brunswick georgia Archives

St. Simons and Jekyll Island have a way of bringing their own festive flair to the holidays, blending incredible weather with coastal traditions that make the season truly unforgettable.

Tired of blistering snow? No problem: Here you’ll find nothing but twinkling lights draped over century-old oaks and miles of soft sand. Over the icy Northern winds? Nothing here but mild coastal breezes and beautiful moonlit nights. Plus, the whole family will love the dazzling light displays and festive happenings going on all winter long. So if you’re looking for a winter getaway that feels both magical and laid back, this is the place to be, and here are just a few reasons why:

Shrimp & Grits Festival: A Flavorful Start to the Season

Although technically, the holiday season doesn’t begin in October, why wait to kick it off when you can start early? The Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival is the perfect event to begin the festivities and enjoy a delicious taste of the Golden Isles! This flavorful celebration brings together local chefs, live music, and that warm, inviting spirit this coastal community is known for. From sizzling shrimp dishes prepared every way imaginable to creamy, dreamy grits, there’s plenty to sample while enjoying the family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a fun and tasty way to start your holiday adventures, experience the beautiful fall season, and meet some friendly locals!

Cold-Stunned Plunge on Jekyll Island

November brings the annual Cold-Stunned Plunge, which sees participants dashing into the Atlantic’s waters as spectators line the beach to root them on. This cheerful tradition raises awareness and funds for sea turtle conservation. Whether you’re plunging or watching, the event brings the community together in true Jekyll Island spirit.

Holiday Festivities on St. Simons Island

You’ll find no shortage of lively celebrations and family-friendly gatherings, so if you’re looking for more fun holiday events on St. Simons, here are a few standouts!

The season officially begins with the Pier Village Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Twinkling lights, festive music, and a visit from Santa make the season merry and bright, setting the tone for the weeks ahead. You can also browse for unique treasures at the Mistletoe Market, while the little ones delight in the holiday crafts and activities at Crafts in the Village in Postell Park. Another favorite is the Christmas Tour of Lights with Lighthouse Trolleys. Don a jacket, bring some hot cocoa, and enjoy a guided ride through the island’s most dazzling holiday displays!

Christmas on Jekyll Island

If you’re searching for unforgettable holiday events on Jekyll Island, you’ll be happy to know that this barrier island transforms into a true winter wonderland each holiday season.

The highlight is Holly Jolly Jekyll, where over a million lights illuminate the island, creating a magical backdrop for the light parade and nightly activities that keep the holiday spirit alive all December long! Festivities include a Big Truck Roundup, fireworks displays, and photo ops in Peppermint Land, a miniature golf course surrounded by life-sized holiday treats and characters. In the historic district, step back in time with horse-drawn carriage rides and guided tours sure to delight visitors of all ages!

Other Golden Isles Holiday Events

Just a short drive from St. Simons and Jekyll Island, Brunswick offers even more holiday events. The Brunswick Porchfest fills the streets with live music and a sense of community as bands gather to perform on neighborhood front porches, and the historic Ritz Theatre brings Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ to life on stage. You won’t want to miss the Brunswick Christmas Parade, an evening procession starting at Howard Coffin Park, winding down Gloucester Street, featuring marching bands, colorful floats, and a visit from Santa Claus. With so many holiday happenings nearby, there’s no shortage of festive fun in the Golden Isles!

Ringing in the New Year in the Golden Isles

We can’t think of a better place to bring in the New Year than the Golden Isles. Here, the celebrations are a little more laid-back, making it an ideal location for couples, families, and groups of all sizes that want to toast the year ahead without a big fuss. Why not celebrate simply with a quiet meal, a moonlit beachwalk, or just listening to the waves as the clock strikes midnight? Pick a holiday movie and cuddle up together in your vacation rental with pizza and popcorn, or treat the family to a special dinner at the Georgia Sea Grill. However you choose to welcome the New Year, the Golden Isles will make it a celebratory event!

Hunt for Treasures on Jekyll Island

Just when you thought the holiday season was wrapping up, Jekyll Island gives you its Island Treasures event in January and February. Inspired by the glass floats once used by East Coast fishermen, this annual hide-and-seek adventure invites participants to search for glass globes hidden around the island. Find one and you can exchange it for a hand-blown glass float, each crafted by a different artist from across the country—a magical keepsake of your Golden Isles getaway!

Where to Stay: Make it a Holiday to Remember with Hodnett Cooper

What could make the holidays even brighter? The perfect home base! With Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals, you’ll find everything from cozy condos with incredible views to spacious homes designed for the whole family. Our properties feature spacious and fully equipped kitchens, large gathering spaces, and easy access to beaches, restaurants, and all the holiday events on St. Simons and Jekyll Island. Whether you’re planning a quiet getaway for two, a short break with friends, or a longer stay with your extended family, Hodnett Cooper will make the holidays extra special.

Browse our selection of beautiful vacation homes and condos—everything from pet-friendly properties to oceanfront retreats— and make this holiday season one to remember!

St. Simons Island may be ranked as one of the best islands to visit around the world and among Georgia’s best beaches, but there’s more to our slice of coastal paradise than the beaches alone. While spring and summer bring visitors from all over to bask in the sun and splash in the Atlantic Ocean, every season offers something new to discover—and fall might just be our favorite season in coastal Georgia.

With warm temperatures and fewer crowds, fall on St. Simons Island is a celebration of our community, filled with family-friendly fall festivals and events you won’t want to miss! From art festivals and pumpkin patches to BBQ throwdowns and Georgia-Florida Weekend, end-capped by the annual RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club, there’s something for everyone throughout the fall season in St. Simons.

Crafts in the Village – Select Weekends

Stroll under magnificent live oaks at Crafts in the Village, a popular event held on select weekends at Postell Park in Pier Village. With up to 70 artists and crafters participating each weekend, it’s a great place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. From coastal art and jewelry to pottery, furniture, and specialty foods, Whether you’re looking to support local artisans or scratch those last few items off your Christmas list, you’ll find the perfect hand-made item at this ‘rain or shine’ event!

Art Under the Oaks Festival – September

Art Under the Oaks is a renowned two-day juried art festival in picturesque Postell Park. This dynamic showcase attracts visitors from all over, eager to share their impressive collections of handmade artwork. This fall festival features over 60 talented artists from the region, displaying works in diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and more. With so many beautiful pieces on display, you’ll have no problem finding something special to take home to remind you of your time on St. Simons Island!

Silver Bluff Oktoberfest – September

This might be your only opportunity to don your lederhosen this year—or at least enjoy watching others do so. Come out and enjoy a full day of festivities as Brunswick puts its own spin on this traditional fall festival featuring Oktoberfest-themed activities and games, ice-cold beer, German food, and a live German band.

Firebox Barbecue on the Bluff – October

Join others in their eternal quest for the tastiest barbecue at this annual fall festival. Founded by the Firebox Initiative, this charitable event raises funds to help those in the hospitality and service industry facing financial hardship. The widely popular fall event brings together some of the South’s top pitmasters, offering ribs, brisket, chicken, and more. Learn from the best and sample their masterpieces while enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Georgia-Florida Weekend – October

The Georgia-Florida football game has been a national event held in Jacksonville, Florida, since 1933. This traditional celebration is one of the greatest football rivalries in the country and one of the most prominent games in college football. Scheduled events leading up to the big game make it fun for Bulldog and Gator fans alike, so don your best gameday gear and get ready for this fantastic football matchup steeped in tradition.

Under the Oaks Run – October

Kick off the fall season with a scenic run on Jekyll Island! Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery while challenging yourself on the 5K, 10K, or half marathon course. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Jekyll River as you traverse through beautiful neighborhoods and lush landscapes. Strollers and wagons are welcome, making it a fun occasion for the whole family!

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation – October

Discover the captivating history and tales of coastal Georgia’s last surviving rice plantation. As you explore this beautifully preserved property, including the historic plantation house and outbuildings, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories of plantation owners and the African Americans who worked there, both during slavery and after emancipation.

CoastFest – October

Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Brunswick is the place to be for a fall festival you won’t want to miss. On the agenda? A shrimp eating contest, an art competition, and plenty of fun, educational activities designed to teach visitors about the rich heritage of our beautiful coastal communities. Take in the waterfront views, learn about the natural resources in the area, and browse the exhibits, displays, and presentations!

St. Simons Pumpkin Patch – October

Nothing screams fall like a trip to the annual pumpkin patch! The air is crisp with the sweet scent of fall, and the whole family is itching to get outdoors. It’s the perfect opportunity to take the kids on a fun-filled outing. Let them explore the patch filled with pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors in search of the perfect one to take home and decorate!

Running of the Bulls – October

Test your angling skills throughout St. Simons and Jekyll Island at this two-day fishing tournament. This fall event features daily giveaways, increased payouts, and a $3,000 Calcutta prize for a lucky winner. There’s no better place to experience the thrill of surf fishing in one of the largest land mass tournaments in the state!

Shrimp and Grits Festival – October

Sample the flavors of the South at the annual Shrimp and Grits Festival! Savor this delicious Southern staple prepared by local chefs, served piping hot, and ready to share. Browse the vendor booths featuring pottery, glass, textiles, and more, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. Dance the night away to live music or relax and soak up the festive atmosphere.

RSM Classic – November

Experience the exciting conclusion of the PGA tour season at the Sea Island Golf Club! This prestigious tournament offers players a final chance to lock in their tour cards for the 2025 season. Watch over 150 competitors battle it out on the fairways at the Seaside and Plantation courses over four days of intense competition.

With so much to see and do this fall in St. Simons, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay near all these fall festivals and fun events! Whether looking for a luxury retreat, an oceanfront resort, or shopping for last minute vacation rental deals, you’ll find the best selection of St. Simons accommodations to suit your style, preferences, and budget right here at hodnettcooper.com.

On October 3, 2014, the Wall Street Journal released an article titled “Bargain Mansions: Luxury for Less” detailing markets where luxury buyers can find high-end homes in affordable cities. The homes profiled were in St. Louis, Detroit, Toledo and Brunswick, Georgia.

As the WSJ author Adam Bonislawski says, “It isn’t news that money goes further in some real estate markets than others. Just how much further, though, can be striking.”

In the Midwest and Northeast, historic homes built during a manufacturing boom have suffered along with the economy. Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia says “The places where we see this [kind of property] are markets that historically had a lot of industry and a lot of money but slower economic growth recently and therefore more affordable housing.”

But the bargain mansions are not limited to the Midwest and Northeast. Just a 10-minute drive from the beach, Historic downtown Brunswick, Georgia is emerging as a “low-cost alternative” to other coastal towns like Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. The article profiles the Desrosiers who moved from Charleston to Brunswick, getting “twice the space for half the price.”

Hodnett Cooper Real Estate Associate Broker, Katie Brown, listed the home the Desrosiers purchased. And has another historic home listed just down the block at 716 Union Street, also featured in the article.

About the Wall Street Journal article, Katie Brown says, “this shows you get a lot of bang for your buck in Brunswick. It doesn’t hide the downfalls of living in a historic district, but shows the passion buyers have for craftsmanship, classic details and style.”

For more information on home values in Historic Downtown Brunswick or to learn more about current listings in Brunswick, St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles contact Hodnett Cooper Real Estate.

Katie Brown, Associate Broker

About Katie: Katie Brown grew up in Brunswick, Georgia’s Historic District and has a familiarity of the area that only comes from being a lifelong resident. Katie is a graduate of University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis on Housing. In 2006 she brought her knowledge of the area and education to the real estate field. Katie enjoys being in a dynamic industry that focuses on relationships. Whether buying or selling, Katie makes the process enjoyable with guidance and local expertise. Katie deals with all types of property, but has a special place in her heart for historic homes.

Katie is a member at First Baptist Church of Brunswick and active in the Brunswick Junior Womens’ Club. Katie enjoys playing tennis and plays the harp. And she can often be found walking her dog, Blanche Devereaux, on the beach.

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!

Roy Hodnett was recently awarded the Alfred W. Jones, Sr. Award for dedicated leadership and outstanding service to Brunswick and the Golden Isles by the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. Those of us who work with him every day can go on and on about what a wonderful leader and person he is. The award introduction speech nicely sums up his lifetime of dedication.

Let’s start back over 80 years ago when a young boy at the age of 11 started working to help support his family. He delivered papers and then groceries all over town on his bike and continued helping his family through high school. Following his high school graduation, he worked in virtually every aspect of the food retail business, which he loved. In 1940, he went to work for a large company called Dupont, but before he was there even a full year, the war broke out. He enlisted in the army at the young age of 20 and spent the next five years of his life serving his country because he loved and believed in what his country stood for: freedom.

Before he left to fight in France, he met and married the love of his life. He will tell you that she helped make him the man he is today. After being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and coming dangerously close to losing his leg, he came home a hero with numerous honors, including the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.

He came home to heal, see his newborn son, and begin building a life and future with his family. Starting his own cookie distributing company from scratch, he proved quickly that hard work, determination and a good woman beside him was all he needed. He and his family soon moved out of their $900 government house and built a beautiful home where they raised their three children, Mike, Pat and Kelly. It was a good life.

Flash forward to 1968 when he and his wife were vacationing on a little Island in Georgia called Jekyll. They decided to drive over to the next island for dinner and when they crossed the causeway leading to St. Simons, he said, “Honey, I think we have just discovered a little slice of heaven.” They both fell in love with the Island and purchased a home that weekend, making the decision that they would continue building their life in our beautiful community. He sold his distributing company and went into the cookie brokerage business. They packed up their family, moved to Georgia and never looked back.

Always believing that the more a person gives, the more he gets back, he began to make his mark. Embracing their new life in Georgia, he and his family joined the St. Simons United Methodist Church, many clubs and organizations and strived to become part of their new community. Growing tired of traveling with his brokerage company, he retired from selling cookies at the age of 62, deciding to enjoy his days playing golf, enjoying his family and perhaps, sell a little real estate. A few days after retiring, his wife—realizing he would quickly grow bored in retirement—told him, “I married you for better or worse, but not for lunch. Now, go find a job!”

Again, with a lot of determination, hard work, and quite a few risks, he and his partner, built one of the most successful small businesses in Glynn County.

Over the years, he has guided, led, listened, mentored, advised, supported and encouraged so many people, young and old alike. He has a soft spot for anything that has to do with children or young people because he knows they are our future. Each year The Gathering Place stops by his office with a group of students to say “thank you” and he always enjoys this annual visit. He takes the time to share his story and hear about their hopes and plans for the future, all the while encouraging them. As one man told me recently, “He just has that way of making you feel special and that you can do anything if you believe you can.” Always with a smile and a warm handshake or hug, he continues preaching the value of work ethic, kindness and respect for all. He has never strayed from these principles and continues to touch the heart and soul of everyone he meets. He will tell you his family, his country, his community, and his God are the most important things in his life

If you ask him what his secret is to having such a successful and happy life, he will tell you it is having a wife of 68 years who stood beside him and often behind him pushing and believing in him. He will also tell you it is having the right ATTITUDE. There is a quote on the wall in his office that says “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than failures, than successes, than appearances, than skills, than what other people think or say or do. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. What’s remarkable is that we have a choice every day we wake up regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you.“

At 91, his work ethic still has him going to his office every day with his door always open for the next person to walk in for him to encourage, mentor, and push along. And of course, talk about attitude.

How lucky Glynn County was that day over 44 years ago that Roy and Anne Hodnett decided to pack up their children and their lives and move from that small Virginia town to their little slice of heaven.

Roy, we would like to honor and thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, for our community as this year’s recipient of the Alfred W. Jones Award.

Congratulations Roy, from all of us at Hodnett Cooper!

Shrimp & Grits Festival: A Flavorful Start to the Season

Cold-Stunned Plunge on Jekyll Island

Holiday Festivities on St. Simons Island

Christmas on Jekyll Island

Other Golden Isles Holiday Events

Ringing in the New Year in the Golden Isles

Hunt for Treasures on Jekyll Island

Where to Stay: Make it a Holiday to Remember with Hodnett Cooper

Crafts in the Village – Select Weekends

Art Under the Oaks Festival – September

Silver Bluff Oktoberfest – September

Firebox Barbecue on the Bluff – October

Georgia-Florida Weekend – October

Under the Oaks Run – October

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation – October

CoastFest – October

St. Simons Pumpkin Patch – October

Running of the Bulls – October

Shrimp and Grits Festival – October

RSM Classic – November

Guests

Owners

Company

Shrimp & Grits Festival: A Flavorful Start to the Season

Cold-Stunned Plunge on Jekyll Island

Holiday Festivities on St. Simons Island

Christmas on Jekyll Island

Other Golden Isles Holiday Events

Ringing in the New Year in the Golden Isles

Hunt for Treasures on Jekyll Island

Where to Stay: Make it a Holiday to Remember with Hodnett Cooper

Related Topics

Crafts in the Village – Select Weekends

Art Under the Oaks Festival – September

Silver Bluff Oktoberfest – September

Firebox Barbecue on the Bluff – October

Georgia-Florida Weekend – October

Under the Oaks Run – October

Ghosts and Legends of Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation – October

CoastFest – October

St. Simons Pumpkin Patch – October

Running of the Bulls – October

Shrimp and Grits Festival – October

RSM Classic – November

Related Topics

Related Topics

Related Topics

Related Topics