hodnett cooper, Author at Hodnett Cooper

“We always know we will have excellent accommodations by using Hodnett Cooper.”

-Elizabeth

“Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rental Staff is the most responsive group I have ever dealt with in my 40 years of vacation rentals. Thank you guys so much.”

-Laretta

“We love St. Simons Island, Coast Cottages and Hodnett Cooper. Over 20 years of happiness. We cannot wait until our next stay!”

-Jeffery

Missing out on that summer beach vacation can be a bummer for many, but no reason to be sad; the secret beach season is right around the corner. The end of summer marks the beginning of one of the best seasons on St. Simons Island, fall. With golden marshes and the cool breezes, many visitors seek out this time of year and not just for the slimmer crowds.

September – November the island takes on a slower but still energetic pace. Early fall gives Golden Isles beach goers a chance to soak up the last days of warm weather and the relaxed pet policy allows four legged friends and their families freedom to play in the sand. Biking becomes less of a workout and more of an all day adventure stopping at restaurants, historic sites and shops along the way.

As we move into fall the weather may cool down but the island heats up. Whether it’s an arts and crafts festival, live music, 18 holes, or 4 quarters…the island is bustling with activities for everyone. Early October is still warm enough to rest pool-side and read your favorite book or spend your afternoon at one of the local watering holes cheering on your favorite football team. November temps stay in the 60s and 70s, perfect for visitors who enjoy long walks on a cool beach day. The annual RSM golf tournament is also held in November bringing fans and locals out for fellowship and entertainment.

Book your secret season retreat today and experience fall festivals, football, and everything in between.

Memorial Day weekend conjures up memories of building sandcastles and grilling out in the backyard with friends. However, to some this day is much more somber and is spent remembering a soul that was lost to help make our great nation a better place. May we all be grateful for those brave men and women and spend our Memorial Day weekend celebrating our freedom and honoring those who have fought to preserve it. And on St. Simons Island you can do both.

Year after year guests return to St. Simons Island to experience traditional festivities, mild May weather, sandy beaches, and seafood. We’ve listed a few must do activities on St. Simons for you to enjoy this weekend to celebrate the coming summer season and also remember why we have Memorial Day.

TAPS at Twilight – TAPS is a major local community event arranged by the St. Simons Rotary Club to honor those who have fallen in the service of our country, those who have valiantly served and returned, and those still serving today. The tribute was begun in 1991 as an annual observance of Memorial Day. TAPS will be held May 31, 2021 at 6:45 pm in Neptune Park.

Antique Show – May 27-28 stroll under the oaks at Postell Park by the Casino and shop furniture, collectibles, primitives, jewelry, silver, glassware, etc. from vendors from all over the southeast.

Sounds by the Sea – This Sunday, May 30 from 6pm-9pm enjoy live music by Phil Morrison & Friends, hosted by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities. Bring your beach chairs and a lawn picnic and relax oceanside at Neptune Park as the sunsets over the Atlantic. This summer concert series is a fan favorite by both adults and children. Entry is $12 for adults, $5 for children.

Spring has arrived and if you haven’t already noticed, there may be some dust bunnies waving hello from the hidden recesses of your home. So we reached out to some of the queens of clean to give us some cleaning tips and tricks on how they make sure vacation and residential homes around the Golden Isles stay clean and fresh all year round.

Rachel Hicks, Owner of Slightly OCD Cleaning Co. says sweeping is essential to a clean home. “Pick up everything off of the floor, move everything out from the walls and sweep!” Between beach days and ball games we can track in a lot of dirt. By sweeping regularly it helps cut down on dust and dirt all over the house. “Sweeping also gives you the opportunity to get cobwebs, sweep baseboards, and get items from under and behind furniture.” says Hicks.

When it comes to dusting, make sure you start from top to bottom. Those fans stay on high gear in the warmer months and before you know it a mountain of dust has built up. Hicks suggests using a an old pillow case to grab big dust off ceiling fans, but using a damp cloth can also do the trick. “Take a damp cloth and starting at the innermost base of the blade, grab the dust and pull it straight to the end of the blade allowing the residual dust mound to fall to the floor. With a clean rag, move your fingertips in between the grooves of the blades and light fixtures.” Once you’re done with the fans you can move to the furniture.

Did you know? Pledge Lemon furniture polish has double duty as an effective stainless steel polish. Mel Meyer of Coastal Cleaning LLC says, “use a small amount on of Pledge on a microfiber cloth to safely and effectively polish stainless steel appliances.”

Another powerful tool to use in the kitchen is the pumice, says Rachel from Slightly OCD. “Once the pumice stone is damp it is no doubt miraculous on removing baked in gook. Use a degreaser or even a plain Dawn and water solution to dampen the area, use a green scrub pad to loosen the top layer then scrub up the rest of the gook.”

From kitchen to bathrooms, using simple solutions like Dawn, vinegar and water can clean up most messes. Even in the bathroom! Hard water stains on shower doors are a bear. Mel from Coastal Cleaning says to combine 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water and 2 tbsp of Dawn dish soap and spray onto the shower or bathtub. Allow the solutions to sit for approximately 10 minutes and use a scratch free scour pad to wipe down the service. Then rinse and dry. “Once the hard water stains are removed, spray RainX onto the glass to keep the calcium deposits from building up. It is most beneficial to use a squeegee on the shower doors after each use. It really makes a difference”, says Mel.

There’s no better feeling than walking into a clean home that smells fresh. To keep your home smelling fresher longer, Donna Drury Simpson from Morning Star Cleaning advises you to put fragrance packets in each room. It’s just enough scent without being too overpowering. “We also use Fabuloso on floors and hardwoods which cleans well and has a great clean smell to it” says Donna. Fabuloso is a great option to used on sealed wood as it doesn’t leave residue or streaks and it can be used in kitchens and baths as well.

Whether you are traveling to the Golden Isles as a respite from the real world or you are a perm-vacationer on St. Simons Island, we hope these tips help make your time in your home more enjoyable. Happy Cleaning.

Decorating a vacation home can be a task in and of itself, especially if you don’t live locally and are trying to do it from afar. We teamed up with Coastal Illustrated and Sweats Furniture to offer a little insight.

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February is a month filled with love, leisure, and long weekends. Pre-spring temperatures make enjoying St. Simons Island a breeze. Here are some of the highlights of activities around the Golden Isles. So pack your backs and head south for a weekend in paradise on St. Simons Island.

Cottages & Condos

Whether you are interested in a room for two or need space for the whole family Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals has you covered. Take advantage of a 3 day weekend and head to paradise. With units available at several of our partner resorts including Beach Club, Shipwatch and Northbreakers you and your favorite person (or people) can wake up oceanside. For a truly luxurious retreat check out our premier concierge and take the stress out of traveling!

Cuisine

From fine dining to casual outdoor settings, St. Simons Island has a dining destination for everyone. For a special Valentines Day treat try one of the many upscale (for an island of course) dining establishments. Delaney’s and Georgia Sea Grill have superb seafood, fish and chicken dishes, while you can try a twist of something traditional at Del Sur or Halyards. No matter what you choose you are sure to enjoy a romantic dinner and fantastic food. If you’re looking for something a little more laid back we recommend tempting your tastebuds at Ember, and then walking next door to their chill environment filled with music, lounge areas, and pool tables.

Culture

Since Valentines Day falls on Presidents Day weekend you have even more time to take in all the music, arts and culture found in the Golden Isles. This weekend there are over 20 restaurants and bars hosting bands and you can find anything from jazz, to rock to oldies and dance the night away! But before you stay up all night in your dancing shoes, spend the day at one of the many museums or art exhibits. Shop Art in the Park February 13-14 at Postell Park in the Pier Village. Or check out the Mosaic Museum on Jekyll Island, and then take a stroll through the historic district.

Top 5 Things to Treat your Valentine

Once named one of the most romantic towns in America, St. Simons Island is a dreamy place to take your special someone. Whether you’ve just tied the knot, or are on your way there, St. Simons and the Golden Isles has something sure to set her (or his) heart a flutter. Here are our top 5 things to treat your Valentine on St. Simons Island.

A special Spa Day. Treat both your loved one and yourself to a much needed day of pampering. Start with a couples massage at Island Day Spa followed by a glass of wine and a charcuterie at Golden Isles Olive Oil. Or treat your favorite friend to breakfast at Halyards Restaurant and then a facial at Refresh and Refine.

A Romantic Retreat. With Valentine’s Day falling on President’s Day weekend, you get a free day to explore. And although we think St. Simons Island is fabulous, there is so much more to the Golden Isles. If you aren’t familiar with the Georgia Barrier Islands, we encourage you to visit at least one other one besides St. Simons. Jekyll Island is the nearest and is a great mixture of natural habitats plus local history and attractions.

Photograph the Memories. One thing St. Simons Island has no shortage of is excellent photographers and Instagram worthy backdrops. Tell your special something that your love will last a lifetime with a destination photography session. And for those celebrating love with the whole family, treat your spouse to family portraits.

Candlelit Dinner for Two. A more traditional take, but romantic nonetheless is a candlelit dinner for two. With dozens of restaurants to choose from you are sure to find the perfect flavor for everyone. From classic seafood to mediterranen flair, your taste buds will tempt you to try them all.

Bond over an Adventure. Horseback riding, kayaking, biking, climbing the lighthouse, paddleboarding, we could go on for days listing all the exciting things to do on St. Simons Island, but one thing is for sure, you will have fun no matter what you choose.

To get your romantic getaway started visit us at www.hodnettcooper.com or call us at 866-966-8810. We have 6 reservation specialists on staff 6 days a week to help you choose the perfect retreat, and offer any suggestions on your travel plans.

Winter Activities in the Golden Isles

St. Simons Island Winter Activities for Families

Bike Riding

With miles of winding bike paths, you can cover most of the island without setting foot on the road. From the miles of beaches to the canopy of oaks, bike trails line one end of the island to the other. Take a lunch break at the Pier Village, or go shopping in Redfern or the Shops at Sea Island. For a challenge take your ride all the way to Christ Church or Fort Frederica.

Historical Attractions

Winter in the Golden Isles is the ideal opportunity to learn about the the rich history of St. Simons Island. Visit Fort Frederica and learn about and how it guarded the coast from the Spanish. See the ruins at Cannon’s Point or the historic cemetery at Christ Church. Off the island you can see what life was like at an authentic rice plantation at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, or explore Jekyll Island and its historic mansions.

Jekyll Island Treasure Hunt

A bucket list item for sure the Jekyll Island Treasure hunt is fun for all ages and is a great way to see another part of Golden Isles. Each year Jekyll Island selects artist from across the country to make one-of-a-kind glass floats, similar to what fisherman used in the early 1900’s to mark their nets. These floats are hidden across Jekyll Island for lucky folks to find. You never know where they are hidden, but if you don’t find a glass float, you’ll be sure to find other treasures.

Pet Friendly Fun

Although our beaches are pet friendly year-round, during the winter months pets enjoy unrestricted access on the beach. Take them for a run on the beach any time of day, or one of the many dog parks that are spotted around the island. For a special treat, check out Island Dog and next door you can sit outside and enjoy a pet friendly lunch at Mallery Street Cafe. We know our furry friends are family members too, so be sure to check out our pet friendly rentals so they can enjoy a winter getaway with you!

Veterans Day on Saint Simons Island is typically celebrated with a parade and festivities as a special way to say thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed to make our country a better place. This year will be a little different, but a celebration nonetheless. Beginning at 11:00am at the Casino at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island, there will be a Veteran’s Day observance. In addition, restaurants and shops around the St. Simons Island will be offering discounts for Veterans (some offered throughout the year). Below is a list we’ve compiled of places we know are offering a discount (*please note there may be others that we aren’t aware of). Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals wishes you a very happy Veterans Day and again thank you to all those who have sacrificed so we may live in this wonderful country, the United States of America.

Brogens North – 20% off

Bubba Garcia – Veterans eat free

Chile Peppers – 10% off

Chubs Diner – 50% off

Del Sur – 20% off plus free dessert

Hildy’s Pizza – 20% off

Island Dog – 10% off

Maggie’s Boutique – call for details

Sandy Bottom Bagels – 20% off

Sea Salt – 10% off

SML Surf Co – $5 off apparel, $25 off boards

St. Simons Music – 10% of any string instrument

Tango Woodworks – 10% off wooden flags

Tipsy McSways – 50% off

In a time where parents are working from the living room and kids are studying at the kitchen table, families have the opportunity to flex their lives and think outside the box in terms of education. In partnership with Coastal GA Historical Society, Coastal Tide Excursions, and Fort Frederica, Hodnett Cooper is excited to offer their Study on the Coast package.

Brunswick and the Golden Isles is not only a playground for families it’s also a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. From history to fine arts, the Golden Isles is a chance for you to take your children outside the classroom. At the World War II Home Front Museum gives insight into the role coastal Georgia played in the World War II and how Americans sacrificed and lived during this time. Hop aboard the Lady Jane with Coastal Tide Excursions and and help Captain Cameron and his crew sort through sea life, while learning about new species and our local ecosystem. To round off your educational journey, take a trip back in time at Fort Frederica to learn how the war between the British and the Spanish put St. Simons Island on the map.

For more details visit https://www.hodnettcooper.com/rentals/specials/

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