Relax and enjoy a long weekend on St. Simons Island!
Celebrate President’s Day in the Golden Isles and take advantage of
Sidney Lanier Bridge at sunset
This weekend Brunswick, Georgia hosts the annual Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation Bridge Run. This special event is unique in the fact that the run takes places solely on the 7,780 Sidney Lanier Bridge. Whereas most bridge runs include roads leading up to the bridge or following the bridge. Because of its heights and distance it is certified by the U.S. Track and Field Associations as “the toughest 5k in Georgia”!
If you prefer not to work up a sweat while relaxing on your long President’s day weekend you could enjoy fine dining at one of many great restaurants on the island. Try Georgia Sea Grill where locally sourced seafood is served fresh daily. You will be impressed by the plate presentation but blown away by the taste of the cuisine. Perhaps you would like some down home southern cooking, if so visit Barbara Jeans. Famous for her crab cakes but all of her cooking can fill the void of some delicious soul food.
After you fill your bellies take a bike ride or walk along the beach! Sunset this time of year is around 6:30 so you have plenty of time to eat an early dinner and then take in the salt air as you watch the sun slip down.
With many art exhibits, storytelling festival, and outdoor activities there is something here that suits everyone’s long day weekend desires! Come to St. Simons and enjoy your long weekend having some island fun!
Today, Donald Trump will be sworn in at his inauguration, becoming the 45th President of The United States. This is a day full of exciting events for all Americans as they turn their eyes to the US Capitol to watch Donald Trump formally replace President Barack Obama in the White House. Although this is a monumental and historic day for the American People, some of us still have to work… so if you can’t tune in for the duration of the inauguration, we’ve laid out a time line so you can catch the events you don’t want to miss!
FRIDAY 20 JANUARY
- 9:30am (14:30 GMT)Inauguration ceremony begins with musical performances
- 11:30am (16:30 GMT) Opening remarks followed by Supreme Court Justice swearing in Mr. Pence
- 11:45am -Noon (16:45 – 17:00 GMT)President Obama’s term of office ends at precisely noon. Before then, Mr. Trump must recite the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Roberts. He will then deliver his inaugural address
- 3pm-5pm (20:00 – 22:00 GMT) Trump and Mr. Pence will embark on a 1.5 mile (2.4km) parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, which will probably be lined with both supporters and protesters
- 7pm-11pm (00:00-04:00 GMT) Trump, Mr. Pence and their wives will attend three official inaugural balls
It’s safe to say after this long election season many of us would definitely enjoy some down time. Add to the inauguration timeline above and pencil yourself in to book some vacation time! Why not come to St. Simons Island and enjoy the warmer weather and the salty air? You can relax, unwind and enjoy some time to yourself after this weekend’s inauguration events!
This time next weekend Georgia/Florida festivities will be underway! Here are a few things to help you plan your weekend.
Stash Your Trash will be taking place Friday 10/28 at 7:30 am. Before heading to the BIG GAME, please join us in the 9th annual Georgia/Florida Community Beach Sweep. The bags and gloves will be provided, along with bug spray and sunscreen… we just need Y-O-U!
Friday 10/28 there will be ALL DAY trolley rides starting at 9am. Stay safe and avoid parking trouble with an ALL-DAY $10 Trolley Ride Wristband to Frat Beach @ East Beach, SSI. Lighthouse Trolleys will run continuously from Sea Palms Resort to Coast Guard Station, East Beach, St. Simons Island, GA.
The BIG game starts at 3:30 next Saturday on the SEC Network. You can watch locally at many restaurants and bars. OR you can also catch a ride to the stadium in Jacksonville with Light House Trolleys leaving at 9am from Sea Palms, $75 pp and BYOB.
Be safe and have fun!
Hodnett Cooper is excited to announce Catherine Maybank has joined the team as Director of Marketing. Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous experience in hospitality management, real estate marketing, and management at Frederica. In addition to her business experience Catherine holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Florida. She is a Licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Georgia and is a 2003 Leadership Glynn Graduate.
Catherine comments, “I am excited to start a new challenge with Hodnett Cooper and look forward to working with the team to further solidify their position in the market as the #1 Vacation Rental and Real Estate Firm in the Golden Isles. I am fortunate to join such a wonderful family of professionals.”
Pat Cooper, President and Broker of Hodnett Cooper, shares, “Catherine’s experience and industry knowledge make her a key addition to the Hodnett Cooper family. Her appointment is a sign of our commitment to being the leading real estate firm and vacation rentals firm in the Golden Isles. Our plans for the future are exciting and Catherine will play a key role in implementing our vision.”
Catherine is originally from Albany, GA, but has called St. Simons home since 1993. She and her husband Steven are thrilled to be active members of the community and are blessed with two children, Anna and Lucas.
Today is National Dog Appreciation Day and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by taking your dog for a stroll on the beach. We are fortunate to have dog friendly beaches on East Beach, St. Simons Island. If we obey a few minor regulations, we can all have a great time!
Understanding the regulations is key to a safe visit and avoiding ticketing and fines.
PET FRIENDLY HOURS:
During summer (beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), you may visit the beach with your dog before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm. So early morning and evening walks are permitted. But during the day, when the beach is busiest with guests and children, dogs are not permitted. Plus, it’s probably too hot for the pooch!
During the off season (beginning Labor Day through Memorial Day), dogs are permitted on the beach at any time.
LEASH REGULATIONS:
During times when dogs are allowed on the beach, they do not have to be leashed, but must be under immediate voice command of their owner. Which means dogs must obey voice commands and be within distance to hear the owner’s commands. Owners who allow dogs to stray beyond voice command, or whose dogs do not obey will be subject to fines and ticketing. If a dog is leashed, the leash can be no longer than 10 feet.
CLEANUP:
For the enjoyment of everyone, always, always, always clean up after your dog. Bring disposal bags. Trash receptacles are located at most public beach access points.
We think these regulations are fair and even generous. We also realize these rules could change should a bad incident occur. With everyone cooperating, we can keep our beaches dog friendly. Because there is nothing better than treating your dog to some quality time oceanfront! For a complete selection of Pet Friendly vacation rental homes and condominiums on St. Simons Island, visit the Hodnett Cooper website.
St. Simons Island has been filling up our trophy case lately! Travel + Leisure readers named St. Simons Island “America’s Favorite Beach Town” in their annual America’s Favorite Towns Survey. Coastal Living Magazine ranked St. Simons Island among “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.” Travel + Leisure readers also named St. Simons Island “America’s Most Romantic Town.”
While our destination is enjoying the limelight, Hodnett Cooper has some great news to report as well.
Our locally-published magazine, Elegant Island Living, conducts its own readers’ poll each year. In July, the eagerly-awaited “Best Of” awards are announced in categories including dining, shopping, cocktails, favorite landmarks and more.
For 2014, the votes are in and we are pleased to report that Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals was voted “Best Vacation Rentals.”
And Hodnett Cooper Real Estate was voted “Best Real Estate Firm.”
Being the best in America’s Favorite Beach Town sure feels nice. We strive to exceed expectations every day and are pleased to have earned your vote. From all of us at Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals and Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, thank you!
Photo: James Schwabel / Alamy
You may remember the “America’s Favorite Towns” survey where St. Simons Island, Georgia ranked #3 for our beautiful natural setting, miles of sandy beaches, sprawling oaks, golf and historic sites.
As part of the “America’s Favorite Towns” poll, Travel + Leisure readers also scored towns on their romantic appeal for the “America’s Most Romantic Towns” list. To calculate the most romantic towns, Travel + Leisure looked at brunch spots, bakeries, wine scenes, scenic picnic-friendly parks and romantic hotels.
Based on these categories, we are pleased to report that St. Simons Island ranked as the #1 Most Romantic Town! We’ll just quote T+L directly:
“America’s top town for romance strikes the right balance between seclusion and accessibility. Located on one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, this southern-style beach town has both white sands and live oaks, and was a hit with readers in romance-friendly categories such as picnicking and charming cafés. You can rent bicycles, browse antique shops, and check out another undeniable marker of romantic destinations: the local lighthouse.”
As a bonus to those who are considering a romantic getaway, another top romantic town is just across the bridge—a quick 12-minute drive from St. Simons Island. Neighboring Brunswick, Georgia ranked #20 among Travel + Leisure readers:
“Established by the British in 1771, this romantic coastal spot is one of the few American towns that kept its colonial street names—a nod to longevity any couple can appreciate. Aside from quirky appeal to history buffs, Brunswick was ranked highly for its festivals, such as autumn’s Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee, where competitors cook up tomatoey pots of stew. Come December, a plethora of twinkly lights is a seasonal enchantment (even on the water, during the Christmas Boat Parade of Lights).”
Turns out, Coastal Georgia is for lovers! Take a look at the Hodnett Cooper St. Simons Island and Brunswick Area Guide for all sorts of activity ideas. For the romantic, a horseback ride on the beach, picnic at oceanfront Neptune Park, a long walk on the beach or a Tree Spirit treasure hunt.