by Laura Harrison

Created on: June 25, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

St. Simon's Island was my home for two years. It is a magical place, nestled in a cove between Sea Island and Jekyll Island. With her sub tropical climate, residents and visitors enjoy temperatures that generally do not go below 50 degrees. The island is small, and easily explored by car, bicycles or scooters. This laid back and beautiful location on the southeast coast of Georgia is nestled under huge live oak trees, dripping with spanish moss. The sounds of crickets permeate the air, and tropical birds are a common sight. It is not uncommon to see blue herons standing on one leg, on the side of the road. Pelicans often joined me for dinner on the deck of a seaside restaurant.

Vacations here, are a beach lovers delight. Many hotels have poolside wait service, for lunch
cocktails, and dinner. Oceanfront accomodations are widely available. During the off season, weekend getaway packages are widely offered. Large rocks mark little inlets where residents and visitors, gather in the evening, to wait for dolphins to put on a water show.

Life on the island revolves around the village. The fishing pier is located here, on the beach, which is also home to the historic lighthouse. The streets are lined with restaurants and quaint shops, and the St. Simon's trolley stops here, to gather up visitors for a tour of the island.

Art festivals, concerts, and antique shows take place regularly, on weekends, in the vilage. There is something on St. Simon's for everyone. Fishing trips, charter boats, kayak tours, and whale watching excursions may all be arranged. The causeway connects St. Simon's to the main land which is Brunswick. Brunswick is home to the wharf area, where local shrimpers moor their boats. Jekyll Island, home of huge sea turtles is accessible through Brunswick, by way of a large bridge.

All of the islands boast some of the best golf courses on the eastern coast, and tennis courts are widely available also. Savannah Georgia is a mere 77 miles north on interstate 95. Jacksonville Florida is approximately the same distance south on interstate 95.

St Simon's Island is a popular location for weddings. Huge southern style plantation homes are available for rental. Hotels range from five star properties, to casual inns, and bed and breakfasts. Island residents gear up for the tourist season all through the year, and welcome visitors with gracious southern hospitality.

The living is slow here, cocktail time is any time, and dress is always comfortable and casual. The island is predominately a quiet place, but there is music and dancing in the village, and on the outskirts of the little town.

The author Eugenia Price made her home here for many years, and wrote a series of books about St. Simon's. History buffs can visit Fort Fredericka. There is even a casino boat called the Emerald Princess that leaves from the Brunswick pier, every evening.
St. Simons island truly has something for everyone. Most visitors fall in love with the area, and wish they could make it their home.

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