Moss draped oaks lining the road into St Simons Island bid you
welcome and are a sight to behold - after all, they have been a part of
the view since before the Civil War. St Simons has a relatively large
year round residency, making it a friendly and hospitable town, without
the mass commercialism of other top name vacation destinations. There
is plenty to both see and do - as well as eat! St Simon's is home to a
wide range of choices from BBQ shack to fancy fine dining. This
beautiful and serene island has been the inspiration of renowned
writers Eugenia Price, Tina McElroy Ansa, and William Diehl. See why St
Simon's Island is such a refreshing change of pace.
This "Golden Island" contains an amazing amount of history.
Visitors and locals alike prefer to cycle or walk on the well-kept
paths that line the streets. Make sure to stop and see St Simon's
Lighthouse, rumored to be the 3rd most haunted lighthouse in America.
Built in 1872, not only is it the oldest brick structure in the area,
but it is still in operation. Climb the 129 steps for an awe inspiring
view of the island. Next to the Lighthouse is Neptune Park, home to
Jazz in the Park music series, mini golf, as well as home to many an
art and antique extravaganza. St Simons is home to the unusual "tree
spirits" carved faces in trees that signify a touching memorial to
drowned sailors from boats made of the islands tough trees.
On the other side of the island, stop by Christ Church.
Mostly built in 1820 it contains beautiful stained glass windows and
cemetery of early settlers, set on peaceful wooded grounds. Right
nearby is popular Fort Frederica, which contains remnant of a British
fort dating back to the 1730's. St Simons Island is full of historical
treasures that keep history buffs more than occupied. For an
informational and entertaining guided tour, as well as a nice overview
of the island, try the Original Green Trolley Tour that looks back on
400 years of Island living. Walk on the dark side with a decidedly
creepy ghost tour and learn about Mary the Wanderer, the cemetery
lights, and the sounds of the slaves ships. There are a host of tours
from air to land to water. With so many to choose from, you can't go
wrong!
Looking for fun in the sun? Enjoy the 3 miles of tantalizing
sandy beaches and warm ocean breezes. At low tide, have fun exploring
the nooks and crannies of tide pools and sand bars. Stop to watch an
amazing sand sculpture in creation. Don't forget about the many miles
of interior creeks full of fish just waiting to be caught! The island
is host to a variety of fish, from King Mackerel to Grouper to Bass,
with a variety of ways to catch them! Whether you crab off the pier
with the locals, drop a line off one of the area bridges, take a kayak,
or go on a deep sea fishing adventure; St Simons is a fishers paradise
for beginners and pros alike.
Besides the fishing, St Simon's hosts an arresting array of
water sports from kite boarding to parasailing to scuba diving. Finding
supply shops to rent or purchase equipment is a breeze - and highly
recommended. Learn the rules of the island as well as important safety
tips. Too adventurous? Golf is extremely popular, and after viewing one
of the well-planned courses you will see why! The area holds 234 golf
holes and boasts of 3 golf clubs. Take lessons from the pros or shoot
for that hole in one, St Simons golf will not disappoint.
Enjoy your stay at Georgia's beautiful St Simons Island, but
be aware. Local lore decrees that once you get St Simons Island sand in
your shoes, you can't help but return again and again. Perhaps that is
what explains the irresistible lure of this island paradise, but then
again, it could just be the unbeatable southern hospitality and picture
perfect setting of the St Simons Island.
This tempting travel encouragement brought to you by Jessica Nunemaker.