Jekyll Island Archives - Page 2 of 2

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.

St. Simons prides itself on natural beauty, famous for pristine beaches, world class golf, and unique eco-tourism adventures. Rest assured, even when you’ve checked off your adventure list, there is always more to explore in the Golden Isles. This is our secret guide to how locals walk on the wild side.

The Stables at Frederica

Horses have long been a part of the landscape of the barrier islands of Coastal Georgia. The Stables at Frederica provide an unparalleled equestrian experience. Weather you choose a relaxing ride along the shoreline, a trot around the paddock or exploring the live oaks on the grounds, Stables at Frederica, nestled near the north end of St. Simons Island will create memories to last a lifetime. See updates on the newest trails by following their social media accounts.

Fitness Trail

Taking advantage of the outdoor lifestyle is essential to making the most of your visit to the Golden Isles. The Southeast Georgia Health System Fitness Trail gracefully curves and winds its way through a forest of live oaks, cedars, bamboo, and other native plants while benches and fitness stations are strategically placed along the way. The trail is also accessible to anyone who is physically challenged, including those who must use a wheelchair or other mobility device. Oh my, I think I’ve earned myself a piece of peach cobbler from Barbara Jeans.

Coastal Tide Excursions

Ready for a break from fishing or crabbing? Coastal Tide Excursions is your answer to getting the whole family out on the water for a boat ride! Gently cruise through the calm interior waterways on the Lady Jane, previously a shrimp boat, painstakingly refurbished for eco-tourism and education. Help the naturalist on board sort through the abundant sea life retrieved from the water. From small bottom dwelling species to apex predators, get up close and personal with each catch! 2024 Tripadvisor, Travelers’ Choice Award, 3^rd year in a row. See updates on the latest catch by following their social media accounts.

Waterfront Disc Golf

What’s a family vacation without a little competition?? Get the best of both worlds as you enjoy the sea breeze from the Frederica River leading to the Atlantic, and the breeze off your frisbee at Gascoigne park’s Disc Golf Course. Enjoy hours of fun at your own pace, with course rules, tee map, and score card online. Bonus points if you pack a picnic to enjoy on the public Gascoigne fishing pier or at the waterfront picnic pavilion.

The Farm at Oatland North

The sweetest secret on Saint Simons Island is the Farm at Oatland North, an animal sanctuary near the north end of Saint Simons. Founded by the Murrah Family as a not-for-profit charity, the Farm rescues and provides sanctuary for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. At The Farm at Oatland North the focus is the animals, as they learn to trust again and have a chance to thrive and live out their lives in peace, comfort, dignity, and love- for this reason the Farm is only open Sunday, from 2pm-4pm. See updates on your favorite friends by following their social media accounts.

What embodies the summer season more than a good old-fashioned picnic? Especially when that picnic is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Golden Isles! We’ve handpicked our top picnic spots and thrown in our favorite local restaurants for grabbing that perfect picnic fare on the go!

Saint Simons Island Picnic Spots

Neptune Park

Nestled beneath a canopy of live oaks with views of the St. Simons Island pier, Neptune Park is the perfect spot for a relaxed pause in your day. Whether you’re here to let the kids blow off some steam at the playground or simply soak in the scenery, this park serves up a generous helping of easy-going charm.

Massengale Park

Massengale Park is a nicely shaded picnic area and playground, located along Ocean Blvd on St. Simons Island, and a beach access point to East Beach. This park offers many oak-shaded picnic tables, four grills, a children’s playground, public restrooms, outdoor showers and two public beach access points to East Beach.

Jekyll Island Picnic Spots

South Dunes Park

South Dunes Park offers picnic tables and grills, open-air and screened-in picnic pavilions, public restrooms, dog bag stations, an observation deck, and a freshwater pond all under the canopy of beautiful live oak trees.

Oceanview Beach Park

Situated mid-island, Oceanview Beach Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and quick access to the sand. The park reopened in May 2019 after extensive renovations, which include an ADA-accessible beach access point with a balcony-style overlook and shower facilities, along with four family and two group pavilions equipped with picnic tables and grills.

Great Dunes Beach Park

This 20-acre beachfront park has several covered picnic pavilions outfitted with tables and a grill, play areas, bocce ball and volleyball courts, and public beach access with restrooms and showers. Six covered pavilions accommodate about 10-20 people each.

Clam Creek

Located at the north end of Jekyll Island, adjacent to the fishing pier and Driftwood Beach, Clam Creek has a picturesque view of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and evening sunsets.

Where to Shop

Golden Isles Olive Oil

Check out their grab and go section or call and order a customized board just for you! They are both a restaurant and gourmet market with over 60 flavors of freshly pressed fused and infused olive oils and balsamic, perfect for an island souvenir! They also offer a large selection of cheeses, charcuterie, tapenade, pesto, antipasti, olives, pickles, handmade pasta, sauces, honey, jams, and other gourmet delights.

Sandy Bottom Bagel

Sandy Bottom Bagels serves the finest northern-style bagels with the finest southern hospitality. They are a full-service bagel/deli featuring a full menu of breakfast and lunch foods and gourmet coffees. They bake and serve authentic hand-rolled, kettle boiled New York bagels with a variety of homemade schmear options, salads, farm fresh eggs and premium lunchmeats.

Three Little Birds

Is the St. Simons Pier Village’s top stop for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, premade meal selections, and local pantry items. Pick up a meal for the family, grab a quick lunch, and enjoy the fine coastal fare on the fly.

Shore Birds

Think of Shore Birds as your go-to cooler curator with a knack for packing the perfect beach beverage. From zesty canned cocktails that can put a little swing in your step, to a range of non-alcoholic options that keep things breezy and carefree, they’ve got just about everything you might need for the perfect picnic!

With so many great food choices available, these culinary hideaways carry a certain charm that captures the essence of an unspoiled secret. From savoring the catch of the day to indulging in comfort classics, these eateries invite you to experience the true essence of the Golden Isles.

Have you had the pleasure of exploring these hidden treasures yet?

Saint Simons Island

Palmer’s Village Café

Peek behind that weathered door just a couple of blocks from the Village shoreline, and you’ll stumble upon your new favorite brunch spot. They serve homestyle breakfast and lunch with a unique southern coastal flare. Five-star/five-diamond chef John Belechak and his team prepare everything fresh, in-house daily from ingredients sourced locally, regionally, and in-season whenever possible.

Sea Salt Healthy Kitchen

Don’t be fooled by its unassuming storefront, once you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this charming lunch spot. This place is all about promoting a healthy lifestyle, serving up dishes like protein bowls, salads, wraps, and oh-so-delicious smoothie bowls. What makes them extra special is their commitment to using top-notch ingredients, sourcing locally whenever possible to ensure sustainability and organic goodness. Vegans and vegetarians will be over the moon with their extensive selection. It’s the kind of spot that combines wholesome dining with a welcoming atmosphere, proving that healthy can also be downright scrumptious.

Woodside

This mid-island hidden gem is perfect for food lovers. Their menu changes daily but always features exquisite flavors and warm hospitality! Led by talented Chefs David & Ryanne Carrier, this cozy dining spot invites you to experience an authentic culinary journey inspired by the timeless tastes of classic French and Italian cuisines.

*Reservations Required due to limited seating

Beachcomber BBQ

Step right into Beachcomber BBQ, a laid-back beach BBQ and Bar hangout just a short walk from St. Simons East Beach, Beachcomber is the perfect spot to savor mouthwatering slow-smoked BBQ with a relaxed coastal vibe. From pulled pork to brisket, ribs, turkey, and burgers, their menu has got you covered, Very family friendly and pet friendly!

Jekyll Island

Zachry’s Riverhouse

Located by the Jekyll Marina, Zachry’s offers a relaxed laid-back atmosphere to go along with their tasty seafood, American classics, and handcrafted cocktails. Plus, you can take in the view of the marina while you eat. It’s the perfect place to kick back and savor a delicious meal after a day on the water! Zachry’s has a pet-friendly patio, so feel free to bring your four-legged pals along!

Brunswick

Reid’s Apothecary & The Study

Reid’s Apothecary is a fine casual dining establishment, located in downtown Brunswick. Serving thoughtful plates, and handcrafted cocktails. They’re all about giving you a daily dose of fresh, local remedies to nourish your mind, body and soul.

Hidden within the walls of Reid’s Apothecary is The Study, a speakeasy. Call 912-289-2659 between 1pm and 4pm for the daily password!

Indigo Coastal Shanty

Indigo Coastal Shanty is all about good vibes, friendly faces, and fantastic flavors. Tucked away behind the main roads of downtown Brunswick, this hidden gem is worth discovering. Enjoy a diverse menu featuring comforting comfort food and creative coastal fusion dishes. The outdoor patio is under a large live oak tree and provides a fun atmosphere with its colorful and eccentric charm.

The 11^th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival, hosted by Southern Living is taking place this weekend on Jekyll Island.

This festival has gained quite the audience over the years attracting visitors from near and far. The Shrimp & Grits festival holds contests for both professional and individual cooks of the dish each year to decide who is the best in the state. Chefs were chosen to participate in the contest by an online voting system among each region. The defending champion, Blackwater Grill of St. Simons Island, will compete this year against some new challengers including American Catch Seafood Exchange, Deano’s Italian, Goin’ Coastal, The National and West Egg Café among others. This year’s competition is at 11 a.m. Sunday, the final day of the festival that starts Friday afternoon.

One new feature this year is the Jekyll Island Experience Pavilion which features education displays and interaction with wildlife from the Georgia Sea Turtle center as well as some of centers in Georgia. There will also be a Craft Brew Fest for all of the beer fanatics which will feature over 50 beverages to sample. Regional musicians will perform live on three stages, and there will be more than 100 art and craft vendors along the walking paths of the historic district where the festival is held.

All events will be held in the island’s National Landmark Historic District on the western side of the state-owned island.

The festival hours are:

Friday September 16th, 4-9 p.m.

Saturday September 17th, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday September 18th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

General admission to the festival is free, but tickets for admission to the VIP Lounge, DuBignon and Riverfront Lawn lounge options and Craft Brew Fest are available.

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 January of each year, St. Simons Island’s neighbor, Jekyll Island, starts a two-month-long treasure hunt called “Island Treasures.” The tradition began in 2002 and residents and visitors alike enjoy the search.

The treasures being sought are handcrafted glass floats. Jekyll Island commissions talented glass artisans from all over the country to hand craft the pieces. Each glass float is unique and has the year imprinted on the bottom.

The symbolic glass floats of today do have historical significance in Coastal Georgia and other beachfront communities. In the early 1900s, fisherman used glass floats on their nets. The floats would break loose and wash ashore and beachcombers loved finding the glass floats. With the use of plastic and Styrofoam floats today, the glass treasures are an echo of the past.

If you find an Island Treasure, you can register it at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center to receive a certificate of authenticity along with a biography of the artist. The Center is open 9am-6pm Monday through Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sundays. The treasure hunt continues now through February, 2014.

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

The Stables at Frederica

Fitness Trail

Related Topics

Saint Simons Island Picnic Spots

Massengale Park

Jekyll Island Picnic Spots

Where to Shop

Related Topics

Saint Simons Island

Jekyll Island

Brunswick

Related Topics

Related Topics

Related Topics

Related Topics