Island Time Finds

June 28, 2024

6:52 PM

Summer is the perfect time to explore St. Simons Island. Whether you’re here for vacation or live here and want to enjoy a staycation, there’s always something new to find. If history is your niche, you’ll find it echoing in every corner. If you’re an art lover, our galleries are awash with color and texture. If shopping is your bag, our boutiques have plenty to fill yours. If outdoor adventures are what calls to your soul, there are sandy beaches, grassy marshes, and acres of maritime forest where you can immerse yourself in nature. When you’re feeling like culinary adventures, there are delicious choices that will more than satisfy your appetite. On these pages, we urge you to venture out and treat your travels on the island like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll discover!

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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

Seeking Treasure on the South End

Start your exploration in Pier Village (or, if you’re a local, simply “The Village). Located on the south end of St. Simons Island, popular shopping, dining, and recreation area near the island’s main fishing pier (“The Pier”) is our “downtown.” It is also the site of our most iconic landmark, the St. Simons Lighthouse. The 104-foot-tall white tower overlooking the St. Simons Sound is the third structure that has operated as our light. The original structure was built by James Gould in 1807 was destroyed in the Civil War. The current lighthouse was built in 1872 and houses a third-order Fresnel lens that projects a light visible as far as 23 miles out to sea using a single 1,000-watt bulb. Take the 129 stairs up to the observation deck to get a birds-eye view of the island and learn more about the history of this special island icon in the museum operated by the Coastal Georgia Historic Society that is housed in the brick lightkeeper’s cottage.

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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

In the shadow of the lighthouse sits Neptune Park, a site for community events, with a playground, picnic area under the oaks, and the Fun Zone pools and miniature golf. Despite its view overlooking the ocean and a common misconception, Neptune Park was not named to honor the god of the sea. The name memorializes an important real-life figure in the island’s history: Neptune Small. Small was born into slavery on Retreat Plantation in 1831 and served Thomas Butler King. He accompanied King’s sons into battle during the Civil War. When Henry Lord Page King was killed on the battlefield in 1862, Small located and retrieved his body and accompanied him to Savannah, where a temporary burial location was secured until the area was safe after the war. Although the Emancipation Proclamation meant that Small was now free, he rejoined the youngest King son at the front until the surrender of the Confederate troops in 1865. Small then returned to Savannah to accompany Lord King’s body back to his final resting place here in Christ Church Cemetery. In gratitude, the King family granted Neptune a parcel of property on their land where he lived as a free man until his death in 1907. The site of the park used to be part of that property. Nowadays, kids can hop aboard the S.S. Pollywog in the playground to spy approaching cargo ships to raid for booty as pirates or head for the slides at the nearby Fun Zone pool. A favorite spot for family photos is the sculpture of the right whale mama and calf that sits just outside the playground fence.

The island’s Casino is located here in the heart of the Village too. It’s that building with the rocking chairs that look out over the ocean. But is it a gambling casino? No. In the early 20th century, casinos were sometimes built for general recreation rather than gambling, and the St. Simons Casino has been a community center offering a venue for social activities, such as dancing and bowling, since 1928. The first casino building was a wooden pavilion built out over the water that burned to the ground in 1935. It was replaced by the current brick building about two years later. From its earliest days, the Casino housed a public library, sponsored by Cassina Garden Club, which by the end of the war provided over 3,000 books for summertime reading. The venue has also housed a bowling alley, dance floor, roller rink, and movie theatre. The library expanded into the vacated bowling alley space in 1950. The movie theater became the home of The Island Players in 1963, when they moved from their playhouse at the St. Simons Airport.

Pier Village is the spot to hop on one of the trolleys and tour the island to learn more about its history and lore. Shopping and dining spots are plentiful and if you’re visiting for the first time, we highly recommend a visit to Georgia Sea Grill for a flavorful meal sourced with local ingredients or the traditional Southern comfort dishes and world-famous crabcakes offered at Barbara Jean’s. Palmer’s Village Café usually has a line for breakfast on the weekends, but if you’re patient enough to wait, you’ll discover it’s for a good reason! For a special keepsake to remember your visit, drop by Golden Isles Bracelet Co. in Pier Village Market for their signature St. Simons bracelet, or another one of their island-inspired, handcrafted real silver and gold bracelets, earrings, or pendants.

FIND:

1. Neptune Park plaque located under the flagpoles near the pier.

2. Sculpture by local artist Kevin Pullen of Neptune Small with Lord King in the Golden Isles Welcome Center.

3. S.S. Pollywog and other pirate vessels.

4. Right whale sculpture by Keith Jennings.

5. Compass at the pier pavilion.

6. Dusky shark jaw.

7. Dolphin litter sculpture.

8. Rocking chairs at the Casino.

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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

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Continue your travels on the South end of the island by heading to the Butterfly Garden on Demere Road. This colorful little garden is lovingly tended and maintained by the Live Oaks Garden Club. Planted with flora specifically designed to attract and nourish butterflies and caterpillars, you’ll find sculptures by local artists representing the butterflies common to the Golden Isles. There are special StoryWalk events here in the spring, and clearly it’s dog-friendly too! Drop in Glynn Visual Arts on Skylane Road to see exhibits of work by local artists and check out their Art Market. Drop a $1 in the cool Mini-Art vending machine for a little creation to take home.

Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

Johnson Pictures Inc.

World War II Home Front Museum St Simons Island

World War II Home Front Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station, East Beach, St. Simons Island, GA.

The World War II Home Front Museum housed in the historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach and operated by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society is a treasure in itself. Many people may not realize that while we were far away from the battles taking place during the war, the Golden Isles still played a significant role in the war effort. Here you can listen to stories of people who lived in the Golden Isles during WWII to hear what they were doing and what life was like then. Interactive exhibits let you test your skill at building a Liberty Ship or spotting enemy planes.

The museum one of ten sites in Georgia that make up the World War II Heritage Trail. A Trail “passport” has been created for visitors to these sites so they can track their progress along the route, debrief their visit, and receive a confirmation stamp with the “V for Victory!” Learn more about the trail stops and passport at georgiawwiitrail.org and begin your journey right here at the World War II Home Front Museum.

While you’re at the Old Coast Guard Station, it’s worth noting that this is one of the island’s most popular public beach access points, so go dip your toes in the water! Spend some time playing in the sand, collecting shells, or splashing around. Skim boards and boogie boards are welcome ways to beat the heat. If you want to paddleboard or try to catch waves, Gould’s Inlet may be your best bet. Please be aware of the beach warning lights and flags regarding conditions and be careful of rip tides. If you need to quench your thirst or grab a bite after a day in the sun, Beachcomber BBQ has cold beverages and tasty fare to offer, plus live music on the patio Sunday evenings to wind down your weekend.

Another spot on the South end worth exploring is Gascoigne Bluff. Known by locals as one of the best places on the island to catch a glorious sunset, Gascoigne Bluff Park has picnic tables, a disc golf course, dog park, and a public fishing pier. This site was once an Indian settlement and later was the spot Gen. James Oglethorpe landed with John and Charles Wesley as the colony of Georgia was born. It has seen military invasion, a plantation of Sea Island cotton, and the milling and shipment of timber. The majestic Live oaks that flourish here now are the same as those that provided the lumber milled on the site in 1794 that was used to build the U.S.S. Constitution, known as “Old Ironsides” for its sturdy hull. It was timber from these trees that were cut in 1874 for use in building the Brooklyn Bridge.

Cassina Garden Club Tabby Cabins at Gascoigne Bluff

The Cassina Garden Club’s historic tabby slave cabins and beautiful gardens are located at Gascoigne Bluff and were once part of Hamilton Plantation. Garden Club docents are available at the cabins to provide tours for the public from 10:00 a.m. to noon every Wednesday. Nearby Epworth-by-the-Sea is a Methodist conference, retreat, and vacation center and home to the Arthur J. Moore Methodist Museum. They offer accommodations and events year-round. Lovely Lane Chapel is a popular wedding destination and the benches located behind the chapel provide the perfect setting to watch the sun as it dips low on the horizon in the evening. A particularly interesting find on the grounds is a piece of the cutting chain that was used to dissemble the Golden Ray cargo ship full of vehicles that capsized in the St. Simons Sound on September 8, 2019. Considered the largest wreck removal in U.S. history, the task took more than two years, with the final section of the ship removed on October 25, 2021. The workers involved in the operation stayed at Epworth during the removal.

FIND:

1. Butterfly sculptures in Demere Butterfly Garden.

2. Glynn Art Mini-Art Vending Machine

3. Liberty Ship Telegraph from World War II Home Front Museum.

3. Golden Ray cutting chain link at Epworth.

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Johnson Pictures Inc.

World War II Home Front Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station, East Beach, St. Simons Island, GA.

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Tree Spirit Hunt

In certain spots around St. Simons Island, you’ll find faces peering out from trunks of the trees or eyes peeking out from old, weathered stumps where branches used to be. These are the famed Tree Spirits of St. Simons Island. While legend said that images immortalized sailors who lost their lives at sea aboard ships made from our island’s sturdy oaks, artist Keith Jennings says the faces reveal the soul of the tree. Jennings began carving these faces in the island’s oak trees in the 1980s, using gouges and a mallet and working only on areas of trees void of living tissue, such as areas damaged by lightning or stumps that remain when branches have been removed. There were initially about 20 tree spirits located around the island, but with some on private property and others that have disappeared over time, currently ten are visible in public access locations.

Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

The Golden Isles Visitors Bureau now has a St. Simons Tree Spirit Hunt. Join the fun by downloading their mobile exclusive passport to your phone, start hunting and check-in at locations to earn prizes. The first step is to sign up online at goldenisles.com/st-simons-tree-spirit-hunt. The hunt passport will be delivered instantly to your mobile device via text and email. This is absolutely free and no download of any app is required. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access. The next step is to find the Tree Spirits! The ten locations include: Gascoigne Bluff, Golden Isles Welcome Center, The King and Prince Resort, King’s Park, Magnolia Manor, Mallery Park, Queen’s Court, Redfern Village, St. Simons Land Trust, and Village Inn & Pub. Use the GPS on your phone to check-in at each location to earn your points. The five easiest to find Tree Spirits are worth one point per check-in. The five more difficult locations are worth two points per check-in. Five points earns you a sticker. Claim your prize at our St. Simons Island Welcome Center! Prizes must be redeemed at the St. Simons Welcome Center, located at 529 Beachview Drive. Open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Trekking Up to the North End

Believe it or not, some folks never venture beyond the south side of the island, aside from a trolley tour, when they visit SSI. That is tragic. There’s still so much to explore!

Photo courtesy of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society

Paul Redfern taking off from Sea Island in Port of Brunswick

Heading up Frederica Road, you’ll want to check out Redfern Village, the mid-island hotspot for shopping and dining. The name of this little business district honors young pilot, Paul Redfern. Redfern departed Sea Island in his monoplane, Port of Brunswick, on August 25, 1927, attempting to make a solo non-stop flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that would break Charles Lindbergh’s distance record. Tragically, he never made it to his destination. His plane last spotted 200 miles off the coast of South America. Feel free to impress locals and visitors alike with that bit of history, you’d be surprised how many people don’t know it! If you’re a Bulldawg fan, your must-stop destination is Maggie’s Boutique (also known as “Lady Dawg Headquarters”). This little family-owned business has been offering fabulous women’s fashion and UGA apparel and accessories for 50 years! The window planters filled with red geraniums and UGA flag will let you know you’re in the right place.

At the island’s most notorious mid-island roundabout, you’ll find one of SSI’s most well-known eateries: Southern Soul Barbeque. We think their delicious food is what put them on the map, but some attention from Guy Fieri hasn’t hurt. But the local smoke joint hasn’t been the only restaurant Guy has visited. If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to do your research to see where that cherry red 1968 Camaro has been and make plans to stop in and do your own taste testing! We know one of the spots is HOT – like Nashville hot!

You’ll also find the office for the St. Simons Land Trust on Frederica Road. Stop in and pick up a Passport to Preservation for a map to their properties and fun scavenger hunt activities for all ages. You can also download a copy at sslt.org. A couple of their properties worth a quick visit that are right in the area are the John Gilbert Nature Trail and the Mildred Huie Museum Property. If you want to spend more time and do some hiking or explore some ruins, you’ll want to pack some water, snacks, and bug spray and head over to Cannon’s Point or Guale Preserve.

Another property, now operated in partnership with the St. Simons African-American Heritage Coalition is Historic Harrington School. The oldest schoolhouse on the island (formerly known as the Harrington Graded School), it was built in 1924 and served as the main educational structure for three African American communities on St. Simons Island. It hosted grades 1-7 until desegregation in the 1960s when students left to attend St. Simons Elementary. The school also served as a community gathering place, with parties, plays, covered-dish dinners, prom, graduation, and holiday events. This year, the school’s 100^th anniversary is being celebrated and there are special events and 52 weeks of programming on the website to commemorate the occasion ssiheritagecoalition.org.

Fort Frederica National Monument is where our island began and you’ll discover that they have their own clues and features to find. Stop in the Visitors’ Center there or make the time take the Frederica Town Tour, where you join a park ranger for a 30-minute guided walking tour down Broad Street to learn about the fort’s history of Fort Frederica National Monument. Programs are offered daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. They also offer Junior Park Ranger programs and well-behaved dogs can become Bark Rangers! Admission is free. For more information, visit nps.gov/fofr.

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Christ Church Frederica, its cemetery, and the Wesley Memorial Garden across the street are common stops on any tour of St. Simons Island. The history has been shared many times in our pages, so this time around we simply encourage you to stroll the grounds and visit the resting places of those people who left their mark on the island and whose voices still echo here.