Holiday Weekend Archives - Hodnett Cooper

There’s no better place to spend the holiday season than right here in the Golden Isles, where St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island offer a magical holiday experience that simply can’t be replicated at home.

Mild winter weather makes it easy to stroll through the shops, enjoy outdoor activities, and sample seasonal flavors with family and friends, and you’re going to want to see and do it all. To help make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a custom Google Map Itinerary filled with holiday lights, festive meals, and must-see stops. Explore at your own pace, mix and match experiences, and celebrate the season St. Simons style!

Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary Checklist

Palmer’s Village Cafe

Address: 223 Mallery St.

Hours of Operation: Daily from 7:30–2

Golden Isles Welcome Center

Address: 529 Beachview Dr.

Hours of Operation: Mon–Sat from 9–5 / Sun from 12–5

East Beach

Address: 4100 First St.

Hours of Operation: Daily 6–10:30

World War II Homefront Museum

Address: 4201 1st St.

Hours of Operation: Mon–Sat from 10–5 / Sun from 12–5

Barbara Jean’s

Address: 5214 Mallery St.

Hours of Operation: Sun–Thu from 11–8:30 / Sat from 11–9:30

St. Simons Sweets

Address: 229 Mallery St.

Hours of Operation: Sun–Thu from 10–9 / Fri–Sat from 10–10

Shops at Pier Village

Address: 122 Pier Village Market

Hours of Operation: Vary by shop

Redfern Village

Address: 228 Redfern Village

Hours of Operation: Vary by shop

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

Address: 610 South Beachview Dr.

Hours of Operation: Mon–Sat from 10–5

Georgia Sea Grill

Address: 407 Mallery St.

Hours of Operation: Mon–Thu from 5–9:30 / Fri–Sat from 5–10

Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary

Start with Breakfast and a Plan

Palmer’s Village Cafe is a great place to start your holiday adventure. This cozy eatery is located in the heart of the island and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering creative twists on Southern classics. The welcoming atmosphere pairs perfectly with delicious breakfast plates and a hot cup of coffee. Once you’re fueled up, head to the Golden Isles Welcome Center. The staff is warm, incredibly helpful, and ready to share insider tips, highlight holiday events, and even guide you toward the island’s beloved Tree Spirits. Have fun finding them!

Hit the Beach and a Museum

Next, make your way to East Beach, one of the island’s most beloved stretches of sand. Even in winter, the weather is mild enough for a peaceful walk along the shoreline, and you can breathe in the fresh air and take in the incredible views. Just a short drive away, the World War II Homefront Museum offers a look at St. Simons’ role during the war.

Grab Lunch and a Sweet Treat

When it’s time for lunch, make your way to Barbara Jean’s, a longtime favorite known for coastal comfort food. The crab cakes are incredible, along with other Southern staples like shrimp and grits and homemade jalapeño cornbread. After lunch, swing by St. Simons Sweets for coconut pralines, pecan pie cookies, and seasonal treats.

Browse the Shops for Holiday Finds

Pier Village is one of our favorite places to pick up coastal-inspired gifts, unique souvenirs, and holiday treats from locally owned shops. In Redfern Village, you’ll find even more boutiques tucked beneath mossy oaks, ranging from local art galleries to specialty stores. If you time it right, you might also catch Crafts in the Village at Postell Park.

See Another Site, Hit a Festival, and Enjoy a Delicious Dinner

Round out your day with a visit to the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, a must-see on any visit to St. Simons.

Depending on when you arrive, you might also catch one of the region’s festive holiday events:

After a full day of holiday fun, settle in for a cozy coastal dinner at Georgia Sea Grill, a beloved restaurant known for fresh seafood and a warm, inviting atmosphere—the perfect way to toast to your holiday adventure on St. Simons Island.

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!

Veterans Day on Saint Simons Island is typically celebrated with a parade and festivities as a special way to say thank you to the men and women who have sacrificed to make our country a better place. This year will be a little different, but a celebration nonetheless. Beginning at 11:00am at the Casino at Neptune Park on St. Simons Island, there will be a Veteran’s Day observance. In addition, restaurants and shops around the St. Simons Island will be offering discounts for Veterans (some offered throughout the year). Below is a list we’ve compiled of places we know are offering a discount (*please note there may be others that we aren’t aware of). Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals wishes you a very happy Veterans Day and again thank you to all those who have sacrificed so we may live in this wonderful country, the United States of America.

Brogens North – 20% off

Bubba Garcia – Veterans eat free

Chile Peppers – 10% off

Chubs Diner – 50% off

Del Sur – 20% off plus free dessert

Hildy’s Pizza – 20% off

Island Dog – 10% off

Maggie’s Boutique – call for details

Sandy Bottom Bagels – 20% off

Sea Salt – 10% off

SML Surf Co – $5 off apparel, $25 off boards

St. Simons Music – 10% of any string instrument

Tango Woodworks – 10% off wooden flags

Tipsy McSways – 50% off

Celebrate Labor Day surrounded by friends, family, good food and good fun! Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals is looking forward to hosting several guests for the long weekend in honor of Labor Day next week. We invite you to share in the fun with us by testing out some ideas to make your Labor Day BBQ a huge hit!

Hodnett Cooper would love to host you, your friends and family at the Beach Club, which offers a pool, ocean front views, and grills! Grill it up for Labor Day poolside with Hodnett Cooper! If you are local to the Golden Isles, and just need a grill to enhance your Labor Day experience, check out Massengale Park which offers public grills, beach access and a playground for the little ones.

If you are having a cookout or BBQ of any kind on the island, Southern Soul BBQ can make your cookout an event to remember!

Their pulled pork and side dishes are exactly what you would expect from bbq in the south…. mouth-wateringly delicious and as good as grandma used to make! Southern Soul has been featured many times on many television shows for their delicious food; I also can attest to how delicious everything is there! You can call your order in and pick it up on the way, where ever you may be headed.

If you would rather make a dish yourself, I would highly recommend Serious Eats, Grilled Oysters Recipe.

Ingredients

1 dozen oysters
4 to 5 ounces compound butter, such as garlic-parsley butter, kimchi butter, or Parmesan-basil butter
Seaweed or kosher salt, for serving

Directions

Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil, crinkling it up to create deep creases. Shuck oysters, discard top shells, and place them on foil-lined baking sheet, using foil to keep them upright so that juices do not spill out.

Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and arrange coals on one side of charcoal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Alternatively, set half the burners on a gas grill to the highest heat setting, cover, and preheat for 10 minutes. Clean and oil grilling grate.

Place oysters directly over hot side of grill. Using 2 spoons, place 2 teaspoons (10ml) of compound butter inside each. Cover and cook until butter is melted and liquid is bubbling, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter lined with seaweed or moistened kosher salt (to keep oysters level; see note above) and serve immediately.

If you are staying with us this weekend, we are thrilled to have you with us! While we want you to have fun in the sun we would also like to offer some tips to keep the while family safe!

Please be cautious while enjoying the beaches & ocean.
Saint Simons has one of the largest tidal ranges on the eastern coast. During times of low tide, you will notice a large sand bar thatcan quickly become dangerous as the tide rushes in. Please protect yourself & your guests by observing the following suggestions:

*Be attentive to small children near the water
*Observe posted warnings about the tides & currents
*Know how to swim & never swim alone, even if shallow
*Educate yourself & your guests about rip currents

Once you are doing enjoying your time on the beach discover the many other activities happening on St. Simons Island this Memorial Day Weekend Here is three of our favorite things to do for everyone in your group.

Shopping

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, MAY 26-27

The St. Simons Vintage & Antique Market Under the Oaks takes place from 9am-5pm daily. (7am-9am Early Bird Hours) Coastal Animal Rescue Society (CARS) will be present with adoptable pets as well.

Kids

SATURDAY MAY 26

Jekyll Island hosts Movie on the Green featuring The LEGO Batman Movie at 8:30pm. Come early with your lawn chairs & blankets to grab a good seat on the Beach Village Green lawn & enjoy some pre-movie fun. Free community event.

Celebrate

May 28, 2018 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM
The St. Simons Island Rotary Club will once again present Taps at Twilight at the Neptune Park Bandstand on St. Simons Island at 6:45 p.m. on May 28. This 28th annual free Memorial Day commemoration honors men and women who have fallen in service of our country, those who valiantly have served and returned, and those who are serving today.

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Weekend on St. Simons Island by strolling the gorgeous beaches or playing with your kids in the sand! The weather is beautiful, sunny and 70 degrees to be exact! Once you finish taking in the salt air and ocean breeze head to the village area and enjoy a day browsing through the island shops. As the old folklore, has it if you aren’t wearing green you will get pinched! We have plenty of shops throughout the Village and on the Island that you can find green. Visit Go Fish Clothing, Hope’s, or Island Breeze Clothing to find your green apparel. Don’t let your four-legged family members get pinched for forgetting their green! Stop by Island Dog, they have St. Patrick’s Day apparel for your fur babies! You could also make a stop by Smallcakes on Frederica Road and enjoy a St. Patrick’s themed cupcake! These vanilla cupcakes with green sprinkles look delicious! If you’d like to finish your day off in true Irish fashion and have a Heineken at Mellow Mushroom. With indoor and outdoor seating, it is an island favorite. They are known for serving great Pizza but they also have a packed menu of delicious items on their menu as well as a unique and diverse selection of Craft Beer!

We hope you enjoy your St. Patrick’s day on St. Simons Island!

Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary Checklist

Palmer’s Village Cafe

Golden Isles Welcome Center

East Beach

World War II Homefront Museum

Barbara Jean’s

St. Simons Sweets

Shops at Pier Village

Redfern Village

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

Georgia Sea Grill

Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary

Start with Breakfast and a Plan

Hit the Beach and a Museum

Grab Lunch and a Sweet Treat

Browse the Shops for Holiday Finds

See Another Site, Hit a Festival, and Enjoy a Delicious Dinner

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

Rentals

Owners

Company

Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary Checklist

Palmer’s Village Cafe

Golden Isles Welcome Center

East Beach

World War II Homefront Museum

Barbara Jean’s

St. Simons Sweets

Shops at Pier Village

Redfern Village

St. Simons Lighthouse Museum

Georgia Sea Grill

Your St. Simons Holiday Itinerary

Start with Breakfast and a Plan

Hit the Beach and a Museum

Grab Lunch and a Sweet Treat

Browse the Shops for Holiday Finds

See Another Site, Hit a Festival, and Enjoy a Delicious Dinner

Related Topics

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

Related Topics

Related Topics

Related Topics

Related Topics