Most moved inland to pursue other occupations, and the island's economy remained dormant for several years. Take a private tour of the slave cabins at Cassina Garden Club for a sobering look into the life of pre-Civil war history. St. Simons Island Is around the same size as Manhattan. Touring St. Simons by boat is always fun! Its always in great shape with greens just like Seaside and Plantation. We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we cant guarantee you will love them, too. Serene & Sublime The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island lies across the immortalized Marshes of Glynn, made famous by poet Sidney Lanier. Many later found jobs with the lumber mills starting in the 1870s. Its also an important stopover for migrating shorebirds, who are traveling all the way from South America to their spawning grounds in the Canadian Arctic! For a chronological St. Simons history adventure, follow the steps below. As the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island offers a unique landscape that creates the perfect backdrop for challenging golf courses, friendly inns, and luxurious resorts. Adjacent to the Lighthouse and Pier Village, Neptune Park is a public pool, playground, mini golf course, water park and picnic area that kids go crazy for. Top Things to Do on St. Simons Island - ExploreGeorgia.org $1,115 - 2,558. [27], It was preserved in the 20th century and identified as a national historic site largely by the efforts of Margaret Davis Cates, a resident who contributed much to historic preservation. Most property owners then retreated inland with the people they enslaved, and the U.S. Army occupied the island for the remainder of the war. East Beach is where most St. Simons Island rentals are located. Golden Isles | St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island & Brunswick, GA Dogs are prohibited on the beach Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. From 6 p.m.-9 a.m., dogs are allowed on the beach and do not need to be leashed, but must be in the owners immediate control. Its my favorite spot on the island for comfy accommodations and good food at ECHO, the only oceanfront restaurant on the island. St. Simons Island is one of the friendliest, quietest, loveliest little gems you could ever hope to find. Ask for Terez if you get the 90 minute Island Signature Massage. The good news is that you dont have to have a putter to appreciate the St. Simons Island, so pick an oceanfront villa, rent a bike and cruise on the sand or have a picnic on the pool deck. [11] After securing the Georgia colony, the English cultivated the land for rice and cotton plantations worked by large numbers of enslaved Africans, who created the unique Gullah culture that survives to this day.[12]. It is located at 100 Arthur J. Moore Drive. St. Simons Island offers so many different lodging types youre sure to find something that suites you and your crew. St. Simons Island is also a magnet for photographers and painters. The waters off St. Simons Island are likewise home to a great variety of sea life, including dolphins, right whales, a wide diversity of gamefish, and the occasional manatee. DISCLAIMER|PRIVACY POLICY |COPYRIGHT ANGIE AWAY 2000-2023. The last recorded snow on St. Simons was in 1989. One of only 5 lighthouses remaining in Georgia, St. Simons lighthouse is a landmark you dont want to miss. Or, if you happen to have a private planeyou can fly straight into SSI. [70] Public tennis courts are located at Epworth Park and Mallery Park, each with lines marked for pickleball, a fast-growing paddle sport. St. Simons is part of the Brunswick metropolitan statistical area, and according to the 2020 U . [45] Ocean breezes tend to moderate the island climate, as compared to the nearby mainland. The San Buenaventura men withdrew to the woods, and the pirates burned the village and mission. Lovely Lane Chapel, constructed in 1880, hosts Sunday services and is available for weddings. St. Simons Island hotels range from budget to luxurious, so there is bound to be a fit for any budget. In some places like East Beach, you still have beach even at high tide. And, even better parking is free on the island so you wont have to worry about that either. There are picnic tables and grills located just outside the gates to a childrens playground, although most kids end up climbing on the mother whale and her baby sculpture just as much as the climbing wall. The beaches are a huge draw to this little slice of paradise and yes, you can swim. The names of the community and the island are interchangeable, known simply as "St. Simons Island" or "SSI",[4][5][6][7] or locally as "The Island". Summertime mean highs are 88 to 90F (31 to 32C), with average lows 73 to 75F (23 to 24C). We found one in a tree while visiting the St. Simons Lighthouse. Postal Service operates a post office on St. LAKE BLUE RIDGE CABIN RENTALS FOR YOUR NEXT ESCAPE. But why is it called ECHO? In 2010, she left a successful career as a travel publicist in NYC for the unpredictable life of a freelancing digital nomad. Heres why. Small found King's body and personally brought it back from Virginia to St. Simons for burial (at Christ Church). The Plantation Course: This is another beautiful course with marsh vistas. Join our list to receive vacation information straight to your email! Where is the Titanic wreck located on map? How deep is shipwreck site? If you like history, or have little ones who like to play Army, take a short drive to Darien Georgia and Fort King George. There are more than 30 miles of bike paths on the Island and its a great way explore. Located on the southeast Georgia coast, midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, St. Simons Island is both a seaside resort and residential community. Things To Do in St Simons Island: An Insider's Guide To Stay, Eat & Play You can get toy wooden guys in the museum to take into the fort and play. This hotel is located in the interior of St. Simons and recently came under the Best Western flag as a Best Western Plus. The facility was a fortress and a small town on the Frederica River. This beautiful church is nestled amongst live oak trees on the scenic north end of the island. The in-house restaurant, Echo Oceanfront Restaurant, is fantastic for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as well as adult beverages. Has a humid, subtropical climate. For a rainy day, there is no better place than the Island Cinema for a first run movie. Tree Spirits of St Simons Island: How To Find These Hidden Treasures The Moore Museum is the official repository of the archives of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and is open to the public Monday through Saturday. He loves the chicken swiss sandwich. Contains vast, open salt marshes and wetlands that purify immense amounts of water. View 32 photos of this 2 bed, 3 bath, 1685 sqft. The club includes multiple pools, a splash pad, beach volleyball, playground, restaurants, candy shop and ice cream parlor, all along the beach. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 17.7 square miles (46km2), 15.9 square miles (41km2) of which is land and 1.7 square miles (4.4km2) of it (10 percent) is water. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2 percent of the population. In the late 19th century, lumber mills thrived at the scene. This is one of the Georgia State Parks historical sites and was once a thriving community in colonial Georgia. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. This seaside park is perfect for picnics under the giant live oaks. St. Simons Island is the largest of the Golden Isles, with a permanent population of 12,743 as of the 2010 census. A large tract of land in the northeast has been converted to a nature preserve containing trails, historical ruins, and an undisturbed maritime forest. St. Simons Island is part of the Glynn County School District. Located on Gascoigne Bluff, Hamilton Plantation was one of the most prosperous plantations on St. Simons Island, growing high-quality Sea Island cotton. The victory in the Frederica Naval Action boosted the morale of the colonials in Georgia. Saint Simons Island 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Later contested by the Spaniards, English and French. Internationally known as a wealthy resort and cottage colony, the island is approximately five miles long and one and a half miles wide at its widest point. Constitution. About 1.9 percent of families and 3.7 percent of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.4 percent of those under age 18 and 2.9 percent of those age 65 or over. St. Simons Island is a charming and underdeveloped beach community, offering golfing, charter fishing, spas and salons, a variety of restaurants, fun events and entertainment. 15+ EXCEPTIONAL ST SIMONS ISLAND RESTAURANTS, 47 AMAZING THINGS TO DO ON AND NEAR THE BARRIER ISLANDS, 23+ Epic Things To Do in Breckenridge in Summer, Childrens Museum of Atlanta: Your Ultimate Guide for Fun, Escape Room Atlanta: 11+ Gripping & Apocalyptic Escape Room Venues You Must Check Out. [61] The Literary Guild of St. Simons Island supports writers with literary and cultural events. Don't forget to stop by one of the Golden Isles CVB Welcome Center locations for the most up-to-date information about Tree Spirits and insider knowledge about where the new ones will pop up! Its all copyrighted. In the early 18th century, the land lying between . On the southern edge of the oaks, along a narrow lane, is a low earthen mound where 30 Timucuan Native Americans are buried. Friends of mine found a wonderful condo called the Floataway, and I highly recommend it. Visitors of all ages will be inspired by the stories of ordinary Americans doing their part to win the war. Then again, I have to leave some stones unturned so you can find them for yourself. From diving into the rich history to relaxing at the spa, these are our favorite fun things to do in St. Simons Island. Please dont repost anything elsewhere without asking me first. Inside the former St. Simons Coast Guard station, youll find the World War II Home Front Museum, and immersive exhibit highlighting the islands role in the Second World War. Now its a popular fishing spot and also hosts events such as the Georgia Sea Island Festival. The Lodge at Sea Island is another Sea Island property that is actually located on St. Simons Island and geared toward golfers. Hear the wonderful stories of growing up on the island on an African American Heritage Tour. NearbyBrunswick also has daily directflights via Delta Air Lines to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Known for its oak tree canopies and historic landmarks, St. Simons is both a tourist destination and, according to the 2020 U.S. census, home to 14,982 residents. Long before the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans and Aborigines lived and camped on the site. Susie King Taylor was born into slavery in Georgia and was secretly taught to read and write by various teachers. Dolphin sightings are common, particularly off the island's south coast. [37], On April 8, 1942, World War II became a reality to residents of St. Simons Island when a German U-boat sank two oil tankers in the middle of the night. Follow along on what people find on the SSIRocks Facebook page. Several of our trips are also compensated by the respective tourism boards for the city or state we are visiting. My in-laws discovered St. Simons when my father-in-law attended a conference there. Visitors are drawn to the Island for its warm climate, beaches, variety of outdoor activities, shops and restaurants, historical sites, and natural environment. The Sea Island Beach Club has several pools, access to the beach, dining and a candy and ice cream shop. St. Simons Island is one of a string of Islands in Georgia that make up the Golden Isles. The home of golfer Davis Love III on St. Simons Island has expansive views of the marshes. Formerly enslaved people established a community in the center of the island known as Harrington. Most relevant . Both have restrooms and ADA-accessible beach access. Truth be told, Im ready to branch out a bit more and try something new, but the kids wont have it. This is one of the best activities for all ages you can do on St. Simons. My favorite hotel is still the Historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, which was once the summer residence for the Vanderbilts, Goodyears, and the like. As the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island offers a unique landscape that creates the perfect backdrop for challenging golf courses, friendly inns, and luxurious resorts. Weve spied hammerhead sharks, horseshoe crabs, rays and lots of different fish. If youre up to it, the climb to the top offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic coast. [31], Postwar, the island plantations were in ruins, and landowners found it financially unfeasible to cultivate cotton or rice. WellSt. Take a short walk through the woods to the beach. There is also complimentary shuttle service, so its an inexpensive (relatively speaking) alternative to staying at the luxurious Cloister on Sea Island. Nestled under the ancient St. Simons Island live oak trees and between the parks and the historic oceanfront Village, you will find our unique Inn. Here are a few of the better St Simons Island hotels, and St Simons rentals. Hann cites evidence that the people of St. Simons, at least as early as 1580, were part of the Mocama people. Hurricane season is May November, but dont let that stop you from visiting! (JAX) or Savannah (SAV). In 1862, she and many other slaves escaped to freedom on St. Simon's Island off the southern Georgia coast, then occupied by Union troops. Whichever island you find yourself on, from Sea Island to Little St. Simons to Jekyll or anywhere in between, all the Georgia islands are as friendly and Southern as sweet tea. St. Simons is definitely a little slice of paradise here are some things you may want to know as you plan your trip! At Cannons Point Preserve, you can wander through a maritime forest amid shell middens (read: ancient dumping grounds) from thousands of years ago. at the roundabout. A compliment to Fort Frederica is a visit to the Bloody Marsh battle site, where a decisive battle ended forever the threat of Spanish invasion into what was then, a British colony, during the Battle of Bloody Marsh. Everything is smoked for 12 hours, from pork to ribs to brisket, youre gonna want to try a little of everything. This season was considered bad for diseases in the lowlands. Its an award-winning BBQ that you wont want to miss! After a day or two, St. Simons Islands leisurely pace will wrap you up and youll get why people vacation here year after year. [64], Novelist Eugenia Price visited St. Simons Island while driving from Chicago to Jacksonville in 1961. Some are fancy with stately homes and elusive celebrities, some are all natural with ruins of pre-Civil War forts and oaks draped in moss. 7 Reasons to Visit St. Simons Island, Georgia - Updated 2023 When I think of plantations, I think grand houses with huge pillars holding up the front porch. Although not technically on St. Simons Island, these nearby resorts are worth a visit! Read along for things to do in St Simons Island. The Historic King & Prince is my favorite hotel on the island because its the only hotel that is right on the beach. St. Simons Island Fishing Pier! 10 Things to Know about St. Simons Island Located off Old Demere Road, the site is managed by the National Park Service as a unit of Fort Frederica National Monument. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Beyond that, youll find a mini-golf course. St. Simons Island - New Georgia Encyclopedia Just north of the village on St. Simons Island off Mallery Street is a park of oak trees named St. Simons Park. Fascinated by the island, she spent the next few years researching, eventually resulting in three novels known as the "St. Simons Trilogy." The Ocean Inn and Suites is also located across from the lighthouse and a superb location for everything you might want to do on St. Simons, including Neptune Park which has an outdoor pool, mini-golf and a playground. Located at 6329 Frederica Road, just south of Fort Frederica National Monument, this historic building is home to an active Episcopal congregation. The men, women, and children interred there lived in a settlement on the site two centuries before the first European contact. It's located on the southeast corner of Georgia, with easy Interstate access via I-95. The Spanish moss-draped trees lined the course we used for foot golf. Dont miss famous Mother Clucker Monday if youre in town during the week! Still, enslaved Geechee people lived on the island and were not allowed to come to the mainland unless accompanied by an enslaver. [74] Other options include the Alice Richards Botanical Trail in Frederica Park, the John Gilbert Nature Trail just off Frederica Road, the Southeast Georgia Health System Fitness Trail near Gascoigne Bluff, and Cannon's Point Preserve (appropriate clothing and provisions for a wilderness area are recommended). When the Methodists acquired the property in 1949, they renamed it Lovely Lane Chapel. Its in a great location across from the lighthouse and beach, within walking distance of downtown and the St. Simons Island pier. Ready to plan your trip to St. Simons Island, GA? Appreciated for a rich history spanning from 2500 BC to the Revolutionary War to World War II, the island is also known for its natural beauty, salt marshes, palm trees and moss-covered oaks, as well as long stretches of wide beach. The Museum is housed in the Historic St. Simons Coast Guard Station, built in 1936. Called Christ Church, the structure was finished in 1820. The 10,000 sq. Gould's Inlet is a favorite for spotting unique coastal wildlife. So without further ado, heres my unofficial guide to a vacation on St. Simons Island, Ga., with a lot of input from the family. The primary mode of travel to the island is by automobile via F.J. Torras Causeway. [57], The U.S. Join our list to receive Limited Time Offers, New Coupons and Exclusive Discounts for St. Simons Island Businesses! This site uses cookies to enhanceyour experience. When I first started coming to St. Simons Island, my in-laws had a condo next to the Sea Gate Inn located on Beachview Drive. It would be a mistake to visit Georgias Golden Isles with a packed full itinerary. At the Battle of Fredericksburg, King was killed. Private tours can be arranged at other times. [77] The church was restored in 1884 by lumber magnate Anson Phelps Dodge, whose son became the new church's first rector. The population density was 799.4 inhabitants per square mile (308.7/km2). St. Simons, Georgia - Wikipedia St. Simons Island (or simply St. Simons) is a barrier island and census-designated place (CDP) located on St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia, United States. The plantations of this and other Sea Islands were large, and often the owners stayed on the mainland in Darien and other towns, especially during the summers, because the Island was considered swamp lands. To get the overall history of Saint Simons, take the Island Trolley tour. and Frederica Rd. St Simons Island, GA 31522 - Coldwell Banker The Village Inn & Pub is located on Mallery Street in the historic downtown village. As a result of all this avian activity, Gould's Inlet and East Beach on St. Simons Island have designated stops on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.[51]. The PGA Tour's RSM Classic (formerly McGladrey Classic) is held annually in November at the Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island. The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island is a rustic retreat with only 15 guest rooms and a maximum of 30 guests total. [78] The adjacent cemetery contains gravesites dating as far back as 1803.[79]. Administrador de la propiedad en el lugar Perros & Gatos Gimnasio Piscina Lavaplatos Refrigerador Cocina Vestidores. Some Spanish documents called the island Boadalquivi. [50], The area surrounding St. Simons Island and the Altamaha River delta is an important stopover for migrating shorebirds traveling between South America and their spawning grounds in the Canadian arctic. Only 15 minutes from the East Coast's major artery of I-95, it's easy to get to via road trip or nearby airports in Brunswick (BQK), Jacksonville, Fl. [34] They attended the First African Baptist Church, completed in 1869 by formerly enslaved people from St. Simons Island plantations. Of the several slave cabins built on the plantation, two remain today. Over the years, weve discovered a little bit about the island and I thought Id put what we know into this mega post. What is St. Simons Island known for? The course is mostly straight and flat with lots of large trees lining it. King and his brothers fought for the Confederacy in the American Civil War, taking Small. Its been newly renovated, so if you are an IHG Rewards Club member vs. a Hilton Rewards (Hampton Inn) member, stay here. History buffs, have I got an itinerary for you! In addition to touring the house, try to find the geocaches located on this Georgia State Parks historical site, or just have fun exploring the grounds and the old dairy barns. If the prime location wasnt enough to woo you, perhaps The King and Princes historic significance will do the trick. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. Glynn Visual Arts is a non-profit organization serving local artists with exhibits, festivals, and classes in several media, including painting and drawing, pottery, photography, mixed media, jewelry, and many others. The tract, Cannon's Point Preserve, is open to the public on specified days and hours. Its located on the southeast corner of Georgia, with easy Interstate access via I-95. St. Simons Island (Saint Simons Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE [29] In the late eighteenth century, Methodist preachers traveled throughout Georgia as part of the Great Awakening, a religious revival movement led by Methodists and Baptists. Be wary though, the parking lot can be tight, so if youre driving that giant SUV, it may take a little to get into these spots. Now, Im no golfer, but apparently the resorts award-winning golf course is a huge draw. How glamorous! [33], The second phase of lumber production on the island began in the late 1870s when mills were constructed in the area surrounding Gascoigne Bluff. If you go with Kingfisher PaddleVentures, youll learn a lot about the ecology of the area while youre having fun. St. Simons Island is one of a string of Islands in Georgia that make up the Golden Isles. Okay, maybe this is a little gossipy but you know youre curious! 10% off normal rates! He later returned to England, where in 1738, he founded the evangelical movement of Methodism within the Anglican Church. Yikes! The Gullah Geechee are decedentsof the African slaves that worked the cotton and rice plantations along the coast. Crabdaddys has been serving up shrimp and grits and signature cream sauces on the catch of the day since 1988. [39] The King and Prince Hotel, built in 1941, was used as a training facility and radar station.