Posts
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.
Fall is in full swing here on St. Simons Island, with the summer months behind us we are excited about all the events we have coming up. There is always so much going on in the Golden Isles from concerts to art exhibits, to festivals… there is something for everyone. This weekend there are many events happening, we hope that you will come out and enjoy some of the fun things going on! Here is a guide to whats happening this weekend in the Golden Isles.
Georgia Artists with DisAbilities Exhibit in the Ritz Theatre Gallery
Now through November 23rd, 2016
The Georgia Artists with DisAbilities Exhibit features 49 entries that include paintings, photographs, clay pottery, textiles and other mediums. Local artist Risa Rambo of St Simons Island received an Honorable Mention and her “Smocked Dress” will be on display.
Glynn Visual Arts Presents “100 Art Works Celebrating 100 Years”
Now through November 21st, 2016
Glynn Visual Arts (GVA) is proud to present a new art exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary/centennial of our National Parks Service. GVA has partnered with Fort Frederica and will be presenting over 100 works by local artists celebrating the beauty, history and uniqueness of our own National Park, Fort Frederica. The exhibition will include art work in various mediums including painting, pottery, photography and more.
November 4th to 5th, 2016
Visit Edwards on St. Simons this weekend to see their expanded showroom for the Christmas Open House November 4th and 5th! Open 9am-5pm they will have Christams Decorations galore and more! Some of the items will include the following:Wreaths, garlands & swags,Ribbons, candles, cards & treats Heirloom quality ornaments, Orchids, plants & gifts, Plus home accents & decor
First Friday in Historic Downtown Brunswick
November 4th, 2016
Visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Historic Downtown Brunswick. Enjoy live music from local musicians, art openings, and food and beverage samples from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
The Literary Guild presents A War
November 4th, 2016
The Literary Guild of St. Simons Island Film series presents A War. Denmark, 2015, directed by Tobias Lindholm. Commander Claus M. Pedersen and his men are stationed in an Afghan province, while back in Denmark Claus’ wife Maria is trying to hold everyday life together with a husband at war and three children missing their father. During a routine mission, the soldiers are caught in heavy crossfire and in order to save his men, Claus makes a decision that has grave consequences for him—and his family back home.In Danish with English subtitles
110 minutes; Rated R.
They are free and open to all, although a $3.00 donation is suggested to offset film and theatre rental fees.
Alina Kiryayeva, concert pianist and chamber musician
November 4th, 2016
Golden Isles Live! Presents Alina Kiryayeva live in convert at the Glynn Academy Auditorium.
Cost is $35 for adults, $10 for children or students
Annual Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee
November 5th, 2016
Get ready for the annual Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee at Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Each year, cooking teams from near and far compete to see who has the best stew, competing for the Peoples’ Choice and Judges’ Award. The daylong event begins with the 5k Road Race followed by the Pet Supplies Plus Pooch Parade, Live Entertainment, The Kid’s Junior Stewbee Central Fun Zone, Classic and Antique Car Show, Arts & Crafts displays and of course, sampling of the Best Brunswick Stew in the nation. Advanced tickets are $3 for kids under 6 years, $6 for adults or $4 and $9 on the day of the event.
St. Simons Island Antique Show
November 5th to 6th, 2016
Antique dealers from all over the southeast, featuring a vast array of fine and fun merchandise, including furniture, collectibles, primitives, jewelry, silver, glassware, etc.
November 5th, 2016
On Saturday, November 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Society will host its 2nd annual Community Day event. The museum will be open free of charge and offer tours, educational crafts, and activities for children and families.
Rhythm & Brews Fest
November 5th, 2016
Enjoy live music from local bands throughout the day, tastings from dozens of craft beers, and a barbecue cookout at the Holiday Inn Resort on Jekyll Island. The event is free to attend and tickets are available for tasting and barbecue.
ACS Victory Board 47th Annual Victory Gala
November 5th, 2016
Gala is Victory Boards’ primary fundraising effort annually, traditionally a black-tie event, which includes dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions.
Event will be held at the Gruber Aviation Hanger at the McKinnon St. Simons Airport.
November Rhythm on the River
November 6th, 2016
Come on out to the Rhythm on the River event from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Mary Ross Waterfront Park: Bay & Gloucester Streets. Bring the kids, chairs or blanket, a picnic and your favorite beverage.
Admission: FREE!
Georgia Sea Grill Fall Wine Dinner
November 6th, 2016
Join us at the piano bar Sunday, November 6th for an intimate wine pairing dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Executive Chef Tim Lensch and Wine Director Brian Henderson have crafted the ultimate blend of cuisine and wine in this special 4-course dinner with pairings. To reserve your seat for this delicious dining experience, call 912-638-1197 or email events@georgiaseagrill.com. Tickets are $65 per person, gratuity included.
This year’s Ryder Cup is taking place in Hazeltine, Missouri featuring St. Simons Island native Davis Love III. Davis, who is no stranger to the Ryder Cup has played in 6 tournaments as well as been an assistant captain in 2010. He has had 20 PGA career victories and 13 international. Impressive credentials, which I’m sure had a little to do with the reasoning behind his selection as captain! The US has lost eight of the past ten Ryder Cups but PGA of America President, Derek Sprague is confident in Love’s ability to lead to team to victory. He says Love is a
“great leader” and “good consensus builder” who can bring together everyone on the team. Tom Lehman, Vice-Captain of this year’s Ryder Cup says “The thing Davis has going for him is he has done it before, I think he understands a lot better the way guys think and the kind of communication they need. I’m sure he’ll be better than he was the first time, and I thought he was pretty good the first time.”
Currently (9/30/2016 at 2:30pm) United States are leading by 4 points with a score of 4-0. The rules of this particular golf game are much different than tradition golf which is stroke play, however for the Ryder Cup competition consist of four-ball and foursome matches. The way this tournament is scored is whoever gets to 14 ½ points first wins. If it ends on a draw, then the previous year’s winner takes the trophy.
You can see Davis Love and team in action this weekend with full coverage of the Ryder Cup on CBS Sports.
St. Simons Island – Best Coastal Small Town
The beautiful coastal town of St. Simons has been nominated by USA Today for Best Coastal Small Town 2016. With many local competitors like Fernandina Beach, FL, Beaufort, SC, Tybee Island, GA, competition is stiff. However anyone who has been to St. Simons knows its immaculate beauty that compares to no other place on this earth!
There are 20 nominees from the west coast to the east coast, all with less than 25,000 people. According to USA Today these locations offer uncrowded, unpretentious, and affordable fun for all.
Currently we are in 2nd place, however with our southern hospitality, great food, and beautiful beaches we have nothing to fear. Aside from the beach St. Simons offers so many things that the competition does not, like our oak tree lined roads that are perfect for biking, great local shopping destinations, and most importantly the people of the island that make it so warm and welcoming!
You have until April 25th at noon to vote, votes can be cast every day, one time per day until the poll is closed! Follow the link below to vote!
http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-coastal-small-town-2016/st-simons-island-ga/
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
Recently a diverse group of Hodnett Cooper team members participated in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® exclusive conference, which took place at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) Conference Week attracts a prestigious audience of nearly 2,500 real estate professionals from 25 countries.
The conference was offered exclusively to professionals affiliated with LeadingRE, a global community of real estate companies awarded membership based on rigorous standards for service and performance. The event offered further education for every branch of our firm. Brokers to REALTORS and relocation professionals, all the way to our marketing and technology specialist. Our team explored a range of topics relating to the real estate market and addressed ways to best reach, communicate with and serve today’s savvy home buyers and sellers.
Keynote speakers included George Blankenship, the innovator who master-minded Apple retail stores and later headed worldwide retail for Tesla, and William Taylor, co-founding editor of Fast Company magazine. Also featured were Stefan Swanepoel, real estate trends expert and author of the Swanepoel Power 200 and D.A.N.G.E.R. Report, and an impressive line-up of industry thought leaders, marketing strategists and technology innovators.
“The event attracted some of the most innovative, forward-thinking minds in the industry, and we were thrilled to bring such an accomplished group together to focus on learning and collaboration,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor .
Hodnett Cooper Real Estate is the Golden Isles representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com), the largest network of premier locally-branded firms in more than 50 countries producing over one million annual home sale transactions. As a member of LeadingRE, Hodnett Cooper provides a quality real estate experience, global marketing reach and access to top real estate professionals in any market.
Continuously seeking further education, and staying up to date on market trends to better assist our clients, are contributing factors to Hodnett Cooper Real Estates continued success in customer satisfaction.
Spring weather has already made it’s way to St. Simons Island. We know you need a little salt air and sunshine to shake off the winter blues.
With it still a little too chilly to take a dip in the ocean there are plenty of activities happening around the Golden Isles for you to enjoy.
Here are Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals TOP 5 picks for you to enjoy in the month of March.
FIRST FRIDAY- March 4th.
From 5-8pm, take in a stroll through Historic Downtown Brunswick. Visit galleries and shops up and down Newcastle and Gloucester Streets. Enjoy live music, food samples, wine & beer tastings, unique art and lots of energy.
RED HOT CHILI COOK OFF- March 5.
Join the Rotary Club of the Golden Isles in crowning the Chili Champion! Taste a variety of chili recipes from local restaurants, businesses and individuals. As you taste and vote for your favorites, enjoy live music from the Stingrays. This family friendly event is a St. Simons Island favorite. Ready your bellies for a day full of chili and get your tickets today!
4th ANNUAL GEORGIA ELVIS FESTIVAL- March 10-13
We are “all shook up” that the Georgia Elvis Festival is returning to Brunswick for it’s 4th year. This three day festival is a celebration tribute of the life and music of the one and only Elvis Presley. Dozens of “Elvi” compete in the preliminary contest and the winners move on to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Contest in Memphis. This event is packed with activities. Click here for a full list of events.
SPRING INVITATIONAL ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET- March 19-20
Explore unique arts and crafts such as painting, pottery, jewelry, garden art and more at the Spring Invitational Arts & Crafts Market at Postell Park on St. Simons Island. Make a day of art exploration in the St. Simons village area. This event is free to the public.
63rd ANNUAL TOUR OF HOMES- March 19th.
For 63 years, Christ Church as organized and hosted the Tour of Homes. This traditional springtime celebration is the major fundraiser of the year for the church. The tour includes visits to historical sites and homes that are the definition of southern coastal charm. Visitors from all over the region visit St. Simons Island for a peek inside these lovely homes. Click here for event details.
With so many unique activities and festivals, there are loads of reasons to visit. With over 350 properties to choose from, let an experienced vacation planner at Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals find the perfect Island getaway for your group!
Maybe you have attended the Shrimp and Grits Festival every year since it first began in 2005, or maybe you have never attended. Regardless, THIS is the year you do not want to miss! Come explore the festival as locals and visitors celebrate one of Georgia’s most famous “crops” and the lowcountry’s signature dish, shrimp & grits.
The 2015 Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival will be the best yet. The 10th anniversary celebration will feature a new Jekyll Island Experience Pavilion, an expanded Southern Living Pavilion, dedicated sponsor area, and double the craft brew vendors. Family-friendly entertainment, professional and amateur cooking competitions, live music across two stages, and more than 100 hand-selected art and craft vendors will be on-hand for this three day event.
This is a FREE event under the oaks in the National Historic Landmark District on Jekyll Island.
- Friday, September 18: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Sunday, September 20: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals is offering 10% off of your stay in September so book NOW! You can book online at using the promo code: SWEET10 or call us at 844-877-0057
For a schedule and list of all the festival activities click here.
Photo by Christine Ruffo
4th of July week is a favorite time of year on St. Simons Island. For over 60 years, the St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival has been held in the Pier Village, welcoming all ages to celebrate!
Sunshine Arts & Crafts Show
Friday, July 3- Sunday, July 5, 10am-5pm
This Sunshine Festival features an Arts & Crafts Show that highlights some of the region’s best artists and crafters whose wares include painting, pottery, jewelry, woodcraft, photography, garden art and more! Friday through Sunday vendors will be in Postell Park adjacent to Mallory Street, the lighthouse and casino. While you’re out and about, have coffee, lunch or ice cream in the village!
Sunshine Festival 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, July 4
Bring the family and participate together in a 1 mile fun run and 5K race on July 4th. The 1 mile fun run begins at 7:30am, and the 5k race starts at 8:00am. Start/Finish/Registration for both races will be at Mallery Park on St. Simons Island. (Mallery Park is just north of Kings Way on Mallery Street). Race Day Registration and Packet Pick Up: 6am – 7:15am, Mallery Park, St. Simons Island.
Golf Cart Parade
Saturday, July 4, 2pm
Deck out your golf cart in red, white and blue and join the golf cart parade! Carts line up adjacent to Mallery Park, then make their way through the St. Simons Island Village. Line Up starts at 1pm. More information at Saint Simons Bait and Tackle 912-634-1888.
The Fourth of July on St. Simons Island features many activities, including a golf cart parade
Fireworks
Saturday, July 4, 9:00pm
The fireworks display begins at 9:00pm on the evening of the July 4th. So bring your chair and meet your friends in oceanfront Neptune Park and sit back and watch the show. Parking is tight, so we encourage you to arrive early, walk or bike.
Two oceanfront summer music series: Sounds by the Sea and A Little Light Music
St. Simons Island summers include not one, but TWO oceanfront concert series. On select Sunday evenings, St. Simons Island combines ocean breezes and live music. Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, cocktails and beach chairs as you enjoy the show. For residents and visitors alike, it’s one of the Island’s favorite ways to close out the weekend.
Sounds by the Sea (formerly Jazz in the Park)
Presented by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities, Sounds by the Sea features a variety of artists throughout the series. The best local and regional musicians perform on high tide, breezy Sunday evenings. This family-friendly event on the oceanfront Neptune Park lawn is casual and the perfect way to wind down Sunday Funday!
Concerts take place from 7-9pm; admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for children under 6.
Presented by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, A Little Light Music is held on the oceanfront lawn at the St. Simons Island lighthouse. Musicians set up in the gazebo and the fun begins at 7pm. Concert-goers bring food, lawn chairs and cocktails to enjoy the show.
Concerts begin at 7pm; admission is $12, free for children under 12.
The rest of the summer features quite a lineup and we hope to see you on the oceanfront lawn:
Sunday, June 14, 7pm – A Little Light Music Featuring Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots
Powerhouse blues, Memphis soul and rockin’ piano
Sunday, June 28, 7pm – Sounds by the Sea Featuring Pier Pressure
An exciting way to start out the summer with a few jams!
Sunday, July 5, 7pm – A Little Light Music Featuring Mason Waters and the Groove AllStars
Red hot, local favorites!
Sunday, July 12, 7pm – Sounds by the Sea Featuring Sam Rodriguez Band
This top percussionist has performed and recorded with a variety of artists including Anita Baker, Jennifer Holiday, Barry White and Gladys Knight.
Sunday, August 9, 7pm – A Little Light Music Featuring Island Garage Band
Southern-fried rock and boogie
Sunday, August 30, 7pm – Sounds by the Sea Featuring Justen Harden
This young man started playing the Guitar when he was 10 and now he is a local favorite!
Sunday, September 6, 7 pm – A Little Light Music Featuring Sensational Sounds of Motown
Detroit’s finest sounds
Sunday, September 13, 7pm – Sounds by the Sea Featuring Michael Hulett
Captivating saxophone and vocals
In addition to these outdoor concert series, you can find live music almost any night of the week at local restaurants, coffee shops, bars and decks. Check the weekly live music page on the Golden Isles website.