The Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals team has years of experience in both St. Simons Island property and St. Simons Island living. In the first of a series of blog posts, we’re going to dig into our vacation specialists’ expertise to uncover unique activities and hidden gems only available on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

On a trip to the Island, there are several things you don’t want to miss, including the beach. But beyond the beach, the Island has much to see and do. Here are a few of our Hodnett Cooper insider tips:

Reading at the Casino – no, not while gambling. In the historical sense of the word, “casino” is defined as a building or large room used for meetings or entertainment. Though the St. Simons Casino has recently been rebuilt, it still maintains the historical moniker and is known to locals simply as “the Casino.” The Casino—a brick structure at oceanfront Neptune Park—does have community meeting rooms, a public library and entertainment. But it also has a wide front porch stocked with rocking chairs that overlook the grassy lawn and out to the St. Simons Sound. Kim finds this to be the ideal spot to get lost in a good book.

Biking Everywhere – When people say they like to bike on St. Simons Island, they’re not necessarily talking about exercising. With most of the Island’s activity centered at the south end of the Island, it is possible to park your car and pedal during the length of your stay—to the grocery store, to dinner, to the beach or to the farmer’s market to pick up boiled peanuts on your way to the beach. With no roads more than two lanes and miles of paved bike paths, biking is one of the best ways to explore the island. And with many of those paths covered by a canopy of live oak trees, bikers stay shaded from the sun. One of Teri’s favorite activities is to bike to breakfast in the village at Sandcastle, then spend the rest of the day wherever the bike paths take her.

A Cold One at Murphy’s – Boston has Cheers, Nashville has the Bluebird Café and St. Simons Island has Murphy’s Tavern. Located in the heart of the village, Murphy’s, is a neighborhood bar and local’s hangout. With a well-worn wood floor, bookshelves, a fireplace, a pool table, and bartender’s choice mix of music, don’t be surprised to hear “Lee!” when a regular strolls in. In the winter, it’s a cozy respite. And in the summer, it’s a cool spot away from the sun. Year round, there’s a cold one on tap waiting for you at Murphy’s.

Playground at Neptune Park – What kind of crazy beach town devotes prime oceanfront property to a community park? St. Simons Island, that’s who! Our oceanfront community park includes a fishing pier, oceanfront swimming pool, lighthouse, picnic area and Kim’s favorite, the playground. Nestled between the picnic area and the family-friendly pool, the playground has slides, teeter totters, twirly things and the general sensory overload that entertains kids for hours. It’s fenced for safety and includes park benches for the adults to monitor the kids and gaze at the ocean.

Coming soon are more insider tips from the Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals team. Subscribe to our feed for more unique activities, restaurants, sights and events. Or email us with questions or suggestions.

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