Ever visit a place and instantly know it is going to be somewhere you come back to year after year? Took a long weekend trip to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and felt this exact feeling. I am not sure what made me feel this way maybe it was the pineapples displayed on their front sign marking Southern Hospitality?! For years I have felt this same draw from Saint Augustine, Florida. Once I started telling people where I was traveling too I found so many of you have visited here before. All these years I feel I lost because I had no idea this little piece of history heaven existed. Glad I changed that and now I am sharing about my trip with complete admiration and gusto!
One of the first stops after check in was a trip to the Christ Church, Frederica, an Episcopal community. “They combine the ancient ways of Christ’s followers with the modern needs and experiences of today’s people”. You can attend a service (president’s have so you are in good company), or explore the grounds and historic cemetery! Just look into tour information and services here.
Since I am such a history buff and foodie I explored much of the island while visiting. I ventured to the pier and observed anglers ringing in their catches. From crabs, fish to shrimp!
It was truly a delight to find a place with such hospitality and passion for the food scene. From culinary chefs to every day home cooks this island has it. Enjoy all the places I ate while in town here.
Next, I climbed the 129 steps to enjoy a view at the top of the St. Simon island Lighthouse. Imagine a 360-degree coastal view of the area. I love saturating myself into the history of a place while visiting. Georgia was the epicenter of conflict in the 1700s and St. Simon Island is a perfect place to learn some history. Fort Frederica, for example, was built as a southern boundary marker.
We embarked on a little “putting” competition while enjoying the course. Would it surprise you I have never played gulf before (Even though I live extremely close to many courses)? I was excited to learn some techniques but more excited to taste their food. Whenever I hear an establishment cooks from scratch, my taste buds do a “happy dance”.
Overall, my experiences were so positive I found myself not wanting to leave. Everything about the area, fellowship with locals and businesses were so inviting.
Before checking out we did manage to squeeze one final HOORAH with a friendly food competition. It was held in the Retreat Dining Room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With their Executive Chef, Sous Chef and Banquet Chef as judges. We won the smoothie competition with our “Peanut butter crunch” smoothie creation (pictured above)!
Have you ever heard of the King and Prince Resort??
Or traveled to St. Simon Island?
Was my ” Weekend trip to Saint Simons Island, Georgia” post helpful? I would love to hear your suggestions on locations I might have missed for my next trip!
Exploring the islands of Georgia is a hidden gem. The food,culture and people are very friendly. Great pictures and the food is delicious looking.
What an amazing looking place to head for a weekend away. I have to admit it is somewhere I've not heard of but I would love to explore myself.
While I've never been to St. Simon's Island, when you said St. Augustine, I knew the feeling you were describing. I would add Hilton Head Island, SC and Charleston, SC to your bucket list for similar feelings in new locations. Thanks for sharing your experience!
When were kids we went to St. Simons. WOW, it really has changed; I need to revisit the area for sure. Looks like a wonderful family friendly place
I bet you had a great time, it looks like such a great vacation spot. I am always lookign for new places to check out. I am gonna have to add this to my list. Thanks!
Oh wow! St. Simon's island looks fantastic. I want to come and see it all in person!
Definitely going to St.Simon in the future! I live in GA, I went to Jekyll Island and had a few food tours on St. Simon but never stayed on the island. Soon!
You are giving me serious wanderlust right now. I would love to spend the weekend there!
The place looks like a nice retreat for both family and friends looking to spend a quality time. ๐
It does look like an amazing trip. I love the look of those southern trees with outstretched arms that surround the old plantations. They look beautiful. My ex had an amazing trip to Georgia once. I do hope to be able to go sometime with my daughter out there.
You had me at 'executive chef' I do love a fun weekend trip…mostly because it means no cooking for me. ๐
Is it sad that I live in SC and have never heard of this place? Probably! We often stay in Charleston and go to the beach at Folly but it's not really a getaway for us. My oldest child goes to school there. We have been looking for somewhere new (close by) to go because Myrtle Beach has gone down hill and I have no desire to really hang out there anymore. We will definitely have to check this place out. Thank you!
This looks so fun. The delicious-looking food, the amazing views, and spending time with loved ones. Sounds like the best trip ever!!!
Huh, here the weather forecast predicts snow and cold! I would love to make a trip to St. Simon Island, it looks so warm there!
I was just in this area on vacation about a month ago!! We went right after it had snowed so we couldn't take the bridge from Jekyll Island to St. Simons and going the other way would have been out of the way, so I'm so jealous you got to go!! This post now has me super excited to start planning our next vacation there!