I recently wrote about my media visit to the King and Prince beach resort on St. Simons Island, GA and yes, it was amazing. What I didn’t get to share in that post was the myriad of other things that there are to do on St. Simons. It’s quaint, small, picturesque, and lovely and there are plenty of things to keep one busy and happily occupied for a few days. So, today I’m going to share the rest of the pictures and stories that go along with this pretty barrier island in Georgia that we experienced in just 2 and 1/2 short days.
1. Visit the Pier and Neptune Park in St. Simons village on a trolley tour with Cap Fendig.
Grab a trolley tour with Cap Fendig on Lighthouse Trolleys for an informative excursion with a native whose family has been on the island for years. Cap is very engaging and has lots of great information to share about St. Simons in general, with lots of history lessons along the way.
St. Simons Pier
Ah, the views on the trolley tour are amazing, like this marsh scene.
2. Eat with the locals.
We started the day in downtown St. Simons at the Sandcastle Café, where owners, Tim and Melissa, have been there for 26 years, serving up some of the most scrumptious breakfast food I’ve had in ages.
Just check out my plate with all these goodies and treats so tempting and tasty. From cheese grits, to scrambled eggs and French toast to the most amazing homemade cinnamon rolls, this girl would be in big trouble if I ate here every day. I had to try out the biscuits and white gravy too, since my mama is an expert at that and this fare was totally worthy of Southern bragging.
As if we didn’t eat enough, we then stopped by Southern Soul Barbeque, which has quite the reputation in St. Simons now, thanks to some national press….
As you can see, they have been talked about a LOT in their few years in business. They are right on the main traffic circle in St. Simons (an old gas station turned BBQ joint, aren’t those the best?) and you can smell the BBQ as you drive by the place.
We were greeted by co-owner and pit master, Harrison Sapp where we got a first-hand tour of his big black grill, quite impressive.
Cooking up some mighty fine pork butts, you’re in for a treat when you hit Southern Soul.
The ribs were fall off the bone delicious, as was the pulled pork, baked beans, and tasty Brunswick stew.
Another local dinner treat was Del Sur, an Argentinian and Italian restaurant, which is newly opened on St. Simons, original location in Miami.
Restauranteur Hernan Stutzer (in the blue shirt) was hands on with us and we were wined and dined in style with at least 8 courses of small plates that were all mouth-watering good. I didn’t taste a thing that I didn’t love, everything was delicious to this foodie girl. We left this place sated and satisfied.
3. Shop in the St. Simons Village
We had time to browse in a few shops in downtown St. Simons and Dutchman’s was one I had been in before. It’s always full of color and fun things. There are many more fun shops to check out as well.
4 Visit the St. Simons Lighthouse
We loved this part of the tour, with a special history lesson from Curt Smith, Lighthouse Historian. He was a wealth of knowledge about this historic and beautiful lighthouse, built in 1807 and guarded over by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society. Climbing up 129 stairs to the top gives a rewarding view of an aerial St. Simons, well worth the effort.
View from the top of the lighthouse.
5. Go bike riding and see beach cottages.
St. Simons is very bike friendly (and flat, I might add, which is my fave for biking), so bike riding is encouraged and enjoyed. These pretty beach cottages are in a complex down a beautiful street on the East beach part of the island, near the Coast Guard station.
Heather and I enjoyed tooling around on our bikes.
6. Go on a boat tour with the Lady Jane.
Enjoy an ecological tour on retired shrimp boat, Lady Jane. We saw beautiful views of the marsh, seagulls and when the nets came in, we got to peek at what’s under the water. From horseshoe crabs, to cannonball jelly fish, to a couple varieties of shark, the staff on the boat knows it all. We were joined by local artist, Peggy Buchan, who paints coastal scenes continuously all over the island and shared her tiny paintings with each of us as a treat to take home.
7. Tour conference center, Epworth by the Sea and historical Christ Church.
Such history in this church, it is said that John Wesley preached under the oak trees on this location.
There’s something so soothing about this church and cemetery under the dripping with Spanish moss oak trees in abundance on this property.
As you can see, St. Simons is quite the place to visit. There are plenty of things to keep you busy or if relaxing is your thing, they’ve got that covered too. I love the history, food, and ambience of coastal Georgia St. Simons Island and I can see why it’s a popular destination for vacationers.
It was a treat to be there on the media tour and I’d love to go back. Hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m there again!
Have you visited all these spots on St. Simons?
Oh, this post is soooo timely!!! My parents were here last weekend for the Auburn v Tx A&M game and I was encouraging them to visit St. Simons next spring when they come again for my daughter’s graduation. These are ALL the kinds of things they love to do — light house tours, historic properties and churches, great restaurants and shopping. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hope to see you soon ~ xo Heidi
Now you can see why we spend two months out of the year there. The people are so friendly it feels like home. The only thing I miss is my kitchen and my equipment. It’s difficult to make dishes when your things are many miles away. I do take my favorite knife and microplane.
Thank you so much for sharing about Epworth By The Sea. As you know I grew up in the Methodist church and seeing pictures makes me want to go back very soon. Thank you for mentioning John Wesley. He and his Brother brought a wonderful message of love and salvation to those people during that time. The Methodist church today is very different now. Beautiful pictures and wonderful story Rhoda.
We’ve visited St. Simon’s Island twice in the last two years and loved it. This is a great reminder of those trips. It has such a sweet, small-town feel. I hope it stays that way forever.
Hi Rhoda!
Looks like you had a wonderful time down here in my neck of the woods! This time of the year is one of the best times to visit…while the rest of the nation is in snow and ice, it is still pretty tropical and nice 🙂 You’ll have to pick up some of Eugenia Price’s books about the area…the St. Simons books are great, especially “Lighthouse”. It’s about the St. Simons lighthouse and the Goulds. They say the lighthouse is haunted by a former light keeper and the view can be beautiful (if you don’t look down!). You take beautiful pictures (even though I live here, your pics really were lovely!). Hugs, Bebe 🙂
Great post from a lucky local! Holler next time you’re my way Rhoda! St. Simons is truly a beautiful magical place. Like Mayberry with a beach but better!
Beautiful pictures! We are planning a trip next year. Thanks for this post.
Rhoda, did you eat any great seafood while you where there? If so, please let us in on some good places to eat for when we visit soon. Oh, I recommend the Eugenia Price books too. I loved them all!
Lynne, these places I highlighted are the only places we went, but I’m sure Del Sur has some seafood on the menu too. Hopefully, you’ll find a great spot for seafood, I love it too! We heard lots about Eugenia Price, I have always meant to read her books.
Looks like my kind of place!
So glad you enjoyed our Island! One tiny thing I must say – locals live “on” the Island not “in” St. Simons. And there is no such thing as “downtown” – it’s the Village. Y’all come back and stay awhile –
I thought the same thing beach lady,there is no such thing as downtown St. Simons, It’s the village. To fun seafood restaurants right there in the village are Iquana’s and Mullet bay. And of course I’ve done it all, it’s my hometown. I’m so happy you liked it
Thanks Carol for the names of the seaood restaurants. I was hoping a local would put their 2 cents in ☺
Lynne
I LOVE this island! My family lives there so I visit at least twice a year, and it is spectacular every time I go. I was nodding my head at everything you mentioned. Totally agree that the shopping is so unique. Did you go to the King and Prince? Their Easter Sunday brunch is out of this world amazing if you’re ever there around that time.
We have dear friends who live in a gorgeous French Country home on the water on St. Simon’s Island…we have seen many of the sights and shops there while visiting them…truly great place to live and visit!!!…Glad you had a great time!
I was so excited to read this post and will send it on to my hubby, too. We have been going to Jekyll Island for years but always spend time on St. Simons, too. Gotta go over for the BBQ!!! It really is the best! Love to shop over there, too…and go to the lighthouse. Jekyll Island has a brand new Hampton Inn right on the beach so that’s where we like to stay now. I’m putting your blog on my favs list. And I’m going to look for your other post about the island! Hugs, Diane
Very helpful! I am planning for my family and i and this was the most helpful website so far. thank you!
We plan to spend a few days here in June. It’s our first time. I’m looking forward to it. We’ll check some of things and places out.
I used to live in Brunswick ’92-’96, love the beauty, small town ambiance, the Ocean so close by and more. I hope to move back there. Loved all the beautiful reminders
This is a great sight but it would be helpful to know the church is closed on Monday(the day we were there). It’s only open 2-5 on the other days it’s open!! Addresses would also be helpful!
Hello, I would like to go there this summer with my adult children, and young grandchildren. We would like a house with a pool and by the beach. I have found one on the East Beach. What is the difference? Can you walk and bike everywhere from the East beach?
HI, Christine, I’m not sure about locations from the beach, but there is plenty of biking at St. Simons. I’m not sure about the East Beach, so maybe do a little calling around.