Georgia's Golden Isles
1 year! I can't believe it's been over a year since I posted last! I'd love to say it's because I've been so busy traveling and visiting new places, but sadly that's not the case. Life has just gotten in the way and I've been distracted.
I do have some places that I need to add. Some new restaurants and recommendations. But I have had this bit about the Golden Isles of Georgia that I've been working on some and I thought I'd go ahead and get it out there. This area is great if you want to plan a low-key family beach vacation. I'm sure we're all already planning those warm beach vacations.
My exciting trip for the year is another family vacation to Islamorada. I hope to try some new things while there and let you know how they go!
The Golden Isles and Amelia Island
I’ve talked about Savannah, Georgia many times but about an hour’s drive south of Savannah is another good travel spot, what’s known as the Golden Isles of Georgia. These include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island. All along the coast of Georgia there are some great barrier islands that are not heavily populated. The Golden Isles are more popular with tourism but they still have a small town feel. All of these islands are situated off the coast from Brunswick, Georgia, and easily accessible from I-95. St. Simons, Little St. Simons and Sea Island are all clustered together north of Jekyll Island. They are separated by a decent sized port and a newer suspension bridge. All of the islands are great places to vacation with your family. There are many activities, such as golf, biking, water sports and historical sites to visit. Most of the islands are easy to get around on with just a bicycle.
St Simons Island is the most developed of the islands. It’s largely residential with a section on the south end, by the lighthouse, called the Village. This is where many of the restaurants and parks are, as well as tourists. It’s a good place to stroll around and there is a pier that many fish off of. Also, during low tide, you can walk on the beach in this area. Towards the middle of the island is the business district. There are other hotels, shops and restaurants in this area. As you head up towards the northern section of the island, you will find mostly homes but also there’s the Fort Frederica National Monument, as well as the Frederica Christ Church.
The King and Prince is a historic hotel on St Simons Island (http://www.kingandprince.com/), which served the Navy during World War II.
Sea Island has a beautiful, historic resort, The Cloister http://www.seaisland.com/ , which was built in 1928 and designed by Addison Mizner, who also is known for his hotels in Palm Beach, Florida. The island has beautiful old oak trees, draped with Spanish Moss that line the streets. There is a more relaxed atmosphere on the island and probably half of the island is residential.
Little St. Simons island is a privately owned island with a small, all-inclusive resort. You have to take a boat to get there from St. Simons. You can also take day trips to the island. You can find out more on their website: http://www.littlestsimonsisland.com.
Jekyll Island is separated from the mainland by a long expanse of marshes. There is a beautiful hotel, The Jekyll Island Club Hotel http://www.jekyllclub.com/. The Club originally opened in 1888 and added a hotel in the 1930’s and was a popular retreat for the wealthy during the turn of the 20th century. Also, Jekyll has a water park, Summer Waves (www.summerwaves.com/).
Sorry I don’t have any restaurant recommendations. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there. A few of the popular eateries on St. Simons are:
Brogans - bar/pub food with outdoor dining http://www.brogens.com/
Sweet Mama’s - awesome breakfast food, no website but here’s some info: http://www.goldenisles.com/listing/sweet-mamas
Golden Isles Visitor Site: http://www.goldenisles.com/
I do have some places that I need to add. Some new restaurants and recommendations. But I have had this bit about the Golden Isles of Georgia that I've been working on some and I thought I'd go ahead and get it out there. This area is great if you want to plan a low-key family beach vacation. I'm sure we're all already planning those warm beach vacations.
My exciting trip for the year is another family vacation to Islamorada. I hope to try some new things while there and let you know how they go!
The Golden Isles and Amelia Island
I’ve talked about Savannah, Georgia many times but about an hour’s drive south of Savannah is another good travel spot, what’s known as the Golden Isles of Georgia. These include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island. All along the coast of Georgia there are some great barrier islands that are not heavily populated. The Golden Isles are more popular with tourism but they still have a small town feel. All of these islands are situated off the coast from Brunswick, Georgia, and easily accessible from I-95. St. Simons, Little St. Simons and Sea Island are all clustered together north of Jekyll Island. They are separated by a decent sized port and a newer suspension bridge. All of the islands are great places to vacation with your family. There are many activities, such as golf, biking, water sports and historical sites to visit. Most of the islands are easy to get around on with just a bicycle.
St Simons Island is the most developed of the islands. It’s largely residential with a section on the south end, by the lighthouse, called the Village. This is where many of the restaurants and parks are, as well as tourists. It’s a good place to stroll around and there is a pier that many fish off of. Also, during low tide, you can walk on the beach in this area. Towards the middle of the island is the business district. There are other hotels, shops and restaurants in this area. As you head up towards the northern section of the island, you will find mostly homes but also there’s the Fort Frederica National Monument, as well as the Frederica Christ Church.
The King and Prince is a historic hotel on St Simons Island (http://www.kingandprince.com/), which served the Navy during World War II.
Sea Island has a beautiful, historic resort, The Cloister http://www.seaisland.com/ , which was built in 1928 and designed by Addison Mizner, who also is known for his hotels in Palm Beach, Florida. The island has beautiful old oak trees, draped with Spanish Moss that line the streets. There is a more relaxed atmosphere on the island and probably half of the island is residential.
Little St. Simons island is a privately owned island with a small, all-inclusive resort. You have to take a boat to get there from St. Simons. You can also take day trips to the island. You can find out more on their website: http://www.littlestsimonsisland.com.
Jekyll Island is separated from the mainland by a long expanse of marshes. There is a beautiful hotel, The Jekyll Island Club Hotel http://www.jekyllclub.com/. The Club originally opened in 1888 and added a hotel in the 1930’s and was a popular retreat for the wealthy during the turn of the 20th century. Also, Jekyll has a water park, Summer Waves (www.summerwaves.com/).
Sorry I don’t have any restaurant recommendations. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there. A few of the popular eateries on St. Simons are:
Brogans - bar/pub food with outdoor dining http://www.brogens.com/
Sweet Mama’s - awesome breakfast food, no website but here’s some info: http://www.goldenisles.com/listing/sweet-mamas
Golden Isles Visitor Site: http://www.goldenisles.com/
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