St. Simons Island, Georgia - Artsy, Classy and All About Friends and Family
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Artsy, Classy and All About Friends and Family
by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong
One of the most delightful aspects of travel is the discovery of something wonderfully unexpected. St. Simon's Island is one of those unexpected wonders for us.
While many of the beach towns along the Atlantic Coast are known to be either stuffy, commercial or touristy, St. Simon's Island has positively evolved into a special place that is somehow artsy, classy and all about friends and family.
"On the island you will find all kinds of people - every niche. They are all so friendly. It is a blessing to be in this ever-changing, beautiful place. We have a very spirited, artistic community here in St. Simons Island," award-winning, watercolor artist Lynn St. Clair told us.
Michael Johnson, Director and General Manager of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, feels the same way about St. Simon's Island. "We want guests to not only experience The King and Prince, we want them to experience St. Simons and Glynn County. It is a very special place."
"I feel so lucky to live and work somewhere that I really love," said Bud St. Pierre, Director of Marketing and Sales of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.
Allen Lancaster, who relocated to St. Simon's Island to be the Director Food and Beverage at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort agrees, "The best thing about St. Simons is the people. There is a real community vibe where everyone knows everyone and people are really friendly to each other and to visitors. This is a very family-friendly area."
Tim Wellford, owner of the Sandcastle Cafe & Grill, discovered the incredible St. Simons Island friendly inclusiveness firsthand soon after arriving. "I've worked in Washington, Atlanta and many other big cities. I was working at Annapolis and we stopped here to visit Melissa's parents and just decided that this was the place for us. The former owner knew we couldn't afford this place so he offered it to us for $400 a month! St. Simons Island only has about 16,000 people. Everyone here knows each other and everyone helps each other."
If the unique community vibe and artsy atmosphere of St. Simons Island sounds like just what you are looking for in a seaside vacation destination, keep reading! We have gathered some of our favorite things in St. Simons Island just for you.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
When you have been in business for over 75 years and are considered the cream of the crop resort in your area, you have to be doing a lot of things right. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island has a reputation for excellence and they are constantly working to make things even better for their guests.
"I am really excited! We are putting our new kitchen right next to the oceanfront dining. It will be an open-kitchen where guests can actually see the chef cooking. We are removing the indoor pool to provide more dining seating with excellent ocean views," Allen Lancaster, Director Food and Beverage at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort told us.
If repeat guests and future booking are any indication of success, The King andPrince Beach & Golf Resort is doing a lot of things right.
"During the Summer, we are at 93% capacity. Our villas rent for $500+ a night in-season and they are usually sold-out. Spring is our next busiest season. We do a lot of group business. Groups are booking through 2019 even now," said Bud St. Pierre, Director of Marketing and Sales of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.
What makes this place so desirable to so many? The King and Prince Hotel on St. Simons Island was built in 1941 and The King and Prince Beach Resort was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2005. It is the only seaside resort on the island. Their goal to “provide our guests superior service, outstanding accommodations, and unrivaled Southern hospitality,” is evident in all they do and in the staff they hire. People notice things like that and tell their friends.
"This is the most well-rounded team that I have ever worked with," Allen Lancaster told us.
Michael Johnson, Director and General Manager of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, is proud that their resort has earned TripAdvisor’s coveted Certificate of Excellence multiple times. “A TripAdvisor 4.5 rating is something to be very proud of, especially since it’s awarded to properties that consistently provide excellent facilities and outstanding service. Our staff goes the ‘extra mile’ for our guests with a commitment to excellence every day. We are thankful to our wonderful guests who cared enough to shout our praises on TripAdvisor; we promise to always give them the warm southern hospitality for which we have been known for 77 years,” he said in a press release.
The King and Prince Resort offers several dining options including The King’s Tavern which features Southern coastal cuisine with “breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.”
Executive Chef Jason Brumfiel is constantly tweaking the menu to bring guests a memorable dining experience.
One of the many excellent assets of The King and Prince Beach Resort is their updated pool complex. The open-air pool area is just a few feet from the beautiful St. Simons Island beach.
The King and Prince swimming pool complex was designed for guests of all generations.
Families with toddlers can enjoy the Family Friendly Wading Pool which features a water feature, beautiful shaded areas and castle-building space.
Families with kids can enjoy the lagoon-style pool with underwater benches and deck-jets.
Adults will enjoy a formal relaxation pool with chaises, umbrellas and food & beverage service.
The “Young at Heart/All Ages” guests weren’t forgotten either.The Oceanfront deck is made for “sun-lovers” and The Ocean Terrace Grille offers an extensive dining menu & seating.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort offers a variety of accommodations to meet every guest's particular need.
Oceanfront Suites include the deluxe St. Simons Suite or the two-story Governor's Suite located in the Historic Main Building.
Premium Oceanfront Rooms include three ocean-front Tower Rooms and eight ocean-front Cabana Rooms. Each comes with their own parlor and private patio.
Oceanfront Rooms are available in king or double queen-bed accommodations.
Partial Oceanview Rooms feature a partial view of the ocean and beach and are available with either one king or two queen beds.
Resort View Rooms feature either one king or two queen beds with views of the resort grounds and gardens and are located in the Historic Main Building.
Standard Rooms are the most economically-priced accommodations and are available with either one king or two queen beds.
Beach Villas are available in two-bedroom or three-bedroom villas with a patio or balcony. All Beach Villas are either ocean front view or partial ocean view.
Resort Residences include six private guest houses ranging from one to five bedrooms.
Traveling with a pet? The King and Prince Resort is pleased to welcome your four-legged friend to share in your vacation experience.
If you enjoy a round or two of golf on your vacation, The King and Prince Golf Course is considered one of Georgia's finest golf courses. It winds among the ancient oaks and salt marshes at the northern end of St. Simons Island.
The Course is viewable online with a 3-D graphic that transports viewers to each of 18 holes via a hole-by-hole flyover athttp://www.kingandprince.com/golf-flyover-tour.aspx
"We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation's hottest golfing destinations. The number of PGA professionals making our island home is
a testament to the quality of the courses on St. Simons Island. To golfers, it doesn't get better than this,” Bud St. Pierre, Director of Marketing and Sales of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, said in a press release.
Whether you are looking for a golf resort that pro golfers love, a seaside resort for a family vacation, a luxurious resort for a romantic getaway, the perfect setting for your wedding, or a resort that excels in business-related accommodations, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is the perfect choice in St. Simons Island, GA.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is located at 201 Arnold Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522. Their phone is 912-638-3631.
For more information, visit http://www.kingandprince.com
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley
One of the first things we do when we arrive at a new destination is look for a trolley tour. It is a great way to get a taste of the area, learn local history from a real local, and scope out the places you may want to return to later.
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley is owned and operated by St. Simons Island native, Cap Fendig, who is from "one of the oldest and largest families of St. Simons."
Cap Fendig has a "passion to share the island history, the colorful stories of the past present and future" with guests. He has been providing tours for over 35 years.
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley takes guests to multiple historical sites with stops at Christ Church, Ft. Frederica, Bloody Marsh, Gascoigne Bluff, Epworth, St. Simons Village and the Lighthouse.
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley can be reached by phone at 912-399-5007 or online at http://www.lighthousetrolleys.com/trolleytourstsimons.html
Lynn St. Clair
Lynn St. Clair is an award winning artist with a soft voice, a gentle manner and a kind heart that beckons her to share the beauty and the healing power of art.
"I try to paint the fantasy of the world around us. Art is healing. Art is therapy," St. Clair told us as she painted one of her signature watercolors. "I enjoy teaching. Everyone sees things in a little different way."
Not only does St. Clair teach public and private art classes that encourage students to find "inspiration in the beauty of the Island," she uses her art to help those who are battling the devastating effects of cancer.
St. Clair's "Lynn’s Love Lids" began after Lynn painted a hat for a dear friend who was undergoing chemotherapy and had lost her hair. After seeing her friend's excitement about the beautiful, hand-painted hat, Lynn began to formulate a plan to donate more hats to patients at the SE Georgia Regional Cancer Center.
"I made a hat for a woman who was undergoing chemotherapy and it really took off. When I sell my hats, I then have money to buy more hats to give to cancer patients and people in chemo. It makes me feel good to be able to help these precious people in some small way," St. Clair told us. "The special order hats are $30 and they pay for the hats that I donate to the chemo center. It is a reward just to see them so happy."
Proceeds from Lynn's custom hats are applied to the expense of the monthly donated hats, which are distributed to patients at the cancer center.
Lynn St. Clair is a Copley Artist member of the Copley Society of Boston, artist member of the Monotype Guild of New England, a distinguished artist member of the Concord Art Association, and artist member of the Cambridge, Marblehead, North Shore and Springfield Academic Artists.
For more information on Lynn's Love Lids, visit http://www.lynnstclair.com/html/love_lids.html
Sandcastle Cafe
Everyone knows how to find the best food when traveling - ask the locals where locals eat. The Sandcastle Cafe in St. Simon's Island is definitely the place where locals go for breakfast and lunch.
"We have been here for 25 years and we only serve breakfast and lunch," Sandcastle Cafe's owner Tim Wellford told us. "Our menu has changed over the years but our buffet has remained pretty much the same. People really love it."
Sandcastle Cafe's breakfast buffet is a St. Simon's Island legend. Don't be surprised if you see everyone from retirees to professionals to city council members lined up down the buffet line on any given morning.
The Sandcastle Cafe and Grill's breakfast buffet includes grits, cheese grits, homemade biscuits & muffins, sausage gravy, country sausage, bacon, corned beef hash, hash browns, fresh fruit, coffee, sweet tea, unsweet tea and oragne juice. Eggs are cooked to order and guests can enjoy unlimited pancakes, french toast and waffles.
The Sandcastle Cafe and Grill's lunch menu includes freshly made soups, appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches and seafood platters.
The Sandcastle Cafe & Grill is located at 117 Mallery Street, St. Simons Island GA 31522.
For more information, phone 912-638-8883 or visit http://sandcastleatthepier.com
Captain Larry Credle's Shrimp Boat Adventure
The Georgia coast has always been a great place to find tasty shrimp and the Georgia Wild Shrimp are one of the best-kept secrets in the St. Simons Island area. The strong tides and natural filtration of the Georgia marshlands give their shrimp a sweet taste and a firm texture that every shrimp-lover should try.
Captain Larry Credle Shrimp Boat Adventure promises "calm sea adventures in no rough waters" which take place on the Lady Jane - a United States Coast Guard certified, passenger, steel shrimping vessel that was retired after "years of loyal service to the shrimping industry."
If you would like to enjoy a hands-on shrimping experience, Phillip Flournoy (a Marine Biologist formerly of the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Georgia), James Files, John Tyre and Mike Hammock will stand by your side and fully explain the science and process behind commercial shrimping in an understandable manner.
They will sort the shrimp while explaining the rest of the catch of Bonnethead, Blacktip, Sand shark, Horseshoe Crab, Puffer Fish, Amberjack, Crocker, Spot, Whiting, Bluecrab and Skate.
Shrimp will even be prepared on board for you to sample.
Flournay is incredibly informative and very entertaining. He likes to joke that, "Old marine biologists never die - they just smell that way!"
The LadyJane also provides an air conditioned cabin, a restroom and large open decks with fantastic 360 degree views.
Credle's Adventures is located at 1200-B Glynn Ave. Brunswick Georgia 31520. For more information, phone 912-265-5711 or visit http://www.shrimpcruise.com
Southern Soul BBQ
If you love BBQ and you are in St. Simons Island, you just have to enjoy at least one of your meals at Southern Soul BBQ.
Southern Soul BBQ is not only extremely popular with locals (a sure sign that it is a great place to eat), it has been featured in Food Networks Diners, Dives, & Drive-Ins, TLC's BBQ PitMasters, Garden & Gun Magazine, Southern Living, Georgia Trend Magazine, and The Huffington Post.
These guys are BBQ masters. Their menu features 12+ hour hardwood-fired, slow smoked pig, rib, turkey and chicken, sausage and beef brisket.
Guests can choose from four distinct homemade BBQ sauces and “some great Southern Soul Side Dishes such as Hoppin' John, Collard Greens, Award Winning Brunswick Stew and Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread.”
Griffin Buffkin, co-owner of Southern Soul BBQ, told us how they chose an old filling station for their restaurant. “When we found out the historic old Pure Oil Station circa 1955 was vacant and available we jumped at it. The location is a prime Island spot, and the gas station design just screamed BBQ joint. Our decor is reminiscent of classic American roadside eateries, and we aim to always have a welcoming vibe to compliment our great barbecue. Everything fits together naturally.”
Southern Soul BBQ is located at 2020 Demere Rd., St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Their phone is 912-638-7685.
Visit http://www.southernsoulbbq.com for more information.
St. Simons Lighthouse
The St. Simons Lighthouse is a favorite of photographers, painters and vacationers.It is a 104 feet tall and was completed in 1872. It sits on the southern tip of St. Simons Island near Pier Village and Neptune Park.
For those who enjoy a good ghost story, the St. Simons Lighthouse is rumored to be haunted. According to local legend, lighthouse keeper Frederick Osborne was killed in a duel with assistant keeper John Stephens after Osborne accused Stephens of having an affair with his wife.
People claim to hear Osborne walking up and down the creaky stairway. Some claim to have seen his image appear in the lighthouse windows on dark nights.
The St. Simons Lighthouse is located at 610 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. Their phone is 912-638-4666.
Visit http://www.saintsimonslighthouse.org for more information.
Pier Village & Neptune Park
The area of Pier Village and Neptune Park is one of our favorite spots on St. Simons Island.
Whether you are looking for a great place for a meal, beautiful seaside views, boutique shopping, art shopping, miniature golf, a community swimming pool, a playground for kids, a picnic area under towering oak trees, a fishing pier or a historic lighthouse - this is the place!
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/SSIPierVillage
St. Simons Maps and Historical Sites
ExploreSt.SimonsIsland has created an excellent interactive online map of St. Simons Island with information on local St. Simons Island historic sites and monuments. For more information, visit http://www.explorestsimonsisland.com
LGBT Info
We reached out to the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau for information on LGBT travel to St. Simons and the Golden Isles but we did not receive a response as of our publication deadline. You can visit their website at http://www.goldenisles.com/ for travel info and contact info.
Conclusion
St. Simons Island is a special place and its’ people are a special breed. There aren’t many seaside vacation destinations that have that unique blend of artsy, classy and all about friends and family.
Watch our video of our St. Simons Island favorites below.
By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2013 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com
Keywords: St Simons, St Simons Island, Lynn St. Clair, Michael Johnson, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, Bud St. Pierre, Allen Lancaster, Tim Wellford, Sandcastle Cafe & Grill, Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley, Sandcastle Cafe, Captain Larry Credle's Shrimp Boat Adventure, Phillip Flournoy, Lady jane, Southern Soul BBQ, Griffin Buffkin, St. Simons Lighthouse, Pier Village, Neptune Park, Frederick Osborne, Sunny Harbor Publishing, Gay Travelers Magazine, gay travel, LGBT travel, gay Georgia, gay GA
Artsy, Classy and All About Friends and Family
by Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong
One of the most delightful aspects of travel is the discovery of something wonderfully unexpected. St. Simon's Island is one of those unexpected wonders for us.
While many of the beach towns along the Atlantic Coast are known to be either stuffy, commercial or touristy, St. Simon's Island has positively evolved into a special place that is somehow artsy, classy and all about friends and family.
"On the island you will find all kinds of people - every niche. They are all so friendly. It is a blessing to be in this ever-changing, beautiful place. We have a very spirited, artistic community here in St. Simons Island," award-winning, watercolor artist Lynn St. Clair told us.
Michael Johnson, Director and General Manager of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, feels the same way about St. Simon's Island. "We want guests to not only experience The King and Prince, we want them to experience St. Simons and Glynn County. It is a very special place."
"I feel so lucky to live and work somewhere that I really love," said Bud St. Pierre, Director of Marketing and Sales of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.
Allen Lancaster, who relocated to St. Simon's Island to be the Director Food and Beverage at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort agrees, "The best thing about St. Simons is the people. There is a real community vibe where everyone knows everyone and people are really friendly to each other and to visitors. This is a very family-friendly area."
Tim Wellford, owner of the Sandcastle Cafe & Grill, discovered the incredible St. Simons Island friendly inclusiveness firsthand soon after arriving. "I've worked in Washington, Atlanta and many other big cities. I was working at Annapolis and we stopped here to visit Melissa's parents and just decided that this was the place for us. The former owner knew we couldn't afford this place so he offered it to us for $400 a month! St. Simons Island only has about 16,000 people. Everyone here knows each other and everyone helps each other."
If the unique community vibe and artsy atmosphere of St. Simons Island sounds like just what you are looking for in a seaside vacation destination, keep reading! We have gathered some of our favorite things in St. Simons Island just for you.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
When you have been in business for over 75 years and are considered the cream of the crop resort in your area, you have to be doing a lot of things right. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island has a reputation for excellence and they are constantly working to make things even better for their guests.
"I am really excited! We are putting our new kitchen right next to the oceanfront dining. It will be an open-kitchen where guests can actually see the chef cooking. We are removing the indoor pool to provide more dining seating with excellent ocean views," Allen Lancaster, Director Food and Beverage at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort told us.
If repeat guests and future booking are any indication of success, The King andPrince Beach & Golf Resort is doing a lot of things right.
"During the Summer, we are at 93% capacity. Our villas rent for $500+ a night in-season and they are usually sold-out. Spring is our next busiest season. We do a lot of group business. Groups are booking through 2019 even now," said Bud St. Pierre, Director of Marketing and Sales of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort.
What makes this place so desirable to so many? The King and Prince Hotel on St. Simons Island was built in 1941 and The King and Prince Beach Resort was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2005. It is the only seaside resort on the island. Their goal to “provide our guests superior service, outstanding accommodations, and unrivaled Southern hospitality,” is evident in all they do and in the staff they hire. People notice things like that and tell their friends.
"This is the most well-rounded team that I have ever worked with," Allen Lancaster told us.
Michael Johnson, Director and General Manager of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, is proud that their resort has earned TripAdvisor’s coveted Certificate of Excellence multiple times. “A TripAdvisor 4.5 rating is something to be very proud of, especially since it’s awarded to properties that consistently provide excellent facilities and outstanding service. Our staff goes the ‘extra mile’ for our guests with a commitment to excellence every day. We are thankful to our wonderful guests who cared enough to shout our praises on TripAdvisor; we promise to always give them the warm southern hospitality for which we have been known for 77 years,” he said in a press release.
The King and Prince Resort offers several dining options including The King’s Tavern which features Southern coastal cuisine with “breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.”
Executive Chef Jason Brumfiel is constantly tweaking the menu to bring guests a memorable dining experience.
One of the many excellent assets of The King and Prince Beach Resort is their updated pool complex. The open-air pool area is just a few feet from the beautiful St. Simons Island beach.
The King and Prince swimming pool complex was designed for guests of all generations.
Families with toddlers can enjoy the Family Friendly Wading Pool which features a water feature, beautiful shaded areas and castle-building space.
Families with kids can enjoy the lagoon-style pool with underwater benches and deck-jets.
Adults will enjoy a formal relaxation pool with chaises, umbrellas and food & beverage service.
The “Young at Heart/All Ages” guests weren’t forgotten either.The Oceanfront deck is made for “sun-lovers” and The Ocean Terrace Grille offers an extensive dining menu & seating.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort offers a variety of accommodations to meet every guest's particular need.
Oceanfront Suites include the deluxe St. Simons Suite or the two-story Governor's Suite located in the Historic Main Building.
Premium Oceanfront Rooms include three ocean-front Tower Rooms and eight ocean-front Cabana Rooms. Each comes with their own parlor and private patio.
Oceanfront Rooms are available in king or double queen-bed accommodations.
Partial Oceanview Rooms feature a partial view of the ocean and beach and are available with either one king or two queen beds.
Resort View Rooms feature either one king or two queen beds with views of the resort grounds and gardens and are located in the Historic Main Building.
Standard Rooms are the most economically-priced accommodations and are available with either one king or two queen beds.
Beach Villas are available in two-bedroom or three-bedroom villas with a patio or balcony. All Beach Villas are either ocean front view or partial ocean view.
Resort Residences include six private guest houses ranging from one to five bedrooms.
Traveling with a pet? The King and Prince Resort is pleased to welcome your four-legged friend to share in your vacation experience.
If you enjoy a round or two of golf on your vacation, The King and Prince Golf Course is considered one of Georgia's finest golf courses. It winds among the ancient oaks and salt marshes at the northern end of St. Simons Island.
The Course is viewable online with a 3-D graphic that transports viewers to each of 18 holes via a hole-by-hole flyover athttp://www.kingandprince.com/golf-flyover-tour.aspx
"We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation's hottest golfing destinations. The number of PGA professionals making our island home is
a testament to the quality of the courses on St. Simons Island. To golfers, it doesn't get better than this,” Bud St. Pierre, Director of Marketing and Sales of The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, said in a press release.
Whether you are looking for a golf resort that pro golfers love, a seaside resort for a family vacation, a luxurious resort for a romantic getaway, the perfect setting for your wedding, or a resort that excels in business-related accommodations, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is the perfect choice in St. Simons Island, GA.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is located at 201 Arnold Road
St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522. Their phone is 912-638-3631.
For more information, visit http://www.kingandprince.com
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley
One of the first things we do when we arrive at a new destination is look for a trolley tour. It is a great way to get a taste of the area, learn local history from a real local, and scope out the places you may want to return to later.
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley is owned and operated by St. Simons Island native, Cap Fendig, who is from "one of the oldest and largest families of St. Simons."
Cap Fendig has a "passion to share the island history, the colorful stories of the past present and future" with guests. He has been providing tours for over 35 years.
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley takes guests to multiple historical sites with stops at Christ Church, Ft. Frederica, Bloody Marsh, Gascoigne Bluff, Epworth, St. Simons Village and the Lighthouse.
Cap Fendig's Lighthouse Trolley can be reached by phone at 912-399-5007 or online at http://www.lighthousetrolleys.com/trolleytourstsimons.html
Lynn St. Clair
Lynn St. Clair is an award winning artist with a soft voice, a gentle manner and a kind heart that beckons her to share the beauty and the healing power of art.
"I try to paint the fantasy of the world around us. Art is healing. Art is therapy," St. Clair told us as she painted one of her signature watercolors. "I enjoy teaching. Everyone sees things in a little different way."
Not only does St. Clair teach public and private art classes that encourage students to find "inspiration in the beauty of the Island," she uses her art to help those who are battling the devastating effects of cancer.
St. Clair's "Lynn’s Love Lids" began after Lynn painted a hat for a dear friend who was undergoing chemotherapy and had lost her hair. After seeing her friend's excitement about the beautiful, hand-painted hat, Lynn began to formulate a plan to donate more hats to patients at the SE Georgia Regional Cancer Center.
"I made a hat for a woman who was undergoing chemotherapy and it really took off. When I sell my hats, I then have money to buy more hats to give to cancer patients and people in chemo. It makes me feel good to be able to help these precious people in some small way," St. Clair told us. "The special order hats are $30 and they pay for the hats that I donate to the chemo center. It is a reward just to see them so happy."
Proceeds from Lynn's custom hats are applied to the expense of the monthly donated hats, which are distributed to patients at the cancer center.
Lynn St. Clair is a Copley Artist member of the Copley Society of Boston, artist member of the Monotype Guild of New England, a distinguished artist member of the Concord Art Association, and artist member of the Cambridge, Marblehead, North Shore and Springfield Academic Artists.
For more information on Lynn's Love Lids, visit http://www.lynnstclair.com/html/love_lids.html
Sandcastle Cafe
Everyone knows how to find the best food when traveling - ask the locals where locals eat. The Sandcastle Cafe in St. Simon's Island is definitely the place where locals go for breakfast and lunch.
"We have been here for 25 years and we only serve breakfast and lunch," Sandcastle Cafe's owner Tim Wellford told us. "Our menu has changed over the years but our buffet has remained pretty much the same. People really love it."
Sandcastle Cafe's breakfast buffet is a St. Simon's Island legend. Don't be surprised if you see everyone from retirees to professionals to city council members lined up down the buffet line on any given morning.
The Sandcastle Cafe and Grill's breakfast buffet includes grits, cheese grits, homemade biscuits & muffins, sausage gravy, country sausage, bacon, corned beef hash, hash browns, fresh fruit, coffee, sweet tea, unsweet tea and oragne juice. Eggs are cooked to order and guests can enjoy unlimited pancakes, french toast and waffles.
The Sandcastle Cafe and Grill's lunch menu includes freshly made soups, appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches and seafood platters.
The Sandcastle Cafe & Grill is located at 117 Mallery Street, St. Simons Island GA 31522.
For more information, phone 912-638-8883 or visit http://sandcastleatthepier.com
Captain Larry Credle's Shrimp Boat Adventure
The Georgia coast has always been a great place to find tasty shrimp and the Georgia Wild Shrimp are one of the best-kept secrets in the St. Simons Island area. The strong tides and natural filtration of the Georgia marshlands give their shrimp a sweet taste and a firm texture that every shrimp-lover should try.
Captain Larry Credle Shrimp Boat Adventure promises "calm sea adventures in no rough waters" which take place on the Lady Jane - a United States Coast Guard certified, passenger, steel shrimping vessel that was retired after "years of loyal service to the shrimping industry."
If you would like to enjoy a hands-on shrimping experience, Phillip Flournoy (a Marine Biologist formerly of the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Georgia), James Files, John Tyre and Mike Hammock will stand by your side and fully explain the science and process behind commercial shrimping in an understandable manner.
They will sort the shrimp while explaining the rest of the catch of Bonnethead, Blacktip, Sand shark, Horseshoe Crab, Puffer Fish, Amberjack, Crocker, Spot, Whiting, Bluecrab and Skate.
Shrimp will even be prepared on board for you to sample.
Flournay is incredibly informative and very entertaining. He likes to joke that, "Old marine biologists never die - they just smell that way!"
The LadyJane also provides an air conditioned cabin, a restroom and large open decks with fantastic 360 degree views.
Credle's Adventures is located at 1200-B Glynn Ave. Brunswick Georgia 31520. For more information, phone 912-265-5711 or visit http://www.shrimpcruise.com
Southern Soul BBQ
If you love BBQ and you are in St. Simons Island, you just have to enjoy at least one of your meals at Southern Soul BBQ.
Southern Soul BBQ is not only extremely popular with locals (a sure sign that it is a great place to eat), it has been featured in Food Networks Diners, Dives, & Drive-Ins, TLC's BBQ PitMasters, Garden & Gun Magazine, Southern Living, Georgia Trend Magazine, and The Huffington Post.
These guys are BBQ masters. Their menu features 12+ hour hardwood-fired, slow smoked pig, rib, turkey and chicken, sausage and beef brisket.
Guests can choose from four distinct homemade BBQ sauces and “some great Southern Soul Side Dishes such as Hoppin' John, Collard Greens, Award Winning Brunswick Stew and Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread.”
Griffin Buffkin, co-owner of Southern Soul BBQ, told us how they chose an old filling station for their restaurant. “When we found out the historic old Pure Oil Station circa 1955 was vacant and available we jumped at it. The location is a prime Island spot, and the gas station design just screamed BBQ joint. Our decor is reminiscent of classic American roadside eateries, and we aim to always have a welcoming vibe to compliment our great barbecue. Everything fits together naturally.”
Southern Soul BBQ is located at 2020 Demere Rd., St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Their phone is 912-638-7685.
Visit http://www.southernsoulbbq.com for more information.
St. Simons Lighthouse
The St. Simons Lighthouse is a favorite of photographers, painters and vacationers.It is a 104 feet tall and was completed in 1872. It sits on the southern tip of St. Simons Island near Pier Village and Neptune Park.
For those who enjoy a good ghost story, the St. Simons Lighthouse is rumored to be haunted. According to local legend, lighthouse keeper Frederick Osborne was killed in a duel with assistant keeper John Stephens after Osborne accused Stephens of having an affair with his wife.
People claim to hear Osborne walking up and down the creaky stairway. Some claim to have seen his image appear in the lighthouse windows on dark nights.
The St. Simons Lighthouse is located at 610 Beachview Drive, St. Simons Island, GA 31522. Their phone is 912-638-4666.
Visit http://www.saintsimonslighthouse.org for more information.
Pier Village & Neptune Park
The area of Pier Village and Neptune Park is one of our favorite spots on St. Simons Island.
Whether you are looking for a great place for a meal, beautiful seaside views, boutique shopping, art shopping, miniature golf, a community swimming pool, a playground for kids, a picnic area under towering oak trees, a fishing pier or a historic lighthouse - this is the place!
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/SSIPierVillage
St. Simons Maps and Historical Sites
ExploreSt.SimonsIsland has created an excellent interactive online map of St. Simons Island with information on local St. Simons Island historic sites and monuments. For more information, visit http://www.explorestsimonsisland.com
LGBT Info
We reached out to the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau for information on LGBT travel to St. Simons and the Golden Isles but we did not receive a response as of our publication deadline. You can visit their website at http://www.goldenisles.com/ for travel info and contact info.
Conclusion
St. Simons Island is a special place and its’ people are a special breed. There aren’t many seaside vacation destinations that have that unique blend of artsy, classy and all about friends and family.
Watch our video of our St. Simons Island favorites below.
By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2013 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: Sunny Harbor Publishing, PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone: 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com
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