
A soccer ball to the face certainly didn’t make the first experience any more enjoyable.
FA stray soccer ball unceremoniously welcomed a 7-year-old Madi McMahan to her first athletic endeavor.
“I got hit in the face my very first game, and I didn’t like that,” the McIntosh County Academy senior says with a smile.
A decade later, McMahan is set to play college soccer at Brenau University after completing one of the most decorated athletic careers in MCA history.
Still, McMahan stuck it out. She even began running with her father Jamey, a longtime jogger himself. Soon, soccer wasn’t so bad anymore.
“I didn’t like it at all, then I guess I kind of got good at it, so I started liking it a lot better,” McMahan said.
First impressions are important — but they are not everything.
However, McMahan hasn’t confined her talents to the pitch, where she’s
But that was it. When she was young, McMahan expressed she never wanted to play sports. She could make an exception for soccer; she was showing a real knack for the game, but how often could that be the case?
athlete excels on, off field
Then her friends talked her into joining the basketball team in sixth grade.
“I didn’t like basketball either,” McMahan says. “I stopped playing my seventh-grade year then I started playing again my eighth-grade year.”
McMahan is the poster child for the rich rewards of simply trying something new.
Once she reached high school at McIntosh County Academy, McMahan added track to her repertoire. It was as a junior that she added her fifth, and most daring sport yet when she earned a spot on the school’s varsity football team.
“We came over (to the practice field) one day, I think we were on break for some reason, and I was just kicking a little bit,” McMahan recounts the story.
McIntosh County Academy athletic director, and head football coach, Bradley Warren caught a glimpse of some of the kicks and offered McMahan an opportunity to try out for the team.
“During the season she was coming down to kick and get her work in, whatever was asked or whatever she wanted to do on her own, and then she’d go run cross country right after that,” Warren says.
“I’m like, ‘I’m not going to not give this to her if she earns it,’ and then all of a sudden, she’s out-kicking a couple of guys that were trying out for it and they just sort of wilted away. She’d earned the job.”
It was while McMahan was kicking for the varsity football team when the Georgia High School Association officially sanctioned flag football as a championship sport in the fall of 2021, providing her clearance to add a sixth sport to her ledger.
McMahan was the running back of the flag football team her junior year before taking over as the team’s quarterback this past season.
“It was like going from kicker, where you just go out on the field every once in a while, to being on the field all the time,” she says.
There was a two-week stretch last year where McMahan was a member of four active sports — football, flag football, basketball, and cross country. There’s school too, of course. Not that it bothers McMahan, whose GPA sits well north of 4.0.
If McMahan has a secret to her success in any and every dominion she’s stepped into, she’s not sharing it.
“I don’t know,” McMahan says wrly. “It’s fun. I just got something to do year round. I’m always busy.”
Rahab’s Rope exists to children in the fight against human trafficking. Profits from our local and global artisans fund the mission.
WORDS BY TAYLOR COOPER | PHOTOS BY DERRICK DAVIS
There’s a simple reason for that.
B“They want to go in and see the engine,” Hankey says. “Having quality service is good, but if the food wasn’t good they aren’t coming back.”
To put a finer point on it, the service shouldn’t be the primary focus. If everything is going well in the back of the house, it’s likely that will extend to the front of the house, Tullos says. That doesn’t go both ways, though.
In summary, “As the kitchen goes, that’s how the rest of it goes,” he says.
With so many restaurants nearby, one might wonder how Hankey keeps the kitchen staffed when many struggle even now after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s not a mystery. He’s completely open about the strategy.
“People talk about the labor force, but there’s a lot of talent,” he says. “It’s really simple: Compensate people fairly and they’ll give you good work.”
It might become an issue during the upcoming summer season, Tullos adds. Even 10 years ago, when he was managing Bonefish Grill off Frederica Road, St. Simons Island still had an off-season lull. Sometimes only a handful of locals would show up for days on end.
“That doesn’t happen anymore,” Tullos says.
It’s not hard for a restaurant to maintain itself during the fall and winter months anymore, he continues, but keeping enough staff on hand to manage the summer rush can be a nightmare.
It doesn’t hurt the business’ success that seafood is always popular in coastal destinations. Wolf Island Oyster Co. has, as one might expect, oysters, but also shrimp, fish, steak, and a handful of other options.
In fact, shrimp remains the No. 1 seller. Tullos attributes that to oysters being a “love-it-or-hate-it” food, while shrimp enjoy a much wider appreciation and association with coastal cuisine.
“You don’t ‘kind of’ like an oyster,” Tullos says. “We sell a lot, but always shrimp is the big one.”
Ben Hankey and Allan Tullos have worked in food service for a long time. If you ask them what makes a good restaurant, you’ll get a similar answer.
“The kitchen is the engine of any restaurant,” says Ben Hankey, chef and general manager of Wolf Island Oyster Co. in Redfern Village on St. Simons Island.
“It’s the heart of the house,” Tullos, a partner in FG Squared, the group that owns Wolf Island, among other restaurants, adds. Wolf Island has been open for eight months by now, and it has been doing better than some of FG’s other restaurants already.
When he and FG Squared opened Wolf Island, he knew it would do well.
Typically, a new restaurant sees a rush as people come to see what all the fuss is about. Then, a lull follows when everyone’s had their fill before the regular rhythm gets established.
Wolf Island saw that surge eight months ago, but neither Tullos nor Hankey would describe the following lull period as such. Rather, they’d say it’s been a very easy cruise since the grand opening.
Tullos has worked in food service long enough to know how hard it is to get away from shrimp. He got his start at Spanky’s Marshside in Brunswick, now Marshside Grill, when he was 14. While attending Kennesaw State University, he took it from a side job to a full-time profession as he worked his way up the ladder of Ippolito’s Neighborhood Italian. He ended up back in the Golden Isles some 15 years ago when he was put in charge of the Bonefish Grill on St. Simons Island.
It was great to move back home, Tullos says. After the Bonefish location
closed, he worked for another restaurant group but in 2019 took over as co-owner of Bubba Garcia’s in Redfern Village, and decided to focus all his time on the Golden Isles food scene.
It wasn’t long before fellow food service veteran Connor Rankin and Realtor Josh Nichols got together and had the idea to unite under an umbrella — FG Squared, or Fat Guys Food Group.
It doesn’t have an official motto, but Tullos says the driving idea behind FG was “go big.”
“Josh said ‘Let’s get big. Let’s open Wolf Island and let’s keep opening restaurants,’” Tullos says.
Wolf Island is the latest addition, but the group also owns Bubba Garcia’s, Chubb’s Diner, Coastal Kitchen, and Gnats Landing. It acquired Redfern Village — something Nichols had already had in the works prior — in June last year. Next up on the agenda is a new Bubba Garcia’s location in downtown Brunswick.
But for the moment, Tullos says he’s focused on Wolf Island. Or at least as focused as he can be on any one restaurant in his current role.
With Hankey running the show at Wolf Island for the most part, Tullos says he’s learned that owning a whole restaurant group is an entirely different kind of work than just running one.
“I’m so used to being hands-on,” Tullos says. “Now I talk to people at my desk, fill out paperwork, work on logistics. Having to buy things for multiple restaurants is a whole ‘nother thing from just one.”
Taking more of a backseat role hasn’t been a bad thing. He misses being the
hands-on type of owner at his baby, Bubba Garcia’s, but this job provides more stability. It’s also good for his worklife balance. He and his two partners are all family folks now, and while he wishes he could spend more time in the kitchen, spending time with his actual babies is much more rewarding.
“You can’t do everything. Sometimes you have to let your managing partners make mistakes and learn,” Tullos says. “How it runs when you’re not there is a sign of how well your restaurant runs.”
WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON
PHOTOS BY PARKER ALEXANDER, EMPIRE SKY PHOTOGRAPHY AND RICHARD LEO JOHNSON, ATLANTIC ARCHIVES
The green and gold of the marsh swayed in April’s morning breeze. In the springtime stillness, the strands of grass whispered to each other, seemingly sharing a long-withheld secret.
The Golden Isles is filled with these hidden worlds and private sanctuaries.
It’s what lured Amy Pace and her family to the shores of the coast. After splitting their time between Texas and Colorado, Pace says the appeal of St. Simons Island proved too good to pass up.
“We kind of moved between Dallas and Colorado, we also had a small place in Amelia Island. But I grew up in Georgia and went to UGA, so we knew a lot of people from our college days who lived there,” she says.
“And of course, my husband is a huge golfer and I am too. It’s just a great place for that.”
When they decided to build, the Paces had a clear vision for their future home. They discovered a sizable lot, tucked away in a corner of a highly-guarded neighborhood. Together with their architect, Thomas Thaddeus Truett, they crafted a design that embraced all of the splendor of coastal living.
“EVER SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL, I WANTED A SECRET GARDEN,”
- AMY PACEPhoto by Parker Alexander/Empire Sky Photography Photo by Parker Alexander/ Empire Sky Photography Photo by Parker Alexander/ Empire Sky Photography Photo by Parker Alexander/ Empire Sky Photography
The home itself is an expansive Spanish-style villa nestled behind palms and Chinese fringe trees. It features a formal front courtyard garden where Enzo Zago Italian terra cotta planters filled with mature agave plants line the entry.
“We had always wanted a marsh lot and my husband was very specific about it being south facing,” she says with a laugh.
“But we loved that it’s in a quiet neighborhood and off the beaten track. At the time we built, Sea Island did the initial landscape plan.”
That called for weaving in as many native plants as possible. Muhly grass and neatly manicured hedges provided a framework for the expansive back yard, which includes a terrace and pristine pool. The space is bordered by turf and tile diamonds.
“Three years ago we hired another company, Nature’s Design, to do another plan. We wanted to add more turf to it, which is what you see now. We have grandchildren who needed grassy areas to play,” she says.
Other garden highlights helped to bolster that sense of childhood whimsy. For starters, a number of metal animal sculptures are stationed throughout the yard.
CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
• Draperies, Cornices & Valances
• Roman Shades & Blinds
• Custom Bedding & Non-Slip Bed Skirts
• Pillows of all shapes & sizes
• Custom Drapery Hardware
• Motorization of Drapery, Shades & Blinds
• Outdoor Cushions • Table Skirts
CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY
• Re-Cover Furniture
• Custom Built Furniture & Headboards
• Slipcovers
“You design it, we’ll make it!”Photo by Richard Leo Johnson/Atlantic Archives
“We started collecting some sculptures before we moved to the house. Some of them were from Dallas and some from Colorado. We added the Jill Shwaiko piece. We already had the big moose by artist Jim Budish,” she says. “We purchased Harvey, the rabbit, from Budish for his spot in the walled garden.”
Passing the pool — and the ever-vigilant moose — brick stairs lead to another garden, a bit tucked away from view. That, Pace adds with a hint of glee, was the point.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted a secret garden,” she says. “I read the book, you know, so that’s what this is.”
The walled section featured boxwoods tucked into tidy brick-lined flower beds. Seasonal color pops from the interiors in blooms of purple, red, orange, and yellow.
“And since it’s enclosed, the deer can’t get to it,” Pace notes. “But this entire area is really a spring garden. It’s amazing how pretty it is then.”
Intoxicatingly fragrant Confederate jasmine spills over the walls as blue hydrangea blooms peep in from the opposite side.
“The hydrangeas are a focal point along the walkway on the left of the property. They wrap around the side. They’ve really matured and are a big display every year. There are three or four different kinds along the walkway … lacecaps and French blue,” she lists. “Of course, I had to have azaleas. But we tried to keep to things that do well in this area. We don’t want to plant things that won’t prosper.”
Most of their garden pops in the spring as many plants shrink during the sweltering summer months.
“But we do have some perennials that do well in the summer,” Pace adds. “They kind of take care of themselves.”
Though she’s a proud member of the Cassina Garden Club, she doesn’t tackle the majority of her yard on her own.
“I leave it to the professionals … that’s my best advice, hire professionals,” she says with a laugh. “But I do like piddling around. I keep herbs but I’m definitely not a pro. I do love being a member of the garden club though. They have some wonderful programming and I learn a lot of things from them.”
WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY SAM GHIOTO AND SPM PHOTOGR APHY
Matt and Miller Dart are living a legacy. The couple owns Pierce & Parker, a furniture store and interior design firm that Miller’s parents founded and operated on St. Simons Island for more than 35 years. Today, Matt and Miller are at the helm, supported by a knowledgeable staff of seasoned designers.
Family — and furnishings — are never far from their minds. That was certainly true when the Darts were
Mlooking to settle into their own home.
“We moved into this home in 2018,” Miller says. “We loved that it was right down the street from where I grew up and where my parents still live.”
The home was ideal for their growing family, which includes their children Will, 13, Liza, 10, and Lera, 7, and, of course, their two dogs, Charlie and George.
But Miller notes the space had to be reconfigured a bit with the addition of their youngest child.
“We adopted our youngest daughter, Lera, last year from Colombia — she is an amazing girl and we love her to pieces. Adopting Lera really kicked off our decision to renovate the house because our guest room became her bedroom,” Miller explains.
“We decided to build a new master bedroom suite over the detached garage and then convert our old master into a family room that can do double duty as a guest room. That way, the new master provides more privacy, and the family room is conveniently located right off the kitchen and provides a secondary place for kids to watch TV and play video games.”
The couple is drawn to traditional layouts that embrace cozy, charming spaces. Their home, originally designed by architect Ed Cheshire, was built in 1981. The family updated the kitchen and made some cosmetic changes.
“Over the past few years, we’ve re-landscaped the front and back yards and my son, Will, and I dug out and built a fire pit seating area ourselves near the dock,” Matt says.
While the Darts are in “the biz,” they reached out to a local friend and architect Chad Goehring of Harrison Design Group to bring their vision to life. He created a plan that fit within the home’s existing footprint but offered an entirely different feel.
“One thing that he suggested was to have our main bedroom door open up to a master hallway. Then, the bathroom, and each of our closets open up into that hallway,” Matt says. “The effect is that it’s easy to get ready without disturbing each other. We each have our separate spaces in our closets to keep our things, so our room stays pretty tidy.”
The family also wanted the aesthetic of the space to fit with the existing, traditional design of the house. They worked closely with Goehring to blend new and old elements to craft that cohesive look. Among the additions was a vaulted ceiling with paneling and beams. However, everything remained painted, which helped it meld.
“We installed the same wood flooring that was used downstairs, and re-stained the the whole house so it would match perfectly. Above all, we wanted it to look like it had always been there,” Matt says.
Once the remodel was complete, it was time to turn their attention to something near and dear to their hearts — furnishings. The Darts sought cohesion, a balance between being too formal or too casual.
“We try to ride a fine line between the two — for instance, most of the rugs in our house are relatively easy-to-clean indoor/outdoor rugs or inexpensive natural weaves — we have three kids and two dogs,” he says.
“While in our bedroom, we went for hand-knotted wool Oushack that will last a lifetime. There was a lot of discussion to settle onto a color palette and design elements that felt right for both of us. Both of us like ‘traditional-meets-transitional’ furnishings — traditional looks but with cleaner lines and fresh colors. But we also like to add elements that are more transitional or fun, whether that be abstract art, a standout mirror, or an exciting accessory.”
Luckily, they knew just where to find those very things. The family enlisted advice from their staff at Pierce & Parker.
“(Designer) Lori Harden helped us with the layout a ton — we had her climbing ladders to see it when it was barely framed up,” Matt says with a laugh.
“She had us move a doorway to make room for a hall chest, and she convinced us to have built-in cabinets made next to our fireplace, which really defines the whole space. She also helped us with designing the draperies. Carson Jones helped us accessorize and with fabric choices. Brenda, Julie, Hannah, and everyone else also helped us with furniture selections. We are so blessed to have so much knowledge and good taste at our disposal.”
Their bedroom color palette was inspired by a piece of Lee Jofa fabric used to make a bolster for their bed and two lumbar pillows for the chairs. It is a floral pattern that incorporates icy blue, brown, taupe, and cream.
“We chose to wallpaper our room with a taupe colored grass cloth from Seabrook and chose a traditional ticking fabric in a similar shade for the wallpaper in the bathroom. The trim and other walls are painted Cloud White from Benjamin Moore, which has warm tones that feel comfortable and traditional to us,” he says.
“We also love layering a number of fabrics and trims in a room that coordinate around a handful of colors. It makes it evident that someone put thought into the room, and at least for me, makes it feel cohesive and peaceful. Many times that means layering a floral with a solid and one or more smaller prints or geometrics.”
While their bedroom proved to be a soothing, peaceful place, they were able to move in a different direction with their newly-converted family room.
“We chose to paint the entire room green, which was inspired by a Schumacher floral and bird print that we used on pillows for the sectional. We wanted to create a clubby feel, with leather chairs and a comfy sectional. We love the way it turned out, and it’s perfect for piling five humans and two dogs for family movie night,” he says. “Also, the two sectional cushions are actually the exact dimensions of twin mattresses, so when we do have guests, we can put on sheets and, voila, it’s a guest room.”
Landscaping: Jason Robitz
Master bed: Tomas at Brunswick Bedding custom-made the bed in the master and re-upholstered several items
Kitchen backsplash: Webster Tile
Draperies: Dawn Newbern and Barry Hayes at Overall Upholstery Studio
Remodel: Chad Goehring at Harrison Design Group
Builders: Joey Walker and Ewell Pope and their crew were the builders for the addition
Interiors: the staff of Pierce & Parker
While the couple is certainly accustomed to pulling posh looks together, they were also aware of possible pitfalls. For instance, they had to be mindful when it came to mixing finishes within a room.
“It’s nice for everything not to match exactly, but if you get too many different finishes in a space it can start to feel pretty disjointed,” Matt says. “There is no single rule about the number of finishes that you want in a room, though — contrast is good but throwing too much at a room is chaos. That is another reason that it is nice for us to have access to the collective wisdom of our design staff at Pierce & Parker — it helps to have a practiced eye determine that correct balance.”
The size of pieces within a space is another area that requires a bit of caution. There’s a delicate balance between creating a crowded space and leaving an empty room.
“It is also common to see under-sized pieces where properly scaled pieces are really needed. For instance, we tried smaller coffee tables in our living room, but it wasn’t until we got a 5 foot square table that the room really came together. Having properly sized art, lamps, rugs, etc. is such a game-changer,” he says.
an
of 53
For Lisa Jordan, Brunswick is “quintessential South Georgia.”
“We came from Chicago, all the homes here seemed ancient,” says Jordan, owner of Xyno Furniture in downtown Brunswick.
She and her family moved to the Golden Isles in 2016 because of her husband’s temporary placement at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick.
“There was a culture shock for us,” Jordan laughs.
She still does make trips back and forth from Brunswick to Chicago and there is a distinct Lisa for each.
“There’s Chicago Lisa and Brunswick Lisa. Chicago Lisa is fine for Chicago, but for Brunswick, she’s unnecessarily fast and always wants answers,” she says.
Being a Chicago native naturally made her, by her own description, very direct, sometimes aggressive, and always
unnecessarily charged. It was a long time before she felt like they fit in, and she has plenty of stories about how the family from Chicago didn’t quite get something about the South.
“You know Maggie Mae’s? We were there getting breakfast and we got up, and they told us somebody had paid for our meal. So we’re like ‘Who? Why did they do that? Where did they go, did you see what they were wearing?,’” she says with a laugh. “The poor folks, they’re just like, ‘It’s just a thing people do.’”
They stayed on St. Simons Island because that’s where a lot of people working at FLETC would go, she says. It wasn’t long until her first exposure to the historic district of the city, where they immediately fell in love. With the old colonial style, the squares, moss-draped oaks, it was immediately apparent to her that there was something special about the neighborhood.
At first, they wanted a historic home like those along Union
Street. It’s not an unusual story, but the Jordan family — Lisa, her husband Derrick, and two daughters — were not fated to end up there.
It wasn’t for lack of trying, Jordan says. She and Derrick looked at a lot of homes, but the one that caught their eye was the building they’re in now, 1214 and 1212 Newcastle St. It’s a squat brick structure near the southern tip of the main commercial strip in the city’s downtown, not far from Hanover Square, and looks like any other storefront along the corridor.
Half is Xyno Furniture, the other half is their home.
A courtyard connects the home to the Xyno storefront next door. A gate at the back opens from the driveway onto Richmond Street behind.
They did a little research when they moved in, and while being younger than the colonial-style homes elsewhere in the city, it’s got no less of a storied past. It likely originated as part of an old fire station at the corner of
Mansfield and Newcastle streets. That building was torn down long ago — it dated back to the days of horsedrawn water wagons. Xyno’s storefront was a livery for the horses.
Later, it served as an extension of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. building on the other side of Richmond Street, a dry cleaner and a coffee shop.
It’s not exactly what one traditionally thinks of as a home.
“We had to do a whole lot of work. It was very industrial,” Jordan says.
Brick and metal construction, a very open layout, high ceilings, very much like the others along the street used as commercial storefronts and the lofts along Newcastle.
It was a challenge to figure out how to make it feel homey and stylish, Jordan says. She isn’t alone in having to deal with that challenge, but then few have the funky and eclectic sense of style she was tapping into when trying to decorate the place.
She knew what she wanted — industrial-looking furniture in the style of the early 20th century and Roaring 20s specifically.
She immediately went to that time frame because “things were made to last.” It also fits the kind of décor they needed. Lack of closets meant using wardrobes, dressers, and trunks to store clothes and other possessions. It was also just a stylish time period.
“We could have gone with 1800s, but we didn’t want to go that rustic,” Jordan says.
Most of the homes in town are historic or ranch style, and there didn’t seem to be much demand for “heavy and substantial” furnishings. Buying it online was pricey, but Jordan had an idea for a way to solve the problem.
“Xyno was born because we needed industrial furniture with a funky, the 1920s, 1930s vibe,” Jordan says.
She has the wherewithal to run a business and the eye to design furniture, while Derrick, her husband, proved to be an asset when it came to running the back-end logistics.
She started designing pieces and then commissioning manufacturers to make them, making contacts in other countries and establishing shipping and delivery frameworks to ensure everything was handmade.
Part of the early business plan was events just about every month. The part of town they’re in doesn’t get much foot traffic, so they started holding karaoke and musical acts to attract customers to the area. They knew they had to be a destination to get business on that side of town, so “that’s our marketing,” Jordan says.
The most recent batch is the Downtown Brunswick Collection, inspired by the requests she heard from residents who stopped by the store. What was the name of the first series? It doesn’t really have one.
“The first batch was a shot in the dark,” Jordan says. “It was based around what we needed, not what others wanted.”
The store is stocked with some traditional — in function, if not form — pieces, like couches and chairs, tables, and cabinets. Some are more unique, like a crank-operated table that can be raised and lowered, or a TV stand crafted from old equipment.
The Brunswick collection is more curated, derived from what customers want and the city itself. In short, the collection is all-original, unique, and largely designed for the homes and people of Brunswick specifically.
“It’s inspired by downtown Brunswick and the growth and change we have seen,” Jordan says.
From new residents restoring historic homes or moving into downtown lofts to businesses contributing more and more to the daytime bustle and nightlife of the city, the Downtown Brunswick Collection is meant to have something for all of them.
It’s set apart somewhat by a “lighter” design philosophy, incorporating more “pops of color and whimsy” than the initial collection. By and large, the
Bradley Randall 912-270-8556
Xyno Furniture is located at 1214 Newcastle St., Brunswick. Check out xynofurniture.com to see what’s coming up next.
pieces are smaller and lighter — easier to rearrange and carry upstairs.
That’s not to say she’s leaving out the rest of the Golden Isles.
“If people from St. Simons or wherever want to see what we’ve got, they’re welcome here too,” Jordan says.
Brunswick has been an extremely welcoming community and made the store a success. After living in the Golden Isles long enough, the reactions now go in the other direction. Brunswick has rubbed off on Lisa.
Now, when she’s in Chicago, it’s people there who are sometimes surprised when she’s polite, takes the time to look people in the face when she talks to them and speaks clearly. Sometimes Chicago Lisa will still burst into a room wanting answers right away, but it’s less than what it was.
Her dad, little sister, and cousin have all moved to Brunswick. But Chicago is still home and probably always will be.
“It’s been a pleasure to see how the city has grown since 2016, always getting bigger and better,” she says.
While Lisa is glad the city has been welcoming to her and others from elsewhere, she hopes to see more locals getting in on the action, opening new businesses and revitalizing neighborhoods.
WORDS BY LINDSEY ADKISON | PHOTOS BY PRISCILLA RING, DEVOSS PHO TOGRAPHY
In the South, there are few traditions as ardently observed as dressing one’s table. The occasion could be a major milestone — a wedding reception or christening luncheon — or it could be as routine as Sunday “dinner” (not to be confused with Sunday supper, which everyone knows is “dinner” at night).
Setting a table allows hosts or hostesses to showcase various focal points of his or her home — the dining room, the table, the linens, the dishes (fancy or funky). There’s also space for garden goodies like flowers, veggies, and herbs.
All of it contributes to an event’s overall impact and little details can make or break one’s day. Just ask Wick Nalley.
The local entrepreneur has made a career of curating special celebrations through a company he founded called Wicnic. Initially, the brand gravitated toward upscale picnics and al fresco dining, but the business evolved over time.
“I started Wicnic back in the summer of 2021. I first started out doing luxury picnics, but then it soon turned into private events, upscale dinner parties, and even
celebrity soirées,” he says. “The response has been so amazing and positive. I love the input from the community and my clients.”
Recently, Nalley teamed up with his longtime best friend to style his events with her products.
“I source all of my glassware, table linens, etc. from Heezie’s. Heezie’s is located in Mountain Brook, Alabama, owned by my best friend of 10 years — Emma Wells Strait,” he says.
“It’s a tribute to her late grandmother Mary Louise Wells’ fabulous taste. It’s the perfect shop for all your party needs.”
When it comes to setting a terrific table, Nalley has some key pointers. First up, the florals. In spring and into summer, there’s often options quite literally in one’s backyard.
“I love outsourcing fresh hydrangeas and local greenery,” he says. “A fabulous floral centerpiece is a must.”
Once the centerpiece is set, it should be daintily placed on an eye-catching cloth. That is often where
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Nalley weaves in one of his favorite design elements.
“Chinoiserie is my love language. Whether it’s a tablecloth or ginger jar, my mom (Ann Cousins Nalley) taught me oriental fusion is so chic,” he says. “I love antiquing. It’s a hobby I am quite passionate about and it’s such an amazing feeling when you find the perfect pagoda and ginger jar for your table.”
When it comes to place settings, Nalley endorses experimentation. Mixing colors and textures can go a long way in creating the vibe.
“Place setting is very important. I love utilizing accents such as bamboo cutlery and fine China. Pair with an eclectic placement to give your table personality,” he says. “… colorful glassware and funky napkin rings too. They add so much character to your table. Also, always have a deck of cards close by.”
While the mix-and-match approach brings a bit of pizzazz to a table, it can also push the boundaries a bit too far.
“Patterns are fun but they can be overbearing. Offset with textures and colors that match your dinner party’s aesthetic,” Nalley says.
But regardless of the theme or the formality, there are three final touches that cannot be forgotten. And those are — in no certain order — wine, candles, and entertainment. (OK maybe there is an order)
“A fabulous bottle of wine. I prefer a chilled Sancerre for a spring/ summer soirée and a Cabernet in the fall/winter. Then, candles. Whether you utilize tea candles or candelabras, it’s an intimidate way to set the ambiance. The more the better,” he says.
“Some form of entertainment. I love sampling Nat King Cole to Jack Johnson. It sets the mood and makes first-time dinner parties less awkward.”
A good friend of ours is doing big things downtown. Certified sommelier and previous general manager of the Georgian Room on Sea Island, Brandon Boudreau, recently opened a new spot located at 1328 Newcastle Street, Brunswick. His goal is to provide the Golden Isles better access to small production wines, many of which range in price between $15 to $40 a bottle. NWM also offers a variety of glassware, private events, wine tastings, pop-ups, and restaurant collaborations.
Its courtyard is also where we staged this particular shoot.
For spring and summer, Boudreau’s recommendations include a skin-contact rosé or orange wine, which are trending in the industry for their juicy and refreshing qualities.
To learn more, visit newcastlewine.com or follow them on social media @newcastlewines.
Nestled beneath the ancient live Oaks of St. Simons Island, Village Inn & Pub offers something for everyone. Located in the heart of the historic Village and Lighthouse District, the best of St. Simons Island is at your doorstep.
WORDS BY MICHAEL HALL
PHOTOS BY LESLIE HAND
Sitting on the porch one January afternoon overlooking his front yard and and beyond it, Hanover Square, Will Pittenger was driving himself crazy.
“I can hardly look at this right now. Everything was hit hard by the freeze,” he says, surveying what come June and July will be a lush cornucopia of color and botanical life.
Pittenger’s small front yard and garden around back are his babies. He spends countless hours tending to every flower, shrub, and tree so that each thrives and blooms and grows exactly as God intended them.
But this afternoon was a cool one in January, just a few weeks removed from one of the hardest freezes seen in decades in the Golden Isles. Temperatures dipped into the high teens overnight and despite his best efforts, Pittenger lost some plants he had hoped to keep.
back with some judicious pruning and water in the spring. The Bougainvillea peppered throughout the front landscape, for example, will be just fine.
“I’ll just cut those down to almost nothing, and they will love it,” Pittenger says. “They’ll come back and say ‘thank you.’”
To look at his yard in full bloom, you wouldn’t know that Pittenger considers himself a novice gardener. Talk to the clients he works for tending their yards and gardens and you won’t find one who would agree with him.
Pittenger, though, admittedly is a self-taught gardener who came by his knowledge and ability out of necessity. In the early 1970s, freshly married to his first wife, Pittenger needed a job after a move from Southern California to Boise, Idaho.
“We were young and irresponsible,” he says of living wild and free at the time.
He went to a hotel in search of a dishwashing job and came away from it with groundskeeping gig.
“They said, ‘you know, what we really need is a gardener,’” he says. “I didn’t know a thing about growing plants, but I thought it was interesting.”
His aptitude for it showed immediately. The owner of the hotel asked Pittenger to come tend his yard and soon he had discovered he liked the gig. When reality hit the next year, the couple moved back to Southern California, where Pittenger
had grown up. He found his next landscape-related job, and this one would shape the rest of his life.
Pittenger began working with a tree-trimming business and fell in love with being outside, climbing, pruning, and making trees look good and grow well. Suddenly, the man who left University of Southern California with just one semester to go, began taking night classes in subjects like landscape design, plant identification, disease, and pest control — and his favorite, arboriculture.
“My mom said if I didn’t go to college, I’d end up digging ditches,” he says. “I showed her, I’m digging holes.”
After a few years in the tree business in California and decades in Boulder, Colorado, Pittenger hung up his tree climbing gear in 2015 and settled in downtown Brunswick. He still loved making things grow and found the perfect place to do it.
“It’s so much like Southern California here climate-wise, but there is so much more you can grow here because it’s pretty much tropical,” Pittenger says.
Palms, colorful perennials, splashy annuals, and hearty shrubbery are plentiful and grow well in the Golden Isles. Four years of working with a Sea Island landscape crew and countless trips and questions asked at ACE Garden Center on St. Simons Island have turned Pittenger into an “expert novice.” He may be humble and think he’s still a beginner, but everyone else knows better.
It helps that he had the perfect canvas on which to paint with his self-taught horticultural mastery. Pittenger bought the house at 1028 Richmond Street in 2014 after it had been renovated back to its former glory. The home’s distinctive turret and blue-stained windows make it a can’t-miss feature of historic Old Town Brunswick.
The house was built in 1902 by architect John A. Wood and was originally on Norwich Street at its intersection with M Street. It was moved by owner Linda Combs in 1992 to its current location on Hanover Square after the original home there burned.
Inlaid wood designs in the ceilings, original fireplaces, heart pine floors, original pocket doors, and a stunning staircase, as well as other historical features, adorn the house and give it a distinctive charm in a class all its own.
Wood was a famous architect who had a hand in the design of the Oglethorpe Hotel that once stood in downtown Brunswick as well as other hotels and municipal buildings in Tampa, Florida, and at Vassar College.
For Pittenger, the house offers plenty of space and windows where he keeps still more plants in containers to liven up the interior.
“We found this place, and it had been on the market for a year and a half,” Pittenger says of his move to Brunswick with his wife at the time.
“This just matched everything we wanted, and especially being on Hanover Square, it was great. All the appliances were brand new. I’d never lived in a house with brand new appliances.”
Don’t be surprised to see Pittenger either working in his yard, or enjoying the view over Hanover Square from his front porch in the spring and summer.
Ask Crawford Perkins how he and his partner in 4/4 time got the bright idea to call their ‘80s rock band Squirt Gun. Go ahead.
We dare ya.
“We wanted it to be something suggestive and something from the ‘80s,” the band co-founder recalls.
A few profanity-laden monikers were batted about, but eventually, Squirt Gun co-founder Dan Vashaw nailed their catchy band handle.
“I was just driving down the road and I started saying names out loud,” says Dan, the band’s bassist. “And it hit me and I said, ‘Squirt Gun.’ Well, yeah, that works.”
And it has. Squirt Gun erupted on the local music scene on the spur of the moment 10 years ago. Music aficionado Susan Bates needed something new, something fresh, for a gig at her downtown venue, Tipsy McSway’s. She turned to friend and veteran guitar slinger Crawford, who reached out to fellow troubadour Dan. They focused on a rock-n-roll format from the freewheeling 1980s, recruited a drummer, rehearsed a few songs and hit the stage for their debut in a matter of days.
For all its seat-of-the-pants beginnings, the band’s inviting sound has staying power. Ten years down the road from that first show in January of 2013, Squirt Gun is still drawing crowds to pubs and bars around the Golden Isles several times a week. Filling out Squirt Gun’s current lineup is lead guitar extraordi-
Dan and Crawford both know the secret to their success.
“We want to be the band that you want to see live,” says Dan, 55.
And this rocking quartet sets the tone on stage, playing their music for the pure joy of it. With songs you know by heart from an easygoing era that still draws listeners from several generations, the crowds are all too happy to join the party.
“The thing everybody says about our band — and it’s true — is that we have fun,” says Crawford, 54. “We all laugh and cut up on stage and we are glad to let in the audience in on what we’re
cutting up about. If we weren’t having fun up there, we would have stopped a long time ago.”
But Crawford’s wise-cracking demeanor belies a simple fact. This foursome’s fun-and-games approach to rock-n-roll is backed by polished and veteran musicians who take their craft seriously. Jeff filled the band’s lead guitar niche years ago, but the band founders speak of him still with a fresh sense of awe.
“Jeff is beyond phenomenal,” Dan says. “And he’s also got the rockstar look and attitude, so that’s good.”
“Jeff was probably the best thing that ever happened to Squirt Gun,” Crawford adds. “He gave us new life.”
The band went through a succession of drummers before finding a keeper on the sticks with Scott.
“He’s the best drummer we’ve ever had,” Crawford says. “He’s awesome.”
As for Crawford, music has coursed through this Golden Isles native’s veins since boyhood. He gravitated to saxophone and keyboards early on, performing in his middle school band and later joining older peers in local rock bands while still in high school at Glynn Academy.
As a grownup, Crawford never considered a real job that did not have a beat to it. The local music stores he haunted as a youngster hired him later on. During his years trying to break out in Nashville, Crawford landed a job with guitar manufacturer Fender. He later worked as a district sales manager locally with the famed Gibson guitar company. Crawford opened SoGlo Guitar Gallery in downtown Brunswick in March of 2019.
“Look around you,” Crawford says, sitting inside SoGlo, shooting the bull with a slowly-revolving cast of musical characters. “I left a six-figure salary for this.”
Dan has wanted to rock-and-roll all night and party every day on stage since he first saw bassist Gene Simmons and Kiss as a youngster. While he is not nearly so theatrical, Dan takes the legendary band’s showmanship to heart with Squirt Gun.
“I just play bass,” says Dan, who started out in heavy metal bands in his home town of Atlanta. “It’s all I ever wanted to do from the first time I saw Kiss. The way (Simmons) holds the bass like a weapon, the way he plays it. They put on a show. No one wants to see a band just stand there and play.”
No chance of that when Squirt Gun entertains their local fans with 80s classics such as Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” and Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me.” With anthems like the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right (to Party!),” the tunes of that decade were meant for good times. In addition to 50-somethings who helped define that era in their youth, the generation that followed was spoon fed 80s music as background to Disney Channel shows, Crawford notes.
“There’s a saying, ‘Ladies Love the 80s,’” Crawford says. “You get the ladies in the bar and the guys will come. The 80s were a great time, and there was nothing really political about it. It was all about having a good time. And that’s why we have so much fun at our shows.”
The Golden Isles Rotary Club recently hosted its annual Red Hot Chili Cookoff at Postell Park on St. Simons Island. Cooking te ams set up booths to serve attendees. Judges selected their favorite batch and participants voted for their favorite recipe. The judge’s winners were FaithWorks, first place; King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort, s econd place; and Brunette and a Bucket Cleaning Co., third plac e. The People’s Choice winners were A/C Guys, first place; Bubba Garcia’s/Gnats Landing, second place; and Berkshire Hathaway HomeService Hodn ett Cooper. The best booth theme prize went to Bubba Garcia’s/Gnat’s Landing.
Anne Allen, left, and Philomena Forehand
The Jekyll Island Arts Association recently hosted its Spring A rt Festival in the historic district on Jekyll Island. Potters, painters, authors, weavers, and others shared their wares. Some offered d emonstrations of various mediums. For more information about the arts association, visit jekyllartists.com.
Bruce Edwards, from left, Christie Kinsey, Sandra Tate, and Jane Edwards
Downtown Brunswick recently held its monthly First Friday event along Newcastle Street. Stores stayed open later and restauran ts hosted bands. The block party reoccurs on the first Friday of every mo nth.
Anne Goodstein, left, and Catherine Fleming
Amy Broderick, left, and the Rev. Tom Purdy
Hospice of the Golden Isles recently hosted its Dove Society re ception at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island. The nonp rofit’s supporters were celebrated with food and drinks, as well as ent ertainment by local musician Owen Plant. To learn more about the Dove Society or Hospice of the Golden Isles, visit hospice.me.
Glynn Visual Arts recently hosted its 70th anniversary gala at the A.W. Jones Heritage Center on St. Simons Island. The event was themed the Art of the Low Country. It featured musicians, live painting demonstrations, and a silent auction. The art center has been offering classes and exhibitions since 1953. For details on Glynn Visual Arts’ p rogramming, visit glynnvisualarts.org.
Al and Susan Garrett
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