Before you stash away your bathing suit for the season, consider soaking up the last days of beach weather on the Georgia coast. Many of us stay in the Carolinas for our fix of sun and sand, but you can road trip to ST. SIMONS ISLAND in about five hours. Tourists flock to St. Simons throughout the summer months – the town earned top honors on Travel & Leisure’s lists of “America’s Favorite Beach Towns†and “America’s Most Romantic Towns†(beach + romance = vacation heaven). Fall is one of the prime times to visit St. Simons according to the locals, as crowds thin and the weather stays warm enough to lounge on the beach with a fruity cocktail.
St. Simons is one of the “Golden Isles†of Georgia, a cluster of seaside retreats also including the mainland town of Brunswick, Sea Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island. My husband’s parents are from Brunswick, so we spend family time at their marshfront home at least once a year. We have many “Discovery Channel†moments on the salty waterways flowing to the Atlantic Ocean – a school of dolphins swam past our dock this summer and my husband reeled in a sting ray and tiny shark (yikes). If you’re hoping for a fresh catch or just want to get out on the water, local charters such as Coastal Island Charter Fishing offer fishing expeditions and dolphin tours.
You can score oceanfront accommodations on St. Simons for great rates in the fall – rooms at the iconic King and Prince Golf and Beach Resort start at $159 (beach villas and private homes are also available). You can unwind in the oceanfront pool (heated and open year round), or book a massage in luxurious “Royal Treatment†beach cottage. With Italian inspired décor and stunning ocean views, the Ocean Lodge emerged as a hot boutique hotel on St. Simons after its 2008 opening. Even if you’re staying elsewhere, head up to the posh Rooftop Restaurant at Ocean Lodge for a sunset drink. If you’re traveling with a group for a girls’ weekend or couples trip – you may want to explore renting a beach house or condo.
If you’re a seafood (especially shrimp) fan – the South Georgia coast may be your Graceland. Once recognized as the shrimp capital of the world, fishermen in the Golden Isles still bring in boat loads of some of the best shrimp in the country (you’ll spot the “Georgia shrimp†logo in many St. Simons restaurants). Coastal Kitchen stands out on the local scene with its excellent seafood (including a raw bar), cocktails and scenic setting on the waterway. The King & Prince debuted their new ECHO restaurant recently – the only restaurant where you can nosh on fine coastal cuisine right by the ocean. On the more casual side, Crabdaddy’s serves up tasty seafood classics in a laid back atmosphere. For drinks, sip and savor views of the pier at favorite local hangout Brogen’s or The Blue Water.
Carnivores will also find plenty to satisfy their cravings on St. Simons from steak to BBQ (see insider tip from Mann Travels below for a steak recommendation). Southern Soul Barbeque (housed in a refurbished gas station) smokes some of the best pulled pork in the South (and you can complement your meal with a glass of Kool-Aid and Fried Oreos for dessert). If you roll off I-95 around lunch time, Twin Oaks BBQ in Brunswick is worth the detour on your way to St. Simons (call first to make sure they’re open – they serve lunch only and are closed on Sunday). Their barbeque is our gold standard and their signature “battered fries†will both delight your taste buds and derail your diet.
The insider scoop from Mann Travels: St. Simons locals know to find the best steak on the island and fresh local seafood at Bennie’s Red Barn – the restaurant started grilling juicy cuts of beef over a wood fire in 1954. With a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era (you may be serenaded by a singing waiter), Bennie’s attracts a melting pot of guests whether they’re dressed in Lilly or blue jeans. Reservations are accepted and recommended – the place is packed on weekend nights.
You’ll want to spend plenty of time exploring St. Simons’ Pier Village – the center of action situated around the historic St. Simons Lighthouse (you’ll get in a workout and snag postcard-worthy photo opps by climbing stairs to the top) . Make sure to join the fishermen out on the pier, and keep an eye out for dolphins and container ships cruising toward the Sidney Lanier Bridge. Relive childhood memories with a round of miniature golf and stop by St. Simons Sweets for ice cream or homemade fudge. You may find the perfect souvenirs right on the beach, or you can buy shells and other trinkets at village shops like Nature Gifts and Treasures by the Sea. Note for moms or anyone who likes to spoil little ones – drive 5 minutes from the Pier Village to shop the Bailey Boys (classic children’s clothing made in Georgia) retail store and factory store.
Golf lovers (or those eager to get a peek at the exclusive Sea Island resort) may want plan a visit to coincide with the McGladrey Classic (this year October 20-26). Daily tickets start at $35, and include entry to Sea Island (usually only homeowners and resort guests have access), parking and shuttle service. Home to the luxurious Cloister and The Lodge resorts (and beach houses fit for a “Real Housewifeâ€), you’ll be happy to feign interest in golf to take in the natural and architectural beauty on Sea Island. For those wanting to swing their own clubs, the scenic King and Prince Golf Course is open to the public (guests play for discounted rates).
With gorgeous beaches and Southern charm, St. Simons may be your new favorite coastal spot for a romantic or family getaway. Even though the calendar says fall has officially arrived, there’s no cut off for swimsuit and sandals on the Georgia coast.
