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Whether you are looking for history, food, beach scenes, or shopping, biking is the perfect way to spend a day on St. Simons Island. With over 30 miles of biked pathways, the options are endless. To start your adventure, check out this user-friendly bike map.
For a quick family friendly bike ride, start by renting bikes from Ocean Motion . Bike along marsh lined sidewalks to East Beach; and view the coastal cottages along the way. For a quick history lesson, stop at the WWII home front museum, then relax on the beach while the kids frolic in the waves.
To explore the Pier Village, rent bikes from Two Brothers Bike Shop, located at Mallory Street or Island Bicycle, across the street from Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals on Ocean Blvd. Bike down the pier and tempt your taste buds at one of the many restaurants. After a quick bite, let the kids play on the playground and then test your endurance by climbing the historic St. Simons Island Lighthouse. If you want to extend your ride, continue down Ocean Boulevard and ride under the oak lined pathways of Kings Way.
Dotted by neighborhoods, the shaded bike paths of Frederica Road lead to the north end of St. Simons. You can rent bikes from Monkeywrench Bicycles off of Frederica Road and start your journey there. On the way, you will find nature trails, parks, restaurants and shops. For history lovers, make sure to stop for a tour at the historic Harrington School, then continue to Christ Church. Nature lovers can explore the 600 acres of preserved green space at Cannon’s Point or rest at Frederica Park.
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!
Whether it’s your first time to St. Simons Island, or you visit every year, there’s always something new to discover!
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRUNSWICK
Once you’ve combed the beaches, found the tree spirits and climbed the lighthouse, you might want to head over the bridge to Historic Downtown Brunswick. Just seven short miles from St. Simons Island is Brunswick, Georgia. Originally settled in 1738, today Brunswick is a thriving town where historic sites provide the backdrop for modern living.
With an interesting history, visitors to downtown Brunswick find bits and pieces from the town’s past, including WWII Liberty Ship production and city squares bearing English names.
Take a look at our Brunswick Area Guide for more on shopping, antiques, arts & theater, events & festivals and significant architectural and historic sights.
DAY TRIPS
For those on an extended stay on St. Simons Island, there’s even more time to explore the cities, towns and islands that are within an easy drive of St. Simons Island.
The nearby cities and towns surrounding St. Simons Island include Jacksonville, Savannah, Darien, St. Mary’s and the Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross. Click here for more information on each.
For a different type of exploration, neighboring islands provide amazing scenery, wildlife and an easy pace. From Segue Tours to wild horses, click here to learn more about Jekyll Island, Cumberland Island and Sapelo Island.
Of course, it’s also possible you’ll forgo the exploration and work on your tan. And we understand that too!
In a recent Board of Directors meeting, Kris Maichle was appointed and unanimously approved as President of Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, Inc. The appointment reflects a promotion for Maichle, who has been General Manager of Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals.
Kris Maichle joined the Hodnett Cooper team in 2007 bringing years of resort and vacation rental management experience to the company. In his time at Hodnett Cooper, Maichle and the vacation rental team have grown the portfolio of vacation rental properties from 200 to just under 400 properties and has increased annual revenues. Kris Maichle is active in the Glynn County tourism industry and is the immediate Past Chairman of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Maichle has served on Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce boards and is currently on St Simons/Sea Island Council. Maichle is active in the nationwide Vacation Rental Managers Association, and in 2011, he was recognized as a community business leader by Golden Isles Magazine in the “Twenty Under Forty” profile.
“Kris has been instrumental in the success and growth of Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals and we are pleased to recognize his leadership and positive contribution to the company,” said Roy Hodnett, Founder and Chairman of the Board.
Maichle’s position as President is effective immediately. “All of us at look forward to the ongoing value and innovative leadership Maichle provides to the vacation rental business of Hodnett Cooper,” said Pat Hodnett Cooper, President and Broker of Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc.
About Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals: Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals is the largest vacation rental management company on St. Simons Island, Georgia with 50 employees and close to 400 vacation rental residences. Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals welcomes approximately 10,000 traveling groups to St. Simons Island each year.
About Hodnett Cooper Real Estate: Operating as a separate company, Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc. currently encompasses a team of more than 40 real estate professionals and services listing contracts throughout the Golden Isles. The Residential Rentals division manages over 400 long-term rentals. With offices on St. Simons Island, Brunswick and Oak Grove Island, Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc serves a three-county Coastal Georgia area.
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc. is pleased to announce that Missy Lane Neu has joined the leadership team as Vice President of Business Development and Associate Broker.
With over twenty years in the real estate industry in the Golden Isles, Neu is a Life Member of the Golden Isles Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence and was the “Realtor of the Year” in both 2001 and 2006. Neu served as the President of the Golden Isles Association of REALTORS in 2001 and 2005 and has served in a multitude of leadership roles at local, state and national REALTOR Associations.
As a lifelong resident of the Golden Isles, Missy actively dedicates her time and resources to organizations that make a measurable difference in strengthening the local business environment, increasing the availability of educational opportunities and improving the quality of life in Coastal Georgia. Prior to joining Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, Inc, Neu served as President and CEO of the United Way of Coastal Georgia. Under Neu’s leadership, the United Way exceeded its fundraising goals in each of her four years, raising over $6.5 million during her tenure. In addition, under her leadership, United Way of Coastal Georgia was awarded a 4-Star rating, the top award, from Charity Navigator in 2012 in recognition of strong governance and financial responsibility.
“Missy’s leadership, experience and community involvement make her an asset to the Hodnett Cooper Real Estate team,” said Pat Cooper, President and Broker. “Missy has a vision and perspective of Coastal Georgia that few others share. We are fortunate to have her on our team in both business development and listing and selling real estate.”
Missy Lane Neu holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University, is a graduate of the 2008 Leadership Georgia class and is committed to the community through her involvement with the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, The United Way of Coastal Georgia and The College of Coastal Georgia.
“I am excited to rejoin the real estate industry as part of the Hodnett Cooper Real Estate team, a company that is equally ingrained the fabric of our community and a market leader,” said Neu.
Missy and her husband Marc consider themselves blessed to be natives of the beautiful Golden Isles. They share their home with two spoiled dogs and a fearless cat.