GAY TRAVELERS MAGAZINE
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  • LGBTQ+ VOICES
    • * Tommy McGlothlin - before the age of nine, I knew I was different
    • * We Must Never Forget That Being Gay Was A Crime
    • * Scott Wood - 29 months since I accepted I was gay
    • * Why I Celebrate LGBTQ Pride by Steven Skelley
    • * On Coming Out, Self-esteem, and the Love of Being Gay by Curt Solash
    • * Chet Kabara - Fairy child that did not expect to live long enough to grow up
    • * Happy Pride From A Former Homophobia Hostage By Christen Christensen
    • * Michael Doonan - Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name
    • * The Truth About The COVID19 Vaccine
  • Florida Spotlight
    • Pride Journey Orlando By Joey Amato
    • Florida Things To Do Links
    • Big Gay Key West - A large social event for gay chubby men and their admirers
    • Steven and Tom Visit the Wizard of Oz Museum
    • Key West Pride to Feature Parties, Performances and a Parade June 1-5
    • We Would Choose This AirBnB Condo Rental Over Any Hotel Room In Melbourne
    • Key West Pride to Celebrate Diversity in Paradise June 2-6, 2021
    • Manhattan Tower – New Units, Covid Protocols and Dining
    • Key West to Host Annual Womenfest Sept. 4-8
    • LGBTQ Miami - The best choices to create your dream Miami vacation
    • CEDAR LAKES WOODS AND GARDENS - A must-see Nature Coast attraction
    • GayStPete House - the laid back, quirky, friendly and relaxing clothing optional B&B in St. Petersburg, Florida
    • One Magical Weekend - a new kind of PRIDE
    • Central Florida's Freebie and Cheap Fun for Families​
    • Florida Theme Parks and Attractions
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
    • Schooner Freedom - Tour St. Augustine In A Tall Ship
    • St. Augustine Gold Tours - Private Driving Tours of St. Augustine Highlights
    • Pompano Beach – Florida’s Warmest Welcome
    • Casa Grandview - Historic Bed & Breakfast in West Palm Beach Florida
    • WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Comes to the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida
    • Come Out With Pride Orlando – Our interview with Jose Luis Dieppa
    • Valerie Paul Wedding and Event Planning
    • LEGOLAND 2018 Events!
    • Beach House Cabanas - Treasure Island, Florida
    • The Villa Bed & Breakfast in Daytona Beach, Florida
    • Old Florida Vacation Rental Homes – Short Term Vacation Rentals Near Sebastian
    • The Big Coconut Guesthouse - The friendly clothing optional gay men's guesthouse
    • Fishermen’s Village – Charlotte County Florida’s Resort, Shopping, and Entertainment Icon
    • Orlando North – Food, fun and entertainment in Seminole County
    • A Celebration of Friends - a celebration of mature men in the gay world
    • Coral Castle Museum - Miami’s quirky, mysterious and world famous attraction
    • Five Reasons You Should Go To The Delray Beach Open
    • Florida.com - deals on restaurants, concerts, sporting events and more
    • Christmas at Gaylord Palms – Kissimmee, Florida
    • Big Cypress Gallery and Swamp Cottages
    • Butterfly World - Coconut Creek, Florida
    • Liberty Garden Suites
    • Grand Resort & Spa - Fort Lauderdale’s Luxury resort and spa for gay men since 1999
    • Reunion Resort
    • Where To Find Florida's Space Coast Surfing Hotspots
    • Palm Island Resort
    • Smyrna Beach Club
    • Black Dolphin Inn
    • Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Welcomes LGBT Weddings
    • Playalinda Beach - Florida's Space Coast nude beach
    • Island House
    • Renaissance World Golf Village Resort & St Augustine’s Nights of Lights
    • Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort
    • Surfing Santas
    • Pompano Beach Resort & Spa
    • Tarpon Lodge
    • Two Fish Inn
    • Five Things You Must See In Cedar Key
    • Cypress Cove Nudist Resort
    • Florida Keys & Key West Events Summer & Fall 2015
    • St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
    • Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
    • White Sands Buddhist Center
    • FREE Florida Travel App
    • Schooner Freedom Charters
    • St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
    • Manhattan Tower
    • The Hilton Orlando
    • Plaza Beach Resorts
    • Our Naples, Florida Top 5 Attractions
    • Kennedy Space Center / Cape Canaveral Launch Schedule
    • Marineland Dolphin Adventure
    • Babcock Wilderness Adventures
    • Steinhatchee Landing Resort
    • Florida Same Sex Weddings
    • Historic Casa Marina Hotel Offers Same-Sex Weddings
    • Daytona Beach On A Budget
    • MLB Spring Training 2015 Schedule
    • Fishermens Village Resort - Punta Gorda, Florida
    • The Shell Factory - North Fort Myers, Florida
    • Boca Grande, Florida
    • Blue Man Group - Orlando, Florida
    • Delray Beach Open - Delray Beach, Florida
    • Tuckaway Shores Resort - Indialantic By the Sea, Florida
    • Discover NW Florida – Our Pensacola Area Favorites
    • King Fisher Fleet - Punta Gorda, Florida
    • Lake Como Family Nudist Resort - Lutz, Florida
    • Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza - Mount Dora, Florida
    • B2 Hotel - Miami, Florida
    • Palm Beach Hibiscus B&B - West Palm Beach, Florida
    • Liberty Suites - Dania Beach, Florida
    • Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - Delray Beach, Florida
    • Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge - Orlando, Florida
    • Busch Gardens - Tampa, Florida
    • The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa - Wilton Manors, Florida
    • Camp Mars Gay Campground - Venus, Florida
    • Casa Marina Hotel - Jacksonville Beach, Florida
    • Charlotte Harbor Highlights - Charlotte County, Florida
    • Cirque du Soleil La Nouba - Orlando, Florida
    • Fort Christmas, Florida
    • Gatorland - Orlando, Florida
    • The Grand Resort and Spa - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Hammock Beach Resort - Palm Coast, Florida
    • Haulover Beach - Miami, Florida
    • Historic Cocoa Village - Cocoa, Florida
    • The Inn On Charlotte - St Augustine, Florida
    • Inn on Fifth - Naples, Florida
    • Jungle Adventures - Christmas, Florida
    • Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral, Florida
    • Key West Express - Key West, Florida
    • Koreshan State Park - Estero, Florida
    • Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club - Naples, Florida
    • Naples On A Budget - Naples, Florida
    • Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens - Naples, Florida
    • Old Powderhouse Inn - St Augustine, Florida
    • Renaissance Orlando at Sea World - Orlando, Florida
    • Ringling Museum - Sarasota, Florida
    • Titanic The Experience - Orlando, Florida
    • Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma
    • White Cap Beach Condos - Fort Myers Beach, Florida
    • Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort - Deerfield Beach, Florida
  • USA Spotlight
    • Autumn is Provincetown’s Secret Season
    • New Mountain Biking Tour of North Dakota's Maah Daah Hey Trail
    • The Naked Trainers LIMITLESS RETREAT - A Transformative Nude Wellness Event For Men
    • The best Pride celebrations this June
    • Glow in the Park at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
    • Southern Utah Offers New 190-Mile Glamping Trail
    • Pride Journey Savannah by Joey Amoto
    • Pride Journey Chicago By Joey Amato
    • Summer Series of Gay Wine Events
    • Pride Journey Colorado Springs By Joey Amato
    • LA Black Pride weekend kicks off free community driven festivities throughout Los Angeles & West Hollywood
    • Pride Journey - Palm Springs, California
    • 2021 NYC Pride
    • Pride Journey: Atlanta
    • The 190-Mile Aquarius Trail Hut System in Southern Utah Unveiled
    • Joseph Puopolo Hikes the Constellation Trail in Prescott, Arizona
    • Southern Christmas Getaways From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Blues of Mississippi
    • SILVER AIRWAYS NONSTOP FLIGHTS START NOVEMBER 23, 2020 WITH FARES FROM $49* TO ORLANDO, TAMPA, AND FT. LAUDERDALE
    • Pride Journey: Monterey, California
    • Pride Journey: Aspen Gay Ski Week
    • Pride Journey: Columbus, Ohio By Joey Amato
    • Pride Journey: Grand Rapids/Saugatuck By Joey Amato
    • Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
    • Pride Journeys St. Louis By Joey Amato
    • Southern Decadence 2019 - parties, parades, brunches and events in New Orleans
    • Pride Journey: Providence, Rhode Island
    • Las Vegas Accommodations For Every Taste
    • Las Vegas Grows More Fabulous with LGBTQ+ Events and Celebrations
    • Las Vegas Issues 20,000th Same-Gender Marriage License
    • Rainbow Room to Host Inaugural Pride Ball - NYC Pride’s Only Black Tie Event
    • Pride Journey: Spokane, Washington
    • Pride Journey: Phoenix/Tempe
    • THE FIRST ANNUAL MENDOCINO PRIDE: CHASING THE RAINBOW FESTIVAL
    • Escape Resort Palm Springs – Our interview with Co-Owner Mark Hunter
    • Pride Journey: Provincetown Cape Cod
    • Foodies Guide To New Orleans
    • Pride Journey: Milwaukee
    • Pride Journey: Portland, Oregon
    • Triangle Inn - Award-winning, historic Palm Springs Resort
    • The Best of the Best By Donald Pile and Ray Williams
    • Bearfoot Inn - An oasis in the desert in sunny Palm Springs, California
    • Pride Journey Indianapolis
    • Experience Holiday Chill in San Diego
    • Park Ridge Lodge - a relaxing men's retreat nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains
    • Starland Community – campground/retreat center located in a Southern California high desert setting near Joshua Tree
    • How To Enjoy Three Palm Springs Gay Resorts In One Week
    • Tortuga Del Sol - One of the most beautiful clothing optional gay resorts we have ever experienced
    • Cedar City, Utah – The Amazing Destination For All Four Seasons
    • Tyler Morgan Tells Us about The Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City
    • US West Coast Holidays Bus Tour – Salt Lake City, Jackson, Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and more!
    • Pride Journey: Kansas City
    • The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers' Guide: Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations: Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee by Carol and Jim Steiner
    • Pride Journeys: Rochester, New York
    • Carpe Diem Guesthouse and Spa - One of Provincetown's finest boutique guesthouses with a unique clothing optional spa
    • Southern Cheyenne Marlon Fixico Helps Us Understand The Native American TWO SPIRIT (LGBT) People
    • Grant Philipo’s Las Vegas Showgirl Museum
    • Pride Journeys: Houston By Joey Amato
    • Pride Journey: Philadelphia By Joey Amato
    • The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ¬- just about everything one could ever ask for!
    • Kings Island - The perfect combination of world-class thrills and family attractions.
    • A Visit To The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta – Coke Nirvana
    • Copper Cactus Ranch Men’s Retreat – The Men’s Sanctuary Near Phoenix, Arizona
    • The Best Of LGBT New York City
    • Provincetown – Where LGBTQ+ can be themselves
    • Seattle - The perfect cocktail for adventure
    • Long Beach Pride
    • Philadelphia LGBT Hotspots
    • The National Gem and Mineral Collection of the Smithsonian Institute
    • Escape Resort - Palm Springs, California
    • Santiago Resort - Palm Springs private, luxury, swimsuit-optional escape for gay men
    • Pigeon Forge – The Great Smoky Mountains Destination With Something For Everyone
    • Memphis – Discover the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock n Roll
    • Circle J Guest Ranch - Where men can come together in beautiful East Texas
    • New Orleans Fall Festivals
    • Michigan - Home to the Midwest’s Largest Gay Resort and more
    • Hollywood Museum Salutes LGBTQ
    • Coney Island & Luna Park
    • Elvis Presley’s Graceland – The Memphis Mansion and Museum of the King of Rock and Roll
    • Nashville – The Songwriting Capital Of The World and Much, Much More
    • LBGT MUSEUM EXHIBITS IN NEW YORK CITY
    • Roseland Resort & Campground – The gay, clothing optional resort on 222 acres in West Virginia
    • Simple Ways To Save On Airfare – Tips from AAA
    • William McKinley Memorial Monument and William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
    • Silver Dollar City - The amazing theme park for anyone who has ever played cowboy or cowgirl
    • Gay Naturists International - An organization that cares about who you are, not what you do
    • San Francisco - Use Attraction Passes To Save Money And See San Francisco
    • Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
    • Arcadia – Washington State’s Romantic Nudist Club Getaway
    • Where You Can Fly High In San Diego
    • What To See and Do In Ptown In 2017 - Provincetown, Massachusetts
    • Hillside Campgrounds - Pennsylvania’s clothing optional attitude free campground for gay men
    • Freedom Valley Campground - Ohio’s safe haven for gay, questioning and straight men
    • Vermontology Guided Tours - An intimate tour experience that feels like traveling with a group of friends
    • Maison Dupuy – The New Orleans French Quarter Hotel just two blocks from Bourbon Street
    • CampBuckwood - The All male campground resort in the rolling hills of central Indiana
    • The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center welcomes tourists, visitors, and first timers in 2017!
    • The Woods Campground - The LGBT clothing optional camping resort in the Poconos
    • Camp Camp - The all-inclusive, week-long real summer camp experience for LGBT adults
    • NUDE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND CANYON
    • The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa - Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville, Arkansas
    • The Showboat Branson Belle
    • Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    • Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Show
    • PRIDE Events - USA, Canada, Mexico
    • Provincetown Spring 2016 Events
    • Our interview with American Association for Nude Recreation President Beverly B. Price
    • Louisville Celebrates Marriage Equality With Wedding Contest
    • Provincetown Halloween 2015
    • Hot Air Balloon Festivals
    • Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tips
    • Tin Can Tourists
    • Broadway 2015 / 2016
    • GNI Gathering 2015
    • AANR Skinny Dip 2015
    • National Register of Historic Places Itineraries and Self-Guided Tours
    • Do It Yourself Covered Bridge Tour
    • U.S.A. Tourism Links
    • A+ Weddings by Rev. Vernon Diannah Porter
    • Edenfield House Bed and Breakfast
    • Gay Hotels & Accommodations USA
    • Gay Campgrounds USA
    • Alabama Road Trips - Alabama
    • USA National Parks
    • USA Zoos
    • Land's End Inn - Provincetown, Massachusetts USA
    • Chatham Gables Inn - Chatham, Massachusetts
    • Captain David Kelley House - Centerville, Massachusetts
    • Old Manse Inn - Brewster, Massachusetts
    • St. Simons Island, Georgia - Artsy, Classy and All About Friends and Family
    • Parliament Resort - Augusta, Georgia
    • Our St. Mary's, Georgia Top Ten - St. Mary's, Georgia
    • Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - New Mexico, USA
    • The Best of Columbus - Columbus, Ohio
    • Georgia Mountain Fair - Hiawassee, Georgia
    • Goodbread House B&B - St Marys, Georgia
    • Huntington Hotel and Nob Hill Spa - San Francisco, California
    • Pride Journey Indianapolis By Joey Amato
    • Inns of Elegance - St Augustine, Florida
    • Jekyll Island, Georgia
    • Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Long Beach, California
    • Luray Caverns - Luray, Virginia
    • Napa Valley Wine Train - Napa, California
    • Oahu Nature Tours - Oahu, Hawaii
    • Palm Springs, California
    • Philadelphia & Brandywine - Pennsylvania's Uniquely Beautiful Gems
    • Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival - Canton, Ohio
    • Pink Jeep Tours - Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Provincetown: The Iconic LGBTQ Destination - Provincetown, MA
    • The Queen Mary - Long Beach, California
    • Renaissance World Golf Village - St Augustine, Florida
    • Ritz Carlton LGBT Package - Cleveland, Ohio
    • San Francisco Helicopter Tours - San Francisco, California
    • San Pedro & The Port of Los Angeles - San Pedro, California
    • South Carolina National Heritage Corridor - Mountain Lakes Region
    • Terranea Resort - Los Angeles, California
    • Tower Tours / Yosemite In A Day - San Francisco, California
    • Tybee Gay Days - Tybee Island, Georgia
    • Unique Beach Vacation Ideas
  • International Spotlight
    • INTERNATIONAL MEN ENJOYING NATURISM - social and recreational organization of like-minded men
    • Norse Atlantic Airways takes off from the west coast for the first time with its inaugural flight from LAX to Oslo
    • Naturist / Clothing Optional Boutique B&B in East Northamptonshire UK
    • Vigeland Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway
    • NO TAN LINES VACATION - Clothing Optional Condo Rental in Tulum, Mexico
    • R Family Vacations LGBThailand 2020
    • SIX OF THE BEST CITY TOURS BY BIKE
    • Saddle Skedaddle - Break away from the tourist hordes and enjoy a different side of France from the comfort of your saddle
    • WILD TERRAINS ANNOUNCES 2020 SCHEDULE FOR PORTUGAL & MEXICO CITY
    • Pink Rose Guesthouse & Spa - Experience Cape Town and the Winelands
    • GAY CANADA - The best links for LGBTQ2 travelers
    • PARIS FRANCE for the gay traveler
    • HAVEN RIVIERA CANCUN RESORT - This haven is a little piece of heaven that welcomes LGBTQ guests
    • TheXT10 Men-Only GuestHouse in Costa Rica
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Tulum Mayan Ruins, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Chichen Itza, Mexico
    • Gay Travelers Magazine Visits Vigeland Sculpture Park & Museum in Oslo, Norway
    • Frank Jones Visits The Magnificent Cave Temples of Dambulla, Sri Lanka
    • Adventure Trips for Solo Travelers
    • NKD Training – Nude Fitness In London
    • PrivateFly - Island Hop In The Bahamas Luxuriously
    • St. Thomas Food Tours - Walking tours with a delicious twist
    • Butterfield & Robinson Offers Amazing Walking Trips Europe Asia, Latin America and Africa
    • The Abridged Guide to Venice’s Most Beautiful Canal Crossings
    • Enjoy Budapest With Free, Self Guided Walking Tours
    • Amatungulu Tours – Nudist Activities In The Most Picturesque Places In South Africa
    • MajorPride - The first Pride event in Llantwit Major, the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, UK
    • 48 Hours in Stuttgart
    • IRELAND’S DROMOLAND CASTLE COMPLETES 20 MILLION EURO REFURBISHMENT
    • Flavors of St Thomas Food Tours
    • Sacred Tours of Mexico - Experience the spiritual and historical traditions of Mexico
    • Olympus Tours – Tours of Cancun, Chichen Itza, Tulum and More
    • Vinales Valley, Cuba - Touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Shady Ladies Tours Presents Shady Ladies of Paris
    • Rusty Rover Tours – Delightful Tours of Prince Edward Island
    • A Free Tour Of Quebec
    • Contiki Travel - Celebrate pride in Athens, Ios and Mykonos
    • Camp It - Australian Camping For Gay, Bi and Trans Men Who Love Men
    • Whistler Pride and Ski Festival - Sports, culture, entertainment and LGBT Human Rights celebration in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
    • Villa Rainbow – The charming guesthouse on St Martin for gay males
    • Out & Out Club Jamboree - Toronto's fun-filled week of summer camp for LGBTQ campers
    • DETOURS Travel - Laid Back Gay Adventure Travel
    • Gay Homestays - Matching travelers with LGBTQ property owners
    • TLVFest - Tel-Aviv International LGBT Film Festival
    • Titanic Belfast - Experience the Titanic on the very site where the she was built
    • Zoom Vacations- Gay Vacation Experts
    • World Naked Bike Ride
    • Bimini
    • CUBA! NOW BY LAND AND SEA
    • Poldie's Bed and Breakfast
    • Mexico Travel Tips
    • Australia Tourism Links
    • Cozumel Cruise Excursions - Cozumel, Mexico
    • Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters - Nassau, Bahamas
    • Journeying Through The Swiss Alps - Switzerland
    • Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter Nassau, Bahamas
    • Abaco Island Beach Resort, Bahamas
    • Adventure Eagle Tours - Tahiti
    • Avventure Bellisme Tours - Venice, Italy
    • Bruges, Belgium
    • Butchart Gardens - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
    • Chez Rick & Phil B&B - a safe environment in Normandy France for LGBTQ brothers and sisters
    • Dover, England
    • Eze, France - A fascinating medieval village
    • Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours - San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Godfrey Tours - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
    • Best Western Hotel Bologna - Mestre, Italy
    • Nassau Bahamas Easy Walking Tour
    • Niagara Falls, Canada
    • Pride Journey Iceland By Joey Amato
    • Polynesian Xplorer Tours - Western Samoa
    • Reykjavic, Iceland
    • Red October Tours - St Petersburg, Russia
    • San Blas Islands - Panama
    • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
    • Vancouver Island, BC Canada
    • Vigeland Sculpture Park - Oslo, Norway
  • Cruise Spotlight
    • The Big Easy Cruise - New Orleans music festival at sea
    • The 70s Rock and Romance Cruise
    • Ultimate Disco Cruise 2023
    • Beach Boys Good Vibrations Cruise 2023
    • Country Music Cruise 2023
    • 12 DAY POLYNESIA CRUISE ABOARD ARANUI
    • Uniworld’s Mekong Jewel - Spectacular vacation in Vietnam & Cambodia
    • California Cruisin’ with American Cruise Lines
    • MIM TRAVEL - Join our Annual LGBT Cruise Event for the mature male and his admirers
    • The Viking Mars Will Be Named on May 17 by the Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle
    • Great Deals on Two New Atlantis Cruise and Resort Vacations
    • MSC CRUISES OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE CHOICE OF SHIPS AND DESTINATIONS FOR SUMMER 2023
    • VIKING Announces Newest Ocean Ship And Three New Itineraries
    • Atlantis 2021 Gay Greek Isles Cruise
    • American Cruise Lines - First to Cruise the U.S.A. and the Only Line Cruising the East Coast
    • Expedition Cruise Lines for Summer 2021
    • Overseas Adventure Travel to Resume International Travel
    • Two Bad Tourists Gay Sailing Trip of Croatia - August 2021
    • Star Clipper Returns to Mediterranean for 2022 Season Star Clippers has announced that its namesake tall sailing ship, Star Clipper, will return to ply the blue waters of the Mediterranean for the 2022 season.
    • MIM TRAVEL - 17th Annual Gay Group Cruise for Mature guys (and gals) and their younger and older admirers!
    • Virgin Voyages is Loud and Proud for Pride
    • TLO Cruises & Tours - Cruising with Polar Bears
    • We Cruised To CUBA For $339 With An Open Bar!
    • Here’s where to find your Cuba Cruise
    • MIM TRAVEL 2019 and 2020 Gay Cruises and Tours
    • ON THE BLUE cruise 2020 hosted by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues
    • Everything To Sea - Clothing-Optional Relaxed Sailing for Men
    • Atlantis Events - 2019 All Gay Cruises and Resorts
    • Upcoming Meet Me On Board Gay Group Cruises
    • NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS SAILS INTO MIAMI WITH $115 MILLION NEW LOOK
    • Princess Cruises to Activate Three Additional Princess MedallionClass Ships in 2019
    • Disney Cruise Line Epic Adventures in 2020 - Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
    • BLISS CRUISES– 2019 and 2020 Cruises for adult swingers
    • Norwegian EPIC 11 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Gorgeous Ladies of Wresting – From their Netflix tv series to ComicCons to cruises, GLOW keeps entertaining 80s style!
    • Discover Florida Cruise Ports & Which Cruise Lines Sail From Each
    • National Geographic and Scenic Add New Sailings for 2019
    • Princess Transatlantic Cruise
    • Disney Cruise Line Announces 2019 Return of Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
    • Cruise To Cuba On The Norwegian Sky and Discover The Vinales Valley
    • Book Your Big Nude Boat Cruise For 2018 & 2019
    • Atlantis Events All-Gay Cruises For 2017 & 2018
    • Big Nude Boat – Start Your 2019 With A Nude Cruise
    • Windstar Cruises - Experience Asia in Private Yacht Style
    • Cunard Welcomes Same-Sex Marriages on its Iconic Three Ships
    • Five Reasons To Cruise To Cuba On The Norwegian Sky
    • Chub Cruises – Cruises For Large Gay Men And Their Admirers
    • SAILORdudes Gay Sailing Adventures – Nude and Clothing Optional Gay Cruises
    • Amazing Nude Cruise Opportunities For 2016
    • Norwegian EPIC – Our Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida
    • Atlantis Events – Gay Cruises and Events
    • Viking’s 10 New Ocean Cruise Itineraries for 2017
    • Why Oceania Cruises is the Best Choice for Mature Travelers
    • Viking River Cruises Grand European Tour
    • Chumley's BearCruises
    • Norwegian 2017 Itineraries
    • Cruising On The Carnival Breeze
    • Carnival Breeze Behind The Fun Tour
    • Prime Timers 7 Night Cruise
    • Atlantis All Gay Cruises for 2016
    • Star Trek: The Cruise
    • Pearl Seas Cruises Cultural Voyages to Cuba
    • Avalon Offers Palate-Pleasing Themed Cruises in 2016
    • Cruise Line Websites
    • Caribbean Princess - 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Atlantis All Gay Cruises - 2015 Cruise Schedule
    • Carnival Victory - 7 Day New England / Canada Cruise
    • Carnival Inspiration - 5 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
    • Cruise Line Carry-On Alcohol Policies
    • Holland America Statendam - Alaska: Glacier Discovery Cruise
    • Holland America - Panama Canal & Inca Discovery
    • Holland America - 7 Day Western Caribbean
    • MSC Poesia - Caribbean Cruise
    • MSC Musica - Mediterranean Cruise
    • MSC Poesia Transatlantic
    • Norwegian Cruise Line - Chef's Table Experience
    • Oceania - Western Caribbean cruise
    • Princess - Australia / New Zealand 12 Day Cruise
    • Princess - Greek Isles 12 Day Cruise
    • Princess - 28 Day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa Adventure
    • Princess - 15 day Iceland & Greenland Transatlantic Cruise
    • Princess - Northern Europe Grand Adventure Transatlantic 28 day Baltic Cruise
    • Princess - 10 day Tahitian Princess Polynesian & Cook Islands
    • Royal Caribbean - 3 day 4 night Bahamas Cruise from Port Canaveral, FL
    • Royal Caribbean- 7 Day Serenade of the Seas Southern Caribbean
  • Nudist and Naturist Spotlight
    • Federation of Canadian Naturists - Canada’s national nudist organization
  • Entertainment, Dining & Theater Spotlight
    • Photographic Artist Gianni Gianorso Rauso Shares His Love Of Italy, Photography, The Nude Body And Body- Positivity
    • Sunken Roads: Three Generations After D-Day movie review by Steven Skelley
    • A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood movie review by Steven Skelley
    • DON’T YOU DARE by Gayla Turner Book Review by Steven Skelley
    • Sheryl: Music From The Feature Documentary
    • COUNTRY MUSIC COMMUNITY MOURNS THE LOSS OF NAOMI JUDD
    • 100 Years of Men in Love - The Accidental Collection movie review by Steven Skelley
    • THE BATMAN movie review by Steven Skelley
    • Farewell Yellow Brick Road - The Final ELTON JOHN Tour Dates
    • Gotham Knights NYC Gay Rugby Team 2020 Calendar
    • SISTER AIMEE - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • FREE ADMISSION EXTENDED THROUGH AUGUST AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
    • ROCKETMAN – Movie Review By Steven Skelley
    • Boy Erased - Movie Review by Curt Solash
    • John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • YESTERDAY The Movie - Movie Review by Steven Skelley
    • La Cage Aux Folles at the Titusville Playhouse
    • The Opera House - The Met’s odyssey for a new home in the 1950s and ‘60s
    • The Wizards of Winter - Time Travel Back To A 70s and 80s Prog Rock Holiday
    • Wilander On Wheels - The first fantasy tennis experience with a former World #1 that comes to you
    • Ollom Art – Our interview with John Ollom about healing art, nudity and dance
    • The Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts - Bringing World Class Live Entertainment to Florida’s Space Coast
    • The Court of Two Sisters – New Orleans
    • Naked Boys Singing - Six guys. Sixteen songs. No clothes!
    • The Birdcage Fine Art Gallery & Studio
    • Spamilton - A hilarious parody of Hamilton
    • Zeek Taylor
    • Tab Hunter Confidential Documentary Debuts on DVD and Blu-Ray
    • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows Laugh your way to solving a crime
    • AA Garden Fusion
    • The Cork & Bottle
    • Lewis Black
    • Sister Act
    • Belinda Carlisle
    • The Naked Magicians
    • Kathy Griffin Wows Audience on Carnival Cruise Ship
    • Hairspray
    • Savory Faire Food Tasting Tour
    • Dracula
    • The Shady Maple Smorgasboard
    • The Full Monty Titusville Playhouse Inc.
    • Brazilian Grill - Cape Cod, MA
    • Zeta Brewing Company
    • Arlo Guthrie - Alice's restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour
    • Al Capones Dinner & Show - Kissimmee, Florida
    • Arabian Nights - Orlando, Florida
    • The Best of Columbus Dining - Columbus, Ohio
    • Broadway Palm Dinner Theater - Ft Myers, Florida
    • The Golden Apple Dinner Theater - Sarasota, Florida
    • Jakes On Market - San Francisco, California
    • The Lazy Goat - Greenville, South Carolina
    • Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant & Dinner Show - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Medieval Times - Kissimmee, Florida
    • Oh Canada Eh? - Niagara Falls, Canada
    • Outta Control Magic Comedy - Orlando, Florida
    • Pirates Dinner Adventure - Orlando, Florida
    • Dining In Provincetown Massachusetts
    • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show - Orlando, Florida
    • Sugardaddy's - Columbus, Ohio
    • 3030 Ocean Restaurant - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
    • Titanic Dinner Event - Orlando, Florida
    • To Live and Love Well: The true story of a gay man's struggle with poverty, abuse, and excommunication from the Mormon Church
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​Our St. Mary's, Georgia Top Ten - St. Mary's, Georgia

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Our St. Mary's, Georgia Top Ten
St. Mary's, Georgia


By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong

St. Mary's, Georgia has been called America's second oldest city. St. Mary's is also the Gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore. Staying in St. Mary's is like stepping back in time to a kinder and more peaceful era where neighbors and visitors alike are greeted with a genuine smile and a friendly wave. If you are looking for a vacation destination with an old-Georgia feel, amazing history and beautiful scenery, St. Mary's, Georgia is the place.

We have visited St. Mary's several times. To help you with your vacation planning, we have organized Our St. Mary's, Georgia Top Ten


Cumberland Island National Seashore

People like to say that Cumberland Island is “where nature and history meet.” Cumberland Island is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. It is filled with pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, marshes, unique birds and beautiful free-roaming horses. Natives, missionaries, Revolutionary War heroes, British military personnel, enslaved African Americans and some of the wealthiest Americans in U.S. history all walked this island.  

Cumberland Island’s 9,800 acres are Congressionally-designated Wilderness.

Fred Boyles, the Cumberland Island National Park Superintendent, gave us a private tour and shared his vast knowledge of this beautiful island.

"The island was once a British property. It was then given to Nathanael Greene for his Revolutionary War service. Cumberland Island is the home of British soldiers' graves from the British occupation during the War of 1812," Superintendent Boyles told us.

Superintendent Fred Boyles pointed across the water to nearby land and reminded us that Cumberland Island was once a British territory and the land we could see across the water was a Spanish territory named Florida.

“Cumberland Island has an amazing place in U.S. history. It was the home to prominent  people such as British General James Oglethorpe who established the colony of Georgia and built two forts here, Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, American inventor  Eli Whitney, and the richest man in the world - Thomas Carnegie,” Boyles explained. “Carnegie built a 59 room mansion named Dungeness. Its ruins are a tourist favorite.”

"The Dungenes ruins are from the Carnegie mansion. It was a 36,000 square foot mansion and it took 300 people to care for the grounds. You have to remember that if they wanted milk, they had to have someone take care of the cows. If they wanted food, someone had to grow it, harvest it and cook it."

Another mansion, The Plum Orchard mansion, still stands and has been lovingly restored by the parks service. This 22,000 square foot home includes an indoor swimming pool and a mammoth ice maker the size of a small car that was state of the art for its day. 

The First African Baptist Church, originally built in 1893, is a one-room framed structure with 11 handmade pews and 3 windows on each side. John F. Kennedy Jr. was married at The First African Baptist Church.

Cumberland Island has 50 miles of hiking trails that lead through maritime forests, interior wetlands, historic sites, marsh ecosystems, and stunningly beautiful beaches where feral horses graze. It is a photographer’s dream come true.

"People love the horses on the island,” Superintendent Boyles told us. “They refer to them as wild horses but these are not wild horses. They are feral horses. Their ancestors were once plantation horses who were set free at some time."

A maximum 300 people are allowed on Cumberland Island at a time and campers may stay no  longer than 7 nights. Visitors can access the island by ferry from St. Mary's, GA. The fee is $20 per adult, $18 for age 65 and older, and $14 for children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended. 

Developed and wilderness camping is available but only one camping area has running water and bathrooms with shower - cold showers! Food, ice and supplies must be shipped from the mainland. There are no stores on the island. Bikes are available for rent at the Sea Camp dock at a first come, first served basis.

If you’d like a guided tour of Cumberland Island, The Land and Legacies Tour is a 5 to 6 hour motorized tour of the north end of the island. There are multiple interesting stops including the Plum Orchard mansion and the Settlement.

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a national treasure that everyone passing through south Georgia should visit and Fred Boyles, the Cumberland Island National Park Superintendent, is a talented man perfectly suited to oversee this beautiful island and share its history.

For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm


The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery

The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery was originally designated in 1788.  Visitors from around the world come to the Historic Oak Grove Cemetery seeking their ancestor’s burial information and studying history. Soldiers from every U.S. war have been laid to rest in peace here "under moss-wrapped oaks, azaleas and camellias." The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery is owned by the City of St. Mary's. 

The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery is home to the unique burial sites of many French Arcadians who were driven out of Nova Scotia but found a home on the banks of the St. Mary's River. In a place with so much U.S. history, the graves and markers reflect the varied lives of everyone from statesmen to craftsmen, to plantation owners to slaves to yellow fever victims.

Kay Westberry of the St. Mary Preservation Society spoke to us about The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery.

"I spent three years researching the cemetery for my book 'Oak Grove Cemetery: Quiet Reflections On The People & History Of St. Mary's.' We've identified about 1900 gravesites but there may be as many as 5000 people buried there," Kay told us. "It used to be that when they dug a new grave in what they thought was an empty spot they'd find a skeleton already there! I tried to research and document the cemetery as best as I could through old documents and letters."

"Our cemetery has documented gravesites from as early as 1801 but there are hundreds of  burials earlier that were not documented," she said. "Many people were the victims of yellow fever. At one point, there were so many people dying from yellow fever that they had the slaves bury them in row graves. The slaves had a natural immunity to yellow fever."

Kay Westberry offers tours of The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery. "I offer free tours of the history of St. Mary's and the cemetery. I try to remind people that as they look out off our shore, what they see on the other side used to be Spain!"

For more information on The Historic Oak Grove Cemetery, visit http://www.ci.st-marys.ga.us/department/cemetery/index.php

To order Kay's book "Oak Grove Cemetery: Quiet Reflections On The People & History Of St. Mary's" phone 912-882-5301 or email ceceliak@tds.net


St. Mary's Convention & Visitors Bureau Welcome Center

The St. Mary's Convention & Visitors Bureau and St. Mary's Welcome Center is located at 111 Osborne Street. The Welcome Center has a video of St. Mary's history, mural of St. Mary's history, a computer station that visitors can use, a motion picture museum and information on local attractions. There are even rocking chairs on the front porch!

We spoke to Angela Wigger, St. Mary's Director of Tourism. "St. Marys is very relaxing. People love to come to the waterfront park and swing in the swings. It is a town with a very interesting history as well. We were the biggest port in Georgia for many years and we were the southernmost port in the United States until Florida was purchased from Spain."

The St. Mary's Convention & Visitors Bureau and St. Marys Welcome Center offers a "What to do when you visit St. Marys" webpage at http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/whattodo.html. It lists multiple activities, shopping and dining options. 

The St. Mary's Welcome Center can even set you up with a historic tram tour.

For more information, call 912-882-4000


Goodbread House Inn 
Bed & Breakfast


There is something special about the Goodbread House Inn Bed & Breakfast in St. Mary's, Georgia. You feel it as soon as you stand at the white picket fence surrounding the green lawn that leads up to the 150 year old home. The porch swing - swaying gently in the breeze - seems to beckon you in for a relaxing visit. The white window frames on the light-blue face of the house remind you of the synchronicity of white clouds floating lazily through a beautiful blue sky on a Summer day. A quaint sign invites you in with the words, “Enter as strangers. Leave as friends.” This is a special place - you can just feel it.

The Goodbread House Inn is owned by Mardja Gray - a Steel Magnolia and a Sweet Potato Queen! The vibe of the Goodbread House Inn is definitely a byproduct of this artistic and beautiful southern belle

Mardja is a Certified Myers-Briggs Specialist. She understands unique personality types. She "has the unique talent of making an immediate connection to a guest's personal style – how they like to communicate, and other individual preferences." Her soft-spoken and graceful manner is just part of her natural charm as she communicates with her guests in the way that best fits their needs.

For LGBT travelers: Everyone is welcome at the Goodbread House Inn. "We are very welcome of all people. Same sex couples have stayed here and we have enjoyed cocktails together in the parlor. One couple had been together for 22 years. We had just had another wedding here and my golf cart was still decorated for the wedding. I gave them the keys and they drove around town in it. There's no reason to hide who you are here," Mardja told us. 

The Goodbread House Inn Bed & Breakfast  was built in 1870. Under Mardja Gray's care, the Goodbread House Inn is a wonderful mixture of antique beauty and themed suites. "Romance flourishes inside the gracious rooms of The Goodbread House so rooms are named after famous lovers. No matter which room you choose, the spirit of romance is sure to inspire," she posts on her website.

Rooms include The Rhett & Scarlett Suite, The Guinevere & Lancelot Suite, The Gabriel & Evangeline Suite, The Gable & Lombard Suite, The Lucy & Ricky Suite, and The Bogie & Bacall Suite.

The Goodbread House Inn Bed & Breakfast is located at 209 Osborne Street,
St. Mary's, Georgia 31558.  Phone: 912-882-7490

For more information, visit http://www.goodbreadhouse.com


Spencer House Inn 
Bed & Breakfast


The Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast is another St. Mary's treasure. This gorgeous home is nearly 150 years old but it is so well-kept that it looks as if it could have been built just yesterday.

The Spencer House was built in 1872 by William Spencer for a cost of $3600. That was a huge price in that time period. It was considered the finest hotel in southeast Georgia. In 1942, the Spencer House was made into a rooming house. 

Mary and Mike Neff purchased the Spencer House in 1995. 

"We tried to follow a historical theme in decorating the inn. We purchased furniture, rugs, curtains and accessories to fit the history of our inn and yet be slightly different for each room," Mary told us. "One of the best things about running a historic inn is meeting all the wonderful people. You really find out what a small world we really live in. Just about any conversation leads to some connection between people."

The Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast offers first and second floor verandas where guests can relax. "People love to relax on our porches. They are a great place to sit, rock and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning," Mary said.

The Spencer House Inn has 14 rooms on three floors. Each room has a private bath. Some of the baths have charming clawfoot soaking tubs.

The Spence House Inn is one of the few accommodations of this type and era that have a modern elevator. This is a valuable asset for guests with mobility issues.

A breakfast buffet is served in a large dining room that is beautifully decorated with period pieces. The breakfast menu varies from day to day. Our breakfast included orange juice, grape juice, coffee, tea, cinnamon bread, pumpkin bread, homemade granola, yogurt, cereal, fresh fruit, bacon, muffins and a three cheese omelet. Iced tea is available throughout the day.

The Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast is located at 200 Osborne Street | St. Marys, Georgia 31558. Phone: (888) 840-1872 or (912) 882-1872. For more information, visit http://spencerhouseinn.com


SharkBite Restaurant

The Sharkbite Bar & Grill is located right in the heart of downtown St. Mary's. Their two spacious outside decks offer beautiful waterfront and marina views.

We’ve enjoyed several meals at Sharkbite Bar & Grill. The prices are very reasonable, the views are spectacular, the atmosphere is casual and relaxing, and the food is great.

Be sure to try their famous Gator Burger. It is a nice variation on an old favorite. Everyone should try alligator at least once but this burger will have you coming back for more.

The Sharkbite Bar & Grill is located at 104 West St. Mary's Street, St. Mary's, Georgia 31558. They are open Monday-Thursday 11 am -11 pm and Friday-Saturday 11 am -12 midnight.

Phone 912-576-6993 for more information.


Captain Seagle’s Seafood Restaurant and Saloon

Captain Seagle’s Seafood Restaurant and Saloon is the oldest continually operating restaurant and bar in St. Mary's. When you walk into their historic restaurant, bar or hotel lobby, you will get the feeling that you are stepping back into time – to a better time.

Seagle's owner Gaila Brandon told us, "My husband's family has owned the hotel since the 1920's. I feel like St. Mary's is heaven on earth."

Seagle’s restaurant is located right on the main intersection of this small town. The restaurant windows offer excellent views of the waterfront and the ferries that take passengers to Cumberland Island.

Seagle’s features fresh seafood and steaks and “is home to Seagle's famous Rock Shrimp Dinner and the Best Burger in town.” The restaurant was named after owner Jerry Brandon's father Ben "Seagle" Brandon who operated the Captain Seagle fishing boat for many years.

Gayla and Jerry Brandon have a special place in their hearts for boaters. They host Cruisers Thanksgiving every year. As many as 100 sailboats sail in for Thanksgiving dinner with as many as 300 attendees. People from the St. Marys community donate the food from turkeys to hams to all the fixin's. 

Mardja Grey, owner of Goodbread House Inn told us, "It's what Thanksgiving used to be - everyone coming together."

For our dinners at Seagle’s Restaurant, we enjoyed a dinner salad, a 12 oz. steak with French fries and Fried shrimp with Cheese grits. The steak was perfectly prepared with a crispy, peppery exterior. The hefty portion of Fried shrimp was served with some of the best Cheese grits we have tried anywhere.

Their motto is “excellent dining at moderate prices....so come hungry.” This is good advice. The prices are reasonable, the portions are large, the service is excellent and the atmosphere is truly unique.

Before or after dinner or lunch, be sure to stop in to Seagle’s Saloon where you will be delightfully (or maybe shockingly) entertained by Cindy Deen – "the Queen of Mean bartender."

When we were asked to describe Cindy, this is what we said, “You know how most people have a mental filter that tells them what is appropriate or inappropriate to say in certain situations? Well - - - Cindy does not have that filter!” Cindy is a hoot! If you want a few laughs with your drinks, this is the place for you in St. Marys.

Captain Seagle’s Seafood Restaurant and Saloon is located at 100 West St. Mary's Street, St. Mary's, Georgia 31558. Phone 912-882-4187 for more information.


The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shoppe

The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shoppe is the hippest place in St. Mary's! If you like your coffee or wine in an eclectic and artistic setting, this is the place for you. 

The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shoppe is located in a small, blue historic home surrounded by a white picket fence. Just inside the fence you will find yourself greeted by various geese statues – decorated and clothed in wonderfully unique styles. Where else would you expect to see a goose in goggles?

We enjoyed The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shoppe for breakfast one morning. Our coffees were large, reasonably priced and served with cheer. Our moist and flavorful breakfast muffins were huge! Good food at a good price in a laid-back setting – who could ask for anything more? We love this place!

The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shoppe is also a popular spot for both locals and tourists in the evenings. 

The Blue Goose Wine & Coffee Shoppe is located at 126 Osborne Street, St. Mary's, Georgia. 

For more information visit http://www.looseatthegoose.com/St--Marys.html


Howard Gilman Memorial Park on the Waterfront

In so many waterfront towns, nature’s beautiful shoreline has been overdeveloped and the spectacular views have been blocked or ruined. This is not so in St. Mary's. The Howard Gilman Memorial Park on the Waterfront is a Georgia treasure. 

When you step off the main intersection of St. Mary's, you find yourself in this beautiful waterfront park staring across the water at Cumberland Island (once a British territory) and Florida (once a Spanish territory.) 

Majestic sailboats anchor in the bay. Shrimp boats sail in and out. Ferries take lucky passengers to and from Cumberland Island.

Howard Gilman Memorial Park on the Waterfront is one of our favorite places to take our cup of morning coffee and enjoy a stunning sunrise view.

The park offers multiple bench seats, rose-covered arbors, wooden bench swings, a decorative fountain, a children’s playground and pavilions where marriages are held with the gorgeous St. Marys waterfront as a backdrop.

Visit http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/waterfrontpark.html for more information.


Special Events & Festivals

St. Mary's is a wonderful place to enjoy special events and festivals. Everything they do seems to incorporate that unique St. Marys charm and neighborly feel.

March 1, 2014         
The 20th annual Mardi Gras Festival, designated a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, is a family friendly Mardi Gras celebration with a themed parade, vendors, 5K race and a Chili Cook-off.  You’ll even find a pet costume contest and all day entertainment to help let the good times roll.  As the evening fades, adults can take part in the formal Mardi Gras Ball for dinner and dancing.

February 16, 2014    
The George Washington Memorial Walk is an afternoon procession, with many participants dressed in period clothing.  They escort a wagon carrying a flag draped coffin from the waterfront of the historic district to the corner of Conyers Street and all in attendance are encouraged to join in the walk.  Upon arriving at the Washington Memorial, the original Washington memorial service is re-read in honor of George Washington.   Residents were located so far south that the news of George Washington’s death did not reach the town for more than 30 days after his death.  Citizens felt compelled to hold a service when news was finally received and today we still commemorate this event.

July 4, 2014        
The 46th annual St. Mary's Fourth of July Festival features a full day of events including 5K and 10K runs, a themed parade, over 100 vendors, incredible musical entertainment, watermelon seed spitting & eating contests, and children’s activities.  The evening culminates with a spectacular FIREWORKS display over the St. Mary's River.  The St. Mary's Waterfront Park and the Tilden Norris Marsh Walk both offer great bird’s eye views of the fireworks but for an on-the-water experience, tickets are available for the annual Kiwanis river cruise.  Visit www.smkiwanis.com for additional information.
                      
October 4, 2014    
The 42nd Annual St. Mary's Rock Shrimp Festival continues its long-standing tradition of family fun on with a full day of events including running races, a parade featuring decorated floats, fire trucks, tractors, golf carts, and more. The streets will be overflowing with all day entertainment, demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors and food concessionaires. A favorite for the day will be the dinners that include fresh rock shrimp, the southeastern delicacy that is the festivals namesake.  

October 11, 2014
St. Mary's Railroad Days commemorates over 100 years of railroad traditions with train rides and/ or tours, live music, food and other vendors, clowns, and a variety of other exhibitors to keep you entertained all day.  The Build-a-Scarecrow event is held during the festivities and you can take your scarecrow creation home or place it downtown for the following weeks Scarecrow Stroll in St. Mary's historic district. 

October 14, 2014    
During the Scarecrow Stroll, you will walk through downtown St. Mary's from 5-7pm to see tons of unique scarecrows lining the streets.  Kids can dress up in the costume & trick-or-treat at many of the scarecrow stations and local businesses.  Folks of all ages will enjoy the old-fashioned hayrides. Storefronts and historic homes are emblazoned with pumpkins and fall decor and the transformation is a beautiful fall display in this coastal community.  

October 17, 2014    
For a fun and educational Halloween activity, the 6pm-9pm St. Mary's Haunted History tour can’t be beat. Blending folklore with authentic historical events, professional and amateur storytellers will hold court at ten noteworthy St. Marys sites. Each presenter will be fully costumed to reflect their respective time periods. Stories include a few favorites from prior tours mixed in with chilling new acts.  Join us while legends and local spirits share their tales! Call the St. Mary's Welcome Center for ticket information at 912-882-4000.

December 2, 2014    
The annual White Lighting Parade and Ceremony begins at dusk amongst the tree lined streets of historic St. Marys and helps kick off the holiday season. As Santa and Mrs. Claus lead the parade and make their way toward the waterfront, Santa magically turns on thousands of twinkling Christmas lights that will remain lit through Christmas. Once at the waterfront pavilion, Santa will light the giant St. Mary's Christmas tree and then take time to sit with all the girls and boys.  During this delightful holiday event you’ll be entertained by carolers and dancers and you’ll definitely want to pop into a local business for dinner or hot chocolate.
            
December 6, 2014
“Christmas in the Park” is a festive St. Mary's tradition.  Santa is on hand to give every child a stocking and a turn on his knee and the park is full of kid friendly games and activity stations. Kids love the Christmas train, the cookies and hot chocolate, and the dozens of costumed characters that stroll through the park.  This is a completely free event that really spreads the holiday cheer.  You will want try your hand in the Gingerbread House contest and relax in the park with blankets and hot chocolate as the day’s events end with a holiday movie.
            
December 13, 2014    
The St. Mary's Christmas Tour of Homes, held from 5:30-9:00pm will feature an assortment of beautifully decorated private homes, bed & breakfasts and churches. The sparkle of the adorned trees and winter wonderland décor will have you savoring the season.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Entertainment will be available throughout the event from church choirs and vocal groups who will be caroling at various venues along the tour route.  Attendees should plan on walking or driving from point to point, but all stops are conveniently located within the downtown district.  To experience the charm of an authentic southern town that is all alight for the holidays call the St. Mary's Welcome Center at 912-882-4000.


In conclusion:

Barbara Ryan, the publisher of the beautiful St. Mary's Magazine, told us over dinner that, "You may leave St. Marys but St. Marys will never leave you."

She’s right! There is something very special about this place and about these people. 

If you are looking for a vacation destination with an old-Georgia feel, amazing history and beautiful scenery, St. Mary's, Georgia is the place we’d recommend.


by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2013 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com.



Keywords: 
Barbara Ryan, St. Marys, Georgia, St. Marys Christmas Tour of Homes, Christmas in the Park, St. Marys Haunted History tour, White Lighting Parade and Ceremony, St. Marys Fourth of July Festival, St. Marys Railroad Days, St. Marys Rock Shrimp Festival, St. Marys Mardi Gras Festival, Goodbread House Inn Bed Breakfast, Howard Gilman Memorial Park, The Blue Goose Wine and Coffee Shoppe, Mardja Grey, Captain Seagle’s Seafood Restaurant and Saloon, Gaila Brandon, Jerry Brandon, Cindy Deen, Sharkbite Bar & Grill, Spencer House Inn, Mary Neff, Mike Neff, St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau, St. Marys Welcome Center, Angela Wigger, Historic Oak Grove Cemetery, Kay Westberry, Cumberland Island, Fred Boyles, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Dungenes, First African Baptist Church, gay, gay travel, gay Georgia, Steven Skelley, Thomas Routzong,
 Even if our visit may have been provided by various travel suppliers for the purposes of reviewing and writing about them, our opinions are not swayed negatively or positively. Our policy: We sometimes are invited to review a venue. We choose to only write positive articles. If you read one of our articles, you know that we had a positive experience. If we have a negative experience, we simply choose not to write anything about that venue. Our tastes may not be your tastes. We want to focus on the positives in life.
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